AN: I don't usually post a notation in front of my chapters, as I prefer to allow them to stand on their own so people may respond as they see fit. However, I had to pay homage to the fact that today marked 3 years since the release of Breath of the Wild. It seems only fitting to me that I upload this chapter in particular on this day. It was from my adoration for BotW that this story came into being, and I hope to continue to do it justice as I slowly work to bring my story to its conclusion. That being said, enjoy the chapter. ~Mickey
As a rule of thumb, Link didn't complain, verbally or otherwise. He knew that things rarely went according to plan, and as such, he needed to be prepared for things to change so he could adapt as he went. Keeping this mentality meant that he was flexible and easily went along with most changes. There were moments—rare, to be sure—where he did find himself upset with an instance of changing the plans he had made, and this was one of those moments.
Lizalfos. None of the monsters of Hyrule were particularly to his liking, but the mocking flicks of the forked tongues from the lizards were obnoxious. More often than not, they snapped at him with said tongue, or hit with an icy or fiery breath attack. Fortunately, and he could thank the Goddess Hylia for this: these were not elementally charged Lizalfos, as Fi had graciously informed him seconds earlier when the thought crossed his mind.
The first one became visible when he stepped down onto the beach. It was pacing in the shallow water, hunting for fish if he had to guess. Link muttered under his breath about always carrying a bow from now on while he pulled up a bomb and threw it at the monster. It came up short.
The explosion did nothing more than create a wave of water behind the green-scaled Lizalfos and bring its attention fully to the Hylian. The few seconds it took to scuttle closer to him allowed Link to draw his sword, and prepare to dodge the imminent strike from the monster's tongue. His dodge was timed perfectly, and he landed a flurry of blows to the lizard's head. The Champion leaped backwards, away from the monster in case it tried to strike, but smirked when it instead vanished in a puff of purple. All that remained were several pieces of tail, talon, and horn. Link made a face as he threw them as far into the lake as he could.
"There are two Lizalfos remaining in the vicinity. You have previously defeated 266 Lizalfos, Master," Fi informed him.
"Are they on the far side of the island, and on the mini island behind this one?" Link guessed. "That's where they were last time I was here."
"You are correct, Master Link. The creatures have an affinity for similar locations to their predecessors."
"Then they'll be easy to remove," Link commented with a slightly dark chuckle. "Are there any Zora around this time? I know Mei liked to fish in this area."
"Discounting yourself and the Princess, the only beings in the area are enemies," Fi stated.
"Good." Link left it at that and pulled up another bomb, which he carried over his head while rounding the edge of the island.
The second Lizalfos startled when he appeared and raced towards him, with a Lizal spear raised. The weapon fell to the sand with a soft sound when the bomb exploded and destroyed the monster's grip.
Link smirked, and snatched it up before it could recover, striking the monster with its own weapon. The Lizalfos squealed in pain and indignation, then disappeared as well, leaving two pieces of horn and a talon. He ignored these.
The final monster was swimming in deeper water, facing away from the Champion. Link ignored Fi's informing him of the current count of defeated Lizalfos and studied it. He had to find a way to lure the creature back to shallow water, at a minimum. The spear in his hand would serve nicely to get its attention.
Link threw the projectile as hard as he could at the Lizalfos, striking it in the back of the head. The weapon broke from the force of the impact, and the monster whirled, easily seeing the Champion standing on the shore. It swam forward, rearing its head back for a water-spitting attack. The blond sidestepped the piercing stream of water and threw a bomb at the injured lizard, detonating it just above the monster's head. The Lizalfos gave a death shriek, and disintegrated. A pair of talons floated to the surface with a piece of the tail, which Link decided to leave where they were.
"No enemies remain in the vicinity. You may return to the Princess. She grows impatient," Fi commented.
Link paused and glanced at her. "How impatient?" he asked, concern creeping into his mind. He left her with the pack. HE LEFT HER WITH THE PACK! His mind screamed at him. She could have found it. If she had found the ring, his surprise would be ruined.
"She has changed into her bathing clothes and is waiting at the travel gate where you left her."
Link took off around the island at a run, his thoughts racing. If she had opened the bag to find the bathing clothes, then she would have had the chance to see that something was tucked into the boot. He cursed his bad luck under his breath. If only he had hidden the box under the socks in the mouth of the boot instead. Then it would have been less obvious.
He stopped in his tracks when he got to the top of the hill leading down to the shrine. He forced himself to swallow hard to quell down the immediate desire to run down, kiss her, to ravish her right then and there. When he'd chosen the outfit, he could only imagine how it would fit. His mind was nothing in comparison to what he saw.
Zelda had gotten bored, and was leaning her hips back against the pedestal that unlocked the shrine. Her fingers absently unbraided and rebraided a lock of hair that hung down in front of her ear. The top of the royal purple bathing outfit covered her breasts and part of her stomach, with a wide band of fabric looping from each side of the cups up around her neck. The bottom was a matching skirt that barely covered the tops of her thighs, and shifted as she flexed her bare toes against the rough stone of the travel gate platform. The edges of her ribs were barely visible beneath where the suit ended, but Link didn't acknowledge this. Tantalizing was the word of the moment, and it took all of his restraint to clear his throat and shake off the arousing thoughts. Goddess help me…
"Was I gone that long?" he asked when he found his voice again, approaching her slowly.
"Not at all," she replied, a rosy blush dusting her cheeks. "I wanted to go in the water, and I thought I'd take advantage of the time to change without any… awkwardness. What do you think?" Her hands went up behind her ears to fluff her short hair while she slowly spun.
Link was rapidly losing the battle to keep himself from touching her. "I think I'm overdressed," he joked weakly, looking down at his tunic, pants, and boots.
"Are the Lizalfos all taken care of?" she asked conversationally, crouching to pull his swim shorts out of the bag.
The Champion had to turn away from her. Had to focus on anything besides the soft swell of her breasts against the top… the curve of her backside peeking from under the skirt. Question. She'd asked a question. "Y-yes. They're all taken care of."
Zelda smiled to herself, hearing the rough edge in his voice. So far, the distraction she'd come up with had worked. Her right hand pulled out the garment he needed, and she straightened, taking the bag and holding it at her waist to strategically hide her left hand. "Were they any trouble for you?"
"Not so much as a scratch on me, so I should say not." He still refused to look at her.
"Link? Is something wrong?" Innocent. She had to keep her tone innocent or the whole ruse would fall through.
"It's nothing." He was clearly lying, if the redness of his ears was any indication.
She outstretched his swim shorts to him. "I got these for you, if you want to-"
"Thanks," he said curtly, striding towards the top of the hill.
"Link. Link! Don't you want to change in the shrine?" she called. "It will give you more privacy."
He paused, then spun on his heel, brushing past her with the Sheikah Slate in hand. "I'll be up in a minute."
"I'll be on the beach," she said after taking a second to decide where to wait for him.
He waved her off as the doors of the shrine opened, and he stepped onto the platform to descend, discreetly turning and adjusting the waistband of his pants.
Zelda had to swallow down a giggle. He was obviously affected by seeing her in the outfit he'd chosen, and strangely enough, she was more energized than embarrassed by this knowledge. Distraction meant that his observational skills wouldn't be as strong. She just had to keep it up for a bit longer.
Inside the shrine, Link slid down against the wall behind the platform, closed his eyes, and tried to breathe... pray that he'd keep his resolve. His mind was warring between capturing the mental image of what he'd witnessed, and panicking over the fact he still didn't know if the ring was in the bag. Partially clothed though she was, it didn't stop his thoughts or desires. He wanted her. More than he cared to admit to himself before this point. If she said yes… no. He had to stop himself. When she said yes… He didn't want to wait long to marry her. It was absurd to think of a princess being intimate with anyone without vows being spoken first, no matter how desperate he was for her. Challenging though it may be, he would force himself to wait. To respect and honor her above all else. To show that he truly loved her.
"Fi. How set is that timeline for clearing out the monsters from the castle?" Link asked without opening his eyes.
"Time is relative. The monsters overrunning the castle will not leave of their own volition," the spirit replied and materialized in front of him. "You wish to be intimate with the princess prior to completing the mission at the castle." It wasn't a question.
"Provided she is willing," Link nodded, slowly returning to reality. "If she wants to do the castle first, I won't argue… aloud." He added the last part for his own benefit.
"Your relationship with the princess will not affect the battle with the monsters unless you allow it to," Fi proclaimed. "Distraction creates opportunity for enemies to achieve the upper hand."
"So, are you saying it's more beneficial for us to be married, and take the time to…" LInk trailed off, unsure how to word what he wanted to say.
"Satisfy the carnal desire to copulate with the princess?" Fi interrupted. "Even should the princess be impregnated, it will not affect her ability to fight the enemies within the castle at that stage."
Link blew out a breath he'd been unconsciously holding, and turned his thoughts away from making a baby with his princess. "How many enemies are within the castle currently?"
"Presently, there are 2 Lynels, 46 Bokoblins, 32 Lizalfos, and 18 Moblins residing within the varied chambers of the castle and the immediate surrounding area. The defeat of all the enemies is estimated to take a week, not including any necessary rest or recovery from injury," Fi explained.
The Champion rubbed his hand over his face. Two more Lynels and nearly a hundred enemies. If that didn't kill his arousal, he didn't know what would. "I'll talk to Zelda after I propose to her… see what she wants to do," he said slowly. "She's the princess, and it's her home, after all."
"Very well, Master Link. She has taken to the water, and is wading in the shallows. No enemies are detected."
"Is Farosh nearby?" Link inquired, resting his arms on his knees. "She wanted to see the dragon if at all possible."
"The dragon called Farosh is deep within the waters of the lake presently. I estimate that he will begin his ascension to the surface within the hour."
"Doesn't give me much time to work with. Although… if she's distracted by Farosh, that might give me the chance to check for the ring," he mused.
Fi didn't comment further, leaving him alone with his thoughts and the garment he needed to change into.
Link changed quickly, his mind working through the possibilities of what he would say when he saw her. He had to see if the ring was still where he left it … wait… His foot paused as he stepped back on the platform that would take him up. If there's a possibility she'd found it, there's a chance she could have moved it. If she's moved it, could she be… wearing it? His heart caught in his throat as he pondered the possibility. What if that was the reason she had decided to change into that outfit? She wasn't that conniving… was she? He remembered her playful tendency from their time on Death Mountain and shook his head. She might be. She had very little ability to hide her emotions from her face, at least around him. If that were the case, two could play at that game.
Zelda wrapped her arms around herself in the water. She'd waded out to chest-deep water. Surprisingly, it wasn't too cold. She turned so she could see the top of the hill. Link was taking longer to get changed than she expected. She couldn't fault him though. He'd only seen her in her undergarments once before, and that was at the hot springs, in the dark. She was affected by seeing him without a shirt too, especially since he'd expressed that he cared for her. A blush stained her cheeks when she remembered the clumsiness and distraction she'd had when thinking about sharing that lovely, huge bathtub at the Rito Village Inn. She was definitely going to have that tub replicated when the craftsmen restored the castle.
Movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention, and she gasped. The huge head of a white dragon rose effortlessly out of the water. Sparking yellow horns and spines on its back brought a touch of color to the massive creature. Balls of electricity formed and burst off its body. Zelda's mouth fell open as she watched the glowing underbelly rise up from the water and take to the sky.
"Zelda! Get out of the water, or you'll be shocked!" Link warned frantically.
She startled, then saw the reason for his concern. The balls of electricity were falling, some of them coming close to hitting the water. Water conducts electricity, potentially harming any who remain in the water. She ran to the beach, keeping her arms wrapped around her thin stomach. Her eyes never left the dragon that had completely emerged from the water. "Nobody else can see the dragons?" she wondered.
"Nobody else has in this lifetime," Link confirmed, watching her face rather than the dragon that circled the lake and flew beneath the long stone bridge. Her hands were tucked where he couldn't see them, but he had a feeling he knew why. "Amazing, isn't it?"
Zelda shivered, the slight breeze caused by the dragon's flight chilling her. "Breathtaking. Though I think I want my warm cloak now," she admitted.
"Of course. Did you tuck it in the top of the bag when you changed?" Link asked, kneeling beside the abandoned bag.
"No. I buried it under the clothing I changed out of," she said sheepishly.
His hand froze on the lace fabric of her undergarments and he swallowed thickly, forcing himself to dig using the other hand. "Just the cloak for now?"
"Yes, please," she confirmed. "A blanket to sit on might be nice as well, but is not strictly necessary."
"I forgot to get a blanket."
"Don't concern yourself over it," Zelda brushed it off. "The sand is warm enough because of the sun."
The shadow of the dragon passing overhead cut off Link's reply. Zelda's head tipped back as she tried to see as much of the graceful, serene creature at once as she could. It had no wings, yet flew as gracefully as a Rito, if not more so. She marveled at it, unable to contain her childlike excitement.
Link straightened and stepped behind her. His eyes landed on the sapphire ring half-hidden by her right arm, and he smiled, wrapping the thick cloak around her shoulders. His heart felt like it was going to swell and burst. "When were you going to tell me?" he whispered in her ear.
Zelda shivered, this time from his closeness and warm breath in her ear. "Tell you what?"
"That you found my surprise before I had the chance to ask you the important question that goes with it," Link said huskily. He turned her to face him, tipping her chin up to look at him when she tried to look away. Words failed him as he stared deep into her blue-green eyes.
Zelda's heart pounded, and she could feel the blood rushing in her ears. He was so close… she closed her eyes instinctively and leaned closer to him. Soft lips brushed hesitantly against hers, then pressed more firmly. Once she overcame the initial shock, she returned the gentle kisses, wrapping her arms around his neck to keep him from pulling away.
Reluctantly, Link pressed his forehead against hers, softly gasping for breath. "I didn't even ask yet," he protested.
"You don't need to. You have my answer," Zelda replied quietly. Her fingers slid into his hair and tugged his mouth back over hers again. He moaned softly against her lips. His arm was around her waist, and her body curved against his in a provocative manner. Desire burned through him, and he pulled away to sit heavily on the sand of the narrow beach.
The princess's eyes floated open when the warmth of his lips and body left her and she stared down at him. "Link?" she questioned hesitantly. "Did I do something wrong?"
He shook his head vehemently, avoiding her gaze. "No. Not at all."
She knelt in the sand across from him. "What is it?"
"Marry me, Zelda." He looked over, his expression more serious than she'd seen in the past few minutes.
"Yes. I will, Link." Perplexment covered her face. "I already gave you my answer and I refuse to change it."
He blew out his breath in frustration. "When? How long would you need to get a dress and be prepared for that?"
Zelda's mouth fell open. "But… the mission… we're supposed to go to the castle and-"
"I've already talked to Fi. We can take some time to be married and have our honeymoon before we start that," Link explained, cutting her off. "Kissing you makes me want to do more, and stirs feelings that only you can satisfy. Marry me first, so our focus can be on what we need it to be on during the day, and at night..." he trailed off, his tone more seductive than anything she'd heard from him before. "At night, I'll remind you just how much the princess is loved by her knight."
Chills of arousal ran down her spine and she tightened her grip on her cloak. She was quiet for a few moments, mulling over everything. A small ceremony was what she wanted. It wouldn't take long for Rhondson to create a dress fit for such an occasion, if she had to guess. The only person she needed to have present was Impa. The other hiccups would be finding someone to perform the services. It was this last point that she voiced aloud. "Where would we find someone to perform the service?"
"Did you forget already? The Zora in Tarrey Town was a priest. He married Hudson and Rhondson," Link reminded her. "I was asking if he'd be willing when the time came for us."
She gasped softly. "So that's where you disappeared to when you left me talking with the newlyweds."
"Yes. Ceremony will be in Tarrey Town. I'll bring Impa, provided she's willing. Paya too, if you wish," Link offered. "All you need is a dress."
Zelda let out a soft chuckle. "You sure you don't wish to see me married in nothing but my swimming outfit?"
"Tempting as that might be, we'll save that for our honeymoon. I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off of you if that was all you wore," he replied bluntly.
She flushed deeply. "I'll remember that for when we are married," she whispered.
The smoldering look he gave her spoke volumes, and she looked away. "Wh-when did Farosh disappear?"
"Probably about the same time we shared our first kiss. I hope you don't mind too much, because I honestly don't care," Link laughed. "I'm sure we'll see the dragons again."
Zelda shifted to crossing her legs underneath her, closing the cloak over her chest. "If we detour to Tarrey Town before we go to Kakariko tonight, I can ask Rhondson about a dress. We'll make our plans according to that."
"If the items she's made for me are any indication, she'll be up all night finishing it for you to wear tomorrow. She hates to keep people waiting." Link reached into the bag and pulled out several slices of bread and cheese. "Then here. Let's eat, and then we'll go talk to her."
Zelda leaned over and captured his lips in her own.
When she pulled away a few seconds later, Link cocked his head. "What was that for?"
"For trying to be romantic, bringing me out to this lovely place to propose. This has been a wonderful day."
Link made a slight face. "It didn't go how I wanted it to, but I'm satisfied all the same. However, if Rhondson gets this dress made tonight… that may cancel your hopes of spending time with Impa all day tomorrow."
"Oh." Zelda hadn't connected the dots with that. She accepted the food he handed her and nibbled it slowly. "If we have the ceremony in the late afternoon, that would still give me an opportunity to speak with her at length before then."
"Will that be enough?"
"I'm sure it will be. We'll have other times before the coronation as well," she mused. "How much time will we take for our honeymoon?"
"At least four or five days, a week if Fi will allow us," Link decided.
"The amount of time you take for establishing physical intimacy matters not," the spirit commented, startling both of the Hylians. "You have completed much already. The monsters overrunning the castle will remain until such time as you arrive to defeat them. Few individuals are brave enough to consider approaching the castle due to the aura of evil that has long emanated from within."
Zelda clutched her chest, and let out a soft giggle. "Well, at least we aren't rushed on this portion. There was far more urgency before."
"Reestablishing relationships with the Zora, Gerudo, Rito, and Goron leadership is vital for the future of Hyrule. The time will come when I am no longer needed in this form. At that time, the Princess will rule as Queen of Hyrule, with Master Link by her side. Only then will the task for which I have been awakened be complete," Fi explained in her odd monotone.
Link and Zelda exchanged glances. "So, you're not going to be here forever?" he voiced the question they were both thinking.
"No. My purpose was never to remain here beyond completing my task. The time for me to return until I am needed approaches," Fi confirmed.
"We couldn't have made it this far without you, Fi." Tears rose in Zelda's eyes. "You helped Link grow stronger and defeat Ganon so he could free me. And-"
The knight wrapped his arm around his fiancée. "It's okay. We'll say our goodbyes when the time comes. We appreciate all you've done for us, though."
"I exist to serve my master." Fi ducked her head and vanished.
"Well, shall we go talk to Rhondson?" Link offered.
Zelda glanced at the forgotten food in her lap. "I'll finish this and then we can go."
He nodded, leaning back as he bit into his own bread and cheese. "Take your time. They aren't going anywhere, and neither am I."
The princess smiled and went back to her food and her thoughts. The day didn't go according to plan but it didn't matter. Her eyes drifted back to the sapphire heart resting on her left hand. She was going to marry her beloved knight. The man who came back for her, who saw all of her flaws, and chose to remain loyal to her. The Goddess had truly blessed her.
