The Company You Keep (BotW Link x Reader)

Show Me What You've Got

Without a saddle and bridle, it is very difficult for you to control the horse. Link definitely makes it look easier than it is. He gives you pointers on how to strengthen your bond with the horse, like petting it when it starts to get distressed. Since you are still getting used to riding your own horse, Link stays at a light trot, not wanting to go too fast. The two of you stop for a quick lunch break since you had been riding for a couple of hours. 

For the most part, both of you stay quiet. You try to start a conversation every so often, but he answers so dryly that you give up quickly. After several hours of riding, you are getting visibly uncomfortable and start twisting around on your horse's back trying to find a new position that feels comfortable.

"Let's stop up there." Link suggests, pointing out a cloth tent set up on the side of the road.

"Yes please." you enthuse.

Once both of you reach the little tent that is held up by some wood pieces, you slide off your horse and Link does his. Strangely enough, you find it a little easier to dismount the horse without a saddle. You are happy to stand up and stretch. Your rear end is extremely sore. 

"How do you ride on a horse for so long without stopping?" you ask.

"I just do. Self- discipline, I suppose," he answers.

"I don't think having self- discipline makes your body stop hurting."

"It just doesn't bother me. I'm kind of on an important quest, so I don't have the privilege to just stop all the time. If you expect me to let you stick around, you better get used to riding non-stop too." he comments. 

You want to ask him what this so-called 'quest' is for, but you know that would be overstepping unspoken boundaries. You sit under the sheltered area and grab a fruit out of your bag. You grab one out for Link too and hold out to him. He quickly grabs it and bites into it. There is nowhere to cook, so fruits have to be enough for the moment. 

Once you have both finished eating, you mount your horses and continue forward, toward the stable. With something in your stomach, and having rested a bit, you feel a little better. 

"Just wondering. When will we arrive at the stable?" you question, "I really want to get a comfy saddle."

"If we continue at this speed, without stopping again, we will probably get there by the early sunrise."

You take a look at the sun, which has only started setting, and let out a grumble.

"Was that a complaint I heard?" Link teases slightly.

"Definitely not. I'm so excited to be sitting on this horse for around twelve more hours. You simply must be hearing things." you answer sarcastically.

You look over at Link and swear that you catch a glimpse of a smirk on his face.

As usual, you ride in silence, as the sun starts to hide behind the mountains, and the sky becomes filled with beautiful shades of oranges and pinks. It takes your breath away still.

"Do you miss it yet?" he abruptly asks.

"Sorry?"

"Your village. Do you miss it yet?"

"I miss my sister and my best friend Jay, but no, not really. I know they aren't going anywhere anytime soon so I'm not really worried."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," he mumbles.

"What? I didn't catch that."

"It's nothing. Just you never know what could happen to them. The world isn't a very safe place."

"Yeah, I know that," you respond.

"No, you don't. You don't even have a fraction of a clue about how dangerous it is out here. You think just because you saw some bokoblins, that you know how dangerous the world can be. You really are foolish." he snaps.

You are taken aback by Links sudden aggression. His mood swings are giving you mental whiplash. 

"I'm not saying that I know everything that is out there, but I do know that there are a lot of scary things. I know I still have a lot to learn." you protest.

Clearly, you struck a nerve, when discussing your family and home. You suddenly wonder about his family and where he is from. Knowing better than to ask him about himself now, you make a mental note to ask him when he is in a better mood. 

As the darkness, the night brings, stretches across the sky, you start to get a little chilly again. Without Link to warm you up this time, you occasionally shiver. You also feel a certain level of discomfort with the darkness. Knowing that monsters could come out of the woods at any time is terrifying. 

As if your thoughts summoned them, Stalkoblins appear from the ground. The horses freak out and you not being prepared, fall off yours. In response, Link hops off his and takes out his sword and shield. He helps you up first, before starting to approach the monsters, but then he stops midway and turns around.

"What are you doing?" you inquire.

"You do it," Link orders.

"Are you crazy?!" 

"Depends. You said that you had been practicing. Go on and show me how useful you can be. Show me what you've got." he instructs.

He tosses you a Soldier's Spear and motions for you to kill the Stalkoblins.

"Don't worry too much. They are super easy to kill and if you can't do it I'll be right behind you," Link tries to reassure you.

Trying to be brave and not wanting to look helpless, you regrip the spear and start walking toward the monsters. You stab all three of them once and watch as they fall apart. You turn around to Link to witness his impressed expression but instead, he has a smug look on his face.

"You're not done yet," he says and points behind you.

You turn back around, to face the monsters, and watch as their bones start to reconstruct themselves and the heads roll to the bodies. 

"You have to strike the heads," he advises.

Listening to him, you quickly stab two of the heads before they reach the bodies. One of the heads makes it back to the body, so you have to start over with that one. This time you do it correctly.

"Meh. You'll have to practice some more," he comments.

"Hey, that's not fair. That was my first time fighting something that moves." you blurt out.

"I said you need to practice more, not that you did poorly. Geez, you're always so sensitive," he remarks.

"Oh, I'm the sensitive one," you think to yourself, recalling earlier events.

"Anyway, I was actually surprised that you were so willing to kill those Stalkoblins. I thought, for sure, you would wuss out on me," he states while picking up the remains of the monsters.

"I know that I have to be willing to put myself in new situations to learn. But next time have a little more faith in me."

"I like that attitude." Link chuckles softly. "Alright, let's get back on the road. We lost some valuable time with that encounter."

"We can go a little faster if you want. I'm feeling a little more comfortable riding by myself now," you admit, feeling an extra ounce of confidence, possibly from the adrenaline.

"Good, I was really hoping you would say that."

You both mount the horses and get them into a canter.

"At this speed, we may get there even sooner than before," Link announces.

"I sure hope so," you comment.

Feeling very proud of yourself, you enjoy the ride just a little bit more.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Hope you enjoyed the chapter!