Destined for Calamity (zelink)

Chapter 32

I awoke to a room draped in unfamiliarity, my body bearing the weariness of an unknown ordeal. The surroundings were alien, and as I scanned the room, the window revealed a breathtaking but perilous scene—a dizzying drop, a testament to our precarious perch on a steep mountain. The weather outside raged with unrestrained fury, the winds howling and a blizzard unfurling its relentless onslaught of snow.

Disoriented, I hastily rose from the bed, the urgency to understand my surroundings propelling me forward. The door swung open, and my eyes met the gaze of two guards stationed outside, their expressions a mix of surprise and, perhaps, relief. Their unspoken reactions left me puzzled, one I was about to unravel.

The guards swiftly conveyed the harrowing events that had transpired—the avalanche, my miraculous survival, and the ongoing blizzard. Link, they revealed, was currently engaged in battle against the menacing creature, confronting the storm on behalf of Rito Village. The weight of the information settled on my shoulders, and a surge of gratitude for Link's selfless actions warmed the chill that the blizzard had brought into the room.

Armed with the knowledge of Link's ongoing battle, I seized the opportunity to meet with Teba, the new mayor of Rito Village. Our discussion aimed not only to address the current plight of the villagers, battered by the relentless storm, but also to secure Teba's support in the event of a potential confrontation with Ganondorf. As our conversation unfolded, the severity of the situation became starkly apparent.

Teba conveyed the dire circumstances surrounding Link's struggle against the airborne creature that wreaked havoc in the sky. The creature's ability to fly presented a formidable challenge, hindering any straightforward approach. The apparent darkness that emanated from the monster resonated with the malevolence Link had encountered in the other regions, strongly suggesting Ganondorf's sinister influence. This relentless storm, orchestrated by the creature, appeared to be a calculated move to weaken our defenses.

As we contemplated our possibilities, a noticeable shift in the weather caught my attention, light suddenly shining through the window. The intense snow storm began to relent, and the ferocity of the winds gradually waned, allowing rays of sunlight to pierce through the diminishing blizzard. At that moment, a distinct knock echoed at the door, soon opened by a man, his face beaming with joy. With enthusiastic words, he delivered the news that the airborne creature had been successfully defeated. Relief washed over me, accompanied by a surge of gratitude for the brave efforts of those who had faced the malevolent force in the skies. The atmosphere in the room lightened, the weight of impending danger momentarily lifted. Yet, the ever-present threat of Ganondorf lingered, a reminder that the battle was far from over.

As we stepped outside, I witnessed the rapid transformation of the landscape. The snow, which had once blanketed the village in a thick layer, was now swiftly melting under the influence of the retreating blizzard. In the distance, I spotted Link making his way toward the village, his silhouette becoming clearer as he approached.

The villagers, recognizing his heroic efforts, rushed towards him, showering him with congratulations and expressions of gratitude. Despite the warmth of their reception, Link maintained his humble demeanor. His eyes, bright and resolute, scanned the surroundings until they settled on me. His grin slightly faded, replaced by a gentle smile and an intense gaze that held mine. As other villagers approached Link, tapping him on the shoulder for his success, he turned his gaze away from me, and I quickly suggested to Teba if a prestigious dinner could be organized as a reward for Link, ensuring any fees would be covered. Teba happily agreed with no hesitation and quickly made his way towards Link. During this time, I made it back to the inn in order to prepare everything. Little did he know, Link would have the meal with me.

In fact, after successfully saving Rito Village, I wanted to meet with him, not only to extend my congratulations, acknowledging his exceptional prowess, but also express my gratitude to him. The hazy memories of the perilous incident with the frozen pond were etched vividly in my mind. Link's swift action had not only saved me from the icy waters but also ensured my warmth and safety until I regained consciousness, demonstrating unwavering perseverance. Although everything that had happened between us remained tangled in a web of complexity, the gratitude I harbored for his presence transcended those intricacies. The unspoken tensions would find their resolution in the acknowledgment of the deep impact he had on my life.