The wind whipped through Zelda's hair, through her black dress as she stood before her father's grave, her husband standing behind her with a bowed head.

Over and over, she read the inscription, as if she wanted more from it, more words, more sense, more closure. But she supposed it wouldn't be found in those succinct words, describing him as Headmaster Rauru Gaepora, a beloved counsel to all who made his acquaintance.

With a strong grace, Zelda stepped forward into a kneel, placing a flower down so that it stood up against the gravestone.

She couldn't bring herself to say a word, blinking tears before turning around to Link and nodding.

Her closure wouldn't be found in a mound of dirt and a slab of stone.


Link brushed a long strand of hair that had fallen upon her face and tucked it behind her pointed ear. Her blonde hair was disheveled where her head lay on his lap, Link only ensuring that no strands covered her face and no tears got farther than her cheeks.

She hadn't said a word since they got home, and the two only made it as far as the living room before Zelda laid down crying into Link's lap. His fingers would trail along her face, would rub her arm, would stroke her hair. For an hour he sat comforting her, ensuring she felt and recognized his fingertips, that he was here, and here to stay. Link looked down at her with concern, his head tilted against the couch as she let out her tears, as she tried to sleep away the grief, even now as she stared blankly at nothing.

"I want to try," she said, the first words spoken since her father's funeral. Link's head shifted slightly at the change.

"You want to try what?" Link asked as his thumb rubbed her shoulder.

Link's eyes tracked hers as she sat up slowly. Her eyes were red and puffy, still wet with tears, but she slid her hands into Link's anyway.

"I want to try…having a baby," she said.

Link was stunned, his lips attempting words before they finally settled on her name.

"Zel," he said with narrowed eyes. "It's been a long day. Why don't we discuss this tomorrow? We shouldn't do anything irrational while you're still grieving. I don't want you to regret anything."

"It's not irrational," Zelda said with shakes of her head. "I'm tired of losing life, I…I want to create one."

Link searched her eyes.

"You're serious," Link said. "You…you really want to try."

"What…what about your cervix?" He continued. "I know what the dragons said and I know Greba recommended trying again, she even expected us to have been, but…are you sure you're ready to take the chance? Roll the dice? Get our hopes up?"

"Yes," Zelda said. In her voice was no waver, no shake, no hesitation. "Are you?"

"Yes," Link replied almost immediately. Their eyes met as they processed each other's words, replayed them in their minds to make sure they were real.

Bringing both hands to his cheeks, Zelda kissed Link with a deep passion, forgoing chastity from the very start. Link wrapped his arms around her and let his back fall to the couch. The touch of the others' lips continued to warm their hearts until they withdrew, a few centimeters away from kissing again with Zelda on top of Link.

"Now?" He asked, his eyes soft and focused on her lips.

She ran her fingers through his light brown hair as she brought her forehead down to his.

"Only if you want to," Zelda said.

"Yes," he said breathlessly, his eyes flitting from her lips to her eyes. "Yes, I do. But if at any point we need to stop, if it becomes uncomfortable or painful or drudges up any trau—"

He didn't get to finish his sentence, Zelda's lips sinking down to melt into his.

"I'll let you know," she said with her next breath. "I promise."