Author's Note: Hello dutiful readers! Sixty-six chapters and you are probably sick of my words by now but…I maybe started my own discord server? Maybe?

Yeah I totally did. Shameful, I know, but if you'd like to join, message me for the link!


"Zel," she heard her husband say.

She didn't notice until then that she was clutching the podium with a tight grip, her nerves shown quite literally in the way her knuckles whitened.

"Zel," Link repeated close to her ear. His hand went to one of hers, softening it. "It's okay."

She looked at him and took a deep breath. They shared a small kiss before he sat back down next to Groose.

"Thank you all for coming," Zelda said to the group of people, who had a patience and respect she didn't expect as they sat down and their conversations dwindled. "I know my father usually runs these but in his present condition he has given the task to me."

"For the time being," she said before nodding to the commander. "Commander Eagus has taken over as headmaster of the Knight Academy."

Zelda breathed a sigh, bowing her head as she looked over what she had written and prepared. She recognized a few key words that she dreaded, a number of them even crossed out and revised before she looked back up at the gathering of Hylians.

"It's hard to describe what has happened to us," Zelda said, "all of us. Even me. It's no secret that something did happen. I think it is best described as civil war over matters that were not handled well, and that's an understatement."

"Moving to the Surface meant moving away from Skyloft traditions in a way that some perhaps didn't want. A part of me didn't want to either. I was raised in Skyloft. I fell in love with my husband in Skyloft and have a dear friend in my Loftwing to this day. We had thrived here at the Surface for a spell, but I understand that the shift caused tension."

"Changes were made in order for us all to adjust," she continued. "The Sealed Temple and temple at Hylia's feet were being protected out of caution and nothing more. We thought those places dangerous yet some thought we were protecting a power that doesn't exist past myths and legends. Their paranoia led to civil war and I'm sorry to say that they are no longer with us. It was the cost of war and we will mourn them all."

"But the most important thing is that it was under my father and I's leadership that Skyloft descended into chaos. I deserve no such power. There have even been rumors that I am an incarnate of the goddess Hylia, something we all know is impossible and something that is not fair to others who may perhaps be better leaders. It is a rumor that is overpowered and dominates in a way I do not want it to. I assure you we will take a vote at the end of this gathering as to who would best make decisions for our society. Before then, however, I must assure you of answers to questions I know you must have."

"The Sheikah are surface dwellers like us and have already been a means of great community and friendship. They are not to be feared because of their mystery, or because they may be foreign or look a little different. Like the Gorons and Kikwis you've seen, they are a part of Hyrule and welcoming them portends an inclusive Hyrule that I very much want to be our future."

"Additionally," Zelda continued, "both of the southern temples are no longer under security, but they are still holy places of the goddesses. They are places of prayer and reflection and are no longer dangerous. Even now, they are open to all, regardless of your religious choices. You are free to exercise whatever religion you may choose. It could be Hylia, it could be the three golden goddesses, it could be nothing at all. The Temple of Time and the temple under the statue of the goddess Hylia are places for you to worship whatever you wish in peace and quiet. Or, if you choose, a place for you to reflect upon yourself, to look inward and find peace in that way. Whatever you choose, I hope that after everything we can find peace together. Thank you."

There was silence as Zelda sat back down next to Link with an exhale. Link put an arm around her and kissed the side of her head.

Orielle took the podium in Zelda's stead.

"There aren't too many announcements this week," she started. "The Bazaar is closing indefinitely for refurbishments, but select essential businesses will be operating elsewhere. Potions can be received for a lower cost through admission to the infirmary and Rupin will be opening a booth just outside the Bazaar for shields and other necessities. The rest of the Bazaar services, like Gondo's Scrap Shop and Sparrot's Fortune Telling will be operating within their own homes. There is a job opening for someone to operate Item Check when the Bazaar reopens and you can consult Gondo if interested."

Orielle smiled at the next announcement.

"I am especially excited to announced that the Lumpy Pumpkin is finally opening tomorrow for the first time on the Surface. The bar formerly located in the Bazaar is permanently relocated to the Lumpy Pumpkin and you are all invited to see all of it at tomorrow nights celebration of Groose and I's engagement."

Hollers of cheers and applause followed from the townspeople, Orielle nodding with a smile and blush.

"I had to persuade Pumm to put Link on the guest list," Orielle said with a continued smile as the applause died down, everyone laughing at the joke.

"You have to promise not to break anything," she said pointedly to the green-clad knight.

"Not on purpose," Link muttered.

"Is there any other announcements among us?" Orielle asked the gathering. A hand shot up.

"Yes?" Said Orielle.

"Can we vote on a leader?" One of them asked.

Orielle's glance went to Zelda, who nodded.

"I don't see why not," said Orielle. "Are there any nominations?"

"Zelda!" Link exclaimed.

"I second that!" Groose said, Zelda shaking her head at the two men very biased towards her leadership.

Before she even took an inhale to refute it, she was overwhelmed by sounds of agreement filling the room, her eyes widening.

"Oh," Orielle said, surprised by their enthusiasm. "O-okay…I guess raise your hand if you want Zelda as our leader."

Link and Zelda looked behind them to see that the vote was unanimous, Zelda's mouth popped wide open.

"Did you put them up to this?" She asked Link, but he didn't reply, only raising his hand and grabbing Zelda's wrist to raise hers as well.

"Zelda it is," Orielle said with a chuckle, lowering her hand.

"Would you like to say a few words?" Orielle said. "If you accept, of course."

Zelda nodded, feeling Link peck her cheek before she stood up completely.

"A lot of things have happened here in Hyrule," Zelda said once she replaced Orielle at the podium. "We all know that our society can only get better, can only get more cohesive. If you believe I am the best person to reach that, then I will try my best to meet and exceed your expectations. Thank you for your…surprising confidence in me."