The Company You Keep (BotW Link x Reader)

The Feast

Your POV

Almost everything is all set up for the feast and you are just waiting for the remaining families to bring their dishes. Link has arrived and is patiently waiting by the Head Chief. He looks very hungry because he stares at the food unblinking. You are about to walk over to try to talk to him but then the feast bells ring which means it is time for the ritual thanks. 

The Head Chief begins as usual by saying, "Let us join together in the beloved Ritual of Thanks. For no one can live without the blessings of our Goddess Hylia. She gave us this land and we give thanks. She gave us this food and we give thanks. She gave us this drink and we give thanks. Let us all give thanks for one thing." 

Then each person says what they are thankful for. Your mother says she is thankful for your baby brother. Your sister says she was thankful for your family. Your father says a home. When it is your turn you say, "I'm thankful for the newcomer who has added a bit of spice to the day."

Most of the elders become upset with what you have said and start whispering to one another. The girls your age all start giggling and you see some of the boys your age roll their eyes. Your sister beams up at you as you sit back down. You look over to Link who seems slightly embarrassed. Your plan wasn't to embarrass him, it was to make him see that you think he is interesting, and hopefully, he would be more willing to let you tag along. Well, guess the plan failed.

Everyone fills their plates with as much food as they can fit. The food seems to taste a little better tonight which pleasantly surprises you. Every so often you looked at Link just to see his reaction to the food. Plus, you are trying to figure out what exactly you are going to say to him. It is always easier to plan what you are going to say before you say it. You really could get lost in his eyes if you try to talk to him. You don't want to make a bigger fool of yourself.

After the feast is finally over, the Head Chief makes an announcement and thanks Link for attending. Now is your chance to talk to him. While everyone else is cleaning up you walk over to Link. "So was the food good?" He nods. 

"Good, I'm glad you liked it. Listen I have a serious request. I really want to travel and explore and you might be the only way I can get out of here. I think my family would be more comfortable with me leaving if it were with someone as trained as you. I know it's a lot but I really want to be more like you." 

He is silent for longer than you are comfortable with but he eventually says, "I don't think that's a good idea. We don't know each other. We could be dangerous to each other and I can't be slowed down or annoyed by someone. I'm on a serious quest so I can't be distracted." 

"Yeah, I understand", you whisper so softly you barely hear it yourself.

You linger for a moment hoping he will change his mind but after some time passes you quickly walk away very upset and a bit embarrassed. You start to feel tears well up and burn your eyes but you try to blink them away as you nearly jog back home. As soon as you reach your hut you run to your bed and cover yourself in blankets. You feel so foolish for thinking a stranger would take you on his journey, yet you so hoped it would be true.