Author's Note:
Bet you thought I forgot this story, huh? Nope! It's not abandoned! It's been on the back shelf for awhile, but I finally blew the dust off of it, tweaked the outline, and here we are! I don't have a set upload schedule (never do, let's be honest) but I will try to post new chapters more often than once every *checks watch* 9 months!? O.O You have my most sincere apologies for the delay.
All that being said, please enjoy the chapter! There will be some new OCs making appearances in the upcoming chapters, so be prepared for that. I will be integrating "Fireworks and Falling Stars" into this story eventually as well, so consider this your fair warning. But enough chatter from me! On with what you WANT to read~
The atmosphere surrounding the trio fast-traveling back to Gerudo Town was tense. Riju was silent when their feet touched down back on the shrine outside the walls, clinging onto Buliara to steady herself. She straightened, gave a terse nod to Link, then ran to the gate, disappearing into the city without a word.
Buliara heaved a sigh and shook her head. "Lady Riju can be such an impetuous young woman. I fear that her title has given her the mindset that she can have anything she wishes. She puts such high expectations on herself, as if she must perfectly fill Lady Urbosa's shoes at her age."
Link glanced up at her. "Do you need to talk to her before we go back?"
"No, however, I need to give instructions to Captain Teake. I should only need a few short minutes," the bodyguard replied, stepping off the shrine's platform. "Wait here."
Link blew out his breath, and leaned back against the Sheikah Slate pedestal. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Riju still had feelings for him, in spite of him being married to Zelda. Even with it being common knowledge, it couldn't be easy for her to come to grips with the fact that he was out of reach from her. Not that he would have ever felt any interest towards her. She was young, regardless of how the Gerudo ways worked! It was likely a passing phase, nothing more. A different man would come along and capture her heart. He might not have Zelda's wisdom, but he'd seen similar things in the past. It wasn't too different from the situation with Paya.
Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he glanced up at the sky, shielding his face from the sun. Regardless of the season, the scorching heat of the desert rarely changed. He hoped it wouldn't take long for Buliara to return. His formal tunic and snug trousers were hardly conducive to prolonged time in the sand and winds. Not to mention the crown that seemed to be soaking up more heat with each passing second. At least it wasn't as bad as the first time he'd traversed from Kara Kara Bazaar at the edge of the desert to the shrine where he currently stood, without aid of cooling potions or appropriate clothing.
"Sarqso, Link. We may depart when you're ready." Buliara's voice brought him back to the present.
Link nodded, his tunic sticking to his back. "Did you see her?"
The bodyguard blew out her breath, shaking her head. "No, Lady Riju was likely moping in her room. While she may be the leader of the Gerudo, as you know she's quite young. She has much maturing to do before she can truly fill Lady Urbosa's shoes, physically and emotionally."
Link gave a soft grunt of agreement. "I'm surprised she permitted you to become the new Champion."
"Despite her initial reaction, deep down, I believe Lady Riju understands the continued need for the role." Buliara rested her hand on Link's shoulder to give the touch needed for the Sheikah technology to teleport them back to the castle. "I can't think of anyone else that Lady Riju would trust with such a position."
"With the Thunder Helm, the thought crossed my mind that she would want to do it herself." Link continued the conversation as they wove their way back through the castle.
"No, Lady Riju wouldn't have allowed herself to be in such a position. The Gerudo revere her as their leader, and she is not eager to leap into the path of danger, should circumstances require it."
Link couldn't counter that, given what he knew of the young woman. He pushed open the door of the meeting hall and held it open to Buliara to join the others.
"Ah, Link! Glad you made it back safely!" Sidon beamed. "Is there anything else immediately pressing you would have us do?"
He shook his head, gesturing instead to the queen.
Zelda rose from her seat then and clasped her hands delicately in front of her. "I will keep my remarks brief, but it is my sincere hope that we may not grow lax in this time of peace. There are yet whisperings that have been circulating about the Yiga not being completely out of the picture. Should that be the case, I fear, in the hands of a new leader, they may seek to wreak havoc on all people of Hyrule for the sake of stirring chaos and distrust in my leadership. In our leadership."
Teba grunted and crossed his wings. "What do you have in mind for us then?"
"I wish for you to remain on your guard. Be vigilant. Each of you is familiar with your territory of origin. Utilize that knowledge to your advantage. Take regular patrols and notify us if anything is amiss within them. I think it extremely unlikely that the Yiga will remain in their previous hideout within the Gerudo Desert. In the wake of Calamity Ganon's defeat, it is prudent for us to remain cognizant of any potential dangers that may arise when those who would harbor ill will towards us consider us to have our guard down." Zelda looked at each of the new Champions in turn. "If we remain united with a common goal of doing what is best for Hyrule, we will prevail over any foe that may rise against us."
"Here, here!" Sidon cheered. He grinned broadly, his fangs glistening brilliant white.
A bemused smile curled on Buliara's lips as she eyed the Zora Prince, though she said nothing in reply to him. Instead, the Gerudo woman turned to face the queen. "Very well. When would you like us to reconvene?"
Zelda glanced at Link who simply shrugged. She pursed her lips, contemplating for a brief moment. "Two weeks time. If anything arises before that, please notify us at once, and I will send Link to gather everyone as swiftly as possible."
"Pity we don't have more of the Sheikah Slates," Sidon said sadly. "Seems a shame the teleportation technology is so limited."
"It is my understanding that Purah is actively working on recreating the necessary pieces to outfit our Champions with Slates," Zelda explained. "I am not familiar with the process but I have received assurance from one of her most gifted students that strides are being made towards that goal, as I am much in agreement with you on the need for it."
Collective nods were given by the Champions.
"I have nothing further to discuss at the present. Are there any questions or concerns of note for me?" Silence fell in the room at her words. "Then I shall allow you to take your leave at your discretion. Greet your family and friends on my behalf, and we will reconvene in several weeks." Zelda tilted her head in respect to the Champions and took her seat.
Link moved to kneel beside her chair out of habit, resting his hand on her knee. "Well done."
"Thank you," she murmured. Sweat glistened on her brow, and her skin grew paler by the moment. "I think I need a break and some water."
It was Buliara who silently handed her a cup of water before Link could do more than rise to his feet. "You should eat something too," she advised. "You didn't eat much at midday."
Zelda took the glass and sipped on it before she responded. "Thank you. My stomach wasn't feeling well, so the food was not appetizing."
"A light broth or fresh bread would be best to ease it, at least temporarily." The Gerudo said simply.
"Have you been speaking with Mara? Her advice was much the same," Zelda said with a mirthless chuckle. "It will pass."
"You should still consult a healer to be safe," Buliara advised. "Fatigue and lack of appetite is not to be taken lightly, especially for the Queen of Hyrule."
Sidon joined them. "What's this now?"
"The queen is rather fatigued. I recommend she see a healer," the Gerudo explained, crossing her arms under her ample chest.
"Oh! Why doesn't she ask Azalea?" Sidon suggested. "Our 'little healer' is one of the best around!"
Link rubbed his hand over his face. "Why didn't I think to ask her sooner? Goddess knows she's saved us before."
"For shame," Sidon teased, shaking his head sadly. "If she can't help, then simply inform me, and I'll send several other healers."
"No need. She and her boyfriend have volunteered to aid us as archer and knight respectively so they're never far away. I'll have Lydia fetch her." Link jogged to the door and let himself out.
Teba stood and stretched his wings. "Well, I've been away from home for long enough. My wife and son are probably wondering where I am. Until next time," he said gruffly and took his leave.
"Oh no!" Yunobo bolted to his feet. "Oh no! It's not very late, is it, goro? Bludo needed painkillers on my way back. Oh, I hope he's not too upset! I gotta go!" He hurried towards the door as fast he could go, nearly bowling Link over as the blond returned.
"Was it something I said?" Link joked, eyeing the Goron as he disappeared.
"He forgot a task he needed to complete on his way back to Goron City," Zelda explained. She set down her glass of water and blinked up at the worried faces of Buliara and Sidon. "Forgive me for not standing again. I confess that I've become rather exhausted by all the meetings and the enormity of the expectations I shoulder when I undertake this new role."
"Please don't feel the need to go to any trouble on our account!" Sidon waved her off. "We are far more concerned about your health, Princ-, I mean Queen Zelda."
"Just Zelda, please," she reminded him with a faint smile. "Hylia knows, you are my friends, and should have the ability to refer to me by name, outside of formal events."
"Come, Sidon. We should allow them a chance to rest before Azalea arrives. I do have a question pertaining to your tribe specifically that I hope you might answer before I depart." Buliara bowed and gestured for the Zora Prince to follow.
Zelda waved and picked up her glass again with shaky hands. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she nearly dropped the cup, putting her head down towards her lap.
Link caught the glass and set it aside. "You're sick again… this is becoming a frequent occurrence." He couldn't help but worry, watching her pale face as she fought to keep from vomiting.
"Mara thinks I might be… pregnant," Zelda whispered. "It would explain how I've felt the last few days."
He blinked but otherwise went still, processing. "You're not sure though."
She shook her head.
"Az would be able to tell for sure?"
"I heard my name!" The chipper voice came from the doorway. A young Sheikah looking woman with long, wavy platinum blonde hair and pink eyes approached. She wore a pale pink dress that fell to her knees, white stockings, and shiny black boots. "What would I be able to tell for sure?"
"If Zelda's… pregnant." The word felt strange on Link's tongue. He'd given very little thought to the notion of having children, but now that he took a moment to consider it, the more the idea of seeing his princess cradling an infant that had her gorgeous hair, and his eyes took root in his mind.
Az's mouth formed a small 'o'. "That'd be exciting! How have you been feeling?"
"Exhausted. Nauseated at times." Zelda lifted her head to look at the blonde girl. "Thank you for coming."
"Of course!" Az hummed and knelt beside her. "Do you mind if I check you?"
"Please do."
Link rolled to his feet and took up a silent vigil behind his wife's seat.
Az gently rested her hands on Zelda's stomach. A soft, white ethereal glow emanated from her palms while Az closed her eyes in concentration.
Zelda breathed a sigh of relief as the nausea eased under the healer's touch. "I rather dislike feeling that I am about to lose the contents of my stomach."
Az cut off her magic and lifted her hands. She sat back on her heels and looked up at the couple, her face expressionless. "Unfortunately, I foresee that continuing."
Zelda flinched backwards. "What are you saying?"
Her face broke into a bright, beaming smile. "You are pregnant, Zelda. Congratulations!"
Zelda's hands went to her stomach. Her breath came in uneven pants. "I'm pregnant…" she murmured in awe.
Link, for his part, said nothing, but rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder with an unreadable expression on his face.
Azalea stood and offered them both a hug in turn. "Ginger and honey candies will help keep the nausea at bay, if it lasts more than another couple weeks. You're nearly to the end of the first trimester. Winter Festival timing will be around the halfway point if I had to guess."
"Oh, goddess. We still have so much preparation for that event." Zelda dropped her head.
"I will help in every way that I can," Link said immediately, snapping out of his dazed state.
"You can count on Cami and I to offer our help too. Cam won't say it, but he appreciates all you guys have done for us with the rebuilding. It's the least we can do to return the favor," Az pointed out. She swayed softly from side to side with her hands clasped behind her back. "Besides, the Winter Festival is a good reason to celebrate. We need to have fun events to remind Hyrule what it means to relax and be joyous!"
"That's precisely why we must press on and ensure that it takes place." Zelda smiled wearily at Az. "Forgive me, but I think I need some time to process and rest."
"Of course! Rest when your body needs it. The baby will thank you," she chirped. "And tell me if your nausea gets too bad. I can always come and heal it, at least for a little while."
"You're a goddess-send, Az," Link said gratefully. "Tell Cami we said hello. And we'll see you again soon."
"Anytime! And congratulations again!" Az bounced happily and waved before taking her leave.
Zelda cupped her head in her hands, her thoughts swirling. Pregnant. This changed some of her plans. It had to. There was no way she could keep up with everything, and an infant! She was barely managing the responsibilities on her plate as it was!
Warm fingers tilted her chin up to meet Link's worried blue eyes. "Stop," he gently chided.
"Stop what?" She hated that her voice shook with emotion.
"Your mind is racing like Epona in an open field. Stop. Please." Link pulled her close for a hug. "Whatever is going to happen will happen."
She clung to her husband and tried to remember how to breathe normally. "You're not upset that I'm pregnant, are you?"
Link shook his head and pressed a kiss on her forehead. "Why would I be upset?"
"We never really talked about children…" Zelda trailed off. "I was an only child. You had–"
"Arryl. I had a younger sister, yes." Link nodded. "I want us to have at least two or three. I love the idea of having a bigger family, if you're willing."
She bit her lip as she tried to picture it. Without having siblings growing up, it was difficult for her to envision. "I suppose we can discuss it further as the baby is older."
The corners of his mouth lifted slightly and he hugged her tighter against his chest. "I love you, princess. You're going to be a wonderful mother."
His words reminded her of her own mom, and Zelda found herself blinking back tears. "Thank you. I hope I will be."
Link rose to his feet and offered her a hand up. "C'mon. Let's get some dinner and retire for the evening. We have some celebrating to do."
Zelda smiled shyly. "That would be lovely." Her mind still swam with the events of the day, but for her husband's sake, she would try and push it aside so she could focus on being in the moment. The baby conceived through their love now grew within her, and they had cause for celebration.
Hudson paced outside his house and chewed on his fingernail. All of them had been reduced to nubs during the hours while Rhondson labored. After passing out during the early stages of labor, he'd been banished from the house and told he would be permitted back in when the baby arrived.
Rhondson was unlike her usual self, screaming at him and cursing to the high heavens. The painkiller potions she'd been given weren't adequate for the pain she was enduring. Hudson was sure that people could hear her clear up at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab.
The sun was setting when Ruli came to the doorway and beckoned him. "The baby's here."
"Is she alright?!" Hudson nearly ran, tripping over the step of the threshold.
"Rhondson is weak and exhausted, but she's fine. Baby's strong and healthy too."
He ran up the stairs to their bedroom and paused in the doorway. Rhondson's hair was slicked back in a sweaty ponytail, and she held a wrapped bundle against her breast.
"I was so worried," he cried, going over to sit on the side of the bed beside her. "How's our little girl?"
Rhondson wearily smiled at him. "Remember how I said the Gerudo typically only have one boy every hundred years?"
Hudson nodded. "I don't care. As long as the baby's healthy, we could have a dozen girls that look like you!"
She scowled. "We're not having another one anytime soon. Not after what you just put me through!"
"Sorry. Just making a point, my desert rose. C'mon. Show me her face."
"Hudson, meet your son."
All the color drained from his face. "But… how?!"
She shrugged, the motion earning a sound of protest from the newborn nursing on her breast. "I'm not sure. There has to be some explanation… Once we have recovered and the baby's old enough to travel, we'll seek out answers."
"Hang on…" Hudson paused, thinking for a moment. "Doesn't your second cousin in Akkala have two boys?"
"Laroba? Yes. Faesule and Leysra. Both have red hair like she does. She had no explanation for them, save that 'Dmitri's Hylian genetics won, but not without a fight.'"
His brow furrowed. Something unusual was going on. But that was something to ponder another time. He shook his head to clear it, his eyes looking back at the bundled form of his son having his first meal. "Do you have a name for him yet?"
"Lynaeson won't work. I was thinking maybe Jayson," Rhondson admitted. She unlatched the baby and gently burped him before handing him to his father.
Tears filled Hudson's eyes as the stoic builder held his son for the first time. "Welcome to the world. Welcome to Tarrey Town, Jayson."