Zelink Week 2025

In which Injuries are healed.

Passage through the tunnels was slow going. Tarran had to help Link walk after a while, and he wasn't the only one injured. King Ganondorf enjoyed torturing his prisoners. He didn't even need a reason.

Zelda was relieved when they finally emerged into the morning air. They were in a forest, though not the same as Impa had taken her to before. Thrilled conversation brought Zelda's attention forward. What was that about?

"Ah, Zelda, there you are," Mother said as Zelda and Link approached. "And you must be the young hero, Link. Please, rise."

Link had knelt when they reached Zelda's parents. Now, he stood as well as he could with his injured leg and whatever else ailed him. Zelda laced her fingers in his.

Mother noticed their closeness, but didn't address it. Instead, she said, "You're hurt. Both of you, I see. There's a healing spring near the village. Follow me."

Without waiting for a reply, Mother walked off. Father gestured for Zelda and Link to go first. Zelda nodded and pulled Link after her Mother.

People all around them hugged each other and spoke animatedly. As they passed, the hushed words changed to awe at the royal family and the hero. Some even reached out to pat Link on the shoulder. Link's face was beet red from all the attention. Zelda held his hand the entire time.

A small group followed them as Father gathered the injured. They made their way down a narrow trail that widened into a proper path. They passed cabins that looked familiar, and Zelda finally realized where they were: a small village her parents brought her to during the winter.

The group walked around the south side of the village until they reached a spring. A hut off to the side allowed visitors to change their clothes before entering the water. The other edge of the spring went right up to the trees, while the back was sheltered by a cliff.

Zelda turned to Link. "Have you been to a healing spring before?"

He shook his head.

"The waters have healing properties, as the name implies," Zelda explained. "Some say it's because the springs are blessed by Hylia. Some say fairies have something to do with it. Either way, you'll be better in no time."

Link sat on the rocks, removed his shoes, and rolled up his pant legs. Zelda caught sight of the swelling on his left leg and winced. He'd been walking on that this whole time? She copied him, removing her shoes to step into the water.

As soon as Zelda's toes hit the water, relief washed over her, cold but in a comforting way. She looked down at her arm and watched in wonder as her skin knit together to heal the burn. Even the aches in her joints disappeared. Next to her, Link groaned.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.

His eyes were closed, and his face lifted to the sky. A small smile played at his lips. He nodded without opening his eyes.

"Well, if you're sure…" Zelda said and stepped out of the spring. Others were in the water, some splashing around fully clothed. She went to her mother, who stood by watching happily.

"Feel better, darling?" Mother asked.

"Yes, thank you," Zelda said.

"Do you remember when you were three?" Mother said. "You broke your arm while sledding. We had to rush you here to the spring."

"I don't remember," Zelda said.

"You were probably too young. Had me scared, though. Your father knew exactly what to do, didn't you, Rongall?"

Father smiled and said, "Someone had to keep a cool head."

"What is that young man doing?" Mother said abruptly. Zelda turned to see Link watching them awkwardly. Mother waved him forward and added, "You don't have to worry."

Link took two steps and was by Zelda's side again. His hand dangled nervously, and she took it in a firm grip.

"Mother, I have something to tell you," she said.

"You two are in love, aren't you?" Mother said for her. Zelda was surprised, but Mother went on. "It's written all over your face. You can't hide something that big from your mother. Now, you, young man. You had better not hurt my daughter."

Link gulped and bowed. When he didn't get back up, Zelda nudged him and said quietly, "That's enough." Link straightened but kept his eyes on the ground.

"Nervous, boy?" Father asked menacingly. Link nodded. "You should be."

"Father," Zelda scolded, "leave him alone. Come on, Link. I'll show you our winter cabin."

𝆘∴𝆗

Link's breathing relaxed as Zelda dragged him deeper into the village. Finally, they were getting away from people. What's more, they were getting away from Zelda's parents, the queen and king. They were scary. Maybe they didn't like him. He could ask Zelda, but that seemed too hard.

"My family has been coming here for years," Zelda said, bringing Link out of his thoughts. "We'd spend a week or more every winter. You'll love the cabin."

It took them a few minutes to reach their destination. They didn't have the key, so Zelda showed him the outside and told stories. The cozy cabin didn't look any different from those around it, nothing to indicate it belonged to the royal family. Probably a good thing. Once again, Link loved listening to Zelda, even though she rambled a little bit.

After a while, the queen and king leisurely walked up, hand in hand, and joined them. Mom and Dad were with them. Zelda grabbed Link's hand, keeping him from running to his parents. Impa hovered nearby, but she looked ready to defend instead of converse.

"At last, it's just us," the queen said. "Let's go inside and form a plan to stop Ganondorf."

That… was not what Link expected. The group went into the cabin and settled around a fireplace. There weren't enough seats, so Link stood next to Zelda, and Dad stood next to Mom. The queen and king sat in the center. Impa stayed outside, probably to guard.

"I'm sorry about the seating arrangements," the queen said.

"No need," Dad said. "Link and I are comfortable, right Link?"

Link nodded. He tried not to look as nervous as he felt. The queen smiled at him, but he kept his eyes downcast.

"It's a miracle you were able to find the hero in our time of need," the queen said to Zelda. "Will you tell me the story?"

Zelda explained how she saved Link and his parents, how they infiltrated the Temple of Time and obtained the Master Sword, and finally how they attacked King Ganondorf.

"You have been through a lot in a short time," the queen said. "I take it the Master Sword was lost when you were captured?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Zelda said.

"That will need to be retrieved," the queen said thoughtfully. "I think I have a plan to take down Ganondorf and end this war."