"Master Link, you have completed the first portion of your quest to restore peace to Hyrule. The second phase will depend on all that you have accomplished thus far."
Zelda rubbed her hand over her face and dropped heavily into one of the kitchen chairs. "We've just arrived back, and before we've had an opportunity to change back into more suitable clothing for Hateno, you're telling us to continue our mission?"
Fi floated effortlessly nearby. "You are correct, Princess."
Link sighed and sat in the second chair. "Might as well give us an idea where we're going next."
Without any further prompting, Fi continued. "You have completed the portion that relates directly with the four peoples who possess the Divine Beasts. Before the princess can be crowned as queen, there is still much work to be done. The castle is swarmed with monsters, and even now the castle town is in ruins. Restore both to their former glory, and the time for the coronation will arrive."
Zelda rested her head in her hands, silently grimacing at the sweaty locks of hair from the helmet she'd worn all day. "How soon must we commence this quest?" she asked meekly.
"We're taking time to rest first," Link answered firmly. "We're not going to fight what's at the castle without being at our best. We'll also need to resupply our arrows, and get as much help as we can to help take out the monsters and rebuild."
"You have established a rapport with several individuals during your journey. They shall aid in your quest," the spirit commented.
Zelda nodded dumbly. She was weary, exhausted even from their travels. The longest break they had was a day at most before continuing on to the next thing. Even when they were forced to stay in one place for Link's recovery, it was far from restful. Such was how things were supposed to be now.
Fi watched her disposition for a moment, then stated factually what Zelda didn't wish to have spoken. "The Princess has need of physical attention, in addition to meditation and rest."
The girl's cheeks flamed, and she wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm fine, thank you," she snapped.
Link shook his head, a slight smirk crossing his face as he stood, then gently wrapped her in a hug. "No, you needed a hug. Fi doesn't lie."
"I am incapable of telling falsehoods," Fi asserted. "The Princess requires several days to recover her strength of body and spirit before returning to the castle."
"Good. Then we can take the rest we need without guilt," Link replied easily, keeping his arms snug around the princess, feeling her relax against him. "Thank you, Fi."
The spirit nodded and disappeared. Only then did Zelda look up at him and allow herself a small smile. "Thank you," she whispered.
"We've been busy nonstop since we freed you from Ganon's grasp. Having a day or two's rest is much needed for both of us," he responded, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I'll draw you a bath, then we'll work on some food to eat."
Her head nuzzled against his chest. "That sounds wonderful."
"Go get something more comfortable and the water will be ready by the time you come back downstairs," he encouraged.
She stood and hugged him tightly. No words were needed, just an embrace to express her love and appreciation. Pulling away reluctantly, she went upstairs to pull out a lightweight dress and snug leggings.
Downstairs, Link went through the motions of preparing the bath for his princess, but his mind wasn't focused on what he was doing. If they had several days to rest and recover before going back to the castle, he would need to do everything in his power to make the most of that stress-free was a myriad of ideas to work from. It was just a matter of choosing the ones that would be most beneficial to them both.
"Link? You were frowning… is everything okay with the bath?" Zelda inquired from the doorway, her clothes in hand.
"Yes. My apologies. Just trying to process everything. Enjoy your bath. It's ready," he answered, stepping around her out of the washroom.
She didn't look convinced, but she brushed his cheek with a kiss on her way in, and closed the door softly behind her.
Link hesitated for a minute, listening until he was sure she was in the bath, then ran up the stairs three at a time to their bag. He changed quickly into the Sheikah tunic and a pair of pants, then pulled out the ore they'd been given that morning. It took only a few seconds for him to transport himself to the shrine closest to the Dueling Peaks Stable. As soon as his feet were solidly under him, he ran to the familiar shape of the stable, ignoring the rain pounding down on his head.
Inside, Beedle's head whipped up when he heard the fast approaching steps. "Link! Where-"
"No time to talk. I need a favor," Link interrupted, pulling out the ore.
The afternoon was pleasantly relaxing. Following Zelda's bath and a light lunch of bread and cheese, the couple set to work washing the laundry that had been neglected due to their busyness. Bolson and Karson had found a project to work on in town, so the couple found themselves alone outside the house for the first time they could recall.
"So, we've got three days before we go back to Tarrey Town and the castle," Link began conversationally. "What would you like to do during that time, if anything?"
Zelda paused in her scrubbing, shoving her damp sleeves further up her arms. "I hadn't put any thought into it yet," she admitted. "It might be nice to see Lake Hylia again, since I haven't had the chance to see that since I was a child. Perhaps some time with Impa would be pleasant as well. We were in such a rush when we visited last," she remembered wistfully.
"Both can easily be arranged. How does a trip to the lake tomorrow sound, followed by a night either here, or in Kakariko, then Impa the following day?" Link offered.
"Lovely," Zelda replied, scrubbing the clothes in the washtub harder to remove dirt and grime. "Is there work to be done at the house before we go?"
"Besides laundry and repacking? None," he responded, grabbing the soapy clothes to rinse them in his second tub. "There's not much upkeep on the house here."
"That's really fortunate," Zelda commented, tucking her short hair back behind her ears with a slight huff. "My one complaint about the length of my hair: it doesn't like to stay where I want it to be!"
Link chuckled softly. "I know the feeling. It falls in my face now and then. At the least opportune times, usually."
She glanced sideways at him, her hands not slowing in their work. "You've never told me that before."
"Lot of things I haven't had a chance to tell you," he said simply.
Zelda was quiet for a moment. "That's true for both of us," she murmured.
"How about a little game?" Link suggested, sensing her mood growing dim. "We take turns asking each other things, or telling things that we think the other will enjoy. Like the fact Daruk was afraid of dogs, for example."
Zelda giggled. "That could be fun and potentially challenging. What if we don't want to answer?"
"Then, punishment," he smirked at her. "How about another dunking?'
"No! Not that!" she protested, then scowled when she saw his wolfish grin. "You're joking with me, aren't you?"
"Maybe."
She splashed soapy water at his face, causing him to sputter. "How about a splash instead for punishment?"
"Deal," he agreed. "I'll go first."
"...why do I get the feeling I may regret this decision?" Zelda mumbled under her breath.
"Do you have a middle name?"
Of all the questions she expected him to lead off with, that wasn't on the list. "Y-yes, I do. Why do you ask?"
"Your father had a long, fancy name. I wanted to know if you did too," Link swirled the clothes in the water to rinse them.
"That's right. Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule," Zelda whispered slowly. "Never did like his middle name. It was too long and rather pretentious. He didn't complain about it, at least not in my earshot."
"So, what is your middle name?" Link asked curiously.
"My full name is Zelda Medlina Hyrule," she replied. "Princess of Hyrule," she added automatically.
"What's it mean?"
"Medlina means little bird," she said softly. "It's what my mother, and Urbosa used to call me." She stared unseeing at the laundry.
"Fit for a princess, and pretty too," Link commented.
Zelda blushed. "I haven't heard it or even given it much thought since the Calamity."
"You're not allowed to forget it," he vowed. "It's too pretty to forget. Might want to consider giving a daughter that name…"
"I never gave that any thought before either," Zelda murmured, handing him a soapy garment. "Do you want a lot of children?"
"At least two or three," he answered immediately. "I always wanted a playmate growing up. I… I get the sense that I had a couple friends but it's not the same as a sibling."
"Link? Will you promise me something?"
"Anything."
"When we have children that we'll allow them to be children. To play with others, in addition to their studies. Not restrict them to the confines of the castle. I always wanted more time in the sun than I was permitted to have." Zelda couldn't hide the forlorned tone from the unhappy memory.
"I don't remember my childhood specifically but given how much I enjoy being outside, I assume that's how it's always been for me," Link stated, trying to cut through the hazy fog of far distant memories but finding nothing. "I have the house at Hateno Village. We'll use that for when we need a break from the castle life, and spend as much time outdoors as we can."
Zelda leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I look forward to that more than I can tell you."
"I can imagine," he said huskily, pressing his forehead against hers before she could pull away. "It's something I've been thinking more about recently."
She felt her breath catch in her throat. He was thinking about her, and about their future together. There was nothing that gave her more peace and contentment than the knowledge that he loved her. A twinge of doubt about how deserving she was threatened to nag at her, but she pushed it away.
Link lingered in her personal space, his breath warm on her nose before finally pulling her into a tight hug that ignored the dampness of their clothing from washing the laundry. "I'm not going anywhere," he whispered in her ear, as if reading her mind.
A slight cough from behind them had Zelda flinching hard and pulling away, dumping part of the wash water out on her legs and Link's. She winced at the unexpected cold water, her face turning bright red.
Link shot a dark look at Bolson who sheepishly waved.
"We, umm, we'll be back later," the flamboyant construction worker mumbled. "Sorry for the interruption." He turned and shooed Karson back across the bridge and towards town.
"Worst timing in Hyrule," Link muttered under his breath. He began the tedious task of removing the rinsed clothing and wringing them out to hang on the clothesline.
Zelda took the last two garments from the washtub and placed them in the tub of clothes to rinse, working the soap out of them slowly. "I think it's your turn for a question," she prompted.
"Least favorite food you've been served."
She made a face. "Why did you have to choose that, of all things?"
"To see your reaction," was the immediate response.
Her hands dropped into the water with a soft splash. "I would never be so rude as to say so, but the river snails that the Zora served with their supper were the most vile things I've ever smelled, let alone tasted in my life!"
A snort, followed by a loud guffaw of laughter came from the far side of the wet clothes being hung. "That's the worst? At least you weren't offered 'delectable rocks' on Death Mountain. Or ruined a recipe so badly that the food is dubious, at best."
She gagged at the notion. "No, thank you. I'll pass on both of those, if given the choice."
"I won't serve you either one," Link promised. "Not if I can help it."
Conversation fell back into more lighthearted, easy topics, and the laundry was finished quickly and left out to dry in the late afternoon sun. The couple took a quick venture into the village to purchase some fresh ingredients to add to their dinner, before returning to the house.
Bolson and Karson chose not to make an appearance for the remainder of the evening, though Link waved as the two stumbled back from the tavern into their model homes.
Zelda found herself humming for the first time that she could recall while helping clean up the cooking pot and the few dishes that were used for their evening meal. She could relax, with no expectations on her of how she was to behave, or tasks to be accomplished. She was free to simply be herself. A weight was lifted off her shoulders. It would return. She was not so naive as to expect it not to return when their responsibilities were presented in front of them again, but for the moment, she would enjoy the snippets of freedom she'd been given.
Link watched her with a small smile on his face. Since being given the chance to rest for several days, her demeanor had changed. While she may not have voiced it, she was still a woman that needed a break from the stress and anxieties they'd encountered nearly nonstop since Ganon's defeat. He only hoped that his plans for the next couple days would provide enough of the recovery for her body and spirit to carry them through the next phase of their mission.
He moved on autopilot when he got upstairs, tucking the last of the dry, folded laundry into the drawers of the dresser. The pack was emptied and laundered as well, waiting to be filled with their necessities for the next day. All that remained was setting up the bedroll and getting himself ready for bed when Zelda was finished with her things in the bathroom.
A hand on his shoulder stopped him from undoing the bedroll. Eyes wide, he turned to Zelda, who softly shook her head. "But-"
"I'm not asking for that. Just hold me tonight. Please." Her expression was silently pleading with him not to argue.
He groaned softly, knowing what she was asking and how much it would tempt his self-control, but he slowly nodded. "I'll be up shortly."
Her lips lingered over his cheek before letting him descend the stairs. More than anything, she just wanted him close. She needed the reassurance in case the nightmares that haunted her returned.
As promised, Link returned in a long sleep shirt just a few moments after she crawled under the blankets. She waited for him to settle in before resting her head on his chest. "I feel safe with you. Knowing you're close helps drive the nightmares away."
His fingers stroked her hair as she listened to his heartbeat. "Nightmares plague me too," he confessed. "I'll startle awake with the dream of being hit by the Lynel from behind. Or targeted by a Guardian and being unable to absorb the blast to protect you. Worst one is the Yiga."
She sleepily turned her head towards him, kissing his jawline in spite of his slight grunt of protest and tilt of his head so she wouldn't catch his lips by mistake. "They're not going to capture me or harm me." A yawn interrupted her before she could finish her thought. "I have you protecting me, and loving me. That's all I need."
"I'll give you more of a promise you can count on soon," he vowed.
A soft exhale, followed by the telltale sound of her breathing deepening into sleep was the only response he got. Link pressed a kiss on her forehead. "You're going to drive me crazy from wanting you, princess. But if that's the price to see you smile, I'll gladly pay it," he whispered before allowing sleep to overtake him as well.
Zelda awoke in the morning to the soft sound of snoring behind her. She blinked her eyes open, disoriented by the strange window and inability to move. It took a few seconds for it to come back to her. They were in Link's house in Hateno, and he had his arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close. Heat rose to her cheeks as she remembered talking herself into making the bold request for him to share the bed with her. He wanted to marry her. Her father would roll in his grave, calling her actions indecent for an unmarried young woman, but she couldn't find it within herself to care. Link was hers, and thanks to his closeness, she'd slept more soundly than she had in many nights.
She slowly eased herself onto her back, then rolling to face him, only to find blue eyes blinking sleepily at her. "Did I wake you?" she asked hesitantly.
"Mmmm, maybe. But I don't mind," he replied, his voice thick with sleep. "Did you sleep well?"
She nodded. "No nightmares. You?"
"Same."
She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. "I could easily get used to this."
"That's the plan," Link admitted, rolling onto his back then shifting away from her to sit up. "If you want, I'll plan on one room at the inn tonight in Kakariko, unless you'd rather stay the night here again."
"Kakariko would be nice so we're close to Impa for tomorrow morning," Zelda mused aloud. "Provided that's agreeable to you. I know it's additional rupees to do that."
He waved her off. "You're not allowed to worry about that."
"Well, then I would prefer Kakariko," she confirmed, sitting up and running a hand through her tangled hair. "But today is Lake Hylia, correct?"
"Yes. I need to stop and see Beedle first for several supplies, but I can do that while you're getting ready this morning," Link suggested, standing and heading down the stairs towards the washroom.
"I don't take that long to get myself dressed and ready for the day," Zelda protested, pausing to grab a sundress and fresh undergarments.
"Never said you do. But with the Sheikah Slate, I can be gone and back before you miss me," Link pointed out several moments later when he left the washroom. "Is that agreeable?"
"I suppose," she acknowledged. "There's not going to be river snails involved with the trip to the lake, is there?"
The peculiar question caught Link off guard and he couldn't contain his laughter. "Not that I'm planning. There might be snails in the shallow water, but they won't be served on a platter."
She gave him a look over her shoulder while walking into the washroom, as if to scold him for mocking her concern. He shot her a wink before she closed the door. He dressed swiftly then pulled the Sheikah Slate out. It was after nine in the morning, so there was no doubt that Beedle would be awake and ready to see the Hylian Champion.
Zelda hummed as she brushed out her hair. The tangles were no worse than usual, one of the few blessings of having her hair short. She missed the long locks that hung down her back at times, but they would grow back in time. A thought crossed her mind and she smiled to herself. She had a feeling that Link would be longer than he expected. After all, this was Beedle they were talking about. The merchant was eccentric and liked to talk, but the princess had grown fond of him in the few, short encounters she had with him.
Much to her surprise, as she came out of the washroom with her nightgown in hand, her eyes caught sight of Link kneeling in front of the dresser, slipping clothing into their pack. "You're back already?"
"Yes. He had what I needed, and we didn't want to keep you waiting," he explained, keeping himself focused on his task.
"I won't argue with that," Zelda commented, folding her nightgown and handing it to him for the pack.
"I'm putting your boots in the pack," he said conversationally. "Your sandals will be better for time near the lake.
"Wise thinking," she acknowledged. "You chose an outfit for tomorrow then, I presume?"
"I did. Everything should be taken care of now," he replied, straightening. "Ready to go?"
"Yes. You, on the other hand, might want to take a brush to your hair," she giggled softly. "I don't believe spiked locks of hair should be your primary style."
He scowled playfully at her before snatching a brush from the bag and taking the steps down to the looking glass in the washroom. "You mean I talked to Beedle while looking like this!?" He sighed in exasperation.
"He's seen you looking far worse." Zelda's musical laughter carried down from the loft.
"Don't remind me," he groused, coming back out looking much more like himself.
"What is that you always say to me?" She pretended to think hard for a moment. "Oh! 'As you wish'." She grinned down at him from the top of the stairs and gave a graceful curtsy.
Link stood at the bottom and gazed up at her. Her short hair had the braid he'd grown accustomed to seeing across the front of her head. She wore a sleeveless blue dress that fell to her knees, with the brown sandals that wrapped around her feet and up her calves. A slight smile crossed his face when he realized she was wearing the silent princess necklace and earrings he'd bought for her from the Rito Village.
Zelda blushed under his stare. "How do I look?"
"Beautiful," he enunciated.
She looked away and took that moment to grab their pack and descend the stairs.
He glanced down at his own outfit. He had the Champion's tunic on, with the long undershirt he always wore with it. The Sheikah Slate and Master Sword were both attached to the belt at the waist of his beige pants, and his brown boots came up nearly to his knees. It would be adequate for their day out.
"Will we need our swimming clothing?" Zelda inquired curiously.
"If you wish. It might be rather cold water," Link warned her. "I have them in the pack. We need to gather some lunch items and ingredients for dinner, but I think that's all."
Zelda stepped around him to wrap up the remainder of the fresh bread from the day before, as well as some hard cheese, mushrooms, and herbs. "We'll be in Kakariko to shop later, so this should be enough."
Link picked up the bag she'd set on the table and held the food pouch open for her to tuck the items inside. "It'll be enough."
"What area of Lake Hylia are we going to? Is the bridge still in place?"
"Yes, it's still in place. I was thinking perhaps Hylia Island, so we don't have to deal with the steepness of the shores surrounding the lake," he explained.
"An island within the lake? I don't recall that part," she admitted. "It sounds rather lovely."
"There's a shrine right in the middle of the island, so we have an easy travel point to there. Perhaps we'll see Farosh while we're there."
"Farosh? You mean, the fabled dragon spirit that the goddess Farore was said to take the form of?" Zelda's mouth fell open. "Have they reappeared after a hundred years?"
"I encountered three dragons during my time strengthening myself to face Ganon," Link acknowledged. "Farosh, Naydra and Dinraal."
"Named after Farore, Nayru, and Din," the princess breathed. "And Farosh frequents Lake Hylia?"
"At times. I've also seen Farosh near the Spring of Courage in the Faron region. Dinraal travels north of Death Mountain in the far reaches of the Eldin territory. However," Link paused, thinking back through his travels. "I've also seen Dinraal in the Tabantha region, in one of the deep canyons. And Naydra tends to stay close to Mount Lanayru."
Zelda could scarcely believe what she was hearing. The dragon spirits did exist! They were more than just legends. "And you've seen all three of them?"
"I have. Multiple times. But, I think we might be the only ones fortunate enough to see them."
That statement caught her off guard. "Wait. The text about them only being seen by those whom the Goddess Hylia has blessed must be true then!" she mused. She began pacing the room subconsciously while she worked to recall her studies. "The fables of the dragons became just that when there were stories of seeing dragons, but very few first hand accounts. Yes! It's coming back to me now."
"I spoke to a man who told me that some people can sense the presence of them, or maybe even see a hint of a shadow, but nothing more," Link smiled to himself when he saw her actions. He did enjoy seeing her excited.
"Where's my notepad? I have to take it with me! If we see Farosh, I must document all that I'm able to observe!" Zelda raced up the stairs, in search for the notebook and charcoal pencil. "Link, have you seen my-"
"It's in the pack already," Link interrupted with a slight chuckle. "I had a feeling you might want it."
She hurried back down the stairs and wrapped him in a hug. "Thank you! Now I'm prepared."
"Good. Let's go." The knight shouldered the pack and pulled up the map on the Sheikah Slate and selected the Ya Naga Shrine.
Zelda's arm slipped around his waist, though she was careful not to jostle the pack on his shoulder. "I'm sure it will be lovely," she commented while the runes began to active around them.
A light, cool breeze greeted the couple when they arrived on the travel gate for the shrine. The princess inhaled deeply, relaxing as she exhaled. "I can tell already that this is going to be quite lovely."
"Agreed. We'll go up the path there and it'll even out-"
"Master Link. I detect the presence of three Lizalfos surrounding the island. You have previously defeated 265 Lizalfos," Fi interrupted, acting as if he had not been speaking at all.
Link groaned. "Again? I took care of those lizards the last time I was here."
"In the duration of time since you traveled here last, a blood moon occurred," the spirit explained. "Your health and stamina are at full strength. Probability of defeating the Lizalfos is 97%."
Zelda wordlessly took the pack off his shoulder. "Go take care of the monsters. I know you can do it."
"If I had known, I would have chosen a different part of the lake. I'm sorry, princess," Link shook his head in frustration.
"I'm not upset. You have the rune bombs and the Master Sword. I'll wait here so you don't have to worry about me." Zelda took a seat on the travel gate and crossed her legs gently under herself.
"I'll be right back," he assured her. "Three Lizalfos won't take that long."
"I trust you." She smiled up at him. "Kick some monster backside!"
Shock covered Link's face for an instant, then he cracked up. "Never thought I'd hear you say something like that."
"I have a few surprises now and then," Zelda said with an amused smile.
"I'll count on that. I'll be back," he promised.
She watched him jog up the path that led to the rest of the island, Fi floating by his side. While she couldn't fault him for being upset that he had to fight, she meant what she said about not being upset about how something had come up. Fi's assurance that he would easily defeat them calmed any potential anxiety she had.
Her back leaned up against the Sheikah Slate pedestal, and she took a minute or two to look at her surroundings. The shrine was nestled at the bottom of a valley, deep enough she could see nothing but the walls of the canyon around her, and the blue sky dotted with clouds above her. It was a lovely enough scene, but she found herself growing bored with it after a couple minutes. Curiosity on what Link had packed for the following day got the best of her, and she pulled the pack onto her lap.
She undid the flap easily and brushed past the food section she'd stored items in early into the main section of the bag. Her boots were tucked against the left side, and the clothing was folded into two neat stacks, divided into her clothing, and his. She bit her lip when she saw the bathing outfit he'd purchased for her. It covered a bit more than her undergarments, so it wasn't indecent, but it still brought a blush to her face.
Her hand bumped her boot and an odd object tucked into the top caught her attention. It wasn't soft like her socks were, instead it held the mouth of the boot open. For a moment, she wondered how she'd missed that the first time she'd seen them in the bag. Her fingers wrapped around a small box and pulled it free. Zelda's hands shook as she lifted the lid. If this was what she thought it was…
A sharp gasp escaped her lips, and she exhaled, admiring the sapphire ring. She had no idea how, but the artisan had managed to cut a perfect heart in sapphire, surrounded by tiny diamonds and set in white gold. She stared at it for a few seconds, marveling at the detail and craftsmanship. Now came the challenge… did she try to put the ring away and pretend that she didn't know about it? No, a better idea crossed her mind, and she smiled to herself. With her right hand, she gently picked up the ring and slid it on her left hand, then tucked the box back into its hiding place. She'd have a challenge for her beloved knight: to test his observation skills and see how long it would take him to notice when he came back. It might not be traditional, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was that she loved him, and she'd have an answer ready when the question came.
