Another week would pass...
Link's injuries had fully healed thanks to Zelda's advice. And, the two couldn't seem to keep their hands off each other either. Not a lot was accomplished in the week to say the least. Though, that didn't seem to bother either of them.
However, it was only a matter of time.
"We'll have to go sooner or later," said Link.
"I know," she said against his chest. "I suppose... Well, this is what I always dreamed of at the castle, and to finally experience it... I worry that if I blink, I'll lose it."
He gave her a quick kiss on her forehead before combing her hair with his fingers, "You're not going to lose it."
She sighed against him.
Internally she knew that, but there was always that lingering feeling of "what if." She knew that Link said it was madness to let one's mind linger in the realm of possibilities for too long, but...
But, she really didn't want to give up this life with Link. She realized that it was selfish to put her own needs above her people's, but she had been putting everyone else's above her own for her entire life. Was such a thing befitting of a ruler? Some may say that putting the needs of the land above her own is to be expected of a ruler, but Zelda didn't see it that way. It became increasingly apparent to her as time went on inside the castle, that the only person that can look after her own needs is herself. However, 100 years ago, she lacked the strength and courage to fight for that belief. Maybe if she did, she could've prevented the tragedy that the Calamity inflicted. But, thinking about it like that didn't help her, besides, now she was fighting for the beliefs alongside Link.
And that's ultimately what mattered.
Zelda loves this kingdom just as much as anyone else, perhaps more. Which is why she decided to embark on this journey to repair Hyrule in the first place. It was out of her feelings for the land, and what she wanted to do for it. Not because of some obligatory duty as the princess. That being said, Zelda has now found herself at a crossroads.
"Link?"
He grunted his acknowledgment.
"Where do we go from here?"
"Well, there's the two leaders left, and then the actual summit. It would make sense to start with-"
"I don't mean that," she cut him off sharply.
There was a silence between them for a moment as Zelda built up the courage to speak her mind to him. Something that's been getting easier, even if bit by bit.
"I mean... us..."
"What about us?" he responded a little confused.
"Things were different when we first started this journey, but with how things are now, how do we fit us into the picture? I'm worried that... we'll drift apart once we start walking on this road again. I know it's something I shouldn't be concerning myself with, but I just-"
"Foolish girl."
Her expression turned quizzical when she looked up and seen him smirking at her.
"Give me a second," he said before getting up.
He didn't bother getting dressed when he headed down the stairs to start rummaging through the storage space.
"What are you doing down there?"
"Just give me a minute."
When he returned, her expression didn't change very much from the way he had his hands tucked behind his back.
"Close your eyes," he said while kneeling at the edge of the bed.
"Why?"
He rolled his eyes, "Just do it."
She let out a huff, but did as she was told.
It only took a second before he said, "You can open them."
And when she did...
"Link... you... what..." she was at a loss for words.
"Hylians don't generally do this, it's a pretty rare practice for many reasons. The main one being, commitment. Maybe even a little more so these past 100 years; due to the Calamity, but Hylians were never really ones to settle down with another. Not for very long anyways. That's why..."
Zelda's glistening eyes could only watch in disbelief as Link placed the ring on her trembling hand.
"When someone presents you with a ring, it means that they're making a commitment to you. No matter what. And if they break that commitment, the Goddess will make sure ill fortune be bestowed upon them in this life, and the next."
She tried to swallow the lump in her throat before speaking, "Y-You know what this means... right?"
He smiled and nodded, "I choose you."
She buried her face in the crook of his neck when she couldn't hold in her tears anymore, "You're sure about this? There's no going back once we go down this road."
"I had this ring well before we sealed the Calamity. There was just a few things I wanted to know before deciding whether or not to give it to you."
That long ago?
"And... you found what you were looking for?"
He nodded once again, "Yes, though once I knew I wanted to give it to you, I wanted to make it more... romantic. I guess us being in the afterglow of sex will have to do.
"Zelda, I promised to love you until the end of time. I want to be with you for the rest of my days and there after. I know full well of the road we walk, and know just as much as you that we're not always going to have moments like right now, but that doesn't mean I'll ever question my decision to be with you. Have faith in me, just as I have faith in you to remain at my side."
She looked up at him, "Link, I..."
"I know that you've had trouble with relationships in the past... I don't remember a lot on it, just that with most people, things went south for one reason or another. It wasn't for a lack of trying on your part, just the intentions of the other. I suppose that was what came with the territory of being royalty."
Her gaze turned downcast, "You're not wrong. It became hard to have meaningful relationships with a lot of people, because they'd eventually want me to use my position to get something out of it. But, that doesn't mean-"
He stilled her lips with his index finger, "I know you don't think I'm the same way, but when you've been let down so many times in the past. It's a thing that sticks with you no matter what." He clenched his fist against his chest. "I know the feeling... This is just my way of quelling your internal demons."
"I... don't know what to say."
He cupped her cheek, "Just say, yes."
Smiling, she said, "Yes. I accept your proposal." Before giving him a kiss.
Zelda never believed that her dreams to be with Link would ever come to fruition. That her wishful thinking would remain just that. However, not only were they together, but Link also wished to perform the sacred rite that would officially bind their souls together.
Marriage.
Most couples that claim to be husband and wife have never actually gone through with the rite, simply due to how Hylian culture made getting married... difficult. It was customary for royalty to participate in the practice for obvious reasons, but when looking at society as a whole. She could confidently say that only a small fraction of the couples actually went through with the rite. There was less baggage, less stress, less commitment, and easier ways out by not doing it. And, with some of the laws making it easy for one to take most of the other's possessions. Everything pointed towards marriage being a bad thing.
It's worth mentioning, that love and infatuation were considered two sides of the same coin by most Hylians. If someone was attracted to another, no matter the reason, then of course it must be love. From her time in the castle, Zelda had heard of bizarre stories on how couples got together, only to hear that they split for the same reason as everyone else not long after. It frustrated her to no end to hear of failed relationships, but it also motivated her to perform the rite and stay with whoever she ended up getting together with. However, when talks of suitors came up, and after meeting with a few of them. She realized that performing the rite; let alone stay with someone she didn't love was a lot harder than she initially thought. It made her see why people ended up not going through with marriage to begin with, and so, she came up with a new goal. To not get married unless it was with someone she truly loved. This obviously didn't sit well with her father and other nobles, because she was going against tradition. But as a member of the royal family, she felt it all the more necessary to uphold that belief. However, due to the rise of the Calamity, many of those talks were put on hold, and turned into a fleeting thought soon after.
Of course, this way of thinking didn't apply to all races. Gerudo women go on a pilgrimage to find someone to marry. Goron's are generally indifferent to the idea. The Zora tend to believe love is something sacred. While the Rito are also in similar beliefs to the Zora; just less... intense. Hylians were the only ones gradually veering away from the idea of two people committing themselves to each other for eternity.
She was glad the thought wasn't totally dead.
Zelda had already decided that Link was "The one" a long time ago. She always felt that their souls had been intertwined, connected in some way. Still... there's something about being told, "I choose you to be with forever," by the love of her life that makes her heart melt into a puddle of goo, regardless of how much she loved him beforehand.
Although, there was something else that she also desired to have with Link.
Children were not held in the same regard as marriage. Many couples that ended up failing, it wouldn't be uncommon for them to have at least one child together. Unfortunately, this also led to single parenthood being a very common thing throughout the kingdom. Hylain couples to be more specific.
In Zelda's case, she would've been forced to produce at least one heir with whomever her father chose as her suitor. Parenthood from there, would've been dependent on the both of them. For her, after her mother died she was basically raised by the chambermaids and other servants of the crown, so there was that option. But, because of that experience, she wanted to be very much involved in the development of her child's life.
She wouldn't wish that upon her worst enemy.
Everyone deserved two loving parents that were involved in their lives in her eyes. That's why when she found out about Link's case in particular, she could feel her heart rip out of her chest. Not only did one of his parents die in the line of duty, the other was driven to madness with grief and ended up killing them self. Maybe it was because she remembered how she felt that it made her heart instinctively reach out to him. After all, after her mother died, so too, did her father in a way. The once happy family turned upside down, due to a series of unfortunate events. The only difference being...
Zelda didn't like thinking about THAT woman. What she did to Link was cruel and inhumane in so many ways that it can be considered a miracle that he made it out of there alive, let alone with his mind intact. Part of her was thankful that he didn't remember that part of his past. Though, when understanding his past, it made her all the more blessed that he turned out the way he did. Otherwise, they may have never met, and she would've never had the chance to fall in love with him. When thinking about it, she figured that he turned out to be the gentle soul he ended up being, because he knew what it felt like to not have that happiness anymore. It helped her cope with what happened to him anyways. She could recall vividly, how upset she got when he began telling her about his childhood. So much so, that she had to rush to bathroom to empty her stomach.
However, it was these reasons that she truly believed that they can make a happy family together. Deep in heart, she knows that Link would make a great father, and believes that she could be a good mother too.
Bearing Link's child... it was something that she deeply wanted. Just as she felt ready to accept her feelings for Link, it was the same with wanting a little one.
Maybe even a few little ones.
She smiled at the thought.
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"Would you like to say something to her? I know you two never met, but I'm sure she'd appreciate the company."
Zelda nodded, "I'd love to." And went to kneel before the grave.
Umm... I'm not sure what to say here, but I'll do my best! It's nice to finally meet you! Link has told me only great things about the life he's had with you. I know he has many fond memories and misses you. This past year I've come to know Link, and I'm thankful to have him in my life. He's taught me so many things, and has been nothing short of wonderful. Thank you for bringing him into this world. I know that he was the light of your world, he is much the same in mine. What he's told me about you, reminds me much of my own mother. I'd like to think you two would've been good friends.
She remembered her thoughts the night prior.
Which brings me to my next point... I know I don't have any right to ask you of this being a failure of a princess and all, but... I feel it's the right thing to do, which is to ask for your blessing. To remain at his side always. I... I lo-love him. Sorry, this is harder to talk about than I thought.
Taking a few deep breaths to recollect herself, Zelda then continued.
He makes me smile more than anyone else, and I am the best me when I'm with him. And when he's gone, nothing feels right until I see him again. I need him, because I can't imagine a life where he's not there with me. When this battle with the Calamity is over, I wish to confront him about our feelings. Tell him that I want nothing more than to spend our days growing old together. I want to be the mother of his children and the wife he deserves. Nothing would make me happier than to be by his side for eternity. I know it's a l-lot to ask and... I'd understand if-
She suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around her, and her entire body lit up like a furnace. However, when she turned around, she was surprised to see that Link was still waiting by the cliffside.
It was then that it hit her. Zelda smiled, as she allowed the embrace to envelop her.
Thank you.
Finished with her prayer, she rejoined Link.
"You good?"
"Better than good!" she cheered.
She pulled out the necklace that had been tucked away, and noticed how the sapphires almost appeared to be glowing. Was it the strong spiritual ties that allowed her to feel the presence of his mother? The necklace hadn't done anything like that until she got here. Could it be a sign of her powers awakening? Or was there something else at play? Zelda wasn't certain what allowed for such a thing to happen, but there was one thing she was certain about. That she was glad that she came on this trip.
"Coming?" asked Link, who had went a little ways ahead.
Tucking the necklace away, "Coming!"
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She didn't know how Link felt towards having kids, but she hoped that he'd want one eventually, if not now. It would bring her no greater joy.
For now, she'd keep that thought for herself. She didn't want to burden him with too many thoughts, but if she managed to get pregnant, then they'd cross that bridge when the time came.
"We have to celebrate," she said.
"You want to tell everyone?"
"No, I mean just us. We'll tell the appropriate people when the time comes, but I do want the rite to be with only people that are close to us."
He nodded in assent, "It'll make it more special that way."
"I can't wait for that day. Link, you've made me the happiest woman in all of Hyrule," she said before peppering with kisses.
"How do you- propose- we celebrate...?" he said between kisses.
She gave him a mischievous grin, "I can think of a few ways."
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The next morning, Link decided to do a patrol on the outskirts of town. Much to the confusion of Zelda.
"A patrol? Why?"
"Monsters have attacked towns before, doing a check every now and then is just a necessary precaution."
"Let me go with you."
He shook his head, "It won't take me too long, I'll be back by breakfast."
That sprung an idea.
"Alright then," she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you soon."
And while Link went off to do a perimeter check of the village, Zelda began working on breakfast.
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In truth, Link didn't want Zelda to come because of the danger it posed. There have been times where he had been attacked while doing the patrol, so he didn't want to put her into unnecessary danger just because he wanted to see her. They may be lovers, but that didn't change his need to protect her.
Hateno Village doesn't really have any warriors to defend it. If it were attacked while I was away...
Seeing as how the two were about to resume their mission, this was just something to put his mind at ease. Link had seen many places get attacked along his journey. And there are still some places where you can't even set foot outside the village limits without fear of being attacked.
After making a home with Zelda, that urge to protect it only intensified.
However, about halfway through the patrol, Link's worst fears came to light.
Tracks... and many of them. Dozens of Bokoblins and Moblins by the looks of it.
But there was one set of tracks that caught his eye.
It couldn't possibly...?
There was no denying it, Link was absolutely sure that these particular set of tracks belonged to none other than the Gold Lynel.
He had to warn the others, warn Zelda, and try to get everyone to safety as he defended the village.
Of all the times for this to happen... Why does it have to be now? How long have they been staking out Hateno? Why is the Gold Lynel leading them no less? I thought he was a lone wolf.
It seemed that whenever something good happened, something bad would soon follow. Was it the result of that woman? He figured that maybe she had something to do with it, either way, he wasn't going to let her or anyone else destroy something good in his life anymore.
Not this time.
Now, it was time for the hero to do his part.
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"That was faster than expected. I've almost got-"
Zelda stopped mid-sentence when she seen Link out of breath in the doorway.
"What's wrong?" she asked, dropping everything to rush to his side.
"I need to get you, and everyone else out of here."
"What? Why? Tell me what's going on."
"There may not be a lot of time. The short version, this place isn't safe anymore."
She could feel her heart sink, everything was going so good, "You can't be serious. There's no way-"
Link shook his head, "I'm sorry, Zelda. This is news to me as well."
"But, our home... The villagers..." she was becoming visibly upset with each passing second.
"There's still a chance to save it. Not all hope is lost," he said between clenched teeth.
She noticed his knuckles turning white from how hard he was clenching his fist. And that's when she realized that it wasn't the time to be wallowing in fear.
She placed his fist in between her hands, and brought it to her chest, "I believe in you, love. Now tell me, what do you need me to do?"
A/N: Hopefully everyone had a good holidays?