Chapter 21: Age and Wisdom

A/N: A few chapters ago, I said Zelda's birthday was in two days. I changed that to "tomorrow" just because it was an error on my part. These past two chapters all ended up taking place in the same day. So, the events of last chapter (and the start of this one) take place the day before her birthday. Sorry about that.

The rest of the day had become a blur of action. Zelda had been swept away from it all by every person she'd come into contact with. Urbosa took her from the room where Viscen was found, Link took her from the Garrison, and hours later, several armed soldiers had taken her from her room when she was sent to see her father.

She'd been fruitlessly hoping that her father wouldn't catch whiff that she'd been at the Garrison on the day the leader had been found dead. It was in vain, she knew, but it never really hurt to hope.

When she'd entered his room, he was pouring over a book, and he didn't look up. She'd waited awkwardly in the doorway for him to say something, but he didn't. She began to squirm under the silence until she'd finally broken it.

"I had to warn Purah, Robbie and the others."

He looked up at her finally and removed his reading glasses, placing them gingerly onto the mahogany desk. "You've gotten yourself into a deep mess, Zelda. Once again, you've stuck your nose where it doesn't belong when you should be focusing on your prayers. You'll leave for the Spring of Wisdom without a clear mind now, and with the Calamity approaching, you've gone and mucked up your chances of appeasing the Goddess without burden. Urbosa said that she had an old contact in the prison and took you with her. Is there no one I can trust with you anymore? Are you that much…"

He trailed off leaving Zelda to wonder what he would have said. In many ways, she didn't want to know.

It hadn't escaped her notice that Urbosa had altered the story, protecting Link's involvement in it all. She wasn't sure whether or not she was grateful, seeing that they were both so important to her, but while the title Hero of Hyrule couldn't be taken away, the title of an Appointed Knight could. Urbosa was secured as a Champion and had little to lose by taking the fall. It wasn't as if he could forbid her from seeing a Champion as he had with the Sheikah.

"Father," Zelda began, her voice meek and timid as she faced her father, the king. It wasn't the same newfound confidence she'd been feeling recently. "I do not regret my actions or my participation. One day… one day this kingdom will be mine to run." She wanted to stop herself when she saw her father's face grow redder, but the words poured out. "You haven't taught me a thing. For my whole life, every moment has been devoted to prayer! I don't know how to hold court, respond to petitions, inspect troops, sign bills; Father, you're the one who has left me in the dark. And today, I sentenced someone to death in your name. It was out of instinct that I knew the words, but I killed someone. You didn't prepare me! I don't know how to rule this kingdom, and you have excluded me from that knowledge."

He didn't seem surprised at the information; Urbosa had filled him in. He did, however, look surprised by her. "You are sixteen-years-old and my daughter. You do not speak to me like that, Zelda, not while I am you father and the King. You will learn your role in time. You've taken on tasks before you were ready, and it will have hindered your heart in more ways than one. Have I not prepared you, to the best of my ability, for the one truly important task at hand? You must seal Ganon away or there will be no kingdom to rule.

"Yes," he continued, "I have neglected to share the nightmares you might face and the sleepless nights you will succumb to. They are not your concern right now, but you have brought them to you, burdening your spirit in a time when it was most necessary to be pure."

Zelda could feel the tears welling behind her eyes but fought them back as she always did when her father was around. He thought her weak enough without tears. "Have I already become so lost to you?"

The King turned back to his book and flipped a page. "Prove me wrong, Zelda."

When dawn peeked through her curtains, Zelda sat up in a panic. She had dreamed something terrible, but she could not remember what it had been. She felt it had something to do with the Yiga incident, but she would not be able to remember if her life had depended on it.

Sitting in her bed, she looked around, expecting to see the world somehow differently than she had all her life. After all, Lanaryu said that the wise were seventeen, and for her, that day was today. She felt no different, no wiser or more capable than when she'd gone to sleep the night before. More than anything, she hoped that it was because she had been born in the afternoon. She prayed that, come the proper time, she would feel like a whole new person, someone who had mysteriously gained immense insight, so great that the Goddesses were inspired by her presence, enough that she would be granted their blessing and gifted with the power to seal Calamity Ganon.

It would be a long day, and she relished the chance to just sit in her room, enjoying a moment of peace. Very soon, Hilda would arrive with the final alterations to her birthday gown, then there would be a party, and later that night, she and Link would depart for the Spring, wasting no more time than needed.

She and her father had been in tune with one thing: neither wanted this party. It had been all his advisors and the other politicians who'd encouraged it, a way to rouse spirits. Zelda and her father, however, wanted to get the Spring of Wisdom out of the way, for better or worse.

Knowing she would have no time later, she pulled her robe on and grabbed her traveling bag, throwing her prayer dress into it before climbing the ladder to her study to retrieve her journals.

As she entered, she stopped short, noticing something new on her desk. It was a flower pot with a note in front, a Silent Princess in the soil.

She ran her finger lightly along the soft blue and white pedals. They felt strong, fresh, like they could still take on the world if they needed to. Tearing herself away from the beautiful flower, she took up the note and moved to the window, so she could better read it in the morning light. She recognized the handwriting, though she'd never seen his before. It was identical to the handwriting in her ancestor's journals, where her own Hero of Time had scrawled in the margins of her pages. She just knew that it was Link.

Impa has kept it in her room for some time now. It'll survive, if that's what you're worried about when you see it in a pot. Happy birthday.

There was a second piece of paper, and she placed Link's down. This one she easily recognized as Impa's handwriting. Don't let him fool you. This was his idea.

With a small chuckle, she turned back to the Silent Princess and ran her hand over the petals again. They felt as healthy as one growing in the wild, though she knew they were not yet able to survive in a domesticated environment. Had they been lying, and the beautiful, rare flower would die within the day? Or was there something different about this one? Something special.

She rushed back down the ladder and towards her door, flinging it open and startling Link.

He turned to her, ready to say something, but he didn't get the opportunity. Instead, Zelda wrapped her arms around Link's neck and pulled him against her, pressing her lips to his. She could hear him make a surprised sound, but he didn't move away from her. Instead, his arm snaked around her waist and he quickly lifted her, spinning them both into her room. Zelda broke away but barely moved away from him.

"I wasn't thinking about being seen," she whispered breathlessly.

He shook his head and pressed it against hers, their breath mingling together. "No. You really do want me killed, don't you?"

"Hallway crowded today?" She couldn't help her fingers as they started to graze his hair on the back of his neck.

He gave her a look and chuckled. "From the attention I'm getting today, you'd think it was my birthday and not yours."

Zelda could feel her head moving closer to Link's again. "I was thanking you for the Silent Princess."

"If that's how you thank me, I can't wait to see how you thank Impa. She did most of the work."

She could feel his lips grazing hers. "Liar," she heard herself whisper, though it was distantly, as if someone else were saying it.

Link suddenly pulled his head away from her, a devious but confused look on his face. "What makes you think that?"

"She left me a note as well."

Link let her go and leaned back against the wall, staring at her with barely contained amusement. "She did? And you believe her over me? Do you not trust me, Princess?"

Zelda pulled her robe closer and crossed her arms before realizing what she was still wearing. She turned away, hoping to hide her embarrassment. Looking back at Link though, she caught his eyes drifting over her. He looked down at the ground as red raced through his skin.

Clearing her throat, Zelda walked back toward him. "I can't answer that, can I? I lose no matter which answer I give."

"You walked right into my trap," Link said, finally able to mask his face with a grin.

"Truly, I did. But in all honesty, thank you."

He nodded and brushed his lips against hers before briefly meeting, barely a kiss but still sending waves of butterflies through Zelda's stomach.

"Of course. Happy birthday, Princess."

A knock on the door had both of them jumping.

"You have Hilda first, right?" Link asked, smoothing his hair back.

"I do," she said, opening the door and letting Link out to pass Hilda, leaving him in the hallway again. "Thank you, Link. Hilda, it's so good to see you again. Please, come in."

Closing the door behind her, Hilda set the covered dress down on Zelda's bed. "Behind closed doors?" Hilda asked with a chuckle.

Zelda flushed and moved to her closet, pulling out her shoes. "I thought the Yiga Clan had been here, that's all. I've become a bit… apprehensive about them. You remember when they were at your home? It's awful. I don't feel safe." It wasn't a lie, but not exactly the truth. While Hilda was a friend, even Purah didn't know about her feelings for her Appointed Knight.

"I doubt they were here, Princess. Since the last time, you've been extremely well-guarded. Your soldiers even checked my bag to see it was truly a dress."

Zelda looked at her with an amused expression. "My soldiers must have too many drinks in town at night. I'd hate to know what else you know."

Hilda wriggled her eyebrows. "Well, let me tell you everything."

They talked about all the local gossip while Zelda got ready for her party. It wouldn't last all night for her, though others did plan to stay later. She would be leaving, so the party had to start earlier than usual. Though, as Hilda talked, she was glad to hear that new rumors had begun to pass around the kingdom, leaving her out of them. Stories of treasure and hidden groves with chests of gold rupees sunk to the bottom were spreading as the people tried to forget the Calamity.

It felt like it had taken hours, but when Zelda was finally ready, she and Hilda headed to the door. Link was waiting patiently in the hall and carefully controlled his expression. Hilda nudged Zelda, who wore a long, pale purple dress, the top just darker than the bottom, with a golden belt tied around her waist, the royal symbols embroidered onto a draped piece of fabric that complimented the rest of her incredibly. She wore matching shoulder pauldrons, held together by a thick gold chain around her neck and back. The circlet on her forehead lay comfortably on her head, a large ruby inset into the golden designs, standing out against her long, pushed back blonde hair that revealed two sacred Triforce symbols hanging from her ears. She felt as regal as she looked.

"What do you think, Hero?" Hilda prodded.

After years of keeping his emotions well-hidden, he swept his eyes over her once, keeping them level with hers after, hiding any true thought he might have had. He bowed his head, his hands clasped behind his back. "You look beautiful, as always, Princess."

Hilda looked almost disappointed in his response, expecting something more from him, but she grabbed Zelda and excitedly led her downstairs. "We'll find you some better compliments at the party."

As Hilda turned, Link smirked at Zelda, leaving her with a sly wink before Zelda had fully turned around, but it was enough to cause her stomach to flutter yet again. Perhaps to be seventeen meant to be perpetually a bundle of anxious nerves, for better or for worse.

Being the sole Princess of Hyrule, Zelda had gotten used to being stared at, being talked about, and being the center of attention. As she entered the room, she tried to tune out as many of the wowed faces around her, smiling a genuine smile, though she tried not to focus on any particular face so she wouldn't feel her nerves turn poor.

When she did finally recognize some faces, she immediately made her way through the crowd, muttering her thanks at compliments as she passed by waves of strangers. Hilda had disappeared from her side, as the lowly dressmaker wouldn't enter with a princess, as much as she had felt steadied by her friend's tight hold on her hand.

Mipha and Urbosa were together, talking and laughing about something, Mipha with her hand covering her mouth, and Urbosa with her head thrown back, wild and excited as always. When Zelda approached, they both bowed respectfully, Zelda returning the gesture to the two esteemed leaders.

"Little Bird," Urbosa said with a broad smile. "You are no chickadee any longer, are you?"

Mipha tilted her head to the side, admiring the other Princess. "Yes, you are looking rather beautiful, Princess. Happiest of birthday's to you."

Zelda took both of their hands, feeling particularly giddy. "I thought we'd agreed to use each other's given names, Mipha. But thank you both."

Mipha nodded. "A force of habit, Zelda." The Zora's eyes drifted behind her to Link, dressed in his Champion's uniform. "You are looking… quite well, Link." Her face flushed almost instantly and she gestured to Urbosa. "Urbosa was just telling me about the encounter with the Hinox and Talus. How terrible it must have been to see both giants coming for you all. Are you in need of healing? I am more than glad to…" she cut herself off, feeling she'd gone on too long.

Link smiled kindly. "Thank you, Mipha. I used a fairy when we returned. No substitute for your gifts, of course, but it did the job well enough."

Mipha nodded absently. "Actually, Link, there was something I wanted to… well… this isn't perhaps the best place to speak. When you've returned from the Spring, I was hoping we might be able to catch up."

Link's eyes darted to Zelda. "Oh," she said with a start. "Of course you can." But as he looked away, she thought she'd misinterpreted his meaning. There wasn't time to contemplate it, however, as a large hand clapped down on Link's shoulder, causing Zelda to shriek softly, nearly tripping into Urbosa.

Daruk all but shook Link. "Hey, Little Guy!" He turned and beamed at Zelda. "Princess! Happy birthday! This is quite the operation you've got going here! I love the buffet table. You've got to see it!"

Zelda laughed and gently pushed on Link's arm. "Go on. Urbosa and Mipha are here."

"As am I," said a haughty voice from behind, his eyes narrowing on Link. Revali pushed his way into the small circle and ceremoniously bowed to Zelda. "Happy birthday, Princess."

"Thank you, Ravali," Zelda said, more than glad that Link was already being dragged away by Daruk. She could see Mipha staring after them, and she felt for the Zora. It was so clear, clearer than still water that Mipha harbored immense feelings for Link. "Mipha, you look like you haven't seen it. You don't have to stay with me, if you wish to join Link and Daruk."

Mipha's eyes lit up and she nodded. "I am rather hungry. Thank you."

"That was kind of you," Revali noted, his beak upturned in a naturally haughty stance. "Unrequited love is the tragedy you can't turn away from."

Zelda was shocked, but Urbosa just laughed. "You sound like an expert, Rito."

He smirked and outstretched his feathers for show. "None will ever love the great Revali more than myself, Gerudo. The knowledge alone is my burden."

"Well said," Urbosa snorted.

Though the words were harsh, she could see a mutual respect between the two. Just as she and Revali would not be the best of friends, she did not dislike him, not for his pride. It was annoying to see his constant contest with anyone in his path, but in some ways, she could understand. The orphaned fledgling had raised himself, always striving to be better, to show the other Rito that he'd belonged with them, despite not having a family trade to follow, a parent to teach him, or a family clan of his own. He raised himself to be the best, and to accept nothing less. She could see his flaws, but in those flaws, she could see pieces of herself.

"Actually, Revali." Zelda started, looking around the room, her eyes locking on a few of the less than clean politicians. "Would you and Urbosa do me a great favor? I believe I have some promises to keep."

Revali's eyes twitched up in amused anticipation. "Yes?"

"Urbosa, you remember Lord Konba? We ran into him and Lord Bostrick and we promised him some of your time."

Urbosa smirked. "I'll use it wisely. If you see him start to shuffle away from me as soon as I get over there, you've done a good job."

"Do you want me with her, Princess?" Revali asked, still in the dark.

"Not yet."

The two of them watched Urbosa begin to make polite small talk with some of the others around the area. Konba, specifically, looked mortified, his deep-rooted prejudices running for miles. To him, she was as good as Ganondorf for being Gerudo.

She was back by Zelda's side only minutes later with a smug grin. "He only stopped by to be seen and asks that I pass on his congratulations, but he's going home."

"Good," Zelda said, crossing her arms until she found her next victim.

Lord Bostrick's murderous son was surrounded by some interested parties. Zelda nudged Revali, surprised by how good she was feeling. "Do you see that young man? He tried to kill his father to take his position. Could you make him feel terribly important? His father is watching him."

Revali let out an actual laugh, clearly enjoying his designated task. "Can I use my dazzling wit and charm?"

Zelda thought for a moment. "Only if he doesn't catch on to your sarcasm."

As Revali left, Urbosa scooted her way closer. "Little Bird, are you all right? You're acting differently than usual."

"Call it… my final hurrah! I don't expect I'll have another birthday before the Calamity. I don't even believe I'll have the week. Without the sealing power, I'm as good as dead. It's all on you now. I want to enjoy what I can tonight."

Urbosa was about to grab her by the arm, to shake her, but some women came over just then to talk to Zelda about something that had happened in the castle.

Mipha, Daruk, and Link all returned with full plates, and when the women left, Zelda stared at the food longingly. She stumbled toward the table, before a feathered arm wrapped around her. Revali was in front of her, suddenly, though he appeared to be spinning. His beak was moving, but she couldn't hear any words.

"Where is Hilda?" Zelda asked, grabbing at her waist. "This dress is far too tight, I think."

Mipha and Urbosa rushed to help her into the hallway, and Link stood inside by the door.

Mipha gasped as she touched Zelda's skin. "You're not well, Princess. It does not feel like an injury, however. I can only heal wounds."

"I'm fine, it's the dress," she insisted. But Urbosa was in front of her, shaking her head. "It's loose."

"It's the dress, I swear. Help me find Hilda. Link knows what she looks like."

It was Mipha who leaned Zelda against her. "You have a fever. We should take you back to your room."

"I don't. Is Purah here?"

"No," Urbosa said gently. "You should go back to your room and rest."

Zelda's eyes widened. "I can't! I have to get to the Spring! Link!"

Link turned the corner instantly, waiting.

"Let's just leave for the Spring now. I need to change."

Link moved closer to her, too close to be acceptable for anything professional, and held her swaying chin. "Princess, are you drunk?" he asked as he watched her eyes. He stepped away, dropping his hand and glancing at Urbosa, avoiding Mipha's gaze.

Zelda shook her head. "I haven't drank anything, I swear."

"You're right," Mipha agreed. "I think something to that effect has happened."

"I didn't drink!"

Something seemed to click for Link, though what, he didn't share. "Get her changed and clean. We are leaving now. Someone's poisoned her with something. I don't know how or what, but it might be a final attack before she leaves for the Spring, so we need to get her to safety."

When Zelda looked up, she was on her horse with Link beside her. She was in a new outfit, her skin hot and burning. "What happened?"

Link shrugged. "They're looking into it and will tell us when we get back."

"How long have we been riding?" she asked, noticing the high moon.

"A few hours."

Running her hands through her hair, she breathed, realizing how close the Yiga had come to killing her again. If she hadn't been surrounded by the Champions…

But she was never alone.

And if someone was trying to get her out of the way rather than kill her, then something bad was about to happen at Hyrule Castle, and she would be unable to help from the peaks of Mount Lanaryu.