Chapter Text
Zelda wiped the sweat from her brow, tying her hair back into a high ponytail. The heat was stifling, even with the fireproof elixirs that Link had bought at the stable. They were tromping up Death Mountain, on their way to see the leader of the Goron people and fellow Champion, Daruk.
Zelda wouldn’t admit it, but she was apprehensive, especially after what happened at Zora’s Domain. That’s not to say that she didn’t deserve it, because she did, but it ignited all the worst fears smoldering in the corners of her mind. Did the champions resent her? Did… did Link resent her?
She hoped not, but she couldn’t blame them. It was her fault that this all happened. If only she could have just done what she was born to do earlier…
She didn’t want to know. She didn’t want to do much of anything, really, until she could get her thoughts sorted. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to happen.
She sighed. No use dwelling on it now. All she could do was keep walking.
oO0Oo
Goron City was just as she remembered it. Gorons rolled along metal bridges, never paying mind to the slowly flowing magma just underneath. Children laughed, playing their games without a care in the world as shopkeepers shouted their wares to the passing Hylians and Gorons.
Zelda sighed. It reminded her of Castle Town. They carefully crossed the hot iron bridges, making their way toward Daruk’s house. He met them outside with a boisterous greeting, and Zelda’s eyes were immediately drawn to the chipped rock all along his left arm. She looked away. Unfortunately, Daruk saw this. “Tiny princess! It’s great to see you! We saw you and the little guy kick that pig seven ways to Tuesday! You two are alright, right?”
A small smile came to the princess’s face at Daruk’s usual cheerfulness. She was among friends. “Yes Daruk, I think we both are fine. Uh, pardon me for saying this but… what happened to your arm?”
Daruk’s smile never dropped as he quickly changed the subject. “Just a scratch from the blight, I’m fine. He didn’t stand a chance! What brings you two up here, anyway?”
Zelda tried to keep her smile plastered on her face. Someone else hurt because of her. Speaking of which, what was he talking about? A blight? She set that thought aside to mention later. “We actually came to talk to you about Goron City. Is there somewhere it would be best to talk?”
oO0Oo
Later, as Link and Zelda walked down from Daruk’s house and back to the inn, Zelda contemplated how resilient her people were. Daruk had informed her that not only were the monster camps on Death Mountain taken care of by the Gorons and some brave Hylians, they had also started to push off the volcano, taking back control and stopping any major damage.
The princess smiled to herself. Her father would be pleased. She’d have to pen a letter once they reached the inn. They had actually planned to leave immediately in order to make it to Rito Village by the next day, but Daruk had invited them to a Goron feast, and, well, Zelda wasn’t one to refuse him.
Once they reached the inn, Link walked to the desk to check in with the elderly goron sitting there. Zelda wandered to the stone surfaces and got out her stationary, wincing as she sat down on the hard surface. She needed to inform her father of the situation with the Zoras.
oO0Oo
Time passed quickly, and before Zelda knew it Link was offering his arm to her to escort her to the center of town, where Daruk, as well as several other gorons, were waiting. They crossed the short distance arm in arm, not talking much. The close contact was enough, especially after writing out the conversation with the King Dorephan for her father.
Link only let go of her arm when they reached the huge tables the gorons had set up. They approached the Goron chief, who greeted them boisterously for the second time that day, speaking loudly over the chatter of the crowd around them.
“Hello, Daruk! Thanks again for inviting us, we’ve had such a great time so far! It’s been much better than travelling!”
“Of course, tiny princess! I’d never pass up seeing you and the little guy again! Now, enough talking, let's get eating!”
Zelda could practically feel Link brightening at the thought. She laughed at his expression, taking a seat on the stone bench. She quickly sobered when she remembered what she needed to talk to Daruk about.
She contemplated how to go about it while they were served, but she brightened as she watched Link and Daruk scarf down the food (or in some cases, rocks) in front of them. Laughing merrily, Zelda let herself relax and enjoy the time with dear friends.
Unfortunately, as all good things do in Zelda’s experience, it had to come to an end. And with the Gorons stumbling home slowly, inebriated from the various ales they had enjoyed, Zelda knew the topic had to be discussed. She took a deep breath in, and began.
“Daruk, may I ask you something?”
Daruk looked up from the pint of ale he was drinking and grinned. “Of course, tiny princess! What’s got you so glum?”
Link looked over to her at this, brow slightly furrowed. She met his worried gaze for a moment, but looked away, pursing her lips. She looked back to Daruk, who was also starting to look a little worried at the exchange.
“I… I was just wondering about the blight you mentioned… What was it?”
Daruk’s face dropped, scowling momentarily into his cup. He quickly schooled his face though, looking back up at her with a neutral expression.
“It’s nothing to worry about, just something Ganon spawned in Rudania. Had to fight it off to get control of the Divine Beast back. Not much trouble.”
Zelda frowned at his clipped tone, glancing back at Link. He tilted his head from Daruk to his empty plate, then up to her. She shared a glance with him, and Zelda knew he was just as worried as her. She changed the subject.
“Well, it’s getting late. We better be getting back, especially if we want to get to Tabantha by tomorrow. Link, are you ready?”
Link nodded quickly to her and stood, and she turned to Daruk, who had done the same.
“Thanks for the visit, princess, little guy! It was good to see you again! You get back down the mountain safely, alright? I’ll see you again soon!”
A small smile came to the princess’s face at the renewed enthusiasm as she left the table, waving. She looped her arm around Link again, leaning on him slightly as they walked.
Zelda contemplated bringing up Daruk’s aversion to the topic of blights when they reached the inn. Link left her side again, though, to talk to the innkeeper about when to wake them up, and she walked slowly to the bed, pulling the curtain to change. The topic remained unapproached the short rest of the night.
oO0Oo
The next morning, Link and Zelda rose early, packing quickly and silently. As they walked out of the inn and down the sleepy mountain, the princess mourned the fact that they couldn’t stay longer. Unfortunately, they were on a tight schedule, and they needed to leave now if they wanted to reach Rito Village soon.
It didn’t stop her from missing the friendly and judgement free hospitality of Goron City, though.