Lyndis' Tales Of Trials And Tribulatons

A Revalation

"...Link?"
Zelda had been waiting in the castle gardens. She had gotten word before, sent ahead by Link, that the green-clad hero would soon be returning to Hyrule Castle. Zelda had never thought that Link would return to her despite her pursuing.

Link stood at the entrance of the gardens warily, and Zelda couldn't help but be reminded of a deer in the forest. Like one wrong move would scare him away.

"Zelda..." Link mumbled, looking back at her, his cerulean eyes bright in the dimness of the gloomy dawn.

Zelda took a step forward, but Link stirred, taking a step away. Was he really this repelled by her?

They stood there in silence for a second before Link muttered, "Sorry for running away."

"Don't." Zelda said bitterly. "Don't apologize."

Link looked taken aback. Zelda sighed and folded her arms. "...Why?"

"You...don't need to apologize. If you'll allow me a few moments to...explain, Link..?"

Link nodded, and Zelda fiddled with one of the pendants that hung at the tips of her hair as she tried to bring the words that plagued her mind to her lips.

"Well, you see...I'm the one who should be apologizing. My envy and desires have led me astray...and have made me hurt you in a way that I don't think there is any retribution for. All I can ask from you now is your patience as I try to say what I need to say and your forgiveness after you hear my words."

Link was struck dumb with these unexpected statements, but he managed to nod, not moving from his place near the castle gardens entrance.

"I...suppose this all started back when the threat of Ganondorf and Zant still loomed over us...as you know, I was being held prisoner in my own castle...powerless against the evil that had presided over Hyrule. And the only light that shone through the Twilight...the only hope that I had during that time of despair...was you. The Hero of Legend."

Zelda gazed at Link with an admiration he hadn't seen in forever. Mostly, it was patronizing or scornful, but admiring?

"And you pulled through. You...you saved me. You saved all of Hyrule. The joy and prosperity you brought to my heart...it made me want to cry. Never before had someone made me feel...such intense emotions."

A faint blush painted Zelda's cheeks as she said this, and Link couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride.

"And of course, you know we triumphed over the villainy of the Demon Thief. Zant was dethroned. But, although the flavor of victory was sweet...I couldn't help but think about how close you and Midna were...you two had developed a very close bond that...I felt like I couldn't hold a candle to. It was by the grace of the goddesses that the mirror broke-"

Link was astounded. How DARE she say that about Midna's farewell?
"You-!" Link shouted, fighting to keep his voice under control. "You know how much that hurt, saying goodbye to Midna! You know how sad it made me to see her leave! You- is this why you never wanted to fix the mirror?!"

"Link, please!" Zelda cried out, "I...that's what I thought at the moment! But I was wrong!!"

Link glowered at her, but said nothing. Zelda let out a sigh, and continued:

"As I was saying...It was by the grace of the goddesses that the mirror had been broken, at least, that's what I thought at the moment because of my jealousy. Even at that moment, it began to brew. You...made me feel certain things that I hadn't felt in forever...and I thought that I would never be able to feel again. I wanted you all to myself. Although people could tell me there were plenty of fish in the sea...there would never be someone like you. Never. You're one of the only people in my life that are irreplaceable. Even amongst the Heroes of Legend in the past...you still can't compare." A tear ran down Zelda's face as she heaved and continued, "Thus began my pursuit to...make sure you would only have eyes for me...and you know what happened there. I'm fully aware of it. But you running from me so persistently made me realize my grave errors..."

The sun began rising over the dusky horizon. Link could see the sparkly tears in Zelda's crisp gaze.

"...Link, I'm sorry."

Link didn't know what to say. He wanted to hug her, wanted to walk away, wanted to scream...

"I'm sorry for all the pain I have caused you. I'll say it time and time again and, even though I know it won't do anything to repair my relationship with you...I have to say it. More for myself, if anything...you are such an important person in my life...and what I have done is unforgivable...you can choose to ignore my apologies and never contact me again. I wouldn't even blame you if you did. But I just wanted the chance to look at you one more time...and get the chance to say goodbye."

Zelda looked down at the soft grass she stood in. She was done, she said her bit, she poured her heart put for him. Now all she could do is hold her breath and wait for his next move.

Zelda heard footsteps. Although she told herself not to, she couldn't help but look up. A soft gasp escaped her.

Link stood in front her, not smiling, but still.

"Zelda, what you did was...borderline crazy, and I want you to know that. I'm glad you feel ashamed of yourself, because I would be too if I were you. And I also want you to know that I'll never forget what you've done to me, regardless, but..."

Wait. Was he serious? Zelda's eyes widened in shock as she felt the warm embrace of her hero. The familiar smell of damp moss and sunshine, that earthy smell of his...it made her cry even more.

"I forgive you, Zelda."

Zelda was thunderstruck. Before she got the sense to hug Link back, he was already pulling away.

"Link, I-"

"Save it, Zelda. Just...let it be. Don't make things more difficult." The faintest of smiles graced Link's features. "Let's just...take things slow. But right now, I just need some time to get a grip on everything."

Zelda nodded profusely. "Y-yes, of course, whatever you need, Link. Um, if you need anything at all, I'm always here."

Link's smile grew slightly. "There's the Zelda that I know. I'll visit you again soon, I promise."

"Right." Zelda agreed, wiping her tears, barely daring to believe that Link had actually forgiven her. "Please don't think I'm being overbearing by asking this- but here will you be traveling off to?"

Thankfully, Link didn't take it the wrong way, and he obliged by answering, "Oh, I'm off to visit Altea. I have some business to take care of there."

Zelda felt a pang in her heart. She knew what he meant by this, but she worked to keep her face the same. "Ah, okay. Best of luck to you on your journey."

Link nodded before turning to leave the gardens. "Goodbye, Zelda."

And with the arrival of the morning sun, he was gone.