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~Link~
Link is all too familiar with silence.
When he was young, around 8, he had been traveling with his father towards Hyrule castle when he strayed away. Something deep down had drawn him towards the Lost Woods. He wanted to go there. No, he felt like he had to go there. Like a mom calling for her lost child. When he got there, instead of his mom, he found the Master Sword.
When Link had wrapped his small hands around the old sword’s hilt, it felt too right for an eight year old. When he pulled it out of the ground with relative ease, it shouldn’t have felt so perfect in his small hands.
Then the memories rushed through his head. The hardships and long-fought battles of the heroes before him. He was in awe of their strength and bravery. He didn’t quite understand it at the time, but his life would soon reflect theirs. He also remembered the few words that whispered in his mind: “You will do great things for this world.”
The voice sounded familiar. Like he should know it, and it was on the tip of his tongue and just out of reach. Yet Link doesn’t think younger him would’ve ever guessed it was the goddess Hylia. Or the fact that he wouldn’t hear from her again for years.
Link had stumbled out of those woods, sword shining brightly in his hand, to find his dad searching for him just outside of the fog.
Had Link been born in any other family, maybe one from Lurelin Village, they might not have known the importance of the sword. They might’ve taken it away, told him to put it back, or just let it rest in the attic allowing dust to collect on its hilt.
But instead his father was a part of the Royal Guard.
Link will never forget the look of surprise rather than overwhelming sadness that filled his father’s eyes. Not relief, for finding his son. Empathy, because his father knew what was to come.
There had been whispers for years of the person who would save Hyrule, or “Hyrule’s Hero”. Whispers that the hero would arrive carrying the Master Sword in hand, the sword that was tucked away in the deepest parts of the fog-ridden woods. Ever since the first rumors, the King of Hyrule announced a search for the Hero. He didn’t send anyone out and no one went looking, but it was expected that the moment the hero was found, they’d be brought to Hyrule Castle.
So when his father saw the Master Sword in Link’s hands, his fate was sealed.
Link was immediately rushed to Hyrule Castle and brought before the King. His eyes were cold as he ordered that Link be put into the knight training program. Eight years before what was legally allowed for Hyrulians. But Link was a special case. He was Hyrule’s Hero.
Even though Link’s dad was one of the Hyrule Royal Guard's Captains, and more than qualified enough to train Link, he was assigned a different Captain to train him. At one point, Link knew the Captain’s name, but it was soon forgotten as Link was only allowed to call him Master.
His Master taught him a lot of what he knows. He taught him the basics, like how to properly hold a sword, which was first taught using a simple wooden sword. Then they moved on to more advanced techniques, which was when he was allowed to train with the Master Sword.
Link was forced to train day and night, before all his fellow knights awoke in the morning and long after the sun set at night. When Link’s training first started, he was permitted to visit home about once a week. His father would take him home on horseback and he’d get to spend some time with his family. It was such a nice relief and break from the non-stop work.
But then those trips dwindled as his master wanted him to focus more on training. The once a week trips became once a month, then once every other month, before he stopped visiting home almost entirely.
He was too busy training.
He was still allowed to go home during the major Hylian holidays, but with his mother commenting on his slowly changing demeanor and his father usually keeping silent (whether out of guilt or sorrow, Link didn’t know), Link wasn’t super interested in visiting home anyway. Eventually he voluntarily stayed at the castle during holidays. At least while training he was helping his country.
Link was given constant lectures about what his responsibilities would look like when he grew up and what it meant to be Hyrule’s Hero. The weight of his kingdom was placed on his shoulders.
With his Master’s constant glaring eyes, sneers of fellow knights, glowing eyes of village children, and cold stare of the King, Link slowly lost his voice.
It wasn’t immediate, not like obtaining the Master Sword. One doesn’t lose something they’d been using their whole life overnight. But by the age of eleven, Link no longer spoke. The pressure to fail, to be anything but the perfect hero got to him. If he didn’t talk, or show emotion, then people could look up to him and see Hyrule’s Hero, not some incapable kid.
It didn’t matter if he actually was a kid or not. Hyrule needed a hero, not a child. So it was Link’s job to become what Hyrule needed.
His master made an off-hand comment about it. It wasn’t super memorable, nor was anything that man said to him other than what he needed to know to succeed as a warrior. He just remembers the punishment that he received for it. He didn’t really care though, because it wasn’t even the worst punishment he’d endured before.
Training continued to be grueling. After Link would some-what get used to it, his Master would push him harder. Adding on to his lack of sleep, sometimes we would skip mealtimes whether that be on his own accord or punishment for failing a training exercise.
Link would even stay up for days on end without a blink of sleep so he could master a technique. If he wasn’t the best person in all of Hyrule at fighting, then he might as well be a failure. By fourteen, Link had joined the ranks of the Royal Guard. Four years earlier than normal. But Link wasn’t normal.
Even after his Master no longer taught him anymore, Link still trained far longer than all his colleagues. The last thing he wanted to do was get rusty, and he was beginning to get to a point where he was creating his own techniques. He fought with the Master Sword like it was an extension of him. There was no distinguishable spot where his arm ended and the sword began.
Link rose through the ranks of the Royal Guard quickly.
By fifteen he was a Captain. Almost fifteen years younger than any captain appointed before him. Though the title was more honorary, since he wasn’t given a troupe to lead.
Why?
It wasn’t his lack of skill. There was no knight in the Guard that could beat Link in a fair fight. Many may have been larger than Link (due to both his age and size, he came from a short family), but Link utilized the agility he had over.
No, the real reason was because Link didn’t speak.
Why would he? What if he gave people an order that would cost them their life? Link was easily willing to give his life to save the Kingdom, he’d been told from an early age that he’d probably have to. But he couldn’t force these hard-fought knights to give their lives. And besides, who wanted to be ordered around by someone so much younger than him?
Link still had authority, though. He was often assigned missions that allowed a couple knights to accompany him. When he very rarely needed to communicate something that couldn’t be conveyed through simple hand gestures, he could write it down. Even though his handwriting was poor and difficult to read, (why learn to write when he could be learning how to swing a sword, right?) he got the messages across when needed.
But most of the time when Link wasn’t training and refining his skills, he was doing solo missions. It’s where he did his best work. No eyes watching his every move. No harsh whispers. No having to worry about the lives of others. Although these missions would often be difficult, they were usually his favorite.
Though Link’s vocal cords lacked use, his ears were great. It helped him hear oncoming danger. He could also overhear his fellow knights’ sneers and harsh words about Link. They were mostly words of jealousy, about his skills and rank at such a young age (they didn’t understand). But when he did catch someone whispering about how they believed Link didn’t have what it took to be Hyrule’s Hero, the words festered. Mostly because he himself believed it to be true.
Those nights he wouldn’t sleep. So he’d go to the training grounds instead. Because whatever he couldn’t match with skill or experience, he’d match with determination and courage. Because it was his duty .
When anyone would express concern, Link would brush it off with a nod or shake of the head. Whenever one of the night servants would whisper about his numerous night trips to the training grounds, he kept walking.
Then his father died.
“Did you hear Link’s father died?”
“Oh come on, be respectful. He was more than just ‘Link’s father.’ He was an impressive, brave, and loyal captain!”
“Can you believe that the Hero’s father passed away in battle? You’d think he’d be stronger with a son like that.”
“Do you think that means the Hero’s weak? Since he’s his son?”
“Shush! The Hero’s walking this way.”
Not one person saw Link cry. Because he never did. Somewhere deep inside him sorrow sat something like a long lost feeling. But the kingdom couldn’t watch their Hero grieve. He had to remain strong. Link told himself that he didn’t cry because he hadn’t seen his father in years. That was why. Not because he was losing himself to the title of “Hero.”
Link didn’t let his emotions get in the way of his job. His purpose.
Then, by the age of sixteen Link, was appointed Princess Zelda’s personal guard.
Link had seen the Princess before. It was difficult not to have. She often wandered the castle and Link patrolled it often. Every time he’d pass her in the halls he’d drop to a knee with his bowed head in respect until she passed. Never a word shared between them.
Link was known by the Silent Hero at this point anyway, so the only words that would have been spoken would have been by the Princess.
But Link was assigned her guard in order to protect her during her increasingly frequent travels throughout Hyrule. When Link was summoned to the throneroom, the King emphasized her need to focus on her devotion to the Goddess Hylia with a side eye to the Princess. (If Link allowed himself to recognize his feelings, he would’ve noticed the empathic stir in his gut at the pressure the King put on the Princess.)
So suddenly he found himself at the training grounds less and by the Princess’s side more. Following her around everywhere she went. His sleeping quarters were moved to a room closer to the Princess’s so that he could be there in an instant in case of an emergency.
Princess Zelda was a sunny person he found. When she was around anyone other than Link, that is. When it was just the two of them, he was met with a cold Princess who never wished to speak a word. Except words of disapproval.
“Must you follow me around for every waking minute?!” Princess Zelda shouted in Link’s face. He blinked.
They had been walking through the Castle Garden and Link was about ten paces behind her. To try and give her some space. But it wasn’t enough for her.
He didn’t know what to do in response. He couldn’t leave. Then he’d be going against the King’s direct orders which was anything but a good idea. The punishment could be… quite horrid.
So Link just stood there.
Which just seemed to frustrate her more.
“Just give me a moment of peace, please !” she begged before turning around and continuing on the stone path.
Link was trying. He hadn’t spoken for years. He couldn’t become more quiet. At least, he didn’t think so. So he just continued doing what he knew best. He followed the King’s orders. He followed her. Because a responsible knight followed orders.
She grumbled unhappily but thankfully didn’t shout again.
Another thing Link observed was that Princess Zelda quite enjoyed studying ancient technology with Impa. Whenever the King permitted her, she would be off researching the ancient machines that no longer worked.
Another observation was her adoration for Hyrule’s history. Her eyes always brightened when talking about Hyrule’s history. It was honestly quite fascinating. She was constantly curious and incredibly knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. Link wished the King would permit the Princess to study the technology more often. Then maybe she would be happier.
Link’s least favorite adventures with the Princess was when they visited the Goddess Hylia statues across Hyrule. They often involved the princess standing in “Spring of Blank” praying desperately until she was in tears.
Link hated watching her during those times.
So often he didn’t. He felt like he was invading a personal moment. Princess Zelda would beg and ask the Goddess Hylia why she couldn’t unlock her powers. Link would often wonder the same in silence. Why allow the Princess, who is so clearly devoted to Hyrule and the Goddess, to suffer? Why allow her father to continue to bombard her with cruel, false words of lack of faith? She was so clearly devoted to both the goddess and her kingdom.
Link hated that there was nothing he could do about other than stand guard. He was the Hero. He should be able to do something . He couldn’t help the shame and helplessness that filled him as he stood by, unable to help her.
“ Please , Goddess Hylia,” Princess Zelda prayed (pleaded), “I have given you all my faith. Devoted everything to you. Allow me to awaken my powers to do my duty and protect my kingdom.”
There was no answer. There never was.
It was silent as Princess Zelda stood in the cold Spring. Link had his back to her as he scanned the surroundings for enemies. Zelda often did many of her prayers in silence, allowing only the goddess to hear her words. But this time, it felt different. Wrong .
Link looked back to find Princess Zelda unconscious in the Spring of Courage. When Link was first assigned this task, he was ordered not to disturb her during her prayers. But the Princess was in danger, and surely that outweighed the other order? (Deep down, for once, in ages, he didn’t care what his orders were. He was going to help Zelda).
Link immediately left his post and darted over to Princess Zelda. He picked her up out of the cold water, checked her pulse and breathing, before rushing her over to their horses.
He laid Princess Zelda across her royal horse’s back and hopped on Epona. After ensuring that the Princess would not fall off in her unconscious state, he grabbed the royal horse’s reins and led them off to Kakariko Village.
Each hoof pounding on the ground reflected Link’s frantically beating heart.
Link had basic medical knowledge. Enough to cover simple battle wounds and prevent cuts from becoming infected. But there was no clear wound that Link could point out on Princess Zelda, so he was at a loss on how to treat her. Going to Kakariko was their best option because it was the closest village and would have someone with advanced medical knowledge there to treat the Princess.
Thankfully they made it to Kakariko without any encounters with any monsters or Yiga. Once they got there, the Sheikah were able to get Princess Zelda to a medic immediately.
Link stood post diligently outside of the room she was being treated in. It wasn’t long before an assistant opened the door and made eye contact with Link. She closed the door behind her.
“No need to worry, Hero Link. She passed out as a result of exhaustion and hypothermia. Due to your diligence, Princess Zelda was not harmed in any way,” she explained to him. Link let out an unnoticeable sigh of relief and nodded in acknowledgement.
The nurse smiled slightly and nodded in return before heading out.
They decided to spend the night in Kakariko Village to allow Zelda to rest up before the two of them headed back to Hyrule Castle the next day. The ride back was silent the whole way back. It was clear Zelda wanted to say something with the way she kept opening her mouth and closing it again. But Link still wasn’t sure how she felt about Link saving her. They still weren’t on great terms afterall.
Maybe she was upset with herself. Link could understand that, too.
Eventually they arrived at the castle. Immediately (and expectedly) they were summoned to the throne room to discuss the situation with her father.
The King’s reaction to the whole ordeal was rather… unexpected.
Princess Zelda elegantly entered the room for someone who’d been dealing with hypothermia 24 hours ago and made her way to her father’s side. Link walked to the center of the room and knelt with his head down, not before quickly noticing the King’s frown of disapproval.
“Link,” The King addressed him.
Link looked up because the King’s tone made it clear that he should.
“You left your post yesterday in order to bring Princess Zelda to Kakariko Village. This behavior is unacceptable and unbecoming of a Hylian Knight,” The King announced.
Link slightly widened his eyes in shock at the King’s tone. He sounded angry . He barely even noticed that the Princess looked rather taken aback by this, her head snapping to look at her father.
“Father, I-”
“Silence,” The King ordered. Princess Zelda stopped talking, but didn’t wipe the shock off her face. “I learned that the situation Zelda was in was not deadly. She was in the middle of her work and you interrupted it. What if a vision had been bestowed upon the Princess? You did not account for this, no?”
The King’s oh-so-familiarly cold eyes bore into Link. Link shook his head and looked back at the ground in apology. He hadn’t accounted for it, no. (But the Princess was in danger- )
“For the next three days, Zelda must remain in Hyrule Castle as a result of the occurrence. During her time in the castle, you must not leave her side . For any reason . To eat or rest is irrelevant. While she’s in her personal quarters you can remain outside on guard. If I see you break this order, then severe punishment awaits you. Understood?” The King ordered without wavering.
No eating or sleeping for three days? ‘Manageable,’ Link concluded.
Link nodded in understanding.
Princess Zelda didn’t seem content though.
“Father this is completely unreasonable, I passed out and-”
“ Zelda! ” The King snapped, “I do not wish to have you speaking against my orders. You have enough to reflect on right now, there is no reason you should be concerning yourself with the matters of a disobedient knight.” The King addressed Link once more, “You may be released from your punishment by moon high on the third night.”
The punishment wasn’t too bizarre, in all honesty. Link had been punished similarly in the past. The only unfortunate part was that Link had already struggled to sleep the past few nights so 5 days straight without sleep would be a new record for him.
“Dismissed.”
The next few days went on like normal, if you ignored Link’s lack of sleep. He found that he was on edge more than he usually was and flinched at sounds that were too loud (though they were minimal.) Link also often caught himself dissociateing and would straighten and scold himself when he caught it.
Thankfully no one caught on and reported his lack of diligence to the King.
However, he did observe Princess Zelda acting odd. He managed to catch empathetic glances she sent his way every once and awhile. All they did was succeed in confusing him. He previously believed that Zelda hated him. Why was she showing so much sympathy for him now? Why did she even attempt to defend him earlier in the first place?
Link didn’t know if the headache he had was from thinking too much or lack of nutrition and sleep in him.
He was even further confused when she attempted to offer him food when no one was around. Why would she go behind her father’s back? He declined the food with the shake of his head, not wanting to risk the King finding out. He’d already gone against orders once, he didn’t want to imagine what would occur if he was caught doing so again.
And besides, he was meant to be the Hero. A role model for Hyrule’s knights and its citizens. Disobeying the King’s orders did not fall under the “responsible and loyal” umbrella.
Link barely caught the sadness that lingered in her eyes when he declined the food.
One thing Link knew though, while he was standing at his final post half-asleep was—
He didn’t regret rescuing Zelda from the Spring of Courage. (Perhaps that was just a result of the sleep deprivation though, because a knight should never go against orders).