"Link. I want to formally thank you for your efforts in restoring peace to Hyrule. You have served your duties well."

The man in question casts a side-eye glance, expression hinting at both mild curiosity and confusion. I have travelled with Link long enough to distinguish even his barest emotions. Sighing, I fix my gaze down on the patchy grass, watching the raindrops soak through dirt.

"We end our journey in Hateno village," I remind softly. "After that, you are absolved from your position as my appointed knight."

His eyes widen just a fraction that only those close to him would notice. I understand his reaction well enough – the decision was purely mine. Lately, I haven't been one to mince words, and the events of the past have only served to make me more direct. I see no reason to be anything but straightforward now, as I fear important things will be left unsaid.

I know he has his reservations. Silent as he is, Link has opinions and strong convictions of his own. He's never been one to force them on me, even when we disagree, but he seldom speaks them. The fact that he has yet to utter a word tells me he does not oppose my order. After all, if he's been watching me for the past few days, months even, my remark should not come as a surprise.

Finally, I look up at him. He wants to say something, I think. The way he holds his breath and parts his lips tells me that the words are at the tip of his tongue. And yet, he remains silent. I wish he wouldn't hesitate to speak his mind, but I know the last thing he would do is argue with me. If one thing has withstood the test of time, it's his devotion to the broken crown.

In the midst of this grey sky and relentless rain, I offer a small smile. "Rest assured, Link. Ganon's threat is no longer," I say softly with a mark of finality, as if to remind him.

A few moments of silence and eventually he nods his head. Content, I train my gaze to the tops of the dueling peaks to clear my mind. I expect Link to turn his heel and retreat to the confines of the stable, but he remains where he is by my side.

I wish he wouldn't.

Somewhere along the journey, I witnessed a change in him. I picked up on it once it started, how over time, I slowly became a living reminder of Hyrule's fall and his past failures. He looks upon me with restraint and concealed pain that the air between us is now stricken with grief and filled with weary conversation. It's almost unbearable now.

Sighing, I pray for the rain to stop.

"Link. This place...this is where we-" I stop, noticing his aimless gaze. He can't even bring himself to look at me this time. Glancing around the grassy plains littered with lifeless guardians, I pause to reconsider my thoughts. Link was defeated here over a century ago.

Still, it was him who asked me to detail stories of our past. "Link. What do you remember about this place?" I ask gently, hoping for an answer.

Unfortunately, he doesn't sign or even do so much as grunt. In apparent discomfort, Link turns to his horse and focuses on prepping his saddle. Shaking my head in disappointment, I turn the other way. I don't know how we've become so close and distant at the same time.

Nothing. He tells me nothing these days.

It's as if all the work I've put into getting him to open up a century ago have been for naught. At this point, I should be used to carrying conversation all by myself. This is what I had done in the earliest stages of our relationship, the only difference being it felt necessary then. Now, with no looming darkness clouding the sky, the effort just seems pointless. I've run out of energy to make pleasantries and small talk.

His eyes constantly gaze off into the distance. His mind always wanders. He barely looks at me in the eye. The one hundred years of absence have strained us.

After his battle with the Dark Beast, I asked him a question.

He said he remembered me.

And after all these years, I thought it would fill me with joy, but I came up empty.

He remembers parts of me.

Like pieces of a broken puzzle forming an unfinished picture. I spent one hundred conscious years in constant reflection and looking back, I don't know if I want him to pick up the rest of the pieces. Perhaps all that's left of me to find are the parts I'm not proud of.

For the past few months, Link and I have trekked through most of Hyrule. He knows these lands like the back of his hand.

I introduce myself. I visit the divine beasts. I tell the story of Calamity's end. To my dismay, introducing myself as the Princess of Hyrule who kept Ganon's power under lock was met with more disbelief than anything. It seems I've become a story myself. My existence was somehow variable.

At one point, I eventually lost the fire and energy to correct them and prove my efforts. It was the first time I'd realized how much the war had taken from me.

The only group that needed no introduction were the Zoras and even then, I could have fared much better. Of course, on account of Mipha's death, I'd been prepared for some admonishment. In my heart, I know Mipha's decisions were her own.

Link, once again, became my only hope. Ironically, his silent voice was louder than mine and as I struggled to validate myself, they took his word instead.

I couldn't bring myself to feel bitter this time. I've long stopped feeling rage at the way fate intervened in our lives. Link remains the chosen one even now, but he isn't spared from suffering. Initially, I thought the notion of us walking in step again would help him remember, but memories come far and few between. It pains me with regret that he has little to no recollection of his former life.

Over time, the countless minutes of heavy silence between us feel like boulders on my shoulders, weighing me down. I wish we could tell stories that aren't so dark and bloodied. Maybe that's why we hardly talk at all.

We arrive at Hateno village two evenings later.

Hateno seems to draw out the best in Link. I notice it the moment we see the entrance gates; his gait is lighter, expression more spirited. He mentioned once when we were travelling through Hebra that he bought a house here. I remember his words exactly: his dwelling rests up the hill, past the model homes and across the bridge. Perhaps the frigid and uncomfortable air in the mountains made him miss home.

He looks to his right when we march through the gates and I get the feeling that his residence is just beyond that path. He looks to me afterwards.

"You're free to find rest in your home, Link," I say in encouragement. In response, his brows raise in question, but I understand what he's asking here. I've infringed on his comforts long enough so quickly I scan through the peaceful village, looking for an inn or lodging of sorts.

"I'll take residence elsewhere. You need not worry about me."

He nods shortly and points ahead of us to a sign labelled 'Ton Pu Inn'. Grateful, I manage a small smile. In the same manner, I tip my head in the direction of his house. He gives me a genuine smile in return, the familiarity of it filling me with a sense of warmth. I haven't seen it in such a long time.

The moment escapes me after I bid my goodbye and then I'm alone again. I'm not sure where we'll stand in a year, a month or even a week's time so I suppose I should get used to this.

The young woman outside the general store spies a curious look at me once I exit the shop. With an energized greeting, she motions for me to walk on over.

"Hello! You're a fresh face around these parts. Where are you coming from?" she asks, features friendly.

I pause to consider telling the truth. "The desert. I had business to do in Gerudo city."

She flashes me an expression of awe. "Wow! That's far from here! You're just like Link!"

I shrink at the comparison, but nod in agreement. "I came with him earlier, actually."

"Oh, I hadn't realized he was back! That Link, I tell you. He comes back to the house to rest up for a few days and then disappears for months at a time," she explains, shaking her head at his supposed antics. "I don't think anyone can keep track of that man. I pray to the goddesses that he's doing okay."

So am I.

I sneak a glance in the direction of his home. I wonder if he's there right now, perhaps cooking or catching up on much needed sleep.

"So, traveler, where are you headed next?"

I turn back to the girl. "Back to central Hyrule, probably."

"Travel safe, then."

I offer the friendliest smile I can manage. "Thank you."

In between visiting Purah and catching up on research about the guardians and Shiekah slate, I find myself content sitting by the inn and watching people live their daily lives. In a post-calamity land where monsters still rage in the outskirts of civilization, this village carries a great semblance of peace, almost as if nothing happened. And for a small moment, even I can forget the past.

I like the way Manny looks at Prima with adoration that only a first love can bring.

I like watching kids run about and communicate in hushed tones about the tech lab director as if it's the biggest and most important mystery in the world.

I like observing travelers and merchants station their horses and donkeys at the front stable before finding rest at the inn.

The days tick on so quietly and peacefully, except when it rains. These days, I think about how Link is doing. Perhaps he's not even here anymore. Link is hardly the type of person to settle, considering what little it takes for him to seek wanderlust and adventure again. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he's in a different part of Hyrule now.

A week later, I get the answer to my question. At the end of road, I spot his figure standing with the Bolson crew. They talk and laugh animatedly with each other and out of pure habit, I'm about to go to him. The instinct is embedded so deep in my mind, taking me back to the years when we relied solely on each other, but now I don't budge. I see that his walls are torn down, whereas with me they're made of stone.

I leave him be. As far as I'm concerned, we are no longer tied together by fate or duty.

"Purah. Do you mean to tell me that these are the memories he has left?"

The small figure turns for a brief side-glance in my direction before focusing again on her work. She shrugs idly. "Hmm. Don't know. I told Linky to find the locations on the slate, but who knows? Maybe he picked up some other memories along the way."

I reel back from my shock and scroll through slate. A measly total of twelve photos. It can't be. If these are all the memories he has of me, then what little does he remember of the Champions? It's worse than I thought. No wonder he acts so distant now.

"This is a terribly small portion of the time we spent together," I explain to Purah and Symin, who's now listening in to our conversation. "Until now, I was not aware that this could be all he knows of the past."

Purah suddenly closes her book shut, seemingly annoyed. To my surprise, she rises her small height from her seat and points an accusing finger at me. "Princess, you're lucky he remembers you at all! Oh my, when I asked if he remembered me, he had no clue! Even after all I did for him!" I almost feel bad, even as Purah feigns an exaggerated cry. She might have wisdom worth more than a hundred years, but she never fails to take advantage of her youthful appearance.

I wait for her to stop the tearful parade and in a one-second switch, she props up her book again. "But alas, I'm recovered now. I suppose we'll just have to make new memories, which reminds me, I wonder if Linky will agree to be the test subject for my upcoming experiment…"

Symin offers me a pained smile behind Purah's line of sight and I can't help but agree.

"Princess, where is Master Link today? We thought the two of you would be coming together," Symin brings up, changing the topic of conversation.

I shake my head. "We've parted ways since arriving."

Purah snorts indelicately and coughs into her hand. "I guess the two of you are on the rocks, huh?"

I glance at the small figure in disbelief. "No, it's nothing like that. We were never- I mean, Link doesn't even…" I trail off, unsure of how to approach it. Even in my mind, I don't know how to properly put our relationship into words. Slowly, I revert back to my usual front, steady and firm, just as my Father advised. Not wanting to be flustered any further, I keep my mouth shut for the rest of the afternoon.

Up the hill, past the model homes and across the bridge.

I halt my breath before knocking on his door.

Earlier, Bolson had informed me that Link was here this morning. Granted, that does not guarantee that he is still in Hateno, but I suppose I should pay him a visit now when there's a possible chance. Taking a step back, I survey the front of his house.

Turn around Zelda. He's not home. He's not home.

I grit my teeth at the cold night. Only Hylia knows how many times Link has waited up for me, even bearing through harsh rains and storms. Perhaps I should return a piece of that favor and sit by the front of his door. At least now the sound of crickets fills the air and I can stare at the perfect, unbroken blue sky and white moon. When I close my eyes, I can still remember when all I saw was red.

Link doesn't arrive until an hour later. At his side, I spy that familiar bag carrying his haul of foods and monster parts. Once his eyes find me, he slows to a stop. The moonlight shines only the side of his face, eyes widening upon realizing it's me waiting at his door. I take this as my cue to stand.

"Hello Link," I greet quickly, bushing the dust and dirt off my trousers. "I hope you'll forgive me for intruding. I understand it's been a while."

He shakes his head, waving off my concern, but as usual, he says nothing in return.

I pull out the Shiekah slate from my belt. I've spent more than enough time studying its newer features. Link likely has better uses for it anyway.

"I wanted to return the slate. I figure, should you desire to travel again, you could use it to your advantage," I explain, watching as his eyes settle on the slate.

No hesitation, he shakes his head again and gestures to me. I know his mannerisms well enough that he's telling me to keep it, but I'm not taking 'no' for an answer. Walking over to him, I offer the slate out to him once again.

"Please take it, Link. I insist."

Fortunately, he eventually does, but not without uncertainty. He slings it back on his belt, rightfully so, and I don't miss his uneasy movements. I focus narrowly on his visage, taking note of some newly acquired features. The moonlight might disguise most of his figure, but I see enough to distinguish evidence of recent battle.

I tilt my head to side, raising a brow. "You have marks on your face," I state blankly, without reprimand or scold.

He looks away entirely, rubbing the back of his head.

My features soften. "You're safe now."

His brows rise and then after, he nods. This isn't the first time I've repeated it.

My lips form a frown as I ignore the heavy air filling in the spaces, threatening to silence my voice. I bid him a final nod. "Good night then."

I brush past him and sense his eyes on my back as I stride unsteady towards the bridge. Somehow, leaving remains as difficult as it was the first time. I resume until I hear him, my name almost a murmur:

"…Zelda."

I slow to a stop. I've gotten so used to his silence that I've forgotten the sound of his voice. But hearing it now strikes a painful chord, even as his tenor voice is surprisingly soft and matches his tender expression. I turn to face him, eyes expectant.

He remains still, and for a silent moment, he looks at me without purpose as he considers his question. His gesture is subtle, but he knows I recognize it. Link tips his head towards his house and I regard his proposition for a brief moment before nodding.

I follow him to the door, noting the trepidation in my step. Once we're inside, I take a brief glance at the room. The home is quaint and lived-in. For someone who spends only a few days at a time here, the place is not as bare or empty as I imagined. Well-used weapons are mounted along the walls, there is food stacked on the counters and an adequate amount of clutter is scattered atop the floors and surfaces.

If this space is characteristic of Link at all, then I am not surprised. The home is grey and dreary, and the artifacts displayed tell stories of battles won and lost. But all other things – curtains drawn shut, lights dimmed low, bed sheets strewn across the floor – hint of a life with disarray and loneliness. I look at Link, watching as he ambles to the table and drops his loot on the only empty space.

"Zelda, I wanted to know…" he breaks silence, startling me a bit. His voice is a bit rough, the telltale sign that he's just beginning to use it. "…if you planned on returning to Hyrule."

I consider his question for a short moment, even though I already know the answer. I nod my head once. "I do." And then I briefly mull over the ruined state of my castle and suddenly amend my answer, "I have to."

He acknowledges me with a solemn expression and I continue, "Once I finish catching up on a century's worth of research, I'm setting my eyes next on Hyrule."

He does it again. I know it so well. The quiver of his lip and the hesitation on his face that tells me he wants to say something but stays silent. If he let me, I would stop at nothing to help him change the way he thinks about silently carrying his burdens. What I would do to gain even a fraction of what we had a century ago.

I know I shouldn't, not yet at least, but the words tumble out of my mouth before I can stop them. "Link, I was wondering…" I stop and gulp, but now I have his undivided attention and there's no turning back. "…Have you remembered anything?"

He's silent for a moment and then vaguely, shakes his head. "I don't think so."

My face automatically falls. "I'm sorry, Link."

He shrugs, but it's more dismissive than it is indifferent. "It's okay."

No, it's not. I flash back to the images on the Shiekah slate. I suppose I should accept that most of the past will remain largely forgotten now. As grateful as I am, it doesn't feel satisfying at all to have lived this long just to tell dark tales and burden immense grief.

"You know, when I remember something, I write it down," Link says, derailing my train of thought. "Memories are scarce, but they're important."

This is the most he has spoken in a long time and I can't help but listen to the silent hero. Link looks to me, the smallest of smiles painted on his face. "Zelda…you remember everything. I don't imagine that's any easier."

Words evade me lately, and this is one of those times. I'm all out of things to say. I don't know if our lives are going to get easier or worse. I don't know what our future holds. I don't know what to do.

Silence stretches between us until we hear it. The soft tapping and drumming against the roofs of this house that can only be one thing.

Rain.

For once, Link is the one carrying this conversation. "There's a storm coming. Maybe you should…"

I nod my head, gathering my bearings and turning my heel. After muttering a quick goodbye, I stride past the door before he can stop me.

This is one of the worst storms yet. The rain pours down heavy and tirelessly against the ground, the lightning streaks and crackles bright while the thunders roar. All of it serves as the perfect distraction to peace and sleep.

I've never successfully slept through a storm. I never slept through Ganon's reign either, out of fear I would fail. I remain tucked under my covers, wishing and praying for the rain to stop, just as I did for one hundred years. I only have a small amount of happy thoughts to help me get by.

I think of my Father, the Champions and Ganon's defeat. And then I think of Link and all the times we've endured rainstorms together. His presence was a comforting rock to my inner turmoil and I think of our recent conversation.

I'm setting my eyes next on Hyrule.

Zelda, you remember everything.

Do you remember anything?

I don't think so.

I'm sorry, Link.

I don't imagine that's any easier.

I breath deep and slow, willing away my anxieties with the sound of his voice. I count my breaths, feeling my heart slow as I steady myself.

When I remember something, I write it down.

I slowly open my eyes. The idea comes over me like a flood and I toss the covers to the side to shuffle through my pack for that book I'd been using to pen my research notes. Still, I don't start writing with reckless abandon. As Link mentioned, I remain one of few to remember the past. It's a privilege worth sharing.

As even as I can, I split the pages for all the names whose memory deserves preservation.

Rhoam Bosphoramus, King of Hyrule.

Daruk, Goron Champion.

Revali, Rito Champion.

Urbosa, Gerudo Champion.

Mipha, Zora Champion.

And nearing the end of the book, I finish in a neat scrawl.

Link, Hero of Hyrule.