A/N: Guess who's back with another update? Me obviously. Hopefully things get a little more consistent now that I've got a decent schedule. Thanks for the patience guys.

Home... What will become of home after we complete this quest?

Their future was uncertain at this point. Yeah, they can continue to help rebuild Hyrule, but did Zelda really want to take the throne? Would the people even entertain such an idea? After all, the kingdom collapsed under her father's rule.

Link seems to believe I'd make a great leader, but knowing him... there's a lot more that he's not saying. Would he want to become the ruler of Hyrule?

She chuckled inwardly.

Just saying that sounds out of place. Although, what would that mean if I took the throne? What would Link's role be then?

Her eyes locked onto the man in question sitting in front of her. They were still a few hours away from the desert, but they were making good time. They'd reach the stable at the desert's entrance before nightfall.

Not only that, but what of the people? What would be best for them? It's clear that things were not working out with how we were currently running the kingdom.

While reminiscing, a particular conversation with Link came to mind.

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"Link, I wanted your opinion on something..." said Zelda as she finished up the last of her meal.

They were camping out by the Inogo Bridge, and would arrive in Zora's Domain around midday, tomorrow.

"What about?"

"Well, I mentioned yesterday where I stood on the kingdom's status. But I want to know your opinion."

"My opinion is irrelevant."

Zelda would be lying if she said that didn't sting a little, because she fully intended to make him king. His opinion was completely relevant.

"Because you have very objective opinions, and I know you will give an honest answer."

It wasn't a lie, because it was true, but it wasn't the reason why she asked either.

"Hmm..."

She rolled her eyes at his pondering, "You do realize who you're talking to, correct? Future Queen of Hyrule? You know... the one destined to lead the kingdom with all these problems we discussed..."

"Sorry, I guess after all of this time together I'm used to you only being, Zelda. I forget that you have a title every so often."

That intrigued her. Link was never one to forget such a thing. Regardless, she was relieved that he viewed her more as a friend than a sovereign, that meant that things were heading into the right direction.

"Just put yourselves in the shoes of the next King of Hyrule as a social experiment. What actions would you take to turn this ship around?"

"Unless something drastic happens, there's no way all this could happen in our life time, but I would put the foundations in place. For starters, I'd implement a system where you have to be elected into the throne. Out of the eight provinces, there would be a vote amongst all the people that everyone over the age of 16 must partake in. Each province would hold one seat. Everyone eligible casts their votes, and the party; or person who gains the most votes wins that seat. You need to win 5 of the 8 seats to be chosen as ruler."

"Okay, it makes it so that the people choose who gets to rule over them and the ruler is more so a representation of the people and who they think will best fit their interests. However, I already see a few flaws with this method, what if there's a tie? What about how long one could stay as leader? How can you become eligible to become one?"

"If there's a tie 4-4, the solution is simple. Tally all of the votes across all the provinces, and whoever has the most total, wins by popular vote. As for term, unless something like an untimely death in the field of battle, or whatever. I'd say for as long as they want. Obviously, contingencies would need to be put in place to ensure that the nation wouldn't be without a ruler for very long. But I'd say, you'd have to at least remain ruler until another election process has concluded.

"As for eligibility, well, anyone is eligible. Doesn't have to necessarily be only a king either, there could be just a queen. And there doesn't have to be a king for every queen, and vice versa. No obligatory marriages or anything of the sort, it would be out of their own free will. As for how to become eligible, well if the king chooses to pass on the crown, or dies and the crown needs a ruler... I guess the best way would be his/her eldest son/daughter to take over temporarily until a new person can be elected. Now as for how to become eligible, each province can cast forth one person from that province that they wish to take the throne, and the king/queen can also put forth one of their children if they're over the age of 18. So in total, 9 people would be eligible. Then the process follows."

"What if the temporary king or queen disbanded the voting process, they'd technically have that kind of power, then we'd back to square one. Also, what if their child isn't eligible to temporarily take the throne?"

"Hmm... Well for your ladder point, I think there needs to be a council, say of the other 8 members that didn't win the election. Their purpose is to see the next election, and handle the affairs of the kingdom accordingly in the meantime. Obviously, there would need to be a deadline as to when the next election would be, or else there'd be eventual anarchy. I'd say a maximum of 6 months would suffice, enough time to organize the provinces and begin the election process. From there, a new leader would be named."

"Makes sense, but how would new leaders of this council be brought in?"

"Same process as the throne, they represent one of the eight provinces correct? So each province would vote that person into a place of power. I'd say every 5 years there would need to be a re-election, but the council member can choose to defend their seat. Originally, it would be whoever lost the voting for the first election to the throne, but after it would follow the process I aforementioned. Now, since the provincial leaders have more involvement with their province than the king/queen, the people will likely want change faster over someone who isn't fulfilling their duty as provincial leader, thus the re-election every 5 years."

"But what if the people don't like the person after two years? What then?"

"It's their fault for voting them into that position. Unless the king/queen makes a ruling on it where they need to be removed from their seat, they will ride out the 5 year term. It's not perfect, but better than what we have now. Not every ruler as you know is going to be a good one."

"Fair enough, and what kind of power does this 'council' have?"

"There will be two sets of laws. Federal and Provincial. Federal will pertain to all eight provinces of Hyrule, while Provincial laws will pertain to that specific province. How they're formed is based off of vote. Since there's 7 provinces voting, there will always be an odd number of votes. If the majority agree with the provincial law that the province in question is trying to make, then the process that follows is that everyone signs a bill before passing it to the king/queen for a final stamp of approval, a royal assent. Then, and only then, is the law is formed."

"Wouldn't that take a long time to get everyone to vote for every law wanting to be made? Hyrule consists of well over 500,000."

"No, it's just between council members. It's under the impression, since they were elected in by the people of that province, that they are a representation of the people's interests, and therefore can act on their own accord in regards to voting and making provincial laws."

"Alright, I understand that. What about my former question?"

"As for the former, like I said, there needs to be contingencies put in place to avoid that. We'll need to move from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. Where the sovereign exercises their authorities in accordance with a written constitution. For this constitution to be born, it will be made up by the king/queen or both if there happens to be a king and queen, and the other eight council members. They will lay out the groundwork to avoid the abuse of power, and create laws that all the citizens of Hyrule will follow. Obviously, one would be as you said, a rule where you cannot overstep your bounds as sovereign and retain an absolute monarchy. They are a sovereign who reigns, but does not rule. Consequences would be removal of the throne, or if severe enough, more severe punishments would follow apart from just mere removal. Again, this process would likely take weeks of talking and hashing out every provinces problems and needs, while discussing real needs over simple wants. But that's what it'll take to get Hyrule out of this slump it's been for the past few millenia. We're declining faster and faster. The longer this continues, the harder it will be for us to dig out of the hole we made for ourselves."

"It all sounds carefully thought out and planned. How do you think the people will react? There's a lot of change and things they will probably detest."

"There is always going to be people who will not like your ideas and try to shut you down, but that's just how it is. As for change, it's different, and something I'm sure most people won't understand at first or even agree with. I mean, we're breaking the reality that they've been living in for their entire lives. However, I do believe that if the people are serious about a better nation, I think you'd be surprised with how things turn out. It won't be easy, but it's definitely doable."

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It was a brilliant concept. Link had thought of a way to masterfully incorporate new ideas that pushed the bounds of what they knew while never overstepping unnecessarily. It was like a perfectly well oiled machine. Not a bolt out of place, not a screw too loose, and every component of the machine served a purpose.

One thing still hung over her like a dark cloud. And that was, that the most logical person to assume the role of "ruler" would be her.

Even knowing what she knew, she was still at a conflict. Yes, part of her wanted to take on the role and fulfill her duty leading Hyrule into a new era of peace, but the other part of her wanted to choose her own path. Not one bound by the idea that she HAD to do it.

I do want to help Hyrule, but I don't want to live the life I lived before. I was never meant to be cooped up in a castle, nor was I meant to sit on a fancy throne, and attend pomp and grandeur balls. My calling has always been out here, in the wild. I feel more comfortable taking soil samples over worrying about what to say in my next speech.

Her mind wandered back to her childhood.

I wonder how many times I snuck out of the castle to do some last minute research. Whether it was taking samples of something that had caught my interest earlier or doing experiments... It seemed that my mind was always working on uncovering the mysteries of our land over committing to my duties as heir to the throne.

She sighed.

Just thinking about it now makes me want to turn back. I didn't think it would be this hard to commit to.

Or rather...

After getting away from it all for a little while, I got comfortable living that kind of life with Link.

No one could blame her for wanting to continue leading that life. She had done her duty, fulfilled her destiny. There wasn't anything else she needed to do. No reason for the Goddess to ask any more of her. Why was living a quiet life with Link such a bad thing?

Zelda already knew the answer, and she figured that Link did too.

Knowing that only made her feel more woeful...

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The trip through the canyons brought some nostalgia. She remembered when they first uncovered Divine Beast Vah Noboris, it was in this canyon.

I remember how fast news traveled around the kingdom of the discovery. It was a marvel, and yet frightening at the same time. It was clear that the omen pertaining to the return of Calamity Ganon was coming to fruition, and that only made uncovering the rest of our ancient ancestors relics all the more important.

"Link, what do you remember of Vah Noboris?"

"My time with Naboris has not been the same as yours."

"Still, I'm curious. What was it like being inside?"

He looked over his shoulder at her for a moment, seeing the sincerity in those verdant eyes.

However, he shook his head before focusing on the road again, "It's better that you don't know."

She frowned, "Why?"

Link sighed, slightly exasperated at her persistence when it came to things he didn't like talking about, "Remember Naboris in the light that you know it to be, not in the darkness that it fell into."

Her frown only deepened.

Did you suffer so much that you aren't even able to tell me what the experience was like? What kind of horrors did you go through on those Divine Beasts, Link?

She shivered at the thought before her hold around him tightened. Needing to have him close to her.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled against him before resting her head against his back.

Link heard her, but chose not to reply. His time inside the Divine Beasts were disturbing as they were horrific. It was better that Zelda never found out what took place in those Beasts.

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They arrived at the stable just before nightfall.

She marveled at the way Link simply used the Sheikah Slate to make the Master Cycle disappear.

"It's incredible how you can do that, you know."

He shrugged. Link had seen so many bizarre and other-worldly things on his journey that watching the Master Cycle seemingly disappear in thin air didn't even make him flinch. However, seeing how such a simple thing to him made Zelda beam with fascination brought a small smile to his face.

They headed inside and bought a bed for the night before making something to eat with the cooking pot outside.

As he cooked, Zelda noticed how there were very few people around.

"I remember this place always being very lively before the Calamity. Doesn't seem like there's a lot of people that come here anymore."

Though there was an inn, not a stable.

"You've only been to a few places since your return. It's like this pretty much everywhere," he said while tending to the pot.

"Everywhere?"

Surely more people survived the fall than that.

He looked up at her, and the look he gave her only confirmed what he said.

She slumped to her knees.

"So many people..."

There wasn't a lot that could've been done, and certainly nothing she could do about it now, but the fact that so many of her people died during the Calamity... She couldn't help but feel responsible for their deaths.

"Don't beat yourself up over it. Their deaths were not in vain."

Link was right.

Their deaths were not in vain.

"Regardless, despite our diminished numbers. Hyrule has still found a way to keep themselves separated from one another. Expect cooperation to not come easily."

"Why is that? Surely now of all times, would be the best-"

"No..." he said sternly. "All the Calamity has done is make everyone look out for themselves. We're probably more disconnected now, than we ever were 100 years ago."

He handed her a bowl of mushroom soup before continuing.

"There are only a few things from keeping people becoming totally reclusive. Religion, Trade, and Self-Interest."

"Due to the lack of governing and the forced lifestyle change, it only makes sense that we try and protect ourselves."

He nodded, "Which is exactly why it'll be difficult to convince them otherwise."

"You live a certain way for so long, it's hard to accept any other form of living, even if that way of living is better than one you're currently living in."

Zelda knew the feeling all too well. She had gotten so used to her miserable way of life inside the castle that when someone as amazing as Link came along to change that, she tried to push him away, because she convinced herself that this was what she deserved. And it almost became the biggest mistake of her life. It took time; among other things, to convince her otherwise, however, time was the biggest factor in changing her.

Looking back on it, she considered herself lucky to find someone as wonderful as Link to stick through her stubbornness and childish anger. Anyone else would have casted her aside without much thought, which was something that had happened before meeting the illustrious hero.

I've had my feelings played with, and learned the dark side of "love."

Some people have their own interpretations of love, and it didn't take her long to realize that some view lust and love as being one side of the same coin.

She learned that the hard way.

Maybe those instances that left a sour taste in my mouth was just another reason for my initial disdain towards Link.

It didn't matter anymore, but considering her feelings towards him now, she found herself wondering why she ever felt the way she did from time to time.

Overthinking... I need to stop doing that.

"The soup is very good, thank you," she said with a warm smile.

"I find it to be a meal that under the right circumstances can be the most satisfying one to enjoy."

"How so?"

"Whether you need to warm up on a cold day, or a pick me up when you're not feeling too well, or even just wanting something easy and quick to make. Soup is usually the best go-to."

She giggled.

"What?"

"Your passion for food never ceases to amaze me."

He scratched the back of his head, "I guess it's a way where I can indulge myself freely. Much like you and your research."

Handing him back the bowl, "Indulging in oneself is never a bad thing Link," she said in a sultry tone.

She leaned in a little closer after he took her bowl, "In fact, it's encouraged."

The two locked gazes, indulging in one another.

Seconds became minutes, both completely transfixed on each other. Zelda suddenly realized the opportunity before her.

"Link, I-"

"Hey you two!" interrupted the stableman. "It's getting real late, better head inside if you want to get a good rest before heading into the desert in the morning."

It was dark, so he couldn't see her face, but Zelda wasn't making a friendly one towards the man behind the counter as she headed inside the stable.

"You're not coming inside?" she asked Link when she realized that he stopped at the entrance.

He shook his head, "I'll help keep watch for the night. You get some sleep."

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As Zelda lied in bed, her mind kept going back to that moment by the fire.

I may have been imagining things, but I could've swore that for a moment we were in complete understanding of one another.

However, before she could confirm those suspicions someone just HAD to interrupt them.

Curse that stableman! Couldn't he see that we were in the middle of something important?!

At times, it felt like the entire world was against her when it came to opening up her feelings with Link.

Why is it so hard to confess my feelings to him?

She dragged her hands over her face in annoyance.

If I can't even confess to Link, how am I ever going to rally the five races to rebuild Hyrule?

She whimpered at her predicament.

Can I really convince the other leaders that this new vision for Hyrule is truly what's best for everyone?

Looking out towards the entrance, she was able to see Link still talking with the stableman.

As long as you let me stay by your side, it makes this whole struggle worth it.

The longer she watched him, the harder it was to not admire him.

Link... one day, I will find the courage to say what I've wanted to say after 100 years to you. Please... wait for me until that time...

Unfortunately, sleep was making it harder to do either of those things, and it wasn't long until Zelda drifted off into the night.

Link meanwhile had just finished discussing activity in the area with the stableman.

From what he said, there hasn't been a lot of traffic coming through here. Mainly merchants. Usually traffic is really heavy in the area. I wonder what caused the sudden decline?

Gerudo Town was the pinnacle of trade in all of Hyrule. All goods and rare/exotic items could be found there. Not only that, but the services they offered were next to none. It was such a sought after place, that many men tried to sneak in to see what prized possessions were being sold.

The Gerudo follow a long time tradition that Gerudo Town remain a strictly female place. No male was allowed to enter, and if one was ever caught trying to sneak in they were dealt with accordingly. Still, it didn't stop them from coming up with creative ways to try and sneak in. Link could attest to that.

Despite the strict law that Gerudo Town held. Many travellers and merchants, regardless of gender, would make the trek across the desert to visit the fabled town.

So, it's odd to hear that there really hasn't been anyone passing through. Maybe once we reach Kara Kara Bazaar, I'll know more.

The bazaar was a checkpoint before reaching Gerudo Town. They offered similar services to what the town offered; albeit less quality goods, but there wasn't any gender restricting laws. As a result, most of the male merchants and travellers would simply conduct their business at the bazaar to avoid making the extra trip to the town for no reason.

He stoked the fire a little more before making himself a late night cup of coffee.

We'll see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully things go smoothly between Zelda and Riju.

His mind went to the young Gerudo Chief.

I haven't seen her in... a few months I believe. I spent a decent amount of time with her while trying to help out the town, but after my business there had concluded, I lost touch with her.

He took a sip of his coffee.

I wonder how she's doing these days...?

A/N: Make sure to leave a like and follow. It really helps me out! Also, share with your peers, friends, etc. It would be much appreciated.

See you guys in the next chapter.