The sun hung over the horizon.
The celebrations from the early morning were over and done with.
The Hylian Champion Link made it his job to wake up early in the morning and spread the news of Calamity Ganon's Defeat and the Princess' safety all around Hyrule.
Today was the first day free from the threat of Calamity Ganon.
And Everyone knew it.
It was roughly 10 AM when Link warped back to Hateno Village and hiked to his home. Zelda was still asleep in the loft bed.
"You were out early." Twilight yawned from the loft, his head sticking over the edge, ears drooping in exhaustion.
"Yeah, I spread the news about Ganon's defeat and Zelda's safety. Everyone's in good spirits now." Link set a sack of food on the table, collected from various stables and villages.
"I noticed. It was like a Harvest Festival out there." Twilight stood up and stretched, turning and walking down the stairs. "You think she would like that?"
Link cast a hard glance to the grey wolf, as if questioning.
"What?" He seemed defensive.
"She won't be bothered." Link said, putting a box on the table. "I didn't tell them She would be with me."
"Good for you." Twilight yawned, crawling under the kitchen table. "Wake me up when you tell her that."
Link smirked, what Twilight didn't know is that he had an ace up his sleeve. Setting a box on the table, he changed into something more comfortable, namely a green tunic with white stitching. He rolled up his sleeves and began taking out ingredients for breakfast.
Some Ham, Stamella Mushrooms, and Fresh Milk for a energizing breakfast that would keep them going throughout the day. Taking the first two ingredients in arm, he tossed them into the cooking pot. He bent over and opened a drawer containing some utensils, grabbing a ladle and a fire rod. He ignited the wood underneath the pot, setting the fire rod away for future use, then began mixing up the pot.
He hummed happily to himself as he became engrossed in his cooking, reaching around to add butter and bits of spice. Soon, the heavenly smell of cooked ham filled the house. He only realized Zelda was awake when she appeared leaning on the loft railing.
"Good morning, Link." She yawned, stretching her limbs, she had slept in her Champion's tunic. She sniffed the air. "Mmm, That smells divine!"
Link took a moment to step away from the pot and pull out a chair at the table for her, before returning to his work. Zelda smiled her sweet smile, walking down from the loft and taking a seat.
She nearly kicked Twilight, who gave a growl when her feet began resting on his back. She gave an apolegetic smile, moving her feet away from him.
Zelda noticed the Sheikah Slate on the table, resting on a box. She reached for the device, turning it to lay flat on her palm as she scrolled through the logs. She was impressed, Link had logged every single quest and task he had done since he'd awoken. The most recent quest, Defeat Ganon, marked complete just last night.
What was even more impressive is that every shrine and sheikah tower was discovered and ready to be warped to.
"Incredible! Link, how did you do so much in such a short time?" She gazed up from the Slate to Link, who was still humming to himself. She smiled at the happy expression he wore on his face.
It disappeared after a second, when he whipped his head around in surprise. "I'm sorry, Princess, can you repeat that?"
She held up the slate. "I said, How did you complete so much in such a short time? It seems impossible to do that much!"
He blinked, scratching the back of his head. "I wouldn't call 6 months a short amount of time. Come to think of it, I should've just gotten the Master Sword, freed the Divine Beasts, then save you. I wasted alot of time."
"What about your memories?" Zelda set the slate down, frowning in concern. "Those were important too."
His face went blank, a faint sadness in his eyes as he scratched his cheek. "When I woke, and I found out about Ganon and you...I wanted to go save you then and there...Memories be damned. I cared about you even though I didn't know who you were."
Zelda's eyes went wide in surprise, her heart fluttering at those unexpected words. She blushed, focusing back on the Sheikah Slate, Link turned back to the cooking pot.
A fog of awkwardness hung in the room thicker than the smoke from the food.
"Um...What was your reward for completing all the Shrine Trials?" Zelda attempted to break the silence.
"You're looking at it, Princess." Link remarked, grabbing some plates.
Confused, she looked up just in time for him to set a plate of ham in front of her, before walking over to the other end of the table and sitting down. Zelda continued to stare at him in confusion. Sensing she wanted him to elaborate, he stood right back, motioning to himself.
That's when she noticed what he was wearing. A green tunic with white stitching on the neckline and baggy white trousers with knee high boots.
"It also came with this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a green cloth that when unfurled, Zelda realized was a cap.
He set it on the table, and sat back down. Zelda still stared at him with curious eyes, it was actually starting to irritate him, he averted his gaze as he used to in her presence 100 years ago.
"Try it on." He looked back up to her.
"What?"
"I said, try it on." She placed her hands on the table. "I want to see what you look like with it on."
He blinked, confused, grabbing the cap and fitting it onto his head, the long end hanging down his back.
"It looks good on you." Zelda smiled, clapping her hands together. "It's like you were always meant to wear it."
There was a snort from Twilight under the table, Link resisted the urge to kick him.
"It's pretty comfortable." He took the cap off, running hand through his hair. "Most comfortable thing I've ever worn."
Zelda smile didn't fade as she tried some of the food Link had prepared, her green eyes widening in surprise. "Wow, Link! This is really delicious!"
It was his turn to smile, happy that someone appreciated his cooking. Zelda nearly forgot all the etiquette for eating as she enjoyed the meal. She stopped midway when she looked up to Link, who still sat watching her.
"Aren't you going to eat?" She asked.
Link seemed surprised. "It would be improper of me to eat in the presence of the Princess."
Zelda blinked, before letting out a huge sigh. "Link, people who cared of such things are long dead I'm afraid."
He became uneasy. "Well Yeah, but-"
"But nothing, if you're hungry, then you eat." She pointed a fork menacingly at him. "Now, are you hungry?"
He shrunk down a little, but gave a little "Yes". He seemed like a little kid being scolded as he got up and made his own plate, sitting back down and eating silently. Zelda only continued to eat when he did, so the silence prolonged until they were both finished.
Link took the plates and stacked them on the counter to clean later.
"What are our plans for today, Link?" Zelda asked, looking back to the Sheikah Slate. He gave her a curious glance.
"Umm...I don't know, I thought you would've liked to do something today." He opened a chest and pulled out his Champion's tunic.
"Oh yes, I forgot! We must inform the people of Hyrule that Calamity Ganon is no longer a threat." She already zoomed across the Slate's map. "We can start in this village and later go to Kakariko-"
"Already covered, Princess." Link interupted, earning a glare.
"What?"
"Heh...I kinda went out this morning and spread the news myself. Every village and stable in Hyrule knows." He shrugged. "I didn't want you to work yourself to the bone on your first day of freedom."
Zelda stared at him in disbelief. On one hand, it was considerate of him to do that. On the other hand, now she had no plans for today. Her lip curled in irritation.
"So now I'll have people bowing to me in the road?" She groaned, placing a hand to her temple.
"Nope, I only told them Ganon was defeated and the princess was safe. I never told them that you'd be with me."
"Oh." That did make matters a little bit better. Still, with nothing to do today, it was going to be boring.
"If you want, Princess. We can always go with my routine." Link offered.
"Oh? And how does that play out?" Zelda stood up from the table.
"Usually with the Yiga trying to kill me." Link admitted. "But I only have business in Hateno and Kakariko today, so no danger. besides, it'll be fun and we can meet up with Purah and Impa."
Zelda clapped her hands together, meeting Purah and Impa after so long would be delightful. But one problem came to her attention when she realized, One, she had slept in her champion's tunic, her only clothes at the moment, and Two, she was covered in mud.
Link noticed her looking at her tunic in distaste, smiling to himself at the opportunity.
"Hey, Zelda." Her whipped around in surprise, he kicked himself for breaking protocol again. Habits. "I mean, Princess. Open that Box on the table, It's for you."
She looked over to the Kitchen table, seeing only the box from earlier. Link walked over to her as she grabbed the lid and began pulling it off. She set the lid to the side and gazed into the box, eyes going wide in surprise.
Inside were three simple dresses, a blue one, a white one, and a grey one. All were quite similar to her previous white one, but these bore Hateno markings. Zelda ran a hand along one, the fabric incredibly soft and seamless. At the bottom were three pairs of traveling shoes and frocks. Underneath the dresses was a pair of white breeches and a simple brown tunic with rough fabric, not as durable as the Champion's Tunic, but it was close.
"I got them this morning." Link smiled. "What do you think?"
"They're marvelous, however..." She said with a bit of annoyance, giving him a flat look. "But, if I recall, I told you I'd rather not have people bowing to me in the streets."
"Okay, First: You just now told me that." Link inclined his head. "Second: That's what the Tunic is for, you could probably tie your hair back while you're at it. Besides, a lot of the women in Hateno wear these, nobody's gonna recognize you!"
Zelda's gaze remained fixated on him, still slightly irritated. If looks could kill, he'd be on his way to an early grave. Link sighed in defeat and looked off to side, sapphire eyes dulled a bit.
Honestly, a bit of gratitude would be appreciated...
Before he could get too lost in thought, he realized Zelda was repeating his name.
"Hmm?" He turned back finally.
Zelda put her hands on her hips, frustration on her features. "I said, If we are truly to depart soon, is there somewhere I can bathe? I'd prefer not having mud stains on me while walking around. It wouldn't be proper."
"Pfft, 'Proper' she says." He grumbled, scratching his head. "Uh...there's a bathhouse in town, but if you don't prefer that, there's a hot spring up the mountain."
Zelda pursed her lips in thought. "I think I'd prefer the Hot Spring. Unless there are many people there?"
Link shook his head, turning around to go change. Zelda grabbed the white dress from the box and some shoes, waiting by the front door patiently until Link came back dressed his Champion Tunic and Hylian hood, the Master Sword and Hylian Shield on his back.
Link led her to the Hot Spring, which as Link had said, had nary a single soul there. He respectfully turned his back to her as she bathed, walking down a bit of the hill. He sat down on a rock, tip of the master sword on the ground with his hands and chin resting on the pommel.
Twilight had followed them up there, laying down next to the rock, facing the same direction. Both of their sapphire eyes held the same boredom.
"Y'know, Wild. Being a goat herder doesn't sound so bad right now." He snarked, just low enough so Zelda didn't hear him.
"Shut up..." Link sighed. "Wait...I thought you said you became a Royal Guard?"
"I did. When I turned like thirty, I was already married and had kids by then." Twilight yawned. "Unlike you, the Princess and I didn't tie the knot."
"We didn't-" Link's protest fell dead, he sighed again. "Why didn't you marry her?"
He often went along with Twilight's rambling, with a little hope to hear more of the Wolf's past.
"Oh please." Twilight huffed. "We never even had a relationship. I was seen as a Hero, a noble even, by the citizens, yet in the eyes of the actual Nobles, I was a mere goat herder. But now that I've seen your life, I'm glad I was doing that."
The wolf stood up. "But I guess with all you're potential love interests gone, I guess you have to settle for the next best thing."
"That's just cruel." Link muttered.
Twilight gave a literal wolfish grin. "I know. See ya later."
With that, his fur turned an inky black as he burst into square pieces before shooting up into the sky. Link would've stared up if he even cared. Sometimes he wondered why Twilight tried to spread his cynicism everywhere.
"Who were you talking to?" Link spun around to see Zelda, now clean and dressed in her white dress.
"My Wolf." He said truthfully.
"Funny." Zelda responded blankly. "Where to now?"
He stood up from the rock, brushing off the seat of his pants. He pointed the Master Sword to the village. "General Store, then up to Purah."
Zelda nodded, confused on why he would go the General Store. His home seemed stocked full of ingredients this morning.
The sun high above them when they entered town. Link seemed to be more on edge than usual, blame it on instinct.
"Hey, Link." Zelda whispered as they passed by the modular homes. He only inclined his head to tell her he was listening.
"I think it would be better if you didn't call me Princess in front of everyone. I don't mind it, but I think people will catch on if you do."
He stopped and gave her a conflicted look. He was okay with that, but his habits and instincts weren't. Reluctantly, he gave her a nod. He would've questioned that if he called her Zelda, giving the news he spread earlier that day, people would Still catch on. But he decided to go with it.
Ivee was outside, still doing her thing. Leaning on her broom and greeting those who walked past. "Oh, Hello Link!" She smiled brightly, waving. She looked over his shoulder curiously at Zelda. "And who's this lovely girl with you?"
"A friend." Link shuffled a bit on his feet. "Is your father here? I've brought some ore to sell."
"Of course, go right in." She opened the door and ushered them inside. "Lucky~" She whispered to Zelda as she walked past.
Zelda didn't realize she was blushing until the door shut behind her and Link was already talking to the owner.
"Morning, Pruce." Link greeted, setting his pack onto the counter. "I've got some more ore to sell, if you don't mind."
"Of course not! The things you bring in have kept business booming, not to mention clearing trade routes of Taluses." Pruce laughed. "Let's see what you've got."
Link opened his pack and began taking out an assortment of gems and ore. He sorted them into piles as Pruce already began calculating the total worth of them.
When he closed his pack, there were stacks of Twenty Amber, Sixteen Opals, Ten Sapphires, and Two Diamonds. Zelda gawked at all the precious stones he had been carrying around this entire time. That man, Pruce, had mentioned Taluses? As in a Stone Talus? Link had fought those things?
"Hmm...This will roughly equal..." Pruce counted some silver rupees. "Humph! 10,000 Rupees!"
Zelda stared as he deposited the counted currency into Link's palm, putting the rest away for safety, then sweeping the ore into a bag. He clapped his hands together. "Now then, will there be anything else?"
Link answered by walked to the right side of the store and gathering up as many arrows as he could, then setting a couple of silver rupees on the counter.
"You run through alot of arrows." Pruce chuckled, scooping up the rupees and setting them away. "Have a good one."
Link gave a wave and signaled Zelda to follow, all the while stuffing his quiver with his freshly acquired arrows. Once he was done, he looked up to the anxiously waiting Princess.
"Now to the Lab." He said, opening the door for her and shutting it behind him when they walked out.
"Lab?" She repeated in interest.
"Yep, Purah runs a lab for studying Ancient Sheikah Tech." He pointed to the top of the Hill dominating over the village. "I do have to warn you, she is...different from before."
From the questioning glance she gave him, Link knew this would probably be either hilarious or emotional...for Twilight that is, the damn Wolf always showed up at the most convenient of times.
"It's better if you just see it." Link assured her, offering his hand. She looked at him funny, then gave a smile and gladly took his hand.
It was when they were outside the lab that Link realized what he was doing, thankfully Zelda had let go when she ran ahead to intently study the Ancient Flame. Link passed her and knocked on the door, with no answer and a couple of noises that sounded like test tubes breaking, he pushed the door open.
"Oh my Goddesses." Purah pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration from atop her stool. Symin frantically fanning a blue flame erupting from a broken tube on the floor. "I told you to hold it Vertically, not Horizontally!"
"You said Horizontally!" Symin almost yelled back.
"I did not- Ah forgot it." She turned around, eyes widening when she saw Link standing in the doorway. "Hey! Linky, your back! We heard that you...defeated...Calamity...Ga..."
She had begun to do her little hand gestures and smile brightly, but Completely faltered when Zelda stepped out from behind Link. Zelda cocked her head at the odd little girl, her green eyes scanning her features, then going wide.
Link witnessed the most horrific silence he had ever known as they stared at one another, eyes filled with recognition. Purah's face soon contorted into complete horror, while Zelda's lips curled into an delighted, amused smile.
It all came to a head when Zelda pulled Purah into a huge hug, with the little girl wailing in embarrassment and the Princess laughing heartily. "Purah! You're so small and cute now!"
"No Princess! Let me go! This is so embarrassing! You weren't supposed to see me like this!" Purah cried.
Link couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, which completely defied his expectation. He Had expected Zelda to cry along with Purah, but that wasn't the case given the Princess was swinging the smaller sheikah in circles, a behavior not quite fitting for royalty.
"Hey Link." Symin said over the noise, handing a Torch to Link. "Do me a favor, can you light this with an Ancient Flame?"
Link nodded, taking the torch and stepping outside, sticking the the end into the Furnace outside the door. That's when he showed up, right on cue.
"Hey Wild, what'd I miss?" Twilight trotted from behind the building, wincing once his ears picked up the cries and laughter that escaped outside. "The hell? Are they killing each other in there?"
"Zelda thinks it's funny, but I don't think Purah thinks so." Link chuckled to himself.
"Well, She's gonna have the whole village up here if she keeps screaming." He sniffed at the Ancient Flame in distaste. "What're you doing?"
Link withdrew the torch, the end burning blue. "Symin wanted some of the Ancient Flame, I'm just grabbing it for him."
Twilight snorted. "Well, I stand corrected! Your life Is no different from herding goats, is it?"
Link gave him a glare. "Do wolves really hate fire?"
Twilight bared his teeth, returning the glare. "Try me."
Before their confrontation could escalate, the Lab door opened. Twilight flinched, beginning to warp away before anyone saw him. "Your ass is mine tomorrow." He growled as he faded into black particles.
"Link, did-" Symin poked his head out, almost headbutting Link. He looked at the Torch, specifically the blue flame. "Oh, Thank you." He grabbed the torch from him and returned inside, Link rushing in before the door shut.
"Why would you test a de-aging experiment on yourself?" Zelda looked down at the tiny Sheikah. "It was selfless, but it could've de-aged you into infancy!"
Purah pouted. "I know! When I first tested it, I only aged back to my 50's, then my 30's, then 20's. Next thing I know, I had regressed back into a teenager, then a child!"
"If you were messing with Runes, couldn't you have put an Age lock on it?" Zelda offered.
Purah froze, then facepalmed when she heard her words. "Oh my Nayru, I can't believe I didn't think of that!"
While they talked, Link shuffled around the room to where Symin was. He brought up a ancient lamp, like the ones around the village and up the hill, only handheld. He set the lantern in the corner of the room, lighting it with the torch before snuffing the torch itself out.
"What were you trying to do anyway?" Link asked, watching Symin take a wisp of blue flame and place it in a tube surrounded by several rocks.
"We were trying to apply the ancient flame to an arrow, but first we were trying to find out how to make the Flame itself and not regular fire stay." He explained. "You've lit an arrow with Ancient Flame, right?"
Link nodded. "Yeah, but it only burned for a couple of seconds."
"Exactly, Ancient Flame burns hotter than normal flames, so a Ancient Flame-fire arrow would be more effective." Symin frowned. "But if you ask me, it's completely impractical."
Link narrowed his eyes at that and nodded in agreement. Who in their right mind would even bother with the setup if you're just going to run through the arrows anyway. It seemed like a waste.
Before he knew it, several hours had passed as he and Symin discussed the Hyrule Compendium and Zelda and Purah caught up and talked research, using terms Link didn't really understand.
"Link!" The Knight turned at his name.
"Princess?"
"Purah said we should go ahead and head to Kakariko and see Impa." Zelda said, hand on her hip. "It's almost sunset."
"You really should." Purah snickered. "Unlike me, she isn't getting any younger."
Link cocked his head in confusion, glancing down at the Sheikah Slate. "6PM? How did that happen..."
"Time flies." Zelda said, annoyed. "We should go, I haven't seen Impa in forever."
Link pursed his lips. "Alright."
After some goodbyes and promises to visit again, they stepped outside. Link grabbed the Sheikah Slate and selected Kakariko Village, him and the Princess disappearing into thin blue wisps of light.
Paya smiled, standing on the cliff next to the nearby Shrine. In the distance, across the bay, river, and hills was the shadow of Hyrule Castle. The tall spires highlighting the final glow of the the waning sun.
Day One of Ganon's absence was almost over.
The only thing that really concerned her that day was the rapidly approaching Storm Clouds coming in from the mountains.
She only worried when the sun set halfway and the first few drops of rain came. As she turned to walk back down the hill, she nearly jumped out of her skin when Link appeared in front of her.
"YAAAH!" She shrieked, falling into the grass. Link whirled around in surprise and confusion.
"Paya? I'm sorry, I didn't know you were up here." He offered a hand to her. The young Sheikah's cheeks already blushing a deep red.
"I-it's fine, M-master Link!" She thankfully took his hand and stood up. "I-um come up here often now, s-since Ganon is, y'know, gone now. The castle looks magnificent in the sunset!"
Link only gave a light smile to her stuttering, something about it always calmed her down.
"Yeah...Sorry." She awkwardly cleared her throat, that's when she noticed the girl in the white dress standing behind him, watching her curiously.
It took her, maybe, three seconds to realize who she was.
"Lady Zelda!" She gasped, hands cupping over her mouth. "Thank Goodness you're safe!"
The Princess on the other hand, cocked her head. "I don't believe we have met." She studied Paya's garb. "You are Sheikah, correct?"
"Oh, yes I am! My name is Paya, Impa's granddaughter." She bowed her head respectfully, Zelda inwardly cringed at the action.
"Oh, but it's about to storm soon. We should get you inside before you get wet."
Link nodded. "That would be the best course of action."
"Very well, follow me then." Paya waved her hand and began walking down the hill.
Link felt Zelda playfully nudge him. "Does every girl stutter like that around you?"
Link was about to give a snarky retort, but frowned instead, peering out from underneath his hood. "Did they?"
They both stared at each for a moment. Zelda let out a sad laugh, she wouldn't really know. She had been more worried about herself, not paying much attention to Link until well into his career as her appointed knight.
There was the problem of his memories, as amusing of an response it was, there was a sad truth in his retort. His memories were still incomplete, Zelda would have to find a way to trigger the rest.
Deciding to act on it later, she followed after Paya, Link followed closely behind.
More good fortune for them, everyone had taken shelter for the incoming storm, so there were no villagers bowing to her in the street. Moving from the village center and into the largest hut, Paya opened the double doors and ushered them inside, just as the downpour arrived.
That meant more chores tomorrow on her part.
Zelda stepped into the hut, looking around at the many ornaments and Sheikah emblems scattered around. In the center of the room, upon a pillow, sat an old woman with a large hat.
"Hmm..." She grumbled, peered up from underneath the rim. "I never thought I'd live to see this day." She sighed, a small smile on her face. "I guess the return of the Hero should've told me otherwise."
Zelda knelt down in front of the woman, studying her face intently.
"Impa?" She said at last.
The elder sighed. "I'm afraid so, You haven't aged a day since I saw you."
Zelda smiled, tears of happiness in her eyes. "I would say the same thing, but I would be lying."
Impa chuckled. "I wouldn't recommend telling other people that. They don't know that your humor needs work."
Zelda laughed, wrapping her old friend in a hug.
Link and Paya stood in the corner watching the exchange, both with happy smiles.
"A hundred years in the making..." The hero said quietly. "We slumbered through it, while you all waited. It must've been...hard for you all."
"We picked our battles." Paya folded her hands and eased, looking at him. "It...was difficult, but we had faith in you both."
"Hmm..." He hummed, unsure. "Can you get two beds ready? I don't think we'll make it to the inn."
"Of course, Master Link." She bowed respectfully, walking off quickly to do so.
The act garnered mixed feeling from Link. Being a Royal Knight had it's benefits, but only once had anyone ever bowed to him. When he had drawn the Master Sword, that is. An entire legion of his fellow soldier bending knee to him like he was a General.
Bowing was meant to show one's respect to those who are being bowed to, yet He didn't want to be respected.
Entitlement wasn't his cup of tea.
He looked back to the reunion, Zelda asking the elder a thousand questions a minute, his own smile returning with strain.
Maybe it wouldn't be so bad...
The next morning proved him wrong.
"THIS IS 5,188 WORDS! ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?"
Link is conflicted, in the similar way of his Combat skills. He has the habits of a monitored, heavily routine Knight without the Memories of one, and the personality of a sarcastic snark lord. In short, his true personality and his old habits are making him struggle in Zelda's presence, especially since his memory is incomplete.
If you notice, Twilight and Link both have similar personalities...It must run in the family. Also, It seems Twilight has picked up some of Midna's quirks.
As for Purah and Symin. For some reason, aside from the Sheikah Slate upgrades, I always imagined them doing insane experiments that sound awesome in theory...But are Completely impractical.
Selling Ore and buying arrows sums up about 40% of my time spent in BoTW.
Also, The Tunic of the Wild is represented entirely, except for the trousers. He's Actually wearing the Trousers of Twilight. I like to think he found the Trousers of the Wild (More like the Bootie-Shorts of the Wild) impractical to combat, so he swapped them out.