The Origin of a Champion

Chapter 10- A Well Earned Break

 The end of the trip came sooner than everyone had hoped. Before anyone knew it, it was already Tuesday morning, time for the Hylians to start back to Central Hyrule. The royal family was already in their carriage, and waiting for everyone to say their goodbyes so they could start their journey home. Mipha and Sidon came to wish Link and his family goodbye.

"Bye Mipha! Bye Sidon! Maybe next time we visit Zora's Domain I can see you both again!" Link shouted as he waved to her and Sidon.

"I'll be counting on it Link! It was a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully you come back and visit our home. If you ever have any free time in the future, I'd love to see you!" Mipha called back to him. Even Sidon managed a tiny wave for his new hylian friend. With that the caravan started to move forward. Zarya and Alvar waved at the Zora princess as a last thanks. She waved back and watched as they rode off and out of sight.

Luckily the journey back to the Hyrule Castle was completely uneventful. No Yiga ambushes or anything. But just because it was without ambushes didn't mean it helped Alvar. He was still recovering from his wounds with all his recent attacks. He was more quiet than usual, and his normally bright and alert face seemed pale. When the carriage stopped outside Hyrule Castle, the royal family got out. Zara and Zelda gracefully exited it, well at least Zara appeared graceful. Little Zelda jumped and skipped about, happy to finally be home. Rhoam stayed back to have a word with Alvar. Zara stood back as well, standing next to him.

"Thank you for your hard work to keep my family safe. Hyrule is forever in your debt. I will personally thank the soldiers who accompanied you later, but your health concerns me," Rhoam said, the gratitude and concern rang clearly in his deep voice.

"Your welcome, of course your majesty. And may I ask what you mean by concern for my health?" Alvar said the last part meekly, for he knew exactly what his king was referring to.

"I think you know what I'm referring too. You're pale, bruised, limping, and clearly very sore. You're my best guard and knight, as well as my friend. I want you to fully heal yourself to prevent your current state from getting worse," Rhoam said gently. He looked Alvar straight into his green eyes of which still sparkled in the midday sun.

Alvar smiled back weakly, "Your majesty, I appreciate your concern but I promise I'm fine. I might be.....a bit sore, but I assure you it's nothing."

At this point, Zarya and Link had just finished loading their belongings on the family's two horses, Shadow and Milkshake. Zarya asked Link to stand by the horses and at that point in the conversation between the king and Alvar, she walked up to him and stood by his side.

Zarya looked questioningly at Alvar as to what the conversation was about. Zara noticed this and explained, "Zarya, Rhoam and I were simply expressing our concern for Alvar's health. We also extend our gratitude for your great help," the queen stated with a small smile. The light breeze caused her long, blonde hair to gently sway in the light wind.

"Of course my queen. I too have stressed my concern for his health to him," Zarya replied with a smile. She locked her arm with Alvar's and intertwined her fingers into his hand gently. Alvar smiled bashfully at her gesture and looked down at his feet.

"Well then I suppose that settles it. Alvar, I command you to take a month off. No fighting or training with any soldiers of any kind. I want you completely healed. You have served this kingdom in many great ways. Afterall, you could do nicely with a break," Rhoam stated. Alvar smiled brightly and thanked him. Zara looked at Zarya and smiled.

"Zarya, I want you to take a month off as well. Tend to Alvar, and be sure he takes good care of himself. I'm sure you could use a break as well," the queen said kindly. Zarya's smile widened.