The Legend of Zelda: Zelda's Honor

Chapter 75 - Campfire Stories

"Link, would you please place my mat over there by the larger rock?" Zelda requested, pointing in the general direction of the alcove just past the passage that led deeper into the cave.

"Of course Zelda." Link said with a smile. Grabbing the two bedrolls, he carried them over to the indicated section of the floor and with a flourish unfurled them next to each other. This was their third night on their journey. To think they would make it all the way to the fissure bordering the mountain that was the dragons' lair in three days time was quite remarkable. He honestly thought it would have been further away.

A scuffle at the entrance directed his attention. Cayla was obtrusively trying her best to make her way around the bulk of Xavier who was blocking the entrance to the cave. She shot an irritated look over at Link before exasperatingly asking, "Would you mind telling your pet to move?"

A low growl emitted from Xavier as she gave a death glare to the Sheikah. "I 'o where I 'ant!" She rebuked.

Link laughed which infuriated Cayla more, "Xavier is not my pet. She is..." He gave her a strange look, just what exactly was Xavier to him? He didn't quite know what type of relationship he had with the beast, friendship maybe?

Zelda stepped in to help with a smile, "Our adopted child." At this, Xavier lumbered over and gave Zelda a rather alarming hug complete with talons coming dangerously close to piercing her soft skinned arms. A slimy tongue lathered itself through her golden hair as Cayla scrunched her nose in disgust. Zelda had to admit, she didn't quite know why Xavier was so affectionate to her in this way. Xavier never bothered to show Link this type of fondness. "That's enough now Xavier." Zelda implored meekly, gently pushing the loving brute away.

"If any 'arm comes to my 'arents," Xavier paused for effect, "I will kill 'hem!" She finished with finality. Completely content with her point being made, the Cyn'Taak scampered over to the far side opposite the passage leading deeper into the mountain and slumped to the ground. She curled up in a crescent shape and watched the others with languid interest.

Slightly taken aback by the casual nature of the creature's statement, Cayla stated flatly, "I can assure you that my primary goal is to keep your...mother safe."

Darunia stepped up behind Zelda, pressing a firm hand on her shoulder. She looked over up at him, he smiled down with a huge grin. "Not even been with a man and already with a child? You are quite the scandalous one, aren't you Princess Zelda?" Cayla smoldered at the Goron king for his bold nature, he merely gave her a devious look. He glanced over at the relaxing Cyn'Taak with interest, "Although I've certainly never seen a beast quite like her. You probably would do well to pick a better father next time Zelda."

Both Darunia and Link laughed at this joke as Zelda cried out in shock at the indecent ribbing at her expense. She stormed off to her bedroll, slamming her pack down next to it and violently rummaging through it, for what she didn't know quite yet. Cayla strode over to her charge and knelt down to assist in any way she could. Zelda furious with her company at the moment, viciously shook off the comforting hand of her Sheikah guardian. Cayla looked hurt but stepped back and said nothing.

Shrugging his shoulders, Link turned to Darunia, "How is Saria?"

Darunia motioned him over as they walked past Xavier to the bundle of furs and covers lying on the floor. A pair of eyes peeked out from underneath the folds, "Is the fire made yet?" She squeaked.

Darunia laughed heartily, "Not yet little one, but it will be soon enough." Still chuckling softly to himself, he unbuckled the hammer strapped to his back and set the massive weapon up against the wall with a dull clunk.

Both men walked over to Nabooru in great humor. The Gerudo had been mostly quiet up to this point. She was sitting cross-legged next to the meager amount of tinder they were able to bring with them on the journey. She was busily setting a fire utilizing two sticks but having little success with the endeavor. Frustrated, she tossed the sticks away from her with a shout.