Work Text:
[Somewhere on Mount Lanayru / Within the Spring of Wisdom]
Zelda was practicing Enchantment before a Statue of Hylia, without any signs of success. As light glimmered in her hands, it instantly faded and she fell into the body of water, gurgling as she pulled herself up.
“Haaaah!” Zelda tried again, but her attempts felt weightless.
*Splash*
Zelda: “Haaaah!”
*Splash*
Zelda: “Haaaaah...”
*Splash...*
..........
Zelda: “Haaaah....”
Listening to her struggle, Link held his post and tightened his grip on his sword, knowing he could help, but understanding he must let her move on independently.
Zelda: “Haaaaah!”
*Splash!*
When she fell this time, her eyes grew teary as she cried: “Why can’t I do this?”
Next, she pulled herself up and spoke to the statue while enchanting: “Why... What am I doing wrong? Please, tell me why am I- Aiyah!”
*Splash!*
She fell into the water again, yet another failure.
The Princess grew desperate, her hand gripping a lot of sand and her frustration rising to new heights.
“I don’t get it...” She pulled herself up and tried again, “No matter how many times... No matter what I do... It never works....”
*Splash!*
She failed and fell again.
This time, Link abandoned his post and left the master sword unattended.
*Crink*
It fell on the ground.
Zelda: “Please... They are counting on me... I have to succeed, for Hyrule, For My Father, For-.”
*Thudd*
She suddenly felt a hug from behind completely negating her concentration, it was Link.
The Princess’ breathing grew steady as she put her hand on her Knight’s hand, feeling his presence gave her a sense of peace.
“Link? You...” She tried to voice her concerns, but she was too relaxed to break the moment.
Link: “Mhm....”
In that moment, Zelda pulled his arms off her, turned around while holding his hands, and spoke to him with a smile: “Thank you, Link... Knowing you always have my back, I feel more confident in myself.”
Link nodded, then shook his head.
“Afa-” Zelda Blushed, “I’m not overworking myself! I’ll be fine, you just... Don’t worry too much....”
In that moment, Link lowered his head with a sigh, then returned to his post, allowing Zelda to continue practicing her enchantment.
Zelda: “Right, I have more to protect than to lose. I have to give it my all... For Him!”
*Splash!*
She failed again, however, she immediately stood up and tried again, this time her mind freed from foggy thoughts and only thinking about the warmth given to her by Her Trusty Knight.
{The End}