With the Dark Lord Ganondorf defeated all that was left was the reconstruction of Hyrule. Zelda stood in horror as she looked upon her once great Kingdom, debris was scattered everywhere, while some of the buildings were still ablaze as the remaining knights scurried around trying their hardest to put out the flames. The sounds of the wounded's moaning and groaning in pain filled the air as small children ran about the streets crying and calling out for their parents that they had lost. Zelda looked up to the heavens and slumped her shoulders as she let out a soft whimper, she bit her lip as she tried to no avail to stop the tears from staining her rosy cheeks.
"Oh Goddesses... why?" Zelda spoke softy to no one in particular as she mourned with her people the loss of the brave souls who stood by her side and fought to the death.
Link quietly came up from behind her with a frown, the man of few words was sympathetic and understanding of all the pain that the Princess was going through. He sighed softly, "This is the result of war, Zelda... it's not suppose to be pretty. War is an ugly thing it reveals the darkness within the hearts of many. We may have won he war... but Ganon did win many battles." he gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Zelda sniffled softly as she turned around, "Yes, you're right... " She wipe the tears from her eyes and smiled sadly, "You're so wise Link. Are you sure that you don't have the triforce of wisdom instead?Because if you stole it from me then I'd appreciate it if you'd be so kind as to give it back to me." she tried lightening the mood a bit as she tried to regained her composure.
Link smiled and shook his head, "No I'm sorry Zelda, last time I checked I simply had the triforce of courage. We all know that you're the truly wise and loving ruler of Hyrule, because of you-"
"Because of me this all happened, Link. Open your eyes and look around you." Zelda frowned as she gestured to the destruction around them. "Because of me my people have suffered and the kingdom is in ruins. If I truly was half of the ruler that you think that I am, then I would've been able to do something about this sooner. I would've been able to stop Ganondorf and save the lives of so many, yet... I was completely useless..." She sighed softly as tears started to stain her cheeks once more.
Link frowned deeply as he took a step forward and carefully wiped away her tears, "Zelda... you know that there was nothing that you could've done at the time. It wasn't your fault, if you would've tried to take Ganon on by yourself then Hyrule would be without a proper ruler and this entire kingdom would've been plunged into darkness. So please... don't be so hard on yourself. Your people need you now more than ever. You give them hope..."
Zelda stared up into his piercing blue eyes as she thought about his kind words, she wasn't sure if he was kind to her because she the princess or if it was simply that his heart was so pure that it couldn't help but shine brightly. She blushed faintly as she slowly nodded and took a deep breath, "Yes, you're right. I can't lose sight of what's truly important. Thank you Hero... I needed that."she smiled.
Link nodded, "Of course. But Zelda, again you don't have to be so formal. I'm no longer the Hero of Time, Ganondorf has been defeated. My quest is done but, if you would let me I'd like to serve as one of your royal knights..."
Zelda rose a brow, "Really? You want to be one of my knights, even though your duty has been fulfilled?"
Link quickly nodded, "Yes, I know that I shouldn't be prideful but I think that I could be of great use to you, Zelda."
"I'm sorry Link but, I cannot allow you to simply be one of my knights."
Link's eyes widened in shock, "Wait- What? Why not?"
Zelda quickly put a hand over her mouth and giggled softly, "Because... you don't deserve to be a simple knight. I want you to be my head knight, by accepting this title I will expect you train the other knights, attend war meetings, and under the circumstances that we are in right now I'd like for to help with reconstruction of Hyrule. I need your help to rebuild this kingdom, Link."
Link smiled and quickly fell to one knee and bowed his head as he put a hand over his heart, "I would be honored to do this for you, Princess Zelda of Hyrule. I will serve you until I breath my last breath and I swear upon my name that I will gladly die for you and for Hyrule."
Zelda nodded, "Good... I will give you a place to stay within the castle as we try to restore it. But please be patient. Now, if you'll excuse me, Link. Like you said earlier, my people need me now more than ever." she flashed a smiled before turning back towards the destruction.
She slowly walked through the streets, seeing a small child running about crying for her mother. She frowned and knelt down to the child as she cooed softly trying to get the little girl to calm down, so that she could try her best to help her.
It was almost like time had stopped as the villagers watched their Princess's kindness being shown, seeing Zelda like this gave them hope. Seeing how she suffered while they suffered, she shared their pain even though she didn't have to. The kind and loving Ruler that they now had was the one thing that lit the fire in their hearts that they had lost long ago. Whether Zelda knew it or not she was their light and they now depended on her like a small defense-less child.
Link watched from a distance and smiled, And you said that you were a terrible ruler? Yeah right... You're so much more important than you think that you are, Zelda. But it doesn't matter what you may think, because they all see your greatness too...
Zelda was able to get the little girl to calm down as she giggled softly telling the little girl corny jokes and making silly faces to make her laugh. "Okay Astrid, let's go see if we can find your mommy, okay?" she smiled as she stood up and took the Astrid's hand.
Astrid giggled and nodded as she walked along with Zelda, "Yes Princess!" she grinned.
Link turned the other way as he whistled for Epona to come running, So... it's true what they always say... he reached his hand out and grabbed Epona's reins as she galloped by as pulled himself into the saddle throwing his leg to the other side. The kindest hearts always do shine brightest...