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[forhylia]

Characters: Prequel!Link and YOU!
Setting: Floor 25
Format: Prose preferred, but action is A-Okay
Summary: Link takes some time to relax and breathe the fresh air. The perpetual springtime of floor 25 is much preferred to the dank depths of the castle dungeon, or the barren wasteland that became of his home
Warnings: SS prequel manga spoilers


Link inhaled deeply, letting the scent of flowers and life fill his lungs as he took in the sight of floor 25's seemingly endless meadow. There was something magical about this place, there was no doubt. Of course he had been warned about its more sinister corners. In every light there was also a shadow.

But that did not mean that Link couldn't enjoy the light. It had been years since he'd been able to stop and, literally, smell the roses. The wildlife of Hylia had been burned to the ground by the Demon King. Damn him, his obsession with the goddess' sacred power. It was difficult to keep in mind that it did not matter anymore, especially not here. His people had been saved, and they had flourished in the sky as well as on the surface afterward. The young princess's words had served him a great comfort.

Link set his sword down in the grass, lying on his back and enjoying the breeze. For the first time in a very long time, bliss.

Comments

[sageprincess]

A flare of anger instantly makes its way into her expression at that name, and her hands ball into fists.

"Did he do anything? You are not hurt, are you?"

[forhylia]

"Not hurt, no... He spoke for quite a while, though. Blasphemous things." Link is silent for a moment.

"I suppose his presence has only shaken me up some. He was my killer. Or perhaps not him, but it is close enough." He shakes his head.

[sageprincess]

"He cannot destroy us here, and the cowardly part of him wants to hide who he truly is from those not of our world. So he falls upon cruel words and manipulation and hurt us."

She crosses her arms in front of her, as though the gesture will protect her from the anger she feels. She's so tired. So tired of him and fighting him and being reminded of all the things he's done and Goddesses, can she just rest?

No. Of course not. Her blood and spirit are of Hylia. It's her destiny. It has always been so. Stop entertaining such thoughts, Zelda.

"He arrived roughly two months after myself. Believe me when I say you have company in that sentiment."

[forhylia]

"I am sorry," Link says simply, suddenly remembering that he can take off his sword and set it once again on the ground. He sat down as well, folding his legs and trying to settle himself down.

"We will figure something out." We did before, he wants to say.

[sageprincess]

"You have no reason to be," is her immediate response as he sits. He has had no control over Ganondorf's actions in the Tower - he hadn't even met the man until recently!

"If anything, I should be the one to apologize," she continues, following his movement, tucking her legs underneath her as she sits. "I can counter him, undo some of the damage he causes, but I do not have the strength to stop him on my own."

[forhylia]

"Well that is why you have me, then." He offers her a bright but calm smile. "You do not have to do anything alone; I hope you understand that. You have failed nobody and owe me no apology."

[sageprincess]

That... gets her to look up and blink, actually. Sure, the friends she's made in the Tower have made similar statements, but rarely so bluntly and earnestly. And definitely not after only a few weeks time of knowing one another.

Though, that second part is less easy to track in this case, she supposes.

"Ah... Of course. Though I believe I know a few who would argue that last bit," she says, her smile rueful. "Still, thank you, for the vote of confidence and support."

[forhylia]

"Of course. If there is anything you need of me, do not hesitate to ask." Link is a knight of Hylia, and by extension Hyrule. He made a very solemn promise before the goddesses that he would give his life in their service.

That does not change, now that they are someplace else.

[sageprincess]

She sighs, though it's one of those fond little sighs one gives when they're tiredly amused. Some things truly don't change, no matter the incarnation, it would seem.

"I shall keep that in mind, though I like to imagine I am at least somewhat self-sufficient."

[forhylia]

"I do not mean to be patronizing!" He smiles brightly. He knows that can handle herself. He would be convinced of that until proven otherwise.

"But nobody can do everything alone."

[sageprincess]

"I will not argue that." Now, whether she believes that (and if she does, whether she can stick to that belief) is another story entirely. But she knows well enough by now that being contrary with such types is very rarely successful. So instead, she simply smiles quietly, looking down as she fiddles with one of the flowers nearby.

"It would be nice, sometimes, if it were possible, though."

[forhylia]

"Yes, it would be..." He tilts his head slightly. "But that is what friends are for."