The Sacred Promise - Legend of Zelda Romance Fan Fiction

[GWOtaku]

Hey there. It's been awhile, hasn't it?

I started something. I might be crazy. I haven't gone within 30 yards of anything like this before. I'm going to start cross posting this here from the fanfic site Archive of Our Own. All thoughts are welcome.
Here's the home link.

This is a work in progress. I know what the ending is but I don't know how long it will take to get there. I'm doing stuff like posting this here to keep pushing myself to not let it be only partly written.

Summary / Introduction:​

This tale in the making is fundamentally about the beginnings of Link and Zelda falling in love. It aspires to explore how their bonds deepen before and after the events of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and what the two would realistically be feeling about each other and themselves through it all.

It aspires to question how you know when you really do love someone else, and what that means, and what you want for another person when you love them.

In my mind this starts immediately after the ending of Breath of the Wild where Calamity Ganon is slain, and before its "True Ending" cutscene. It began with two simple questions.

The first: In a memory shown in Breath of the Wild, we know that Princess Zelda thought to leave a message for Link with the Great Deku Tree. It said to wait. What was she going to say?

The second: How would "Link's House" become "Zelda's House" after the ending of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

This all led to a very big question more vital than any canon. If at some point the love of Link and Zelda were tested, what would that look like and how would that be overcome? My theory about loving another is the answer.

It's a lot. It's completely new for me. Here we go.

​

Chapter 1: Solemn Victory​

“I’ve been keeping watch over you all this time. I’ve witnessed your struggles to return to us as well as your trials in battle. I always thought – no, I always believed – that you would find a way to defeat Ganon. I never lost faith in you after all these many years. Thank you, Link…the hero of Hyrule. May I ask…do you really remember me?”

The wind was blowing through the long, golden hair of the Princess Zelda. Dressed all in white with a golden necklace around her neck, she seemed resplendent in the sun. Her heart was soaring with hope as she allowed herself these words of praise for her hero and reassurance for herself. For the long, great struggle of her life was finally over.

A great evil had been driven from the world by the princess and her chosen champion dressed and hooded in dark green, restored from the brink of death to help finish what they’d started in her hour of need. They were two people out of their time, still young in body and mind and yet very nearly the only ones left with memory of a crisis that began a century ago. That’s all another story though, one to be passed on into legend time and again.

Her champion was looking at her, his face seeming to be characteristically inscrutable. But his eyes told a story of intense admiration. He spoke. “My journey was a struggle to remember myself again, after I woke up. The more that I did, the more I knew that forgetting you was impossible.”

She watched him slowly walk up to her, coming close. She was genuinely touched and wondered what he was going to do next. Then Link the hero reached out to her and held the sides of her face tenderly with both hands. She tensed up. Was he truly just about to…?

Link bent forward until his forehead touched on hers, then spoke with no small amount of emotion. “You were so brave. Just now, back then. Guiding me somehow, while holding that monster. I won’t leave you from now on. I’m sorry I took so long.” He was breathing slowly and deeply. She was taller than him, so at this position she was feeling his hot breath on her neck a bit.

Sensations Zelda didn’t have the words for yet welled within her, compounded with overwhelming relief over the end of their trial. This was indeed affection from him of a sort. He surely did understand and remember the hardship they had shared long ago. The little and large things he’d done for her in those times when she was desperate to make a difference and it all seemed so hopeless. It was enough. And yet…

“I’m sorry I took so long.”

Was that a bit of sadness in his voice too, so soon after what they had achieved together? Well, whatever it was, perhaps it was to be expected. He’d fought so hard. He was surely tired.

Zelda pulled away and smiled affectionately. “Let’s go. We’ve earned our rest, don’t you think?”

***
​

“I don’t want to stay here.”

The Princess Zelda and Link the hero had come before Hyrule Castle, not far from the front gates. With the black aura of the entity called Calamity Ganon gone, it seemed to be majestic again. And very still, and very quiet. Zelda seemed thoroughly unsettled and downcast in this moment, as they contemplated it.

Link looked over. “I don’t know what other dangers could still be inside this soon. You shouldn’t. But if there is somewhere you want to go for closure-“

“No, Link.” Zelda had cut him off with conviction. “In my entire life I’ve never once doubted your ability to keep me safe. That’s not it. I don’t even want to go in. I don’t even want to keep looking at it.”

Link said nothing. He was waiting, giving her time to speak her mind completely. He’d had plenty of practice in the past. Not that he needed it, of course. This was his way, and it worked for him just fine – most of the time.

“Spirits,” Zelda said. “I thought I could see father and – and the others from long ago. Up high. Looking to us as if to say goodbye. Now they are gone. Maybe I imagined it, I don’t know. I saw you see them again, though, when I could manage seeing you. There are many powers in the world. I hope they were happy. It brought some things back. A castle is just a place, really. With no one here, it is like...” She stops this stream of consciousness, seeming to struggle to keep a normal expression.

A tomb. Link was certain she had stopped herself from saying it, or maybe she couldn’t say it. It didn’t really matter.

Just an hour ago she had been smiling, so soon after facing down the horror of their time. She’d just fought to maintain control. Hadn’t she fought enough? Pity pierced Link’s heart sharply like an arrow. It isn’t right. It isn’t fair.

Zelda looked on in silence, solemn and indecisive. It was only easy to know what she didn’t want. “Now that we’ve won, I truly don’t know what to do.”

“Then let’s just go,” Link said. “I’ll take you far away from here. Leave it to me.”

***
​

“Maybe we should turn around.”

It was their first night together – the first since it had seemed like the world was ending, in another lifetime. Zelda was doubting their decision now that Hyrule Castle was a fair distance off. Her fallen spirits had barely improved since they’d left the castle gates. She wished to leave it all completely behind, but Link had insisted on stopping the instant she’d said she was tired. She’d had no energy to argue.

Fish Link had caught were sizzling over a fire, now. The “Mighty Porgy”, very nutritious. Zelda had read all about it and related species during better times in better days, when there was no one around to try telling her such a thing was a waste of time.

There was a long silence. He was doing it again, waiting for more from her. So be it. “The heir to a throne of nothing.”

“Don’t!” Link was angry, but not at her. She understood. “They were fools. They were wrong about you.”

“I know that now. And yet...here we are.” Link heaved a heavy sigh. This was surely the very last thing he had wanted to hear. She understood this as well, but she felt compelled to go on. “It is just…it is empty. Empty of what really made it what it was. If I do not go back, have I given up? Surrendered to that judgment? Is that lie reforged into truth if I do not go back?”

“You have the right to decide when it is time to go back,” Link said.

Zelda said no more. Now the tables were turned. She wanted – needed – Link to offer something more and was waiting for it. He understood.

“Since you have declared me a hero,” Link said, I would like a reward.” Zelda was offered a fish, and she took it.

Well now, there was a surprise. Since the day Link had been appointed to her service that one distant and fateful day, he had never asked for anything. “Of course I would give you anything,” she said, “but what you see is what I have now.” “This is something you can do,” Link said.

Just then, a thought came into Zelda’s mind to spark thrill and apprehension in equal measure. Her words could be interpreted in a certain way, couldn’t they? Oh Goddess, what did I just do? This time, was he truly about to...?

Link made his request. “From now on, never decide anything only because you’re worried about what people will think.”

Zelda faltered. “But I honestly don’t know if that’s possible. In time there will be so much to do. They’ll expect so much, won’t they?” She saw Link take a deep breath then, not unlike what he had been doing so close to her in that precious moment on Hyrule Field in the day. It struck her as odd. “Trying can be enough,” he said. “There’s time.”

“Then I promise to try,” Zelda said. “And...I thank you again. For that. For so many other things.” That drew his gaze, and she held it meaningfully. Link could not endure it for long. He averted his eyes and turned attention to his own fish.

Zelda thought she knew what that meant, and she wasn’t mistaken.

But there was something else there too. Something she would not see or understand for a very long time.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 2: Sweet Things​

Summary:​

A day long ago is remembered. A journey begins.

​

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

Rain is pouring down on a day long ago. The great darkness had not come yet. The Princess Zelda, dressed for travel in simple pants and a blue tunic to symbolize her royal family, has taken cover. There is nothing to do except dwell on her unfulfilled quest to gain the holy power that was supposed to be her birthright. It’s a chance to rest on the long road, but to her guard it means opportunity. Link the hero executes his typical training regimen flawlessly with each sword stroke, just the same way as always.

How wonderful it must be, to have such skill as second nature. Not like me at all. A familiar shadow darkens her heart once again. If she continues to talk to him, she won’t think about it as much. Yes, that always did help. For a time.

“What if...one day...you realized that you just weren’t meant to be a fighter. Yet the only thing that people ever said was that you were born into the family of a royal guard. And so, no matter what, you had to become a knight. If that was the only thing you were ever told...I wonder then...would you have chosen a different path?”

Link doesn’t stop what he’s doing right away. As she had said a few moments before this, he was dedicated to his path. Eventually he ceases, waiting for a long moment.

She expected the silence. That was like him, after all, and it wasn’t a fair question. It was something she’d said thinking about herself. For him that much wouldn’t even be a guess. They’d been together for too long now.

Besides, what could he really say? Yes, to declare that he would have the strength and privilege to choose that she didn’t? No, as if to chastise her for being less certain about this holy pilgrimage she’d been charged with? They both knew she was dreading that nothing would come of it once again, for reasons she couldn’t begin to explain.

So as usual, he’d simply be there. The only person in the world certain to listen and treat absolutely nothing like the ramblings of a girl who hadn’t grown up yet, no matter what she said.

This time though, Link had turned to her. Looking down in doubt but making up his mind. “I don’t know how to answer,” he said.

Zelda smiles ruefully. “Of course not. That wasn’t fair. It’s fine.”

“Can I still say one thing?”

She’s surprised. “I – yes. You don’t need my permission for anything that’s so simple.”

He hesitates briefly. Zelda would never know if Link had suppressed an ill-advised correction or was just choosing his next words carefully. He speaks.

“If I could somehow have any choice now, and I knew it wouldn’t change your safety? I would still choose this.”

She’s astonished. "You believe that?"

"No,” he said. “I know it for sure." With that Link goes to put up his sword and rummage his pack for the evening's rations, as if he had just done nothing more unique than describing a rock on the ground.

Driven by gratitude and something else she didn’t yet have the words for, Zelda dares one more question. "Then....please, may I ask why?"

"You're special.”

They gasp at the same time, for him it’s with a shock. He halts what he’s doing and rushes to speak further. "Everything you're doing is important. They’ll see. It’s an honor to be here.” Zelda makes sure to smile. "Thank you for saying so."

It all faded away as Zelda awoke to the sun shining on her face. She noticed Link a fair distance off, already packing things up at a steady pace. He hadn’t disturbed her rest at all that way. Zelda decided to let him work and pulled her blanket just a bit more tightly around her. She still felt tired – oddly so, she thought. She decided there was absolutely no chance Link would be able to hear.

"How is it possible to hear such sweet things, yet still feel disappointed?"

***
​

“Princess, are you all right?”

Link and Zelda had taken to the road, heading south in Hyrule Field. They had not been traveling for long, it was apparent from the sun’s place in the sky that noon had not come yet. But Link could perceive that nearby, Zelda was exerting progressively greater effort to keep up with his steady pace. She shook her head. “I do not understand it, Link. For awhile I felt so relieved and joyful on the field yesterday. It felt as if my spirit had caught aflame and was blazing when I wielded such power to seal it away. Right now I’m more like a flickering candle and I feel strangely weary. We’ve won, we’re alive. It should feel better than this, shouldn’t it?”

After the mention of weariness Link swiftly approached. “Take my hand and lean on me,” he said. Zelda moved to, but then hesitated. “I’ll slow us down,” she said. I had hoped to hurry to leave it behind.” From where they were, it was still possible to see Hyrule Castle on the horizon.

Link considered this for a moment. “Climb onto my back and put your arms around me. I’ll take hold of your legs and carry you. I have the strength for it. That will be a faster way.”

Zelda suddenly felt extremely self-conscious and hoped she wasn't appearing to blush. “To be so close and – I mean, after everything you have done, to piggyback like a child and to burden you that way? I couldn’t. I can push on for a bit longer.”

“No.” Link’s tone was, to Zelda, surprisingly stern. It did not occur to her to be so much as slightly offended by this behavior. There was only mild puzzlement.

“...no?”

"No," he said again.

Zelda furrowed her brow. “I think I need a bit more this time.”

Link knelt before her at once. “Let me ask more for my reward. Be selfish anytime you want to be. There is nothing that anyone could do for you that would ever be too much now. Please let me.”

Zelda was greatly moved and genuinely embarrassed by the sentiment. “To think such a thing of me!”

“It’s the truth,” Link said. “You saved my life and you’re the reason we’re still here.”

Zelda smiled warmly and took a thinking posture, putting her left arm across her front and using her right arm and hand to take hold of her chin. She regarded her companion for a long moment and shook her head a bit. Then there was a bit of soft chuckling from her. “So wonderful coming from the one who should be praised the most, and yet...”

Now it was Link’s turn to furrow his brow. He seemed troubled.

“All right,” Zelda said. “I promise to try with that too. I accept your offer. Thank you once again.”

Link shifted himself to kneel on the ground with both knees, and Zelda did as she had been instructed. Link slowly and carefully stood up and took to the road again. He had been correct and extremely humble about his ability. Zelda was confident that his pace was very nearly as swift as it had been before.

As they went on, Zelda looked about her. They had still seen no other people or anything larger than a rabbit. There was only the wild with its green grass and rolling hills, existing as if it were taking a very deep breath of relief now. The landscape was littered with ruins from far away. It was all very still, and quiet. Too quiet. Zelda involuntarily thought of the sight of the castle and began to feel weary in spirit once again, if not in body. It should feel better than this. If the others could notice me like this now, what would they say?

Well, perhaps talking to him more would help. It always did, for a time.

“Even ever since we started out,” Zelda said, “you have been going much slower than you would choose. Isn’t that so?” Link did not answer, having decided that Zelda was not really asking a question and that any attempt at denial would be useless. They had been together for too long.

She tightened her arms around him slightly more, then spoke again. “Zelda.”

Link perceived that some kind of response was being expected of him. “What is it?”

“I have just been thinking,” Zelda said. “I think you have only addressed me as ‘Princess’ now and then since we met again. You knelt earlier. These are things knights do, but I have decreed you a hero and you have used my name before. So now, I think that I would prefer to hear you only say ‘Zelda’, instead of ‘Princess’ or ‘Princess Zelda’ when you are only with me. And I would like it if you do not ever kneel to me when we are simply talking.”

Link said nothing for what felt like a long time as the sun passed toward its highest point in the sky. “That wouldn’t have been approved of back then,” he said finally.

Zelda theatrically cleared her throat. “From now on, never decide anything only because you’re worried about what people will think!”

Link suppressed a laugh, hoping he had hidden it well. “Well played. Were you trying to imitate me?”

“Yes I was,” Zelda said cheerfully. “How was it?”

“Very creepy, to be honest. I wouldn’t.”

This provoked nothing but great amusement for Zelda. For this moment she was once again a curious girl sixteen years of age from long ago, every bit as happy as she would become whenever she found a living thing she had never seen before. “There now, you see? You are less formal already! I don’t want to force you, of course, but you told me before that I should try being more selfish now and then. So you might as well agree!”

More silence. When Link spoke next, he was fully serious again. “If it will make you happy, I will try. In return, you can remember what I’ve asked for.”

Zelda nodded with satisfaction. “Our deal is struck!” All feelings and memories of weariness had left her.

***​

Night had come. Hyrule Castle was finally out of sight.

“Words intended for him would sound much better in the tones of your voice, don’t you think?”

Link and Zelda had laid down to their rest by their campfire, and Zelda had been taking great comfort from the heat of it and thoughts of their progress that day. But now she was startled. Link had spoken words that she herself had been told a long time ago by the oldest of all living things, seemingly out of nowhere. “How do you know?”, she asked.

“I saw something in one of the visions that helped me to remember,” Link explained. In the great forest you were going to have the Great Deku Tree give me a message for when I was awake. The ancient one thought it should wait until we’d found each other. What was it?”

“I...I apologize,” Zelda said. “It’s a very difficult thing for me to say right now. Why do you ask?”
“Curiosity, I suppose,” Link said. “I just wondered.”

“I understand,” Zelda said. “I need time, that’s all. I’ve been thinking of so many things and I’m still tired. I had decided to say it when it felt completely right to. Could you please wait for a little while?”
“I said earlier that you should have what you want,” Link said.

There was a long silence. Zelda spoke again. “We haven’t really discussed where we’re going, have we?”
“There’s a good place to rest further south,” Link said. “Riverside Stable. We can rest, eat well, get you new clothes. I’m thinking about what’s next. There’s something I hope we’ll find before we get there. Can you wait too, for now?”

“Of course,” Zelda said. “We have time, as you told me before.” She closed her eyes and soon drifted off into contented sleep, offering up a silent thought of prayer as she did so.

May tomorrow be less hard than today, and just as blessed.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 3: Accursed Silence​

Summary:​

A shadow falls.
This one hurt to do.

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

“Curse you!”

It is the Spring of Power in the Akkala region of Hyrule, in the dead of night of a day long since past. The Princess Zelda is there dressed in her ceremonial white dress. With that exclamation she strikes the water of the spring in despairing frustration. She had come to baptize there and to pray for the awakening of her power to seal the darkness away once again, after many days of meditation and then days of journey. Despite it all and despite years of such efforts since childhood, nothing was happening. She experienced only accursed silence, and with it an ever-growing sense of dread that she battled to keep at bay every day.

“I’ve spent every day of my life, dedicated to praying! I’ve pleaded to the spirits tied to the ancient gods, and still the holy powers have proven deaf to my devotion. Please just tell me, what is it? What’s wrong with me?!"

Her prayer had begun with appropriate purpose before it all began to shift to the princess comparing herself to her late mother and grandmother, and then her problems with her father the king insisting on only commitment to spiritual training to oppose the coming calamity. No other contributions on her part, however wise or informed, were valued. That much had been made perfectly clear to her before she had come to this place.

Now her prayer has lost all traces of reverence, giving way to sheer anguish. Link the hero had been standing vigil, looking outward from the spring in silence. But now he turns around to look at her with concern.

Had any others been present, Link would likely have been rebuked for this. Tradition held that members of the royal family beseeching the holy powers were not to be interrupted by anything or even looked upon during prayer, lest even the smallest thing somehow interfere with their spiritual communion. What was more, Link knew that turning around meant ceasing to watch for an approaching threat. In truth the chance of such a thing manifesting in that sacred place was infinitesimal, but the royal guard wasn’t in the business of taking chances.

Having lost her composure, Zelda begins to cry. He continues to watch. “Please, please just tell me…” Whatever else Zelda might have been praying in silence or a whisper, only these words are repeated aloud time and again now.

The night drags on, the air chills. Still she does not leave the water. Link is at a loss. His thoughts go back to something the champion Urbosa had told him once, about how the princess had once passed out praying like this years before he had been appointed.

Finally, Link can take it no longer. His enters into the water and thinks to gently take hold of her shoulders to guide her out of the water. The chance does not come before the princess hears his approach.

“Leave me be!” In her emotional state she snaps at him, echoing a far earlier time when she obstinately and resentfully told him to stop following her. Things had improved greatly between them since then, and he knew she regretted that incident. She regretted this outburst too.

“No, please, I didn’t mean to,” she says with a broken voice. “I am sorry, but I must keep trying. I know you mean well. But I must. For everyone, for father, for myself, I just - I have to try. Please. Don’t stop it. I can’t do nothing. I can’t be useless. Your duty is to keep me from danger. I’m not in danger. Leave me be.”

Link says nothing. He moves further away and turns around again, but he does not leave the water. “Please, please just tell me…” It all goes on as before. Unknown to Zelda, Link is looking behind to check on her every time the words are spoken now.

The night continues onward and becomes yet colder. She is shivering. “Why. Why can’t I do it? Please tell me…”

She feels his touch. He has come back to finally take her out of the water. She has no strength of will to deny him.

They leave the water. Link takes the princess’ hand to guide her back to their camp. As they approach the waiting campfire, she quietly speaks only one thing. “I said I wasn’t in danger. So why?”

“You were almost right,” Link says. “My duty is protecting you. There are many ways to protect someone.”


It all fades away. Link woke up. The traveling pair are camped in the forest due west of Whistling Hill. His few words from the dream echo again and again in his head. “There are many ways to protect someone.”

As Link looked upon his princess’ tranquil face as she slept, he felt empty.
I didn’t have the words. Then and now, acting is all I can really do.

A shadow fell upon Link’s heart.

“Forgive me.”

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 4: Friends at First Sight​

Summary:​

It helps to talk about it. Zelda meets someone.

​

Zelda awoke in the morning to the appetizing smell of cooked fruit. Link had awoken first and taken care of everything for the morning’s meal. She came near to feel the fire and better take in the aroma. “Baked apples! How wonderful,” she said.

“Is it? It’s only fruit,” Link said. It seemed to Zelda that he was unusually subdued. “Well, I suppose it’s a simple pleasure to be happy about,” Zelda said. “But well, feeling free to have the luxury of enjoying simple things was so hard for so long. Then the calamity came. Now that it and my self-doubts are gone, even just having fruit with you seems more fulfilling than any feast at the castle. I suppose that must sound silly to you.”

“It isn’t silly,” said Link quietly. “Not even a little.” He handed her an apple. Zelda took a long look at him after she accepted it and he began to eat slowly. “Link,” she said, “is everything all right?”

Link made no move and spoke no word for a moment. Then he looked sidelong at her. “Are you feeling better today?”

Ah, so that was it. “Yes, very much,” Zelda said. “I have been thinking about yesterday. I was sustained by that holy power and I was channeling it for so long before you came. I think my body has been readjusting to the reality of not having it the way that I did. But there’s even more to it. I’m not sure I have the words for it.”

“Even if you don’t, trying can be enough,” Link said. “Take your time.”

Zelda smiled a little and nodded. “I feel as if having the power doesn’t make you strong. It comes to you and it is strong, overwhelmingly so. It is strong for you when you need it, if you are strong for it. And that power needs a kind of exertion of the self - of the soul – for it work. You don’t command it, you guide it and give it purpose. Any muscle will experience fatigue with enough use. Perhaps it was like that. Yet I wasn’t using my body to use it, exactly. I was using…me. My will, my thoughts of what was important and – and what I didn’t want to lose. I was using everything I was. Looking at it that way, it would be no surprise I faded so much.”

Zelda ceased. The two ate in silence for a time, contemplating what had been said.

“The truth is,” Zelda said, “I’m confident I will recover with more time. I’m sure the power is still with me. But I don’t know if it will ever grow again or come to me that way again. What if it doesn’t?”

“Maybe that can be a reason to hope from now on,” Link said.

Zelda considered this for a long moment and slowly nodded. “I hope so.”

***
​

Link and Zelda were on the road once again, side by side. As Zelda had said her condition was indeed improved from the other day, but Link had still offered to carry her again. In compromise, they were instead following Link's suggestion from before. His left arm was placed underneath her right and he was grasping her forearm, and his upper arm was pressed against her own upper arm. "There is no hurry right now," Zelda had said. "And anyway, I want to do what I can for myself when I can. I'm sure I will feel best that way." So it was that their pace had been slow and steady that day, until at last Riverside Stable could be seen from a distance. Then something happened to divert Zelda's attention.

“Link, look! It’s marvelous!” She was pointing outward away from their destination, toward an open field. Link looked and beheld from far off a wild horse the color of midnight, except for a patch of white in the enter of its head. Zelda broke away from him and took a few paces forward. Link followed close behind.

“Good eye,” said Link. “This is what I was hoping to find. Things will go faster with mounts. I was wondering what I would do when the one I had took off in the final moments of that battle. There will be others nearby if that one is here. I can get out there and pick out a tame one for you.”

“Oh, no, that won’t do at all,” Zelda said. She turned to him. “For me it must be that one. This is the first horse I have seen since I have been free, and it is surely a sign.”

“Why that one?”

“It is a royal decree!”

Link raised an eyebrow. “All right, but...why?”

Zelda was now feeling quite sheepish and was certain she looked that way. “Well, you see...don’t misunderstand me, I adored my old horses and especially my white stallion - Goddess rest his soul.” She began to fidget. “But, well, when I was a little girl I had fantasies about riding a black horse. But I never told anyone and I never had one to call my own, and now after everything one is here. And that little one is a noble and kindly soul.”

“We’re a fair distance off,” Link said. “What makes you think it’s a ‘she’ and that it isn’t too wild?”

“I just know,” Zelda said. “Perhaps we were fated to meet.”

Link raised an eyebrow; Zelda was going very far over this. “Understood. I’ll go and-“

“Wait, hold on a moment,” Zelda said seriously. “I want to be the one to tame her. You taught me how, I remember. I’ll approach her slowly from its front left side, let her see me coming, offer her one of our apples. I’ll soothe her all by myself. If it is meant to be, she will come to me. You’ll be in the way, so you can go off to the stable and see about bringing back those new clothes. Take your time. What I have to say to her will be only between us.”

Link was both bemused and amused at this point, as he watched Zelda crouch and begin to move with slow and steady purpose. He turned to go, then looked back. “So, these fantasies from when-“

“I’ll never tell!”, Zelda exclaimed. To Link it was almost like laughter, she was now in very good spirits. Perhaps the best since after they were reunited, even. “Thank you for understanding, Link.”

Link simply nodded. Well. If it’s making her happy, it’s fine. He set off for the stable.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 5: Zelda's Transformation​

Summary:​

Simple joys. A day's comfort ends with a difficult conversation.

​

“Well now, Link! It’s been some time. And at what a time you’ve managed to come by, as well!” Link had come upon Riverside Stable and was greeted by Ember the innkeeper, a middle-aged man dressed in the customary tan clothing and gray vest and hat. Long brown locks of hair ran down the sides of his face.

“Hm,” Link said. “You shaved the beard.”

“Ah, you noticed!” Ember beamed. “It makes me look younger, right?”

“A bit.”

“Hah! I knew it. Wait, no, never mind about nonsense like that. You’ve heard about it or at least seen it, right? The calamity, that black beast! It’s gone, just gone from Hyrule Castle! It’s been a fact of life since before my father’s time. Never thought I’d live to see it.”

“You don’t say.”

“I do say! I wonder what it means!”

“Better times. You’ll find out.”

“I wonder how it happened. Some great warrior from afar, maybe!”

“Maybe. In part.”

“How do you suppose they did it?”

“Arrows and a bow.”

Ember looked sidelong at Link. “Still the chatterbox, eh?”

“I say enough. Ember, I have someone with me. She needs new clothes for travel, the best I can find. I was hoping we could come to an arrangement.”

“Hmm, well now. It’s not like this is a clothing shop, but I do have a spare set of traditional Hylian clothing sized for an adult. Tunic, trousers, boots, hooded cloak, the whole basic set. Not brand new, but you’re welcome to it for a very modest fee.”

“Perfect.” Link produced gems from a satchel he had brought along as Ember brought the bundle of clothing to the front desk. “For your trouble.”

Ember’s eyes widened. “Sapphires? Three of them?! You know what they’re selling for, right?”

“We’ll be wanting food and lodging for tonight as well, and bridles and saddles for two horses. Consider the remaining value a tip for good service and not asking her too many questions.”

“You got it. But seriously, how do you keep coming by things like these? And what’s the story with the girl?”

“Feel free to guess.” Link took the clothes, then turned to leave.

Ember chuckled. “Right, few questions. Sorry.”

Link emerged and heard an echo of laughter. Ere long he spotted Zelda dismounting the very same black horse she had seen, proceeding to stroke its head and neck and embracing it as if it were a long lost friend. Everything had apparently played out even better than she’d hoped for. She seemed to be talking to it.

Link approached. “You two look like you’re having fun.”

“We have reached an understanding,” Zelda said. “You’re right on time, I just finished with what I wanted to say.”

Link presented the clothes he had procured. “It’s not the equal of your old travel outfit, but-“
“Nonsense. Traveler’s clothes for a simple travelling girl, with the most thoughtful possible escort.” Zelda smiled. “I will return, prepared for the part.” She looked over at her horse. “Keep him out of trouble, will you?”

Zelda made off for the nearby woods, leaving Link to seek his own mount. He allowed himself a small smile as he regarded Zelda’s horse. “Thanks for the help.” A cheerful whinny came in reply.

***
​

“Well? How do I look?”

Link had been busy soothing his own newly found chestnut-colored mount. Now he turned to see Zelda fully dressed from head to toe. She bore a gray hooded cloak that mostly concealed her long and beautiful blonde hair. Tan trousers and fur-lined brown boots covered her legs and feet. A long Hylian tunic of light maroon covered her torso and ended right above her knees, accompanied by a forest green undershirt. All in all, it was a traditional look with the customary colors. Had the set also come with the usual leather gloves and armor for the exterior, Zelda’s style would have been very nearly a differently colored replica of Link’s own outfit.

Link was struck dumb for a moment as Zelda indulged in a twirl. It was a simple look and thoroughly unremarkable by Hylian standards, and to some perhaps even rustic. But she seemed somehow transformed to him like this, and the hood over her head called attention to her radiant face. To most any dress or other outfit Link had seen her in would have been deemed more flattering, perhaps. But in his sight, this was princess Zelda in the guise of a young woman who seemed to have never had a care or worry in the world.

“It...suits you. Very much.”

Zelda looked delighted and bounded forward, putting her hands behind her back and leaning toward him. “We seem like quite the pair now, don’t we?”

Link prided himself on his ability to sustain a calm demeanor, but it was tested to its limit just then; in his eyes the simple charm of her appearance was overwhelming. “Y-yes, well. I suppose we do, at that.” He couldn’t help but crack a smile. “Night will come soon. Come on.” He turned and made off toward the stable. She’s too cute like that. The thought prompts a deep breath and a swift return to sobriety. Don’t do that. Take it easy. You can’t go thinking she meant it that way.

Zelda followed behind with a coy smile. A bit embarrassed, are we? He’s just too charming like that.

As the two drew near, Zelda spoke again. “It’s good I can look like this. It isn’t time, I’m not ready to talk about myself.”

“I agree and I understand,” said Link.

“All right then, I’ll handle this. I should practice.”

Link suddenly felt a mild, vague sense of foreboding. “Are you sure? Maybe I should-”

“Of course!” Zelda strode up to Ember.

“Well now,” he said, “hello miss. Our friend Link here told me to expect you both. Who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”

“Well, I’m - I’m a traveling scholar, actually!”

“Oh? At your age? What do you study?”

“Ancie – aah!” Zelda let out a comical little yelp to stop her automatic response short. Ember raised his eyebrows as she went on. “I mean, well, that is to say, I study a fair bit of everything! No specialty yet, I suppose. I’m figuring that out while I, uh, figure things out. Figuring is good!”

“…huh.” Ember had caught a look from Link and promptly remembered the outrageously exorbitant payment he’d received for keeping the chatter to a minimum. “Well. Good for you. Dinner will be at sunset.”

“Eh heh heh…thank you!” Zelda said. Oh, good grief. What was that? She stole a quick glimpse at Link. To no surprise at all he held his practiced neutral expression, giving no sign of amusement or annoyance or anything else. She was quite sure that was just as well, this time.

Link thought it best to break the awkward silence. “We’re only here the night and then we’re moving on. No need to register the horses for a long stay, just give them care and get them outfitted for travel.”

“You got it, Link,” said Ember. Zelda gave a little nod to acknowledge their host and hurried inside without another word. Ember paused a moment. “Huh, I don’t think I caught her name.”

“That’s right,” said Link.

Ember chuckled a bit. “Tell me, do you practice at talking that way when you want to? Or does it just come naturally to you?”

“Yes.”
“There it is again! You do enjoy doing that, don’t you?”

Link allowed himself a smile. “Well, not always. But sometimes. Maybe.” He went inside.
Ember chuckled some more and lightly pounded his desk before going to attend the horses. “Unusual customers. You’ve got to love it.”

Link found Zelda sitting on one of the available beds inside. She was duly sheepish for the second time that day. “Oh that was bad, wasn’t it?”

“It...was true,” said Link.

Zelda smiled. “Always so kind. I will work on it.”

***​

Night had come. Two other travelers, black-haired middle-aged men on the young side by the look of it, had come passing through. Each with a simple broadsword sheathed at their side, having the evening’s meal by the fire outside. Zelda had been content to keep to herself inside and slowly enjoy a hearty mushroom and beef stew. Link, for his part, was now digging into a third helping unabashed. She had been pleased to watch him go at it; to her he had always seemed the most animated when there was a good meal to be had. Such an appetite, just as it used to be. At least some things never change!
Zelda rose. “I will be back in a little while,” she said. “Some fresh air will be good.” Link grunted in acknowledgment as best he could with his mouth full.

The warm night air was perfect. From a distance Zelda could see their horses newly groomed and very much content in their holding pen nearby the river. That talkative innkeeper fellow did good work. Zelda stretched and walked about, taking simple pleasure in watching them.

"I don’t know, brother. Is it really all right to be going to Hyrule Castle now?” The two men outside were having a conversation.

“Come on,” said the other. “We’ve talked about this. If the great evil is really gone for good there’s no telling what kind of unguarded relics or treasure we could get to this time. We’ll the first ones to come looking before word gets around, or close to it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

“I know, I know. But before we were, well, just taking from monsters.”

“We still will be - assuming there are even any left. You’ve seen how they’ve been running off to who knows where. The cowards are spooked.”

“But what about the princess? You know, the one from the stories. The timeless one that kept the thing in Central Hyrule these last hundred years.”

“You really do believe in that stuff, don’t you?”

“I think every story has at least some truth inside.”

“The thing was a beast. It was being territorial, that’s all.”

“Its influence was destroying everything. Grandfather said so. We wouldn’t be here if something hadn’t stopped it.”

“Well, if someone that great were really out there, why couldn’t she have just stopped it all from happening in the first place?”

“I can’t answer that. But come on, man. That unnatural pillar of light is why we’re even here talking about this. The beast was there for generations and now it’s just…gone? Things like that don’t just happen without a reason.”

“Okay, okay. Let’s say you’re right. Adventurers have been plundering the place since father’s time, what’s a little more now? What do you think’s going to happen? We make off with an antique shield and some precious trinket and a beautiful woman with a crown is going to stride up and say ‘Excuse me gentlemen, but I’m afraid those belong to me! I need them to bring my kingdom back!’”

“Well, maybe she really will. Bring the kingdom back, I mean.”

“Always such the optimist. I like that about you. But let’s be realistic, that’s more than we know. One person shows up, and that makes us all part of a kingdom again? Just like that? Is this long lost princess going to turn up with an army or a hoard of treasure to get it done? Is she going to cast some magic spell to rebuild the old Castle Town? No, what’s done is done. For us life goes on just the same as it did a week ago. Whatever the truth is, all that monster’s absence means is a better chance for men like us to earn a living.”

Rather than answer, the other companion turned. There had been a distraction. “Oh. Did you…did you want something?”

Zelda had overheard. She had slowly but surely approached behind them as their conversation went on, only half aware that she had been doing so. Now she stood before them still as a statue. Say something. Anything!

It was apparent to the men that she very much wanted to speak. Zelda moved and began to open her mouth as if to do so. But nothing came.

The younger one, the “optimist”, spoke. “Hey, are you all right?”

Zelda perceived movement to her left. Link was swiftly passing by her as if to approach the men. He had come looking for her. How long had he been there? How much had he seen and heard? How much did he think she was hurt right now?

Zelda caught his arm with her left hand, with an iron grip. She looked at his turning face and hoped her glance was saying what she thought. No, don’t. Please don’t. The men looked on - the “realist” brother with some bewilderment and the “optimist” with some concern.

“Uh…everything all right, folks?” Ember had come, worrying if there had been some kind of incident or disagreement.

Zelda spoke steadily. “You should both be careful, when you go.” She turned and left to go inside.
“Hey,” the “realist” one said. “Maybe she likes one of us, eh?”

Link looked at him coldly, then left without a word.

“Was it something we said?” Ember could only shrug.

***
​

Zelda swiftly entered the stable’s inn and lay upon her waiting bed, pulling the covers over herself. She turned to one side to look at the wall. Ere long, though she could not see it, she had a sense that she was being watched. Sure enough, at length she heard Link’s voice. “Are you all right?”

There he was, offering to let her speak her mind again. But this time, for once, that was the last thing she thought she wanted. “I am all right. I will be all right because I have to be all right.”

Zelda had hoped that speaking the words would help her to feel that they were true. It was not so.
Link came around to the other side of the bed and knelt to look upon her with that unreadable expression of his. Zelda was not sure if she was comforted or distressed by the action. It was plain to Zelda that her words had not been enough for him either, and he had no mind to leave things as they were. He knows. He always knows.

“I had it wrong, didn’t I, about them expecting so much? Generations have known almost nothing of what was. I might as well be a stranger in this time.”

“I was a stranger here,” said Link. “Things can change.”

Oh, Link. I want to believe it. So much.

“I wanted to tell that one man he was wrong,” she said. “I didn’t because when I started to, it felt like a lie.” Link said nothing.

“I don’t blame myself anymore,“ she said. “But I regret. I regret, and I remember.” Link said nothing.

Zelda hated to ask what she was about to ask next. “Do you think less of me?” She guessed at what the answer would be, but felt she needed to hear it.

“I never could. Not ever,” said he.

Of course, just as expected. How wonderful. How silly to doubt. Look at me. After all we’ve done. So immature. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

“Always, always so kind,” Zelda said. “Thank you. I will be all right. I have to be all right.”

“There is time,” said Link. Zelda closed her eyes and did not open them again.

Link was left to look on in silence. Only when he felt sure that Zelda was asleep did he go to bed himself. Sleep did not come quickly as he stared at the ceiling, contemplating how close he had come to watching Zelda have an idyllic day - a day free of any thought of burdens she was so certain she had to carry. He replayed every moment of the day in his mind, wondering what more he could have done or said. He could think of nothing.

It isn’t right. It isn’t fair.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 6: The Trial of Faith​

Summary:​

Link remembers his hardest lesson.

​

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

It is the Great Hyrule Forest in the Woodland region of Hyrule, northeast of Hyrule Castle. Link the hero beholds the legendary Master Sword in its resting place for the second time since reawakening from his deathlike state. Not all has been remembered, not yet. But he had lately regained enough for his heart to catch fire, for him to soon stop everything and to return to this place with all haste. He means to claim the sword at last, that he might finally go to the rescue of the princess he had come to revere so much all over again.

He remembers the Princess Zelda returning the legendary blade to its resting place, certain he would survive to return for it. He remembers the vision of her radiant smile as she begins the message the Great Deku Tree advised her to delay. Whatever could that message have been?

He remembers her anguished voice and face from before when she collapsed into his arms that horrible stormy night, when all planned means of resistance against the great darkness had collapsed. "I tried, and I failed them all. I’ve left them…all to die."

He remembers his body rebelling against him at last after hours of battle and injuries he couldn't have begun to count. He remembers her moving to shield him from one of the many war machines possessed to turn against them and outstretching her arm, when leaving him behind was what she should have been doing. The last things he could remember after were a dazzling radiance and her desperate face looking at him before all went black, saying words that he could not hear.

She had become so at peace and so confident in the forest at some point after that living nightmare and their separation. Even after all other support had been taken away from her, even knowing what she would have to get through or avoid just to have the chance to face that monster at all. Anyone close to her would surely have told her what a suicidal effort that journey seemed to be, sealing power or not. There was a reason strong allies had been chosen for her.

And yet she had gone and done it. All of that, just to buy time for his return. There was surely no way she or anyone could have guessed how long he would need. How was it possible? It was miraculous, awe-inspiring, heartbreaking.

Link remembers her words in his mind when he woke up at the so-called Shrine of Resurrection. "You are the light...our light...that must shine upon Hyrule once again."

Not me. It’s you. It was always you.

With that thought, Link strides toward the sword. He knows the Great Deku Tree, the oldest of all living things, has stirred at the sight. It doesn't slow him down at all.

"If you sought to free the sword in any sort of weakened state, you would surely lose your life where you stand."

He recalls the Deku Tree’s warning from before all too well. But that was before, at a time when he recalled so little that he didn’t even know that the sword was for him until he’d been told. He had not dared to touch it. But he had seen and done much since then and conquered many trials. And now, in this moment, Link feels more determined than at any other point since he had first reawakened so far.

Thinking on it all now, he cursed his delay. What could be about to happen to Zelda now as she believed and waited after risking so much, while he was here? This should have been dared sooner. Why had he been so timid?

It wasn't what was planned, he knew that. Advice had been left for him to do what was necessary to reclaim the four great machines called “Divine Beasts” and liberate the spirits of the four champions, their fallen friends. But surely he had to go to Zelda and confront the beast now, now that he understood what he did and felt the way that he did. With Calamity Ganon vanquished there would be time to come for the champions later. Or perhaps – most likely, he chose to believe – victory would help them all along with Zelda at the same time. They would understand.

Sure, the idea was reckless. Was it any less than what she had done and risked for everyone? One person’s recklessness was another’s courage.

Yes, courage. That was what this was, wasn’t it? The Master Sword would surely answer such resolve as this for a just cause. This is right. I must go now, at once. This is my responsibility.

Perhaps Princess Zelda would be angry. What he intended to do was disobedience. He would admit it all to her, of course, and accept any judgment. But better that than the unthinkable.

"I'm coming." Link grabs the blade firmly with both hands and pulls.

The sword does not move at all.

Link halts, stunned. No.

It was impossible. It had to be.

Link pulls harder and the sword begins to budge. Any relief Link might have felt in that moment is immediately overwhelmed by great pain in his arms and a surging weariness that he would not have thought it ever possible to feel.

"Hold, young one." The Deku Tree had spoken. If there were such a thing as speaking both slowly and with urgency, it had done so.

“I can’t,” Link says. “Even you couldn’t understand.”

Yet it seemed as if the sword itself or some unseen power were resisting him. It made no sense. This had come to him so naturally when he first claimed it long ago. I'm meant to have it. She needs this!

Link pulls even harder, raising the sword only a bit higher. It all becomes even worse. "Old friend...why?"

The sword shimmers lightly with a gentle blue light.

"The time has not come."
That was no thought of Link’s. It was as if he had heard the most distant echo of a woman's voice from far off, but resounding from inside somehow. Almost more of a feeling than a thought.

An image of Zelda's smiling face in the forest passes through his mind. He pulls harder, the sword moves marginally. It gets worse.

"You are incomplete. It is not time."

Link remembers her grieving face on that horrible night again. I'm ready. I have to be. He steels himself and pulls yet harder, the sword budges again. It all gets even worse. Please. To me, she’s - what is it? What's wrong with me?!

The voice echoes again. "She charged you with a task still undone."

I don't care, it doesn’t matter! Just listen to me! Anger and panic drive the words he would never have thought or spoken with it before, overpowering his pain.

But not for long.

Link pulls yet harder. “Stop.” As the voice speaks the sword moves perhaps three inches, the most distance so far. Then to Link, it is as if his entire being is suddenly catching fire.

"Stop. NOW!" The voice seems to speak as if in great fear.

Link lets go and falls backward onto the ground. For the first time since he has forgotten when, tears are in his eyes. They are not only from pain. His suffering subsides. The Master Sword shimmers no longer.
It’s true, then. I’m not what I was. Not yet.

The Deku Tree speaks. "It is as I have said. The sword cares not for physical might. It is moved by what lies within."

Link slowly rises with grudging comprehension. Driven by thoughts for Zelda he had prepared to put aside her counsel, calling that love and loyalty to his charge. In doing so he had sought a shortcut to his goal and treated the sword like a tool. “Incomplete” or not, he knew better. Traumatic as this experience had been, it had helped Link to remember yet another part of himself.

Of course. What a fool I’ve been.

With focus, Link regains his practiced calm composure. "'It....it doesn't matter what I feel. it doesn't even matter how right it seems. It's why and how I feel it. It's what I do with it, and for what purpose."

"That is more like what I remember," the Deku Tree says. "There is hope."

Link stands rooted in place, allowing everything to subside. He speaks at last. "Great one, I have never needed wisdom more than now. What must I do?"

No answer is forthcoming. Perhaps the ancient one somehow already understood what Link had heard and hadn’t wanted to accept. "She left you with a task still undone."

Link turns to go. He has almost left the Deku Tree's presence before it speaks again. "I will speak one thing to you."

Link turns his head to look back. "What is it?"

"She has shown legendary faith in you. Return it to her in turn."

Link turns away again. Hard and bitter as it was, the lesson had been well learned. Yet that alone, he knew, was not enough for the reason he had come. Only time, patience and toil would put the lesson into practice and overcome this trial. "When you see me again," Link says, "I will be ready."

It all fades away. Link awakens. He thinks of Zelda's words from the previous night. "I don't blame myself anymore. But I regret. I regret, and I remember."

Indeed, Link understood that sentiment himself all too well. If Zelda knew, what would she say?

No. You're not important. Focus only on her. As long as she can be happy, it's fine.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 7: Triumphs Over Despair​

Summary:​

In days long ago, Princess Zelda received and gave courage.

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

It is a dark and stormy night - the very worst of Princess Zelda's young life. The great darkness had fallen upon the land. "I tried, and I failed them all. I've left them...all to die." Overwhelmed by despair and self-blame, she falls forward into the arms of Link and for the first time cries and sobs without any attempt at control. He had been taking her as far into the woods as possible hoping to keep her away from danger. Even now, brave soldiers were fending off foes in a battle they knew they would lose. Her guardian speaks no word and lets it all happen, making no effort to push or force her to rise and keep going. She continues to cry without restraint, only ceasing when her strength to do even that gives out.

She speaks. Perhaps minutes or hours have passed as she let it all go, she doesn't know. She has no concept of the passage of time any longer. "Link. Leave me here." She thinks she hears him draw a sharp breath; he had suppressed some kind of reaction. "I'm exhausted. You're the one who can make a difference. You'll die if you stay with me. I have no reason to go on any longer." Her voice has the tone of absolute resignation.

Link's response is immediate. "Even if you order me, I won't do that."

She experiences a cold shock. She is not stung to anger, but rather a renewed despair that threatens to cause her to cry out all over again. She thinks to beg Link next, but the chance does not come. "Please forgive me for what I'm about to do," he says. Then Link the hero takes her completely into his arms and hugs her tight, as much as he thinks he can dare without causing any pain. The warmth of his body pressing against her own invades against the awful chill of the cold rain and night air, and his words act as a warm balm to a spirit Zelda had thought beyond even feeling any longer. She is too overcome to speak.

Link speaks again. "Even now I believe in you, so you're my reason to fight. That means that as long as we are both alive, there can still be hope. I need you to believe that for me. Can you do that?"

Zelda sobs. Even for someone like me, he's still....

She nods. "I promise."

"Good." Without delay or another word Link separates and puts his arms around her back and behind her knees, then lifts her up in front of him. It's a textbook cradle carry, also known as a princess carry...or a bridal carry. Did he know that? "We press on. Rest for now, as best you can." It all fades away as memory goes to a different place.

***​

"I know you are there, Impa."

"Princess, I must ask you only once more. Please reconsider."

Two women stand upon the outskirts of Kakariko Village in the distant past. The Princess Zelda had come there from returning the Master Sword to the Great Hyrule Forest, where it would wait for its master to heal. She is there with another not so much older than her really, perhaps in her twenties somewhere - Zelda did not know exactly, she was taught it was not polite to ask about such a thing. What Zelda did know was that if their stations had been different, she would have been glad indeed for this person to nonetheless think of her as a peer and a friend. Her hair was long and white like snow, she wore an outfit of blue and gray adorned with the insignia of a red eye upon her chest. It was the guise of a warrior of the Sheikah Tribe, rather than the tan clothing and large round hat that she was used to as a royal advisor and a respected leader of her people.

Zelda had been standing high upon a hill, looking out in the direction of where she knew Hyrule Castle was. The woman Impa had followed her here from behind, swiftly yet silently. Even so, Zelda had noticed. There was a time it would have been impossible for her, she was sure. But a great deal had changed with her since then, much of it in ways she still couldn't fully explain.

"If Purah and Robbie knew of your intent," Zelda says, "I don't imagine they would be pleased."

"Right now the only person I care about is you, princess," Impa says.

Zelda turned around to answer. "We have done all that we can for Link and I am the only one left now. We both know that I need to go."

"Yes, but not alone! Please. If no one else, at least take me with you."

"I won't be alone - not really. Not in the way that matters the most. Please believe that."

"That's - that's not - I know what you intend to mean, but - your father the king would have had you stay here, he wouldn't have wanted you to do this!"

Impa and Zelda both flinched and regretted what Impa had said in desperation. "I...I do not agree," Zelda says. "But even if I knew for sure that was true, I would still go."

Zelda's statements and the meaning of them hung heavily in the air for the two of them.

"I know it's hard," Zelda says. "I know it so well that it breaks my heart. I'm sorry."

Impa drops to her knees and puts her head upon the ground. "I beg you. Take me with you!"

"Please, don't do that." Zelda kneels down and holds Impa's head by the cheeks, slowly lifting it to meet her gaze and see her warm smile. "Your mind is your best asset and others fighting for me now won't make my task easier. But you and the others, you can stay alive to help Link when it's time. Give Link your knowledge and wisdom, give him guidance, tell him our story and tell it to the others too as you wait. All is lost if Link does not remember. I need this from you. I don't have anyone else I can trust this to."

Impa beholds her demeanor with a mix of wonder, sorrow and hope. "You say all of this with such peace. Such serenity. How can you do that?"

"I can do it because too many have died already. If I go to bind that monster knowing that you and others will die for me as I do, I don't think my heart would have the strength to see it through. It will win. I won't allow that to happen."

Zelda stands and raises Impa to her feet. Impa looks on her with sympathy and admiration. "Oh, Princess...."

"That's not all," Zelda says. "I can go with courage knowing you will live to support him in the ways that I won't be able to. Someone precious told me once that as long as there is life, there can be hope. You and everyone else who stays alive, you will be the ones who will give me the strength to fight. That's how you can help me. Can you believe that for me?"

Impa can't help but cry, but she nods with purpose. "Yes, princess, yes. I will."

Zelda turns around. "This isn't goodbye. This isn't suicide. I won't fail. I am the arrow set loose from the bow, and I'm not afraid."

Impa speaks. "Princess Zelda, please tell me. Why not?"

"Because I know myself and my heart at last. And I know that as long as I can give him a chance, Link will come to me."

"Princess," says Impa. "The precious one you talked about. Could it be...?"

Zelda looks back at Impa with a serene smile. "It's a secret. You know what that means."

With that, Zelda moves to depart and does not look back.

It all fades away. Zelda woke up in Riverside Stable. For once, she had woken up before Link. Some of that vexing malaise from before had returned, but it wasn't enough to dismay her. Zelda rose and went outside to meet the sunrise, inhaling deeply and taking in every sound. The horses trotting from a distance, birds chirping, the wind blowing through the field, the running water of the nearby river. The two men from the other night had moved on - just as well.

"That's right," she spoke out loud to no one but herself. "As long as there is life, there is hope. If anyone else could understand us right now..."

Of course.

"How are you feeling today?" Link had stirred and come looking for her - of course he had.

"Link," said Zelda, "I know you were having your own thoughts about what to do. But I think I know where I want to go next."

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 8: The Rewarded Faith​

Summary:​

A time before the Calamity's end is remembered. In Kakariko Village, the girl Paya hopes and waits.

Chapter Text​

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

It is Kakariko Village in the dead of night. Link the hero is training - at least, that is what he tells himself. But his strokes are not serene and calm this time, not in the way that they were in front of his beloved princess on the road. This is not practice, it is a test. He is high above in the woods on the ridge, apart from the townsfolk and in sight of the Great Fairy Fountain. Here he can act undisturbed and without risk to others. He thinks himself alone – almost. For the sword of legend, the Master Sword, is in his hands at last. He has fulfilled every great desire of the one he wishes to see – except for the most important of all, the one the two of them share. The purpose he had done everything else for.

Is it like it was back then?

Link grips his legendary blade and spends a moment to focus. The blade seems to sing as energy surges in response to his mind’s focus and the vitality of his life force, the purity of his purpose as he anticipates the fulfillment of his goal. The sword is a shimmering torch of light to pierce through the pitch black night.

No, there’s no reason to settle for back then. We could push further, couldn’t we old friend?

Link breathes deeply and lets everything go from his mind, except for one thing: the image of a joyful face. There’s one more memory returned to him. “Well, go on! Taste it!” What a ridiculous thing to think about in this moment! Princess Zelda, sixteen years old, shoving a croaking frog right into his face. But it wasn’t only absurd, was it? For Link it is the memory of a girl he knew who could be nearly crushed by the weight of responsibility and doubt on one day, and then have the heart to be nothing except joyful about a simple discovery on the next. Such a simple and resolute bravery that she lived out every day, unseen by so many and too often unseen by her to his sorrow. Until finally, one day, that bravery blossomed tremendously in front of him before he faded away into a long rest.

Link holds onto that silly image, and energy surges and the sword’s singing rings out louder and louder. He spins around, cutting a swath of devastation in a feat beyond anything he’d done since waking up. Many trees are sundered and falling to the ground – no problems there, everybody needs firewood. Perhaps the villagers would even thank him. As it happens, there is a yelp of surprise to break Link out of his reverie.

Link turns and beholds a young Sheikah girl of white hair sitting upon the ground a ways off, so much akin in form to another that he knew many years ago. The girl Paya, granddaughter of Impa, had apparently followed him here.

Link rushes over immediately, full of concern. “I’m sorry! You could have been killed, are you all right?”

“Y-Yes, of co-course. I’m sorry, Ma-Master Link. I know you sa-said no one was supposed to come he-here.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I’m so-sorry.”

“You don’t have to be nervous. It’s fine.”

“We-well, you see…there’s ta-talk that when you leave this ti-time, it’s for good. At least until the quest is over. Grandmother thinks so.”

Link says nothing.

“Um…I’m sc-scared.”

“I’ll be fine,” Link says.

“N-no,” Paya says. “That’s not it. I’m sc-scared of letting something important go unsaid.”

Link doesn’t answer right away. She can see that his eyes are sympathetic and just a bit sad. “You’ve said things to me even in silence. I think I can guess. I’m sorry. You don’t have to say anything.”

Paya shakes her head. “I’ve ac-accepted it. I grew up on stories ab-about you and the princess from grandmother. Even th-those co-couldn’t prepare me for what you were really li-like. Now me-meeting her one day and seeing gr-grandmother happy is my dream.”

Link says nothing.

“Ma-Master Link…are you scared to go there?”

Link remains silent for a long time. “I can’t be sure all my old strength is back. But something deep inside is telling me the time is near. I can’t explain it, I don’t have to. The sword answers and she is waiting. Nothing else matters anymore.”

Paya gathers every shred of courage to look Link in the eyes. “If…if an-anyone can return her to us, it’s you. Grandmother truly be-believes. Everyone here be-believes. I be-believe. I ju-just thought…I th-thought it might he-help, if you heard it. I wi-wished so badly to be useful to you bo-both, us-useful to grandmother. Even just a little. But this is all I can d-do, so I wa-wanted to do it.”

Just then, something inside breaks for her. Paya bends forward to look upon the ground. “Even though I fe-feel this way about you all, this is all I can d-do. It’s not enough at all, is it? I ca-can’t even ta-talk right! It hurts!” Tears fall to the ground.

Link kneels down to Paya’s level. “Look at me.” With great effort, Paya does so.

“It’s enough. I’m not good at talking either. But I’ll tell you that in your own way, you are like she was.”

“Who?”

“Princess Zelda. And me too.”

Paya’s eyes widen with shock. “Th-that can’t be right! I’m not amazing, I don’t un-understand!”

“You don’t need to,” Link says. “Just keep that faith and don’t change.”

Link gets up and helps Paya to her feet. “I don’t know when you’ll see us. But one day, you will.” With those words, Link moves to leave the village and doesn’t look back even once.

It all fades away. In Kakariko Village, the girl Paya wakes up. It was two weeks since that hard night, and seven days since word had come that the great darkness was gone from Hyrule Castle. Beyond that, her people knew nothing for sure. Now Paya enters the main room of her home.

“Has there been any word, any sign? Anything at all?” This is the voice of Impa her grandmother, ancient and bent with age. Already awake and asking the same questions she had been every day. With her are Cado and Dorian, their guards and two of the best fighters in the village.

“It’s the same as it’s been so far,” Cado answers. “Monsters running scared from their camps, Yiga Clan hideaways known to us being abandoned. Guardian machines of all kinds turned totally inactive. But no messages or reports about the two we’ve sought.”

“I see.” Impa bows her head and says no more. Paya passed into the outdoors without a word. The village was very quiet and mostly empty. It was early in the morning, after all. Passing by the small shops and pumpkin farms, in time Paya neared the outskirts of the village and the sole pathway to the world beyond. Then she knelt to the ground and closed her eyes.

Please. If there is anyone to hear, please. If they are both okay, I won’t ever want anything else!

Paya looked up to see two people riding steadily into the village. Between the darkness of the early morning and the hoods over their heads, their appearance was mysterious - and perhaps suspicious, she thought.

"W-who goes there? Who is it?!"

One of the riders started as if in sudden shock and turned in Paya's direction. "I can't believe it." It was a female voice. Before her companion or Paya could react she had leaped down from her mount and rushed over to embrace her. Paya was quite flustered. "Huh? W-w-w-wha-what? What's going on?"

"Impa, it's you! You haven’t changed, I don't understand!"

"No," said the other with a tone of sympathy as he dismounted. It was a male voice. "This is the one I told you about."

"O-Oh. Of course. How silly of me, it was so obvious." Paya was promptly released. "My apologies."
The male voice was one that Paya had heard many times before. "M-Master Link? Y-y-y-you're all r-right! They couldn’t find you! Who's this, why..."

Paya trailed off as belated realization set in. 'Oh." She put her hands over her mouth and gasped. “Oh!” Then Paya started to point back and forth between them. "S-So then, you - she is - you are - oh. Oh, wow."

"Okay," said Link. "I know this is a lot, but it’s early in the morning so-"

"GRANDMA!" Paya's voice rang out through the valley as she waved her arms and darted about to and fro, as if in doubt on which way to go. "Grandma, she's here! He's ba-back, they're back!" Paya took Zelda by the hands and swung her around in a circle. "They're re-really all right!" Paya let go and threw her arms around Link. "You did it, you - AAAHHH!" Paya let go and sprang backward as if she'd touched something hot, face red and looking in all possible directions except straight at either Zelda or Link as she held her hands upright in front of her. "I'm so embarrassed! I was just happy, pl-please don't look at me!" Then Paya finally had the wit to turn toward her home and start running. "GRANDMA! THEY'VE COME BACK!"

Zelda wasn't sure if she was more moved to laugh or cry. "Wow."

"To be honest," Link said, "I think she handled it better than I expected."

The two shared a laugh for a time; then Zelda became serious. "Link," Zelda said. "It hasn't been a dream, right?" Link made no answer right away but only looked at her with a strange look in his eyes. Was that compassion? Affection? Something else? All of it at once? She had little time to think of reading the meaning before he slowly and carefully took her hand and squeezed it a bit, not unlike one delicately handling an object thought to be precious beyond price and perilously fragile. Warm feeling flowed over her like a calm and strong tide coming into the ocean shore. "Right," she said, "just checking."

"It's over for good," said Link. "I promise. You did it."

"We did it, remember?" said Zelda. After that, she thought she could feel Link's hand tighten for a fleeting moment. Then she was released entirely. "We should follow," Link told her.

As the two moved to follow after Paya side by side, Zelda felt mild puzzlement intruding upon her satisfaction. In such a happy moment as this, Link seemed to have deliberately chosen to not acknowledge what she'd said. It wasn’t the first time he hadn’t directly accepted her praise since they had been reunited. Yet when he was asking for something, Link certainly seemed to have no issue with referring to himself as a hero.

Such modesty, even now? Well...if it pleases him to be that way, it's fine. Like he says, there is time.

Yes, in time she would be sure he heard it all. They were young and free now. They had all the time in the world now, didn’t they?

***​

Moments later, a reunion long awaited had come. Zelda stood before her friend Impa. Impa spoke. "Zelda...my princess, my friend. I dreamed of this moment for so long. We Sheikah, we all did."

Joy welled in Zelda. "Impa, I - I made it. Just like I promised! You did well. Thank you for living."

The old woman shook her head and began to laugh and cry. "I'm the one who should be saying that, you fool!"

"Oh, Impa, don't...!" Zelda began to cry too. "Come here!", Impa said. "Let me look at you!" Zelda was all too glad to oblige. She sprinted forward and embraced her completely. "It must have been so hard to wait for so long without knowing," Zelda said. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry it had to be that way."

"There is nothing to apologize for and nothing to forgive," replied Impa. "Please, never doubt that. You were right about it all, and right about him too."

"It...it just doesn't feel like enough to say, but - thank you. Thank you so much." Zelda hugged tighter.
Paya and Link looked on together near the entrance, both emotional at the sight. Link restrained himself quite well according to his way, but his smile and the look in his eyes told the story of his satisfaction in this moment. For her part, Paya was crying in happiness nearly as much as those two. "I'm so happy for grandma, for the both of them, Paya said. "It's too wonderful." "Come on," Link replied. "We should give them some time." Paya nodded and followed Link as he went out the door.

Link and Paya emerged to find a small crowd starting to gather outside. Paya went off in hopes of confirming the good news and getting folks to wait to see their most welcome visitor, for at least a little while. Soon, one man approached Link.

"Link," Dorian said. "We will need to talk about this. With them."

Link sighed openly. He had suspected this was coming. "I'm not a fool. We weren’t even detected by any of you. She wanted this, she needed this. When she spoke her desire to me that was all I needed to know, and that’s always how it’s going to be from now on.”

"Even so-"

"Enough," Link said sternly. "Just...not now, okay? Not now."

"Um....w-what's going on?" asked Paya. She had returned and come near.

Link sighed again. Damn it, old man. "Paya, how much did you hear?", asked Dorian.

"W-well, not very much. I wasn't trying to overhear. B-but you both looked so s-serious, so..."
"Well," Dorian said," "let's just say we were discussing the future just a little. Don't worry about it, all right?"

Link was glaring at Dorian and Paya noticed. "Um, M-Master Link-"

"It's just as he says," interrupted Link. "Everything is fine, I promise." Then Link focused his gaze upon Dorian. "Everything will be fine."

Dorian drew a deep breath. "I'm truly glad you two made it back." Link nodded and said no more. Instead he set himself down by the front door of Impa's home with the Master Sword on his lap, in token of keeping vigil for a threat that he knew would not come.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 9: Paya's Question​

Summary:​

The past is contemplated, and the desires of two hearts are fulfilled.

​

Not all of what passed between Zelda and Impa on the day of their reunion need now be told. Many sentiments large and small were said, and Zelda asked many eager questions about Impa's knowledge of Link's adventures. Even Link would not know everything until long after their lives had transformed in ways he could not have imagined then.

"Impa," Zelda said, "I can't help noticing. The village isn't much larger than I remember it, even though it has been a hundred years."

Impa was silent for a moment. "We have all endured much and done our part, princess. Many of us are abroad in the realm. As for others, those who cannot be with us today would all be proud."

Zelda lowered her head. Her heart was suddenly very heavy. "There has been so much loss, so much sacrifice. I have seen so many broken and empty things. It is overwhelming to think of it. I know we did our best. But...but in a way, that makes it harder to accept."

"My friend," Impa said, "please look at me." Zelda did so.

"Your legacy is the fact that there is still a village at all. Your legacy is every life that is being lived today. Never doubt that for a moment."

"Please, please don't take this the wrong way," Zelda said. "But if I could have a wish granted, it would be to be remembered more for what I will do from now on one day."

Impa smiled a little. "That is just like you. Well, there is time."

"That is what Link keeps telling me."

"That is just like him, too. It is good that he remembers as much as he does."

There was a silence that felt like an eternity to Zelda. She felt troubled as her memory went back to the words of the two men at the stable. But she wasn't sure how to speak more of her mind just then, and she was determined to remember this only as a day of happiness. For it was a day she had fantasized about many times within the great darkness that she had endured.

"Impa, I have been thinking. Everyone outside might be expecting some kind of great speech, I suppose. Yet I wonder - do you think I could simply meet everyone who is here, one at a time? If I could learn every name and learn even a little about them and personally let them know what their lives mean to me, I think my heart would be full."

The old woman looked upon her with renewed affection. "You truly have not changed. You emerged from the darkness to shine as brightly as ever. Anything you ask for in this village will be so, princess. They will be honored beyond words."

And so it was that through the rest of that afternoon and deep into the night, Zelda would personally meet with every person right down to the very youngest child with Impa present. No topic was too large or too small. Some spoke of dreams and hopes, others had only words of thanks and praise. Zelda delighted to question the children about their very favorite things and listen to it all for as long as they cared to speak. Paya would show each individual in one at a time and then take a seat against the east wall, not far from where Link was bearing silent witness. His eyes never left his princess. As for Zelda, every departure and arrival meant opportunities to steal looks at him that she took.

Shy and timid and empathetic as she was in her early days, Paya had grown to become quite the practiced observer - though she would have been quick to deny it, if anyone had ever thought to tell her so. She perceived and read many things and would fidget more and more as the night passed on. Her eyes were mostly for Princess Zelda, but quite often her eyes would divert to Link as well.

"Wow." As midnight finally approached that evening and the last visitor was departing, Paya let the word out with a little peep. Link turned his head to Paya. "What?"

"O-Oh, oh! Oh. Um, nothing, Ma-Master Link. Nothing important."

"Hm. Well, it's finally your turn."

Paya's mind suddenly went blank. ".....huh?"

"She wanted to talk to everyone," Link said. "It's your turn."

Paya began to turn red with embarrassment. "B-b-b-b-b-but, I kind of di-did that before right?"

"That doesn't count."

"Wh-why not?!"

"It just doesn't."

"B-but...I was so dumb before and it's on-only me..."

"Ridiculous," said Link. Paya turned redder.

Zelda's raised voice chimed in. "It is just as he says! I'll have you know that I will not go to bed until I am done." Zelda's smile was radiant, her gaze free of judgment and expressing more than a little fondness.

"O-oh. Okay." Paya slowly approached Zelda and her grandmother and couldn't help looking anxiously at Impa. The old woman simply nodded to give a subtle bit of encouragement.

Zelda spoke. "You know, I could be wrong but I do not think that joy is ever something to be embarrassed about. I was truly moved earlier today. You have a beautiful heart, just like Link said."

"He said that?!", Paya squeaked and turned even redder. "B-b-b-beautiful? I do not deserve such words, I - I only - gr-grandmother's stories were - oh, oh my. Oh dear, oh dear!" Link smiled a bit unnoticed in the corner.

Zelda beamed even more brightly. "I don't want to force you into something. Still, if there is anything you would like to say to me then you can do it anytime you would like."

"Um...okay...well...do you think that I could ask you a question, princess?"

"Of course," Zelda said. "Ask anything that you would like!"

"We-well...what you did was so great. S-so I'm just wo-wondering...um..." Paya gathered her courage and blurted out her next words quickly. "How did you do it? All of that time you were stopping it, what was it like?!"

Zelda's face changed suddenly. She lost her smile and she looked anxious. "Oh - n-no, I can't. Not right now." As she said the words, she reflexively glanced quickly at Link.

"Paya!", Impa cried. She had been stung to sudden concern. Paya was at once regretful and mortified. "I'm so-sorry, I'm re-really sorry! I never t-talk right, I sh-shouldn't have done that!"

"Don't be sorry," Zelda said. "It's understandable. It's just that...well, I can't." Zelda shifted uncomfortably.

"I me-mean it!" Paya said. "I wasn't th-thinking-"

"No really," Zelda said, "It's fine. I just can't right now, that's all."

Another voice suddenly broke in from afar, tinged with a note of fear. "Did it hurt?" The question had come from Link.

A long, heavy silence filled the room. Zelda stared directly at Link and saw his fair face grieved and deeply troubled. And, she thought, maybe even afraid. Afraid to hear the answer, afraid he had done something profoundly unforgivable by reflexively blurting out such a question.

Zelda spoke. "Link. Can it be that you have been wanting to ask me that since we met again, but thought that you couldn't?"

Link did not answer. He looked away from her.

As comprehension set in, Zelda looked upon him with emotion plain to see to the others. Link, I'm sorry. I should have thought of it. Paya fought the urge to cry.

Zelda considered things carefully. "Everyone," Zelda said, "Please listen carefully for a moment. What I did back then to endure was...well, it is extremely personal. But I will say this: a hundred years have passed since then, but it did not feel that way to me - such was the grace that I was given. I was truly at peace because I truly had faith. That much is the truth, but I do not know when or if I can ever put more of it into words. Perhaps I shall write a book one day. I hope you can understand."

Impa bowed respectfully. "You honor us with what you have chosen to say," she said. Link said nothing. He subsided and resumed his position, seeming to be contemplative. If he was still concerned, he wasn't showing it.

Zelda took a long breath. "The important thing," she said, "is that it is over and I am here!" She stood up with a smile, hoping to break the tension.

"Um...th-then, pr-princess...I have so-something else." Paya's voice was barely louder than a whisper. She took a quick look at her grandmother, looking for a hint of disapproval that wasn't there. "Well then, go on," Zelda said kindly.

"We-well...I know you told grandma to st-stay behind." Paya unconsciously began to lift her hands. "I love grandma. S-so...th-thank you. Y-y-y-you...you're..." Paya covered her face and blurted out the rest. "You're my hero, princess!"

No one said anything for a moment. "Wow," Paya squeaked at last. "I re-really did it!" Impa shook her head in silence, but not with disapproval. She was grinning knowingly and with understanding.

Zelda's smile had completely returned. "Truly a beautiful heart, just as I said." Paya let out a little squeal. "So em-embarrassing!"

Zelda touched Paya's hands to slowly draw them back down and made eye contact. "Well, the night is no longer young. We should all go to our rest, now!"

So it was that within the hour, all present had retired to bed. But soon, one bed would be empty. For outside of Princess Zelda's room, Link had gone to sit and keep guard by the door. He had no thoughts of sleep. He stared forward at the wall, as one very deep in thought.

She said all of that but she held something back. Why? What is it?

Ever so slightly, the shadow on Link's heart had grown larger.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 10: The Worst Thing He Ever Feared​

Summary:​

Terror and relief are known to Link the hero.

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

Link the hero sees that horrible stormy night when all seemed lost, after the darkness fell. For her, it means her darkest hour and her worst despair. For him, it means something else.

He had allowed his princess to grieve and to release everything, despite the risk. He was sure she needed it. He is grieving as well, though he does not show it to her according to his way. As usual, he considers this a good thing.

“There are many ways to protect someone.” He had said that to her before and experience had taught him so. And so he would share this terrible moment and exist to simply be there for her and to comfort her, as well as anyone could hope to.

Then words are spoken by her to freeze his heart. “Link. Leave me here.”

What?!

He breathes sharply in his shock. Only years of practiced discipline ensure that his act is not a scream. His mind races.

Crying is supposed to be a relief, what’s happening to her, what’s going on?

“I’m exhausted,” she says. “You’re the one who can make a difference.”

You still can too! I can do anything if it’s with you!

“You’ll die if you stay with me.”

Stop it, think of yourself for once!

“I have no reason to go on any longer.”

Every shred of his willpower goes into speaking his next words to her calmly and resolutely, as if this were only a night like any other. “Even if you order me, I won’t do that.” He can hear her inhale and let out a little whimper, he knows her face is starting to contort with grief all over again. He feels her trembling.

Not this, no, please no.

For the first and only time of his life, Link experiences the horrific sensation of empathy and pity being swiftly replaced by cold fear. It happens because what he sees is surrender to a beautiful heart breaking from loss. It happens because what he sees is the most selfless person he’d ever known deciding that if she had become only a reason for more death, the only good and just choice was to let herself disappear.

It happens because he believes he is witnessing the worst thing he can imagine: the death of the very spirit itself. A threat to his - their - beloved princess that weapons and strength couldn't destroy or even fight, no matter how legendary.

Yes, this was her dying. Dying and drowning in despair within his reach, dying not from what had happened to her but from what had not happened for her. Dying within, before the body would follow. And here he was, watching.

Everything that he is has only one thing to tell him.

DO SOMETHING!

“Please forgive me for what I’m about to do,” he hears himself say. He pulls her in to press her close, bringing her body flush against his own. He squeezes tightly and he feels no shame. If she wanted to slap him later, he would let her. A curse upon everything appropriate and what the adults would have said, a curse upon accursed silence, a curse upon fear. He is no stranger to fear, once again he tells himself fear is only the kindling used to set courage aflame.

The boy would allow the fear, the knight would behold the source and act. A monster, an assassin, a feeling, what does it matter? He tells himself it never does. The knight visualizes an enemy to destroy. Every enemy, no matter how strong, was vulnerable to something. That is something he can always understand. If he had no words to say, he would speak another way.

She would feel his strength, through this intimacy she would know that someone still cared enough to give everything for her. She would know only that strength and caring and, he silently swears, never the truth of anything else. He would exploit the lies about her weakness to give her what she needed.
“Even now I believe in you, so you’re my reason to fight. That means that as long as we are both alive, there can still be hope. I need you to believe that for me. Can you do that?"

He squeezes her even tighter. She sobs, he thinks she is calming down. The boy prays as he never has before.

Let it be enough, it can't be too late. Help her, save her, don’t let her suffer anymore because of me!
He suddenly feels hollow. That’s right, isn’t it? I could have interrupted her, spoken so much sooner. It's my fault.

“I promise.” Her grateful voice pierces through everything.

Relief forces everything else away. “Good,” he says. He stands to lift her up, cradling her upright in his arms. “We press on. Rest for now, as best you can.” Only a knight’s determination lives in him now.

I’ll make up for all of it. I’ll fight enough for our friends too and we’ll find a way somehow. I can believe in tomorrow, as long as you’re here to see it too.

In time, the rain ceases. Link knows it will not be long before dawn. He sets himself down at last to finally lean against a large tree, to take what little rest he can dare. His princess is upon his lap, still cradled in his arms. In time, she stirs.

“Link,” she says, “are you awake?” Her voice is small and pitifully weak.

“I am, princess.”

Her voice begins to grow stronger. “What you said meant everything. I'll never forget, I’ll do my best. I’m sorry, I'm so sorry for all of it.”

His heart breaks for more than one reason. The greatest fear of his life is overcome. Finally, at long last, for once it’s all too much for him.

“No,” the boy says. “Don’t be sorry. Don’t – don’t ever be sorry.” The boy’s hold on her tightens. “You’re going to live to smile again, I promise.”

Silence falls.

“Link,” she slowly says, “Right now, are you-“

Her knight cuts her off immediately with a loud and clear answer. “You’re going to live to smile, no matter what.”

It all begins to fade away.

Her voice softly calls. “…Link?”

“No matter what.”

“Link. Link…Link! Open your eyes, Link!”

In Kakariko Village, Link woke up. He had wound up fast asleep outside of Princess Zelda’s bedroom door. She was standing over him, newly dressed in a fresh set of Sheikah Tribe robes.

“For goodness’ sake, whatever are you doing sleeping on the floor with no comforts? If you wanted to sleep closer to me, you should have just said so!” She offered Link her hand. He took it, and she helped him to his feet.

“Yeah,” said Link. “Guess I wasn’t thinking.”

“Honestly,” Zelda said, “it is possible to be just as sweet and less silly, you know!” She giggled a bit.
“Your smile is beautiful this morning,” said Link.

Zelda’s smile intensified a little as she self-consciously looked all about her. “O-oh, well. Thank you, Link! But it is only the same smile that I always have.”

Link deliberately allowed a moment of silence to pass before his response. “What’s your point, princess?”

Zelda gaped at him. “Such a thing, coming from you? You were never much for flattery, Link!”

"I only told the truth, princess.”

She felt a thrill. “Now Link, I’m afraid that simply won’t do!”

“What do you mean, princess?”

Zelda raised her right hand and pointed her index finger upward. “We have our deal!", she said playfully. "You are supposed to be saying ‘Zelda’ to me, all the time!”

"Right. Sorry, Zelda." Link closed his eyes and allowed the faintest grin. “You’re in high spirits today."
“Well, of course! Why wouldn’t I be?”

Link opened his eyes and his deep blue eyes stared directly into her. To Zelda it felt as if she were being studied and that in this moment she could hide nothing from him, even if she wanted to. As for Link, as far as he was concerned the beauty of her large green eyes was a gift he was allowing for himself as he found what he was looking for.

Zelda had become more than a bit bashful. "Link, what is it? What's gotten into you today?"

Link considered his answer for a very, very long moment.

"I think it's relief, Zelda. Just simple relief."

Zelda grinned. "Well, that is good. Come along now, you can practice saying my name over breakfast!"
Link's reply came as the two began to walk. "I'll do it if you smile, every time that I say it."

Zelda turned her head to the right to look on him with a start of surprise. The princess was more than a bit curious about this behavior and the maiden was more than a bit pleased.

"Our deal is struck again, Sir Link!"

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 11: Chronicles of Peace​

Summary:​

Days of peace and celebration pass by in Kakariko Village. Zelda considers the present and future.

​

On the evening of the second day of Princess Zelda's return to Kakariko Village, Zelda began an old habit anew. With pen in hand and a blank journal before her, in the days to come the princess began to sort through her thoughts and experiences on paper as she once did in days long ago.

Day 2

Well, here I am again with a pen in my hand. I don’t suppose I will ever see my old diary again, I cannot imagine that it survived the carnage at the castle. But that is all right. Everything that truly matters from that time is engraved into my heart.

When we made it to the village yesterday Impa and I talked for so many hours, we cried so much. She truly understands what I did. It must have hurt so badly to watch me go away that day. But she did it all and more, and Link remembered. She insists that she only did her duty and that it isn't special. Link tries to tell me things like that too, and the villagers were all just as humble when I talked to them.
My feelings tell me something very different.

Impa's granddaughter Paya is so sweet and kind, and very nervous. She says I am her hero. I think the finest thing would be to be her friend.

She wanted to know what it was like, but I couldn't do it. I think it scared them. I hope I said enough to not worry Link and the others. I truly do not have the words for everything I experienced when I held the darkness back. And what I can say about it...

It will be for him alone one day.

Link was sleeping outside of my room this morning. I made him agree to use his own bed tonight. He says he will once he knows I am peacefully asleep.

Some things never change.

Day 3

Impa says we're having a festival to celebrate my return. I said I wanted to help, but they won't hear of it - the adults, that is. No work for the guests of honor, they say.

Well, the children and I have our own ideas! Work isn't really work if you are having fun!

The girl Koko wants to be a chef, it is a beautiful dream. When we met I told her about a pumpkin and carrot curry that used to be served at the castle, she very much wants to make it. So the kids and I will do it together and surprise everyone with it! We won't have the Goron Spice for that extra special kick, but we'll make do.

We are gathering ingredients bit by bit under the cover of "tours of the village" with Paya. Link is helping, of course. We will be using his cooking gear up near the Ta'loh Naeg Shrine, away from prying eyes. "If it's going to make you smile then it's fine," he says.

I thought he sounded a little strange when he first said it today, but he seems happy. He was never one to turn down the chance for a good meal!

I'm glad. I am happy when he is too.

Day 4

Paya is a little nervous about our plan. Apparently there is an absurd little rivalry between the farmers Olkin and Steen over whether their pumpkins or their carrots are the best ingredient in the village, and they've gotten it into their heads that they shouldn't go together! They won't even allow their crops to be sold together in the same store! Ridiculous!

Their wives Mellie and Trissa have better sense, of course. Koko has been frustrated by their stubborness too. A pox on the foolish pride of men! But Link agrees with me, naturally. "Good food is good food", he says. Just so. Our royal cooking will put an end to this nonsense! Now I cannot wait for tomorrow!

After breakfast in the morning the man Dorian said he wanted to speak with me about something important later. Link came over at once and said "not now!" before I could say a word. That ended everything right there. It was quite odd.

I can't help but wonder - is something going on between the two of them?

Day 5

My heart is soaring.

The curry was a hit with everyone! Olkin and Steen were completely dumbfounded when Koko and I presented the dish, maybe even scandalized. But who could possibly refuse a thing made with such love and care by the children of the village and even the princess of Hyrule herself? Impa and the ladies all understood what I was doing with them, of course. I'm amazed they didn't all burst out laughing!

In the end, even the farmers had to admit the taste was wonderful. Link had four helpings! But the most important part was the wonderful smile on Koko's face. She says she's even more excited to become a cook now, she's on her way to her dream. She is the first person I have really helped since I came back. It may seem like a small thing, but it's a start. The joy that lived in her is exactly what I wish for everyone.

At night, the villagers made a great bonfire and we all danced around it. Even Paya became carefree after awhile! Link tried to say he was happy to watch and that he didn't know how, but once I took his hands into mine over his protests those blue eyes of his seemed to truly shine.

I didn't follow any steps or any style, I didn't do anything properly the way I was taught at the castle. I can imagine what they would have said about my actions a century ago. But unlike then I cannot imagine myself caring about any of it, and I wouldn't change that way of thinking now for all of the world.
I just...moved. I followed the feel of the music and the calling of my heart as I moved and turned about. I let myself be completely free and I saw his blue eyes shining at me, reflecting the glow of the fire.

Near the end, Link actually laughed for the second time since we were reunited. It was the most wonderful sound. Even now I long to hear it again.

Tonight, I feel more alive than ever. I don't want to sleep!

Day 6

I think I scared him today. I didn't mean to.

It was only for a few moments, but the weariness returned to me unexpectedly early in the afternoon. I fell down some stairs. The pumpkin I was carrying was in far worse shape than I was, but Link put me to bed and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Perhaps I simply didn't sleep enough, or maybe my body truly hasn't finished adjusting. Maybe it is both, I don't know.

Impa insists that I allow the village doctor to examine me, I think Link must have said something about my condition on the road. I am waiting for that now.

Over my objections he picked me up and carried me all the way to bed, just as he did on that awful night we don't discuss. I think that I would have enjoyed it very much this time, except for one thing.
The look on his face was something I hope to never see again.

Link is watching me write now. Paya says she will keep me company until it's time to go to sleep and that if there is anyone else I want to talk to, she will bring them to me today. I think I will invite Koko and the other children who helped with the curry.

I’m fine. It was only an accident, that has to be it. They know that, don’t they?

Day 7

The doctor says there is nothing wrong with my body, outside of a few bruises from the fall. By all appearances, I am a normal young Hylian woman in perfect physical health. This judgment hasn't stopped Link from shadowing me everywhere I go. He is constantly staring all about me, as if he is hoping to examine me in some new way others have never done. I have told him that I feel full of energy, but I don't think it helped much.

He is worrying too much. We have been inseparable today, even more so than usual. Though I must admit, I find that I do not mind that part.

I have noticed something these last few days that is starting to trouble me. Every time I try to praise Link in front of the villagers or when we are alone, he changes the subject back to me and falls silent. He even did it during dinner at the festival. At times it is almost frustrating, but I cannot bring myself to scold him. Not after everything he has done, not with the way he is looking at me.

I have been considering the perspective of Link, Impa and all the others since I came here. I am thinking that perhaps it is the way of things for the praiseworthy to see more in others than they ever see in themselves, and humility is the truest mark of greatness. Maybe it can even be a blessing for each of us to tend to overlook the best within ourselves. Perhaps it is the instinct to humility that drives us to be better, that inspires us to encourage others by acknowledging the virtues that we see and wish for.

That would certainly explain the heroism of Link. Dear Link, the very best of us and my life’s greatest blessing. He came for me, he did so much for me in the past, he is so strong. He has been so caring since we were reunited. Why isn't he more willing to accept it when I say that it is special?

Well, we are young. The time will come for us, I just know it.

But when, I wonder? Now that he is in my sight, somehow it feels so hard to say the message at last. And lately I have been having so many more thoughts about what it has all meant to me - about what he has meant to me.

The moment must be just right, my words must be perfect. When I speak at last, I would have him accept every good word that I say of him. Then perhaps he will completely open his own heart to me, when I have the courage to say it. It will happen when he truly understands, I just know it.

One day when I truly come into my own, I would have him see what I've become and believe that everything I am is possible because of him.

I want to be worthy of him. I want to be worthy of them all.

Day 8

This last week has been like a living dream, but my thoughts from yesterday are starting to weigh upon me. I know I can't be idle forever, I have a responsibility. I think the time has come to seek advice on what we can do to rebuild, and how.

Impa says that Dorian came to her and privately requested a meeting tomorrow. I agreed, of course. It sounds like the perfect opportunity to speak my mind.

All our sacrifices, everything we have been through must mean something for their sake.

So much has been lost but I'm still here, I'm still alive. It has to be for a reason.

It just has to be.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 12: Zelda and the Believer​

Summary:​

Difficult counsels are given.

“A meeting? What for?”

It was the middle of the afternoon during the ninth day at Kakariko Village. Link was worried as he processed the news he was hearing from his princess, as they made their way to Impa’s house together from the village inn.

“Well you see,” answered Zelda, “I had time to think when I was resting in bed the other day. Since we came here I have not really discussed the subject of restoring Hyrule in the future at all. I am asking myself many questions and I have few answers, and I think I will be restless if I do not get some advice soon. I think I will raise the topic once Impa and I find out what Dorian has to say.”

Link stopped dead in his tracks. “So this is his idea?” He clenched his fist. Damn his stubbornness, why can’t he just leave well enough alone?

Zelda looked sidelong at him. “Link, I don’t know why you are so cross with him lately but for me, would you try to put it aside please? Whatever his reasons are there is no real harm in just talking, don’t you think so?”

“I suppose we’ll see.” Link continued to stand still.

“You have something on your mind, Link.”

Link hesitated for a moment. “It’s just that – well, haven’t you been happy to be here like this?"

“Of course, Link. But I don’t have the luxury of just resting here for too long if I want to make a difference! Let’s keep moving, otherwise we are going to be late.” Zelda began to walk again, and Link followed. He felt as if his legs had become considerably heavier.

One week. It’s only been one week of true rest after a century of struggle.

Link stared at Zelda’s back and her beautiful golden hair. His thoughts went back to the night of festival and the sight of her mirthful face and the way her hair seemed to glow just for him when she danced with abandon near the bonfire in the night, like the kindling of a cozy fire in the hearth.

She shouldn’t have to lift a finger at all anymore after what she’s done, but after only one week she’s thinking about duty and work again.

How long would it be before he once again had the chance to see Zelda acting only like a girl who had done enough with a life to live, and not at all like a princess with a job to do and something to prove?

It’s like it doesn’t even occur to her there could be another way to be. I kept telling her we had time; didn’t it do any good?

Link clenched his right fist.

Take it easy, it’s only a conversation. You’re her knight, what she wants comes first. Just get through this for now.

Link sighed.

Damn it, old man.

***​

So it was that on this day, there was a small gathering at Impa’s home. Impa, Paya, Zelda and Link were present along with Dorian and Cado. Zelda was seated next to Impa just as it had been the day of her arrival. Link and the men were in front. As for Paya she was bearing witness off to the side of the room in her usual place, present but very inconspicuous.

"Well now," Impa said. “Dorian, you said there was something of importance to discuss with us. What would you say?"

Dorian was conscious of Link staring straight at him. He waited a moment before speaking, as if to brace himself. "I will just come out with it and be frank. In my opinion, Princess Zelda should not be staying in this village for very much longer. Thinking back on it, it might have been better if she had not been brought here right away."

"Huh?!", Paya exclaimed, thoroughly confused. "What?" Zelda was dismayed and stunned. Cado only lowered his head, as if to solemnly accept something. Link was very much displeased. “That was too far!”

"Hold, all of you!" Impa intervened with calm authority. "Such a thing would not be said without a reason." She looked to Dorian. "Would you please explain?"

"You can guess at my reason, my lady. Even now, the Yiga Clan remain a concern."

Zelda and Paya gasped aloud at the mention of the name. The Yiga Clan, that hateful group of renegade Sheikah carrying centuries old grudges for Hyrule's royal family. All of those present knew that the tribe had indeed been unjustly exiled and ostracized once upon a time, by a foolish monarch who perceived their strength and was afflicted with paranoia far beyond what little wisdom he may have had. Those of the Yiga were Sheikah who had nurtured old resentments for that disastrous decision into hatred, rejecting the Sheikah customs of old to embrace the dark arts and the ways of the assassin. The foolish deeds of one king had created the very adversary he had thought to prevent.

However strong the bond between the Sheikah and the royal line became again after his lifetime, the schism would tragically last nevertheless. The Yiga Clan represented the shame of a wound in Hyrule's history and, to the Sheikah, a stain of dishonor that could never be fully washed away. Above all, the Yiga's contempt for Hyrule's royal bloodline and anything it saw fit to associate with was absolute. For that reason, their feuds with the Sheikah and the Gerudo tribes of the desert were undying and bitter. The threat they posed to Zelda's life in the days before the Calamity was one significant reason for Link's appointment as her protector.

"So they persist still, even after all of this time," said Zelda. “Even after seeing for themselves what the Calamity has done. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

“Link,” Dorian said, “you at least should be able to understand my point of view.”

Link shook his head dismissively. “I understand better than anyone. You don't get it, it doesn’t matter. We’re together and it’s going to be like it used to be. I will protect her, no matter where she is or what she’s doing.”

Paya began to fidget. “Wow.” Her voice was barely a whisper, and no one else heard it. Zelda felt a familiar warmth surge in her heart.

Dorian was undeterred. “No one doubts your ability, but some places are better than others. In the past the Yiga have kept eyes on this village, at times spies have even hidden here among us. And Link, you were involved in the incident with the stolen heirloom. We’ve experienced what’s possible for them. If the Yiga do come looking for the princess with thoughts of revenge soon, Kakariko Village will be one of their most obvious targets to seek.”

“But I have heard your reports and all signs point to the traitors being on the run,” Impa said. “Am I wrong?”

“You are not,” Dorian said. “But I think we need time. Time to scout and to learn more about how they are moving, time to strengthen our vigil out there in the realm now that we have a princess to protect again. While we do, secrecy will be Princess Zelda’s best defense.”

“But I would have her hide with those who are the most loyal to her,” Impa said.

Zelda was taken aback. Hide? Me? Is that what I’ve been doing?

“The true loyalty would be making the safest choice that we can choose for the princess, even if we would prefer that it were something else.” Dorian spoke his answer in reply to Impa, but as he did his eyes were on Link.

Link took the meaning of his actions for what they were and began to feel agitation. “You’re not listening to me. Where she stays is up to her, I told you that!”

"Wait," Zelda interjected and every head turned to her. "Hold on. Am I to understand that every one of you thought I would go into hiding when I returned?"

"Not forever," Impa said. "But yes, I came to that belief as the years went on.”

Dorian took his opportunity. “Princess Zelda, we Sheikah will do all that we can to scout the realm and to bring truth to the rumors about why Calamity Ganon is no more. Messages have already been sent to our agents in the field. There are many safe houses prepared and waiting that you could go to. Places that are hidden away and secluded, places where you can live comfortably.”

Link had a flash of anger. “She should be with other people! It’s wrong, I won’t allow it!”

Dorian regarded Link solemnly for a long moment. “Link. With all due respect, were you really thinking like a knight just then? Didn’t you say that where the princess goes is up to her?”

Link’s patience was tested to its very limit. His demeanor seemed calm, but he purposely spoke with an edge in his voice. “The only one who gets to question my devotion as her knight is Princess Zelda herself. And I remember everything it means.”

Dorian took a breath. “I’m not trying to do that. But we should think about this carefully-“

“Enough.” Zelda had broken in. “I will not have you two arguing, I have thought about it. My answer is no.” Zelda spoke the words in tones of authority and finality.

Dorian and Cado tensed up, wanting to speak but thinking much better of it. Impa thought to ease the tension in the room. “If the village is what you would choose, my friend, of course you will always be welcome.”

Zelda shook her head. “You don’t understand. I came here to visit, not to stay. Today I had hoped to make plans for what I would do, after I leave this place soon.”

Link clenched his right fist. There it is, here we go. Damn it.

Impa’s face began to show concern. “A plan, my friend?”

“B-but no!” Paya piped up suddenly, forgetting her place in a rush of disappointment. Every head turned to her, and Paya turned her head sideways toward the floor as her bashful nature got the better of her. “Um…I’m sorry, I didn’t want to be rude. It’s just that, we-well, princess, I like hearing you talk and tell your stories. I’d ju-just like it if you stayed, that’s all.” Paya raised her head just a little, trying to make herself give a hopeful look to Zelda.

Zelda smiled a little. “That’s very sweet of you, Paya. But I didn’t come here for protection, I came here wanting to follow the calling of my heart. And I had hoped to find guidance and help for restoring Hyrule, too.”

With the mood lighter again, Cado thought to gently continue what his companion had begun. “If I may princess,” he asked, “what did you have in mind?”

He had struck a sore spot; Zelda was at a loss as uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty came to the fore. “Well, I – I’m not sure yet. That’s why I wanted to come. There are so many things, surely.” She fidgeted a little, trying to think. “Perhaps…perhaps we should start with trying to restore the castle soon? Maybe people will come to me in Central Hyrule if I call and we can just get the word out, I don’t know.”

As the others considered Zelda’s statement, Link clenched his fist just a little tighter. He remembered Zelda’s solemn look before the gates of the castle and her troubled words.

“I don’t even want to go in. I don’t even want to keep looking at it.”

“If I do not go back, have I given up? Surrendered to that judgment? Is that lie reforged into truth if I do not go back?”

Link remembered very well that he’d told his princess that she had the right to decide, and he had no thoughts of being untrue to his word. Yet when Zelda had spoken of returning to that place, he had heard no trace of excitement or anticipation or any other positive feeling. So it was that for Link, only one conclusion was possible. She doesn’t want to go yet. She’s trying to force herself. You don’t have to, I tried to tell you, don’t you see?

For Dorian’s part, worry pushed him to speak up again. “Princess Zelda, I beg you to reconsider all of this. An idea like that is as good as announcing exactly where you are!”

“That would be the point, sir,” Zelda answered. Her tone was confident but she saw Dorian only looking more anxious. She stole a glance at Impa and saw only traces of concern. She looked at Link hoping for something to encourage her. But when she did, she thought that Link looked nearly as uncertain as she felt. Zelda’s heart began to falter and yet did not wish to give up. In answer, her mind took her thoughts elsewhere.

“There are…there could be other things too, besides the castle. The Goron, Rito, Gerudo and Zora tribes were such a help, and I would thank them personally just as I have done with all of you here. Or maybe there are other places I should go to first? There are so many things I could choose to do out there, I truly do not know where I should start. You all must have at least some thoughts, don't you?”

“Princess,” Dorian said with exasperation, “with all due respect, you are still being thoughtless about secrecy and your safety!”

Zelda shook her head and felt almost grateful for the comment as she experienced a surge of confidence. Here was a subject where no doubt lived in her at all.

“I am not thoughtless of danger, sir. I am fearless of all danger, and there is a vital difference. Link spoke the truth about how it was in my father’s time, danger never once held me back from any duty given to me. I believe that there is nothing out there worse than what I have seen already. As long as Link is with me I know that will feel safe anywhere I go and that I will be safe, no matter where I go.” As Zelda carefully chose those final words, she looked at him meaningfully. She wondered if he Link was sharing the same fond memory of a day that had changed everything for the two of them, once upon a time.

Paya’s fidgeting was becoming considerably more active as she observed in silence.

“My friend,” Impa said, “please wait a moment. Safety is not the only matter at hand. You have been through a great ordeal and you are young. This is not the time to rush into any new task. You have earned time to rest now and there is nothing that you must be ready for, yet."

Zelda was dismayed anew to hear this coming from her friend. “But I am a princess, you know what that means as well as I do. I want to bring my people together again. I can’t do nothing; I can’t be useless!”

THUMP.

Suddenly there was a loud and blunt sound that drew everyone’s attention. Link had slammed his right fist straight into the floor. Zelda was very much startled, even more than all the others. In her experience, such a reaction was unheard of. “Link?”

“Don’t say that.”

“Li-Link, I-“

“You did what you could. That's who you are, you said you didn't blame yourself. Please don’t say that.”

Link’s thoughts were for that hard night at the Spring of Power, and for her part Zelda belatedly realized the echo of her words from a time she’d tried very hard to forget. It was a matter that the two of them would never share with others for as long as they lived. A silence lingered in the room that had never been heavier as the others witnessed the two of them looking at each other without a word.

Zelda very much wanted to reassure her knight and quickly change the subject. “Link, I only meant that – it's not a question of blame, it's a question of responsibility. I have a duty to help my people.”

Link shook his head. “But you have helped already, Zelda. I said there was time, I thought you agreed. Word will get out and people will learn and gather again no matter where you choose to be.”

A crestfallen look came upon Zelda. Now that it had finally come to it, her many doubts were taking form at last. “What will they learn when they hear, I wonder? Why would anyone outside of this village want to follow me now, as it stands?”

All others besides Link were astonished to hear her words. “That is obvious, princess!”, Impa cried. “You have saved this land!”

“I don’t think it’s that simple, Impa.”

The old woman was completely caught off guard. “How could it be otherwise?”

“Think about it,” answered Zelda. “It’s true that I found my power to seal the darkness, but does that prove that I am wise? That is what makes a leader, not powers or strength. I have so much to do and to learn as well, but so far we are only arguing about the best way for me to hide. It’s not right.”

No one said a word.

Zelda went on. “So much has been lost, people’s lives could become so much better than they are now. But if I speak one day and people only hear a princess who was almost too late and who knows how to hide, what then? What will bring us together?”

Impa was roused; she hated the idea of her old friend having such thoughts about herself. “It could never be that way! You are our princess, you deserve to be taken care of after everything you have done!”

Zelda was now finally feeling frustrated. For all of her feelings and her attempts to reason with her companions, she felt she was getting nowhere. “I don’t understand where this resistance is coming from. Of all people, I thought you would have advice for being ready. But you would have me only stay? You speak as if I cannot do a thing!”

"Child,” Impa said, “I did not mean it that way." But although they were well meant, Impa’s words struck home in exactly the wrong way.

“’Child?’”, Zelda said. “'Child'. I see. I suppose that makes sense. That explains it quite well.” Zelda’s voice had been casual, as if she were simply thinking through some reasonable idea not thought of. But to the others, she appeared to be hurt. Impa’s face was full of regret. Link’s heart sunk.

Zelda pressed on. "It is only natural, isn’t it? To you men I am your princess and someone to be cared for after a great and unfair burden. And Impa, you have had a hundred years to become wiser and to learn the world. As for me I am just the same as you remember, except now I am justifying your perception with my impatience. This is another way that I am left behind, even in the only part of the world that cares for me any longer.”

Impa was grieved. "My friend, so much of that is not true! Your very name is a thing of legend to many people in Hyrule, not only here. Link could tell you that much."

“It’s true,” Link said with conviction. He tried to smile, desperately hoping it would help.

Zelda's smile in reply seemed sad. “Zelda the legend. The Legend of Zelda. Should such an idea really make me happy?”

Impa was completely stunned. “My friend, how – how can you say such a thing?”

Zelda shook her head. “Try to understand. It is distressing to be already thought of as if I am the subject of a history book. That is for things that are gone.” With that, for a moment Zelda’s emotion got the better of her. “Look at me! I am not gone, I am here! I am alive and I am only seventeen years old! Must it be my fate to save the world, only to watch it go by? To stand by and not to make it any better, all the time remembering the ways that it used to be?”

Impa shook her head slowly. This time, it was only an old friend speaking wearily. “Zelda. Is it truly failure to have kindness for yourself and to wait, for just a while? Is it so foolish for us to think that it is not?” Then there was a long silence. Link clenched his fists tightly, noting well Zelda’s delay to respond. It isn’t right. It isn’t fair.

Suddenly, Zelda’s voice seized his attention. “Link. What do you think?”

“Me?” He was anxious about being put on the spot so suddenly. “I – well, I don’t think – I mean, I’m your knight. I want to support anything you want to do. It’s – it’s not my place.”

Zelda let out a wistful little sigh. “Link, as far as I am concerned it is your place to say anything at all to me. I know you are loyal to me, but you must have some opinion about what is best. I value your insight, I want to know how you feel. It’s okay to take your time.”

“I…I’ll try.” Link tried to focus to organize his thoughts. Don’t screw up, hero.

He took a deep breath. “I think…I think I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of people. They’re good people, they really are. The meaning of your sacrifice is something everyone experiences every day, even if they don’t really know or understand you yet.”

Zelda said nothing. Link took a breath and tried to proceed carefully.

“When you, well, care about someone, you want to see them doing things because they choose to and not only because they think they have to. I remember talking about that before. That’s the way you want people to think about you, so that proves that you care the way that you should.”

Zelda said nothing, but to Link she seemed to have a look of anticipation. She needed more.

Link went on very slowly as his confidence grew bit by bit. “So…so just have some faith. Give people the chance to hear the truth about you beyond any tale or legend. Give them time to really understand and decide that they’d want to follow you, all on their own. That will prove the kind of true loyalty you can always count on, the kind that I have. When you speak, you’ll see. They’re all going to feel the same way about you that I do!”

Zelda smiled a little as if she’d heard some kind of inside joke. So sweet, and yet… “The people will feel the same way about me that you do? I am not sure if such a thing is truly possible, Link.”

To one degree or another, the varying possible implications of Zelda’s words were lost on no one in the room. Link was left completely at a loss and could not answer her. Unnoticed by the others, Paya was now fidgeting quite furiously. But Link looked down at the floor, feeling thoroughly defeated.

Zelda nodded a little and spoke again quietly as she contemplated things. “So if you had your wish,” she said, “even you would prefer that I delay and not act as well. I see.” To Link, Zelda’s words had tones of sadness.

It’s no use. Once again, I don’t have the right words for her. I tried. If I’m not doing something for her, it’s always no good in the end.

The shadow on Link’s heart grew larger.

Link hated the silence in the room as it dragged on. To him, it was as if seconds were counting for minutes. But as Link dwelled on his latest thoughts, there was suddenly a faint spark of inspiration.

Wait. Doing something? Could that…could it do some good, after all? But his train of thought would have to wait, for an unexpected voice broke the silence.

“Um…I’m confused, princess. This isn’t making any sense.”

All heads in the room turned. Paya had suddenly piped up to speak. Impa did not look pleased. “Paya, be more respectful!”

“O-oh, we-well, I meant no offense,” Paya stammered. “B-but, we-well, it just seems like this is being thought about all wrong.”

Impa would have spoken a rebuke, but Zelda stopped it all short with an upraised hand. “Please, it is all right. I want to hear.”

Paya took a deep breath and spoke slowly while looking down, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. “We-well, I think that no matter what, it’s go-going to take a lot of time for word to spread about Calamity Ganon’s do-downfall and your return. It will take even more to g-gather people together after they know it’s safe to go near the castle. It doesn’t seem like being wiser or greater would make it go much faster.”

Zelda had no answer for this. She looked down at the floor despondently. “I…I see.” At the sight Link abruptly broke his silence. “What’s your point?”

Paya flinched a little. She was startled by the sound of Link’s voice; it had seemed quite sharp. “Well, you see, I g-guess I don’t get how being a princess and having responsibilities means that you’re r-responsible for everything. Can you explain it to me, please, princess?”

Everyone in the room was rendered speechless. Zelda seemed to have become very contemplative. Though Paya did not see it, Link was looking upon her with gratitude.

Zelda raised her head and finally managed an answer. “No, Paya. I don’t think that I can.”

“Oh. Okay.”

No one spoke for a time. Zelda would be the one to break the silence. “Paya, I think you look as if you have something else to say.”

Paya gulped. “We-well…I’m wondering, princess. What if your worries just mean opportunities?”

“What do you mean?”

“If it’s going to take time before re-rebuilding can even start, then…then you can use that time, can’t you? If there are things you can’t do right now, couldn’t you find other things to do? If you think you have a lot to learn, can’t you just start to learn? If you don’t know the p-people in this time, can’t you take time to get to know them? All of it would help you, wouldn’t it? And you don’t need to worry about being worthy, princess, because today you pr-proved that you are.”

Zelda was intrigued, now. “How do you think I’ve done that?”

Paya’s nervousness was quickly being overpowered by a rare surge of encouragement. “We-well, grandma was right. You saved this land and you’re my hero, but that’s not all. You’ve been talking about wanting to lead because you want to help people, and all along you haven’t said even a word about deserving to lead at all. I think that’s really sp-special! When people get to know that side of you, they will love you just like Master Li-Link says. It’ll be a matter of time because…well, you’re amazing. I think you’re amazing! Oh gosh, what am I saying?!” Paya’s face flushed and she looked down at the floor again, totally embarrassed at last.

“You have only said the truth from your own point of view,” said Impa gravely. “I’m very proud of you, Paya.” Paya’s face turned even redder. “Wow, really?”

“You stuttered less for the best parts,” Link said. “Nice job.”

Paya covered her face with her hands. “O-oh, Master Link…this is so embarrassing. Um…thank you, I think?”

Zelda looked at Paya in wonder. “You heard all of my doubts today, and yet you believe. I…I don’t know what to say.”

Silence fell again. Link was tense as he looked upon Zelda, trying hard to read what was going on in her mind. He was certain of nothing.

Zelda spoke again. "I was not expecting things to be this way. Not at all." She stood up slowly.

“I need time. I need to think. I suppose it’s a good thing that I have plenty of time to use, right?” Zelda smiled weakly and she swiftly moved toward the door to leave.

Something about Zelda’s tone of voice did not sit right with Impa. “Zelda, please wait. I don’t want you to go like this.” But Zelda looked back and only shook her head. “It’s all right, really. I think there is somewhere that I need to go. Please don’t worry, just forget about the things I said.” With that, she went out the door and was gone.

No one moved for a moment. Then Link stood up, but he made no other move right away. He looked at Impa. “You did nothing wrong,” he said. “She understands.”

“Thank you,” said Impa.

Silence fell again for a long moment. Dorian seemed contemplative and regretful. Having observed everyone, Cado thought it useful to try to break the tension somehow.

“So,” Cado said, “let me get this straight. Princess Zelda wanted to figure out her future, and we all wound up advising her to go and get a life?”

Paya’s face blanched. “When you put it like that - oh no, I was so rude!”

Link fixated his gaze upon Cado. “She should be given a life back, and that isn’t the same thing.” He turned and left.

Cado frowned a bit. “He did realize I was kidding around with you, right?” Paya breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, you were? P-please sir, don’t do that to me…”

***​

“Princess, Princess Zelda! Wait, please, waaaaait!”

Zelda had been briskly walking toward the outskirts of Kakariko Village, but she was momentarily distracted by company. The sisters Koko and Cottla, the two daughters of Dorian, were rushing over to her.

Zelda made sure to smile. “Well hello, girls! What is it?”

Koko beamed at her. “I wanted to thank you for your help with the curry!”

“So we made this for you!”, Cottla said. “I helped!” The little girl outstretched her hands. In her hands was a wreath of modest size, just large enough to fit upon Zelda’s head. It was adorned with many beautiful flowers with five petals, blending the colors of white and blue. They were none other than the “Beloved Princess” flower, Zelda’s very favorite plant. It was a rare thing, and something involved in more than one fond memory.

Zelda regarded the thing with wonder. “It is beautiful. How did you come by so many of the flowers?”

“Oh, it was nothing!”, Koko said a bit bashfully. “They grow a lot near the great fairy fountain, we find them when we go exploring. Daddy says it’s okay to go there in the day!”

“The fountain, you say! Well, that is a welcome thing to hear.” Zelda looked up to a ridge leading out of the village, in the direction that she knew the fountain was. “Just when I was thinking of it. It is a sign, perhaps.”

Cottla was giddy. “Isn’t it great, Princess Zelda? You don’t have a crown of your own right now, but a princess is supposed to have one! So you can put this on and pretend that you do!”

Zelda looked down at the children and regarded them for a long moment.

“Uh…princess,” Koko said, “you do like it don’t you?”

Zelda knelt to the kids to meet them at eye level. “I love it. It’s perfect for me. Would you help me out and put it onto my head?”

The girls were all too happy to oblige. Zelda rose again and took the deepest breath she had taken in all day. “A fine coronation if I do say so myself! Thank you, girls. You were raised very well by your father. Please be sure to tell him that I said so, all right?” With that, Zelda made off to go up the hill.

The fading laughter and chatter of the children could be heard as she passed on.

“Hooray!”, Cottla cried out. “Long live the queen of Hyrule!”

“Nuh-uh, silly!”, Koko said. “That's a princess after she's married, everyone knows that!”

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 13: Zelda and the Fairy​

Summary:​

Link finds new resolve. Zelda seeks a counselor.

​

Even as Zelda made her way up the hill to pass out of sight at Kakariko Village, Link the hero left Impa’s house and came into the center of town. The laughter of the children Koko and Cottla drew his attention. Very little escaped his notice whenever he went anywhere, and it was no different this time around. He caught a glimpse of Zelda going up the hill toward Ta'loh Naeg Shrine and leaving sight of where he was at the center of the village. Ah, so she was thinking of that place. It was a peaceful and safe area, to be sure. He would join her soon enough. But she had said she wanted time, and he felt a need for it himself. Link fell deep into thought as twilight approached.

Well, she at least looks fine. It could be worse. The thought made him feel a little bit better. Only a little. He had fought for more than that, hadn’t he?

She’s safe here. She’s been happy here. But what about staying happy? What about being at peace?
His thoughts went back to her departure from the house, and then to their time on the field and in front of Hyrule Castle. He was sure that she had worn the same expression at those times.

“There is time.” He was so sure that saying that time and again was the right thing to reassure her. But she had been uncertain and troubled before the castle gates, she was troubled at Riverside Stable. And now here she was, troubled again after such a blissful and happy time at the village.

Everything about being here reminds her about being a princess. About what she thinks she needs to do, and not what she wants. Just like those ruins we saw on the road.

“I have to do everything I can.”

Time and again he’d heard that sentiment from her in the past, as her prayers seemed to go unanswered time and again. She had tried so hard to make her father King Rhoam understand that point of view while he had stood or knelt by in silence, remembering his appropriate place and her wishes.

Silence. Accursed silence.

Contrary to the king’s callous accusations at the time, Link had always been certain that none of it had ever been “a game” to Zelda. All his observations and all his listening led him to the inescapable conclusion that all her actions and all her studies had always been done with thoughts of stopping Calamity Ganon in mind. Yet he had seen firsthand how those things awakened joy and passion in her too – hence the king’s tragic and hurtful misunderstanding.

Through Zelda’s duty and obligation to do what she could to preserve life in Hyrule even in childhood, she had found her interests and what made life worth living for her. Link had always hoped that their success would mean setting her free to finally chase after only that happiness, as nothing more or less than a girl who never stopped caring or thinking about the world.

And yet.

There was time? So what if there was? Time for what? That was the question she wanted an answer for, and maybe even needed. She’d given him the chance to give her one time and again, and so far he had not offered a thing.

“When she spoke her desire to me that was all I needed to know, and that’s always how it’s going to be from now on.”

He had told that to Dorian with such confidence. But what he and others had said to her in the meeting hadn’t encouraged her in the path she was trying to find, had it? And yet she asked to know what he and the others truly felt. That too had been her desire.

It was all so confusing.

Link was sure of one thing: uncertainty was something that he and Zelda had completely in common now, in this moment. She knew what she wanted to do but didn’t know how to do it yet, and her mind was clearly occupied with what had been said to her as well.

Dorian and Cado wanted security. Impa wanted care for her. He had spoken of community and fellowship. Paya, bless her heart, had put forward the idea of self-care as a kind of preparation and training for Zelda’s ultimate ambition. The question now was what such a thing really meant, and whether Zelda would be able to accept it after living a lifetime of having a goal to desperately strive for.

Just asking her to wait and believe won’t work. What she needs is a choice that gives her rest and still helps her to feel she’s still moving forward. Is a thing like that really possible?

Link took a deep breath as he felt a rising sense of anxiousness. His thoughts were now for something he had considered on the road and at Riverside Stable before Zelda had asked to come to Kakariko Village.

Do I dare? Do I have the right? How will she take it when I tell her about it? What if – what if it’s going too far, too far beyond what a knight should be to her?

But as these thoughts ended for Link, something else came into his mind: the subdued look of Zelda’s face, right before she had departed Impa’s house.

Forget it, this is no time for your doubts. She needs you to at least try, this isn’t about you. Just ask – no, just talk about it. What’s the worst that could happen?

Link’s mind was made up. As he moved to walk again, his thoughts were only for rehearsals for what he would have his princess hear – and for the head pats he wished to give to Koko and Cottla. He had observed the gift of the wreath.

***​

Princess Zelda ascended the steep hills to come to Kakariko Village’s nearby forest, the very same one Link had prepared himself in. The day was wearing away, but Zelda’s path would remain well lit by many little lights all about her. For her goal was the great fairy fountain, and as she approached fireflies and little fairies alike drew nearer as if she were somehow naturally attracting them.

I have heard from those who know and care that I am the princess today, and yet I am still unsure. How can that be?

Zelda took a moment to prepare – and to try at not feeling so silly.

Perhaps an outsider’s point of view will help. What do I have to lose? In any case she can tell me something the others cannot, however much they might wish to.

Zelda knelt and began to pray formally.

“O great fairy of this fountain, patron of the Sheikah of Kakariko Village! Zelda, princess of Hyrule is here to humbly ask an audience, after returning from the darkness. I pray that you will hear my call and answer.”

Very soon there was a great splash of water out of the fountain as a great figure emerged with a great cry. It was in the form of a woman adorned with makeup and golden jewelry. But her size was many times that of a normal person, and only her upper body could be seen above the water of the fountain. She seemed young and yet still carried the demeanor of somebody’s doting grandmother. Here was Cotera, one of the four Great Fairies of Hyrule, answering Zelda’s call to meet with her for the second time of the princess’ life.

"So you have come to me again, young princess! It has been quite a long time, even from my point of view. The land has changed, I can feel it. I rejoice to know that you have endured your great trial."
"You honor me, great one. I wish to thank you for your aid in that. I know of what you and your sisters did for Link, to bless him with what protection you could give."

"Link...ah! The sword boy. Oh yes, he was delightful company whenever he came with offerings. So he was associated with you, was he? I should not be surprised. He did not ever once say a word about why he sought us out!"

"That is not his way," said Zelda. "Yet I think that if he had known only of your plight and was not striving to come for me, he still would have aided you and your sisters."

The great fairy smiled. "My, you speak those words with such confidence. I daresay that they mean more than they say, perhaps?” Zelda averted her eyes in embarrassment and made no reply. Cotera smiled. "Hmm, hmm. I see! Well my dear, I do not think that your thanks are the only reason you have come. Am I wrong?"

Zelda knelt, grateful to have been spared at being pressed for an answer. "That is true, but I have not come to ask any blessing for myself. Only your judgments and your insight, if you would be willing to honor me with them."

"You have lost none of your grace in a century, princess. You may speak your thoughts."

"When I came to you before facing the darkness in the past, you told me that there was nothing you could do for me that would assist me in my task. But you said that you could judge the strength and purity of one’s spirit, and you told me that you thought mine had realized its potential.”

"So I did," Cotera said. "Under the right circumstances we can enhance and strengthen a thing, sometimes. Even then, we do so by making the most out of what there is to work with. We do not create strength from nothing. But as for you the sealing power you gained is a thing far beyond any gift that is in our power to give, and it was something you gained when you were the best that you could be.”

"Then...what about now? I feel as if the sealing power has been fading since I became free. So when you look at me, how do I seem to you?"

The fairy regarded her for a long moment. "You are unchanged, my dear. Why should it be any different?"

Zelda sighed. "I feared to hear such an answer from you, great one.”

"If I may say so princess, that is a bizarre sentiment. Can you please try to explain?"

"Great fairy, I find that I am ill at ease and I don't understand why. Before I went to face Calamity Ganon, you saw what I was like. I had conviction, I was free of all doubts at last. The challenge before me was great, but it was simple to understand. I at least knew what felt right to do, no matter how hard and dangerous doing it seemed to be. The sword of legend spoke things to me to reassure me of my path. But now that my goal is fulfilled and I am considering what should come next, things are different.”

“Different how, my dear? Please go on.”

“It is hard to explain. It is confusing. There are moments when I feel as if I want to do nothing except laugh, and run, and to speak everything in my heart to – well, to just speak to the ones I care about without a care for anything. In other moments I feel despondent or tired, or just afraid to say too much too soon or in the wrong way. There are moments I rejoice at what remains and moments I grieve for what is gone. Right now I don't know what tomorrow will bring for me, or the day after, or the day after that. I don't know if that thrills or terrifies me, and I’m not sure which one it ought to be. I have overcome the greatest challenge of my life and yet I find myself uncertain. It worries me.”

Cotera shook her head a little, to Zelda’s surprise. “No, you are not worried. Even if it is only a little, you are afraid. I can guess at what your fear is, but I ask you to say it.”

A shadow fell upon Zelda’s face. “But it shames me, great one. It is a thing I haven’t even been able to say to who I care for the most.”

“It need not, and I promise you that your words will stay between us forever.”

Zelda breathed deeply. “I think that – no. I came to you because I was scared that something was wrong with me. Something that I can’t make right again.”

Despite her efforts, Zelda’s voice had cracked when she spoke the words.

Cotera smiled sympathetically. “Put such thoughts aside, little one. As I have said your spirit is unmarred and strong, I promise you that. The only thing about you to be enhanced is your clothing. We great fairies do not make mistakes.”

Zelda rose and swiftly came closer. "Great fairy, I don't understand how that can be right! It feels as if there are different people living my life from moment to moment and I am there watching them do it, and I cannot choose between them. I don't know which one is really me!"

To Zelda's surprise, the fairy only smiled warmly. "Oh, my sweet one. All of it is really you, and there is nothing wrong with any of it. You speak of matters of the mind and the heart. I say to you now that doubt is not a thing to fear. Without questions there are no answers, and without doubts there are no questions. Young as you may be, I think you have become wise enough to understand me.”

Zelda looked down to the ground. "Perhaps that is true, great one. But accepting it is hard for me. It is so very hard.”

“Tell me, darling. Why is that?”

“Because it hard to know what you dream for without being sure about how to even start to make it come true. And yet, even those close to me seem to want me to act as if I have done enough already. I’m only seventeen years old and I’m to accept that my greatest achievement has already happened, that the last page of my story is being written? I don’t know if I can live with myself that way, I don’t know if I can think that way and be happy!”

The great fairy replied as gently as she could manage. “I think, young one, that you have overlooked something very important.”

Zelda looked back upward at the fairy. “What might that be, great fairy?”

“It is simple. Who is to say that any person must live only one story?”

Zelda considered this for a long moment. “I was raised to live for the purpose of stopping the Calamity one day. That is over, now. Since he found me I have been wanting ways to hold onto at least some part of what I had. I have looked backward to the kingdom that used to be or to him next to me in the moment, but I have not really looked forward to where we might go. I have spent so much time thinking about rebuilding a kingdom or an old life that it had not occurred to me to think in terms of starting something new.”

Zelda ceased and contemplated in silence for a time. Finally, she smiled a little. “Well, I am still lacking answers, but perhaps now I will have better questions to ask. You and my friends have given me much to consider today, and for that I thank you.”

Cotera was well pleased and greatly satisfied. "Well my dear, I must say that it is nice to have at least one person in this realm that thinks to look to us for reasons besides material things. You are very welcome, and I wish you the best of luck in all of your journeys still to come.”

Zelda bowed low and thought to bid farewell, but Cotera wasn’t through yet. “Now then, young one! Perhaps you would like me to pick you up and to take you into my spring again before you go? It could help you to feel even better than you do now!”

Zelda waved her hands in front of her at once, suddenly feeling very flustered. “P-pick me up again? Oh, no no, that is quite all right!”

“Oh?”, Cotera said. “Truly, are you sure? The warm and tingly sensation it brings to pilgrims is the stuff of legend if I do say so myself! Surely you would agree about how thrilling it is, wouldn’t you?”

“We-well, it is certainly a unique experience,” said Zelda. “Y-yes, that’s it! It is so special that I would not wish to diminish the memory of it by going through it more than once!” At this point, Zelda remembered her proper manners. “In any case, great one, I thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.” Zelda bowed again and turned to leave. Oh, by all that is holy. That was close!

"Very well then, little one!", cried Cotera. "But one day come back to tell me all about your next story, once you feel that you have written enough of it! Farewell!”

***​

As Zelda emerged from the forest clearing, she saw a sight that was unexpected but hardly surprising. There was Link, seated at rest further down the hill near the Ta'loh Naeg Shrine. He seemed to have been meditating, and now he looked up and rose as she approached him.

“Hi,” Zelda said.

“Hi,” answered Link. He smiled just a little.

Zelda grinned greatly in return. “So. You are following me once again, sir knight?”

Link’s mood quickly turned somber. “Are you upset with me, Zelda?”

Zelda crossed her arms. “Oh, Link, of course not. That matter is in the past. You remember the first promises we ever made to each other, don’t you? The ones in the desert?”

“I do,” said Link. “I remember saying that was when I felt like I had really become your knight. At the time, that was the best day of my life.” Zelda smiled brightly, and the look of her had Link catching his breath for a moment before going on. “No, what I was asking about was…” He trailed off and sighed deeply. “I was worrying about earlier today.”

Zelda reached out to take his right hand. “Link, the best day for you should have been the very first day you were appointed to my service. I’m sorry I left so suddenly today. I just needed time, I needed more perspective.”

Link nodded solemnly. “I get all of it. Don’t worry about it.” He took a deep breath. “I wanted to be the first one you talked to next. I wanted to talk to you, too.”

Zelda smiled. “I know how hard it can still be for you to try like this. I’m glad you came to me, Link. Come on! Let’s sit side by side, just the same way we always used to.”

Zelda went the cliff’s edge and took a seat there, allowing her legs to hang out over the precipice. Link joined her and did the same thing, taking a seat by her left side. Together upon the hill and before the shrine, the two of them looked out upon the sunset over the horizon.

A fateful conversation was about to begin in the night to come. It would be a memory that Princess Zelda and Link the hero would both come to treasure for the rest of their lives.

 

[SanaaDean]

Sounds interesting! Starting something new is always exciting, but it can also be inspiring. Publishing on different platforms can attract different attention and feedback, which is useful for developing and improving your creativity.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 14: A Bold Proposal​

Summary:​

The two share a perfect evening. Zelda opens her heart, Link takes a chance.

Zelda and Link watched the sunset above Kakariko Village in silent peace for a time. The evening air was warm and the partly cloudy sky was beautiful shades of orange and red. Each one took great comfort from the simple presence and company of the other. Within the hour, the night would fall completely.

“I can see the moon,” said Zelda. Link turned his head to look at her, and she went on. “I have been trying to reckon with the time that has passed and what I know so far. I think tonight is the latest possible night that the Blood Moon would have appeared, or else we have passed it already. The moon is full and beautiful for all Hyrule tonight."

Suddenly, Zelda felt something warm. Link had taken hold of her left hand upon the ground with his own right hand. “It really is over,” he said. “Were you worried?”

Zelda’s spirits rose further as she reveled in the sensation. “You need not hold my hand to let me know this isn’t a dream or fantasy. Once was enough. No, I am only observing. Observing and remembering once again how much there is to be thankful for.”

“That’s good,” said Link.

Zelda turned her own head to look at him. “I am thinking that it always is. It is a blessing to learn so.” Her thoughtful voice became coy. “Still, I will like knowing that you will continue to take my hand for other reasons.”

“Then you will have your wish, princ – I mean, Zelda.”

“Ah, there we are!”, said Zelda. “You truly are learning!” She smiled in such a way that reminded Link of the moment of their reunion upon Hyrule Field. If only time could stop, Link thought. If only we could stay just like this, to always keep her in a peace that is just like this.

At length, Zelda turned back to look at the sky and then Link did too. At last night completely fell, and the pale full moon shined amid the darkness of the night.

“So,” said Link. “The Great Fairy?”

“Yes.”

“It seems like going to the fountain helped. Did you get what you wanted?”

“It helped because I received what I needed. One day I will tell you all about it.”

“Anytime you want is fine.” Link was thoughtful for a moment. “I’m surprised she didn’t try to pick you up.”

Zelda had a gentle laugh. “Oh, she offered!”

Link suppressed a laugh of his own. “Yeah. They can be…a lot.”

The night passed onward for a time. Zelda’s mind was full with the words she had spoken with the fairy and thoughts of what she might say next to her hero. To her surprise, Link would be the one to break the silence next instead.

“We all troubled you today,” Link said. “I’m sorry, Zelda.”

Zelda shook her head. “No one should be sorry. I think we all spoke from our hearts with good intentions. I only wanted to make the right choices, that’s all. But maybe…maybe I just wanted the right thing to be what I wanted, or to at least get an easy answer from someone else. Maybe I wanted to feel like I was getting someone’s approval to act.” She sighed. “That wasn’t too mature or very much like a princess, was it?”

“I think it was like a person,” said Link. “You just care, that’s all. They care about you too.”

Zelda heaved a sigh. “Today has made one thing clear to me, Link. I may be an adult by the laws and customs of the kingdom, but that doesn’t mean I’ve finished growing up. I don’t think it will feel right to claim to lead anyone until after I feel that I have. And yet when I heard that talk of hiding today, that also didn’t feel right. It is confusing.”

“Zelda,” Link said, “I meant it when I said that I wanted to support what you wanted. We’re free to choose and there’s no one to tell us what to do. As your knight, I won’t let anything push you into going somewhere that you don’t want to go.”

“Link, you are truly always so kind. But there’s my problem, right there. I’m not sure what I want right now, especially after what all of you said today. I, I just – I want to really belong in this world again, and it feels like I’ve lost sight of how. The only thing I’m sure of is that hiding away from others won’t help.”
She fell silent. Link turned to look at her. “We can just tell them you want to wait and think here for now. You’re the princess. What’s stopping you?”

Zelda spoke quietly. “Do you know what the hardest thing about this is, Link?”
“What?”

“I am the princess and I have always lived as though I were one, and I thought I knew what that meant. But now I face a future where I will not really live like a princess as I used to, for who knows how long. And I find that I am not sure how much I really have to offer if I am living as only me.”
Link said nothing.

Zelda went on quietly. “Kakariko Village is a wonderful place, but I don’t know if I can remain here without feeling like I’m giving up on my dream for myself and for Hyrule after I came back. I truly do want to see more of what Hyrule has become, too. Yet how good of a princess could I possibly be, if I won’t even listen to those close to me? But I so badly wish to see myself as an adult that others can look up to, royalty or not. I think that I want it more than anything.”

Maybe almost anything, anyway, Zelda didn’t say.

Link bowed his head a bit.

She is amazing. If only she could see herself the way that others do.

“Even when you think about yourself,” he said, “you wind up thinking about others. You were always like that. That’s why I…” Link trailed off and stopped speaking.

Link’s voice seemed tense to Zelda. She turned her head to look at him. “Link, what is it?”

Link braced himself. It could help. It could work. She’d deserve it. Just say it.

Link spoke slowly. “Zelda, listen. What if you really could rest and follow your dream at the same time, like Paya said?”

“Her thoughts were beautiful and that would be a wonderful thing Link, but I don’t see how.”

Ever so slightly, ever so delicately, Link’s hand began to caress Zelda’s hand. She paid notice to it far more than he did, for Link was exerting no small amount of willpower to keep forcing his words out. “Zelda, I have an idea. Actually, the truth is that I’ve had it for a long time.”

“An idea?”
“It’s just a suggestion, really – no, it’s more than that. It’s more like...a gift. A present, if you want to have it.”

Simple delight and a bit of confusion brought a warm smile to Zelda’s brightened face. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense! Whatever could you be talking about?” Link felt a strong wave of nervousness. She’s too much like this.

“I want you to…no, no. What I mean to say is that if you wanted to, then you could…” Link stopped and averted his eyes, suddenly feeling unable to endure Zelda’s stare. His caress of her hand increased in speed. Calm down, focus!

As she felt Link’s touch and contemplated this behavior, Zelda couldn’t resist a rising sense of anticipation. Is this – is he trying to – no, calm down, of course not. We are still so young! I wanted to say it to him first before that, too. And yet if he truly understands already then maybe, just maybe, I could…

“Link, it’s okay. You can tell me anything. Take all the time that you need.”

Link took a long breath. “Let me explain. You see…in the early days after I woke up, there was a time when I remembered some things about you and me but not most of everything. Back then I thought if I gave myself a goal that treated the end of the Calamity as inevitable, it would help me prepare to come for you.”

Zelda nodded a bit. “All right, that makes some sense. Go on.”

“I…I want to…I can take you to…I’m giving you…” Link trailed off. Then he took a long breath and spoke his next words quickly. “I own a house in Hateno Village and you can have it!”

Zelda was caught completely off guard. “What's this, now? You have a home? This wasn't something I was able to see."

"I met a guy, we made a deal. I got a bargain price on an old house the town would’ve torn down. They say a knight used to live there, it felt right to have it. He fixed it up and gave me a bargain price, and in return I chopped enough wood for him to build something to sell.”

Zelda marveled at him. "You...chopped the wood. For a house. All of it?"

"Yeah."

"But why, Link?"

"It was excellent strength training. The deal was perfect for me."

Zelda smiled. "Eventually, Link, no matter how long it takes I am going to hear about everything you were up to. But no, what I meant was - well, why go to that much trouble at all?

"It gave me a purpose, like I said."

Zelda smiled. "Of course, Link, but there is certainly more to it than that! You could have set some other goal!”

“The house was a good base.”

Zelda shook her head. “I’m sure it was, but that is still not all. Come on, tell me all of it!”

Link was silent for a moment. "Hateno was the community furthest from the destruction. Back then, I had certain thoughts for you.”

Link stopped as a wave of panic washed over him. Zelda’s eyes had widened considerably in an instant.

“O-oh, well, what I mean is that had thoughts about you. N-no! I – I mean, I had thoughts ab-about what you sh-should have!” Zelda said nothing, but it seemed to Link that she was turning red as he was stammering and stumbling through his words as his voice betrayed the embarrassment that his face was not. Damn it, what is she thinking of you now? Calm down already!

As for Zelda, she was focusing on taking very slow breaths. Oh, give me strength. “Li-Link…well, just please go on.” In that moment, the idea of pressing Link for any details about his thoughts in those bygone days was a thing far beyond the maiden’s courage. In any case, Zelda also recognized Link’s familiar struggle to speak his mind to her for what it was. Every such occasion in the past was a precious thing to her and when such an event happened, the last thing she ever wanted was to make his effort to communicate more difficult.

Link cleared his throat and continued. “The castle was in such bad shape and it was going to get worse. So I…I decided that I wanted to have a place waiting. A refuge, somewhere I thought you could be safe no matter what. More than that I…I wanted you to receive something important. Something that only I was responsible for. I liked the idea of…impressing you with a surprise.” Link stopped for a deep breath. “And I thought…I thought it could be nice for you to see the town. With me. At least once. I thought that even if it was only used one time, the whole thing would be worth it.”

Zelda was certain that her heart was pounding. “I…I see!” He is too much right now!

Link gulped hard, amazed he had expressed this much to Zelda in this short a time and wondering how much longer it could possibly last. He reasserted his focus to suppress his nervousness and press on. “Maybe it was prideful to do. But it’s there, and it would be perfect for hiding in plain sight. Even if there are prying eyes out there, they wouldn’t know you even if they saw you. We can dress like we did before and go. You could learn a lot there and meet all kinds of people, and you wouldn’t have to tell them anything that you don’t want to.”

Zelda’s heart and mind raced. This is…that was too much like a proposal to run away together! It would feel just like that!

Link noted her hesitation. “I am your knight, Zelda, so of course I’ll watch out for you here. Or I’ll follow you anywhere else you want to go next if that’s what you want.”

Zelda shook her head fiercely; the maiden in her had been driven to excitement and she had no mind for allowing the feeling to pass without acting on it somehow. "Let's go there, Link! Let’s make a plan and do it!”

Link was taken aback; such easy acceptance of the idea had not been expected. "Really?"

"It’s a good idea. I want to see more of what Hyrule is now, the rest of you want me to recover and not to worry and not to hurry. The men wanted a choice that considered my safety. This is a good compromise for all of it, and you went to so much trouble. I want to go, I really do!”

After this, Zelda subsided a bit. The princess’ thoughtful nature could seldom be denied for long, and it reasserted itself now. “You know, maybe this is even perfect. I think you and Paya really were onto something when you spoke of making time to learn about people. I want...I want to truly experience what it's like to be only me. So I will go to that town, but Princess Zelda will not go.”

Link was intrigued. "Just what are you thinking of?”

"If I can go and not tell people anything that I don’t wish to, then I will do exactly that. I want to discover what will happen when people truly know me only for who I am, and not what I am. As wonderful as this village is, I can't have that here. I've never had it in my life. So I will have it now and put those doubts of mine to rest for good!”

Zelda swiftly stood up and began to pace about. As Link stood up himself in response, Zelda turned in his direction and stopped. She outstretched her arms toward the moon, as though she thought to somehow seize it and pull it down from the sky. Her face was shining. Link’s heart leapt for joy.

“I am seeing it all so clearly. This is my chance, one that won't come again after it’s over. I will go as someone else, something else. I can try to look at the world the way the people do as I see how they look at me. And I could - I could really get to be a normal girl. Just for a little while. I will rest and think and try to grow just like that.” Zelda lowered her arms and clasped her hands in front of her as she looked upon Link once again. “I’ll focus on now and have faith a road to tomorrow will be found. I'll do it if you will also accept the rest that you have earned, and rest along with me. What do you say, Link?"

For Link this was Zelda free of any shadow and showing no trace of worry or guilt, seeming to accept that she deserved something. His effort had been achieved to his full hope. He approached his princess and dropped to one knee to formally kneel before her. "Once again I say that I will take you far away, Zelda. Just leave it to me."

"All right then!", Zelda declared gladly. "Once again a deal is struck for us. But remember your promise and let this be the last time that you kneel for a long time, Sir Link!"

So it was that the two lingered for a time just like that, looking at each other and feeling satisfaction for their own reasons. Zelda thought back to her encounter with the great fairy. So be it. If the road to Hyrule’s future can begin with walking the road to mine, I’ll try to author a new story of my very own. I’ll do it and find my answers, I just know it!

At length, Zelda suddenly reached out with her right arm. “All right, Link. I believe that you said that you would grant a certain wish of mine, earlier!”

Without a word, Link took Zelda’s hand with a smile. The two set out down the sloping hill to finally return to Kakariko Village side by side.

"In any case," Zelda said thoughtfully, "This way Purah will get to see firsthand that we're all right and we’ll get to catch up! We have a promise to keep to each other, after all."

Link paused for a moment. "Oh. Right. Purah. About that."

Zelda looked sidelong at Link. "What?"

"You should brace yourself. It won’t be like Impa, she got graver and kinder. Purah mostly got a whole lot weirder.”

"Now Link, don’t be like that! Her eccentricity was always a part of her charm, and she truly has a wonderful heart! You know that she only wished to see us smile as much as it was possible, back then.”

"I only meant that...well, Purah sort of made herself young and small by mistake." Zelda came to a dead halt, stopping their progress at once.

"Okay," Zelda said. "As I have already said, Link, eventually I am going to hear everything from you!" With that, Zelda let loose a merry laugh.

For his part, in that moment Link allowed a thought that he couldn't dream of allowing Zelda to hear.

As long as you can laugh like that from now on, nothing else matters to me now.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 15: To Dream of Tomorrow​

Summary:​

The gift has more than one meaning. The two dream of the past and for blessed days yet to come.

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

"Hello, Bolson."

"Ah. Back again, Link?"

It is Hateno Village in the time before the Calamity’s end, after the reawakening of Link the hero. Seven days have passed since his first attempt to draw the Master Sword once again and his failure, and the words spoken to him by the Great Deku Tree. Link stands before Bolson the architect and builder, president of Bolson Construction. With his blue jacket, pink pants and tiger-themed collar he is easily most flamboyantly dressed fellow in Hateno Village, at least according to the boring gossipers in town. Link was not inclined to know or care about such dull matters. He remembers enough to be sure that he has always had other business and that this suited him just fine, and today Link has business with him.

Link speaks. "Three thousand rupees and labor for the materials for a new house in return for having that one. Is that offer still good?"

Bolson's companion and junior employee Karson chuckles a bit. "He was half serious, you know. Who'd do that for this place?"

"Me," Link says flatly. "I want it, so please give it to me."

"What? But it’s old, it’s a dump!"

"No, Karson!", Bolson snaps. "Nothing we work on is ever a 'dump' when we're through. Say the thing!"

Karson snaps to attention. "'When there's building to do then no matter where and when, the customer is right and it's Son and Done!'"

"Very good. You'll have plenty of time to think that over while you help this lad chop the wood."

"Wha?! Come on, boss-"

"No," says Link. "I have to do it alone, or there's no deal."

Bolson marvels at him. "That's quite a remark. I really was kidding about that part. You realize how much work it'll be, don't you?"

"The longer and harder the work, the better."

"Why?"

"My wish." Silence falls.

Karson pipes up. "Uh...that's it? That's all we get?"

Link says nothing.

Bolson smiles. "It's a deal. Off with you, Karson! We’ll be wanting all our tools to renovate this place and make it as good as new!”

"Thank you. I’ll have the complete payment to give you tomorrow." Link turns to leave. There is haggling and selling to do in the heart of town.

Bolson follows and calls after him once Karson is out of earshot. "Hey kid, who is she?"

Link comes to a dead halt at the bridge and turns back. His eyes alone speak his question.

"She must be very special,” Bolson says. “She’s very lucky."

A very, very long moment passes. “I didn’t say anything,” Link says.

“That’s right, you didn’t.”

"You don't understand.”

Bolson smiles. "No need to be shy. I have an eye for these things, so I know. You didn’t think I’d cut a deal like this with just anyone, did you?"

"You don't understand," Link says again. "But thanks for everything, anyway." Link thinks he hears something as he passes out of sight. “Ah, youth is a good thing…”

Well. If he’s happy that way, then it’s fine.

As Link heads toward the center of town he feels the memory of the pain in his arms when he tried and failed to pull the Master Sword in the great forest, desperately wanting to rush to his princess against her wishes. Such a misguided act of love that had been - no, loyalty. Yes, that was it.

The truly loyal knight his princess had known and believed in would have made no mistake and been ready for the sword sooner. That was right, wasn’t it? And so for her sake, he chooses to think of loyalty.
Even now he desires to hurry to his princess. Doing that now means relearning discipline and patience and recommitting to the quest given to him by her. Hurrying to her side meant waiting. To him it seems to be a contradiction, and yet the experience in the forest tells him it is the truth. For him his test is to accept it completely or else be doomed to fail all over again.

"Legendary faith.” He shuts his eyes.

“Accept it from her, return it to her. I’ll have it, I’ll prove it. It’s all for her.”

He clenches his fists.

"It’s training too, I’ll get stronger. And when she’s back she might be impressed and happy when she sees it. Maybe she’ll look at me, and…”

No.

Link relaxes and shakes his head to clear it at once. Regardless, for now Link has what he needs to move forward - and a free woodcutter’s axe, too.

It all fades away as Link awakes in Kakariko Village. As he does, his first thought of the morning is the memory of his princess shining as she was outstretching her hands toward the moon in the previous evening.

She was so happy about the house and she didn’t get the wrong idea. What was I worrying for?

Link got out of bed and unpacked his green Hylian tunic once again. So much the better to get back in the right frame of mind for the journey that would be coming soon.

Maybe she should know entire truth about it. It was just so hard to explain it at all. I did do everything she asked in the end. Maybe she’d understand, maybe she’d have something wise to say. She always does.
Link lingered for a time.

No. It’s in the past, she doesn’t need any of my troubles. I dreamed for this tomorrow and it’s here now. I’m her knight and I’m all right when she’s all right, that’s the way it should be.
Link took a deep breath.

Step by step I’ll make up for all of it, I’ll make it right.

“You’ll live to smile, no matter what.”

Link went out the door. He figured he would have at least an hour to train at the crack of dawn while most of the village and his princess continued to dream their dreams.

***​

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

It is Kakariko Village in the time of the Calamity. In one small hut a lone young woman resides, dressed all in white with a golden necklace – or she would be, if not for the mud and dirt tarnishing it and her skin. Time and again offers had been made to replace her raiment and to wash her clean, all of them denied. “I will remain just as I was that day with him until I learn what tomorrow brings for him,” she had said.

Now she kneels before her bed with her elbows upon it and her hands clasped together, pressed against her forehead. Upon the bed in front of her is the Master Sword unsheathed. Princess Zelda prays on the third day since the awakening of her holy power and her separation from her devoted knight, her words unspoken and fated to be forever a secret. Ever and anon, the sword of legend shimmers. On this day those times are the only times the princess stirs from her reverie and sometimes even shows a smile anyone would have called sweet, against all apparent logic.

“Princess, I’ve come to see you.” There was the voice of a welcome friend. Zelda turns and sees a young woman at the door adorned with a tan tunic and white coat, distinguished by red glasses and her long white hair all tied up. This is Purah the scientist at the door, older sister of Impa. Zelda knows what her presence means. She takes the sword into her hands and rises at once and takes a deep breath, trying to prepare for anything. “I must know for sure. Tell me.”

Purah nods. “It’s confirmed for certain. He’s stable at the Shrine of Resurrection. That was some good and quick thinking, princess.” She smiles a little, as much as the circumstances allow. “As usual, I might add.”

“Oh…” Zelda exhales loudly and allows herself to fall to her knees, clutching her own body. “I knew it, I just knew it. I can endure against anything that is to come, knowing that is true.”

A cloud passes over Purah’s face. “I’ve heard some talk about your intentions from Robbie already. My sister is worried sick, and that isn’t only a figure of speech.”

“I understand,” Zelda says. “She cares so strongly, I have always loved her for that. I hope to help them both understand. I wanted you here first before I truly spoke of it all.” She takes a moment to contemplate.

“I now know for certain Link will live and I have heard the voice of the sword. My path is clear. I must return the Master Sword to the great forest, where it will be safe and grow strong. Then we must make our plans to preserve all the science and knowledge that we can to guide and help Link once he awakes. After I go to face the darkness, I’ll be counting on the three of you the most to see to it.”

Purah doesn’t answer right away. She removes her glasses and puts them away before looking at her princess once more. Zelda stands again.

“You have that look, Purah. Say what you want to say.”

“Princess – Zelda. As your advisor and your friend, I have to be honest with you. The shrine’s machine is going to work, I’d bet my life on it. But – but the damage. It was bad. Very bad. He’s going to have scars.”

Zelda takes a steady breath and maintains her composure. “I know.”

“I’m not only talking about physical scars. His memory will suffer more the longer the machine takes.”
“I understood what this would do to Link and I’m prepared for it. I have absolute faith that my thoughts will reach him, one way or another. The rest will attend to itself with time and help. Link will have what he is when he wakes, and that is what matters.”

“Princess, maybe…maybe it would be wise if we tried to wait for his reawakening to happen.”
Zelda takes a long look at her friend. “Tell me the truth, do you know how long it will be?”

Purah turns despondent; she had expected and dreaded the question. “No. All we have are theories that are hardly any better than a blind guess.”

“Then I am more certain than ever. It is up to me to make sure there is a world to be saved when Link wakes up.”

“Even if you do go, it wouldn’t have to be right away. That power of yours is amazing. We could try to think first, make some kind of plan to fight back on our own and-“

“Purah, you are the most intelligent person I know and your heart is good. You know better. More will die that way, everything could be lost. I can’t end the Calamity alone, but I can stop it at the source if I give Ganon a threat to fixate all its malice upon. I represent what it hates and wishes to destroy. Its instinct will be to consume me and that will be my trap. By the grace that is given to me and the faith that I have and the courage that I have learned, I will deny it to the last. I must do everything I can, and before you say a word that is not only because I am a princess or only because of anything I have heard. Everything that I am tells me that I can do it and that doing it is right.”

Purah has no heart to answer quickly. She takes a long and careful look at Zelda. “When I first heard about what happened I could have torn out my hair. He was so badly hurt, I tried to brace myself for what I’d see when I finally saw you for myself. But if you’d had the good sense to take a bath, you’d look the same as always – no, that’s not quite right. You’re the same except radiant somehow, even though you’re filthy.”

Zelda shuts her eyes as her mind goes back to the day of the awakening. But it provokes no dread or sorrow in her voice or demeanor, only increased serenity. “He never stopped and never quit and never gave up on me, no matter what I said. I will do no less.”

“You aren’t injured, you aren’t even cut or bruised. I’m so grateful. It’s like a real miracle.” Purah begins to tear up. “Always wanting to protect, no matter what. Linky was amazing.”

“Is amazing,” Zelda corrects. “We will both see him again.”

A long moment passes as Purah nods to acknowledge and accept everything. “I had to try to convince you. I won’t try to stop you, I’ll completely back you up. All of that is because I am your friend.”

“I know.”
Purah wipes her sleeve across her eyes. “Good grief. None of this is like me at all, is it?!” She forces a smile and a change. In one swift motion Purah puts her glasses on once again, then delivers a thumbs up with her right hand. “Hey princess, check it! I’m going to make you special promises!”

Zelda smiles a bit to play along. “Oh? And what might those be?”

“When we talk about the plan I’m going to be strong for my sister and I won’t cry and I won’t be sad after you go, and I’ll keep on thinking and inventing. Then after it's all over I’ll be all smiles when you see me, and we’ll build something together. It’s a date just for us, so you’d better look forward to it!”
Zelda grins completely now. “I will do just that, my friend.”

“Fabulous!” Purah puts her hand upon Zelda’s back to guide her along a little as the two exit the hut.
“So, uh…you are going to bathe now, right? Say, do you suppose anybody’s ever taken a bath with the Master Sword before?!”

“Sometimes you say the funniest things, Purah.”

“Well princess, maybe there are times when somebody has to.”

It all fades away. Now the Princess Zelda awakens in solitude in Kakariko Village. Just as Link had done that same morning, she rises and looks out her window to greet the bright new dawn. “Young and small and weirder? It is hard to imagine her like that.” She smiles just a little. “Another reunion with a good friend and a whole new town, and a different way to live. There are far worse things.”

Zelda clasped her hands together and closed her eyes, as if to pray.

How I dream for tomorrow now. Oh Link, how I wonder how I can possibly do or say enough to equal what you have done. All I can do is try my best. My moment to say it will come there, I feel it in my very soul.

Zelda turned away from her window and thought to fetch her Hylian clothing. She was sure she would feel very satisfied to wear a gift from Link on this day, and in any case she thought to dress for the new her that she thought to become soon.

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 16: Hilda the Hylian​

Summary:​

Zelda breaks the news and embraces a new role. Gifts and fond farewells are given at Kakariko Village.

“So there you have it, that is what we intend. Another omelet, anyone?”

Link and Zelda were once again at Impa’s house the day after the meeting and their evening discussion at the shrine above Kakariko Village, dressed in their Hylian clothing once again instead of the Sheikah Robes they had been given. Zelda had just finished explaining the plan to Impa, Paya, Dorian and Cado over a breakfast of sunshroom and prime meat omelets that she had insisted on making herself. Link had been quite happy to let her do the talking while keeping a mild sense of embarrassment firmly in check.

No one spoke.

“No? Well, I think I shall have one. Considering the future is hungry work!”

Zelda looked up to observe the others as she filled her plate and smiled a little bit. “Go on, now. It is obvious you are all thinking something.”

“It is…a surprise, princess,” Cado said.

“Not to me,” Impa said with a smile. “Although this is the first I am hearing about our chosen one preparing a house for you.” She directed a piercing glance at Link.

“That’s only because no one here asked me about it,” said Link.

Cado took a long look at him. “Well of course we didn’t. Who would think to ask a seventeen year old knight about preparing a place for his long lost princess to move into?”

“Exactly,” said Link.

Cado could only stare in bemused disbelief. “Sometimes I think my Cucoos really are easier to understand than people…” Link said nothing.

Zelda smiled. “In his way, I believe Link is simply saying that harmless secrets are more fun when fewer people know about them.”

“I th-think it’s am-amazing,” Paya said. She covered her face with her hands at once. “Wow,” she once again let out with the softest possible little peep.

Dorian nodded a little bit. “The East Necluda region has seen almost no Yiga Clan activity in recent memory. Hateno Village is as peaceful a place as anywhere in Hyrule can be, by all accounts. It really could be a wise choice that considers everything, princess, just as you say.”

“Very good,” said Zelda. “May I be correct to assume this has the blessing of everyone that is here?”
“I always wished to support any choice you made,” Impa said. “But yes, knowing you will be completely at peace where you are going will be a comfort beyond words to this old woman’s heart.”

Zelda was the picture of satisfaction. “It’s decided, then!”

Paya suddenly seemed just a little bit mournful. “S-so…you’ll be leaving soon, after all.”

But Zelda smiled warmly. “Yes Paya, but it will be a few days and we will have plenty of time together still. Link wishes me to take more rest in light of my recent mishap and my time here has been wonderful. In any case there will be preparations they will wish to make, if I am not mistaken.”

“That is true enough, princess,” Dorian said. “I mean to send messages and arrange to put more of our people in place in the region.”

“I will write a letter to my sister,” Impa said. “She will know to expect your arrival.”

Cado seemed thoughtful. “So, then, that leaves just one last thing. If this is really going to happen as a secret, there’ll have to be a good cover story to tell.”

“Oh,” said Zelda, “do not worry about that! I have already started writing down ideas, just leave it to me! But give me a little while, I should like to enjoy thinking it over.”

Impa smiled. “Very well. In the meantime, I think this is the moment for you to receive something.” She looked at Paya. “It is time at last.”

“O-oh! That! Ho-hold on, I’ll get them right now!” Paya rushed upstairs to where her room was at once.
Link raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know about any surprise.”

“That is only because you did not ask,” said Impa. “Hm,” said Link. “Fair enough.” Zelda giggled. “In any case,” said Impa, “this is something for the both of you. If I’d had my way, you would have accepted it long ago.”

Link began to suspect immediately. Is this what I think it is?

Thumping sounds heralded Paya’s return back down the stairs. She bore two large parcels within her arms. “He-here we are! Oh, this is exciting!” She laid them down in front of Link and Zelda.

“Well now,” Zelda said, “it turns out this is the week for gifts!” She began to unwrap at once, and Link followed steadily. Soon, Zelda gasped loudly. “No! Truly?”

As for Link, he had a faint but satisfied smile. “Just like I remember.”

Within the packages were two tops colored in a vibrant azure blue, not unlike the clear sky on a perfect summer day. For Zelda it was a blouse with golden Hylian embroideries upon it and long sleeves that would end between her elbows and wrist, accompanied by a quilted light white shirt to go underneath for the sake of additional warmth and modesty. For Link it was a short-sleeved tunic that fell almost to his knees when worn, adorned with simple white trimmings along the edges and the emblem of a sword upon the chest – shaped quite obviously to evoke the image of the Master Sword itself. The two had received clothing to match exactly what they had worn throughout their journeys in another lifetime.

“Your original travel outfit was lost to us in the old days, my friend,” said Impa. “But we did our best to reproduce it for you just the way it had been.”

“It is a perfect replica. I never thought to see this again!”

Impa nodded in acknowledgment. “As for Link here that is the very same Champion’s Tunic that you wove a century ago, mended and preserved. We kept it safe for him just like you asked.”

Zelda was delighted. “How splendid! But why have I not seen it with Link before now, then?” “That was not my decision,” said Impa. Impa and Zelda both looked at Link with expectation.

Link was grave for a moment. “This was what I always wore when we were together after I became your knight,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d feel right accepting it until you were back, that’s all.”

Silence fell for a time until Zelda spoke again. She was thoughtful. “I suppose…I suppose that with what I intend it would not be very proper or wise to wear this after I leave here, would it?”

But Link looked sidelong at her. “From now on …” He ended there as the others looked on with just a bit of wonder and curiosity.

Zelda smiled. “…never decide anything only because you are worried about what people will think.” You bless me yet again, sir knight!

“I have just the thing after all,” she said. “I think I shall wear the royal blue top underneath my other clothes as much as I can, until the right time comes.”

Impa nodded and spoke solemnly. “It has the colors of your family and symbolizes what has been. It is right that you should keep it near your heart, I think. My friend, I pray that you will take it and never doubt that you will be keeping your legacy alive everywhere you go and with every decision that you make.”

Link and Zelda alike were overflowing with gratitude and satisfaction. Well played and well said, old friend, Link thought. “Everyone,” Zelda said, “it truly makes me happy. I thank you all once again.”

***​

"All right, Princess Zelda. Let’s go over the story once more if you don’t mind.”

Two weeks of peaceful rest and fellowship in Kakariko Village had passed by without much event or incident. Zelda had been well pleased to take her time to personally meet with each person in the village to get to know them even better and to open her heart to everyone as best she could. She thrilled to think of her next journey and destination, and yet she found that it mattered a great deal to her that not a soul believed that her departure would mean goodbye forever. “Every part of Hyrule will be my care as it should be,” she would often say, “and yet a piece of my heart will always stay in the place that did everything for the sake of its wish.” Now in this moment, Zelda was sitting with Dorian to rehearse one last time for a role she intended to perform.

Zelda cleared her throat with purpose. "I am Hilda the Hylian, an only child and orphaned at the age of sixteen. I once made my home at a humble and secluded little farm deep to the south, near the Faron Woods. I know of no other family. But my father had once been close to Link's late father, and when he died instructions had been left in his will begging him to take care of me as his own. He was sickly and he worried about leaving me all alone. The two of them had a very old promise to do such a thing for one another. Father hadn't found out that his friend had passed on before he died, but when Link learned the truth he sought me out and graciously offered to help give me a fresh start in his father's stead. Link makes a fine living as an adventurer and a skilled hunter, and as for me I hope to study botany better and one day start a new farm of my very own. Hateno Village is perfect for doing just that! But my favorite hobby is reading books about history and archaeology like my mother did, and I adore old stories and folktales and songs. I very much enjoy the company of children as well." She made a playful little bow. "It is very nice to make your acquaintance!"

"No doubt, miss," Dorian answered. "So then, you and Link, by any chance would you two be..."

"We have been brought together by friendship and we are two lonely souls that have found one another. Link has been kind and honorable beyond words to follow the wishes of our parents and he has been the perfect gentleman to me all along, and I have no doubt that it will always be so."

"A flawlessly told story once again, princess," said Dorian.

"There is enough truth in most of it to make it easy to remember, sir. You have my thanks."

"Oh, ah, well, you are welcome." Dorian cleared his throat as he tried to work out the meanings of what he had just heard. He promptly thought it best to move on and leave his musings for the days and weeks to come.

"Princess," he said, "I have heard about what my daughters did some time ago - and, lately, everything that they said. I hope they did not offend you in any way."

"My good sir, the gift of their Silent Princess flower wreath was the sweetest gesture that I could possibly imagine."

The old man smiled ruefully and looked away. "They did right by you better than I did, then."

Zelda shook her head and took the old man's hand at once to command his attention.

"You are mistaken sir," she said. "They are kind and beautiful both without and within. That comes in part from you, and every word that was spoken to me in the gathering that day helped me to know a path to believe in. In his way, Link understands as much now too. If you would make me glad, then please find it within yourself to regret nothing about what you have done or said."

Dorian looked very grateful indeed. "I will remember those kind words for the rest of my life, princess. I thank you." Then Dorian paused for a moment once Zelda released his hand. "Princess Zelda, if I may..."

"Yes?"

"The name. Do you really mean to go by 'Hilda the Hylian'?"

Zelda beamed at once. "I certainly do! Alliteration is a satisfying thing; I have always thought so. If I am going to pretend then I might as well have some fun with it, don't you think?"

Now Dorian's smile was only fond and nothing else. "Time and again I hear one of the others say that even Lady Impa's finest stories about you could not do full justice to the truth. For whatever it's worth, Princess Zelda, I find myself to be in full agreement." After a moment, he became grave and serious. "If by life or death my people can help to keep you secret and safe where you are going, we will."

"As your princess I bid you all to make it by life, sir. That is what I fought so hard for."

Wherever Princess Zelda was Link was seldom very far away, and so it was that he had been observing everything in silence nearby.

She can be sweet and almost as innocent as a child in one moment and the highest and most noble of us in the next. She really is amazing, isn't she?

Upon the back of Link the hero, the Master Sword shimmered with the very gentlest of blue light within its scabbard. Link smiled in perfect contentment.

***​

“Well my little one, I trust you have been well.”

Later that day, after a great many final farewells the time had finally come to depart Kakariko Village. Zelda was leading her black horse through the center of the village, toward the ravine and the bridge not far from the pathway out of town. She arrived there ahead of Link and thought to make good use of the time. Zelda stroked her mount’s head with affection.

“You have been very patient and that will be rewarded. Soon we will both be in a brand-new place we have never seen before. You will breathe new air and eat new grass and see new things.” Zelda leaned toward to touch foreheads with her mount. “And perhaps there,” she said, “in time we will each have our own roads to follow for our wish. But for now let us stay together as true companions upon the path I am on, if you will have me.” A strong whinny and a satisfied snort came in answer.

“Having fun again, you two?” Link had arrived, already mounted upon his own horse.

“We were simply continuing a conversation!”, Zelda said coyly.

“Wa-wait! Pl-please! Ho-hold on!” The two turned to see Paya hurrying toward them. She halted in front of them and bent over to pant a bit.

“What is it, Paya?”, asked Zelda. “It is hard, but all farewells must have their end.”

“We-well, yes. But…but I wanted to say one more thing. I was em-embarrassed to in front of grandma or the other villagers, you s-see.”

“Well all right, it is just us now. What is it?”

“I…I just…well, I had a lot of fun when you were here. You saved grandma and I wouldn’t have been born if you hadn’t. I al-always thought you were a legend because of the stories too, but…but then you said you didn’t want to be th-thought of that way yet. So…so I wanted to say that I’m so-sorry. An-and so…I’d still like to admire y-you as just the person I had so much fun getting to meet, if that would be all right.”

Zelda smiled and took Paya’s hands into her own. “Paya, there is nothing to be sorry for and of course it is okay. I think you are kind and wise as well, in your own special way. If I could consider you my friend from now on, it would make me happy.”

Paya’s eyes went wide open out of sheer delight. “F-f-f-friend? Me? Really? I mean, yes! I would like that very much, princess!”

Zelda smiled. “If you ever feel comfortable with it, you may call me Zelda whenever you want to.” Paya reeled in amazement. “That might be too em-embarrassing, princess, but just hearing that makes me happy!”

Zelda laughed kindly. “I’m glad. Well then, until our next joyful meeting!” She climbed upon her horse.

“Pr-princess!” Paya squeaked.

“Yes?”

“I hope…I hope you’ll both be…well, just please be happy where you’re going! We-well, I mean, I hope you like pretending to be different!”

Zelda smiled radiantly one last time. “Not so different. It’ll still be really me, and there will be nothing wrong with any of it! Goodbye!” Zelda spurred her mount to a trot and turned away to begin heading out of the village.

Link prepared to follow, but first he looked down to regard Paya. She noticed.

“Ma-Master Link…well…I guess this is really goodbye now.”

“Only for now,” said Link. “She'll want to come back. Me too.”

The two of them were silent for a moment.

“Thank you,” said Link.

“Fo-for what, Master Link?”

“You helped her. That day you found words to say that I couldn’t. I’m grateful.”

Paya was embarrassed. “O-oh no, I didn’t really do much.“

“You did,” said Link.

Paya couldn’t bring herself to say a word.

“…me too,” said Link.

“Um…what do you mean?”

“I’d like to keep you as a friend like her, if that’s okay.”

“Y-y-y-you…you a-and he-her? My friends?”

“Yeah. From now on, try not to call me ‘Master Link’ as much.”

Paya was overwhelmed. “Ju-just your name, for me?! Th-that’s…th-that might be too embarrassing too but…this al-also makes me happy.”

Link allowed a smile. “Just trying can be enough to start. Take care.” With that, Link fixated his eyes upon his princess ahead on the road. “Hyah!” Just like that, his mount speeded off to swiftly catch up.

As the two passed out of sight, Paya stood upon the path perfectly still. In time, Dorian approached. He had watched most of it all from afar. Approaching from Paya’s left side, he could see that she was crying just a little.

“You all right, kid? I know it must be a bit sad to see them go.”

“…no. It’s okay. A happy reunion can’t happen unless a parting happens first, after all!”

“Huh. That’s pretty good.”

“We-well…the princess said it to me yesterday. Besides, you know what?”

“What?”

Paya turned to the old man. He was surprised and glad to find her smiling as brightly as he had ever seen.

“Actually, I think this is the b-best day of my life!”

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 17: Battles That Go Unseen​

Summary:​

He regrets and he remembers. The shadow lurks.

Dream and memory intersect. Or is this a vision?

It is the time before the Calamity at the Zora Domain. Link the hero is fourteen years old. The knight speaks with determination on a subject that greatly concerns the champion Mipha, princess of the aquatic Zora tribe and his childhood friend – his oldest true friend, according to his reckoning.

Link marches toward Ploymus Mountain single-minded in his purpose. Through Mipha he has learned of a great beast that now lurks there. The body and speed of a horse, the torso of a Hylian and strength surpassing that of even the Goron people of the mountains, a great mane to adorn a fierce face. Of all creatures upon two or four legs the Lynel is the most dangerous monster in all of Hyrule, bringing strength and ferocity and cunning to bear upon its victims. Link knows it well and so he goes, she knows it well and so she follows in silence. She questions if he truly understands, he now wonders if she can.

"Turn back,” Link says. “I'll be fine. Your father was right about this, too many have been hurt. Stay here."

Link marches onward.

She’s anxious. "Link, wait. He did not think that anyone should fight it at all. It's dangerous to go alone!"

"I understand. It's okay."
She is alarmed. "If you are going then I won't stay. I'm capable, Link. I can help!"

"I know. It's safer if you don't."

Link's pace doesn't slow down, nor does his attention so much as shift in Mipha's direction. She is vexed to observe it. "I don't care, Link!"

"Why not?"

"Because in my sight, you are still like-" Mipha cuts herself off in time. "I thought we were friends, Link."

"We are. That's why I want you to stay behind."

Frustration finally begins to mount in Mipha. He was being infuriatingly difficult.

"Link, I am - please, just stop! Stop walking! I am afraid for you!"

Link halts instantly. He looks at her. "Afraid?"

"Yes!"

Link says nothing. He only stares at his friend with a blank expression that she cannot read. Finally, he looks away from her and forward again.

"Come along. See and learn." He moves on, and Mipha follows. It all fades and changes as memory goes to a different place.

***​

Later on that very same day, Link and Mipha are together upon the mountain’s midway peak. The great blue-maned Lynel lies slain before Link the hero, Master Sword in hand. It had attacked from behind even as his companion had continued to try at making her friend see reason, taking them by surprise.
It was completely by surprise, and it had made no difference at all.

Mipha slowly approaches from behind Link. "I...that was...I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I haven't seen you fight with it before. I didn't have the chance to do anything."

Link says nothing. He returns the Master Sword to its sheath in one swift, clean motion.

"That thing gravely wounded five of our best warriors. It didn't even take you a minute."

Link says nothing.

"Link, how did you - how has this happened?"

"Practice," Link says. "What I wish for."

Mipha stares at him. "That's all you want to say about it?"

Link shakes his head.

"So then...can you tell me more?"

Link says nothing.

She wonders to look at him, trying to force it to make sense. "Link, is there something wrong?"

Link says nothing. He only shakes his head again. Mipha is left completely at a loss.

Link speaks. “Just then, were you afraid?”

Mipha snaps out of it and regards him for a long moment. “No, Link. I watched you and I wasn’t scared.”

Silence lingers.

“Good,” Link says. He walks past Mipha to return to the Zora Domain. "Please explain to them for me."

Mipha stands as still as a statue as she watches Link go out of sight. Yes, she can do that for him. She thinks herself able to explain it well enough.

On this day she had thought to follow a young boy to the mountain, and now she has seen a man leave it.

***​

Dream and memory drift once more, and upon this stage the scene and the players are changed.
In the time before the Calamity, Princess Zelda and Link the hero walk together on the road. It is the dawn of the second week of Link’s service as her personal knight and protector. She walks far ahead of him, eyes fixated upon her Sheikah Slate and the notes and data the device contains. As she so often does, she speaks her thoughts aloud. Perhaps it helps her think to do so, or perhaps this was her way of giving him instruction that she thought he needed. He does not know, although he hopes it is helping her.

“From here, we’ll make our way to Goron City. Then we’ll need some adjustments on that Divine Beast so Daruk can manage it as easily as possible. He’s figured out how to get it to move. However, it’s apparent that we still have much more to learn.”

He knows it all, of course. But it is of no consequence, he isn’t at all bored or disinterested. It’s coming from her voice, after all. More importantly, it seems to him she is quite a bit more cheerful and motivated speaking like this compared to the fancy things she had recited at his oddly dour appointment ceremony.

“But to think, that Divine Beast was actually built by people. That means we should be able to understand how it works and how to use it to our advantage. These Divine Beasts, so much we don’t know. But if we want to turn back Calamity Ganon, they’re our best hope.”

Puzzlement strikes Link. The machines? But we’re the ones who are supposed to seal the darkness at the end, aren’t we? Before he can think much on it, he notices Princess Zelda coming to a halt. She turns halfway to look upon him. In his sight, her words have brought her sorrow.

Zelda speaks softly. “Tell me the truth. How proficient are you right now, wielding that sword on your back? Legend says that an ancient voice resonates inside it. Can you hear it yet, hero?”

Link says nothing.

“Sir Link, I asked you a question.”

Why? Why is she so sad?

Her voice is suddenly cold in a way that he has become used to all too quickly. “Sir Link. I will have you know that when royalty says ‘tell me the truth’ to someone, most men would consider that to be a command.”

Her push is successful. “I can hear her, princess.”

Zelda turns suddenly to face Link completely. “’Her?’”

Link nods a little and speaks no word.

Zelda stares in silence for a time. “You really do have a true connection.” Her voice becomes quieter.

“How long? When did you start to hear it?”

Link says nothing. She sounds even more sad. What’s going on?

She turns fully cold again. “Sir Link, are you refusing my question or are you simply unable to remember?”

Link says nothing. It wasn’t until she talked to me. What if I make it worse?

She’s vexed now. “Sir Link, when could you hear the sword?”

He finally answers with the simple truth. “Since the first time I touched it, princess.”

She’s stunned. “Tell me, how did you train for it before it happened?”

“I didn’t, princess.”

She hesitates briefly. “They say the sword of legend chooses someone who is pure of heart and righteous.”

Link says nothing. She wanted my help but I can’t explain it. She’s always so smart. She must think I’m a fool right now.

She asks another question. “How old were you?”

“Twelve years, princess.”

“I have prayed hard for my gift since I was seven years old.”

Link says nothing. Is that it? She tries so hard for everyone every day and the people love her and it’s so beautiful. It’s a matter of time, hasn’t anyone told her?

She speaks again. “Have you nothing of use to say to me, Sir Link?” This question is the coldest one she will ask all day.

Link says nothing.

She sighs in frustration and starts to turn around.

Link speaks suddenly. “The voice said once that the sword exists for you.”

Zelda turns back at once to look at him. Her brow furrows. “It is for me? But you are the chosen one who wields the sword, Sir Link.”

“Yes, princess."

She stares at him for many long moments. What was happening now within her heart and mind? Try as he might, this is an occasion where Link cannot read a thing.

“Well,” she says, “that’s fine, that will do. The road is long and there is work to be done, so let’s keep moving!” The voice is once again that of the girl explaining things on the road.

She continues down the path and once again busies herself with her device, and Link obeys. He wonders if she understood. He wants to know.

He opens his mouth as if to ask, but nothing comes out.

Silence. Accursed silence.

It all fades away, as memory once more goes to a different place.

***​

The scene is changed. Link the hero and the champion Mipha are together upon the great machine called Divine Beast Vah Ruta. He is sixteen years old. He has a modest injury upon his arm that she heals up with her usual consummate skill - such is the nature of her gift that has been known to her since she knew how to talk. It is a great many months after their prior reunion, in the early days of Link's appointment as Princess Zelda's knight and before the forging of their true bond. For once, Link is alone and abroad in the realm while she attends to duty safe at Hyrule Castle.

Mipha speaks affectionately. "If anyone ever tries to do you harm, then I will heal you. No matter when, or how bad the wound. I hope you know that I will always protect you. Once this whole thing is over, maybe things can go back to how they used to be when we were young. You know...perhaps we could spend some time together."

Link does not answer. As they sit together he looks outward toward the horizon, seeming contemplative as Mipha looks on as well. The day passes by slowly and peacefully. The day’s work is over and done, the two feel no need to say or do a thing. They simply are and they are together and it seems to be enough, as it once had been long ago.

But suddenly, to Mipha’s wonder Link buries his head into his knees. Was that frustration, or something else?

"What is it?", Mipha asks.

Link does not answer.

She's concerned. "Link, is something wrong?"

He continues to be silent. Just when Mipha is resigned to giving up on a reply, he speaks again.

"Was I better back then?"

Mipha moves to answer, but nothing comes out. She's stunned. He looks at her and he thinks he sees the image of someone wanting to understand, someone striving to quickly consider every moment together that they had ever shared now and then years ago. He wonders what memories her mind chooses. The battle he had lately let her see in the present perhaps, and perhaps one of the many times he’d tried to keep up with her when swimming in a river as only a young boy. He always had enjoyed that and let it show, even though he never won against her. It was a gift to be given an ideal to strive for, he had always thought so.

The moments drag on and on. Memory begins to fade away. Mipha still struggles and she is troubled, and he knows it.

“Never mind,” Link says. “I get it. It’s all right.”

***​

"What are you doing out here, Zelda?"

The scene is changed yet again. In the time before the Calamity, Princess Zelda stands upon the ramparts of Hyrule Castle with her appointed knight in her sixteenth year. Months have passed by since their true bond began in the Gerudo Desert, driving away hard memories of cold behavior and frustrating misunderstandings. For once both are formally dressed, Link the hero in a suit of armor and her in her lovely royal blue dress.

When others think she is not listening Zelda often hears that the dress makes her seem queenlike already, akin to one she misses more than any other. But in this moment, she does not feel the least bit grown up. Her father, King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, stands before her. With his height, somewhat wizened face and great and flowing beard, he seems to loom above the princess somehow. He is king and in her sight he is almost the image of some great sage of old, and he is her father at that. And now he looks down upon her speaking in tones of accusation and judgment, not unlike a harsh mentor ready and able to scold a wayward pupil.

Zelda clenches her fist and speaks.

“I...I was assessing the results of the experiment with the guardians. these pieces of ancient technology could be quite useful against-"

"I know that. They are essential to Hyrule's future, and our research demands that we keep a close eye on them. However, as the princess, you currently have a crucial unfulfilled responsibility to your kingdom!”

She tenses up. Kneeling nearby, Link says nothing. She knows, she lives with that every day!

“Let me ask you once more. When will you stop treating this as some sort of childish game?"

He tenses up just a little. It hurts every day the power doesn't come, don’t you understand?

"I'm doing everything I can,” she says. “I'll have you know that I just recently returned from the Spring of Courage where I offered every ounce of my prayers to the Goddess-"

"And now you are here, wasting your time! You need to be dedicating every moment you have to your training. You must be single-minded in unlocking the power that will seal Calamity Ganon away!"

"I already am. Don't you see - there's nothing more I can do!” Her voice is heavy with sorrow, as is his heart.

There is a faint glimmer of light in the gloom as the princess goes on. “My hope is...my hope is that you - that you'll allow me to contribute here, in whatever way I can.”

"No more excuses, Zelda! Stop running away from your duty.”

Just like that the glimmer fades within like the last moment of twilight fading away, and Link knows that Zelda’s heart darkens.

Frustration lurks within him. Why? Why can’t he see it?

“As the king, I forbid you to have anything to do with these machines from this moment on and command you to focus on your training. Do you know how the gossip mongers refer to you? They are out there at this moment whispering amongst themselves that you are the heir to a throne of nothing, nothing but failure. It is woven into your destiny that you prove them wrong. Do you understand?"

"Yes. I understand." She is chastened, her voice is one of pure discouragement.

Link seethes and grieves within. “You can do it.” It’s so simple, why can’t he ever say that just for once?
The king turns and moves to depart.

It isn’t right. I can't stand it anymore.

Zelda watches the king go, still as a statue. Link slowly rises. In a matter of seconds, the king will be through the rampart door and out of their sight.

It isn’t fair.

Suddenly, he moves. At nearly the speed of a sprint, he is bypassing his princess.

“Don’t!”

Her left hand grasps his right shoulder with astonishing speed and with a pressure he had not thought her capable of. She has spoken to him with a whisper and an urgency he has never heard from her before. He turns his head to look at her.

She speaks so only he can hear. “Not a word, not ever, you promised. It is between me and him, no one else.”

Link says nothing. But he turns his head to look back toward the king.

Somehow her whisper becomes even quieter, even sharper, even more urgent. “I need you. Don’t.”
That does it. He relaxes completely, she lets go. King Rhoam is gone, leaving the two behind to endure a somber silence that will last until the evening. It all begins to fade away, bringing everything to an end.

***​

In the dead of night, Link awoke on the third evening of their tranquil journey from Kakariko Village toward Hateno Village. She had wished for a scenic trip and he’d been more than content to oblige. He looked to see Zelda still fast asleep in her bedroll, on the opposite side of their dwindling campfire. He rose and approached her as slowly and quietly as he could. He knelt down to get a closer look at her.
So at peace. So perfect. So deserving.

“I should have known what to do and say back then. So many times, I should have known. So many times, something more than a fighter was needed. I’m sorry.” Ever so slowly, Link outstretched his right hand.

“I know that I don’t have the right to say it. But it’s really going to be all right. I’ll make it all right this time.”

Ever so gently, Link stroked Zelda’s forehead with the back of his hand to brush her hair just a little bit.

“I can’t even say this much when you’re awake. It’s so stupid. All I can do is try for you and give, and hope you understand. Forgive me.”

“Forgive me.” Link remembered the night at Whistling Hill long ago. Yes, he’d said that then too. He felt now what he felt then, he was sure of it.

But it wasn’t really like back then now, was it? No, it wasn’t. They were on their way. Things were changing, things were more certain. Twice now, he had watched Zelda choose her own path forward for herself while he’d still felt unsure. First toward Kakariko Village from Riverside Stable, and now to Hateno Village from that place. So far it had all been because of what she thought she wanted in the end, because of what she decided was right all on her own. If his role was only to help her to see when a free choice could be made, maybe even that much could be enough.

At this time, Link felt that he did not know the answer to that for certain. But he could hope, couldn’t he?

Yes, hope. That was what all of this was about in the end, wasn't it?

Link rose and returned to his bedroll to attempt sleep once again. He hoped to dream of her smile, this time.