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SWORD IS SHEATHED ONCE THE THREAT IS GONE. All while he shakes his head and lets the strain of battle fade from his stance before replying ❝ he didn't so much as graze me ❞ and adjusting his clothes as if to emphasize they remained undisturbed by the attack, a subtle action intended to reinforce his words and ease Kenneth’s concerns. Then, regarding his second question, there is only one way that he can explain it ❝ I am a knight who vowed to protect everything they seek to destroy ❞ a duty the hero took all too seriously. Always being where they ordered him to be and sometimes even where he shouldn't if his instincts alerted him of something amiss. Which meant that he always got in the way of their plans.

❝ But ever since I defeated their leader they have attacked more often ❞ something that Link had expected, for it was the most reasonable reaction. A shattered group with nothing left to lose and driven by revenge would lash out with whatever fury they could muster in the hopes of creating a wound on their enemy significant enough to gain the thing they needed the most — time. Time they could use to regain their strength and achieve their long-lost goal while avenging their fallen master in the process. Though Kohga's hand had as much part in his downfall as his own. For he had always been more showman than strategist or fighter. Still, it wasn't as if it mattered in the end. With a quiet exhale, Link gives a final glance around to ensure there's no more unwanted company and starts walking back to Epona.

we just have to be vigilant. keep our wits about us.

hackles raised and eyes sharp, the sense of unease seemed sharp enough to become a taste. link was beside him, alert but far from ruffled, as if outbursts of attacks like the one they had faced, from what had appeared an innocuous vendor of all things too, were nothing beyond his ordinary these days. he supposed that was fateful too : the yiga clan scoundrel had not seemed to possess an interest for anything but the champion, whom he had driven himself into death in an attempt to kill. eyes wide, he stared at the hero with a quizzical look  (that was no ordinary hatred either, it was a precious stone honed with use and age, and he would recognise its shape anywhere), pieces of light tugging at the farthest reaches of his memory. ❛❛  i heard the ruckus— are you hurt?  ❜❜

without drawing too close, always maintaining some unreachable distance, he lowered his head in an attempt to catch the hero's eye and see if he was injured. link's mare was only a few paces away, shivering. he had found link and slid off his own horse, onto his feat, only seconds before the fight had been concluded. despite it, he huffed down a light laugh : this was the closest he had ever come to understanding link. ❛❛  he really had it out for you. what the hell did you do, that they hate your guts so much?  ❜❜

HIS  STILL  EXPRESSION  HIDES  THE  DEEP  APPRECIATION  LATER  SHOWN  IN  HIS  CONCISE  REPLY.  For  there's  a  certain  nuance  in  his  tone,  that  makes  it  require  no  more  than  a  ❝  Thank  you  ❞  or  gestures  to  be  felt.  Though  he  has  no  real  intention  to  hold  her  to  her  word,  especially  considering  that they had just met each other, that their paths might not remain intertwined beyond that night, and  that  it  wasn't  her  responsibility  but  his  ❝  She  is  very  important  ❞  whether  to  him  personally,  for  a  greater  purpose  that  not  many,  not  even  himself,  can  fully  grasp  or  something  else  entirely,  he  doesn't  elaborate.  Still,  the  green-dressed  hero  had  unknowingly  offered  her  another  clue.

Something  he  may  have  realized  of  if  it  weren't  for  the  first  answer  he  gets,  as  the  mention  of  the  race  makes  his  eyes  open  wide  ❝  The  dragon-kind,  you  say  ?  ❞  his  mind  immediately  drifts  back  to  the  creature  he  had  saved  from  being  sold  in  the  market.  And  that  all  too  familiar  and  painful  nostalgia  crawls  its  way  back  into  his  heart.  As  the  realization  that,  no  matter  if  the  memory  is  as  vivid  as  if  it  had  happened  yesterday,  seven  years  had  actually  passed  by  sinks  in.  SHARP  AND  UNDENIABLE.  A  tight  knot  forms  in  his  stomach,  a  lingering  discomfort  he  attempts  to  shake  off  with  a  breath  in  order  to  push  the  past  aside  and  force  his  attention  back  to  the  present.

❝  I  know  of  a  dragon,  ❞  he  begins, form iluminated occasionally by the flickering firelight ❝  but  it  has  been  a  long  time  since  I  last  saw  it  and  I  cannot  say  what  has  been  of  it  ❞  yet  something  deep  down  tells  him  it  would  be  well.  Strength  and  independence  are  in  its  nature,  and  he  doubts  anyone  would  dare  harm  it. The  real  question  is  if  the  little  information  he  has  would  be  useful  for  her  mission.  But  since  she  has  demonstrated her  own  good  will  in  helping  him,  he  chooses  to  share  it  just  in  case  it  proves  valuable  in  accomplishing  her  goal.  After  all,  it  wouldn't  be  the  first  time  a  small  lead  turned  out  to  be  exactly  what  set  someone  on  the  right  path.

HONESTY IS MET WITH A NOD, : FURTHER QUERIES BLOSSOM, yet the petals do not flow with the gentle breeze. leave it to another adventurer to understand the power of half - truths. in search of a friend ; while the hero had little to go off on, she does think back upon any sightings of her own made upon her journey, but is left wanting. ... fingers pause their movement of the stick that was twirled in-between, &. she fixes her posture ever so slightly. ❝ i see, ❞ comes the simple response treated warmly by divine tune. genuine smile curls lush lips, ❝ i hope you find them. ❞ A SHORT PAUSE HELD, the crackles of the fire mix with the soft melody the crickets bring underneath this starry sky. ❝ i will keep my eyes open, should i come across more wandering strangers. ❞ this bit embedded with lighthearted humor, considering the two of them fit the description themselves. &. THEN COMES A NAME, ... golden orbs dilate ever so slightly, but soon such look fades into something serene, something warm.

THEN COMES HER TURN TO FEED HIS CURIOSITY, : LUMINOUS GAZE SETTLES UPON THE DANCING FLAMES ONCE MORE. &. while there is security in those half - truths, not a single ounce within golden soul warned of danger. ❝ my name, or my purpose for being here out in the wilderness? ❞ she speaks the query with a mix of softest hum, the tone amused. ... BUT BEFORE HE COULD CLARIFY, SHE CONTINUES ; ❝ i traveled here to speak with the dragon-kind. ❞ while the dragonsong war was put to an end, there were forces at play still that threatened this peace forged. ( the echo, or perhaps her soul on its' own recognizes that ancient aether, radiating of immense power could not be mistaken of. ) the ascians sought to forge war where they could, sow seeds of chaos to bring forth the rejoining. ... she hopes their doings are not tied with this friend he seeks. another pause comes, before she looks at him again, that slight curl upwards returning. ❝ ... as for my name, it is sarastus. ❞ the first light in the darkness.

HIS  HAND  CURLS  INTO  A  FIST  OUT  OF  IMPOTENCE.  He  already  knew  it  wouldn't  be  an  easy  task  to  convince  them.  That  he  would  most  likely  be  refused,  as  his  words  would  fall  on  ears  too  resolute  to  waver.  And  yet,  knowing  did  nothing  to  lessen  the  sting  of  it.  FOR  IT  WASN'T  AS  IF  HE  HADN'T  PROVEN  HIMSELF.  He  had  grown;  he  had  fought  and  overcome  many  challenges;  he  bore  the  blade  of  legend  meant  to  vanquish  evil.  .  .So  why  ?  Why  do  they  still  have  to  treat  him  as  though  he  were  a  clueless,  defenseless  boy  ?  It  makes  his  blood  boil  beneath  his  skin  and  he  has  to  tighten  his  jaw,  breath  hissing  beneath  his  teeth,  in  an  attempt  to  keep  his  emotions  in  check.  But  standing  there,  while  they  make  the  decision  for  him,  he  finds  the  silence  unbearable  ❝  Still.  .  .  !  ❞  the  words  burst  from  him  in  a  short-lived  protests  because,  before  he  can  utter  another  word,  the  sheikah's  voice  cuts  through  the  air  once  more.

For  a  moment  it's  able  to  shut  him.  It  has  been  a  long  time  since  he  learned  to  see  beyond  their  harsh  tone,  to  recognize  the  worry  hidden  beneath  their  bluntness.  If  all  of  it  was  because  of  the  person  or  the  hero,  it  didn't  matter  to  him.  However,  he  cannot  recall  a  moment  where  they  had  ever  spoken  it  so  plainly.  And  that,  more  than  anything,  is  what  only  encourages  him  to  continue  with  his  tantrum.  Despite  their  intentions  likely  being  the  opposite  ❝  That's  precisely  why  I  want  to  go  with  you  !  ❞  he  says,  refusing  to  let  what  may  very  well  be  the  last  opportunity  he  has  before  they  turn  away  slip  through  his  fingers  ❝  You've  always  been  the  one  caring  for  me,  the  one  to  be  there  when  I  needed  it  ❞  the  quiet  figure  in  the  shadows,  a  steady  presence  at  his  side  that  doesn't  leave  him  alone.  Not  truly,  even  if  there  were  things  he  had  to  face  by  himself  ❝  let  me  be  the  one  to  help  you,  if  only  this  once  ❞  and  there,  all  the  frustration,  the  stubbornness,  the  determination  he  has  felt  softens,  turning  into  something  fragile.  A  plea.

❝  Fate  always  finds  its  way  no  matter  what,  right  ?  ❞  like  an  immovable  force,  unshaken  by  the  desires  of  those  caught  in  its  tide.  It  would  not  shift,  not  if  they  cursed  it,  not  if  they  clung  futilely  to  the  hope  that  things  can  be  different.  Fate  offers  no  escape,  no  other  path  but  the  one  that  had  already  been  carved  long  before  he  had  taken  his  first  breath.  Creating  a  story  where  every  role  must  be  played  and  where  he  was  no  exception  ❝  Then,  if  mine  is  to  defeat  that  man  and  restore  peace,  it  will  happen  eventually  ❞  be  it  that  very  same  day,  the  next  one  or  in  a  hundred  years.  If  it  is  meant  to  be,  it  would  be.  Inevitability  being  a  constant  looming  over  those  chosen  to  walk  this  circle  like  a  curse.  The  weight  of  that  certainty  keeps  his  voice  steady  as  he  holds  their  gaze,  searching  for  the  smallest  crack  in  their  resolve  ❝  So,  do  you  really  think  the  gods  will  mind  that  I  accompany  a  friend  along  the  way  ?  ❞

❛ why is it safe for you & not for me ? ❜

the eternal balance can only be tipped so far before it gets upset. if the hero is to walk a path of his own choosing, all possible roads need to have been walked at least once by someone else. it is either the shadow themselves or someone else, even one of the kokiri would suffice, but the path needs to be trodden and it needs to be known to the land of hyrule as a possible line from one point to another - a journey can only become one when it has been noted as such, the archivist in them knows it too well. then there is the part of them that has been made to know sorrow intimately, not only experiencing it but also inflicting it upon the malice of this world if only with the fringes of the dark as their witness. there would be no danger in this land they don't know about, which is not something they'd ever say to link directly, so they accept his sulking and swallow it like they swallow everything else he'd throw at them. they'd suffice with his blood too, though they do their most valiant not to; he is just as danger-prone as a fern in a heavy thunder storm.

a katana and smaller knives, foregoing the paper sigils they know impa enjoys to employ when facing possible enemies - there is nothing their hands couldn't do at the end of the day. link may beat them when it came to swordsmanship, as they made sure of early on and his spirit took care of the rest of the day as he would for times to come, but there is no one to rival the sheikah warrior when it came to close range combat, without any weapons, or to simply shroud the world in a dark veil to dispose of whoever may cause harm to the kingdom or the hero. another thing they would not say. instead they turn to link once he finally vocalised what caused his face to suffer such terrible furrowing, and they clasp his shoulder with a sure hand. " because i am older, and i am more experienced, and because you have other tasks to do. not everything can be safe, but one can gamble how ready they are to step out of their own front door, " they do tell him, a round-about way to signal they are aware of his desire to be useful but more aware of caution to not let him be thrown into a potential blunder all because they couldn't keep watchful eyes. that would never happen.

a thin smile, barely there but kind, is etched onto their face. " do you think i'd let you just charge at anything because you think you can? i'd never invite the chance for you to get hurt into my vicinity just to amuse your idleness. " then they pull the black haori from where it is secured over the back of a low chair and put it over their armour, making sure to appear as inconspicuous as they could be. stopping by link's side again, their gaze softens. " next time. this is nothing you should deal with. it is an matter for the sheikah. "

DARKNESS  STRETCHING  ENDLESSLY  AROUND  HIM,  THAT  WAS  THE  ONLY  THING  HE  SAW;  THE  ONLY  THING  KEEPING  HIM  COMPANY.  Until  a  sliver  of  light  breaks  through,  telling  him  that  the  time  had  come  to  awake  again.  And  so  Link  does.  Consciousness  slowly  returns,  and  with  it,  a  dull  ache  that  creeps  into  his  head,  growing  stronger  with  each  passing  second  until  he  feels  it's  about  to  explode.  His  vision  is  also  blurry,  unfocused,  but  as  his  eyes  begin  to  adjust,  he  sees.  .  .pink  ?

He  tries  to  sit  up,  yet  his  body  refuses  to  cooperate,  forcing  the  hero  to  remain  lying  down  as  he  takes  a  careful  look  around  before  turning  his  attention  back  to  @gainscient  ❝  What  happened  ?  ❞  the  sharp  wave  of  pain  he  had  experienced  just  a  second  ago  when  he  tried  to  move  made  the  cause  of  it  hard  to  forget  —  he  had  been  fighting  monsters.  What  came  after.  .  .that  was  the  confusing  part.  So  much,  in  fact,  that  he  wasn't  sure  what  it  was  or  if  it  had  even  been  real  in  the  first  place.  And  to  make  things  even  stranger,  he  doesn't  remember  anyone  else  being  nearby  and  everything  looked  different  from  where  he  finds  himself  now  ❝  Where  am  I  ?  ❞

HE  RETURNS  THE  SMILE  AND  FOLLOWS  HER  LEAD,  TURNING  HIS  ATTENTION  TO  HIS  PORTION  OF  THE  FOOD.  The  aroma  alone  is  enough  to  drown  out  everything  else,  however,  it's  the  rich  flavor  what  ends  up  consuming  all  of  his  focus.  THAT  IS,  UNTIL  THE  QUESTION  COMES.  It's  a  natural  one,  he  knows  —  just  a  polite  way  to  spark  a  conversation  and  learn  more  about  him.  Yet,  he  can't  avoid  how  his  muscles  tense  beneath  his  skin  in  response  to  it.  Which  makes  him  have  a  slightly  more  serious  face  when  he  looks  back  at  her.

❝  Well,  ❞  he  begins,  cleverly  using  the  fact  that he  still  had  a  bite  left  of  the  fish  to  gain  some  time  to  consider  his  next  words.  He's  already  decided  she  seems  like  a  good  person,  someone  who  doesn't  deserve  deception  or  cold  detachment.  But,  how  much  of  it  would  be  safe  to  tell  ?  He  isn't  sure,  though  perhaps  there's  a  middle  ground.  One  that  allows  him  to  balance  both  honesty  and  discretion  in  this  situation  ❝  I'm  following  the  rumor  that  a  friend  I'm  looking  for  was  seen  nearby  ❞  a  half-told  truth.  That  way,  he  ensures  that  the  possibility  of  HER  being  there  wouldn't  reach  unwanted  ears  while  the  other  would  know  enough  to  understand  his  intentions.

❝  Oh,  and  my  name  is  Link  by  the  way  ❞  the  hero  adds,  his  voice  easing  back  into  its  more casual tone  as  he  realizes  he  hadn't  properly  introduced  himself  before.  With  everything  that  had  happened,  it  had  completely  slipped  his  mind.  Then,  he  discreetly  wipes  at  the  corner  of  his  mouth  with  the  back  of  his  hand,  just  in  case  any  remnants  of  their  meal  lingered  there.  Don't  want  to  look  stupid  now,  do  you  ?  he  thinks  quietly  before  asking  ❝  What  about  you  ?  ❞

THERE IS CERTAIN FIRMNESS TO THE SOFT REQUEST, : ONE SHE CAN RECOGNIZE ALL TOO WELL. perhaps that is why she does not even attempt to utter an argument, or perhaps it is because of the genuine hunger she feels within. ... SO, corners of her lips are tugged upwards ; the sun could very well reside even in that softest of smiles. gloved finger reaches for the skewer, for a moment ethereal eyes focus on it, but as she gently takes hold, her gaze lifts to meet with his own. ... ❝ if you are certain, ❞ AH, ONE MORE WAY OUT GIVEN! though the food is at her grasp, she does not take a bite. but, an answer soon comes ; one that is fair, perhaps given with the knowledge that such a factor would ease some concern. &. if that was the case, he was correct ; something that she confirms with a nod of her head. ❝ thank you. ❞ words of gratitude echo once more, &. then, the skewer is brought to her lips, &. she takes a bite. ( rest now, hero. )

SILENCE FILLS THE AIR, : IF ONE EXCLUDES THE SOFT SOUNDS THE HORSE BESIDE THE CAMP MAKES, ALONG WITH THE CRACKLING FLAMES. another skewer upon her grasp already, though she has eaten slowly. let that speak volumes on how long the silence had stretched. ... but glances has been stolen, once or twice ; not out of suspicion, more out of curiosity. she twirls the stick slowly around &. round between her fingers. ❝ so, ❞ she begins, boldly breaking the silence. ❝ what has brought you out here? ❞ FROM ONE ADVENTURER TO ANOTHER! always eager to hear the tales of others, as she is to share her own.

THE  ONLY  RESPONSE  SHE  GETS  FROM  HIM  IS  A  SOFT  SHAKE  OF  HIS  HEAD,  WHICH  CAN  ALSO  BE  SEEN  AS  A  WORDLESS  REFUSAL  TO  ACCEPT  HER  CONCERN.  He  doesn't  see  why  it  should  be  a  problem,  and  proof  of  that  is  how,  without  a  second  thought,  he  leans  forward  to  reach  for  one  of  the  skewers,  carefully  plucking  it  from  its  place  over  the  flames.  Now  that  it's  closer,  he  realizes  how  mouthwatering  it  looks  even  if  it's  far  from  the  finest  delicacy.  He  pauses  for  only  a  heartbeat,  then  turns  toward  her,  extending  the  skewer  before  his  stomach  has  the  chance  to  make  a  sound  ❝  Here,  ❞  he  says,  the  words  soft  but  firm,  not  leaving  room  for  any  argument.

❝  it's  fine,  really  ❞  his  tone  gentler  now,  reassuring.  If  he  had  offered  her  his  food  it  was  because  he  was  willing  to  share  —  SIMPLE  AS  THAT.  There  are  no  expectations  of  getting  anything  in  return,  no  hidden  motives,  just  the  wish  to  show  the  same  generosity  others  had  shown  him  when  he  had  found  himself  in  her  shoes.  Yet,  Link  can  sense  there's  something  more  to  her  concern,  a  hesitation  that  goes  beyond  the  food  itself  ❝  You'll  have  two  and  I'll  take  the  other  two  ❞  he  adds,  his  gaze  steady,  not  once  breaking.  By  dividing  it  equally,  he  hopes  to  ease  her  worries.  To  show  her  there's  no  reason  to  feel  guilty  for  accepting  or  as  though  she  is  taking  too  much.

WITH PERMISSION, : SHE TOO STEPS CLOSER TO THE WARMTH OF THE FLAMES, their flickering light reflecting from the black &. golden armor upon her figure. ( observant had the molten golds been ; yet weapon was not reached for. neither did she summon her own in return. ) ... ❝ thank you, ❞ gratitude voiced by angelic tune, woven with warmth &. accompanied by a nod of her head. so, THE WARRIOR OF LIGHT takes seat upon the ground, this moment of rest welcomed. ethereal warrior she may be, but she too could tire. she simply forges through it. her skin unscathed, armor wields no marks upon it ; but that is only a testament to her skills &. strength, not of a fact that trouble was not encountered. ( for you always seem to find it, do you not, hero? )

ANOTHER LOOK TAKEN AROUND, : THE SPOT HE HAD CHOSEN TO CAMP UPON SECURE. but his voice broke through the short - lived silence, &. it prompted glowing hues to focus upon him ... from there, to the flames. this is where sarastus paused herself, before gaze lifts once more, ❝ have you eaten anything yourself? ❞ comes a query, though spoken with a neutrality, concern is embedded into it.

HE  LISTENS  INTENTLY,  THE  WEIGHT  OF  THEIR  WORDS  SINKING  IN  AS  DEEPLY  AS  THE  EXHAUSTION  IN  HIS  BONES.  He  walks  quietly  behind  the  sheikah,  the  distant  sounds  of  the  battle  still  ringing  in  his  ears,  like  echoes  from  another  life.  Yet,  there  was  a  new  softness  in  his  eyes,  a  mixture  of  weariness  and  relief  that  he  does  not  think  he  has  felt  until  that  moment.  For  the  first  time  since  he  had  picked  it  up,  THE  SWORD  FELT  LIGHTER,  as  though  the  immense  burden  of  duty  it  carried  (  and  which  had  driven  him  forward  for  so  long  )  finally  began  to  ease.  He  could  feel  it  in  the  way  his  shoulders  began  to  relax,  in  how  his  breath  came  slightly  easier  and  his  mind  began  to  quiet.  He  had  served  his  purpose.  Every  battle  had  been fought,  every  trial  overcome.  The  realization  washed  over  him  like  a  warm  blanket,  comforting  and  profound:  he  had  done  enough.

He  sits  down  slowly  on  the  grass,  allowing  the  coolness  to  embrace  his  weary  limbs  if  only  for  a  second.  The  soothing  touch  offering  a  rare  moment  of  comfort  as, with  a  subtle  nod,  he  acknowledges  both  the  wisdom  and  the  carefulness  in  what they say  ❝  that  is  enough  for  me,  ❞  he  murmurs,  his  voice  low  but  full,  carrying  a  sense  of  completion.  He  does  not  need  many  words,  for  he  has  never  been  one  for  them  himself.  His  silence  spoke  volumes,  a  language  of  its  own  that  conveys  more  than  any  speech  ever  could.  And  when  it  would  not  suffice,  he let  his  actions  show  his  message  and  intentions,  as  proven  by  the  scars,  both  seen  and  unseen,  that  he  bears  ❝  knowing  everyone  will  be  fine  is  all  I  need  ❞  he  adds,  and  there  was  the  true  essence  of  his  journey.  HE  DID  NOT  FIGHT  FOR  THE  GLORY,  NOR  FOR  THE  PRAISE  OR  ADMIRATION  OF  OTHERS.  He  fought  simply  to  ensure  that  their  land  and  those  he  cared  for  would  have  a  chance  to  heal  and  grow.

Though  perhaps  that  was  why  his  mind  could  not  help  but  move  foward,  contemplating  the  next  step  he  had  to  take  in  this  new  chapter  of  his  life  ❝  but...what  now  ?  ❞  he  wonders  aloud,  the  question  lingering  in  the  air  as  he  leans  forward,  elbows  resting  on  his  knees  and  fingers  interlaced,  and  stares  at  them  ❝  what  will  be  needed  of  me  now  ?  ❞  The  princess'  role  was  as  clear  as  it  was  crucial.  She  would  be  the  beacon  of  hope  guiding  people  in  the  new  era  that  was  about  to  begin.  The  one  to  restore  their  faith  after  all  the  suffering  they  have  faced.  BUT  WHAT  OF  HIM  ?  He  longed  to  help,  to  stand  by  her  side  and  contribute  to  the rebuilding of Hyrule.  Yet,  WHAT  USE  DOES  A  WEAPON  HAVE  IN  A  TIME  OF  PEACE  ?  He  had  to  find  out  before  seeing  her  again. He  could  not  face  her  with  doubts,  if  only  to  avoid  making  her  carry  all  the  weight  of  their  future  alone.

the dust cloud settling is a momentary event. nothing sticks around in this land but the evergreen fact that everything returns some day, maybe later rather than sooner, but return it will. they have seen the rise and fall of this kingdom several times over, a land growing back from its own ashes, in the vice of ganon's darkness only until the hero and the princess would rise to defeat it once again. this is how the story has been made, even if they were the one to write it down they had no hand in crafting it, and there is nothing to it besides the rare sense of contentment that is meddling within their usually calm veins to remind them that a period of peace is about to descend once more. all for the hero and his valiant effort, this sword that never rests when darkness roars, and his undeniable sacrifice to go the entire distance even when he knows the least about the mechanism at play, even when he rises up with no prior awareness, when all he knows is what is happening at hand. his hand has led them, all of them, with only the princess being the one to lead him - a light on this bravery, on the rarity of his person.

hyrule never wants to take the easier route, it always needs a trial by blood. he looks the part - too young for his wounds and for this torch he is carrying but all the more vivid in his victory, tragedy of his years having been stolen only meeting a small remedy in this but there is now an entire life ahead of him that is not cast in the burning hatred that has infected this land from deep within the demon's king greed. " anything you have experienced is over now, yes, " they tell him to his exhausted face, their own well-hidden with half of it in cloth and mostly their gaze expressing their own keen awareness of what happened to him, of what he has done for all of them. they are the last to coddle him, always the first to push instead, but they are keeping away from it now as they can see how much the past hours have taken a toll on his especially.

they are never one to heap sugar-coated kindness onto anyone, least of all him, so they are quick to continue as they walk with him away from the battlefield he left behind ( the princess couldn't be far away ) and into a quieter part of the fields in front of the castle, where walls may have fallen and the grass has been razed not too many metres from here but there is a patch of surviving green that would give link the opportunity to sit or lie down, put his sword away if he wished or needed to, and to just listen if he'd really want to indulge them into philosophical visions about this land that means so much to them. he'd probably fall asleep hearing them talk, but he might see this as an advantage to engaging them. " i can't tell you how long it will last. you have done well, everything that was needed of you is what you did. know that it may take more than a lifetime before this darkness returns. "

THE  KNIGHT  MOVED  SILENTLY  THROUGH  THE  MOONLIT  ANCIENT  RUINS.  The  air  was  cool  and  crisp,  the  stillness  of  the  night  broken  only  by  the  distant  hoot  of  an  owl.  As  he  navigated  the  labyrinth  of  pathways,  he  eventually  noticed  a  large  open  courtyard  where  vines  twisted  around  old  pillars,  and  the  remnants  of  what  might  once  have  been  a  grand  fountain  lay  at  the  center,  now  dry  and  cracked.  They  had  told  him  that  he  may  be  able  to  find  clues  that  helped  him understand  what  had  happened  to  her  there.  But  where ?

He  began  examining  the  area  though suddenly  a  chill  ran  down  his  spine.  As  if  there  was  a  palpabable  energy  there,  an  undercurrent  of  magic  that  made  the  hairs  of  the  back  of  his  neck  stand  on  end.  He  had  company.  His  hand  instinctively  moved  to  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  drawing  it  out  of  its  sheath  and  readying  himself  for  anything  that  might  come  ❝  whoever  you  are  I  suggest  you  come  out  ❞  Link's  voice  broke  the  silence  that  had  reigned  up  to  that  instant.  And,  despite  his  calm  demeanor,  there  was  an  unmistakable  edge  to  his  words  —  a  subtle  warning.

@lenfaer liked for a small thing!

HE  REMAINED  SILENT  AS  HIS  BROWS  FURROWED  IN  THOUGHT,  doubt  filling  his  mind  as  he  contemplated  the  two  options  at  hand.  Though  perhaps  the  fact  that  he  walked  over  to  her  in  order  to  kneel  beside  her  was  answer enough of what he had decided.  An  hour  wouldn't  make  much  of  a  difference  if  she  did  discover  something  important,  and  he  would  always  be  at  her  side  to  make  sure  no  harm  ever  came  to  her  ❝  Can  I  help?  ❞  his  eyes  examined  the  stone  first  before  travelling  to  meet  hers  at  the  question.

“   oh  ...   ”      disappointment  stains  her  tone ,      a  longing  hand  lingering  upon  carved  stone ,      as  intricate  as  it  is  mysterious  .         it  seems  to  hum  beneath  her  palm  with  some  ancient  hymn ,      attempting  to  communicate  a  message  that  she  cannot  glean  .        she  can  almost  understand ,      like  a  word  caught  upon  the  tip  of  her  tongue  .      “   couldn't  we  stay  just  an  hour  longer  ?         i'm  sure  that  i'm  close  to  ...         something  .         if  i  just  had  a  little  more  time  ...   ”

THE  MORNING  SUN  ROSE  HIGH  OVER  THE  ARID  LANDSCAPE  OF  DORNE,  its  heat  already  palpable  even  in  the  early  hours  as  he  guided  Epona  towards  the  towering  walls  of  Sunspear.  Days  earlier  Link  had  thwarted  a  band  of  outlaws  he  heard  was  terrorizing  local  villages.  And,  even  if  to  him  it  didn't  seem  too  important,  the  fact  that  a  complete  stranger  had  decided  to  help  had  earned  him  the  gratitude  of  the  Dornish  —  and  even  an  invitation  from  Arianne  Martell  herself  to  visit  her  family's  ancestral  seat  in  recognition  of  his  bravery  and  skill.

When  he  finally  reached  his  destination,  he  was  greeted  by  a  pair  of  guards  who  he  followed  through  the  corridors.  Though,  his  attention  was  more  in  the  exotic  mosaic  of  colors,  sounds,  and  smells  the  Dornish  court  seemed  to  be,  than  in  the  small  conversation  they  tried  to  have  with  him  until  they  got  to  the  great  hall.  To  his  surprise,  there  weren't  many  people  there,  the  quiet  room  contrasting  with  the  bustling  corridors  outside.  In  all  honesty  it  offered  a  brief  and  welcomed  break, as  the  doors  behind  him  soon opened.  The  soft  noise  making  him  turn  ❝  Princess  Arianne,  ❞  the  knight  began,  bowing  his  head  slightly  ❝  it  is  an  honor  to  be  here.  ❞

@sunscess liked for a small thing!

THE  SKY  WAS  PAINTED  WITH  THE  DEEP  HUES  OF  TWILIGHT,  stars  beginning  to  peek  through  the  canopy  of  trees.  The  air  was  cool,  filled  with  the  scent  of  pine  and  earth,  and  the  tranquil  sounds  of  the  evening  forest  surrounded  them.  The  last  rays  of  sunlight  filtered  through  the  trees,  casting  long,  dappled  shadows.  Though  she  didn't  seem  to  mind,  for  she  was  still  absorbed  in  her  observations.  The  knight  stood  a  few  meters  behind,  watching  the  golden  glow  of  the  setting  sun  illuminate  her,  casting  a  halo  around  her  form  and  highlighting  her  focused  expression.

❝  We  should  head  back,  princess  ❞  Link  finally  spoke,  his  tone  a  soft  warning  as  his  eyes,  always  sharp  and  alert,  scanned  their  surroundings.  No  matter  how  peaceful  the  scene  may  seem,  he  couldn't  ignore  the  growing  worry  inside  him.  It  wouldn't  be  the  first  time,  nor  the  last,  that  someone  used  the  darkness  and  the  familiarity  of  a  path  to  attack  ❝  It  is  getting  late  ❞  He  continued,  adjusting  his  stance.  The  weight  of  his  sword  shifting  slightly  against  his  back  a  constant  reminder  of  his  duty  to  protect  above  anything  else.  Even  her  own  orders  or  wishes.

@hyruleir liked for a small thing!