Remember When...(Link x Reader)

|| Chapter 13 || You Never Feel Completely Okay

Edited 03.07.23

Foothill Stable is located on the side of Hyrule where the grass grows in shades of yellow perfect for fueling dangerous wildfires born from single sparks. Even the air is crisp, creating an uncomfortable hiking environment that's a sharp contrast from what you had experienced in Zora's Domain, probably because unlike the Domain that's surrounded by high, cold mountains, Eldrin region is home to Hyrule's own personal volcano, Death Mountain.

Known as the home of Gorons and their famous mines which produce some of the best jewels in the land, Death Mountain is a popular vacation destination only to those who don't mind literally boiling temperatures. Surprisingly, the stable still seems to get good business despite its poor choice in location proving that Hyrule continues to have a decent population of daredevils left.

Upon reaching this rest stop, Link happily steals a spot by a cooking pot so that he can begin making lunch while you find refuge under a nearby pine tree. There, you collapse with an exhausted sigh, overjoyed to find shade at long last.

You appeared to have fared far worse on the trail here than your partner did. While he felt much better after shedding his cloak, you continued to fall behind for once until you were practically panting behind him, yet each time he asked, you insisted you were fine, brushing off his concerns by claiming you simply aren't a fan of warm weather.

Although you clearly seem to have relaxed more in the safety of shadow, Link keeps a watchful eye on you inbetween flipping the Hyrule bass over the fire. He notices the way you steal glances towards the volcano behind yourself and fidget with your water canteen as if currently having an internal debate with yourself.

He joins you under the tree once the food is finished, passing you a leaf with chilly steamed fish on top which he hopes will help cool you down. His hunch must be correct, because your expression melts into a fond smile after a single bite.

"It's a good thing I remembered this recipe," he comments, confirming for himself that the dish is, in fact, delicious.

"I'd sure say so. This has got to be some of the best fish I've had in ages!" You agree, quick to take another bite, "It's fully cooked, but packs a strange chill to it that makes my mouth feel like I've been chewing on mint leaves."

While eating lunch in comfortable silence, Link decides to review some of the photos on his Sheikah Slate, wanting to double check one that he believes might be from this region. Subconsciously, he smiles in vague recognition of some of these areas, namely a lake he'd sometimes visit in Hyrule Field. He doesn't recall the name, although he does remember going there sometimes with Zelda.

He pulls his attention away from the slate after you clear your throat suddenly and ask, "Do you remember a lot about her?

"Zelda?"

"Yeah."

He bows his head, "I'd like to say that I do...but I also can't say for sure. It's hard to tell when I don't exactly know how much I'm missing in the first place."

"Well, from what I've heard, you two sounded close," you observe, although Link's quick to shake his head.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he chuckles awkwardly yet there's a sadness in his eyes you don't miss, "Well, I might just be missing that part then, because all I really remember is her being crossed with me all the time...kinda seems like she hated me..."

You frown, "I'm sure that's not true. I can't imagine she hated you. It must just be like you said: there's still some parts you're missing. I'm sure you guys could've had your arguments here and there, but at the end of the day, you likely had plenty of happy times, too.