Link, having heard the startled sound that fled past my lips as I finally reacted to what had terrified me, reacted quickly - quicker than I ever thought possible, with reflexes so finely tuned and trained that in just one smooth motion, he had his slate in his right hand and his sword in his left.

Further, he was on his feet only feet from me, and was busy scanning the clearing already, his body perfectly still. With my hands clapped over my mouth, I could do nothing in my fright as Link, in one more impossibly smooth movement, had clipped his slate back to his belt then guided me to stand behind him.

For a long, silent moment, he was silent.

For a long, silent moment, I was silent.

For a long, silent moment, Epona watched us, munching peacefully on a mouthful of grass.

And for several tense, astonishingly awful moments, that was how we remained. Link's eyes scanned the clearing before and around us, not daring to turn his head - because, I surmise, if something were to track us, any movement would give our position away - though his eyes, stunningly blue and seeming to glow in the filtered sunlight of the clearing, had this intense focus.

"I think we're safe now," Link said, and all at once, all that intense focus was settled on me. "What did you see? Or did you hear something?"

Now that I was calm, I was able to recall what I had seen, and was still buzzing around. Even now, the culprit was just now flitting to a nearby tree, one thin and young. It landed against a branch, and the branch bent and leaned against its weight as it tucked its wings back into its shell.

It was a beetle.

Dear Hylia, it was a beetle.

Well, if my heartrate had begun to slow with the security that came with Link's attentive protectiveness, it elevated right away as my body flooded with embarrassment. My cheeks burned among other things, and I turned away, hoping he might not see how flustered I'd suddenly become.

Unfortunately, Link seemed to take that as a fear response, because suddenly he was in front of me, his gloved hands on my shoulders, admittedly making it hard to focus on anything but him.

Somehow, within that moment, all my embarrassment flooded away and was replaced with warmth; instead of my cheeks burning, my heart did, and instead of embarrassment flowing through my veins, warmth overflowed in my heart and spread all the way to my fingers, my feet, and everywhere between.

To be the sole center of that intense focus, to be all that he saw right now, to be all that he was concerning himself with... To see him so closely, his eyes alight with courageous fire and his gentle strength guiding me to stay here...

It was... Actually, it was kinda...

No. I needed to get those thoughts out of my head. Focus!

"(Y/n)," Link said gently, "are you alright?"

"Yes," I finally said, as surely as I could force my voice to be. "I am now, anyway. I was just spooked, that's all. It's nothing."

Link shook his head, his eyebrows furrowed and concern clearly eating away at him. "No, don't say that," he told me. "Don't say it's nothing when something clearly scared you."

Somehow, those words alone mitigated any last remaining trace of embarrassment left in my system and with it, chased all shame of the situation away as well. Something about the way he was looking at me, coupled with the gentle way he was keeping me grounded, and the concern with which he clearly regarded me.

I was all he was caring to focus on, and all he was focusing his care on.

And something about that had my heart skipping a beat or two or... maybe even three, actually.

"That's kind of you to say," I said softly, being mindful of our close proximity, "but it really was nothing."

"No," he said. "Not to me."

Well, that had my eyes widening, and some of that flush returning to my cheeks. Before I could say something stupid, I glanced pointedly towards the thin tree that the beetle had made its perch. Link, taking my silent cue, glanced that way. He looked back towards me, but immediately had to do a double-take.

"Is that a... a beetle?"

"Yeah," I said, looking that way too, laughing at myself. "See? Told you it was nothing."

"Technically not a threat," he mused, agreeing with me, "but again, if something scares you, then it really isn't nothing, (Y/n)."

I leveled an even look with him. "Do you get scared of beetles?"

"Well no, not usually, but-"

"But nothing," I said, laughing earnestly now. "It wasn't a monster, so I think I'll be alright. Honestly, I think I'm just still a little... on edge, I think."

"Oh? What do you mean?"

"I think I might just be expecting monsters to show up from out of nowhere," I admitted to him, and as though his own adrenaline wore off just at that moment, he stood up straight and removed his hands from my shoulders. Instead, he now set them on his hips, still looking at me with so much concern in his eyes that it almost made me feel guilty.

Was it because I was simply his charge, and because he had accepted to take me with him, that he felt like I was just something to be protected? Was it because I was a burden to him, that my safety and powerlessness were a physical weight on his shoulders? Or... did he genuinely care? Was his courageous, heroic heart forever bleeding for those who could not protect themselves, like me?

Despite our limited time together, did he truly care about my wellbeing, more than just how one with a good heart would always care for their brethren?

I didn't have that answer, and so for now, I put it out of my head. It wouldn't do me any good to get ahead of myself. He was handsome, yes, and strong - courageous and kind, too - and was nothing like anyone I'd ever met before, but that was all. It was simple interest, nothing more.

This was an anomalous person in my otherwise mundane life. That was all.

To that end, for now at least, I pushed the thoughts from my mind.

"So," I began before the silence could grow too awkward, "your slate, there. Anything else cool about it? Other than the incredibly detailed and advanced map?"

"No," he said, "not really."

Something about the way he said it made me think he was lying, but why he would lie was beyond me, but it was clear that he was a very... not secretive, but private sort of person. I didn't have him tagged as someone inherently distrustful or outwardly deceiving, and definitely not as a liar, but maybe I was wrong. Or maybe some things just didn't need to be said or shared.

But still, technology as advanced as this, far more advanced than even our most advanced technologies that the lab director would gift to us... why hide it? Unless it wasn't his, in truth.

Still, this was all far too much for me to speculate of all people, especially when it was none of my business. Besides, we were still, at our core, strangers. Travel partners sure, and maybe friends but more like acquaintances really, so I had no place to accuse him of anything or demand answers from him.

"The map is really all I use it for," he said, still with his voice forcibly even and tone evenly paced, indicative of a lie. "It's really useful!"

Well, at least that sounded honest.

"When you remember to look at it, that is," I said cheekily. At that, Link laughed openly, and all tension of the past few moments faded away. Honestly, it was good to see him smile again. "Now that you've had a snack and I was attacked by a beetle, are we good to head out again?"

"Eager, aren't you," Link noted happily. "Well, I'm not complaining! It'll be good to cover some more ground today, but we should be mindful of pushing Epona too much with both of us on her."

"I hope she knows I'm very grateful for her services," I said, earning me a responding whinny in reply from the mare before she lowered her head to continue grazing.

"Maybe that's what we can do," Link said after a contemplative moment. "We can get you a horse! Do you know how to ride one?"

"Er, kinda," I told him. "I was taught as a child, but the family horse was technically my parents and they took him when they left, so..."

"So you'll be rusty," he considered. "That's alright! I can't imagine we'll be doing anything much more than riding along the road and setting up camp until Kakariko, so I think you'll be alright with just the basics. The Dueling Peaks stable was going to be our first stop anyway, so it works out perfectly!"

"It does," I said, excited by the prospect of having my own charge yet somewhat disappointed by the fact he wanted to speed it along.

But... it was selfish of me to think, wasn't it? We couldn't push Epona like this, not for much longer. What with all the saddlebags, the gear, and the addition of another body than normal...

"The stable," I continued. "How far a ride? Has Epona rested enough?"

"She's strong," Link said, looking fondly at her. "We should get there by nightfall, if we're lucky."

"Good, then," I said, watching as he walked over to the branch and plucked the beetle from the branch, examining it for a moment. "Time to pack up, then?"

"Time to pack up," Link confirmed, looking back at me with a smile. "Let's hit the road!"

—

Towards the Dueling Peaks we rode. Downward we went, away from the Marblod Plain and along the Fir River. After crossing a bridge and rounding the Cliffs of Quince with the Robred Dropoff towering to our right side, the road evened out and we eventually neared Fort Hateno. The woods here were thick, a blanketed canopy far above our heads, but it did not take us long to pass through dappled sunlight to reach unfiltered, unblocked, gloriously beautiful sunlight - but now, we were faced with the shadowy buttresses and stark stone of the fort.

Hateno's saving grace a century ago, this fort had been where so many dedicated, courageous, strong folks had laid down their lives for those who could not fight. If I lived a century ago, if I was myself as I am now but lived during the war, would I have been one of those brave heroes, or would I have been one of the many souls left defenseless, left only to pray and hope that they would be alright, that calamity would not reach our home?

These woods, though now cleared of bodies, with new growth as nature reclaimed the area and the fort, reclaiming that which had been claimed for the good of the fort, for stockpiles of weapons and goods and rations, were still solemn. The trees here creaked in the wind with the dying wails of heartbroken soldiers, and the birds sang the soldiers' old drinking songs, and I could hear the death throes of monsters and Hylians alike in the whistling of the wind through the leaves.

Hateno's forces had been victorious here, but not without their many sacrifices.

Link, as though perhaps sensing my inner turmoil as I looked back over my shoulder at the fort as we passed through it, slowed Epona with a gentle tug to her reins.

"Strange," I murmured, wondering if he could hear me. "I never realized it was so close. I don't know why, but I always assumed it was farther away. But it was so close and... and I never visited."

"You didn't know," Link said, defending me from myself. "Hyrule can be dangerous. I don't blame you for never having left before. But... for what it's worth, I'm proud you found the courage to leave."

I smiled, despite myself. "Even if I had to borrow some of yours?"

He chuckled, meeting my eyes over his shoulder. "Even so. I think I've got plenty, anyway." Then, his smile losing some of its boyishness, he asked, "Is your whole family from Hateno?"

"My father is," I told him, looking at him instead of the fort. "My mother is from Kakariko. She was a handmaiden to Impa growing up, but when she married my dad, they moved to Hateno. My brother and I were born there."

"So, your dad's family...?"

It was clear what he was trying to ask.

"My fraternal great-grandparents lived and fought for Hateno. They gave their lives so their children and their children's children- and all of Hateno - would be safe."

"On our way back," Link began slowly, "we can leave something. Pay our respects." There was a certain strain to his voice, something he did not voice but wished to say...

"I'd like that," I told him. "A lot was lost in that battle."

"Yeah," he agreed, looking past me, at the fort. "You've got no idea."

—

We hadn't been riding for very much longer when along the road, we came up on - and made to pass - someone.

"Oh," Link said, slowing Epona from her trot, "I know him."

"Traveling merchant?" I mused, taking in his appearance. The pack was larger than the man was, and was shaped... like an insect?

"Beedle," Link called, and I wondered how it was possible that he knew what I was thinking to be able to correct me when the man turned, lifting one hand away from the strap about his shoulder to wave his way.

"Link," the man called happily. "My most favorite customer! How have you been?"

"Pretty well, considering," Link responded. "New wares lately?"

"Not since we last spoke," the man answered, when his eyes met mine. "Now who might this be?"

"My new traveling partner," Link answered. "This is (Y/n)."

"I know every traveler that walks the roads of Hyrule," he said. "Haven't seen you before, though. But worry not, new customer! I'm Beedle, and just for you, I've got some discounted items!"

His enthusiasm was infectious and I nodded, reaching for my coin purse from one of my pockets . But before I could, Link pressed something into my palm and guided my fingers to close around it. "Hm? Link, what's-"

"Shh," he said, hushing me gently. He gestured towards Beedle with a movement of his head, and I caught on. But what I only just now realized was... oh, Hylia. The thing in my hand was moving!

I let my fingers uncurl and there, sitting in my palm, was a beetle. The same beetle from before.

Great.

"Wait," Beedle said, unmitigated, rising excitement tucked away in his voice. "Is that a... that's a... it is, isn't it? Can I have it? Oh please, can I have it?"

"Huh? It's just a-"

"It is," Link cut in. "She caught it by herself. Right, (Y/n)?"

"I-uh, well, I had some help," I managed to stammer out. "Um... are you willing to trade for it?"

"Oh, yes," he exclaimed. "Very much so, yes! Whatever you want, it's yours! Just please, let me have the beetle!"

"It's yours, friend," I said cordially. Then, I looked at Link. "Any suggestions?"

"His elixirs are well-made," he told me.

"Perfect, then," I said. "This beetle for a burn elixir. Sound fair?"

"More than fair," Beedle responded. "Now, the exchange!"

I smiled as I handed the strange man his insect, and took the elixir when it was thrust towards me. Beedle examined the beetle earnestly and excitedly, and with such incredible happiness I found it hard to believe it was from such a simple creature.

Well, we all found happiness in our own ways, that was obvious. So for now, I was content in the new friend I'd made and as I stashed the elixirs away, Link smiled boyishly at me, and I figured I made a good choice.

And when we started to ride off once more, I readjusted my hold around Link's waist as we trotted ever closer to our destination. "He'll be your friend forever now," Link told me when we were out of earshot. "Forget about any future transgressions, because he'll always remember this and this alone."

"Oh, good," I replied playfully. "Each friend I make is better than the last."

Recognizing my joke, he peeked back at me, closed his eyes, and stuck his tongue out at me. I could only laugh and watch the landscape rush by, happy with the company I was keeping. Just like before though, it wasn't long before we were distracted once more - this time by something far more dangerous than a traveling merchant with an affinity for bugs.

I only noticed something was off when Link seemed to tense. And because I was holding him in my arms, it was hard not to notice something like that. "Link," I said, "are you alright?"

"Just fine," he answered. "But hush, for just a minute."

It seemed that his entire demeanor shifted, and it was less like I was talking to the bubbly sort of boy I'd met a few days ago and more like the stoic warrior that had saved me.

And that spelled trouble.

I had half a mind to ask him what was happening, but willed myself to stay quiet. It wouldn't do me well to be a distraction. I couldn't very well be what endangered Link and Epona. Link cursed under his breath, kicking into Epona's sides to urge her to break into a brisk canter, then a gallop. Several paces she ran, with Link leaning forward over her neck and myself holding to him for dear life, my cheek pressed to his back and my eyes squeezed shut.

"Come on, girl," Link muttered under his breath. "We can make it..."

Then, another curse passed through his lips, and he tugged back on Epona's reins harshly. With an indignant, piercing neigh, Epona dug her hooves into the dirt, forcing herself into a complete stop. She reared back, and as I grasped almost futilely for Link's back when the sudden rear made me lose my grip, he grabbed my arm, keeping me steady and firmly behind him as Epona planted all four of her feet into the dirt once more.

"You alright?"

"Yeah," I said quickly, peeking around him at what had him so worked up. And there they were - three Bokoblins, all on horseback, two with spears and one with a flaming club, and I was just about to ask him how in Hylia's name he cared about how I was doing right now when he was so clearly faced with that when he spoke.

"Stay on Epona," he said. "She's a good horse, she'll take you to safety."

"What? But what about-"

"Don't worry about me," he said, already shifting in the saddle, turning and sliding off his mare's back and to the dirt below. In one fluid moment, he was standing tall, a sword in his left hand, its silvery blade catching the light of the sun and nearly blinding me.

"Link, you can't-"

"I can, and I'll be fine," he assured me, approaching them.

But how was I supposed to believe that when I was on Epona, and those monsters were on horseback? He'd be overwhelmed for sure! Below me, Epona pawed the dirt impatiently. After taking another step towards the monsters, Link glanced back towards me. His eyes had been narrowed with concentration, but softened upon seeing me.

I started to get off Epona, but he shook his head. "Not this time, (Y/n). I can handle them."

"You can't be serious," I protested. "At-At least take Epona, I can run, I-"

"Just go," he said. "I'll find you, I promise."

"But..."

"Promises mean something to me," he told me. "I won't break this one. Just go. (Y/n), please."

I decided not to argue further. I decided to obey, to listen, to save myself... though my every instinct was telling me not to. It was a tricky thing, going against what my heart wanted, but I did it.

I had no other choice, here.

I pushed forward, settling myself in the saddle. I took Epona's reins in hand as I slipped my feet as best I could into the stirrups, and after meeting his eyes once more, turned Epona away. "We won't be far," I assured him quickly.

"Just focus on getting to safety, no matter the distance," he instructed. "I'll find you - I promise."

And with that... I kicked into Epona's sides, and we were off, leaving the road and crashing through underbrush and between trees in our attempt to do just as Link had asked us to do.