She couldn't exactly recall the events that had followed, her mind still grief stricken, but Zelda had somehow managed to get to Kakariko Village, collapsing on the ground in exhaustion and despair at the village gate. Thanks to her power, the village was safe, and that was just enough to give her hope. She could vaguely recall the Sheikah soldiers hurrying to her side and bringing her to Impa where she was forced to recount what had happened since Calamity Ganon's rise.
She clutched the Master Sword in her hands as she spoke to Impa. Her tears obstructed her vision, but Impa's reassuring hand rested on her shoulder. She looked down at the sword where her tears splashed against the blade. It no longer spoke to her, but Zelda knew a spirit was awake inside the blade, just as her power had awoken, and it would wait for its master's return.
"He can be saved, right?" Her voice was barely audible even in the dim, quiet room. The rain continued to fall against the roof, but it was lighter now. Gentle. Soothing. She could feel his lips on hers all over again, and the memory caused her heart to ache even more in her chest. Her head hung low and her fingers ran over the sword absentmindedly. Of course, she had left that part out when she told Impa what had happened.
"The Master Sword must be protected," Impa said, her voice fierce. "Calamity Ganon must not get to it. You must keep Ganon sealed inside the castle until Link awakens."
Zelda looked up and met Impa's gaze. "He will come, won't he?" Her sad eyes pleaded with her. He promised he would come for her. He promised. She couldn't possibly do it without him. She didn't want to do it without him.
"His injuries are severe," Purah said, standing at Impa's side. She, too, had only just arrived in Kakariko Village after examining Link. Her usually cheerful, bubbly personality was subdued, and her face was creased with worry. "It could be a long time before he awakens."
They were avoiding direct answers, she knew of that. Zelda's brows knit together and her grip tightened on the sword. "I can do it. I can hold Calamity Ganon back until Link returns." She had faith in him. He promised he would come.
"Take the Master Sword to the Great Deku Tree," Impa said. "It will be safe there until Link can reclaim it."
Zelda hesitated as another thought came to mind. "Will he know? Will he remember me?"
Purah's expression softened. She forced a reassuring smile. "Have faith," Purah said simply.
Zelda rode across Hyrule with the protection of the Sheikah soldiers. They took the furthest route possible in hopes of keeping out of Calamity Ganon's sight and avoiding as much of the battle as possible. It was a long journey across Hyrule, even at a gallop on their fastest horses, and it was into the early morning when they finally arrived at Hyrule Great Forest.
Zelda walked into the forest alone, guided by the spirits of the realm until she arrived before the Great Deku Tree. She felt safe in the presence of the Great Deku Tree and she was certain the sword would be safe in the forest. No amount of Ganon's power would be able to claim it here.
She knelt down before the Master Sword. "Your master will come for you," she whispered to it. "Until then, you will rest safely here. Although the Slumber of Restoration will most certainly deprive him of his memories, please trust me when I say that I know he will arrive before you yet again."
"If I may be so bold," the Great Deku Tree spoke to her. "What is it that you are planning to do next, Princess?"
Zelda looked up at the Great Deku Tree and got to her feet. She turned her eyes back down to the sword as she spoke. "The Master Sword… I heard it speak to me. It seems that my role is unfinished. There is still something I must do."
"I sense there is great strength in your dedication."
Zelda turned her gaze back onto the the Great Deku Tree, her eyes hopeful. "Great Deku Tree, I ask of you, when he returns, can you please relay this message. Tell him I -"
"Now, then," the Great Deku Tree interrupted, his voice deep and calm. "Words intended for him would sound much better in the tones of your voice, don't you think?"
Zelda smiled and nodded. "Yes." She took up the sword and carefully positioned it into the pedestal before the Great Deku Tree. She closed her eyes and pushed the sword into the stone where it would wait for one hundred years for Link's return.