Hero by Heart

Chapter 16

When it was time to meet for dinner, Link was just heading out of the inn when he was stopped by a Zora.
She had pale violet scales, a colour he had never seen on any Zora before. In her hand she held a Zora Spear and it was clear from her armour that she was part of the Guard.
Link was sure he had not seen her before, which was strange, since he had been here multiple times after his resurrection. During those days he had met so many Zora that he thought he knew them all.
She smiled at him fondly, before introducing herself as Gaddison. That was when a strange itch started to form in his brain, a feeling as if he knew her.
She told him she was supposed to lead him to the dinner, since he didn't know where it was.
On their way across the Domain Link asked her if they had met before the Calamity, after which she shot him a beaming smile and nodded enthusiastically.
'Do you remember me?' She asked, her head cocked to the side.
'Not really,' Link answered. 'I feel like I know you from somewhere, but nothing more.'
Gaddison nodded. 'Well, we were actually quite good friends. When you were younger you used to come here and play with us.' She beamed at the memory. 'Don't you remember the Big Bad Bazz Brigade?'
Link laughed at the name, but it sounded familiar. He had also heard about it after waking up. Someone had mentioned it to him, but he didn't think much of it back then.
'You actually taught us how to fight,' Gaddison continued. 'We are now all part of the Guard and that is because of you. So thank you for that by the way.' She smiled at him again, as they now stepped onto the East Bridge out of the Domain.
Link smiled back at her, right before he noticed Zelda standing a little up ahead.
The princess looked beautiful in the evening light. Her hair was let down and seemed like a golden waterfall, reflecting the sunlight. She was now wearing a simple but elegant dress in the Royal blue colours. Even from this distance he could see how her eyes seemed to shine on their own, full of excitement and joy.
Link looked at the broad grin on her face and the way her white teeth stood out, as she was talking to the person next to her.
It was another Zora, also part of the Guard judging by his clothing. He had dark green scales and a Silverscale Spear in his hand.
     Link recognised him as Rivan, who often stood guard at the entrance of the Domain. He had not had much contact with the man, since he was strict in his duty, helped by his daughter whenever he got distracted.
     A shot of jealousy flashed through him as he saw them interact, both smiling broadly. He could not yet hear what they were discussing, but it seemed an intimate conversation.
'Ah,' Gaddison said as she followed his gaze. 'Rivan was so excited when he learned the princess was back. He insisted on being the one to lead her today.' She chuckled, obviously not noticing Links discomfort.
As they drew closer, the pair looked up at them and fell silent. The smile on Zelda's face wavered a little and then returned, only less bright than before.
It pained Link to see her react so coolly to his presence, but he didn't blame her.
     When their little group was complete, Rivan and Gaddison led the way over the bridge and onto a path up the mountain.
     Zelda and the two Zora started a conversation again, about the childhood friendship they had with Sidon.
     Link couldn't help but feel left out, as they discussed events he did not remember. He couldn't join in their conversation, so he hung back a little, quietly listening and taking in the surroundings.
     When they laughed about the day Rivan attempted to ask Zelda out he felt particularly bad. There was a persistent jealousy going through his head, making his chest go tight and his throat clench shut.
Finally they started climbing a set of stairs along the wall of the Dam. It was too narrow to keep walking beside each other, so they were forced to cease their conversation.
In the silence Link watched the Domain grow smaller beside them, as they climbed higher and higher.
When they eventually reached the top of the Dam, the two guards stopped and gestured for them to walk on.
There was one broad pier leading onto the lake, where now stood a table set for an elaborate meal. The king and Sidon were sitting there already, greeting them with broad smiles.
As Link and Zelda walked closer, he noticed how she kept a good distance between them, not meeting his eyes. It was like she tried to get away from his presence.
He felt his heart drop at that, as he gave the two Zora a forced little smile in greeting.
     The king sat on one side of the table, almost covering the entire length of it with his massive body.
     Across from him was Sidon, a big grin on his face as he watched the pair approach. On his left were two empty places, ready to be taken by the guests.
     Link walked to the chair at the end of the table, automatically assuming Zelda would be the centre of attention tonight.
     To his surprise, she had extended her hand towards the same spot, but now quickly retracted it, as if she had burned herself.
     Link quickly stepped back and gestured her to choose first, trying to suppress the flash of pain from the way she looked at him.
     Zelda smiled in thanks and took the seat, leaving Link to take the spot in the middle, next to Sidon.
     As he stepped towards it, he caught the Zora's eyes. Sidon looked confused, a frown on his face, as he watched the little scene unfold. He did not comment however, and soon showed his characteristic grin again.
     Link smiled at him awkwardly, as he turned his attention to the king who was formally welcoming them to dinner.