It had been a beautiful dream. Admittedly he doubted the correctness of his brain, but it had been a happy dream. Therefore he was even more sad that his instinct had woken him once more. He knew that he was being watched, by several persons in fact. Though they were quiet enough that one could have heard a needle falling. He continued pretending to be asleep because he tried to find out who besieged him. They were far too many. It could impossibly be. He suspected it. How could they know? Of course. More than the half of them were capable of telepathy. There was no way around. He had to face them all. So he opened his eyes. In the moment they noticed, he was awake at last.
“Happy Birthday!”, the whole crowd lilted at once.
“You’re mad.”, laughed Link and shook Tatl’s colourful scraps of paper off his head. “You are simply just mad.”
He didn’t believe his eyes. That had been the reason why Zelda was so eager to help Anidja in the kitchen. A big, green iced cake with colourful crumble topping and a cream-crown around the edge, in which stuck sixteen thin candles, throned on the hands of the two. All others held presents. Never had anyone thought of his birthday. He himself hadn’t given much on it either. But now that he saw them all like this, gathered around his bed beaming with joy, he fought tears.
“Hurry up, before they burn down.”, urged Zelda.
“Oh admit it. It’s just too heavy for you.”
“Sure.”, laughed Anidja.
“And I beg you all.”, grinned Kafei, wearing black makeup around the eyes again. “It’s his wish. It stays in his head, alright?”, a bored approval went around. “Fine. And now don’t tell me you’re perfectly happy. Oh yes – and don’t wish for things you’ll get as presents anyway. That would be utmost unfair to yourself.”
“Ha, ha.”
What kind of wish should he make? At the moment he could only think of one thing. It was the dream that still lingered in the back of his mind. Though it was absurd and he had absolutely no idea what he should think of it – when thinking it over, he somehow had nothing against this dream becoming reality.
“It drips.”, sang Zelda.
“Don’t hassle me. If you had this wish in your mind, you would weigh it too.”
“Hear ye, hear ye. What might this be?”, chuckled Esra.
In this moment Link made the decision to risk it. With all will thinking back on the dream, he took a breath and blew out all candles in one go. The cheer was intense and Zelda’s relief visible.
“So. We have got that now. Please do not push. There is enough Link for everyone.”, she said, but Tatl already stuck her present towards him.
Like all others, it was wrapped in coloured paper. Link freed the soft thing and found an obviously selfmade rag doll that was extremely similar to Tingle, as well as a set of needles. In a mixture of indignation and amusement, her name came from every direction.
“Thanks.”, laughed Link. “This is exactly what I feel about him.”
From her brother he received a very light parcel. It was so light that it floated eventually when he let go of it. When he removed the paper, a little red balloon with a string was revealed. On the string was bound quite unnecessary, as all of them already knew what it meant. a note with the line `Tingle-Extension´. Immediately he bound the doll to the balloon. The tiny Tingle stayed floating at about the half of the room’s height, dancing up and down.
Anju’s present was additionally in a small, rectangular, with red velvet lined metal box. It were just two, about three fingers broad stones. The one was slightly brownish, the other grey. The grey stone had a shabby side, the other was edged all over. It was a piece that had broken off the moon, the other a part from a brick of the Clock Tower – a strange but meaningful souvenir.
Dotour gave him a locket with the sign of the Sheikah, for guiding him always.
From Triri he got an old, heavy book. It was a collection of tales from Termina. Esra’s and Kafei’s presents were of rather banal nature too, but Link knew to appreciate them. The present form Esra was a small, extremely complicated wrapped golden card with a text:
No matter when, no matter why, Clock Town could never be crammed enough to have no bed for you.
This is a complimentary ticket for a thousand percent saved, comfortable accommodation and food.
Owner: Link, the Master of Time
Status: Not transferable
Valid until: the end of Time
Signed: Esra Malina Rosa-Maranóshu, alias Madame Aroma
Kafei’s present was the heaviest and biggest. When Link unwrapped it, it turned out to be a round bottle with a thin, crystal-corked neck. The content was milky white and shimmered slightly yellowish.
“I’ve found it extremely interesting that the topic came up again yesterday evening. First I had no idea what to give to you. But as more and more hints emerge in the course of the morning, I knew what I had to do. This is my secret. Use it sparingly. A small spoon full per wash is enough. It foams a lot. Washing all four days will do.”
“Thanks.”, beamed Link and hugged him like all others before, just a bit longer and tighter. “You saved my ego.”
“My pleasures.”
“You haven’t forgotten a thing of what happened back then either, right?”
“How could I ever forget this day?”
“Of course not. It was your wedding day.”
“Thanks to you. Breakfast?”
“Oh yes.”, sighed Zelda. “Slowly it really becomes heavy.”
~o~0~O~0~o~
Link couldn’t remember having been so gorged ever before. Also the last sort of cake he had been allowed to enjoy had been at Kafei’s and Anju’s wedding. He felt so fat and heavy. In the morning he would never eat so much again, that was clear. But as the cake was ancient history now, it wouldn’t happen again soon.
At first they had planned to keep the Town Hall closed for today. As Kafei and Anju had to hold a meeting of the committee because of an emergency and the rest had their stuff to do as well, Link and Zelda remained alone. The princess badly wanted to see the area outside the town. So they left, called for their horses and rode once around the town. Then Link lead her to the Romani Ranch. From the distance he saw a girl with flaming red hair who rode as well. Had they come again last night? He just didn’t want to know. Early enough he would be confronted with Romani. He made a turn and took Zelda to the Swamp.
“Do you mind getting wet?”
“There is no need for me to go inside the swamp.”
“You’re right. There wouldn’t be much to be seen anyway as all Dekus are in Clock Town now. To the sea?”
“All right.”
They were alone there too. Only a few seagulls were circling above the coast. Nevertheless the sight was wonderful due to the nice weather. The soft breeze, the roaring of the waves, Link thought back how it had been then. They rode a bit into the water. What splashed up, was still quite cold. That explained the loneliness of the beach. Also it was barely ten o’clock in the morning. He granted her a distant look at Zora Hall and rode on in direction of the mountains.
On their way up they came past a gigantic black patch with a hollow in the centre. It looked as if something had exploded there. As the pass to the temple was impassible for the horses to reach, they made a little detour to the Goron Village. As to be expected, it was like died out. But Zelda insisted on riding to the cliff in front of the shrine.
“You will only get there with the Lens of Truth.”
“You think so?”, she grinned.
“How – don’t tell me you can see the platforms?”
“I feel the presence of hidden things. If I closed my eyes and concentrated on them, I would be able to cross the abyss blindly and without having to float.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. Come now. I want to know what it looks like in Ikana.”
When they reached the rock face however, nobody sat on its edge. Even as coming closer, nobody appeared. The dead tree wasn’t there either.
“Excellent. The tree’s gone. Now we can’t even get up with my Hookshot. I don’t know whether you can climb as good as Kafei, but I won’t be able to get up there.”, Zelda just narrowed her eyes silently. “What’s it? Is there someone?”
“Yes. It looks like there are actually Sheikah in Ikana again. I feel a waft of familiarity pouring down from up there. We are being watched in addition.”
She had been right. Suddenly a figure stood at the cliff and looked down to them. Beneath his cloak he wore a dressing that was familiar to Link. It was the uniform of the Element-Warriors, one like Zelda used to wear. Under his hood black strands of hair flew in sight.
“It is rare that strangers dare to come into our Valley, even these days, where we can call it our Valley again.”
“We are no strangers. Both of us have spent a long time here, I myself entire seven years once.”
“This might have been in a time in which Death ruled here. But this is the time of the Living. So what do you want here?”
“Know, what the Living are doing.”, meant Link.
“Tz. This is our thing. You are not welcome, Hylians. Ikana is our Realm.”
“It is also my Realm. We have the same forefathers.”, Link didn’t understand a word, but he saw her eyes changing from blue to red. “I am Princess Zelda of Hyrule and this is Link, the Hero of Time. Without us, the Dead would still rule here.”
“Forgive me. I was blind. Though I felt Thy aura, I assumed a deception.”
Now something happened that Link had never seen in such a way, especially not here. Small stones began to loosen out of the rock face. Flying around each other, they gradually built a wound path upwards that stayed floating in front of the wall. Watching the Sheikah closely, Link saw that it was him who conjured their path. Now Link understood what Kafei and Dotour had meant.
“Thy further way is smoothed for Thou as well.”, said the man and was gone eventually.
Arriving above, they saw how the stones fitted themselves into the rock again as if nothing had happened. For the first time he stood there with Epona at his side. But someone else at his side did something completely unexpected. Slowly she stepped up to him and laid her right hand on his left cheek.
“I do not know, how surprising this might be for you now, but please forgive me. For too long I have been putting this off. We do not have much time left until lunch and I am afraid, I have to leave this behind me now.”
“What do you mean?”
“You have really no idea, have you?”
“N-not exactly – what – ”
The next thing he felt was her breath on his face. Then, without really wanting it, his eyes closed timidly, as their lips met. First he just put up with it, but after a while he joined in. Very slow her hands wandered to his neck and pulled him close to her. Also his arms went hesitantly around her upper body. Yes, it had been very unexpected. But now that it was, he couldn’t deny that it felt good, in some ways.
~o~0~O~0~o~
They really had needed to get a move on. Ikana had been extraordinary crowded. Also greener than assumed. But Zelda’s little act had cost them lot of time. When they returned to the spot, the guard stood there again and created the path for them anew. As fast as possible they gallopped wildly over the fences.
The halt in front of the east-entrance was quite abruptly. Epona almost shied. Frila, Zelda’s horse, gave no signs of a far too fast halt. As quick as they could, they rushed to the Inn – the square was teeming with Gorons and other people that obviously were busy with working on some colourful things. Around the mass, guards were placed. But momentarily Link and Zelda had no time for caring about them. Just in front of the dining room’s door they slowed down their steps in time to not crash into it.
“I already thought you got lost?”, laughed Kafei. “Where for all Spirits’ sake have you been?”
“Everywhere.”, panted Zelda.
“Not exactly but – we have – forgotten time – in Ikana.”, puffed Link and dropped next to him awkwardly. “Damn! This can’t be for real! Normally I don’t flag that fast.”, Zelda just laughed flatly on it and sat down on her chair.
“To your question, I showed her Termina. At least roughly. And what did you do? What kind of meeting was this?”
“A problem with the fireworks. The wagon had rolled over during the transport and one rocket took fire. They all blew up. Just all.”
“Oh – therefore the patch. And what now?”
“We summoned all in the country that are allowed to handle with explosive devices at least to some extent.”
“The crowd on the square?”
“Yes. I didn’t want another transporting accident to happen.”
The rest of lunch passed more or less fast and conversationless. When Zelda and Anidja cleared the table once more, Kafei spoke to Link.
“The morning had cost me a lot of nerves. What about a leisure birthday-walk?”
“I wouldn’t mind.”, sighed Link. “I anyway need to – you know what.”
“Oh yes.”
“You think she punches me down for coming too late?”, from the corner of his eye Link noticed how Zelda fixed him with interest.
“Too late?”
“She said, about midday. It’s almost two.”
“Oh well. No. She’s not like that. If you have a good excuse, she will forgive you. And when I’m with you, even more.”
“She likes you a lot, doesn’t she?”
“Yes. I’m virtually her adopted grandchild. I never really got to know my grandmothers, but Ydin was always there for me since we moved to Clock Town. Come on. Otherwise she might get angry at last.”
The two men left the dining room, Link not with a short look back at Zelda, who stared after him, questioning. He said goodbye with a smile which she returned quite uncertain.
Though they had chosen the northern passage, they had to realise that getting through didn’t go as smooth as usual. Exodus took place. Finally arriving at the tailor’s, they were welcomed by Ydin with a broad grin and asked to follow her to the room on the left. She carefully locked the door. This was the actual workshop. Link saw a strange machine standing on one table. It was obviously operated by several wheels and a foot pedal. At another table sat a bony, elderly man with mousegrey, tousled hair. He was sewing a broad, black leather belt.
“This, Link, is my husband Frano. He is expert in terms of leather.”
“Hello.”, greeted Link friendly.
“I hope, everything fits how I made it?”
He nodded to one of the many stands on the other side of the room. There were several cabinets and in a corner a lot of differently big boxes were piled up. Opposite to the door stood a tall, tiltable mirror. On the stands hung different kinds of clothing, among them, Link’s finished underskirt and his almost finished armour. Only the metal-parts were missing. When he saw this, his chin dropped a bit, just enough to feel a finger beneath it, pushing it up again. The owner of the finger smiled at him and giggled, as he moved his stunned look on him and back to his costume.
“Go for it!”, urged Ydin. “Try it on!”
“What – I?”, aspirated Link.
“Oh who else, boy!”, she groaned. “It think, you won’t have any problems with the underskirt. I’ll help you with the armour if necessary.”
As the tights and the undershirt were done too, Link had no chance getting around undressing to his underpants. The cap however, he kept on. Fascinated he took the lightblue underskirt off the stand. It looked exactly like his green clothing, just in the middle it was a bit tighter. The material fell soft, felt like this and seemed to shimmer slightly, depending on direction of the light he moved it in. Though of its elegance, the material seemed strong. He felt Kafei’s look and hung back the underskirt.
“What?”, he turned around to him. “Now we’re square, aren’t we?”, he laughed, when he saw how Kafei eyed him.
“Not really.”, smirked Kafei.
“Oh come on. Don’t get petty.”
“I didn’t know that you are so muscular. I mean, the waistcoat had made it visible a bit, but – of course. How else would you have been able to do all that.”
“Exactly. But I won’t deny that I have trained a little this time.”
“Ah?
“Shove it. Nobody needs to know.”, Link let himself be given the skintight undercloth by Ydin. “What’s your training?”
“Ask my daughter. She’s adopted it.”
“You don’t climb onto the Clock Tower still?”
“At minimum, once a week.”
“You’re mad.”
“Maybe. Yes.”
The undercloth fitted perfectly. The material was almost black, but actually had a darkblue shimmer. Link took the underskirt in his hands again, opened the flat buttons, slipped into it with his legs and – got stuck a bit. Kafei came to his help and held the cloth in the right way, so Link could get into the short sleeves which wrinkled. As there already anyway, he buttoned it up for him. It fit as he had hoped and felt comfortable. Kafei also helped him with the leather armour as the belts were to be closed at the back. Last he stuck the new cap directly from behind onto the old one. Its material looked like the one of the underskirt and was additionally a bit flexible. Also this part was absolutely to Link’s contentment. Even the gloves could’t be better. He went to the mirror and looked at himself stunned. Missing were just the metal elements, his sword and the facial painting – oh – and his boots of course. Hasty he put them on, just to get an impression. Suddenly Frano came towards him and gave him the belt, as well as an artistically embroidered sheath for a – huge sword.
“Didn’t you say, you’d be needing a sword?”
“I can’t remember having said the size, but yes, I’ve commissioned one.”
“Don’t be so surprised, darling.”, smiled Ydin. “This morning a message from Zubora came. He has given us the measurements. He meant, tomorrow at dawn you can come and get the rest. But don’t forget to bring us the pieces.”
“Thank you.”, Link was amazed.
Again with Kafei’s help, he got out of the costume. This time he was wiser and put on the trousers first and the boots afterwards. Then he paid the remaining amount. Beaming with pleasure they left the tailor’s, Link, hardly able to believe his luck. Outside he leaned with his back against the wall and stared off into space, until he felt a soft hand on his left shoulder.
“Everything alright?”, laughed Kafei.
“Yes.”, aspirated Link. “You’ve actually said the truth.”
“Did you ever think, I would lie to you?”
“No.”
“Fine. Then let’s take the walk.”
“One thing – does this shampoo need any special methods?”
“Why?”
“My hair’s really horrible already. I’d like to wash it today.”
“Oh. Come on. We can do that in our bathroom.”
Lori was slightly surprised seeing the Mayor not going to his office though it was almost three o’clock.
“Could I ask you a favour, Lori? Would you mind sending any people wanting to see me, to Anju instead and make notes for me? I’ll take off the rest of the day. The morning was horror.”
“Naturally.”, replied the young woman.
“Thank you.”, sighed Kafei and pulled Link upwards. “So.”, he said when he had locked the bathroom door. “You’d rather like to wash in the basin, the tub or the shower?”
“How can anyone possibly wash their hair in the bathtub without drowning?”
“That’s what I ask myself about Anju too.”
“In the basin.”
“Fine. Then give me the thing.”
Link took off the cap, pulled out the bottle and simply let the cap fall to the floor. Kafei asked him to go to the big water basin, where he put down the shampoo bottle. Then he reached into a cupboard and took out his brush. Without asking Link, he began to work on his hair. It was a bit pulling because his hair was a real mess. Kafei asked him to throw over his head and forced him with a soft move to stick his head into the basin. Just for safety, Link supported himself at the basin’s edge with his hands. Kafei laid the brush aside and slowly turned on warm as well as cold water.
“You need to say when the warmth is pleasant.”
“That’s fine so.”
“Good. Keep in mind exactly what I do. Next time you’ll do it yourself.”
“What are you up to?”
“Ha, ha.”
Link felt how Kafei carefully made his hair wet and also massaged his scalp. It was strange but felt wonderful. Then the water was turned off. From the side he saw how the crystal stopper was removed. Shortly the bottel got out of sight. He felt something cold on his scalp and saw how a hand put bits of the substance on the hair in the basin. The bottle was put down and corked again. Now Kafei spread the ointment evenly. It felt so good that Link couldn’t get around closing his eyes and enjoy. It was better like this too, as he didn’t knew how his eyes would react on the substance if something should run in. He analysed each of Kafei’s moves down to the last detail. Suddenly that one stopped.
“What’s the matter?”, aspirated Link.
“It needs to take effect for a while. A good minute.”
Also during this minute, Link kept his eyes closed, careful not to miss any of Kafei’s moves. A drop trickled over his neck and a smile slid onto his lips when Kafei wiped it away. The water was being turned on again. Link nodded at the right temperature. It fascinated him how thoroughly Kafei washed out the shampoo and detangled the hair. When done, he turned off the water once more and squeezed out Link’s hair carefully and as good as possible. Link felt how he was pulled out of the basin, still headlong. He already wanted to look up, but Kafei pushed him back down. A towel was laid over his head. Kafei pressed it strong but careful on Link’s head and rubbed the remaining hair fairly dry.
“You mustn’t do that too wild. Otherwise they’ll become rough. So. Now shake them as heavy as it goes.”, Link did as said and the rest of the water splashed around, nevertheless he felt hardly any difference after. “Oh no. I feared, this would come.”
“What? That my hair doesn’t let itself be dried as easy as yours?”
“Yes. But never mind. It’s no problem. Stay down and, most of all, stay still.”, Link put his hands on his limbs, waiting excited on what would come now and felt a warm current of air wandering around his head.
“What are you doing?”
“Drying your hair, idiot.”
“How? Not actually with your hands? Magically?”
“Exactly like this.”
“You can create hot air with your hands?”
“No. But fire and wind. So stand still, will you? I don’t want to burn you down.”
Link snorted. This man drove him more and more mad with every second. The few minutes were like and eternity for him. Kafei went around him several times to reach all parts. Every now and then he stopped for brushing.
“So. Finished. Get them in order yourself. And don’t you think you can put on this thing again. They need fresh air.”
Link raised, threw his hair into his neck and went to the mirror. They were not even messed but fell perfectly parted in the middle. They also were more voluminous as usual. Though he wondered for how long, but the sight cheered him up. He actually had beautiful hair. And thanks to Kafei’s help, it lived up for the first time.
“And?”
“Amazing.”, sighed Link. “But I can’t just leave my cap here.”
“You don’t need to. You think it’s the only object of its kind?”
“No. There are the purses.”
“And your locket.”
“What?”
“Yes. Father never gives jewellery without reason. And we Sheikah never produce jewellery without reason either. Take it out and open it. Besides, it’s much more of a help than your cap. At the moment you open it with a wish, you hold in your hand what you want to take out.”
And he had thought that he’d already seen a lot. But the last one and a half days had put everything in the shade. At the moment he just had no clue what would still be to come. Before they finally went on their town-walk, Kafei brought him to his and Anju’s room. There he took two thick bedsheets out of a crammed but sorted chest and gave them Link for keeping them.
“What am I supposed to do with them?”
“Just in case. Don’t ask. I’ll tell you soon enough.”
Slightly angry bristling, he followed his friend outside, more leisurely than ever before. Far, they shouldn’t get. They turned into North Clock Town. Just moments later a horde of Dekus stepped through the southern passageway. Among them, the since back then not much grown princess. Her father wasn’t with them, but a group of monkeys instead. The Deku-girl wore a pompous headdress. Link concluded from it that she was no longer princess. Though he had hardly any time to look at her closely.
The next thing he noticed, was a strong pull on his right arm, his involuntarily following legs and that he was pressed with his back against a wall, a hand on each collarbone. The side of Kafei’s face was directly in front of his nose. He followed Kafei’s viewing direction, out between slide and tree. The queen turned to the Great Fairy Fountain with her royal household. She hadn’t noticed the two men. One Deku after another descented into the flower at the path up and floated across the fence. Also like this, they vanished in the hole. The monkeys did it climbing. Kafei sighed and let his head, still turned aside, fall against Link’s forehead.
“She fancies me.”, he aspirated.
“If nothing has changed, she fancies me too. I think, it’s normal for her.”
Kafei turned his face to him, at which their noses’ tips touched. Both burst into a fit of giggles.
“Your nose is cold.”, whispered Link.
“It usually is.”
Kafei closed his eyes and refused Link the view at this paranormal red. To not make the situation unfair, he closed his eyes too. He felt Kafei’s breath on his lips and the other way round. Kafei shortly nudged a bit stronger against Link’s nose, not breaking the connection. Nevertheless both opened their eyes again, not quite sure what they did there. But right after, their eyelids should close again. Kafei started nuzzling Link’s nose. He submitted to all. He had never had anything against the idiosyncratic gestures of this man, not even when still having being a child. Even though now that he was just sixteen years old, he had, since he knew Kafei, never felt as comfortable with anyone else.
Something silkily soft touched his lips. Aware of what it was, he allowed Kafei to go on and sunk into the softest touch he had ever felt. Slowly his hands slid over Kafei’s back and he pulled him closer. Immediately he regretted it. Kafei stopped. His breath got heavier. Confused, Link opened his eyes and found Kafei desperately staring at him. Then the man took a step back. Another step. Abruptly he turned on the heels and ran out of their hiding place, southwards.
“Kafei!”, Link flatly called after him, but it was useless.
As fast as his momentary trance allowed him, he ran after him. When stopping behind the Clock Tower, Kafei was nowhere to be seen. Desperate he lowered his shoulders and made a few steps out from behind the tower. The square was bustling, but Kafei’s blue hair was not part of it. Intuitionally he looked upwards. And there. A pair of shoes vanished from his view. Was he serious? For a moment Link summoned his thoughts. Then he did something he hadn’t expected from himself.
He knew that it was not going to be easy. He was not really a master of climbing. To be honest, he was pants. However, his motivation was currently so big that he disregarded any possibility of crashing back down. He knew that he had the strength for it, just not for how long. He didn’t care. He looked for a starting point and found it at the side cogwheel. Shaky he climbed onto the Owl Statue and reached for it. Waiting for the wheel to turn in the right position was not in his mind. So he pulled himself up on it immediately and blazed himself a trail up.
The Clock Tower had more ledges and edges than Link had thought. Had he really never looked at it? Soon he passed the middle. Concentrated he climbed on, mentally keeping himself from caring about other things than his further way up. How did Kafei actually get up so fast? Simply training and inheritance? Stupefying. The worst part was still ahead Link: the round, turning stone which functioned like a flare and shone over the country. It was so high that it was for sure impossible for him to get on top of it.
The mirrored hole through which the light from the inside came, was not really big. Also was the base on which it throned not broad enough to stand on it safely. Exactly at this point he failed. With a jar he slipped off with the left hand and saw himself falling already. But he felt how somebody grabbed the just slipped off hand tightly and pulled him up at it. He also reached for it, as well as for Kafei’s other hand. Not until then, he really looked up to him. Parts of blue hair swung down at the sides of his head. Kafei’s expression was a mixture of fear and amusement.
“What’s this for?”, spat Link. “You wanna kill us both?”
“More likely us both than just you alone.”
“How for Biggoron’s sake do you hold yourself up there?”
“Let me pull you up, then take a look.”, grinned Kafei. “But help me a bit, please.”
A bit cumbersome but still, breathing heavily, they managed to come to sit on the ball safe and sound. Two daggers stuck in the stone. In the stone? How hard were these blades? How stable? How sharp? He really didn’t believe his eyes. Kafei must have hooked himself onto them with his feet. Same pulled them out effortless, pushed up his trouser legs a bit and stuck the weapons back into their sheaths.
“You are mad.”, Link just panted dumbfounded.
“Thanks. I stand by it.”, laughed Kafei. “You too.”
“Probably. Why did you run away?”
“I don’t know. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. This was not correct of me. I don’t know what has driven me.”
“I can tell you what has driven you.”
Link moved closer to Kafei than he already was, wiped the hair from his face and finished what the other had started. For the next minutes no words were needed. Kafei had never gotten dizzy up here, not although the ball was turning, because it turned very slow. But the fact that he had his eyes closed and just gloried in the most wonderful kiss of all times, made him doubt whether he could balance though the ball was slightly flat on top.
When his first unconsciousness had blown over, he just couldn’t resist playing inbetween with the tip of his tongue. Giggling, Link noticed what Kafei did and went for it as well. After a seesaw their tongues suddenly touched. Though it had been brief, both shuddered.
Slightly appalled they parted a bit and giggled at each other. Kafei pulled Link to him and embosomed him tenderly. Also Link on his part, laid his arms cautious around the other. Caught in this embrace, once more several minutes passed, until they startled by the ring of the bell.
It was five o’clock. The sun was already low above the sea. Only now, Link dared to move his look at something else than Kafei. The weather was still wonderful and from up here one could oversee a majority of Termina. With just a few moves, Kafei made it plain to Link that he should lean with the back against his chest. A bit clumsy he turned around, cuddled up to Kafei and waited for that one to entwine his arms around him. Then he pressed Kafei’s arms even closer. Together they watched Termina slowly pass by. From below came the sound of the town, uncountable footsteps, conversations, the topics out of reach. A soft breath of air blew through their hair.
“You were right.”, aspirated Link.
“With what?”
“She’s actually a girl.”
“Zelda?”, laughed Kafei
“Yes. This was the craziest birthday I’ve ever had. In fact it was the only real birthday. All others drowned in more important business. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”, he gave him a little kiss on the cheek. “What did you mean about Zelda?”
“You’re not the only one who has kissed me today.”, sighed Link.
“Are you serious?”, said Kafei after some moments.
“Yes.”
“She has kissed you?”, they looked each other straight in the eyes.
“In Ikana. She was in a real hurry to do it. Not in carrying out – erm – just, doing it – ”
“And why are you sitting here then? Do I kiss better or what?”
“Idiot.”, spat Link and leant his head back against Kafei’s. “To be honest, yes.”
“Matter of practice.”
“Believe what you want. But it’s not the real reason. Zelda – how shall I say – she’s something like a sister for me. A good friend. A companion. Well – you actually too. But – with her – how to say – it just didn’t feel right. There are a lot of things I realized during the last days. I’ve constantly been adored by girls. But – that – they never were more for me than acquaintances. When I’ve been in my current age the first time, Navi got on my nerves more than ever. Not only that she always told me what to do, she’d constantly asked me whether this or that one wasn’t cute. She didn’t get why I haven’t answered. None of them was cute for me. Rather disturbing with their drooling. I just never found them attractive. And annoyingly never thought about it. But there’s one thing I’ll never forgive Zelda.”
“Which is?”
“That she so wonderfully pretended to be a man and then dared to reveal this illusion. This Sheik was attractive somehow. But she? I don’t know. At least not for me. Epona understood me, I think. She acted like she did though. And then I stick in a forest, being a child again but with the experience of a young man. I thought I was going mad. There Zelda goes and sends me away though we both know what happens if I don’t stop Ganondorf. But everything went different. And there I stand now, with a bell-festooned glowworm in a completely different country, an unknown town, transformed into a Deku. Your hair hit my eyes already in the first moment. I actually didn’t care about you there, but when I was asked to go looking for you, I really had felt the piss taken out of me.
“How?”
“I mean, this watchman should’ve been able to recognise your hair. But who cares. When you took off your mask then – if I hadn’t known that you’re supposed to be male, I’d have thought you’re a girl. And I have to be honest, you’ve been the first girl I really liked. Without knowing why, I’ve helped you two again and again, also when it was unnecessary already, as I had everything I could – benefit from. Now I know that I just liked to look at you. I think, I already fell in love with you when I was still a child. Though I wasn’t aware of it back then. I thought, I finally had found the brother I’d always needed. And what do I do? I leave, because the world is more important to me than somebody I love. I should definitely sort out my priorities.”
“If I had been important to you back then, we would probably not live anymore. Better make this clear to you than telling yourself to have any feelings of guilt. I have a family and I love them. Except one person of course. But we’ve got that already. Yes, at first you have by shortest time become like just that brother neither I ever had. But when you stood in front of me yesterday, I’ve seen the most beautiful man of the universe. It was just a matter of hours until my heart would lead me into your arms.”
“Actually it’s me who’s currently in your arms.”
“That’s not funny. You know how I meant this. You have given my life then and today even more, a joy and security I was never granted. I know that when with you, I can be just as I am and also that I’m save with you. That I’d like to offer you the same, you figured quite fast anyway.”
“And I enjoyed it.”, emphasized Link grinning.
“I’ve noticed that.”
“But one thing is annoying though.”
“What is it?”
“That I can’t watch this amazing sunset constantly.”
“I think, I know what could be done.”
“Until we’re at the sea, it’s over.”
“I said, I know what could be done.”
“And what the heck is this supposed to be?”
“Haven’t I given you something.”
“What? What do you want with – Kafei?”
“Exactly. Get them out. Otherwise the sun’s gone.”
Link shook his head and opened the locket. Nevertheless he was slightly overstrained with the mass of drapery in his lap. Kafei helped him out. He asked him to stand up. The corners of the bed sheets were cut in with strengthened seams at the edges. He bound them like a cumbersome cloak to ankles and wrists. The same he did with the second sheet on himself. By Link’s hair he checked the direction of the wind. A slight ascent from the west. It would slow them a bit. However, they had to be careful not to fly too low.
“Do you trust me?”
“Totally and utterly.”
“Fine. Take my right hand and do exactly what I do. Later on I will let go of you. That makes the landing easier. I tell you everything now, you need to know. You’ll feel the rest. Well. The more you spread your arms and legs, the more you float. If you lessen the distances, you fall. The best slowdown method is a short dive. Like this you have a lot of headwind. At about twenty cubits from the ground, you stretch out everything and try to get into the vertical, means upper body back, butt ahead.”, explained Kafei. “But with the head up, right?”, he added giggling and raised a killing glance.
“And this really works?”
“I’m still alive, am I? Though I can’t guarantee that you won’t come a cropper – possibly flip over – you should just try to land quite in my nearby. Oh and – not in a wall.”
“Oh. Really?”
“Fine.”, he reached for Link’s hand. “We wait until we turned around. On three – ”, he waited until they were orientated to the southeast. “One, two, three – go!”
They fortunately managed to jump off at the same time. First they just sunk. Link did what Kafei had told him. More and more he panicked. They had already sunken halfway down the Clock Tower. But then headwind took effect and they suddenly lifted. Unhindered they floated across the roofs of the town. Link saw a guard shaking his head. The ascent at the town wall hit them and took them further up. Now Kafei let go. Link fell behind a little but tried to follow him. Now that he really flew, it was an amazing feeling. Another ascent lifted them.
Soon they were above the beach. A few seconds later they flew past the Marine Research Laboratory. How far? Kafei answered Link’s question by turning right. It looked so easy – it was, Link realized. They flew towards the Pirates’ Fortress. Then Kafei went into a dive, slowed down and landed ably beneath the palmtree on the biggest island.
Why couldn’t he choose a better landing place? The rock bank behind – the beach – but no, it certainly had to be here. There was no way around. Link emulated him and tried to slow down by gliding. He even managed to aim under the tree. Though not with the right speed. Also could Kafei not draw aside in time. So he mowed him down and both tumbled into the water.
Laughing and spitting water they went up to the surface again and tried to hold on to something without getting tangled in the sheets. Link found his halt at Kafei’s shoulders and Kafei; with the right hand on the rock and the left arm around the waist of his boyfriend; found his finite halt at that one’s lips. They continued at exactly the point at which they had stopped on the Clock Tower. Just a cool breath of air interrupted their sensual fusion.
Distracted they both just gazed at the setting sun. It already touched the horizon. Kafei let go of Link, climbed onto the island and helped Link up. There they laid themselves on their bellies and, holding hands, enjoyed the time until the sun was finally gone. With a last shimmer on the distant waves and a breeze it sank into the unknown. Kafei rolled onto his right side and smiled at Link, without loosening the hold. Link turned to him as well, doing just the same. For several minutes they laid like this, until they started shivering of the wetness. Kafei let go of Link’s hand and laid himself on the back, the left leg bent, its foot on the ground and his left hand put underneath his head. Thinking, he ran his fingers through his wet hair.
“And? What now?”, asked Link and put his head on his braced arm.
“I don’t know.”, whispered Kafei and closed his eyes. “You tell me.”
Kafei reached out his right arm beneath Link and fondled his back. Link on the other hand, moved closer to him, caressed his cheek gently and presented him with a soft kiss, which Kafei eventually returned. Eyes still closed he felt how Link’s hand wandered down and unbuttoned his waistcoat. Then Link pulled Kafei’s shirt out of the trouser waistband and let his hand glide upwards underneath it.
His breath got heavier and Link could conjure as little smile on Kafei’s lips when reaching the neck and running his forefinger across the cheek. He pulled back his hand as slowly and tender as possible. Then he unbuttoned the shirt too and, beginning at the lips, started kissing Kafei’s upper body down. He stopped at his navel and licked his way back up. When he came to Kafei’s Adam’s apple, that one for the first time opened his mouth for saying something instead of just moaning quietly.
“Are you sure that you’ve never done anything like this before?”, Link stopped and looked upon his face.
“Yes. I just thought, I could be a bit creative and do to you, what would probably get me mad.”
“Go on and you’ve got me latest in five minutes.“, Link turned his look onto a lower region on Kafei.
“I can see it.”, Link giggled.
~o~0~O~0~o~
He let go of Link, crawled neck and neck and covered him half with his own body, half with his still wet flying-sheet. Like this they laid silently cuddled to each other for a couple of minutes. Both didn’t have the foggiest notion how much time had passed since the sunset. But Link saw some stars sparkling through the leaves of the palm tree. Kafei’s warmth was incredible. As if he was producing more heat on purpose, so they wouldn’t freeze. Only a sound, coming from Link’s stomach, reminded them that they still had to go back to town for not attracting attention.
“You didn’t swallow, did you?“, asked Link, as they mutually got their clothes in order.
“I did.”, giggled Kafei. “First, I momentarily had no choice and second, I somehow wanted to know.”
“And?“, urged Link. “Tasted?”
“Actually.“, considered Kafei while they stood up. “Sweet with a hint of bitter aftertaste.”
“No. Honestly.”
“Yes.”
“Really?”
“Yes!”, repeated Kafei laughing, when he saw Link’s bewildered face. “Shall I dry us?”
“No. I hate it when the salt itches. We’ll take the shortest way back. After the small canyon there’s a cave in which lies a basin with clear water. If they haven’t died finally, there are some Bio Deku Babas in there. But they’re no enemies, as you hopefully know.”
“Fine.”, smiled Kafei, kissed Link, hustled him into the sea and cannonballed after.
“Hey!”, laughed Link.
“Who’s on the beach first.”
This race was definitely Kafei’s. Because they hadn’t removed the sheets, Link was immensely slow. Kafei’s genes however, weren’t easily impressed by the wet bed sheet. A bit exhausted, Link let himself fall into the white sand.
“Out of training?”
“No. But this was unfair.”
“I know. Sorry.”, grinned Kafei and helped him up, for freeing them from the sheets. “So. And now – who’s in the Field first!”
“What? Hey! Wait!”, unbelievable, thought Link.
But this round was his now, if only for about a few yards. At every opportunity he cut Kafei’s way. Across the fence, they more fell. As Link was the first to hit the ground on the other side; though not fit for competition; Kafei had to admit defeat. Link lead him to the rock on the hole.
“Is this it?”, asked Kafei.
“Yes. The stone needs to be removed.”
He already wanted to open the locket for getting out his cap and pulling a bomb, but Kafei was faster. He pressed his palms together in front of his chest, lowered his head, closed his eyes and there was a crack when the rock was blast off the hole with full force. Link saw how the sand between Kafei and the hole fell down and left a straight track. Kafei separated his hands and showed him that the way was cleared.
“D-d-did you – t-t-that now just– b-blow away?”, stammered Link.
“Yes. I mean, why wasting bombs if it goes like this too?”, grinned Kafei self-satisfied when Link shook his head.
There was no trace of the Bio Deku Babas. They must have starved and liquidated in the water over the years. The better, Link thought. One thing less to do. They both took a deep breath and jumped in, so they would be rinsed thoroughly. Link wanted to dive up already, when Kafei pulled him down on the ground and gave him a deep kiss. Aware of keeping their lips closed, they separated. Link was fascinated that Kafei could float at one level like a Zora, but he ran out of air. Kafei noticed this, kissed him again and gave him parts of his air in the mouth. He broke the connection once more, grinned broadly and pulled him up with one dive.
Link had hoped on finally stopping wondering about Kafei again and again, but he didn’t manage to. At the surface, they laid their arms around each other and nestled their faces together. Link slowly began to lick along Kafei’s right ear. When he kittenish took it entirely in his mouth to downright suck on it, he nearly choked as Kafei addressed him.
“Still hungry?”, a bit offended he let Kafei’s ear be.
“In many respects.”, aspirated Link in return and Kafei smiled.
“Then let’s go eating, before you bite off my ear. Not that I didn’t like it, but the others are waiting on us for sure.”
They climbed out of the basin, pulled out the sheets and let themselves be taken up by the beam. After they crossed the broad sandy area, they ran up the ramp, into town and straight through. Kafei opened the door and closed it right behind them. Kari was sitting at the reception, reading a book. When she noticed the two, she startled slightly. Though she just stared after them. Fortunately her book was so thrilling that she didn’t even dare to turn around when they went past behind her. In front of the door Kafei stopped, threw the two sheets into the corner and pulled Link into a last acutely passionate, silent kiss, for then opening the door giggling.
“Is this the vengeance for bringing him too late for lunch?”, asked Zelda when they came clattering into the dining room.
The two men just looked at each other and burst into roaring laughter. Yes, one could definitely see it as vengeance. Vengeance and revenge in one, with a heavy add. Kafei’s children had at that time; as the newly minted lovers should find out later; already finished eating half an hour ago and left the room. To their fortune, Zelda was discreet enough not to enter their minds. Dotour however choked, what thanks to the hysterical laughter of the two, no one noticed. All gazes, also those of the guests, were completely on them.
“What by all means did you do? It’s past eight already – my goodness! You are soaking wet!”, moaned Anju.
“That is because,”, Link tried to calm down, “Your crazy husband had – ”, he was slightly astonished that he used this word, “Made me climb on the Clock Tower, for floating to the Great Bay with bed sheets, where I made a crash landing into him.”
“Yes, this is my son.”, sighed Dotour restrained, turned back to the table and continued eating.
~o~0~O~0~o~
As Zelda went through with her madness to help in the kitchen, Link took the chance. He and Kafei vanished in the so-called junk room on the first floor. As a precaution, he locked. They had to eat standing, because Anju had forbidden them to sit down as wet as they were. Now they were facing the next problem. They didn’t know how long it would take Zelda. A few meditative seconds later the consideration was senseless, as they came to the conclusion that they just had no choice.
Hasty they undressed. Kafei let their wet clothes and the bed sheets float in the middle of the room. Now he started a, in Link’s opinion, acutely dangerous action. He created several strings of flames and directed them with high speed around the wet drapery. Link was torn between slight fear, amazement and admiration and – how to say, he didn’t only find the fire incredibly hot, but also the fact that this absolutely beautiful, stark naked man had created this force and controlled it with such an ease.
He wanted to cling his arms around him – not letting him go anymore – kiss him until they both drowned in insanity. But he was afraid of disturbing him. The lives of many depended on letting him finish his work. It didn’t take long. As soon as Kafei was done, the flames disappeared and with a few waves of his hands, the sheets as well as Link’s clothes folded flawlessly and landed on the latter’s bed. His own clothing he let glide down next to it, unfolded.
Then he went to Link for drying the hair of his lover. That for he borrowed Zelda’s brush. Afterwards he shook his own hair dry and gave Link a tender kiss. This lead to a caressing, mutal embrace and ended only when they noticed a rattling on the doorknob. Link couldn’t even see fast enough, had Kafei already forced him into his nightcloth, removed the other from the bed and grabbed his stuff.
“Link? Are you in there? If yes, please unlock.”, Kafei meant Link to climb into the bed and pretend to be asleep. “If not, I will strangle you anyway.”
Kafei turned invisible together with everything in his hands. At this moment Zelda picked the lock magically. Link didn’t dare to open his eyes. He just heard her sighing and going to her bed, where she got her nightdress. She was searching for something. She found it on Link’s bedside table. Kafei squeezed his eyes. He knew he had forgotten something. Zelda though, took up the brush, looked at Link and left the room smiling, closing the door quietly. Kafei waited until she had also closed the door to the bathroom and got visible again.
“That was close.”, he aspirated.
“You idiot.”, mumbled Link and gazed at him grimly. “You think about everything but forget the brush?”
“She thought, you used it. Maybe she is standing in front of the mirror, romanticising on how cute this is.”, after some seconds in silence, they both started to giggle.
“Indirectly I have used it though.”
“Yes. I’d better dress. It might not hit the spot when I suddenly stand in front of Anju. She doesn’t know that I can make myself invisible.”
“What? You have secrets from her?”, teased Link.
“Shut it.”
“No. Please stay like this. I find the thought that you run through East Clock Town invisible and in your birthday suite utmost – interesting.”
“Don’t hesitate to imagine. I won’t do it.”, murmured Kafei.
“It’s not the same when I just imagine it, you know?”
“Not my problem. I will dress.”, he did.
“Swine.”, mumbled Link.
“Hey!”, hissed Kafei back. “Who has got the dirty thoughts here?”
“I don’t want to know which you have. But mine are officially reopened for you. Even if it’s unfair towards me, but I don’t bother you reading my mind, as long as it is only you.”
“Alright.”, smiled Kafei, bent down to him and kissed him softly. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”, smiled Link back.
“Don’t oversleep. You need to be in the Mountain Village at sunrise.”
“You don’t forget anything, do you? Except brushes?”
“Git.”
“No worries. I have an internal clock that throws me out in time whenever I want.”
“Sure?”
“Yes.”
“Alright.”, he got invisible anew and snuck out of the room. “Goodnight, honeypout.”
“Pst!”, he got a slight fright. “Pst!”, with narrowed eyes he turned around to the secretive hissing, just to see a very familiar hand waving about out from the slightly ajar door to his office.
“What?”, he hissed back in his mother tongue.
“Sh!”
“What?”, he hissed more quiet and the hand asked him do come in. “Did I somehow miss something?”, he snarled, after his father had closed the door behind him.
“No.”
“Fine. Well?”
“Probably I have already, but I actually don’t want to spoil you this day.”, Kafei hesitated.
“How do you get to the idea that I’d think this?”
“I don’t know. But I hope for you that you know what you do.”, Kafei decided on just listening to him. “Yes – by now I should know that you’ve grown up long ago. And I really don’t want to not grant you your luck. Also I won’t tell you how you shall take this on. At least you know her better than I do, I think. But I believe in being allowed to claim, that not even you know how she will react on such news. I just advise you, break the news to her gently – if it is even possible in this case. And do it as soon as you can. The longer you put it off, the more difficult you will make the whole situation for you three.“, he laid his son a hand on the cheek. “Maybe you have the luck to have been born into a more tolerating generation. Nevertheless I beg you for caution. You only have one heart. It shouldn’t have to suffer because of love.”, Kafei nodded. “So. Now.” he patted him three short times, “To bed, with you. Tomorrow’s going to be a hard day.”
“Father. I’m not a child anymore.”, smirked Kafei. “If there’s not another accident, I’m just Mayor. I simply need to be there and hold my speech in time. And don’t you dare to even think of sucking it out of my head. It will get its true meaning only by tomorrow midnight.”, he gave him a little kiss on the cheek.
“Ah?”, asked Dotour teasingly, when Kafei shuffled backwards to the door.
“I warn you!”, grinned Kafei. “Keep out of my brain. And don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”
~o~0~O~0~o~
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