A Minor Test of Strength

Insomnia

We decided to dedicate that night to us. Just the champions camping by Lake Kolomo so that we could regroup and have our first real conversation since the incident. I hadn't been to a sleepover since I was just a little girl, carefree and clueless of Ganon's looming threat.

After dinner, we met in the equipment room to gather our supplies: A large tent, sleeping bags, and lanterns. We were only staying out there for one night, and planned to be back before breakfast the next day. Just as the sun touched the horizon, we hoisted our packs and set out towards the lake.

The sun sank lower and lower as we pitched the tent and built the fire. Revali enjoyed bossing us around, puffed up proud of his praise from the king. No one objected. Daruk started the fire, and we settled around it as the orange flames licked and danced. Lake Kolomo shimmered with pink and orange reflections.

"Anyone up for some hearty truffles?" Daruk offered. "I snagged them from the kitchen on our way out." He winked at us. A chorus of agreeable noises followed. He held one out to me.

"No thanks. I'm not very hungry." I replied.

"Since when do you turn down truffles? They're your favorite!" Daruk gasped.

"She's got quite the heavy conscious. Tell us. What's on your mind?" Urbosa laid her hand on my arm.

"It's just... what if this is the last time I can hang out with you guys? Who knows what King Dorephan's test will be like, and if I'll pass? Why did Roham pick me? I can't even kill a stupid guardian to save my life!" The pressure built behind my eyes until tears started to flow. "I just wish I was as talented as you guys all are." I sniffed.

"Mipha. Be reasonable. You are a Champion for a reason. Now pull yourself together! Crying won't help you pass your test." Urbosa scolded. "Now eat your truffle."

Slowly nibbling the dessert, I glanced at Link. He hadn't said anything all night, and was staring out at the lake. I opened my mouth to acknowledge him, but Revali let out an enormous yawn.

"I'm so tired. I'm going to bed. Someone put out the fire!" Rolling our eyes, we began to clean up camp. The stars glimmered in the violet and black abyss above us, bringing out the Sunset fireflies. We crawled into the tent, and soon I heard everyone's deep, rhythmic breathing. Everyone except Link. I pretended to be asleep and listened to him quietly slip out into the night.

I spotted his silhouette a little ways away, sitting on a rocky ledge jutting out over the water. His boots rested beside him and his feet dangled in the water. I crept along the shore towards him. He only looked up from the water when the ripples from my bare feet in the water overlapped his.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked.

"Yeah," he whispered, barely audible. The moon crept over the tree line, full and silver.

"Your cheek. Does it hurt?"

"Hmm?" I reached up to feel my cheek, and it was sore and warm to the touch. "I guess so."

"No one's told you it's black and blue?"

"No," I said, surprised. "You throw a mean punch!"

"Yeah," Link said, looking downcast again. I put my hand on his shoulder without thinking.

"It's okay."

A moment of quiet passed. Owls hooted in the distance.

"I never thanked you," Link's ocean gaze met mine again. "For trying to save me."

"Oh." I didn't know what to say. A strange fluttering and squeezing sensation took over my chest. "You know, when Ganon comes back, don't hesitate to call for me. I'll gladly die beside you in battle."

"Or try to actually save us first," Link added, looking genuinely concerned.

"Or that." He smiled. "Oh, wow!" I said. "It's a meteor shower!" I laid back to watch the stars streak the sky. My conscious began to drift away into the warm summer night.

I woke up with the dawn sun filtering through the tent, tucked in a fleece blanket. Link was back in his place beside Daruk.

Link had carried me back to camp.