Before Twilight

Chapter 22: The Castle has Fallen

Zelda's P.O.V

When I awoke I found myself enveloped in warmth. I opened my eyes to find myself in a bed wrapped up in furs. 

I sat up and looked around. I was inside Link's house.

I couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed it wasn't exactly the proper thing to do, stay the night at a man's house like this. 

"Good morning." A voice greeted. 

I sat up to see Link. His hair was no longer tied back. It was loose and tucked behind his ears. He wore a white dress shirt that hung loose on his figure. It was two sizes big for him. He had a pair of brown trousers on that were knee length. 

"He is quite handsome." I thought to myself. 

"Sleep well?" He asked. 

"Yes, I did. " I stated with a soft smile.

Link smiled back before combing his hand through his hair. 

"How exactly did I get here?" I asked.

"You feel asleep at the barn. I tried to wake you but you wouldn't budge. You must have had been exhausted. I carried you here and let you sleep here. I would have taken you back to Rusl's but I was afraid that I would awake the whole household in the process." Link explained. 

I looked at him uneasily for a moment. 

"I slept on the floor Sheik. We didn't share a bed last night if that was what you were worried about?" He inquired. 

"Oh well.....I just thought...." I rambled. 

"Don't worry about it! I am used to roughing it." He exclaimed as he sat on the edge of the bed. 

I yawned suddenly. 

"Still tired huh?" He chuckled. 

To be honest I was still exhausted even though I did sleep through the night peacefully.

"A bit." I sighed. 

"Go back to sleep then. It is still early, I can make us some breakfast in the meantime. I will wake you when it is ready." He offered. 

"No that's alright I should get going before Rusl and Uli start to worry." I stated as I attempted to get out of bed. 

 "Thats fine, but can you do me a favor?" Link asked. 

"Yes?" I inquired. 

Link then reached for a basket on the kitchen table and handed it to me. 

"Can you give these to Uli for me? They are fresh eggs from this morning." Link explained.

"How long have you been up for?" I asked. 

"A few hours, I wanted to get most of my chores done." He stated. 

"And here Ive been sleeping the say away." I laughed. 

Link smiled at me before releasing the basket in my hands. 

"I will see you later?" I inquired. 

Link's ears perked slightly at my comment. 

"I would like that very much." He answered as he led me to the front door. 

"Okay well goodbye." I stated as I walked through the front door and closed it behind me. 

I wandered back to Rusl's and Uli's house but when I got there I was surprised to see a horse tied up to a post just in front of the porch. 

As I neared the animal I was able to see that the horse adorned the royal seal, the Triforce. 

"Impa." I thought to myself. 

I opened the front door to reveal Uli, Rusl, Mayor Bo, and Lady Impa. 

All four of then instantly turned to face me as I entered the house. 

"Zelda!" Impa exlcaimed. 

I instantly ran to her and embraced her. 

"Oh my dear how I have missed you!" Impa exclaimed. 

I couldn't help but start to tear up as she held me. 

Lady Impa had always been there for me since I was a child. She taught me so much and this had been the first time we had ever been away from one another. 

"How it Castle Town? How is Father?" I questioned as I pulled out of the embrace. 

Lady Impa's smile sudden faded as she looked at me. 

"What?" I asked. 

I then looked at Rusl for an explanation. 

"The Castle has fallen." Rusl answered.