Destined for Calamity (zelink)

Chapter 29

The night was shrouded in an eerie luminescence, the moon casting its ethereal glow upon the vast expanse of Hyrule. Adrenaline burning within him like a fierce flame, Link spurred his horse forward, the swift gallop creating a rhythmic cadence that echoed through the silent night. Amidst the echoes of hooves against the terrain, his mind kept replaying Zelda's cries as he turned his back to her, desolation searing his heart. He had thought leaving alone would be the right thing to do, but he couldn't shake off the guilt that gnawed at his resolve, an evident consequence of the truth he hid from her. His decision had been purely selfless, born from the desire to shield her from the dangers that laid ahead, but he cursed himself for not being honest with her, for not opening up to her, not communicating his troubles. Perhaps it was for the best, in hopes that she would hate him rather than long for him.

Still, the weight of deception bore on him, for she would have understood if he had been straightforward with her. In fact, the nightmares-fueled dreams had never truly gone, refusing to be banished. It seemed like after confronting Ganondorf, there was a momentary respite, a fleeting period where they had subsidized, perhaps as he regained strength in the shadows. In fact, as the days had passed since their encounter, the shadows had come back, becoming more powerful and vivid by the day. Unseen but omnipresent, Ganondorf's malevolent presence clawed at Link's thoughts, leaving behind a constant feeling that he was being tracked. In his heart, he couldn't escape the possibility that he, unwittingly, served as the conduit through which the Demon King could track Zelda, reminiscing on their ambush in the Temple of Time. Deep down, he knew how stubborn she could be, and she would have never agreed to letting him leave alone.

Moreover, Link's motivations were not solely fueled by his commitment to shielding Zelda, but also by an underlying desire to play the game of the royal court and prove himself to the enigmatic figures in control of the castle. The gravity of this need became apparent when Lady Impa confronted him in the aftermath of the courtyard skirmish.

Impa's words were like a stern echo in the corridors of Link's mind. She addressed him with a measured seriousness, acknowledging his connection with Zelda but cautioning against any further complications. The privileged position he held, a position that afforded him a role within the castle, came with strict conditions. Impa made it clear that Link's actions carried consequences, and any further misstep on his part could abruptly terminate these privileges he enjoyed. The essence of her advice resonated with a warning—urging Link to maintain a careful distance. It wasn't merely a matter of personal discretion; rather, it was a crucial dictum to preserve the delicate equilibrium of hierarchy within the castle's hallowed halls. Link absorbed Impa's counsel with a sense of solemn understanding, recognizing that the power of allegiance within the castle was not to be underestimated.

Conscious of the delicate rules and the repercussions of his action, Link understood that their escape would be seen as proof of his negative influence over her decisions. In the intricate tapestry of courtly relationships, any harm that befell Zelda or the slightest hint of impropriety during their quest could slash the fragile thread of trust he had meticulously woven. His decision therefore stemmed not only from his desire to protect her, but also as a strategic move, a calculated gambit in the intricate game of gaining favor within the royal court. His decision to embark on the quest for the Master Sword alone was a maneuver that he believed would elevate him in the eyes of the courtiers and solidify his place as more than just a courageous warrior.

In Link's calculated vision, finding the sword independently held the key to his return as a triumphant hero. The revelation of the legendary weapon upon his return would not only symbolize his dedication to the kingdom and reveal his identity as the Triforce of Courage, but also serve as a tangible mark of his commitment to Zelda. It was more than a blade; it was a token of his loyalty and a testament to the depths he would go to ensure her safety.