Before the Wild

Slumbering Power

Akkala Citadel, Link, Day 8

"Well, there's my boy! 'Hoy, Link!" The Hero of Hyrule stood with his sword arm across his heart as the highest ranking officer of Hyrule Castle's forces and his father came up to him. Sir Ordon returned the salute before grabbing his son around the boy's shoulder. "My boy, it has been a while. What brings you to the citadel?"

"I am escorting the princess to the Spring of Power later today, and while she's still sleeping, decided to make a stop here."

"Ah, Princess Zelda. Of course, this wouldn't be a visit without her around somewhere." Rusl looked out the land north of the citadel, chuckling to himself. "How is she?"

Link sighed. "Honestly, she's at her worst ever since I entered into her service. His Majesty scolded her two days ago, forbade her to have anything to do with the Sheikah technology."

"It's about time he did it. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm on her side in this, Rhoam is working her too hard, but I would've imagined he would have done it a long time ago." Rusl turned to his son, patting him on the shoulder. "What did you do afterward?"

Link felt heat rise to his face, hiding it from his father as he lowered his head. Link had replayed the following moments over and over the day of when he left her and the day after during the journey to Akkala. Just the mere thought of Zelda being close to him was enough to make him uncomfortable. The more he thought about it, the more unbearable it became.

"Your silence speaks volumes."

"I did comfort her, but...that's....not it." Link heard his father chuckle again, causing him to look up to his old man. "What is so funny?"

"Link, I have watched the princess grow as much as I've watched you. She's grown into a beautiful young lady, I'll admit. I'll be honest, if you haven't felt anything below the belt in her presence, I'll be disappointed as your father." Rusl smirked as he looked to a very flabbergasted Link. "You have feelings for the princess. It is no surprise to me. I expected it to happen, especially after you two got comfortable with each other. And then Impa told me. Said she'll castrate you if you dare touch the Princess."

Memories of the night at the Spring of Courage, the following day in the storm, and the moments in Zelda's room projected in Link's head. "So she has said."

"She's all talk though. Intimidation is the Sheikah's great weapon. However, do be careful Link. You're a boy, she's a girl, and there'll be moments the nature of a boy are...persuasive. The gods have cursed us more than they have women in that part of our life, but you must be extra careful. She isn't just any girl, she's Hyrule's princess, and her innocence is more important than your life. What's more important than that is saving Hyrule, and that requires her power. You need to focus on that."

"Yes, sir."

"But if she does feel the same....remember that you have the king in your debt once Ganon is fell." Rusl ruffled his son's hair as he turned away from the ledge, Link standing behind in confusion.

"Father, you aren't suggesting..."

"I'm just saying Rhoam would be a fool to refuse you for whatever you ask of him. Rupees, title, hell, your own castle. But let's talk of other things. Have you been home?"

Grateful for the change of topic, Link caught up to his father. "I actually plan on going before taking Zelda to Mount Lanayru. We should be there around her birthday."

"Good. I won't be able to return until after the knighting ceremony in a few days. Tell your mother I miss her cooking. Oh, and give this to Aryll." Rusl reached to his left side, unhooking a red telescope and a wooden sword from his belt and handing it to Link. The red telescope was his father's, but Aryll had asked for one for some time. The wooden sword, however... Link took both of them, setting them in his magic pouch, but that item made him curious. His sister had no interest in being a knight, as he had when he was ten.