Zelda was restless, to say the least. It took her a long time to relax fully and allow herself to sleep. Nightmares plagued her, snippets of past memories combined with the masks of the Yiga Clan. Several times she sat upright, her heart pounding from the horrors she'd faced. She rolled onto her side, facing away from where Link sprawled on the couch, light snoring coming from his direction. Focusing on her breathing helped calm her down enough to sleep again.
"My, my. You had quite a few busy days, haven't you? I have to say, I'm impressed. What you did today took a lot of guts." Urbosa's husky tone echoed with pride. "You've grown so much since I last saw you."
Zelda threw her arms around the tall Gerudo woman. "I missed you so much. I wanted to tell you everything… When the Divine Beasts fell to Ganon's control, I knew that you-"
"Now, don't bring up the sad memories you don't need to," Urbosa chided. "Calamity Ganon was a ruthless foe, but I had faith that you and Link would be able to take him down eventually, and here we are."
"I put him in danger… all I could think about when those rocks started falling was how the castle shook when Ganon-"
Urbosa cut her off again, cradling her close to the chest. "Don't dwell on the things of the past. You've been through so much that it's easy to allow yourself to become overwhelmed. But don't allow yourself to look solely at the negative. You've got so much to look at still ahead of you."
"I'm scared. I don't feel prepared to rule in my father's place," Zelda admitted, looking up at the Gerudo Champion.
"It's for that exact reason that I know you'll do well in that role. You act as if being queen will be something that you have to face alone, like the hundred years sealing Ganon. But you're not going to be alone in this. You'll have people to support you and guide you," Urbosa pointed out. "The Champions of each nation may be gone, but our people still have faith in you. Have some faith in yourself and your abilities."
"I wish I could be as strong as you are, Urbosa. You never showed any fear, no matter what you were facing."
"But you're already strong," the woman pulled her away from the embrace, and locked eyes with her. "Listen well, because I'll only say this once: don't doubt your strength. It takes true strength both emotionally and physically to accomplish what you have done. You're a warrior every bit as strong as the Gerudo. I'm proud of you, and I know that both your mother and father are proud of you as well."
Tears filled Zelda's eyes and she sobbed against the Champion's chest. "I missed you so much…"
"I may not be with you physically anymore, but as long as you hold onto your inner strength and the memories of us, we'll never truly leave you," Urbosa promised.
Zelda's pillow was stained with fresh tears as she awoke. She hiccuped softly and curled onto her side. Light was peeking through the window, denoting the early hour.
"Zelda? What's wrong?" Concern overwrote the sleepiness in Link's voice as he sat up. Without realizing it, she had faced him when she rolled over. With her hair short, it was clear to see that she had been crying.
"Just a dream." Her voice broke and she sniffled.
"Not a good dream if you're waking up crying," he reasoned. He crouched by the side of the bed and brushed the hair away from her eyes. "Do you want to talk about it?'
"It was good," she argued weakly. "I dreamt that I was speaking to Urbosa… only it didn't feel like a dream. It felt as real as me speaking with you right now."
Link was quiet for a moment. "Maybe it wasn't a dream, but a vision that Hylia allowed you to see."
"It had to have been," she agreed. She sat up slowly, pulling her knees to her chest. "I didn't keep you awake last night, did I?"
He shook his head. "No, I fell asleep fairly quickly."
She breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm thankful that I didn't wake you. I fear my sleep wasn't as restful as I had hoped it would be."
He rolled to his feet and stretched carefully. "I suppose we should pack up and continue from here. Would you prefer to go to the Rito Village, or Goron City?"
A soft sound came from beside them, and Fi floated down to rest at the foot of the bed with all the grace of a dancer. "Master Link, there is a more pressing need than the Rito or Gorons."
Link sighed. "You love proving me wrong, don't you, Fi?"
"I have no capability for emotion. I do not understand your meaning," Fi replied, staring at him.
Zelda bit back a laugh at the exchange, muffling the sound with a faint cough.
"...never mind." Link shot Zelda a suspicious glance. "Where do we need to go?"
"You have traversed the Hebra Mountains. The Lynel that dwelled by the North Lomei Labyrinth has chosen to take up residence northeast of the Hebra Tower, near the stable and dwellings many call home."
"That was a White-Maned Lynel, if I recall," Link mused aloud. "Second strongest I've seen.
"Correct, Master Link. Additionally, the snow will slow you during the fight, creating more of a challenge in defeating it."
Zelda hugged her knees tighter against her chest. "That whole thing about facing Lynels gives me a feeling of dread in my stomach."
"Regardless, for the peace of Hyrule, the beast must be defeated," Fi stated.
"Very well. After we speak to Riju, we will head there," Link assured her.
"Your heart rate and emotional state has stabilized, Master Link. I suggestion meditation to further restore your overall health." Fi floated closer to the Hylians. "The Princess has to yet to fully calm from her emotional turmoil. Meditation would benefit her also."
Zelda gave the spirit a small smile. "It was actually my intention to spend a few minutes doing so before we see Lady Riju this morning. Thank you, Fi."
"I shall leave you to meditate," Fi responded, then vanished.
Link sat on the edge of the bed, facing Zelda. "Do you have the snow gear you'll need for Hebra?"
She gave a sad smile. "If you haven't seen it in your pack of clothing, I don't have it, at least as far as garments go."
A slight blush covered from his neck to his ears. "I'm sorry. I had forgotten."
"There's no reason to be sorry," she argued. "We'll just need to stop somewhere I can get a snow outfit before we leave here. With the highlands covered in snow, I'm certain they have cold weather gear somewhere."
"Good point."
She slid her legs down under the blanket and settled into a cross-legged position. Her eyes closed, and she exhaled slowly, calming herself to begin her meditation and prayers.
Link watched for a long moment in silence. Had her eyes been open, she would have seen an unreadable expression cross his face before he sat back against the foot of the bed. His posture mirrored hers, and he closed his eyes in quiet contemplation.
The noon hour came and went before Riju requested to see them, giving the Hylians plenty of time to finish their meditations and wander Gerudo Town.
"We reached a decision last night," Riju began. "While we cannot condone his actions, Master Kohga was still our clansman. His body will be handled in the traditional way of the Gerudo. I thank you for taking the time to come and handle this situation."
Link's eyes darkened, the only thing visible on his face thanks to the traditional veil, though he said nothing.
"With all due respect, Lady Riju, what shall you do regarding the remaining Yiga clan members?" Zelda asked.
The young chieftain rested her chin in her hand. "How were the clan members you encountered treated?"
"The ones that tried to kidnap Zelda were killed on the spot. The rest were offered a chance to surrender and change their ways, or die for their cause," Link stated curtly.
"We'll offer them the same choice then. I have no doubt that there will be retaliation from some of his more loyal supporters," Riju decided. "Regardless, your help has been invaluable."
Both Hylians bowed their heads in respect to the chieftain.
"Oh, Zelda! You've cut your hair!" she gasped in surprise. "I had so loved the blonde braid you wore over your shoulder."
"Consider it to be a necessity," Zelda said, a tinge of sadness slipping into her tone unbidden.
"The shorter style still suits you," Riju smiled. "Are you equipped for the next part of your journey?"
Zelda glanced at Link. "The only thing we're missing is the snow-appropriate cold-weather clothing for me."
"And nobody had any such garments for sale in town, since the Gerudo rarely venture into the highlands. Few are brave enough to face the rugged conditions of snow and extreme cold," Riju finished for her. "We are desert-dwellers by nature. I'm sorry that we can't offer more assistance."
"Don't trouble yourself. I'm certain we can find something workable." Zelda brushed off the apology. "Is there anything else that we can assist with before we leave?"
There was a slightly awkward pause before Riju spoke. "I'll admit, I've been trying to figure out how I want to say this since you've arrived. Eloquence was my mother's strength, and I haven't developed that as fully yet…" she trailed off. She straightened and spoke more forcefully. "I'm in need of a husband to carry on the Gerudo Royal line, and I want you, Link."
The Champion startled, a deep red blush covering his neck and ears.
Zelda answered before he'd regained his composure. "I'm afraid that's not really feasible, Lady Riju. He's needed to assist me with setting Hyrule back to order."
"Oh, I'm aware. I didn't mean now. I meant whenever you've finished whatever tasks you've got," the young chieftain replied, eyeing the crossdressing Champion. "Of course, you will be compensated, Princess, so you can properly train up another appropriate bodyguard."
"He's not an animal to be bought and sold at will, and you would do best to remember that," Zelda said sharply. "Once I've returned to the castle and established it as I see fit, I'll work on sending you several more appropriate candidates for marriage. Is that acceptable to you?"
Riju sighed, settling back into the corner of her throne. "So be it. I am rather disappointed that you don't let your knight speak for himself. I honestly expected more from you."
"She knew my opinion on the matter," Link finally broke his silence. "I have no issue with her declining on my behalf.
The princess silently seethed at the girl's rudeness, but forced herself to be cordial. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Riju. As soon as I'm able, I shall send those candidates, along with a royal letter stating their purpose. That way you'll allow them entrance into the city."
"Very well. May the strength of Lady Urbosa invigorate you as you continue your journey. Sav'orq." Riju dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
Zelda was quiet as the pair walked back outside the city. Link wisely chose not to comment until they were at the shrine.
"So, there's only several locations that I'm aware of that sell the level of cold protection that you need," he began. "Claree sells some because of Kakariko's proximity to Mount Lanayru. Rito Village also provides them for-."
"I don't have a preference," Zelda cut him off. "Just choose our destination."
Link glanced sideways at her. The princess' face was flushed, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. "We'll just go to Kakariko," he said.
She stiffened when his arm slipped around her waist, but bit back her protest when the runes wrapped around them, transporting them away.
The mountains sheltered the shrine from the late afternoon sun, giving it a chilly contrast to the desert sun the Hylians had just left. Zelda shivered, subconsciously pressing closer to Link for warmth.
"Here," Link handed her his warm doublet from his pack. "And before you ask, it's not enough to keep you warm in Hebra. That's why we're back here to talk to Claree."
"Thank you," she said softly, pulling the garment on over her head. She was certain it was quite a look, the sirwal and veil, with the blue doublet. She undid the veil and tucked it in her smaller pack. "The boutique is on our way to the inn. Will she still be open at this hour?"
"Claree doesn't head home til closer to nine, if I recall. I'm sure even if she was closing, she would open for you," Link replied.
"Fair point, given how excited she was the last time." Zelda mentally braced herself for the overly exuberant woman while they walked down the hill.
Claree didn't have any customers, standing outside on the porch of her shop. "Princess Zelda! And Link! You're back in Kakariko so soon!"
"We need a snow-worthy outfit for the princess," Link stated, getting right to the point. "We're needed in Hebra, and time is of the essence."
"Hebra! My goodness, but that's so far north! What a long trip, and a cold one at that! I have just the thing. Come inside, and let me show you!" The woman gushed, ushering them into her shop.
A long hour of measurements and a headache for Zelda later, Link handed Claree rupees for the snow gear. "Do you have fire-resistant clothing as well? Eventually we'll be going to Death Mountain."
"Ohhhh, Death Mountain! Not offhand, but I can certainly send for the materials, and whip together an outfit for her. How soon will you need it?" Claree got into business mode.
"Let's say, in about 10 days?" Link guessed.
"That'll be cutting it rather close… it takes about a week for me to get such a specialty fabric. But anything for the Princess!"
Zelda forced a smile. The woman's exuberance had long since grated on her nerves, and she wanted nothing more than to be done. "Thank you for your time and your skills."
"Oh, anytime! I'll have that outfit custom-tailored for you by ten in the morning," Claree promised. "Shall I send it to the inn?"
"No, we'll stop and collect it here," Link decided. "Goodnight."
"Enjoy your evening in Kakariko!" the Sheikah called as the door closed behind the pair.
"How about some dinner and rest?" the knight suggested.
Zelda gave him a dark look. "I was ready for that an hour ago. Had I known it would take so long for her to take the measurements that she should have still had…"
He winced. "Yeah, I think she just wanted company, and someone to listen to her."
"You don't say."
"Sorry."
Silence fell as the pair walked the short distance to the cooking pot near the inn. Noting Zelda's negative mood, Link set to work quickly fixing a warm, meaty stew. The princess sat staring blankly at the fire, allowing herself to dwell on her thoughts.
"... Princess. Zelda. Zelda!" Link's hand waved in front of her face. "The food is ready."
She accepted the bowl and spoon she was handed with a soft word of thanks.
"Everything okay? You seemed deep in thought," he commented.
"It's nothing. No reason to concern yourself," she replied, focusing her attention on the hot food she was eating.
Link looked less than convinced but didn't argue with her. He attempted to strike up conversation, but when her responses were single-worded, he gave up.
Darkness had fallen by the time they cleaned up their meal. Goosebumps covered Link's arms though he denied it when Zelda asked if he was cold. He'd long-since discarded the veil, and he'd removed the crop top of the Gerudo outfit, opting to pull out his Hylian tunic. He pretended not to notice Zelda's eyes drift to him as he quickly changed into the garment. He was sure that the Sheikah were too polite to comment on their mismatched clothes. It wouldn't matter for long. Soon they'd be in their rooms without the stare of curious eyes.
"My apologies, sir. We only have one room remaining. A group from Faron came up with no warning and booked nearly all that we had," the innkeeper explained sympathetically. "I can't create additional accommodations where there aren't any."
Zelda glanced at him, then at Link. "Whatever you have will be adequate. Thank you."
Link bit his lip and handed the man the rupees without another word.
"Enjoy your stay," the innkeeper said weakly, handing Link the room key.
Zelda's arms tightened around herself as she followed him up the stairs. Her mood hadn't really improved, especially since learning she was sharing a room with him when they had planned otherwise.
Ironically enough, the final room was the same room Link had when they had stayed last, so the layout was familiar. The knight closed the door behind them and leaned his back against it. "I'll take the floor since there's just the one bed. My bedroll should fit between the door and bed."
"Very well then." Zelda kept her back to him, digging through her pack for her nightgown.
"You're upset. What's wrong?" Link asked, setting the larger pack out of the walkway and unbinding his bedroll.
"It's nothing of consequence, so I would appreciate it if you would leave it alone," Zelda stated, irritation creeping into her tone.
"... it's not going to do us any good for you to keep things from me. I'm supposed to protect and assist you," Link gently prodded.
The princess whirled, clutching her nightgown in a death grip. "What's wrong? You want to know what's wrong? We risk everything for the sake of killing Master Kohga, and their young leader decides that with her thanks, she's going to try and demand that you become nothing more than a stud, a companion to fill her bed and help her carry on their bloodline. She has no right to say that to the Champion who even still is tasked with restoring peace and order to the kingdom!" Her voice raised nearly to a shout, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "How dare she! She shows some nerve at trying to bring that up when she knows fully well that you have an unfulfilled duty to Hyrule. And a sworn oath to protect me! Yet she wanted to offer compensation, like she had any way of paying to make up for the heroic deeds you've accomplished on our behalf."
Link didn't say anything, but straightened from his pack, and crossed the room to sit quietly beside her.
She plopped down on the edge of the bed, her knuckles turning white from grasping the dress in her hands. "She thought she could take you from me… and I was going to be alone. Again."
"Even if you hadn't spoken up for me, I wasn't going to let that happen," he finally said.
A soft hiccup escaped from her lips, and her head buried into the white cloth she held. "Everyone always does though. Don't make a promise that you can't keep. Hylia only knows the promises my father made following my mother's death. You have no way to guarantee that you won't be taken away from me again," she whimpered.
His hand slid over her back. "With Goddess Hylia as my witness, I will do my best not to abandon you."
"... hold me, please." The request was so soft that it took Link a moment to register it.
His arm slid around her waist, and he scooted closer to her, gently bringing her head to rest on his chest. "I made a promise, Zelda. And I don't intend to break it. You've suffered enough from my absence." His fingers slowly slid through her short hair. "Even with me here, I haven't been able to fully protect you…"
"It wasn't your fault. Don't allow guilt to control you," she chastised, her voice broken from the tears rolling down her face.
"Riju won't take me away, nor will anyone else," Link promised. He smoothed her hair and kept her close as the tears slowly dried. Her head cuddled against him, and he could feel her heartbeat calm down.
Zelda couldn't let herself fully believe that nothing would take Link away. After all, he'd been gone for a hundred years. Not to mention that everyone else who said they would be there left or was killed. She wanted to believe him, but history defied his words. All she could do was hope that he was right, despite the sense of foreboding that settled in her stomach. A shiver ran down her spine, sending goosebumps over her skin.
"Are you still cold even with the doublet?" Link asked, concerned.
"No, I'm fine. Thank you, though."
"If you need it for warmth while you sleep, feel free. There's not a lot of blankets on the bed," he observed.
She lifted her head to meet his eyes. "Thank you. For everything you've done so far."
"You're welcome." He looked like he wanted to say more, but the words didn't come. "We should probably head to bed. Tomorrow will be a long, cold day."
"Do you want me to help in the fight with the Lynel?" Zelda asked.
"No. It's too dangerous. These beasts are brutal, and I won't risk the Princess of Hyrule dying at the hands of a monster," Link replied darkly.
"Promise me you'll be careful."
"I will do my best."
Zelda fought the urge to shiver. Despite the best outfit Claree could make of thick warm furs layered over each other, the cold of Hebra was harsh, and it was starting to snow harder. She pulled the hood of her long white cloak over her head, then tucked her gloved hands deeper into the matching fur muff.
Link tucked the Sheikah Slate back on his belt, and turned, his breath coming in a cloudy puff. "The inn with the Hebra Stable is just across the way here. We'll be able to make it there easily."
"What about the Lynel? Where is he supposed to be?" Zelda's teeth chattered despite her best efforts.
"North of the stable. We should be safe," he replied, pointing to a barely perceptible light source. "That's the entrance there. We've gotta go up the hill and across the main road."
"Let's hurry. I still feel rather chilled," the princess urged.
Link led the way, offering a hand to her up the steep portion of the hill. The shrine was tucked in a makeshift cave of sorts, requiring a bit of a climb to access. He tried to hide the shiver he felt run down his spine. He wore the Snowquill outfit made by the Rito, including the feathered headdress, and it warmed him in all but the harshest of cold weather. Unfortunately, this was Hebra, and it was the extreme, just like Death Mountain was the extreme for heat and fire.
His eyes skimmed the road in all directions before he led the Princess across toward the light of the stable and inn. He could barely see in the blizzard-like conditions, with wind blowing snow into their faces. Her hand gripped his tightly as she stumbled through the heavy snow.
An arrow whizzed by his ear, and Link spun, his eyes barely able to identify the massive white Lynel. The beast's armor and glowing eyes were the only contrast against the snow. A glowing arrow was aimed at them again, and Zelda shrieked in terror.
"RUN!" Link yelled, pushing her toward the inn. He drew his bow, nocking the first arrow he could grab, a bomb arrow. Darting right to move away from the buildings, he released the projectile. Snow mixed with the explosion blinded him for several seconds, and he reached back for another arrow.
"Master Link. The snow has made visibility low. The Lynel uses this to his advantage." Fi appeared behind him.
"What about the Princess? Is Zelda safe?" Link had only two things on his mind: beating the monster, and protecting the Princess.
"She remains outside, observing the fight from beside the inn."
"Good. Make sure she doesn't interfere. What's the weakness for this Lynel?" Link asked, looking for the beast, and seeing nothing.
"No elemental weaknesses. The Ancient Arrows would eliminate it in one strike," Fi replied. "The Lynel approaches swiftly."
Link's eyes widened and he yanked an Ancient Arrow from the quiver. "From what direction!?"
Pain seared through his back and left arm, and he crumpled to the ground with a pained grunt, completely unable to move. The Lynel roared ferociously, galloping past with his bloodstained sword in hand.
"LINK!" Zelda screamed. She ran from her safe spot and knelt by his side. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he passed out from pain. "Link! Wake up! LINK! You can't leave me!"
"Princess, the Lynel is launching another attack. Use the Master's bow. The Ancient Arrow will kill it," Fi instructed the distraught woman.
The monster's deafening roar approaching scared Zelda into action, and she snatched up the bow with shaking hands. "Hylia, save us!" she screamed. Glowing eyes and a huge maned head appeared out of the blinding whiteness. The arrow pierced the monster's forehead, and he fell, the body collapsing with a spray of snow from his momentum.
"Master Link's heart rate is slow, and his breathing is labored. He has sustained a severe wound to his spine and is incapable of moving on his own." Fi informed her.
"Link! Wake up! The Lynel's dead… please, wake up. Don't… don't leave me." Zelda wept, the tears instantly freezing on her face. "HELP ME! SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP ME!" she screamed.
Three men ran out from the stable to help carry Link inside. Zelda fought for breath as she followed on shaky legs. He was gravely wounded. She only hoped that it wasn't to the point of death. She couldn't lose him again.