The Hero and the Scholar Link/Shad Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"Good night, boys. Have a good evening," called out Telma from the counter. Link and Shad walked out of the bar toward the street. "Say Link, where are you staying? If you don't mind me asking." Link shook his head, "not at all. I'm staying at the Hyrule Inn." Shad raised his eyes in surprise. "Is that so? I have heard good reviews of that inn." Link smiled, "people have said so, yes."


They suddenly came to a corner and stopped. Shad looked at the inn which was a few yards away. "I guess there is your destination, old boy." Old boy? He has given me a nickname and we just met... strange... it doesn't bother me. "I guess so. Do you live here in Castle Town, Shad?" Shad nodded, "why yes, just a few steps to the west side. It's a small apartment with a nice side view of the palace. You should come over sometime to see it." Shad realized what he just said and blushed at the comment. Why did I say that? Link chuckled. "That would be nice. Well... good night." Shad waived, "good night, Link. I will see you soon." Link nodded once, turned around and made his way to the inn.

Shad stood there watching Link disappear into the inn. He closed his eyes and sighed. He decided to go to is little home too. As he was walking, he remembered a certain situation and conversation he had with Telma.

Five days ago

Shad was leaving his apartment that late afternoon to go to Telma's to have a meeting with the Resistance. The postman called out to Shad. "HEEEEEYY! Mr. Shad! I have a letter for you, it's from Telma!" He gave the letter to Shad. "My business is concluded, onward with mail!" he trotted away.

"Strange, what could have happened?" Shad opened the letter.

My dear Shad,
A life and death emergency has happened. Don't worry as I'm alright, but I need to take that sick Zora child to Kakariko Village with the girl that I told about. Don't be afraid since we are being escorted by this wonderful swordsman. I feel safe with him. I will be gone for two days, for that the bar will be closed. I'm sorry. Please tell this to the others.

Shad put the letter in one of his pouches and sighed. No bar today... off to the main plaza's restaurant then. He walked to the restaurant reflecting on that letter and his time alone for the next two days.

Three days ago

Shad opened the door to Telma's bar. "Shad! Boy am I glad to see you!" "I'll say that in return," Shad replied as him and Telma hugged. "Is everything alright?" Telma nodded, "Yes, everything is fine. I found out that the girl's name is Ilia." Shad frowned, "did she get her memory back?" "Oh no, not yet. The swordsman knows her. They're both from the Ordona province, along with the children that were kidnapped and saved by this particular swordsman."

She guided Shad to a table and sat across from him. "My dear, Shad. This boy... is amazing. I was carrying the Zora boy and Ilia in my carriage and Link, that's his name, he rode his horse and killed all the creatures that tried to attack us. Honey, he is a stunning warrior! I've never seen anything like him. Yet, he is a kind, gentle, courageous and handsome young man. You have got to meet him."

"Sounds to me that you're infatuated with this Link person."

"Honey! I'm too old for him! He's perfect for you!"

Shad was taken aback with Telma's comment and gasped. "P-pardon me! W- whatever in the blazes do you mean by that?!"

Telma smirked, "Shad, honey... you don't need to hide it from me. I know you fancy boys. Even your dearest father confirmed that you liked a lad around your street.

Shad gulped, "my father? I thought I was being discreet. I thought... I.... I just...." He couldn't finish his sentence and he put his hands in his face. "I cannot believe my father knew. He must have been ashamed of me," he lamented.

"I would have to disagree with you there, Shad. Your father was concerned that you would never find love. He just wanted you to be happy." She placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled at him kindly.

Shad looked up and fixed his spectacles. "Alright," he sniffed. "What do you mean he's handsome?"

Telma laughed. "Well... he's your height, I believe you're just a bit taller than him. Dirty blonde hair, it's short but it's all over his face. He's got the most stricking and beautiful shade of blue eyes that I've ever seen, they're fierce but they're also gentle. When he battled those beasts in Hyrule Field... you should have seen him, he was determied to keep us safe, so brave, so handsome. He's a hero, Shad. He saved these children from horrible mosnters. He's fearless... so fearless."

"Hmh, well I cannot wait to meet him... if that ever happens."

"Oh you will, I sent him a letter. He should be here in any moment. I told him that I have some powerful allies that I want him to meet: you, Ashei, Ausul and Rusl. He should be here in no time... hopefully. He's been busy."

Shad just stared at Telma with his mouth hanging open.

Present time

Shad closed the door of his apartment as he came in. He leaned against the door and closed his eyes. He saw Link smile at him. He did remember something that happened earlier that night after they had finished eating their meal.

A couple of hours ago

After Link and Shad finished eating, Telma came to take the plates away from them. She winked at Shad who blushed furiously. She had us sitting alone on purpose so that I could have an intimate meal with him... that Telma. "You boys want anything to drink?"

"Yes, I'll have some tea."

"Do you have milk, Telma?" Link asked.

"Yes, honey. I do, a glass ok for you?"

"Yes, please," Link smiled.

Shad couldn't help but look at Link. Milk... that is so... sweet. He's a fierce warrior and his drinking choice is milk. Beautiful.

Present time

Shad went to his window and saw Hyrule Castle and sighed. I invited him to come see the view. Will he? Why am I acting like this? He's busy like Telma said and he's only staying a couple of nights. He's busy! He's got things to do and I will only be a bother to him. He sighed and hung his head.

But Shad thought that it would be nice to see Link again. Hopefully Link will stop by Telma's bar the next day or bump into him on the street and maybe have another meal with him. Oh, control yourself, Shad! He made his way to his bedroom to get a goodnight sleep... it was an interesting day.