Morning came and with it the girls were very refreshed as they made baked apples for breakfast, one of the few things they knew how to make. Dale woke up from the scent of something sweet being baked and Beau followed in short order due his stomach rumbling. Sadly coffee hasn't been invented yet, so they had to stay away on pure will alone. Sheik came out last and just stared at nothing as his brain worked on waking up. They ate their breakfast, discussing the plans for the day. Linkette suggested going to Beau's farm so his parents could see that he was fine. They all agreed to that and did so, a happy reunion soon followed when Celia and David realized their son was back and in good health, but began to panic again on finding out he had to continue traveling because it was an order from the goddesses.
"How do you even know?" Celia looked ready to faint.
"Linkette had a vision," Damia answered.
"A...vision?" Celia looked to David in worry.
"I've only ever heard of that happening to Hyrule's destined hero, but those are just...legends?" David sounded doubtful as he looked to his surrogate niece.
Linkette wrote down that she saw a vision and reminded them of her bloodline, admitting that she was the hero.
"Anyway, Beau will be coming with us," Damia repeated.
The family had to take a moment to talk about this in private. It was kind of obvious that Beau's parents weren't open to the idea since he is their only son and just didn't have it in him to be a fighter - he couldn't even butcher animals - and panic ensued until Dale broke things up saying he'd be around to keep his cousin safe. That seemed to quell the parents but then made Dale swear to come back in one piece as well, which he did on his knight's honor and hand-me-down armor. Damia was also quick to assure them that she'd help keep Beau safe as well, swearing on her Lorulian crest.
Beau and his folks stared at the crest.
"Damia...d-dear...wh-where'd you get that? It looks like r-real gold?" Celia inquired with a shaky voice.
"It was given to me as part of my training."
"T-Training for…?" David added.
"Your magic, right?" Beau could figure that at least.
"Yes, and swordsmanship. My brother made sure my achievements were rewarded."
"How did your brother acquire s-such a thing?" Celia held onto her husband's arm to stay supported.
"...We're a very noble family,"
They all exchanged a glance that was a mix of anxiousness and curiosity, but all seemed to silently agree to not press the issue further.
"Then...just be safe, please," Celia requested of the group.
They all promised and assured her they will be. It was decided they'd spend the night there before heading off. Damia appreciated having a bit of downtime, obviously giving Beau most of her attention. He was eager to get it and return the favor with cuddles. Damia was in her happy place.
"So...are they a thing after being kidnapped?" Dale asked while scratching his head.
I think she was infatuated with him even before that… Sheik at least had the sense to keep that to himself as he nodded to Dale's comment.
"Kinda surprised, usually gals go fer...well, knights an' nobles."
"So where's your line of would-be wives, Sir Dale?" Sheik remarked dryly.
"Ma says I'm still too 'uncultured' fer marriage," Dale rolled his eyes, "so it don't look like it's in th' cards anytime soon."
And by Nayru, it really is for the best, any woman would lose her mind when it came to dealing with him. Sheik shrugged.
Linkette wrote out Damia has been interested in Beau from just meeting him. She also wrote out 'don't ask me how I know.' The men wisely decided not to. Everything was peaceful, Linkette slipping out to enjoy the night breeze and play her ocarina. Sheik showed up at some point and was just listening to her play. Linkette noticed and stopped playing, blushing heavily.
"It's okay," he sounded like he was smiling under his face covers, "I'm just surprised you picked an ocarina is all. Usually the noblewomen of the court pick the flute or harp."
Linkette shrugged, she had just always played the ocarina, her mother teaching her.
"Just keep an eye on the time, it's getting late and we've gotta head to Death Mountain next. It's a pretty big climb."
Linkette nodded, going to head inside to get ready for bed.
Sheik watched her go for a moment and then self-reflected. I...am betrothed to her yet know so little. What prince...no, what man can say he loves his fiancee yet not even know her preferences in music?
Linkette made it to her room and changed, climbing into bed. Damia joined her a short while later, happily chatting about her time with Beau. Linkette listened happily, glad for her new friend.
Dale and Beau chatted while the latter was still on his snuggling high, which got a laugh out of Dale. The two play fought a bit from that but soon reconciled.
"So...when're ya gonna git hitched anyway?"
"I'm not sure right now, but hopefully our lands will be freed of this looming doom when we do," Beau sighed. "What about you, Dale?"
"I told Sheik this a'fore, it don't seem like it's gonna happen anytime soon. Ya know how Ma is 'bout my behavior when I'm outta uniform."
"True...if you caught a maiden's fancy they'd have a force of nature to reckon with."
"Ya got that right!" Dale gave him a friendly punch to the arm, "So she'd have t' be th' same, purdy much."
"And you don't really find that outside of Gerudo," Beau gently rubbed the spot he was hit, "speaking of, have you seen any lately? It's like they're...gone?"
"I don't reckon?" Dale had to think long and hard on it, "Maybe their kin went back t' th' desert t' defend themselves? They might've gotten word 'bout this danger too, a Gerudo leader's usually got some kinda magic in her veins."
"Or he, in one case…" Beau grimaced a bit as he recalled one of the scarier tales he heard as a child.
"He's been long dead, Beau. No need t' worry 'bout that kinda phantom bein' 'round."
"I know, I know...but it's still scary when ya think about it too long…"
"So don't an' let git some shut eye, yeah?"
The two proceeded to change into some night shirt/tunics and were soon asleep.
The next day had everyone but Linkette ready to go, Damia saying she was sound asleep. This seemed to have been expected as she was left alone until breakfast was on the table, which left Sheik to try and wake her. Linkette slept on, cuddling a pillow. After making sure nobody would see, Sheik turned into Zelo and thought a little kiss on her cheek would somehow fix this. Linkette awoke with a blush.
"Good morning," Zelo gave a small smile and offered his hand to help her stand.
Linkette took his hand, nodding in greeting. She climbed out of bed, still blushing.
"Linkette, you need to get up…" Damia trailed off, having entered the room to find them both, hands touching and Linkette blushing. "..."
"...Excuse me one moment," Zelo whispered to his lady love, then quickly used his magic to bring Damia into the room and shut the door without making noise, blocking it with a nearby chair. "I can explain."
"You didn't trust that Linkette and I could handle ourselves?"
"I was worried about you both!" Zelo frowned a bit.
Damia didn't look quite ready to accept that, "Well there's nothing we can do now. I'll cover for you two if you want to sneak off for kissing and such."
"Thank you," he sighed, "but let me change back first before you leave just to be on the safe side."
"Fine. Go ahead,"
Zelo did so. "She's up now, we're coming down in a bit." Sheik said.
Once Sheik and Damia left the room Linkette dressed and went to join the others for breakfast, everyone setting off afterwards, and after all the tearful goodbyes to Beau. He ended up having to ride with Damia since Gwen would be needed in his place for heavy lifting. Damia didn't mind, leading the way. Everyone chatted a bit, though complaints started when it neared lunchtime and Sheik was pressing them to continue, from all but Linkette.