Rays of ethereal light broke through the blanket of grey clouds, radiating warmth on the vast crowd in the valley below. The people milled about the ancient stone pillars erected long ago. Village children splashed through the shallow reflecting pools, laughing - along with the Octorok that belonged to one of them. It was the sorceresses of Misery Mire - some of whom had become castle staff or joined the Lorulean guard - whose undivided attention rested on the ceremony about to unfold.

An old man tapped the end of his wooden staff to the stone dais where he stood three times. All became silent as he spoke solemnly.

"Dearly beloved, today we celebrate the highest form of love and devotion as well as the continuation of the royal family of Lorule. Our kingdom has seen countless unions of kings and queens, but I sense this one signifies a profound turning point in our kingdom's history. She who carries the blood of the goddess, our Princess, has chosen the one to rule alongside her and so invited him to the three sacred springs across Lorule to bless their union. Together, they conquered this perilous journey across the kingdom. And by completing this trial, they have shown the reason, hope, and beauty in themselves and that their dedication to each other is unshakable. And this love that the goddesses have joined, nothing can tear apart. In the name of Din, Nayru, and Farore, I present… Her Royal Highness, Queen Hilda and His Grace, Yuga.

The crowd began to part as they came forward, all eyes fixed on them: Their young queen dressed in a white gown with purple trim. Her hand tightly interlocked with that of a tall, slender, red-headed man who did not at all resemble Lorulean nobility. He wore a ceremonial crown with Lorule's royal crest, much like the one she was wearing for the occasion. They walked hand in hand, though it was clear he was leading her. Her crimson eyes surveyed the crowd and her heartbeat sped up while time seemed to slow. She prayed the crinoline under her gown hid her uncertain footsteps. For the briefest moment, she was back at the assembly. The memory of her castle staff sneering and throwing any object they could get their hands on ripped through her thoughts and left her breathless. And then, Yuga gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. There was a faint self-satisfied smile on his lips that made her heart swell with many emotions. She could tell he was enjoying every moment of this. Perhaps this made him even more suspect to her people, but in her eyes, it only made him more irresistible. Why, oh why, had the goddesses made him so beautiful, so perfect? Perhaps they should beg her forgiveness for sending this man her way time after time when they knew she would always fall for his charms. She looked at the crowd of people again - her people - along with the sorceresses who had sworn fealty to her at Yuga's behest. They weren't sneering or even looking at her with contempt. They looked instead with curiosity and seemed to be moved by the priest's words and the beautiful surroundings as well. She breathed in a steadying breath as they neared the priest Hilda would recognize as the masked elder in the former Lorule, with its twilight skies and fathomless abysses.

The old priest addressed the crowd once more when the pair arrived at the dais. "Her Royal Highness came to me to seek my counsel for the marriage and she spoke at length about this man. The way she spoke of him… It is as if he was none other than the Hero of Lorule himself!" Heat rose to Hilda's cheeks, looking to Ravio, hoping he wouldn't take offense. He was standing nearby, dressed in a formal Lorulean Guard uniform. He chuckled a bit at the priest's comment, and caught Hilda's gaze, smiling. She averted her eyes, and her attention went back to Yuga.

The priest continued. "This man Princess Hilda chose to be her king, Yuga, has served Her Royal Highness since the day of her birth when he was but a personal attendant in training as a child." Sahasrahla smiled warmly at the couple. "One day you're a servant, the next day a king. And now, you will serve as her husband for as long as you both shall live. And you, Queen Hilda, you will lead this man to share in your duty to this kingdom. You will teach him to love this kingdom as you do. And so, I will bestow a blessing upon you both in the hearing of the people of Lorule."

Hilda looked down at her and Yuga's joined hands as they faced each other. The priest continued, "Love eternal… It exhibits unmatched empathy and understanding, providing comfort even in the most hopeless times. It is a love capable of moving between worlds. It is unfaltering loyalty, courage, and cooperation despite the worst of circumstances. You will forever love and honor the other, and they will always love and honor you. That you never doubt their loyalty or love. And finally, that you come together to create a legacy like no other, and that your reign brings a new era of prosperity for Lorule."

oOo

"I can't say I know much about marriage, but I can guess you will cry… A lot... You might even laugh once in a while, You'll grow old and gray together." Ravio paused here, (Yuga, I can only cross my fingers you croak first) and caught the sorcerer's gaze…

One month earlier…..

"Seeing that there's a good chance Her Highness is my previous incarnation's great, great-granddaughter several times over you owe me a bride price. It's only fair that I accept it on behalf of her deceased parents," said Ravio, a boyish smirk played across his face. It was a rare moment that Yuga was not by Hilda's side in recent days. When Hilda had announced her intentions to take Yuga to the three goddess springs located around Lorule, Ravio and the Captain immediately understood the significance.

Yuga's turned from admiring his prized peacocks in the castle's courtyard, face contorting with disgust. "I've witnessed more tact from street urchins, worm."

Ravio scoffed, "Better a street urchin than a lecherous male nursemaid becoming king," Ravio replied, unphased.

Yuga was growing flustered. "You are more trying a merchant than you were as the hero."

"Oh really? In that case... Can I interest you in an engagement ring for Hilda?"

Yuga looked at the boy, speechless.

"Hey, I may hate your guts, but I'm not above trying to turn a profit from even the worst of situations."

"As if there were any ring in Lorule that would be worthy of Her Grace on such an occasion. What are you going to do? Dig up a gaudy ring from some socialite's grave?"

This had set the merchant off. "Hey! I get all of my merchandise fairly!"

At this Yuga laughed. He laughed until his cheeks burned and his makeup ran from the moisture pooling in his eyes.

Another memory... This one taking place as Hilda and Yuga prepared to leave for the Spring of Hope on Death Mountain.

"What if there's an avalanche?" Asked Ravio. In truth, he never doubted their abilities.

"Death Mountain hasn't sustained an avalanche in hundreds of years. I think we're fine." Hilda said to placate the boy. "Nevertheless, we are well equipped. This is the most difficult spring to reach, so we will tackle this one first. And what's more, my ancestors survived this journey, so I think all will be well."

"You may not remember Your Grace, but we traveled to the three springs in our first mortal incarnations to help you remember the location of the Sacred Realm." Yuga smiled in a way that made Ravio's heart ache with a feeling of insignificance. What was it like to carry memories of something that was just a legend to him? Worse, it was impossible to simply pass Yuga off as a fraud, a pervert or a leech anymore. Not after what happened with Twinrova.

"But, the spring? How is it not completely frozen over? Oh goddesses, the frostbite… Yuga, why did you agree to this antiquated show of engagement? Yuga, Yuga, seriously… Did you need to pack that much makeup?"

"Yes!" Yuga retorted. "I must look absolutely perfect at all times. Especially on this occasion!"

"Yuga! Your horse is CRYING! If you add even one more thing you're going to break her back." In truth, the vast majority of the weight was being carried by Hilda's horse, loaded up with supplies to make their trip up the frigid, snowy mountain as bearable as possible including food, potions, equipment, and heavy winter coats, boots, and gloves.

Yuga rolled his eyes. "Here we go…. Some hyperbole from the Hero of Reason." He offered Hilda a hand as she mounted her horse, and in the same breath, "There, Your Grace." He said lovingly.

The memory ended when Ravio realized he'd trailed off. The sorcerer's dark eyes bore into his as if daring him to speak his true feelings. Hilda was looking down, smiling faintly. It was a rare sight. And so Ravio continued, respectfully. "...You'll buy my merchandise together. As King and Queen, you'll face the most difficult decisions together. My hope is that when you do, you'll turn to me for help. And so, as the Hero of Lorule, I give you my blessing."

oOo

After the ceremony, Hilda moved through the shallow reflecting pool away from the crowd, the train of her gown gliding on the water's surface. A perfect reflection of the sky above her rippled with her footsteps. She heard Yuga's footsteps in the water behind her.

"There was once a princess in a crumbling kingdom, for its golden power, the basis for her world's providence had been destroyed many ages ago by her ancestors. All abandoned Her Grace… Except for one man. He saw her sadness and desperation to save her kingdom and there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. He discovered a crack in her world's Sacred Realm, and they devised a wicked plan together. She put her faith in him and he passed over to a world parallel to her own. He became one with the Demon King of that world as they had planned but was corrupted by the monster's power and evil soul and he betrayed his princess. He never stood a chance… Because that man and the beast were parallels of each other. And though her kingdom was ultimately saved, the princess couldn't live with the betrayal. That one thing she had wanted all her life, wouldn't have even been possible without that man and his discovery or their plan... She was heartbroken. No one understood what she felt. And so she used the restored golden power to wish for a version of her beloved kingdom that had never fallen into disarray, and she was reunited with her beloved servant… In 10,000 years Lorule will face the Calamity. I feel partially responsible… Though indirectly… I spent my entire life in that Lorule with nothing but bitter regret for my ancestor's decision to destroy the Triforce. I wonder what my descendants will think of me? But they will never know of that Lorule. Almost like it never even existed." She turned to Yuga, giving him a bittersweet smile. "You've given me so much. Your love and a future to look forward to… I feel for the first time that Lorule is on the right path."

He came closer to wrap his arms around her. "Everything is perfect now, Your Grace."

There was a sincerity in his voice and Hilda relaxed, all her fears and doubts about him put to rest, as she buried her face into the folds of his cape.

"Lorule has truly risen from the ashes."

A/N: Here is the "last" chapter. I'll post the epilogue soon! Five and a half years of writing this story. It took so much longer than I ever expected, but I am so proud of myself for working through writer's block and pressing forward again and again. It has seen me through some of the best years of my life (but also countless restless days of wanting to see more Yugilda content, so that kept me invested.) I am both relieved and sad to conclude the story. Though I don't think I will ever truly move on from it. (or Yugilda for that matter.)

As for what I will do next… My husband keeps encouraging me to write an original novel, so I might do that next. If I do, it will definitely be horror or horror/romance. (Also crossing my fingers that BotW 2 gives me something to work with. Or better…. Nintendo gives us a Lorule game, but I'm not holding my breath.) I am on Instagram, DeviantArt, Twitter, and Tumblr if you want to keep in touch.

Dragon Falls: Thanks for your review. It really encouraged me. I don't know what to say! ^^;

Prometheus17: I tried writing chapter 33 in several different iterations, this is what I thought was the best/most developed scenario. Fayre became the Calamity due to her connection to Yuga and her strong emotions/will, taking his place. I'm really grateful that you took the time to read this story (despite it being a pairing you probably didn't care for at the time.) I wasn't expecting to get this many nice reviews. I was expecting the fic to get ignored or worse! Thanks again. I will continue to read your stuff and review!

Faylian: Thanks for all your reviews and beta reading the fanfic for me, as well as offering suggestions! You've really been here all the way through, and I can't thank you enough! T_T