Link?
*She calls out, making her way through the trees. She had only planned to take a walk, but now she's attempting to locate Link on her own.*
Link? Oh, please be here, I have no clue where I am.
*Her appearance is a bit different from how she usually looks when traveling outside the castle. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail, her outfit has been modified to give her protection with leather pieces and new boots. Attached to her back, surprisingly, is a sword — it appeared to be a royal broadsword.*
@floralzeldahyrule
[Princess?]
[A startled noise left him at the call, and he immediately perked up, eyes pinned up as he turned around and to the source of the voice in pure shock. He. Zelda. Zelda was here. The Princess was here. She shouldn’t be- she should be at the Castle!]
[He immediately slings the Master Sword’s sheath over his shoulder and springs up, securing it in place as he steps forward and further into the woods with determination, making sure that his steps are loud enough to be heard should she be near.]
[It doesn’t take long until he finds her, and as soon as he does, he lets out a sigh he didn’t know he was holding, and immediately drops to his knees, into a bow, and lowers his head with one bandaged arm resting on his knee, resisting the urge to look her over for any injuries, resists the urge to even look at her.]
…
[He greets her in silence, like usual, but this time there’s the slight sight of bandages around his neck, almost, almost covered by his champion’s tunic. Speaking of, it seems like he’s taken his armor off, and is currently wearing only a trouser and the Champion’s tunic.]
[He cannot believe that Princess is here. This place is not safe. They have to go to safety immediately. They cannot stay here. But…nothing is attacking. No monster is near, he made sure of it. So, if anything occurs, she’ll take her to Tear, even if she may hate her guts, or Recall.]
*At the sound of footsteps approaching she stops walking, turning towards the direction of the sound. She raises a hand slightly in case she needs to draw her sword, her reflexes aren't as fast as Link's are.
*When Link appears from between the trees, she relaxes, lowering her hand. She approaches him as he bows, a frown forming on her face. She's not sure what she was expecting, they're not at the same level as Tear and Sil are. She and Link...they're not friends...not yet.*
Link, please stand. You can...reserve that for when we're home. It's just us here.
*She examines him, noticing the bandaging just barely peaking from under his tunic. Actually, she hadn't realized he was wearing his tunic until just then, surprising her. Link rarely wears his tunic, so it's an odd sight.*
*She takes a breath, intertwining her fingers together.*
Are you alright? You seem to have an injury... Have you taken care of it properly?
[Upon being told to stand, Link perks up, and despite the millisecond of hesitancy, obliges. He nods and stands swiftly, his composure not broken yet. He’s just like he was before he lost her. Quiet, awaiting orders, and weak.]
[Utterly weak.]
[He wants to collapse onto the ground, he wants nothing more than to let his knees give out under him and fall, but that would be indecent to do infront of Zelda, or all people.]
[So, he keeps himself in check. Ignores how exhaustion returns as adrenaline fades, and ignores how unwillingly he feels to move.]
[Ah, Zelda’s asking something…]
[He nods at the question, certain that he took good enough care of his wounds. They don’t hinder his ability to fight, so all is well. What he’s most worried about however isn’t himself, but rather the princess herself.]
[So, he silently tilts his head towards Zelda, silently asking her of her own well-being as his eyes dart around her silhouette. She’s gotten a change in wardrobe, and the new style…He can’t say it doesn’t suit her. She always has her way of fashion, and it never fails to leave him amazed. But- he’s, not supposed to be focusing on that right now. Injuries. That’s what he should be focused on. He hopes the princess doesn’t have any injuries.]
*She doesn't fully believe that he's alright, but she decides not to push. She doesn't believe he'll completely push her away like he does others, but she doesn't wish to risk that chance.*
Then...I'm glad you're alright, Link. As for myself...it's been a bit overwhelming lately... I'm sure you meant to keep me from getting too involved in all this time shifting stuff. However, I do believe it's inevitable at this point.
*She glances away, fidgeting with her fingers. Does she tell him about Tear? About everything she knows now? She knows that injury he's hiding is probably worse than what he's willing to admit. She's seen Tear's scars.*
Father is upset that you haven't been at the castle much. The Champions are worried about you disappearing, there's talk in the castle halls that you're abandoning your duty. I know that's not the case, but it's hard to explain such a complicated situation without being judged myself.
*She takes a deep breath before looking back at him.*
I... Forgive me if this is inappropriate and crossing boundaries, but-
*She steps forward and pulls Link into a tight hug, though being mindful of his injured arm.*
I've missed you, Link. It's... I find myself feeling a lot more alone when you're gone.
*She states softly, gripping the back of his tunic as if he'll just disappear again if she releases him.*
[Well…She’s right. He tried to keep her out of this mess, but he supposed it was inevitable. The Goddess never quite liked giving them what they wanted, anyways. So it’s not a surprise.]
…
[He listens to what his absence has been followed up like in his Hyrule, and in a way, his heart aches. He misses his land, greatly. But, he cannot go yet. Not yet, definetely later, but not yet. So, let them spread rumors. It’s nothing like they haven’t before, trying and continually failing to drag his name through the mud..It’s nothing he isn’t used to. He merely wishes the Champions wouldn’t worry of him, he’ll be fine. And whatever King Rhoam deems necessary to throw his way? He’ll take it. he deserves it.]
[And yet, before he can dwell further on what the Princess spoke of, he hears a faint excuse and apology, and before he can make sense of it, he’s pulled into a hug.]
[And by Hylia, does his heart ache.]
[He awkwardly stands there as Zelda holds him tight, almost as if afraid he’ll fade if she lets him go. And, honestly? He. Doesn’t really mind it. Not at all, not at all. In fact, he thinks…]
[…He returns the hug, although his embrace is softer and more careful, arms wrapping around Zelda with so much care that he didn’t even know he was capable of showing.]
[He nods and hums understandingly when Zelda speaks, and oh does her voice crush his heart into pieces.]
*After a few silent moments, she gently pulls away from the hug, though not letting Link go. She holds his hand as she wipes her eyes of the tears that formed. She hadn't realized how much she needed that, probably in general, but it felt nice coming from Link.*
Um... Do you have a camp set up nearby? Perhaps we should... We should talk, about what's been going on with you, Link. I can't reasonably return home without you, but I have a feeling that getting you home won't be easy.
*She looks away, squeezing his hand.*
If anything...I hope you'll let me stay with you for the time being. I don't particularly want to return home myself, but I believe I accidentally made myself unwelcomed where I had been staying prior to finding you. Though, perhaps I'm overthinking it because this situation is strange and stressful...
*She looks at Link, giving him a small smile.*
If I'm being completely honest, I simply wish to be by your side.
[He lets her hold her hand as she calms down, her gaze flickering on her figure up and down in worry. Has her absence really affected her that much?]
[Camp…He nods, because he was setting camp just now, before rushing over here. And so, he subtly nudges at her hand and then turns around, eyes not leaving her at first as to make sure she follows.]
[And then, at the suggestion, his steps falter for a moment awkwardly. And he, no, he continues walking right after, but also nods multiple times with little to no hesitation, because he does not plan on leaving her side for any moment.]
[Unwelcomed where she was staying before coming here…He’ll have to inquire about that to her later.]
‘I simply wish to be by your side.’
[The words strike him like an arrow tearing through calf, and she curses her training for remaining quiet, but lets the Princess know that the feeling is reciprocated by squeezing her hand in reply.]
[And so, they keep walking, and walking, until the sound of a nearby fire crackles closer, and after a while of crushing leaves and branches, they finally make it to a small clearing with a fire in the middle, and a log thrown just a short distance away from the fire. Long enough to be safe, short enough to be near. Right by the log, remains his armor, a little duller than usual. And next to it, remains a discarded, torn tunic, stained with oil and blood that he couldn’t quite get out.]
[She nods towards the campfire, expressing her that this was the camp she had made.]
*She follows Link to his camp, keeping silent as she was unsure of what to say. The gentle squeeze to her hand was reassuring, glad that Link wasn't against her being around. She can defend herself now, so she hopes Link doesn't worry too much about her.*
I hope...
*She starts softly, her eyes glancing to the Sword on Link's back before she looks at him again.*
I've been learning how to use a sword. I hope that being able to defend myself will ease your mind when it comes to protecting me. I don't want to continue being useless when it comes to us traveling. And, truthfully, I should've learned years ago.
If I cannot rely on awakening my powers sooner, then I must be useful in another way.
*When they arrive at Link's campsite, she looks around. It's simple and certainly not set up for a princess, but-*
It seems cozy, in a way, despite it being bare bones. It's not ideal if it rains, but I think this is nicer than having to set up a tent.
[He listens intently, as he leads the two to sit down on the tall log by the fire, so the Princess may warm up and escape the throbbing, unforgiving cold.]
[She learned how to wield a sword…Well, he’s glad his absence has atleast done some good to her. Mayhaps, they could spar— No- no. That would be extremely inappropriate. He. He can surely train her, but no wielding together. What was he thinking? Has the pull of sleep truly returned, the effects of the hazy elixir leaving?]
[Whatever it was, it was best to leave it ignored for now. Because right now, he doesn’t need such abashed and weird thoughts, all he needs is to train more, himself. For his people. For the Champions- His family.]
*As they sit down, she doesn't release his hand, still not fully sure if he will disappear or not. She sighs softly, staring at the flames flickering as she has a silent debate with herself.*
Link, I...
*She takes a breath, looking at him.*
I don't wish to... To keep things from you. This situation we've found ourselves in, I've learned a lot, probably more than I really should know.
*She tights her grip on his hand ever so slightly.*
About the...likely outcome of the Calamity. About what is...
*She takes another, heavier breath, looking back at the campfire.*
About what is going on with you currently... That is the reason for my presence. A friend of yours sought my aid because she is concerned about you, and so am I.
*She knows she's being risky, being so forward. She looks back at Link, swallowing.*
So, please, Link. Talk to me, what is going on, because I think I deserve to know the reason behind your absence.
[Unfortunately for the Princess, he had the social comprehension of a rock, hence, was…confused, when the topic was brought up. In all honesty, he didn’t even know what she was referring to until her last line.]
[Hm. Well, the time travel ordeal isn’t a thing he can control. So, he supposed he didn’t know either. So, in return, he gave a light shrug, not letting go of her hand either.]
[Mayhaps, she had simply, missed him? His lack of presence must have been troublesome in the kingdom…He could only hope the Champions protect Zelda in his disappearance.]
