A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Despair

The day after Link's condition had taken a turn for the worse, Zelda woke up feeling a mix of emotions. She had spent the entire night by Link's bedside, watching over him as he struggled with his symptoms. As she entered his room, she was greeted by the sight of Link's pale face, but there was a small glimmer of hope. He was still weak, but at least he was able to keep down a bowl of broth. However, she noticed that he was also experiencing intense abdominal pain, which made him grimace in discomfort. The healer had administered some medication to help manage the pain, and Link seemed to be responding well to it. As she approached his bedside, Link looked up at her with a faint smile. "I'm sorry, Zelda," he whispered, his voice weak. "I don't want to be a burden to you." Zelda's heart swelled with compassion as she took his hand in hers. "You are not a burden, Link," she said. "You're a hero, and I'll do everything in my power to help you recover." Despite Link's progress, Zelda couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been growing inside her. The rumors and speculation about Link's condition had been spreading like wildfire, and she knew that she had to act quickly to quell them. As she sat by Link's bedside, listening to his labored breathing, Zelda heard the sound of a guitar being played outside the window. She looked up to see the town crier, a man known for his love of music and his tendency to make songs out of every event in the kingdom. The town crier was standing in the courtyard, strumming a somber tune on his guitar. Zelda's heart sank as she heard the words to his song: "Oh, Link, the brave warrior true, Has left us, and will not return anew. His sword lies still, his shield does sleep, And our kingdom mourns, its hero deep." Zelda's eyes narrowed as she listened to the town crier's song. She felt a surge of anger and frustration, and she nearly lost her temper. How could this man be so insensitive? Didn't he know that Link was still fighting for his life? She rushed outside, her long skirts flowing behind her. "Stop that!" she commanded, her voice firm. "You have no right to sing such a song. Link is still alive, and I will not have you speculate about his demise." The town crier looked up at her, his eyes wide with surprise. "I-I was just trying to report the news, Your Highness," he stammered. "I didn't mean to cause offense." Zelda took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I want you to report the truth," she said. "Link is ill, but he is receiving the best care possible. We will not speculate about his condition until we have more information. Do I make myself clear?" The town crier nodded hastily, his fingers flying over the strings of his guitar as he quickly changed the tune. Zelda watched him for a moment, making sure that he understood her message. Then she turned and walked back into Link's room, determined to stay by his side and help him through this difficult time. As she sat down beside him, Link looked up at her with a weak smile. "Thank you, Zelda," he said. "I know you're doing everything you can to help me." Zelda smiled back, her eyes filled with tears. "I'll do everything in my power to help you, Link," she said. "I promise." She took his hand in hers, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. She would not let the town crier's song come true. She would do everything she could to ensure that Link recovered and returned to his duties as the kingdom's hero.