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As the Princess spoke to her knights, her voice brought inspiration. Much like the shimmering light she held in her hands. Her powers awakened, she would use it all to defend the kingdom she loved and cherished. Link stood at her side, hearing her speak confidently brought hope to everyone, including himself. His lips parted in awe, The Princess, her eyebrows furrowed, turned to Link. He flinched as her deep green eyes met his bright blue orbs. Her expression softened however as she'd seen the suddenly nervous look on Link's face. "What's the matter? Is there something going on?" she asked, her eyes glanced around, concerned. Link shook his head, he slowly reached out to grab Zelda's hand. She stared at his hand in hers, then up at Link with a curious glare. He guided her away from the crowd, and deeper into Fort Hateno, behind a few trees. Link let go of her hand and sat down beneath a tree, patting a space beside him. Zelda lifted her silk white dress a bit as took a seat. "Are you alright, Link?" She asked, truly concerned for her friend. Link looked to Zelda, his hands fidgeted. So much to say, he'd thought. "Princess Zelda," He'd began. His voice was timid, yet he urged himself to continue, "Thank you," He said. Zelda's lips quivered as they separated. Her green eyes filled with tears as a smile formed on her face. All she could do in response was simply nod. Her first time hearing the Hyrulean knight speak and the first words he uttered, is a thank you to the Princess. "However," Zelda finally spoke, placing both hands on Link's as she held them up. "I must thank you," She said. "Your courage has kept me alive throughout this blight. All your hard work has contributed to my power." She said, keep her smile. Link smiled as well, allowing a moment of serenity between the two. "Princess!" Impa called, the white-haired young lady walked through the small forest, cupping her hands over her mouth like a loudspeaker as she called for Zelda.
Zelda let go of Link's hands and stood up, waving to Impa with a warm and sunshine expression. Impa stopped calling, her eyes finally falling of Zelda and Link. Impa held her hands on her hips, a smirk appearing. "There you are!" She said with relief. "Princess, Link," She nodded at the two. "Any word from the Champions?" Zelda asked. "They are fine, your highness," Impa placed her hands on Zelda's shoulders. "Worry not, it's okay to take a break for now." Impa looked over to Link. "Besides, it seems you were already preoccupied.." She giggled. Zelda's cheeks turned a gentle pink as she glanced away, "Right.." She murmured. "I'll be close by if you need anything, Princess." Impa waved a subtle goodbye as she teleported away, leaving behind a few talismans. "Let us set up camp and serve lunch," Zelda said. "I'm sure you're very hungry, Link." Zelda turned to Link, playfully giggling as she placed her hands behind her back with an innocent smile. Link nodded, feeling a flutter of sorts in his chest.
The soldiers from far lands joined together at the camp, Impa and Zelda served dishes among the group. Zelda held two bowls, walking over to Link. She wore a small smile and she passed him one. "Here you go, enjoy." She chirped, she watched as Link sat up, taking the bowl with a small smile. She'd began to blush unknowingly. Link looked up at the Princess, noticing the red glow on her face, which made his face also turn a similar color. Zelda looked down, breaking eye contact. She looked away from her knight and to the crowd of soldiers behind her, "Everyone...please, enjoy this meal. You've worked so hard for it." Zelda spoke. The group began to eat, the people of Hyrule united, it brought a sense of hope to the Princess. Moments had passed, subtle conversations between soldiers of all races could be heard. Zelda sat beside Link, her knees hugged to her chest as she so desperately wanted to engage in conversation with him. "Link..." Zelda looked to Link. Link returned the look, but as the Princess went to speak again, she was approached by a hyrulean knight. "Princess! From the East! A horde of monsters!" The knight was out of breath, most likely from running. Zelda quickly stood up, her eyebrows furrowed as she clenched her firsts. Her hand emitted a soft light. "Link, Impa, join me." She sighed as the three set out to take care of the monsters.
After defeating an electric lynel and a fair amount of guardians, the trio had completed their mission. Zelda breathed a sigh of relief, she glanced over to Link. "Link, are you alright?" She asked. Link smiled and gave the girl a nod. "Thank goodness," The princess murmured before falling over. Link quickly went to her aid, catching her as she fell. "ah, I'm sorry.." Zelda reached up and cupped Link's cheek. "I'm just a little exhausted..." She said. "You have not to worry for me," She looked over to Impa. "You did great..both of you.." She smiled. Zelda rested against Link's chest as he lifted her. Zelda fell asleep in his arms, Link sighed, a smile forming on his lips. "You really care for her, huh?" Impa smiled, yet behind her smile....she seemed sad. "I suppose that's the way it goes in storybooks." She said. "The knight always ends up with the Princess." She said. Link looked at Impa with a confused expression, sure, his feelings for Zelda did lay in a romantic place, but what did this mean to Impa? "Good for you, Link," Impa said. "Now let's take the Princess back to the camp." She said, turning away from the pair. Link nodded, taking the Princess back to the camp in Fort Hateno.
Zelda's deep green eyes awakened to a place somewhat unfamiliar, she sat up, the bed beneath her was soft and cozy. She removed the blanket from over her, seeing Link sitting in front of a fireplace. The two appeared to be in a cabin. The cabin was newly built. as it smelled of the purest wood. "Link," She spoke to the knight, catching his attention. Link smiled warmly at her. "where are we?" She asked. Link paused, not knowing if he should speak. "Deep within the woods of Fort Hateno." He replied, turning back to the fire. "everyone else is resting, this cabin was built for you and me." He said. Zelda blushed, "What are those troublesome knights playing at..?" She asked herself. Fort Hateno was a safe house of sorts for the knights of Hyrule, should a war ever come around. This place was equipped with weaponry and materials. "The fire is dim, I should gather more wood," Link stood up, The princess looked at the fire, it was still far from dim. "Mind if I come with?" The blonde Princess asked, kicking dangling feet cutely as she tilted her head. Link pulled up his Hylian hood, "ah..sure," he whispered, Link seemed more timid and uneasy. Zelda hopped off the bed, grabbing Link's hand. "Lead the way!" She giggled, Link's fluttering heart dropped at the touch. As they stepped out the door, Zelda gasped. "Look! Fireflies!" Zelda cheered, letting go of Link's hand and dancing around the swarm of lime-lighted bugs. She even tried catching a few, her eyes filled with joy. After everything that had happened, The princess still found ways to smile. "Link! Come!" She motioned the boy over, Link jogged to her side. Zelda held in her hands, a firefly that seemed to slowly flicker as if it were dying. Zelda looked to Link with a saddened gaze. "Did I harm it?" She asked, Link, shook his head. "I'm sure it was already like this, perhaps it chose you to heal it..." He said. "but I do not possess such powers.." The princess whimpered. "I'm sorry my friend.." Zelda set the small bug on a flower, Link admired her empathetic heart dearly. She loved everything in Hyrule, big and small. Zelda held her hands together and silently prayed, Link watched as the Princess's hair shimmered with a bright light. The firefly's light also brightened as it took flight once again into the night sky.
Zelda looked up at it, her hair returning to normal as she let out a soft gasp of happiness. "Fly free my friend! May the goddess Hylia smile upon you, and the wind be forever at your back!" She waved. "Princess," Link whispered in a hushed tone, "Link," Zelda said abruptly, looking to the blonde boy with a slight scowl. "Why do you only speak to me sometimes? You've been able to speak this entire time, yet you've not said a single word to anyone except me? Why is this? What makes me so special?" She asked, Link, held his hands up defensively as a nervous smile crept upon his face. "Princess, I could go on with many reasons as to what makes you special--" "Quiet, you!" Zelda's face burned a deep red. "Why must you make my heartache like this? With...your kind blue eyes I feel as if I'm swept into a whole new reality.." Zelda looked up at Link. "I know not where your feelings for me lay...you make think ill of me and yet somewhere in my heart...I wish to...." Zelda held a hand on Link's chest, looking down. "..be yours.." She whispered, tears forming. Link's arms embraced Zelda, pulling her close. "I could never think ill of you..." He said. "I admire you..whole-heartedly. You are...so courageous and strong," he said. "Being your knight has been the greatest honor...and the most endearing blessing Hylia has given me.." Link said. Zelda returned the embrace, "I, too, longed to be yours.." Link whispered. "Our destinies...are intertwined..." Zelda said. "I will do everything in my power to protect you.." Link said. "We will see through...together." the two said in unison. Zelda was suddenly lifted into Link's arms, she stared lovingly into Link's dark blue eyes, cupping his cheek just as she did before. Link brushed against her touch, closing his eyes. Zelda lifted Link's face to hers, leaning down and planting her lips against his. A kiss filled with love and passion, the will to protect. As Zelda pulled away, she giggled. Link swung her around, holding her waist with a wide smile. His Princess, Her Knight, the saviors of Hyrule.