Chapter 1 - Jealousy

Two shimmering orbs flew through the air far above Hyrule, making their way over mountains and plains alike under a late evening sky. Eventually, the landscape below transformed into a sea of sand as the flickering lights swirled downward to a stone marker sitting near an oasis.

The teleporting stone was dusted by sand beneath a golden, partly cloudy sky as the orbs met the ground and dispersed, taking the shape of Link and Zelda with their horses just behind them.

Once they appeared, Link lowered the flute from his lips with a look around and observed, "That's strange."

Taking in the vast landscape of sand dunes backed by jagged mountains, Zelda inquired, "What is?"

"I didn't think this would feel like a homecoming, but … it kind of does."

Before he could consider the oddity of the way his arrival in the Gerudo Desert felt in depth, Epona punctuated his words with a bump of her nose against his shoulder again. In response, Link threw his gaze over it and pursed his lips.

"Cut it out, Epona, we'll be riding in a second."

Chuckling at Epona's eagerness to go, Zelda patted Frost's nose before turning to mount him with the words, "Epona just missed you, and I don't think she cares where she is, as long as you're both there."

Returning the flute to his hammer bag—which was storing a lot more than it currently appeared to be—Link mounted Epona and asked with a smirk, "What if I said I don't care where I am, as long as you're there?"

"Then I'd have to ask what you've done and how angry I should be about it," she returned with a playful grin.

Moving in beside her on Epona, Link shook his head, lamenting, "Typical. You try to have a touching moment and get slapped with suspicion."

Zelda laughed in response, though she couldn't quite bring herself to look at Link, finding a pesky sense of embarrassment clinging to the situation after their intimate encounter the previous night. Perhaps it was silly, but she couldn't help it, the experience too new and fresh in her memory to easily forget.

So she focused on their surroundings instead, finding herself glad Link was familiar with the area because she had no idea which way to go. The only landmark around was a small oasis nearby, leaving her with no way of knowing which way was north, south, east, or west.

So she left the task of navigation to Link and finally glanced over at him to find a rather content expression on his face. Perhaps he was happy to be back in a place that seemed like home, or he was merely grateful to be traveling after spending the better part of two weeks in bed recovering.

Yet he didn't immediately start to ride, and appeared to be searching the distant mountains for … something. What, she couldn't guess, but he must've found it because he finally nodded and remarked, "This way," before goading Epona into a trot.

Following after him, she asked, "How do you know? Were you just looking for a beacon?"

"Yes," he confirmed, pointing in the same direction they were now traveling and instructed, "Look in the distance until you see a flickering of light. That's a mirror placed atop the entrance of the Gerudo Valley."

Scanning the horizon to pinpoint it, she inquired, "And you said the temple is located on the other side of it and across a stretch of desert, right?" At his nod of confirmation, Zelda next asked, "Have you ever visited or gone inside?"

"I've seen it in passing, but no one can go inside anymore because the entrance has been barred by a seal of magic," he informed her with a knowing look.

Pursing her lips, Zelda muttered, "I see," while still searching for the mirror, but it was nearly impossible to find.

A wall of rock lined the desert in the direction they were traveling, and one could have easily been hidden somewhere upon the various ledges. But the evening light left the rocky formations too dark to see it clearly, and after several moments of trying to no avail, she finally gave up with a shake of her head.

"I don't see anything, Link. Are you sure you know where we're going?"

"Of course," he responded with enough confidence to be reassuring. "Just wait until we get closer. The sun's about to set, so the mirror will be harder to see until it gets lower in the sky just before it disappears."

Nodding, Zelda continued to watch while riding on at a moderate pace as several rolls of tumbleweed drifted by—and inevitably, the twinkling of the mirror appeared.

Following the outline of the ledge upon which it sat, she noticed a gap in the rock wall marking the entrance into the Gerudo Valley. Their method of setting up such a beacon to help with venturing to and from the area was fairly ingenious, and certainly helped cut down on travel time.

Yet, the moment she had the thought, Link began slowing to a stop.

Following suit, Zelda tugged on Frost's reins until his speed matched Epona's and cast a questioning look Link's way when he directed, "Be prepared."

"For what?"

"I just saw their scouts," he answered, explaining, "which means they don't recognize us yet and are probably planning to steal our horses and take us prisoner."

Link sounded amused, but Zelda couldn't bring herself to share in his mirth, worriedly asking, "What?"

"Don't worry," he reassured with a smile. "When they stop us, they'll know me."

Sighing, she muttered, "I hope so. You remember the last time our horses were stolen? I'd rather not be left to walk out here, much less be imprisoned."

Smiling, Link continued on at the same pace while staying close to Zelda for her safety—not that anything was likely to happen where the Gerudo were concerned. Still, there was no way of knowing how the evil spreading over the lands of Hyrule might've affected the area, and he was leaving nothing to chance.

Thankfully, he knew things couldn't be that bad upon spotting several riders emerging from their hiding spots in the distance to travel toward them.

"They know it's me now."

Having just noticed the riders approaching them, Zelda glanced at Link and asked, "How can you tell?"

"Because we wouldn't be seeing them if they didn't."

"You saw them before," she pointed out.

"Only because I knew where to look."

Pursing her lips, Zelda playfully rolled her eyes and remarked, "Show off."

Grinning, Link briefly considered his personal knowledge of the area. The Gerudo had learned how to use their environment to hide, and sunset made it especially easy to sneak up on unsuspecting travelers. In this case, they'd blended into the rock walls using dark clothing and brown or black mounts.

So seeing them out in the open spoke volumes of the fact that the group recognized their visitors.

Further indication came when one of them called his name on a familiar voice. Link couldn't tell which it was due to the protective veils covering the lower halves of their faces and the cloth wrapped around their hair, but as he drew Epona to a halt, the one in the center removed her face covering, revealing a grin he'd never forget.

"Nabooru," he called with a smile. "Miss me?"

With her companions coming to a stop nearby, Nabooru rode in a little closer and took a moment to look Link over before responding, "Miss who? I barely recognize you in your dashing attire and all geared up with such fancy equipment."

Chuckling, Link asked, "Does that mean you're going to steal our horses, or are we free to go?"

With a laugh, Nabooru remarked, "I don't know about free to go. I mean I'd hoped you'd planned to stay for a while, but if not, I suppose we could arrange to steal your horses for a few hours to keep you around."

Grinning, Link replied, "Don't bother, we'll probably be staying for a few days at least."

"Good!" Grinning in response to his news, Nabooru turned to her companions and told them in the Gerudo language to let the others know we have visitors!

After spending a decade living in the valley, Link understood her request easily enough, but he didn't realize Zelda did as well—and even she was surprised. The language of the Gerudo wasn't one she'd ever heard spoken before, and yet each word came through as clear as a bell.

She also knew the Triforce of Wisdom was the culprit.

While considering it, the Gerudo nodded in response to Nabooru's request and turned to ride to the valley ahead of them. As their mounts left a trail of sand rising through the air in their wake, Nabooru motioned for Link and Zelda to follow with the words, "Come on. Your loft is just the way you left it, so you can stay there while you're here."

Turning her horse, she waited for the Hylians to take a position next to her before riding along their side and addressed Zelda with the question, "You're Mira, right?"

Realizing Nabooru had met Mira before the truth of her identity was revealed, Link qualified, "Actually, her name is Zelda, but that's a long story I'll tell you about later."

"Zelda?" Giving her a brief, yet considerate look, Nabooru pursed her lips at Link in a manner he didn't understand until she asked, "Just what kind of women have you been hooking up with since you left?"

Realizing she was teasing him again, Link let a low groan—and was almost instantly distracted by the sound of Zelda's snickers. Arching a brow in her direction, she promptly covered her mouth to hide her amusement, though a few more giggles erupted when Link rolled his eyes.

Grinning at their exchange, Nabooru looked ahead again and asked, "So, how have you been anyway?"

Link exhaled a low breath, answering simply, "Very busy," without putting much thought into everything they'd been through since leaving Kakariko. Besides, he'd rather focus on how nice it was being back and how good it felt seeing Nabooru again than recent events.

Still, their reunion seemed bittersweet if only because of what he'd learned since leaving the Gerudo Valley. Despite how long he'd had to decide, he still hadn't determined the best method of telling Nabooru that Ganondorf was her son, or even if telling her was a good idea.

Whatever the case, it definitely wasn't the best topic of conversation for a ride to the valley, so he was happy to push the matter aside in favor of focusing on Nabooru's next question.

"Busy, huh? Did you bring me anything nice, then? Because it looks like you've been all over the place."

Nabooru regarded him expectantly, and knowing her love of gifts, Link couldn't suppress a grin. Still, he regretted his inability to offer the Gerudo anything special, though Zelda suddenly qualified, "I have something for you."

Proving she hadn't truly expected anything, Nabooru asked, "Oh really?"

Searching her satchels, Zelda nodded and finally produced the circlet she'd received as a gift in Zora's Domain.

Offering it to Nabooru, she explained, "I was given this as a token of esteem from Queen Majalyn of the Zora. I think the blue color of the stones would look wonderful with your red hair."

Taking the circlet in hand, she inspected the gold and blue gems comprising the accessory, then surprised them both when she smiled and shook her head.

"I normally love receiving gifts, but I can't take something like this."

As they neared the gates leading into the valley, Link couldn't help but ask, "Why not?" Nabooru was the type to grab at jewelry faster than a starving man would grab a free meal—especially if it sparkled.

Yet now, she explained, "Because it's from one royal to another, and I'm not royalty. Besides, a Princess needs a circlet!"

As she added the last with a grin and a playful wink, Link shook his head in confusion. "Wait … how did you know Zelda–"

"Link, please," Nabooru interrupted. "You know how quickly we pick up information, and Zelda's name has been all over the kingdom for several weeks. Why do you think I'd asked what kind of women you'd been hooking up with, anyway? Because I thought it was odd that she suddenly has a different name?"

"Well, sort of."

Chuckling, Nabooru looked ahead again and shook her head. "I was surprised, sure, but only because your childhood friend of all people is the true Princess of Hyrule. Still, I think you two are cute together."

It was difficult to tell if she was suggesting something, or simply fishing for information on the true nature of their relationship, but Link decided not to comment. He hadn't forgotten just how skilled Nabooru was at ferreting out the truth, and was grateful when Zelda distracted the Gerudo from the subject by insisting she accept her gift.

"Really, Nabooru, I want you to take it. I have another circlet that my mother made for me, and besides, I'd like to thank you."

Sending her a curious look, Nabooru asked, "For what?"

"For saving Link's life and taking care of him. This really isn't enough to tell you how appreciative I am for that, but honestly, I don't think I could ever repay you for it, and I truly want you to keep it."

Considering it, Nabooru regarded the circlet in her hand and finally nodded as they arrived at the gates leading into the valley.

"Since you put it like that, I can't say no, now can I?" she answered with a grin.

Her acceptance curved Zelda's lips into a smile as she finally returned her attention to their surroundings—and the Gerudo Valley didn't look quite the way she'd expected.

Passing through the large gates built between two tall rock walls revealed a dwelling of numerous adobe homes and palm trees nestled within several vast hills rising up into the surrounding mountains. The path before them was paved with stones someone had carved and painted with various patterns that several people now traversed with their livestock, some animals pulling wagons filled with goods while others belonged to small herds being led to their pins.

And there wasn't a cucco among them.

Zelda had to suppress a smile at the thought, recalling the way Link joked that his reason for staying in the desert was their absence, and it seemed he hadn't lied. But she was too focused on observing the valley's inhabitants to consider it in depth.

It wasn't precisely what she'd call a bustling area, but the colorful and somewhat scant garb of the Gerudo combined with the palms swaying in the breeze created an inviting atmosphere.

Still, perhaps the most interesting aspect was their homes. Some stood as singular buildings, but most were built into the hills and rock walls spanning several levels, many with ladders leading up to walkways and lofts overlooking the streets below. Surprisingly, the valley was also rife with plant life, flowering vines growing along the walls to hang from the edge of the walkways above.

It was actually rather idyllic, proving the Gerudo took pride in their home, and even the fading light of day didn't diminish its beauty. Instead, a Gerudo was riding to various lamps posted by the streets to light them, and as the area continually grew brighter, Nabooru announced her departure.

"Before we get carried away chatting about everything that's happened since you left, I'm going to let you get Zelda settled in first because there's a few things I've been dying to show you whenever you came to visit. So I'll meet you at your loft soon, okay?"

As they nodded in agreement, Nabooru thanked Zelda for the gift once more before riding away.

Watching her go, Zelda remarked, "Well I can't say I'm not surprised."

As Link directed her down the path that led to his adobe home, he inquired, "About what?"

"About the Gerudo Valley. It's not precisely as I'd thought it would be." Pausing as a cool wind blew over them, she added, "It's also not as hot as I was expecting."

"Yeah, it gets a lot cooler here in the winter, especially at night. So you'll have to bundle up later."

Smiling, Zelda parted her lips to respond, but someone called Link's name before she could speak.

Looking over, they saw an older woman just down an adjacent street with a large basket clutched in one arm while waving with the other hand. As soon as she had his attention, she asked if he was planning to stay for a while—and she wasn't the only one wanting to know. Soon, others were throwing out greetings, and each seemed happy to have him around again, even if his stay was only temporary.

Eventually, Link dismounted Epona to talk with those he knew as they went, and though some of them didn't speak the common tongue, Zelda was never lost during a conversation. Instead, she understood every word, and most were simply interested to know of his travels. But one lady asked for his companion's identity, and Zelda blushed when he fondly informed the Gerudo that she was the one he'd been looking for his whole life.

She knew what the words meant, and how he'd been unable to remember her but had always wanted to learn who she was. Yet he gave his answer with such sincerity she couldn't help feeling flattered, especially knowing Link was unaware that she could understand everything he'd said.

Still, she'd have to wait to reveal the discovery that she could understand the Gerudo language. Link was too distracted by the numerous greetings, and she didn't wish to interrupt when they all seemed so happy to see him again.

Indeed, all the smiles proved he'd been genuinely missed.

Once their conversation was over and the Gerudo returned to their previous activities, Zelda dismounted Frost to walk alongside Link as he sighed out his breath.

"At this rate, we won't reach my loft until tomorrow."

Snickering, Zelda replied, "They've just missed you, Link. Haven't you missed them, too?"

"Sure," he confirmed, adding, "but it hasn't been so bad."

"Why not?"

"Because I found you again," he answered playfully, grinning when she shoved his shoulder for making it sound so teasingly mushy.

Ready to chide him for being silly, she stopped at the sound of a thud coming from behind them. Looking back to realize one of her satchels had fallen from Frost's saddle, possibly due to a faulty tie, she grumbled and came to an abrupt stop while asking Link to wait as she fetched the bag and secured it once more.

Obliging her without question, Link waited idly, occupying himself by patting Epona's nose when the words, "It's been a while, Link," hit his ears—and he would've known that voice anywhere.

But despite knowing who to expect when he turned around, he certainly didn't expect her greeting—nor did he expect Zelda to emerge from Frost's side the moment he received it.

Having completed the task of retying her satchel to the saddle, Zelda took her mount's reins again and returned to the front of their horses to see who'd just passed on a greeting to Link. Still, it seemed strange that he hadn't responded by the time she stepped in front of Frost, though she didn't have to ask to learn the reason for his silence.

Instead, Zelda's smile faded and eyes widened to find him locked in a kiss with possibly the most beautiful woman she'd ever seen.

Wearing a light blue bandeau top and a matching skirt slit up both sides, her figure was slender but fit and adorned with golden cuffs on her upper arms, bracelets, and an elaborate, jeweled necklace. Her black hair was unbound and hung several inches past her shoulders in thick waves, the color giving her identity away in an instant.

Masita.

It seemed Link's claim of the Gerudo's assertiveness had been completely true if she was bold enough to give him such a thorough surprise kiss—not that Zelda could really focus on it. Instead, she was too busy trying to recover from the swift fist she'd just taken to the gut.

Goddess' honest truth, seeing Link clutched in Masita's arms made her feel as if the wind had been knocked out of her, which seemed strange. When Link related his former relationship with Masita in Misty Falls, she hadn't been envious of the Gerudo at all.

Now? Jealousy was churning in the pit of her stomach.

Perhaps seeing it made all the difference, or her own intimate encounter with Link the previous night was stirring such feelings. Either way, it made her wonder if he'd enjoyed himself the previous night as much as he'd said. After all, how could her lack of experience ever compare to that of a woman he'd already … .

Zelda couldn't finish the thought when the mere notion of their past left her feeling as uncomfortably inadequate as she ever had before.

Not that Link wasn't just as uncomfortable, his eyes going wide the moment his lips met Masita's. He knew she was assertive enough to kiss him the moment she saw him, but he hadn't expected her to do so out in the open for anyone walking past to see.

Making matters worse, the only person around was Zelda.

His one saving grace was that he'd already informed her of his relationship with Masita, so it was possible she'd understand and not be upset. Still, he couldn't be certain she'd recognize the Gerudo at first, which could make things needlessly complicated.

So he reacted by grasping Masita's upper arms to push her back and break contact, yet it didn't stop the Gerudo from smiling playfully and walking her fingers up his chest while observing in her native tongue, "You look surprised to see me. Does that mean you weren't planning to visit our hot spring later for old time's sake?"

Her suggestive question left him in an uncomfortable stupor, at least until he glanced left to see Zelda standing before Frost with a look on her face that could only be described as shock.

"Uh … ," he drew out, motioning in her direction before adding in the common tongue, "Masita, I need to introduce you to someone."

With a confused look, the Gerudo looked right to spy Zelda standing a few feet away, and her brilliant green eyes went wide beneath her arched brows. In turn, she released Link with a gasped, "Oh! I didn't see you!"

Zelda wasn't entirely sure how to respond, still reeling from the jealousy Masita's actions evoked, to say nothing for her suggestion that Link might be planning to visit their hot spring for old time's sake.

Is that where they … had fun together?

The thought redoubled her jealousy in a heartbeat, and she fought to tap it down. After all, she knew their relationship hadn't been significant, nor was Masita even aware of her involvement with Link.

So why did she still feel so … upset?

Whatever the reason, Zelda forced herself to ignore the uncomfortable emotions and state as pleasantly as possible, "Hello."

As Masita gave a friendly smile that almost seemed to set off a sparkle in her brilliant green eyes, Link provided an introduction that started with, "Zelda, this is Masita, and Masita, Zelda is my childhood friend," followed by adding in her native tongue we're also a couple now without realizing Zelda understood.

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Masita's smile faded as she gave Link a horrified look.

"Oh Goddesses, I'm so sorry! I had no idea you two were together!" she exclaimed.

Seeing her mortification alleviated some of Zelda's discomfort—not that she wasn't angry at herself for becoming so upset from the start. It made her wonder if Masita's flirtations were really the problem, or if there was some deeper issue she didn't yet understand fueling such feelings of inadequacy.

Whatever the case, it was a matter she'd have to consider later, and for now, she offered her hand to Masita in greeting with the reassurance, "I'm pleased to meet you, Masita, and it's okay, I was just surprised."

Taking her hand, Masita hesitated as if still embarrassed, looking between Zelda and Link before qualifying, "I'm happy to meet you, too, and I'm still sorry! It's just that Link and I were close friends, so I didn't think it would hurt to give him a welcome back kiss."

With that said, she turned her attention to Link and requested in Gerudo, "Please don't tell her what we've done. I don't want her to hate me."

Link shook his head, unwilling to cause Masita further discomfort by informing her that Zelda already knew about their past. Things were bad enough now that Zelda had witnessed her surprise kiss, and he definitely didn't want to have two women upset with him instead of one.

So he told her in the same language, "Don't worry, she won't hate you. Even if she was upset, Zelda's the kindest, most forgiving person I know." Still unaware of Zelda's fluency in Gerudo, he added in the common tongue for her benefit, "She's too embarrassed to know what to say."

Something in the way he spoke of her had Zelda smiling warmly, and she responded in a manner befitting his description. "Don't worry, Masita, it was just a misunderstanding. So we can pretend it didn't happen, right?"

As if eager to do so, the Gerudo nodded vigorously. "Yes, please, let's do that, and I really hope we can talk sometime? I mean it's getting late and you two probably had a long trip, so you should go get settled in."

"That's a good idea," Zelda returned with a smile, adding to make sure Masita knew she bore no ill will, "Maybe you can show me the best place to get some new clothing later."

Masita seemed to like the idea, agreeing with a bright smile. "I will! Link knows where I stay, so he can tell you how to find me when you're ready."

"Okay," Zelda returned with a wave goodbye, taking a moment to watch as the Gerudo went on her way again before continuing on with Frost's reins clutched in hand. In turn, she glanced over at Link to see him cringing as if expecting a fist to make impact with his jaw at any moment.

Sighing, she remarked, "Just relax, I'm not mad."

Hearing this, the tension left Link's shoulders, though he still seemed uncertain in asking, "You're not?"

Her lips parted to provide a confirmation no matter how upset she'd been to find him being kissed by another woman. But despite her best efforts, she found herself retorting, "Okay, I don't know! I mean … go to our hot spring, Link? For old time's sake?"

Casting him a look full of jealous frustration, she asked, "How many times did you go there with her? Because she made it sound like a common occurrence."

Back to cringing again, Link parted his lips to respond when a question struck that he had to ask.

"Wait, you understood that? I thought she was speaking Gerudo when she mentioned the hot spring."

"She was," Zelda returned, explaining, "but the Triforce of Wisdom allows me to understand other languages."

Stopping as they arrived at the adobe building where his loft was located, Link stared ahead in confusion, asking as if simply thinking aloud, "Why doesn't mine do that?"

"Link, you already know Gerudo."

"I know, but … ." Glancing over to see the no nonsense look on her face, he trailed off, realizing her upset was too profound to be distracted from by idle chatter. Exhaling a sigh at the thought, he turned to face her in the hopes of making things right.

"We did go to the hot spring from time to time, but I didn't lie about the things we've done. We only slept together twice, and everything else was just … other things."

"Other things?" Pursing her lips, Zelda looked down shyly and asked, "Like … what we did?"

"Yes," he admitted quietly, adding, "so please don't be mad at me. I didn't think she'd kiss me out in the open like that. We usually hid everything we did because we didn't want anyone thinking we were a couple when it wasn't true, and I know Masita never would've kissed me if she knew you and I are together now. I'm sorry."

A sigh sailed from Zelda's lips before she shook her head. "Don't apologize, I'm not mad at you. I just … ," trailing, she tried to articulate the source of her disquiet, but could only recall the sight of Link being kissed by another woman.

Because of that, she merely muttered, "You said she was pretty."

Recalling their conversation in Misty Falls, Link shrugged and asked, "She is, so what?"

"She's not pretty, Link, she's gorgeous," Zelda retorted.

Pursing his lips, Link shook his head, lifting a hand to Zelda's cheek with the words, "Not in my eyes," before he leaned in to give her a gentle kiss filled with affection.

It was brief, but it got his point across. The love in his simple gesture was staggering, and Zelda certainly hadn't seen the depth of adoration in his eyes after Masita kissed him that she could see now. The sight of it chased away most of her ire as he stood straight again and added, "I don't know what I can do to prove that to you, but I don't want this to turn into an argument either way, not right now."

"I know," she grumbled, "and I know she didn't mean it. I also don't care if she's pretty, it's just that … I'm still mad, and I don't know why."

As she spoke, Link had taken Epona's reins to tether them to a nearby post and did the same for Frost's. The act caused her to realize for the first time since they stopped walking that they were actually at his home, and she looked over to see a ladder nearby connecting with what she assumed was the entryway into his loft above.

Yet there was no time to consider it before Link turned to face her again and astutely suggested, "Do you think it's because you feel threatened, especially after what we did last night?"

Instantly, his mention of their intimate encounter had her cheeks heating so quickly she thought her head might just burst into flame. She also lost the ability to hold his gaze, turning away in an attempt to maintain her composure—but not before Link noticed a look of annoyance in her eyes.

The expression suggested she didn't like that he'd figured it out, at least in part, and learning he was right, it seemed like a better idea to continue their conversation inside.

So he adjourned to the ladder and reached for her hand.

Without looking at him, Zelda allowed Link to tug her over with the words, "This is my loft, so go on up. We can talk more inside."

Nodding, Zelda took the rungs of the ladder in hand to start climbing, supposing it would be better to talk in his loft if only to prevent anyone passing by from overhearing. At the top was a small balcony with a handrail that she used to stand on while waiting for Link to climb up behind her, and in the process, she realized his loft was high enough above the ground to see into the distance of the desert.

Sadly, it was too dark to offer a glimpse of the scenery, but she could imagine sunrise and sunset would be particularly nice to view.

A moment later, Link reached the top behind her, finding his worry temporarily forgotten with a wave of nostalgia taking its place, and it was surprising. He never thought returning to the valley would cause him to feel so sentimental despite realizing he'd miss the Gerudo and especially Nabooru. But as he entered his loft and lit a pair of candles upon a small table next to the door using the magic Zelda taught him, the sight of his old belongings evoked a familiar sense of comfort he couldn't ignore.

It was also plain to see that Nabooru was right and nothing had been touched since his departure. The dresser was still settled against the far wall with a woodcarving knife atop it laying next to a piece of wood partially carved into a trinket box. The bed was made and sitting next to the window which was currently shuddered, and a small cabinet containing a few cooking necessities was sitting with a wood stove next to the only other door at the back of the abode.

Zelda was just as engrossed by the state of his loft, but for different reasons. Walking inside as he lit the candles on a table next to the entryway, she momentarily forgot all about her embarrassment and smiled to see Link's home at last. His loft wasn't huge, but it still felt spacious, with light blue walls and a large rug covering a section of the floor.

The small, decorative touches were also curious, including an ornate, heart shaped mask on the wall above the bed and an aged map of Hyrule over the dresser.

After curiously examining it, Zelda went to the door in the back and took the knob, asking, "Where does this go?"

"Washroom," Link answered, qualifying, "and the door inside leads to a tunnel connected to caves and an underground reservoir."

Curious, she pushed the door open to look inside, finding a wooden tub and washbasin with a rectangular mirror hanging above it. Like the rest of his home, it was simple but comfortable, and Zelda shut the door again before continuing her tour.

"What were you carving over there," she asked, motioning to the woodcarving knife on his dresser.

"Oh, that was a trinket box. I never did too much woodcarving, but they were easy enough to make, and I thought Nabooru would like one to store her jewelry."

His answer put a smile on her face. "I'm sure she'll love it … well, whenever you can find the time to finish it. It's nice here, too, Link. I'll admit, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really like it and I'm glad I've finally gotten the chance to see it."

Her comment warmed his heart, and as she smiled at him so beautifully, he finally understood why his return to the Gerudo Valley seemed like a homecoming. It had nothing to do with being back in his loft again and seeing his old belongings—it was because Zelda was there with him.

How many times during their journey had he caught her floral scent and felt as if he was home? Or beheld her smile and found contentment despite the circumstances? Surely, his loft felt more like home than most places, but before Zelda's arrival, it had always seemed like something was missing.

Now? Everything was just right.

With the thought in mind, he smiled and observed, "I think I like it better now, too."

Confused by the comment, Zelda asked, "What do you mean?"

Smiling, he walked over to take her hand and related, "It was nice living here with the Gerudo, you know? I was content, and I had everything I needed, but I'd be lying to say it didn't seem like something was missing. That's one of the reasons I thought it was strange that coming back here feels like a homecoming, because it didn't entirely feel like home."

Pinning her with an affectionate gaze, he concluded, "But now that you're here, it's as if everything is just the way it should be."

Zelda had no idea what to say, finding herself staring up at him with a blush heating her cheeks. Why did he have to be so sweet? Not that she'd ever complain, but it certainly left her unable to think clearly enough to respond.

So instead, she drew in close to wrap her arms around him in a tight hold.

Winding his own arms around her with a smile, Link closed his eyes and rested his cheek against her hair. Spending several moments just that way, he found her scent filling the air with each breath, serving as a reminder of precisely what he had, and his grip tightened.

It also reminded him of his desire to make sure she wasn't still angry because of what had happened with Masita. So he asked softly, "So, was I right?"

Zelda was so distracted enjoying their embrace that the sudden question was confusing, prompting her to inquire, "About what?"

"About being threatened by my past with Masita."

She was thankful to have her cheek pressed against his shoulder because her blush deepened at the reminder of her reaction to seeing Masita kiss him—and it wasn't a matter of being embarrassed by their intimacies. Instead, she was embarrassed at her behavior, not to mention angry that she'd become so upset from the start.

Exhaling low, she finally said so.

"It's not that I'm angry it happened, or that I wish it hadn't. I know you love me, and I know what you had with her wasn't … meaningful. It's just … I don't know why, but I almost feel like I don't match up."

"Don't match up?" Lifting his head, Link regarded the back of her hair with the question, "How could you think that? You've always been important to me."

"I know that," she whispered, finally lifting her head to meet his gaze with the words, "Maybe you'd understand a little better if you imagined another man kissing me."

Doing as she suggested, Link's expression briefly went flat before his brows abruptly narrowed in annoyance.

Seeing it, she couldn't help asking, "What?"

Muttering under his breath, he finally related, "You just reminded me of that miner in Kakariko, the one who proposed to you."

Brows arching, Zelda asked, "Hayden?" At his nod, she pointed out, "If it makes you feel any better, there was never anything between us, at least not on my end."

"I know, but I was still jealous of him. The night of Shamrock's party, he was staring at you longingly, and … let's just say I wasn't happy about it."

Somehow, Zelda found his response endearing. Knowing he felt that way so long ago was also reassuring, not that she was surprised. He'd already mentioned how he'd loved her since they were children, and she'd felt the same way. She also got the feeling their love would've bloomed much sooner if they'd never been separated.

The notion of it reminded her of his fall and just how utterly miserable she was afterward. Not only had she been grieving the loss of her family, she'd been dealing with feelings of inadequacy and helplessness—and those sensations were very similar to what she was feeling now.

Yet she had no time to consider it in depth before Link abruptly cupped the back of her head and kissed her, but unlike the gentle kiss he'd given outside, this one was filled with a kind of urgent longing that made her weak in the knees.

It was almost as if the thought of his jealousy had driven him to do it—and she certainly didn't mind if only because she knew precisely how he felt, wasting no time returning it in full.

The intensity of their embrace left the world around them melting away for several blissful moments. Yet, for all the longing expressed in each brush of their lips and the sound of their gasps, there was even more love, and neither of them wanted it to stop.

Sadly, it did when Link broke contact with a pained grunt, his forehead resting against hers as he attempted to catch his breath and rasped, "I'm sorry … my leg just cramped."

Zelda's eyes opened wide at the reminder of his lingering injuries. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he promised. "The pain's already gone, and it's been doing that on and off all day. Still, I suppose it's a good thing that happened because I just remembered Nabooru will be here soon, and I'd like to see if I can heal the rest of my injuries before she arrives."

More playfully, he lifted his head and inquired, "Think I'll get lucky enough for them to finally close so I won't need to worry about it in the Spirit Temple?"

Smiling, she leaned up to give him one more kiss, then stated, "There, a kiss for luck just to be sure."

With a wide grin, he released her with the words, "Now it doesn't matter if they heal or not. I'll still feel just as good."

Zelda's snickers followed him to the washroom where he could tend his injuries, and as soon as the door shut, she went to sit on the bed in wait of an outcome. Hopefully, it would be positive, and their visit to the Spirit Temple would go more smoothly for it, though she couldn't ignore the fact that it wasn't likely to be easy no matter how well they handled the task. Being the last temple possessing an orb, the fight it presented was likely to be the most dangerous one yet.

So they'd probably need all the luck they could get.

So that's why I know the area so well.

Standing atop a rock ledge overlooking the entrance of the Gerudo Valley was a rider seated upon a black stallion. The dying light of day helped mask his presence from three riders entering the valley below, and once they disappeared, he smirked and took his horse's reins to goad the animal down a rocky incline.

After spending a few weeks traversing the lands of Hyrule as he pleased and causing trouble for no other reason than his own personal desire to wreak havoc, Dark Link found himself inexplicably drawn to the Gerudo Desert a few days prior. Perhaps his own curiosity was the culprit, or he was being swayed by Ganondorf's desire to protect the last of Dragmire's orbs in the nearby Temple of Spirit.

Regardless, he'd found the area surprisingly intriguing if only because it felt so familiar.

Now, seeing Link entering the valley without encountering resistance from the inhabitants, he could only assume his light half was the reason, not that he'd given much consideration to the good boy since their last encounter. Instead, his thoughts had centered on Zelda, particularly since a day ago when his lingering feelings for the beautiful Hylian Princess had gone from amorous to completely lustful.

It all suggested Link and Zelda had taken their relationship to a new level, a thought that both infuriated and interested the shadow. For shame, Link. Doing naughty things with the Princess of Hyrule? Here I thought you were supposed to be the good boy.

A wicked grin curved his lips as he reached the sandy floor of the desert, and Dark Link goaded his stallion off into a casual gallop, in no hurry at all. With the Spirit Temple so close, he had plenty of time to spare, and he could use his familiarity with the area to his advantage thanks to Link's personal experience.

It was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.