Time's Moving Faster Than I Can Count

Revelations

As he reached the stables where Epona was, he heard movement behind him. He looked back, seeing a cloaked figure that had followed him. The scent of lilies and amber followed the figure. Zelda, he knew. He turned back to the stables, and Epona whinnied in greeting. Paying the stablehands, he lead Epona from the stable and out into the open field. Zelda got closer, and one of the stablehands went to tell the hooded stranger that Epona wasn't the friendliest, but Link held up his hand. As Zelda approached, Epona whinnied softly again, and nudged her with her head. Keeping her voice low, she turned to face him.

"Where are you going?"
"Anywhere. Nowhere. Everywhere. I need somethin' to keep myself busy right now. I think I need some time to just deal with what I've had to say. Maybe hiding in the woods for a while might do me some good."

Zelda stopped him before he could climb atop Epona.

"Listen to me. You've just told a very difficult story, and you've shared something about yourself you never wanted to, but you did it for Time. He would be proud of you, you know. He always was. Get yourself home and rest, you've earned it. Anyone who tries anything when the news comes out properly with deal with me. I will make it clear I've always known."
"Is that a good idea?"
"I don't care, Link. You saved this kingdom, and if you were a threat, you wouldn't have done that. I'll tell Rusl you wish for some alone time, and I'll send for you when the book is finished. I think staying with me for a while once it's out might be good for you, it will certainly make it obvious I'm not worried about it."
"What about the thing you wanted to talk about?" He asked, remembering her statement when she entered the bar.
"I just wanted to talk about, to see how you were doing."
"I'm sorry it turned so depressin'." He sighed.
"Life is rarely perfect, Link. I'm glad I know what you had to say, regardless of how depressing it is. Time was a lovely man, as were all your fellow heroes. It's a shame we'll never see them again, but I'm glad we got a chance to meet them. Rest, Link. You know you can always write me a letter, or you can come to the castle early if you feel suffocated."
"I'll try to get better at writing letters." He smiled sheepishly. "But I might take ya up on your offer. I think stayin' home might be a bit suffocating for a while."
"Don't worry about it." She returned his smile. "The life of a Hero is not an easy one."

He bid her goodbye and headed back home. The journey was long, he refused to rush Epona. She moved at her own pace, getting back into the village by nightfall. He avoided everyone's eyes, and shook his head at everyone's questions. The duo got home, and once he climbed off Epona's back, she nudged him, trying to comfort him. He put his head against hers, and listened to her whinny at him. She pushed him to sit down, and he laid with her, both falling asleep within the hour. Epona was glad to sleep with her best friend that night, finally able to be the one to provide comfort.

That night, Link dreamt of Time and the others, of their journey, the good and bad. Memories of all the times they laughed, cried, almost died, all of them came flooding back. He swore he could hear the eldest hero playing his ocarina, as he often did, like he used to do back when they were all together. It was as if Time was sat there, next to their resting forms, playing quietly to himself as he did often during his watch. The gentle sounds of the Song of Healing danced through his mind, and he felt peace wash over him. His regret towards how things went were washed away, and he accepted things as they were. A few stray tears escaped his eyes in his sleep, a small smile on his face.

A week passed by before he realised that yes, the village was suffocating him. He couldn't bear to look at Rusl after the story, and neither of them would explain what happened. Link felt outcast, so without saying a word, he left for Hyrule Castle, taking most of his things with him. A few weeks after that, the book was finished. Together, Link and Zelda went through it. Link was happy enough with it, though he knew people would have questions. Unfortunately, he couldn't give answers he didn't have. They both know some people would think it was just a story, and others might see it as the truth it was.

"I hope Cub finds it one day. I hope people actually read it and see it for what it is, what he did. They need to know that we'd all have been doomed without him, and I'd have failed without his teachin'."
"I'll have Shad write another copy especially for the royal family official archives. I'd hope that helps people see it's legitimate."
"I hope he's at peace now." Link looked out of the window. "After all he's done, he deserves a peaceful rest."
"I believe he is. You did everything you could, and if I was him, I'd be at peace."
"I wanna see him again. When I'm gone, I wanna walk right into his arms. I want him to be the first person I see when I die, him and Malon. I love them both so damn much." He sighed.

Link rubbed his face as he allowed a few more tears to fall. He was so tired of crying, and yet he felt like he hadn't cried enough. Zelda held his hand and gently rubbed her thumb against the back of it. She couldn't pretend to understand how he felt, but she would help him regardless. He was hurting, and that much was something she could understand.

"Never go through the pain alone," Time had told them once. "It never goes well."

"Wanna take a ride to Lake Hylia? I promise I'll get ya back before anyone kicks up a fuss."
"I'd like that. I think we could both do with a little break."

He stood, held out his hand, helped her up, and took her out to Epona. The mare was excited to see them both, and even more excited when Link told her about going to Lake Hylia. The two rode to the lake, and he was certain he could hear tender encouragements on the wind. Even if they weren't really there, he was choosing to believe they were.

'When there are no words left to say,' He thought to himself. 'Will tears be enough?'