Chapter Eight
Both Link and Prince Sidon waited at the bottom step for the meeting between the Princess and King to conclude. Upon the sounds of her first steps on the staircase, the two looked up, curiosity in their eyes as they looked over the appearance of the Princess.
Zelda, true to her word, spoke nothing from the meeting. Instead, she clasped her hands together after leaving the last step to stand in front of the two males, her pleasant smile returning. "Now then," she began, "Sir Link, I believe us both to be rather hungry after our long journey. If you could prepare dinner, that would be much appreciated."
With a bow, Link nodded, but decided not to leave until he knew of her plans. He had remembered her disappearing often in his past memories, none of which seemed to end well.
"You do not intend to eat with us?" Prince Sidon spoke, repositioning himself to stand in front of the Princess, towering over her.
"Not tonight. Instead, I was hoping you'd be so kind to show me where your sister's memorial is. I wish to say a proper goodbye, as I've never been given the chance to before now."
"Of course," Sidon perked up, looking to Link with a thumbs up. "Princess Zelda is in safe hands. If you'll both allow it, I'd like to join you for dinner."
"It would be a pleasure," Zelda smiled, nodding to Link, "There is so much I'd like to share with you both of my past visits here with you and Princess Mipha."
"Then I'll see you both at dinner." Link bowed once more, taking his leave.
"This way," Sidon waved a fin, guiding the Princess through the Domain. He spoke of areas, both new and old, as they passed. The market where they sold both arrows and ingredients. The blacksmith that made most of the Zora gear. There was a cute inn, one that was nearly identical to those Zelda had remembered being littered around the Domain all those years ago. Of course, there was the statue of Mipha that couldn't be ignored, and several new stones writing of the history of the domain under the current King's rule.
With the tour so detailed, it took far longer than Zelda had anticipated before they reached the reservoir. There was a single monument, clearly the newest addition to the area, set dead in the middle of the dock leading towards the home of the Divine Beast. Zelda assumed Mipha must have returned Vah Ruta to the reservoir before her spirit's passing, but she would never know for sure.
Prince Sidon held back a few feet, instead watching as the Princess approached, before turning his back on her similar to when Link would have kept guard at the Springs during her prayer. Zelda took notice of this, silently thanking Sidon for the small addition of privacy the gesture provided.
A few more steps and she was kneeling before the monument, reading the engraved praise of the late Zora Princess. Of her childhood friend. There was so much more that could be written, so many stories that could be added, but instead it was a simple nod to her assistance in the defeat of Calamity Ganon.
Zelda held her hands in prayer, her eyes falling shut and head dipping low as she spoke her mind. Her voice was soft, low in hopes that Sidon wouldn't be able to hear, but it was doubtful. Even as a child he'd been a professional eavesdropper.
"Mipha," She started, not sure where the words would take her, "I miss you." Great, she was crying again. This time she didn't fight the tears off. She had no one to prove her strength to anymore. "I miss when you'd visit me and tell me all the stories of the hylian you had a crush on. I can't believe I never bothered to ask his name. How silly of me. I miss how you'd braid my hair since you had none to style yourself, and how when we were really little you tried to use your healing powers on my heart after my mother died. It was such a silly, impossible idea to think of it now, but back then it meant the world to me. Every minute I shared with you was wonderful. You...oh Mipha...you were the sister I never got to have."
Zelda crumbled, her hands holding her chest as she completely fell forward. She could feel the cold stone of the monument against her forehead as she let her strength disappear. "I remember how we'd talk about the struggles of leading people - of our position as Princesses. You were the only person who ever listened to me. Who ever believed in me for so many years. And after everything, you saved us all with your simple words. Even then I couldn't save you. I'm so sorry, Mipha. I'll never forgive myself for failing you and the other Champions."
"But know this, my dear Mipha, I will tell everyone of your strength. I'll let the world know, so long as I live, that it was your strength and words that saved us all. And I promise with every ounce of my being I'll keep him safe, now that you no longer can. I love you, Mipha, as the friend and mentor you were to me."
And then the words stopped, and all she could do was sob. She cried for Princess Mipha. She cried for the memories they had shared together. Of the struggles. She cried for their mutual love of Link. Of their mutual need of his existence to save others. She cried for the bigger picture. The family and people Mipha left behind. The other fallen Champions, and how much it would hurt going through the process all over again when she eventually visited their respected homes. She cried until there were no tears left. Until the pain she'd felt was numb. Until she had grown exhausted from merely letting go of her strong facade.
"Princess Zelda," Prince Sidon settled a hand on the Princess' shoulder, "You'll catch a cold if you stay like this all night. Come. I had Link bring the dinner he prepared to one of the smaller dining halls for us to enjoy. Some food and a warm cup of tea will help you feel better, I'm sure."
"Yes," Zelda sat up on her knees, rubbing at her sore, tired eyes, "Yes, I think that's a good idea. And a blanket, maybe?" She whispered like a child.
"If you so desire." Sidon continued to stay with her as she stood, an arm wrapping around one of her own to keep her steady as they began to walk back towards the main part of the Domain.
They didn't speak as they walked. Zelda was far too exhausted, lost in her own thoughts to really pay attention or hold a conversation. Sidon recognized this, choosing not to speak himself until they had arrived at the small dining hall.
"Princess," Link was to his feet the second the two entered, running to her side, "You look like you just left a spring."
"I feel about the same, honestly." Zelda snorted, taking a seat and leaning back when Sidon no longer held her arm. "But, in a strange way, I feel much better."
"I guess that's good," Link rubbed the back of his neck before perking up, "Here." He handed her a glass, "Warm milk with honey should help with the chills. I'll make an elixir, too. So you don't get sick or anything."
"That's thoughtful of you, thank you." She wrapped her hands around the cup, enjoying the warmth and the hint of the scent of honey. It wasn't until the first sip of the milk that she seemed to ease back into being herself. Sidon brought her a blanket, as promised, and soon she had regained herself enough to suggest they begin eating.
Link's cooking was as delicious as always. Some sort of fish with seasoning, Zelda presumed. The rice on the side was a nice touch, but she truly couldn't comprehend what was giving it all that extra flavour kick. She'd have to ask him in the future.
In the meantime, the trio were off talking about the past. Something Zelda was growing to find a time she'd rather forget, but for the sake of Link who was still recovering his memories, and Sidon who had little recall of his time with his sister, she was happy to help.
She told Sidon of stories of his time with his sister. When Mipha had taught him how to scale waterfalls, or how scared he was the first time he dived from the edge of the Domain. They shared laughter over the story of one particular time Sidon had decided he wanted to try to be a rito instead, and how Zelda and his sister had spent hours trying to make the flying sensation happen. Eventually, they found a visiting rito who was more than happy to help the little Prince live out his silly dream.
For Link, she told stories of his time with Mipha from what Mipha had told her. Times where he would visit, and Mipha would tell Zelda about his unending energy and silly games he'd make up specifically for him to win. She also recalled times she and Mipha would have some girl time during visits, and how Link would teach Bazz and the others how to fight with a sword. It was moments like those that Mipha was far more prone to watch the action from her bedroom windows than focus on whatever silly discussion Zelda was trying to muster up.
After their meal was done, Bazz and a few other zora marched in to join the conversation, drinks in hand. The evening turned from being one of somber, sadness and remembrance to a get together with drinks and laughter all around.
Zelda hesitated at first, before joining the mostly male group in a toast. It was the first alcoholic beverage she'd had since the Calamity, and she knew it would hit her harder than the others. She took it slow, but that didn't stop her cheeks from warming and her giggles from coming with ease.
Bazz joined in sharing old stories, mostly of Link and his time in the Domain. "And this one time," Bazz snorted, already a mess himself before continuing a certain story, "Link shows up to the Domain in his knight armour, right? But no one told him about how the knights that came from the castle would rust proof their stuff before showing up here, right?" More laughter, even tears brought to his eyes. It was an infectious laugh that was making the rest of the table fight back their own. "And he's walking up to see Princess Mipha, all proud to show off his cool new suit and announce he'd gotten into being a knight and stuff. And he freezes up. Literally. His knees got all rusted and we had to hack at the suit for an hour before he got free!"
Link was laughing, though the tips of his ears were red in embarrassment. Prince Sidon was also laughing, a brilliant, bright laughter Zelda might add. Zelda herself was in a fit of giggles, covering her goofy smile with her hand and shaking her head a few times at the pure image of Link trying to impress her good friend in a rusty suit.
"They set me up for failure, I swear." Link snorted, smiling over at Zelda. Her laughter, it was something even in his memories seemed so rare to hear. It was amazing. Soft, gentle, like a Princess from a fairytale book. "Was this before I met you?" He asked Zelda.
"I would assume so. I didn't know much of your existence before you became my appointed knight." She tried to calm herself down, her cheeks bright red and giggles still slipping as she spoke. "I knew of your father back then, though. He was one of the guards of my mother, and then one that accompanied my father and you'd show up at the castle sometimes. Beyond that, I couldn't tell you much. But imagine, you in a rusted suit!" She practically squealed, reaching for her glass and finishing the last of what was poured for her.
"I think the Princess has overdone it just a bit," one of the other zora, a female named Gaddison, pointed out only to laugh as well.
"Forgive me," Zelda held up her hands innocently, "It's been a century or so since I've last had a drop of alcohol. Much to most people's surprise, there isn't much to drink inside of a demon god."
"Is it spacious?" Gaddison decided to play along, "What was the bedding like? I bet it was super fluffy."
"Oh, absolutely. Calamity Ganon had a true talent for interior design."
This sent the zora into a fit of laughter herself, tears springing to her eyes as she held onto Sidon's upper arm, considering he was the closest to her, as a way to anchor herself.
Zelda was lost in her own string of giggles, trying to stand as she held her empty glass above the table. "I have nothing left but I still propose a toast to defeating that big, fat, smelly demon pig."
"I say that calls for a refilling of the glass first." Bazz concluded, taking it from her and filling it before returning it to her hand. "And now, we will accept this proper toast."
"Thank you, kindest Sir." She hummed, as the others raised their glasses in celebration.
It was another hour before they decided to call it a night, and by the time Zelda was standing from the dining table, it was clear that extra glass was perhaps pushing it just a bit.
She wasn't the only one, with both Gaddison and Bazz having to practically carry Prince Sidon out of the room as he rambled on about just how amazing Link and Zelda were. The praise was welcome, but the pounding that had already started in the Princess' head was not.
Nonetheless, she'd promised Link a stroll through the domain earlier that night, and she intended to fulfill that promise. She took his hand, pulling him along despite her clumsy footing, and her knight simply let her do so.
He shook his head, the fondest of smiles on his lips as he gave her sturdy hand a squeeze. He, like most of the Hylian knights, had a far higher alcohol tolerance than that of the nobility. Where the royals only drank on special occasions, the guard had made a game of it every other night.
"I know you don't remember, but I used to make it a habit to walk at night here because the luminous stone makes it so pretty." The Princess kept hold of his hand, swinging their arms together innocently, almost childlike. "You'd always follow me without ever really saying anything. I always wondered if you hadn't because you were annoyed it kept you from sleeping in one of the few places safe enough for you to."
"I doubt I minded. I think the stones are nice to look at too," He shrugged, swinging their arms as well, much to the Princess' satisfaction.
"This one time," She started, "I couldn't stand being around you. It was our first visit here together. So, I sent you to go help the King with something and said I'd stay put in my chambers. I didn't, of course. Why would I? What a bore. Anyways," Zelda continued to ramble, letting go of his hand to look over a railing at the water below. "I met up with Princess Mipha and she helped me change into more appropriate clothes. You found us and I dived right down there." She pointed downwards, rather proud of herself. "You dived after me in a panic! It was comical, now that I think about it. And you didn't even curse when I was okay and your clothes were soaked! You and the others had to spend a whole hour trying to find your shield you lost in the water."
"I remember that." Link stayed close to her, a hand on her back. He didn't trust the Princess, tipsy or not, near the edge of the railing. Perhaps it was because of the exact day in question. "I was so pissed, actually. I had to change after and everything you'd expect a wet, cold, annoyed knight to say, I did."
"Pity. I'd love to have heard you at least have some sort of emotion back then." Zelda leaned slightly into the touch, looking up at the moon quietly. "Were the blood moons scary?"
"More just annoying." Link shrugged, leaning his back against the railing, hand remaining sturdy on her back. "Killing a lynel sucks. Killing it five times just makes it tedious."
"I can imagine. The moon seems to have played many vital roles in regards to our past, hasn't it?"
"I mean, yeah. At least it's not got a creepy ass face and is headed to crash into earth or anything." He shrugged, to which Zelda laughed again.
"Do you remember your reincarnations? Your past lives? I do, sometimes, here and there. There were times I was a warrior instead of just a bystander. I think those would have been fulfilling times."
"Uh, kind of? The Master Sword, it tells me stuff, sometimes. I mean, it did. It's basically recorded everything I've done, even now. It's listening."
"Creepy." Zelda reached for the hilt of the blade, poking it, "Does it have an off button?"
Link laughed, taking her hand away from the sacred blade with a shake of his head, "No, I don't believe it does."
"Hey now," She pulled her hand away to poke the sword once more, "Me and the good ol'Master Sword are best buddies, you know. I carried that thing on horseback all the way to the Great Deku Tree all by myself."
"Did you now?" He teased, "Well then. Maybe you're really the Hero, huh?"
"Absolutely. Can't you tell by the rolling muscles and my incomparable talent with a sword." She winked, returning her hands both to the railing now and her gaze to the water below.
Link took the chance to admire Zelda's side profile in the moonlight. The short hair was doing wonders for her, and he hoped she'd intended to keep it that way for a while longer.
"Let's go swimming." Zelda decided, stepping back from the railing and starting off to the ladder that connected the top of the domain with the lowest level.
"Not in your condition," Link tugged her back, a little too hard apparently, as Zelda came crashing into him. Her hands gripped his tunic, and he stumbled back a bit from his own tipsy state, causing himself to fall flat on his butt and the Princess to her knees in the water. "Well, shit."
"See!" Zelda didn't care she'd fallen, pushing herself back to sit on her feet and moving her hands from the front of his tunic to balance on his shoulders. "You should say words like that more often! It really spices up your character. The Chosen Hero with a habit of saying bad words."
"That wouldn't look good when we have royal visits when you're Queen, now will it?" Link questioned, distracted by just how close Zelda was. He reached for her hands on his shoulders, reluctantly pulling them away.
"If I become Queen. And if you stay around me that long." She allowed him to remove her hands, but not before lacing her fingers with his own. "I can't imagine returning to any castle without your presence in the hallways."
"I said it before and I'll say it again. You're stuck with me." Link squeezed her hands, meeting her gaze.
They both held the shared look for far too long before Princess Zelda finally let go, using her hand and the railing to aid herself from her sitting position back to her feet. "Well, now, I can only hope you feel the same once you've truly regained all your memories. Until then, I will enjoy the time I have with you by my side."
"As will I, Princess." Link joined her standing by her side, taking her elbow instead this time and starting to guide her back to the royal guest chambers. "But for now, I believe it's time we both got some rest. We have a meeting with the King and his Counsel tomorrow morning."
"Yes, of course. How foolish of me to think I could be free of duty for awhile."
"Give it a day or two, and we'll be back on the road and I'll curse as much as you'd like."
"Is that a promise?"
"As long as you get to bed tonight and don't take a midnight swim, then yes."
"Well then," Zelda stepped inside the room, turning to Link and holding out her hand for a handshake. "Deal."
Link took the extended hand, giving it a solid shake before letting go and bowing, "Until tomorrow, Princess."
"Until tomorrow, Sir Link." She curtsied back, closing the door before her thoughts to invite him in could break free of the tongue that held them back.
I guess I'll be posting Saturdays and Wednesdays from now on! I don't have much of a life, but when I do, it seems to be on Sundays, haha.
Anyways, here's a bit of a filler chapter. It's probably been my favourite to write, honestly.
Outside of what I've posted, the file I have for this is over 40,000 words so far and I'm really beginning to realize this is probably going to be split up into separate 'books' in a sense. Thinking ATLA style.
But this part still has a lot to go, let me tell you.
Until Wednesday!