—— chienojo· ┊❧ recovery ;;
◦┋| •♕• |┋◦
The closer she drew to the home, the more Zelda’s heart felt at ease. Of course, the size and the grandeur were little compared to her castle home; but that place was now left in ruin and rubble, and a small quaint place… was exactly what she needed after the events prior. Hateno village was a place that Ganon had not been able to touch, and dwelling on that fact reassured her even more that she hadn’t failed her kingdom fully.
Smiling warmly as Link spoke her name, she couldn’t help but feel humored as well. She was all too familiar with his mannerisms at this point in time, noting the flush in his cheeks and how he was quick to withdraw from the intimate situation out of embarrassment. Years ago she would have been the same, but now… she’s spent such a vast amount of time yearning for him that she was going to take any chance that presented itself to her.
With a soft ‘thank you’, the princess allowed Link to retreat to the back to prepare what he needed. Zelda, however, took the time to explore the cozy interiors of his home. It was well decorated, just as she had seen before. But seeing it all in person for the first time was strangely soothing, standing in a place that Link called home… she could see the weapons of the deceased champions hung on the walls, which brought a whole new warmth to gather within her chest.
Turning, she walked up the stairs to the upper loft part of the home, where Link’s desk and bed resided. With the light pouring in through the windows, the home almost seemed dreamlike. It felt surreal, having waited over one hundred years and to finally be free of her battle. To have the chance to be with Link in person, with him alive and well and all to herself for even just a bit…
Sitting upon his bed, the princess found herself melting into the mattress and burying her face within his pillows. His smell was faint, as he hadn’t been here in a while, but it still had his scent. Mostly of sweat and grass, but still his nonetheless. Without meaning to, Zelda had begun to drift off; a gentle smile resting upon her face as her dreams ran wild with thoughts and gentle fantasies of Link himself. Body relaxing for the first time in a century, Zelda’s heart found a peace so unfamiliar that it made her dreams the sweetest and softest they’d ever been, still so occupied with Link even when he was just a few feet away.
—— ❧ KNIGHT┊ THERE WAS PEACE TO BE HAD IN HATENO VILLAGE—— it had been SAFETY in lands brimming with danger. A moment’s breath from the ever aching exhaustion that rattled him to his very bones. A village displaced from HOT STEEL and CRIMSON upon champion blue. It was here that he wrapped gauze over every fresh scar ( slowly and dutifully ) and his mind light with thoughts upon her golden smile.
This was SAFETY—— and here the long lost princess of the kingdom would be safe as well.
Behind the quaint home, Link drew hot water for her with anticipation thrumming in his chest. Hopefully the water would be warm enough to stave away the certain ACHE in her muscles ( how disuse and travel could affect one’s body, no matter what magics were in play ).
It seemed almost like a whimsical DREAM—— an IMPOSSIBILITY to have her warm as sunlight and gentle as still waters. To have HER here ( finally—— finally, finally, finally ). Now he teetered upon a border composed of far too many titles. STRANGER. HIS PRINCESS. HIS FRIEND. HIS LOVE. He was no stranger to thoughts of her with hues of lush forests locked upon his own and smile of saccharine. Of LOVE upon her open lips and words.
Warmth dared to creep up to the tips of his ears and he was quick to gather the hot water in gathered palms to splash his face. A QUICK SNAP back to reality and a long exhaled breath pushed from pursed lips, an attempt to steady himself before fantasies thoughts carried him away even further. Fingers trembling, he quickly fumbles to stop the water. BREATHE IN....Breathe out...
Food—— a far better alternative to think about. Perhaps he could cook a savoury dish, one that would fill her stomach and provide her the energy she needed. Wasn’t fruitcake her favourite? Perhaps a dash of sweet afterward would do much to lift her spirits.
The house was eerily still and concern flits through his expression as he glances from side to side. A gentle knock to the door frame and his brows furrow in worry when only SILENCE is returned. His steps are soft and quick up the stairs, the possibilities endlessly flitting through his mind ( blood upon her dress or her upon the floor in her exhaustion and fatigue ). But Link halts quickly when he looks up on the princess’ form upon his bed and in a instant, his worries wash away with a rare smile upon his lips.
No matter what he remembered, not once had he seen her at such...PEACE. Certainly excited as she brimmed with vivacity and eagerness, but never so calm and happy. There is a pause and then the hero leans forward to shift the blankets over her instead, tucking her in. No need to wake her quite yet.
With assurance calming him, Link returns downstairs with thoughts upon a sleeping princess, a bath for himself, and food. PERHAPS stew gentle upon a throat with a century of disuse and fruits sweetened with bee’s honey. He takes his time, unwilling to be the one to wake her from a much needed rest ( let her rest while she can )—— and soon the day becomes sunset as hues of LILAC and AMBER spills through the windows. The food and silverware is set upon the table seated for two and his own body is scrubbed of the blood and dirt that once was caked on.
Link is by her side once more and he reaches forth, a gentle swipe of CALLOUSED fingers brushing golden tresses out of her face. His voice is soft as he speaks to her, touch hesitantly pulling away.
❝ Zelda. Dinner is ready. ❞
