Chapter Text
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Chapter 3:
Best wishes
The occasional whinnies of the stable’s finest steads echoed in the swordsman’s ear, his brows knitting together as he slumbered peacefully upon a pile of hay.
He had been training all night till the dawn crept over the mountains, a sign that he should finally retire for some much needed rest. This was his usual resting spot, the horses' company making his nervous demeanor fall into a sense of serenity. Perhaps it was his job as a youth being the kingdom's stable boy that brought back those wonderful memories.
A soft voice full of tenderness brought his mind back into the realm of reality, his lashes fluttering with sleep before eyes widened with pure shock. It was there that Princess Zelda attended to her majestic beast, brushing it's white mane with a soothing tone of praises.
"Do you make it a habit to sleep in the stables, swordsman?"
Her eyes continued to gaze on her horse's features, though her words were directed not to it. A smile crept on her flushed cheeks, petite fingers moving to begin various intricate braids. Though once the silence between them fell for far too long, her verdant optics moving towards his direction. Once she understood why his silence stood still, her eyes widened slightly as he began to move his hands elegantly in the air with ease.
"Forgive me, your highness. I suppose I never ventured far from my childhood here."
Zelda's cheeks burned brightly with embarrassment, her braiding ceasing for a moment to apologize gently.
"No no, forgive me. I'm afraid I was ignorant to not be aware of your silence."
It was crucial for the Princess to learn many languages throughout the kingdom of Hyrule and beyond, including the language of silence. A royal must learn and be aware of all that surrounds her.
Link nodded with understanding a cock of his lips, his fingers moving nervously to pluck upon a piece of hay. He was ... different than from the rest of the townspeople. Sure he was aware of her importance of status, but he treated her with normality. It was refreshing to say the least.
The Princess smiled warmly from his slight shyness, her hands moving back to continue her impressive braids.
"Have you trained for the tournament tomorrow? I hear Champion Ganondorf is quite the impressive competitor."
Her words were filled with irritation when mentioning the King of Sands, as if she had heard of his presence more than she wished to. There was something off about the Gerudo, never mind his boldness of flirtation towards her. But there was something sinister within him that hid behind a false veil of heroism.
It made her uneasy to say the least.
Green hues gazed upon the swordsman as he replied with his talented fingers, his response not quite what she was expecting.
"You may hear many things, your highness. But the truth can be hidden behind lies."
This had pleased Zelda from his boldness, her smile now full of pure playfulness before responding.
"Perhaps the truth will never be revealed. Or maybe it was not meant to be."
Silence filled the stables once more, Link's mind racing with endless possibilities. Was she impressed by his words? Oh if Revali could see him now!
"My father is quite fascinated by his aura, even blinded from those rumors that fill the palace walls. But I can see past such illusions, I'm afraid."
There's a pause in her wording, those eyes glowing with such equanimity. "You may call me Zelda, by the way. Though I do not believe I know your name.."
It was quite the honor to call royalty by their given name only, a gift that Link would cherish with a nod of his head. This was an earned right, and a right he will take with stride.
"My name is Link. Zelda, I am honored. Truly, I-"
She interrupts his movements with a hearty giggle in response, a hand lifting to hover over her mouth timidly.
"No need for such formalities. It is quite the accomplishment to be thrusted into the frenzy that is the tournament. You could be perhaps my future appointed knight, after all. We are equals in my eyes."
This had caused Link to gaze upon her with infatuation, their eyes locked for a moment in time that felt as if it were an eternity. Something stirred within his chest, his heart perhaps beating too loudly, though he could not tell. It felt warmer - .. no, brighter than ever before. It had awakened within him like a curtain pulled aside, unveiling to reveal what he thought he would never feel before.
A clearing of a throat sounded to interrupt their gaze, one of the Princess's advisors stepping into view with a bow of his frame.
"Your Highness, the King wishes for you to return immediately for the preparations of tomorrow's tournament. There is much to be done before the sun sets."
Link could have sworn he saw her eyes roll from his irritating words, which almost caused a smile for form on his lips. But he would rather keep his head upon his neck.
"Very well, Sidon. You may lead me to the castle."
Her petite hand pats her horse lovingly before giving it's muzzle a chaste kiss, a warm smile forming before bringing her attention towards the swordsman.
"Good luck with the tournament tomorrow, Link. I look forward to seeing your skill in jousting."
So that was the first trial tomorrow! Was she perhaps preparing him to succeed? He would truly never know, for her presence soon left his eyes as he settled upon the hay in ponder.
He did not realize that the curse of sleep had kissed upon him once more, his mind racing with dreams of what could possibly be signs of victory. Various cheers applauded his name, his frame settled upon his mighty steed with a broken lance from his final blow of triumph.
There lay Ganondorf, back upon the dirt in pure humiliation as the swordsman trotted with confidence. His companions, Revali...Daruk...all of them glowed in pure joy from his win, but what caught his eye was the Princess's smile from the balcony above.
Such warmth radiated from his cheeks, her hands clapping in unison of the townspeople below, their gazes connecting as he basked in his glory.
Perhaps this was a sign from the Goddess, a glimpse in the future. But all dreams...can turn into nightmares.