**Chapter 12: Bound by Ropes, Freed by Discipline**

Zelda watched Link with a mixture of amusement and concern as he continued to practice his unique brand of martial arts with the Cortana. She knew that his enthusiasm was admirable, but his technique was sorely lacking. As she dodged out of the way of his wild swings, she had an epiphany. Perhaps the solution lay not in trying to change Link's style, but in restricting his movements to focus on the precise actions required to wield the Cortana effectively. She led Link to the center of the cell, where a sturdy wooden post stood. With a few swift motions, she bound Link's wrists and ankles to the post using sturdy ropes. Link looked at her in confusion as she tightened the knots. "What are you doing, Zelda?" he asked, tugging on the ropes. "I'm going to help you master the Cortana," she replied, producing a shorter length of rope. "This will limit your movements, forcing you to focus on the specific actions required to use the Cortana." With the additional rope, Zelda secured Link's elbows and knees to the post, effectively immobilizing him. Link struggled against the restraints, but they held fast. Zelda stepped back, surveying her handiwork. Link was now fixed in a position that allowed him to hold the Cortana, but restricted his ability to swing it wildly. She nodded in satisfaction. "Now, let's try again," she said, holding Link's gaze. At first, Link seemed to accept his situation, his eyes locked on the Cortana as he practiced precise, controlled movements. But as the minutes ticked by, his expression changed. His eyes drooped, and his shoulders slumped. "Zelda," he said, his voice tinged with sadness, "I don't like this. I feel trapped." Zelda's heart went out to him. She had expected resistance, but not this. She reached out, gently stroking his hair. "I'm sorry, Link," she said softly. "I know it's not comfortable, but I promise you, this is the fastest way to master the Cortana. You need to focus on the movements, not your surroundings." Link looked up at her, his eyes welling up with tears. "I hate being tied up like this," he whispered, his voice cracking. "It reminds me of when I was a child, trapped in the Sacred Grove, waiting for the Master Sword to choose me." Zelda's grip on his hair tightened as she pulled him into a gentle hug. "I'm sorry, Link," she repeated. "I didn't mean to upset you. We'll get through this, together." As she held him, Link's tears subsided, replaced by a quiet resignation. He nodded, his eyes still downcast. "Let's do this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Zelda smiled, her heart swelling with compassion. Together, they would master the Cortana, no matter the cost.