The Next Morning

I wasn't even going to upload this... but I figured there'd be people who'd want to know what Beiron looks like (a chibi doesn't really count...). So here ya go. A tender moment between Kanoru and Beiron. And more of my spontaneous drivel.

Texture used: [link]


The Next Morning

Warm yellow light wormed its way into the room, slipping between the slots in the shutters and casting its offensive gaze onto the bed where Kanoru was sitting. She hadn't slept, the events of the previous night reeling through her head. Beiron had fallen asleep long ago, after she'd assured him and then sworn that she was okay. Her eyes lingered on his face, and she let her fingertips brush over the tip of his ears before sliding off the mattress to pick up her still-wet remnants of her uniform.

She paused at the mirror and let her eyes wash over her reflection. Her fingers brushed the ends of her cropped hair, still somewhat uneven as Beiron had tried to make it even for her by the lamplight. The memory of her hair lying on the floor along with several of her guildmates flashed before her eyes. She shook her head and bent down to pick up her shoes and put the sodden things next to the porcelain water dish.

As she laid her pants over the back of a chair, her eyes caught a glimpse of the rooftops opposite the alley. Her heart seized with homesickness for the desert, and she pushed open the shutter to see more clearly, hoping beyond hope that she'd dreamed it all up; that she was still in the fortress or on another temporary leave. The cold, chilly air rushed in and made her shiver in the thin cotton tunic she'd borrowed. The harsh lines of the buildings and exposed beams seemed to taunt her, reminding her that her new life meant living in exile of the desert forever. The tears she didn't cry the night before spilled out and she collapsed on the ground. Or at least she would have. Beiron caught her from behind and cradled her in his arms.

"I knew you weren't okay," he whispered into her hair as she cried into his chest.

"S-sorry," was all she managed between sobs.

"Don't be." He rubbed her back contemplatively as he rested his chin atop her head. "I'd be the same way if I had to leave Hyrule forever. You don't need to explain." He lifted her chin and wiped away her tears. "But next time, if you're going to cry, at least wake me up. There is no need for you to suffer alone."

She tried to laugh, but it turned into a half hiccup, half sob. "Sure."

He smiled, then reached past her to close the shutters before kissing her gently. Kanoru tilted her head as she looked up at Beiron. She'd never noticed before how much taller he was than her, and she was a pretty tall Gerudo. She felt small, almost weak, which could have something to do with the fact that she'd been crying. Before she relished in the idea that they were both equal in skill and comparable in strength, but the feeling of being protected as she stood leaning into him was new in a good way. Not better, but different.

"I think I'm going to give up getting into the palace guard." Her thoughts were interrupted and she had to blink to bring her mind back and register what he'd said.

"You're wha- why?" she demanded, leaning back to look at his face.

He shrugged sheepishly and looked away toward the rafters of the small room. "The Royal Army has always been my dream since I was a boy. Until now. Or well... a few weeks ago when you sent me that letter." He sighed and pulled her closer, which she didn't resist. "We both know I've been... there's no way I'm going to be a guard unless the entire political power in the court is upset, and that's the last thing I want for this kingdom. I have a good job here in town working in the Shooting gallery. My boss's son has run away, claiming to be a fairy or some other nonsense, so it's really likely that I'll be able to take over in time." He shrugged and rubbed his nose against hers. "I still want to protect what I love, it's just that what I love most has changed."

Kanoru couldn't helped the blush creeping up her own face as she watched it flush Beiron's. "You're so corny," she muttered and leaned her head against his shoulder. "But I love you for that too."


Excuse me while I go brush my teeth to prevent cavities.

Kanoru and Beiron are belong to me.
Hyrule, Gerudo, etc etc etc are belong to Nintendo.