The Ruins of an Affair
Epilogue
Months after their happy wedding in Tarrey Town, Link and Zelda settled at his home in Hateno. Bolson still came by often, telling Link of all his new construction ideas. The restoration survey was mostly complete. What was left to do was to develop a method of rebuilding the kingdom a section at a time, which Bolson gladly offered to do. Hudson even offered to help, even if it meant leaving Tarrey Town for short periods of time. Link appreciated the help. Zelda frequently visited Purah and Symin at the Hateno Tech Lab to discuss ancient technology research and to help them with their experimentations.
Link was a happily married man. He spent a short week of a honeymoon at Lurelin Village, where the villagers welcomed them with a celebratory party of their own. Everyone around the kingdom looked to Link and Zelda as leaders, though the throne had not yet been restored. Now their work wasn't as travel-heavy at the moment. Link was relieved. They would have to travel again once they got their construction plans worked out, but at least for a few months they could stay in Hateno. He still heard from his friends and comrades. Recently Sidon had come to visit, bringing with him the news of research progress made by Zoras on Vah Ruta. It pleased Zelda to no end, and Link couldn't help but smile when he saw Zelda and Sidon's grins. Riju was visiting today to give news of the condition of the Gerudo Desert and Vah Naboris.
Link greeted Riju when she entered the village.
"Welcome to Hateno, Riju." Link smiled.
Riju climbed off her horse. "Thank you. Though I must say, as a Gerudo I'm not used to horses."
"It can be a challenge." Link began to give her a tour of the village. "How are things in your region?"
"Well. Buliara pleaded to come with me, but I told her to stay behind. It's nice to get away from the formalities every once in a while on my own. I don't need a guard with me to visit my friends."
"Were your travels alright? No complications?"
"The roads are quiet. The monsters that infested this land are no more. I've seem more travelers than I ever have. It's a nice change of pace."
Link guided Riju up the path to his shared home. "We got you a private room in the inn, but Zelda and I would love to have dinner with you at our home."
Riju smiled. "Yes. A warm, home-cooked meal! You're spoiling me, Link."
"It's nothing grand, but I hope it's cooked well enough." Link put his arm behind his head.
"Exactly. Home-cooked. I'm always treated with grand meals. It's gets a bit heavy at times. This is such a nice change of pace." Riju looked around the yard. "Your home is beautiful. Where's Zelda?"
Link shrugged. "She may be at the Tech Lab. If not, she might be inside."
Riju smiled. Her and Zelda had become close friends after the wedding. Link was glad to see Zelda finding people to speak with that weren't him. He knew how hard it was for him to get to know people after being locked away for a century. She was handling it much better than he did.
Link opened the door to his home. Zelda was at the table reading a book. She shut it and smiled.
"Riju! I'm so happy to see you," she said. She jumped up and they embraced.
"It's been too long! We need to catch up a bit." Riju glanced over a Link. She smirked. "Girls only!"
Link's eyes widened. "What?"
"You heard what she said." Zelda chuckled. "Girls only!"
"Ah….okay…." Link's face flushed. "I'll be talking with Bolson...see you at dinner I suppose."
"Yes, see you then!" Riju winked and pushed him out. Zelda shut the door.
Link stood in front of his door. Locked out of my own house, he thought. Girls only? He wondered what girls talked about when they were alone. Suddenly he remembered something he did before he defeated the Calamity. When he wanted to find the password to the Gerudo Secret Club he eavesdropped through the lattice on the other side of the wall. He also did this with an open window in Tarrey Town to help the sick little girl. He and Zelda always opened the window in the morning to let the fresh air in. Link smirked. He never thought he'd eavesdrop in his own house, but here he was. Marriage was surprising sometimes. He didn't want to invaded their privacy, but he was so curious to know how girls interacted he couldn't help it. He was a worried husband. Even if he could never tell her he knew things, maybe he could help her anyways. Just like the Monster Cake and little girl. Link justified it in his mind, then crouched and made his way to the open window. He used a stealth technique he used to when infiltrating enemy camps to ensure they couldn't see him. He listened.
"Zelda, how are you?" Riju asked with excitement.
"Well!" Zelda replied.
"How's married life?"
"Better than I could have thought. We've been traveling during most of our marriage, so we're happy we have some time to settle in Hateno."
"Oh? How's the reconstruction going?"
"We're making plans with Bolson now. Link is handling most of it with him, while I research ancient technology at the Tech Lab. I'm hoping some of it can help us with our rebuilding efforts."
"You're such a hard worker, Zelda. First the Calamity and now this. Do you and Link ever slow down?" Riju chuckled. Link heard the clinking of glasses. He kept listening.
"No. Neither of us take a rest. There's just so much to do! I don't know if I'll ever restore the throne. The restoration of the castle is the last thing on the list. I want the people of Hyrule to get the help they need before we go reinstating the royal family."
"You're such a kind soul, Zelda. You'll get there. Hyrule would love to have you as queen. You and Link are already looked up to as leaders in this kingdom."
"I want to honor those who helped Link fight the Divine Beasts. Similar to how my father honored the Champions. I'm hoping for it to be the first ceremony we have at the rebuilt castle."
"I'd be honored if you honored me." Riju chuckled. "Though I feel you're working yourself a bit too hard. You looked exhausted. The throne will be there. Rest easy sometimes, alright?"
Zelda sighed. "I know. I'll have to start resting soon whether I like it or not."
"Oh?" Riju paused. "Zelda, don't tell me you're…"
"Yes. I am."
Link panicked. She's what? He stiffened in his hiding spot under the window. He didn't understand. Did girls speak in their own language he didn't know? He tried to quiet his breathing so he didn't give himself away.
Riju squealed. "Oh, Zelda. I'm so excited! Can-Can I be an auntie?"
Auntie? Link was starting to piece things together, but he wasn't entirely there yet.
"Yes, you can." Zelda laughed.
"This great! I'll have my seamstress make clothing for you. I know you and Rhondson are close, but you won't be able to get enough supplies! Oh, and a sand-seal plush!"
"Thank you, Riju."
"Does Link know?"
Do I know what? Link bit his lip. In the unspoken part of his mind he knew what they were talking about, but he still couldn't process it through Riju's squeals.
"No. I just found out. I'm a bit nervous to tell him."
"He'll be happy. It's his child too, you know."
"I know. But, once he knows I'm pregnant he'll go into full-knight duty. He'll follow me everywhere and cater to my every need like I'm an infant."
I'm pregnant. The words echoed in Link's hollow mind. He fell back on his bottom and stared at the open window with his mouth open and a blush on his face.
"Riju, did you hear that?" Zelda asked.
"Hear what?"
"That thump outside the window."
Link panicked. He bolted around the side of the house. He dropped down the hill and took the long way through the woods back to the entrance of Hateno Village. He hadn't felt so energized since raiding Bokoblin camps before the end of Calamity.
He couldn't stop thinking about it. When was she going to tell him? Was she feeling bad? Did she need anything? A healer? Elixirs? Link's mind raced. He met with Bolson at their usual meeting spot at the inn restaurant.
"Hey, what's wrong with you today? You're jittering like crazy!" Bolson exclaimed. He placed his construction plans on the table.
"Ah...nothing. Sorry, I can't talk about this today. I promised Zelda I'd..uh..go get her shells at Hateno Beach! Yes, I forgot! Got to go!" Link bolted out of the inn. He made his way to Hateno Beach.
When he arrived he sat on the edge of the water. Birds chirped around the few palm trees scattered about. He stared out at Eventide Island. From the ruins of an affair, he thought. Now I'm going to be a father?
Link felt his chest constrict. He ran his fingers through the sand as the light waves reached his boots. Marriage had brought him his happiest of days, but also some of his hardest. He always worried about her before doing anything. Perhaps he was too protective. He still had leftover remnants of the Calamity in his mind. Part of him felt the malice in the air, the malice that had dispersed nearly a year prior. That threat wasn't coming back, he knew, but a part of him couldn't convince himself. They would rebuild the castle and be king and queen, but then it could swallow them up again. Link was alright with him getting hurt if it meant Zelda was alright. But now there was child to think about. Could he protect them too? What if they were targeted?
Link picked up a spare rock and skid it across the water. Who could he talk to? Teba? He was a few days away. The Zora King? That would only bring back memories of Mipha, which could upset him. Impa? Perhaps, but it was already early afternoon. He couldn't get to her and back before dinner. Link huffed, his heart beating into his brain. He buried his head in his knees, just as he had in the lockup a century prior.
"Pick your head up, son."
Link looked up. Before him was the spirit of King Rhoam, just as he had appeared to him on the Great Plateau. Link's mouth fell agape.
"King Rhoam? I'm hallucinating, aren't I?" Link sighed.
"Were you hallucinating when you gave me spicy meat and seafood stir fry on the Great Plateau?" King Rhoam smirked.
"I suppose not. But, how are you here? I thought you were resting in the Heavens."
"I am. I took a detour because I wanted to instill some sense into you before you rip your hair out. I've been watching over you and Zelda both."
"She feels your presence. It helps her. Why not show yourself to her? Why me?"
"She doesn't need me. She knows I'm here. You need another push. I can't do this forever, you know. Or perhaps I can." King Rhoam shrugged.
"Why? What's wrong with me?"
"I think you know, Mr. Stealth."
Link flustered. "You saw me do that?"
"Yes. Though I would say I don't appreciate you invading my daughter's privacy, I did the same thing to my wife."
"You did?"
"Sure. Husbands are nosy. They want to know why there's things wives tell their friends but not them. I eavesdropped on Zelda's mother and Lady Urbosa in a conversation uncannily similar to Zelda and Riju's."
"Well? What happened?" Link stared at him.
"She never found out. Well, until we reunited in the Heavens, that is. I've heard her go on about it for a few decades now, so be prepared for that. But, it did scare me at the time. Fatherhood isn't like anything else."
"If the Calamity comes back…"
"It won't, Link," King Rhoam reassured. "Not in your lifetime. Not in your child's lifetime."
"I can't protect this child from everything," Link argued.
"Of course not. And you shouldn't try to. I couldn't keep Zelda from you."
Link blushed. "I got my memories back from that time. I'm sorry…"
King Rhoam shook his head. "No. I'm the one to apologize. You didn't deserve that kind of humiliation. I was acting in accordance to ancient royal law. I regret following it blindly. I wanted to apologize to you both, but the Calamity took me before I could. I hope my apologies to you now don't seem shallow."
"They're not. I appreciate them. I hope I'm doing right by your daughter."
"You are. When the time comes, you'll make a great King to take my place."
Link's eyes widened. "I can't take your place."
"You can and will. That's just how life is, Link. Out with the old, in with the new." King Rhoam sighed. "Perhaps I wasn't the best father to my dear Zelda. You were there for the mistakes I made. Don't make them. Learn from me. I trust you'll do what's right for your child."
"Thank you." Link smiled. He noticed the spirit's reflection was absent in the water below.
"Head back home. I believe it's time for supper."
Link went back home and shared dinner with Zelda and Riju. Nothing about the baby was mentioned, and most of the conversation revolved around Riju's plans to expand Gerudo Town. After they finished their discussions for the day, Riju headed to the inn. Before she left she winked at Zelda. Link's face flushed.
"How were things with Bolson?" Zelda asked as they cleaned the table.
"Oh, great!" Link replied nervously. "We discussed some of his plans for Castle Town."
"You are such a liar!" Zelda chuckled.
"I'm-I'm not!"
"You are. Bolson came by here wondering if you were home. He asked if I got the seashells I wanted from Hateno Beach. I told him I didn't know what he was talking about."
Link reddened. "I didn't feel well. I thought a trip to the beach to be alone might help me."
"Oh? Do you have a fever?" Zelda frowned. She placed her hand to his forehead. "You're a tad warm."
"It's fine."
"Huh. You'd think the way the sun shines on the side of the house might give you sunburn if you crouch there for too long," Zelda said nonchalantly.
Link's stomach dropped. The nausea from his wedding day resurfaced. "What? That's strange of you to say."
"You may be able to sneak past the Yiga but you can't sneak past me."
"I-I'm sorry, Zelda. I was just worried! I didn't mean...oh...I'm a fool." Link frowned. He was humiliated. Zelda cupped his cheek. She giggled.
"You remind me of my father. He told me he did the same to my mother."
"Are you angry?"
"No. Though, I'm a bit disappointed you already know." She let go of his cheek with a frown.
"I haven't heard you really say it. You've only implied it."
Zelda sighed. She took his hands. "Link...I'm...I'm with child."
Link squeezed her hands. He smiled. "That's wonderful."
"Is it?"
"Of course."
"I'm happy it's now. We've been blessed."
"We have. I know you been waiting a century for this."
"I-I have…" Tears filled her eyes. "I have."
Link wrapped her in an embrace. They stayed that way for a long while, until Link coaxed her to rest with him. His life was no longer in ruins. He finally had peace. It was the greatest joy that ever came to him, though it was an uncertain affair a century prior. Time changes and molds everything, Link knew. Now he anxiously awaited what time would bring him next.
The day had come. Zelda had woke with great pain. Link fetched the village midwife, which promptly locked him out of his own home. This time, it was winter, so the window wasn't open for him to eavesdrop with. Link sat under the tree by the fire with Bolson. He felt light-headed. Riju walked over the bridge with layers of coats on.
"Riju?" Link asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Zelda contacted me a few days ago. She said it was almost time." Riju smiled. "Though I hate this cold, I'll do anything for my best friends. I wasn't going to miss this baby for anything!" She took out a small bottle and handed it to him. "Here's another cooling elixir. You're sweating like you did on your wedding day."
Link flustered and opened the bottle. "Thank you."
They waited. It felt like hours. The cooling elixir didn't do enough this time, and he still felt warm under his clothes. He wiped his forehead and clutched his stomach.
"What's wrong, Link?" Bolson asked with a laugh. "Are you giving birth too?"
"It's been too long! I'm so worried...why won't they let me in?" Link huffed.
Riju shook her head with a smile. "Link, let the women handle it. They know how to take care of her."
The door opened. Link bolted up and rushed forward. The midwife smiled.
"Congratulations! It's a boy. Come on in and meet him."
Link stepped inside. He went up the stairs and saw Zelda with a bundle cloth in her arms. She looked up at Link with a smile, tears on her cheeks.
"Come on, don't be shy," she coaxed. "He wants to meet you."
Link sat beside her on the bed. He saw his child, then locked eyes with him. He paled.
"Are you...okay, Zelda?" he asked nervously.
"I'm fine now." She chuckled. "He's beautiful. He looks like you."
Link reddened. "I don't know..."
"It's okay. I know you're nervous. Why don't you hold him?"
"You're his mother! He...he needs you...uh...you know...he's just born!" Link flustered.
"Yes, and you're his father. Don't be nervous, you won't hurt him."
Zelda settled the newborn into his arms. Link looked down at him. Affection and love filled his heart. He bit his lip.
"What should we name him?" he asked.
"I was thinking Rhoam, after my father. Are...are you okay with that?"
Link smiled. "Of course." He paused. "Welcome home, Rhoam."
When he awoke from the Shrine of Resurrection, he was a hollow machine. Now he was a happy, proud Hylian. Through the ruins of the past came the chance to build again. It had given them all hope. Now, he had yet more to put his faith into. A new path to the future from the ashes of the past.
