LOVE IN A TIME OF CALAMITY
Part 2: After Catastrophe
Chapter 7: Friends

Excuses for my lateness can be found at the bottom.

Warnings: None

"How did you feel today, overall?"

"Quite well."

"Any more headaches, body aches… fatigue?"

"No."

"That's great to hear. I believe this morning's prognosis has born out. Though, if you will bear with me Princess, I'd like to do one last treatment."

Zelda nodded politely, expecting no less.

It had been the same thing every day the past three days; every morning and evening healer Ravio came in for a check-up and asked a series of questions, to which she responded dutifully, if wearily, each time. She understood their concern, especially with her father… They needed to make sure that the crown Princess was well and fully recovered—she was all they had. That realization alone gave her the patience to politely endure Ravio and his staff's fussing, no matter how much it grated on her nerves.

She just wanted to be left alone… It was as if there'd been a revolving door on her chambers since her awakening, with nurses and maids and healers and Impa entering and exiting on rotation; never a moments peace except to let her sleep. A few times she had even resorted to feigning tiredness just to get a little solitude and time for her own thoughts.

Zelda lay back in bed, resting against the pile of pillows stacked against the headboard as Ravio raised his arm above her. Motioning up and down her torso, she dully tracked the soft glow emanating from her skin through her gown just below his hand, feeling the familiar sensation of warm water flowing through her as he "cleared her energy pathways" and "purified her centers of energy". Those rare souls gifted with healing magic, Ravio especially, knew a great deal about how energy, including magical energy, was channeled through the body. Though she didn't fully understand the finer points, her scholarly mind found it fascinating and admired Ravio's expertise.

"All done. You are indeed well and truly recovered! I will return tomorrow to check on you before the afternoon's council meeting. Please rest well, your Highness."

Slowly Zelda sat back up, nodding to the man. Despite her annoyance, she was grateful. There were many in the kingdom in need of such dutiful care after the calamity who would never see it.

"Thank you, Ravio. Your efforts and attention are greatly appreciated. Make sure you get some rest as well, I imagine your time has been in high demand these past few days."

A smile crept upon the face of the weary healer and he bowed, his mop of black hair falling into his face.

"Thank you, your Highness. I will see you in the morning."

Turning to the chair beside her bed, an object which had become a fixture of the room to accommodate her constant rotation of visitors, he snapped his medical bag closed, taking it in hand and making his way to the door. As it opened, she could hear the hustle and bustle of nurses and doctors navigating the hall as they went from room to room, tending to their patients. She briefly caught sight of Link, just a flash of his shaggy blond hair and blue Champion's tunic as he stepped out of the way to allow Ravio to pass before the door closed once more, leaving her in the blessed silence of an empty room.

Zelda sighed. She'd hardly had a chance to talk to Link since the night she'd awoken. Inwardly she cringed. Every time she thought back to that night, her face burned with embarrassment. Goddesses, what a pathetic excuse for a Princess she was! She was supposed to be royalty, not some damsel in distress. Groveling on the floor like that… it was shameful! If her childhood tutors could have seen her, they'd have been horrified. Sure she'd been disoriented and distraught, but she was raised and trained to be better than that. Such behavior was inexcusable, especially if she was going to rule the Kingdom, however temporarily. At least she hoped it was temporary.

And yet… she did mean what she said. She did need a friend, and he was really the only other person who understood all that she'd been through—that they'd been through. Though she was close to Urbosa, she had her hands full as chieftain of the Gerudo, laden down with her own responsibilities and concerns. When she wasn't occupied with her duties as a Champion, something that was soon to demand less and less of her time, she was in Gerudo Town tending to the needs of her people. Her visits to the Castle were brief, and usually expressly made for the purpose of attending special council meetings with Muava, the Gerudo representative to the Royal Council.

Another sigh escaped her as she fidgeted with a lock of her hair, running her fingers through the strands absently. She didn't regret the sentiments, just wished she could have conveyed them more… appropriately. She needed to apologize to Link somehow, but the when was proving elusive.

Though it had only been a few minutes since Ravio left, a knock sounded at the door announcing the arrival of a new visitor. Annoyance flared briefly within her—yet another moment of solitude interrupted, but she forced it away as she straightened her hair and called out calmly, "Come in."

The door clicked and a tall, tanned figure entered into the room. Zelda's irritation was forgotten entirely upon seeing the woman cross the threshold.

"Urbosa!"

The elegant Gerudo shut the door behind her, placing a hand on her hip as she surveyed the Princess seated on her bed with a smile.

"My little bird! You are looking well after such a battle."

Zelda couldn't suppress a grin as Urbosa made her way to the bed side, arms wide. She took in the whole and healthy figure of her dearest friend: save for a bandage wrapped around the length of her forearm and an oddly-shaped scar on her calf, Urbosa looked utterly untouched. As she reached the bed, Zelda was enveloped in a tight hug. She returned the sentiment wholeheartedly, relishing in the warm embrace.

"Urbosa, it is so good to see you!"

Urbosa gently released the Princess then pulled the chair closer to her and took a seat, responding warmly, "It's good to see you too".

"You know, you are the first person to visit over the past few days who I'm actually happy to see. It's been nothing but healer after nurse after maid, all fussing over me."

Urbosa chuckled, lifting one leg over the other as she settled into her seat.

"Getting the full royal treatment, then?"

Zelda gave a mocking tilt of her head.

"So it would seem."

The Gerudo smiled in amusement. "They've done a good job at least, you look as fit as I've ever seen you; and word around Hyrule has it as quite the battle."

Zelda's smile faltered. "Ah, yes, the rumor-mongering. I haven't given much thought to that." With a self-deprecating grimace, she queried, "Dare I ask what is being said of me?"

Urbosa laughed at the Princess' worried expression. "You needn't fear, it is nothing bad—quite the contrary. The people are absolutely in love with you—they're calling you the Princess of Destiny."

Zelda did a mental double-take as she was shocked into momentary silence. A part of her had expected the people to blame her for the destruction, that her failure to unlock her powers sooner had caused what could have been easily prevented. Instead, they… loved her?

"I—what?"

Urbosa chuckled, a twinkle in her eye "Bit of a change, I know, but the citizens of Hyrule are a fickle folk. All it seems to take these days to change their minds is to turn into a floating, glowing goddess of light that can vanquish evil incarnate with the flick of a wrist."

Zelda laughed at the exaggerated description as Urbosa pinned her with a knowing look. Well if you put it that way… But it wasn't like she'd really done much, Link was the one who'd had to face the beast head-on.

A mischeivious expression stole over the Gerudo's face as she spoke once more.

"Yes, the talk of the town is quite in your favor. If anyone has anything to fear, it would be Link."

Zelda cocked her head in confusion, mind still stuck on the idea that her people might actually think positively of her for once. "Link? Why would he have something to fear?"

Urbosa smiled slyly, gesticulating with her hands and bangle bracelets jingling as she spoke, "Oh, he has a fan club now, filled with… swooning fangirls." She said the word with an odd combination of humor and distaste, "They are calling him the 'Hero of Hyrule', the most talented warrior and the most eligible bachelor in all the Kingdom. I must have heard dozens of young women declare their intent to marry the 'dreamy hero' on my way here. Even the castle maids can't stop talking about him."

Fangirls? As her mind wrapped around the phrase, Zelda burst into a fit of giggles. "Re-really?" she laughed, struggling to maintain her composure. She imagined Link running pell-mell out of Menoat with a dozen screaming, swooning women hot on his heels waving tokens in the air. The thought only made her laugh harder.

Urbosa chuckled with her, offering an amused expression. "I tell no lies."

As her laughter faded, a smile spread across Zelda's face and the two fell into a companionable silence. She felt lighter, less weighed down by her worries; Urbosa always knew how to lift her mood.

"Thank you for coming, Urbosa. It's been a stressful few days and it's nice to be able to relax for once."

Urbosa raised an eyebrow, "Isn't that what you were supposed to be doing all this time? Those docs haven't been running you ragged, have they?"

Zelda gave a breathy laugh, "I appreciate and understand their concern, but it has been a bit much. I've barely had a moment to myself since I awoke."

Urbosa eyed her consolingly. "I'm sure they mean well. But in any case, I'm glad I can offer some peace."

Urbosa reached forward to grip Zelda's hand, giving a gentle squeeze, which she returned appreciatively. Looking down where their hands met her eyes were caught by the bandage wrapped around her forearm. Without thinking she reached forward with her free hand towards the wrapping. At her unexpected touch Urbosa shirked away, wincing. The Princess' eyes softened as she gazed at the covered wound, guilt welling unexpectedly within her. Urbosa quickly noticed her change of mood and spoke up. Waving her free hand as though she could bat away Zelda's worries, she spoke airily.

"It's fine, Princess, no need to worry. It will heal soon enough."

But Zelda could see through Urbosa's efforts, had begun to notice the way she favored it. Whatever it was, it had been serious, and despite treatment it still hurt.

"What happened?" in the divine beast? The latter half of the question remained unspoken, but it was understood regardless. Zelda watched her friend closely. She knew it would probably hurt to hear, but she had to know. She had to know what she'd caused. Urbosa met her gaze carefully before giving a resigned sigh.

"Ganon sent a blight to infest Vah Nabooris. It was a great, black beast which possessed Nabooris' powers. It attacked with lightning, and towards the end of my battle with it, it got lucky. Lightning struck my shield, and it exploded on my arm." She released Zelda's hand to raise her bandaged arm as she gave a carefully calculated shrug, as though to convey the casual nature of it all.

A pit settled into Zelda's stomach. If only she'd unlocked her power sooner… Briefly, Zelda glanced from Urbosa's arm to her face—to the kind eyes which had comforted her throughout so much of her childhood, the thick eyebrows she used to waggle to amuse her when they hid indoors on a hot day in Gerudo Town, and the friendly smile that always managed to cheer her. Urbosa was like the older sister she never had, one who had always looked out for her. And once the tables had been reversed, she'd failed to live up to the task.

Zelda's hand hovered above the bandage, wanting so badly to soothe her pain but afraid of touching the still-tender wound. Briefly, she darted her eyes up, and Urbosa's gentle expression said the very thing Zelda needed to hear: 'It's not your fault, and I don't blame you'. A surge of emotion flowed through her, equal parts affection and determination. She wouldn't fail to protect those she loved again. She wouldn't.

Suddenly a bright light surged from beneath her hand, momentarily blinding and disorienting her. With a gasp of surprise both women looked away. As the light dimmed, Zelda cracked her eyes open, glancing towards where she'd thought the light to have come from. What was that? Urbosa gazed in dumbfounded shock at her arm, which she quickly withdrew. With nimble fingers she began to rapidly remove the bandage with her other hand.

"Urbosa?" Zelda queried, unsure.

As she began to reveal the skin of her arm—dark amber and unblemished, Urbosa's eyes widened in surprise. Increasing the speed at which she pulled the bandage from her arm, more unblemished skin appeared. As the last of the wrapping was pulled away, she raised her head to meet Zelda's baffled expression, face slowly transforming into an impressed grin.

"Well look at you! Savior of Hyrule and healer extraordinaries!"

Zelda was baffled. She looked from Urbosa's arm to her grinning face, then back again, struggling to grasp what she'd done. What had she done?

"I—well… I… had no idea I could… do that," she finished lamely.

Urbosa chuckled, running a hand over her newly healed arm in appreciative surprise, "Well, I'm glad you can, and that you did. You saved me many months of frustration."

As her shock and confusion slowly faded—after all, what was one more shocker to add to her ever-increasing list?—Zelda smiled. It seemed there was a good deal more to her powers than she thought. And though what she really wished was to have spared Urbosa the injury in the first place, she was glad she could at least ease the aftermath. Even if she didn't know how she'd done it, or how she could ever repeat it.

Urbosa raised her head to meet the Princess' gaze, smiling. Lifting a hand forward to brush away a stray strand of hair from Zelda's face, she spoke tenderly. "You really are quite special, Princess. You will make a wonderful Regent."

At the mention of her upcoming ascension, Zelda felt a weight settle in the pit of her stomach but did her best to keep her expression light. She appreciated the complement, but she was currently trying very hard not to think about the following day's council meeting.

A knock came at the door, pulling Zelda from her thoughts. Both women turned.

"Come in!" Zelda called

The door slowly creaked open and a young maid with a thick Lake accent stepped through carrying a silver platter laden with food. Catching Urposa's eye, she bowed hastily.

"Beggin' yer pardon, Lady Urbosa, but 'tis 'er Highness' dinnertime."

The maid stepped through and closed the door softly behind. As she made her way to the desk set beneath the tiled glass window, plates carefully balanced by delicate footfalls, Urbosa turned back to Zelda.

"Ah, I suppose I should be getting something to eat, too. I'll leave you to your dinner," Reaching out to grasp her hand once more, Urbosa offered a light squeeze and a tender smile, "I'm so glad to see you doing well."

Zelda smiled in return, surprised at how sad she felt to see Urbosa go.

"Thanks for stopping in to see me. It was good to see you,"

"You too, little bird." Offering a small wave and a grin, she turned and left through the door.

A light clatter sounded from across the room as the maid placed her meal atop the table. She smiled jovially as she turned to face her, curly red hair bouncing as she gestured at the platter.

"Tonight 'tis Chef Pumm's famous Pun'kin soup! Enjoy, yer Highness!"

Zelda smiled wanly, attempting to be polite. As soon as Urbosa had shut the door behind her, much of her cheer seemed to have departed as well.

"Thank you, Meredith. I'm sure its delicious."

Meredith stepped towards the door, still smiling broadly; but she didn't immediately leave.

"I… If I may be so bold, yer Highness, I'd like to say that all of us down in th' kitchen are so 'appy t' see you doin' well. Why, if it weren't for you an' Master Link, well, we prob'ly wouldn't be 'ere! So… thank you, yer Highness—for keepin' us all safe."

Zelda stared uncomprehending for several moments before the maid's words processed. No one had… thanked her. The very notion seemed somehow silly. She'd always viewed sealing the Calamity as just a part of her duty as the Princess of Hyrule, just as she would perform the opening blessing at the Necluda harvest festival. And with all the judgment and anger that had been directed towards her prior to the calamity for her failure to unlock her power over the course of her ten years of training, this strange new world of appreciation and admiration was utterly and unnervingly foreign. Despite that, however, Zelda felt warmth stir in her chest at the maid's heartfelt words, and she smiled in response. "Thank you, Meredith. That is… really very kind of you."

Meredith seemed to grin a little brighter, bowing deeply before the seated Princess.

"Yer very welcome, yer Highness. Please enjoy!"

With that the maid turned on her heel and stepped through the doorway and out into the hall, shutting the door behind her with a firm click.

Once she was well and truly alone, Zelda let out a breath, feeling the day wash over her. Lifting the covers from her, she swung her legs out of bed, placing her bare feet upon the woolen rug. Hauling herself from the warmth of her sheets, she reached for her dressing gown, tying it tightly around her to ward off the encroaching evening chill. She settled herself comfortably in the cushioned chair before the desk, eying the array of dishware before her with faraway eyes. Moonlight filtered in through the glass windows and onto the desk in distorted patterns—a full moon was rising tonight. She sighed softly.

Somehow, despite Urbosa's visit and Meredith's kind words, any peace they'd brought had quickly faded into the silence, and she was left feeling as flat and pale as the moonlight illuminating her desk.

The smell of rich cream and hearty pumpkin and tangy spices reached her nose. Lifting a spoonful to her mouth she blew delicately before taking a sip. Chef Pimm had once again proved his mastery over squash. Yet despite the richness of the flavor upon her tongue and the appreciative gurgle of her hungry stomach, she felt little in the way of appetite.

"You are looking well after such a battle."

"…all of us down in th' kitchen are so 'appy t' see you doin' well…"

Zelda took another sip. She supposed she was doing much better. The first day she'd barely been able to get out of bed. After 3 days of rest under healer Ravio's care, she was good as new—or so he declared her to be. So why did she feel so… not well? She knew physically she was fit as a fiddle. She'd regained much of her energy, and any cuts or bruises were gone; but she couldn't shake a deep sense of ill unease.

As the day had worn on—as she had, for the first time since waking, turned her attention towards what was still to come—she'd begun to realize all that she was already burdened with as one by one problems and worries and regrets began to surface, floating through her mind like debris on the surface of a still pond: glaring and ever-present. Perhaps it was stress.

Zelda took another slow sip.

The past three days had been a whirlwind, despite being largely confined to bed as she recuperated. So much had happened in so short a time, and so much had been dropped on her all at once. She knew what she had to do and what was expected of her, and she would do it to the best of her ability; but her feelings on the matter… she hadn't touched that Pandora's box. She was afraid to. She hadn't yet even seen her father, despite the fact that he was only on the other side of the wing. The doctors insisted she postpone such an emotionally draining venture until after the council meeting, at least. The loss of Revali and Mipha still felt like a distant nightmare—sometimes she had to remind herself that they were truly gone.

And… the people loved her? Somehow, that seemed harder to wrap her mind around than the idea of Link having a fan club.

Finished, Zelda gently set down her spoon staring unseeingly at her empty bowl. Her thoughts were becoming too much. Pushing aside her dinner tray, she pulled open the desk's single drawer and pulled from it's confines her diary and a pen.

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Previously, Link had never minded guarding the Princess in the castle. They would walk through the halls together and she would talk endlessly as she was wont to do. He enjoyed listening to her—she always had something new and interesting to share. When she would work in her bedroom or study he would accompany her; there were too many points of entry in her chambers, and his duty as her protector was best served beside her. It was never dull—she would sometimes excitedly bounce new theories off him, which she would immediately retract or modify before he'd even said a word. Sometimes she would tinker with guardian parts. One time she accidentally caused an arm to flail wildly across the floor, knocking into the bookshelf and toppling it.

But her new temporary room was far more secure than her usual chambers; he suspected this was Impa's doing—an effort to ensure no possible breaches in security while the military was in such shambles. There was no balcony, only a trio of small glass tiled windows too small to enter through. Thus, the best place for him to ensure no harm came to her was by standing guard outside the door, alone.

One would have thought it to be a fairly quiet and solitary job, but the Princess had been extremely popular since her awakening. He instead felt more like a bouncer at one of the popular late-night bars in Castle Town (or at least the ones that had been there before the Calamity), screening all those who came to see the Princess and turning away those who did not make the list; Impa had even given him an actual list, which he had quickly memorized and tucked in his pocket. He didn't particularly like having to be so social—one of the things he'd always appreciated about being appointed to guard Zelda was that she was always more than willing to do the talking; but his desires came second to her safety. And so he stood, Master Sword resting vertically on the stone as he gripped the pommel, holding a running tally in his head on the number of people who had come to see her today out of want for something more interesting to do. So far the count was 23.

The hall quieted as darkness fell. Doctors and nurses had made their final rounds some time ago, leaving the hall empty and still; that was, until the silence was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps, which drew Link's attention to the northern entrance. Moving with a purposeful stride, Impa entered the hall carrying a stack of books with several papers sandwiched between them. Waving with her free hand, she walked quickly towards him.

"Ah, Link, I'm glad you're on duty."

24… Link stood where he was, eying her curiously as he waited for her to reach him. She seemed frazzled and tired, with several hairs dangling out of her bun. Without preamble she extended the stack of books towards him, practically shoving them into his chest.

"Please give these to the Princess, and tell her I will be by tomorrow morning instead of tonight to prepare her for the council meeting; and please pass along my apologies. I'm needed urgently elsewhere."

Without further comment she turned and strode hurriedly back down the hall, Link watching her go with a degree of bafflement. Looking down at the load in his arms, gold gilding spelled out "Laws of Succession in the Kingdom of Hyrule" over the cover of the large brown leather tome topping the stack. Choosing not to question the councilor—she had seemed somewhat overwhelmed the past few days—he turned around and leveraged the stack in one arm and rapped sharply on the door with the other.

"Come in!"

-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-

Turning in her seat, she was surprised to see Link struggling to enter the room, arms full of books as he kicked the door closed with his foot. As he turned to face her he cleared his throat awkwardly, lifting the stack slightly in reference as he spoke.

"I'm sorry to interrupt; Impa asked me to bring you these. She wishes to pass on her apologies, but she'll be unable to see you tonight and will instead be by in the morning."

Zelda's eyes flicked briefly to the stack in his arms, recognizing several of the volumes as the primers Impa had promised for the emergency council meeting tomorrow afternoon; but her mind gave only partial attention to his message. She was more focused on the fact that he was here, and they were alone. This was the when, her chance to apologize. Though she wished she were wearing something more dignified than her nightgown and dressing robe, she would just have to make it work. Standing, she straightened and stepped away from the desk, gesturing to the empty surface space her diary had occupied a short time ago.

"You can set them here, thank you."

A sudden nervousness seized her as he approached, which she tried to push away as he set the books down upon the desk. She reminded herself of his promise—he said he would try… But still she was afraid he would turn into a blank slate once more—expression empty and words formal, as he had the night she'd awoken; the way so many nobles and guards and foreign dignitaries had treated her throughout her life. Pushing aside her worries she gathered her courage, laying a gentle hand on his arm as he turned for the door.

"Link, wait."

He stopped mid-stride, turning towards her with his head cocked in inquiry. It was now or never.

"I'm glad you're here, I… wanted to apologize, for a few nights ago." She released his arm, but embarrassment kept her face glued to the floor. She gently clasped her hands before her, fidgeting with her fingers. "I acted… out of character, and though my sentiments were sincere, I wanted to apologize for my behavior."

She chanced a look up at his face, meeting his eyes. They were piercing, gazing at her with an unnerving intensity. Despite her discomfort she forced herself onward.

"I also wanted to apologize for the position I must have put you in. I know perhaps better than anyone the suffocating strictures and formalities of castle life. My only hope is that we can, in moments like these, speak with each other openly and honestly."

She forced her fidgeting hands still as she waited for a response. Link continued to stare at her, and as the seconds stretched on she began to feel like this was a mistake; but, finally, after several moments more, he smiled kindly.

"It's alright."

Zelda felt immense relief as the tension in her posture eased. He stared at her thoughtfully for a moment before finding the right words. "You were right; I was trying to pretend the past year didn't exist. We've… been through a lot together."

He paused, Zelda encouraging him with a nod of her head.

"I was trained and am expected to behave a certain way around you. Being back here, in the castle, those expectations are… more pressing, especially now that the Calamity has been defeated. I only worry about what might happen if I'm seen acting too familiarly with you, especially once you're Regent…"

Zelda let out a small breath and smiled. His concerns were reasonable, justified… she could work with this.

"I can respect that, and will be conscious not to put you in a compromising position. I just… want us to be able to do this," she gestured with her hand between the two of them, "Talk."

She sighed, frowning slightly as she looked away, adding, "I don't really have anyone else to talk to, at least no one who understands, or who will not cow to my crown."

Link eyed her thoughtfully, "How do you know I will not cow to your crown?"

She smiled wryly, glancing briefly to the Master Sword strapped to his back. "You're much too noble to forsake truth to power; perhaps that is why the sword chose you."

He cocked his head before, slowly, he smiled.

"Maybe."

Companionable silence hung between them and Zelda felt a weight lift off her chest. It seemed her concerns had been unnecessary, and for that she was grateful; she had… missed him. After a moment more, Link interrupted the silence with an apologetic look.

"I should go. I don't want a maid to notice my absence."

Zelda eyed him curiously. A maid? Why would that be a concern? It was almost ten o'clock at night. "Why would any maids be around at this hour?"

Link rubbed at the back of his neck awkwardly, "They've been hanging around in the hall a lot, at all hours of the day. I don't really know why, they don't seem to be doing anything."

Zelda stared for a moment before the pieces suddenly clicked—an image of Link stoic and stalwart before her door as young women peered with girlish glee from behind a nearby corner. Her eyes widened momentarily before peals of laughter unexpectedly burst from her lips. Most of the maids were single women under 30…

Link looked genuinely baffled, "What? What did I…"

"Urbosa, she… she shared some interesting news with me today," laughter escaped her though she attempted to compose herself, "It's something I think you may be interested to know."

Silently Link nodded, urging her on, expression still one of confusion. Having finally reigned in her amusement Zelda paused, a Cheshire grin on her face as she savored the moment.

"Link, you have… fangirls."

Link stared at her blankly for several moments before a distinct blush began to color his cheeks.

"I—what?"

Zelda laughed again, "Yes, according to Urbosa you are the 'most eligible bachelor in all of Hyrule' in the eyes of the single female populace. I suspect some of the castle maids may be part of your fan club."

Seeing his rising blush and uncomfortable disposition, some of her humor faded, though she couldn't suppress her smile, "I'm sorry, Link, I don't mean to make fun."

He ran a hand through his hair several times, eyes far away as his blush slowly receded, "No, no, it's alright. It does explain… a lot."

Zelda couldn't help another giggle, shooing him away with a gesture of her hands.

"Well, off you go, then, your admirers await."

A smile tugged at his lips as he bowed slightly.

"Goodnight, Princess."

She eyed him a moment. Hm. 'Princess'. Well, one step at a time… Still, she smiled as she bid him goodnight.

"Goodnight, Link."

With that, he turned for the door, closing it behind him with a soft click. Though many changes were to come, and though she wasn't quite sure of herself, at least, between her and Link, everything would be alright.

A/N: Ugh. I'm sorry I'm a week late. Family was visiting and my office doubles as the guest room, so... blech. I had reviewed this chapter earlier last week and had found a few things I'd wanted to change and just didn't have an opportunity until I had my office back. So here it is, finally.

I always thought Sidon's fan club was a kick, but in my story with Sidon still a wee babe, that would be kinda creepy, so through the magic of transposition it is now Link who has a fan club. Which I rather thought fit well anyway.

(Related: cameo from baby Sidon in part 3! It's adorbs.)

And wooo... Zelda has cool powers! Just what all is she capable of? You'll have to wait and see!

If all goes according to plan, which it should (I hope), the next chapter should be posted on time tomorrow (Thursday) by early evening. I really aim to stay on schedule from here on out. The family visit was last minute and unexpected so it was hard to plan around-fingers crossed there are no more unexpected interruptions.

Ha.

See you all tomorrow! Reviews = 3