Chapter 18 – Reunion
If anyone wondered how the final battle between the King of Evil and the Hero of Legend had turned out, they needed only look to the skies.
The dark clouds that had once festered above Hyrule Field broke away only moments after Ganondorf's defeat, the dark powers which corrupted the land lifting. Rays of light shined down for the first time in many years, slowly coloring the fields a lush green just as they were always meant to be. Any monsters left roaming the kingdom were washed away in turn, including the Jackals who lost their forms, becoming the men they once were.
Most surrendered on the spot while the rest were tracked down to be brought to the palace for justice—and the royal dwelling itself had undergone a change.
Without Ganondorf's influence, the dark, granite walls returned to the white marble they'd once been. Sadly, the winter season didn't see as many blooms or leaves returning to the landscape, and yet traces of life were visible by simply observing the vivid colors of the grass and the tree bark. Even inanimate objects showed a change, the fountain at the center of the courtyard becoming a functioning pool with pristine waters and a fairy statue standing at the center.
Holding a jar with the clear liquid pouring out of it, the gentle trickling sound it created provided a soothing atmosphere as Hadinaru emerged from the doors with his wife to stand at the top landing of the stairs leading down to the fountain. There, they observed all the changes taking place with no small amount of help from their people, finding it uncanny just how different things were under Ganondorf's rule while vowing to do all they could to return their kingdom to the powerful nation it used to be.
Still, in those moments they were more focused on the immediate situation, and as Impa joined them, Nissandra observed with no lack of relief in her voice, "It's all over. They were victorious."
Looking up at the bright, cloudless blue sky, a smile curved Impa's lips. The winter chill coming in with the breeze didn't matter if only because it felt natural, a chill that was warded off by the warmth of the sun. So, after taking a breath of fresh air which felt like the first in many long years, Impa concurred with her monarchs.
"Yes, it seems our long journey through the darkness is finally over."
From below, a few people working to restore some of the palace grounds heard Impa's claim in passing and stopped to clap, followed by a few cheers from others. One by one, more joined the crowd, their shouts growing louder until one of them called, "Long may our true King and Queen reign!"
As if a levee had broken, the cheers grew cacophonous, and though Impa refrained from joining in, she didn't stop herself from smiling and bowing to show her full support and agreement. Still, her own business wasn't quite complete as there was still the matter of Princess Zelda's reunion with her parents. Perhaps that issue was between the royal family, but Impa felt partly responsible for what had transpired, even if she'd only acted in the family's best interests.
So she couldn't quite bring herself to join in on the revelry until Zelda arrived, though the sound still brought joy to her heart.
It was just a shame Lyonel wasn't present to hear it. Yet he'd gained permission to depart for the Temple of Time, having the sneaking suspicion the Princess may be there when she returned with his wife and son. After all, they had no way of knowing if the trio was already back, or if they'd appear out of thin air at any moment.
So the King and Queen eagerly agreed to allow his departure, and now waited for word on their saviors' current situation.
In the meantime, Hadinaru commented to his wife and Impa as the cheering slowly faded, "I don't believe I'll ever feel worthy of their praise after everything that's happened, but I'll do my best to earn it."
"Oh, Hadinaru," Nissandra drew out, relating, "you're already doing all you can, and I think everyone is pleased just to have you back."
"Don't sell yourself short, Your Majesty," came a voice from the crowd now gathered around the fountain below, adding, "we're happy you're back, too."
Impa smiled at Betarro's claim, knowing there wasn't a soul present who would disagree as a round of chuckles and cheers rolled through the crowd. Even Hadinaru grinned, remarking, "And we're happy so many still support us. It all … ."
Trailing, Hadinaru stopped, unable to ignore the irony of what he was about to say, his gaze roaming over the faces of those gathered. Each waited patiently for him to continue as he attempted to memorize the sight if only to keep the image close as a reminder of what he was fighting for—their quality of life.
After all, they were the true source of his power.
So many years ago, he'd attempted to teach Ganondorf that very lesson. A throne, a crown, a scepter, none of it mattered, and the source of any true monarch's power was his people as, without them, there was no kingdom over which to preside. The stronger their people, the stronger their leaders could be, allowing them to thrive as they should.
With the thoughts in mind, he finally qualified, "It all seems like another dream. But if I am still sleeping, then at least this time, it's a pleasant dream from which I feel no urgent need to awaken."
"Hear! Hear!"
As the people called out their agreements and their cheers renewed, Nissandra slipped her arm through his and related, "I couldn't have said it better myself."
Smiling, he covered his wife's hand with his own and shared a loving look before gazing out at the apple trees in the courtyard surrounding the fountain. Nissandra had planted those trees years ago, and in the springtime, their blooms would paint a lovely scene for all those strolling past. Still, despite their presently barren branches, there was a sign of life returning in small, budding leaves at the tips of each stem.
Both monarchs couldn't help thinking it seemed symbolic—just as life was returning to the land, so too was it returning to their kingdom. It was just a matter of time, leaving them with no doubts over a single fact.
Everything was almost perfect.
"Where is she?" Nissandra whispered as if reading her husband's thoughts, her grip on his arm tightening in adding, "I'm so ready to meet our little girl."
Her eagerness was certainly shared, and Hadinaru exhaled a sigh in the effort of maintaining his patience. Even Impa was experiencing a bout of nervous excitement, finding it helped to watch those assisting the injured presently being sheltered in the outer palace grounds. Among those providing aid were Arden, Nabooru, Nissa, and Tenio while others such as Olnor and Dorrel had been assigned to the task of gathering supplies.
Still, the moments that followed Nissandra's statement felt as if they'd lasted another seventeen years, leaving all three lost in their own thoughts by the time a low whir of energy sounded. It was too soft at first to draw their notice, but soon grew in volume, capturing their attention one by one as they gazed down to the gates leading into the courtyard.
There, the figure of a young lady took shape in a golden light—and the moment her visage became clear, Nissandra covered her mouth with a gasp while Hadinaru tightened his grip with wide eyes.
Oblivious to their stares, Zelda squinted due to the bright light of day after spending so long in a much darker place. Yet her vision soon adjusted, first revealing a few sporadic people standing about followed by the sight of the fairy statue at the center of the fountain on the landing above. The imagery seemed confusing at first, leaving her with no idea over where the Goddesses had delivered her.
Yet, after spending another moment gazing about, she finally realized she was in the palace courtyard—and the transformation her efforts with Link and Myriad had brought about left her awed.
Despite a few lingering traces of Ganondorf's reign left behind in the form of debris and some broken segments of walls around them, it was just as beautiful as she'd imagined.
Taking it all in, the signs of restoration in her true home reminded her of what Link said about awakening the King and Queen in the Sacred Realm just before they left. For a brief moment, she had to wonder at his whereabouts as well, not to mention Myriad's, and yet the lifelong desire to finally know her parents returned with a vengeance, distracting her too much to consider it for long.
After all, their combined absence left her only able to assume they were finally being given the reunion they deserved—and she was eager to have her own.
So she turned around to face the stairs, deciding her parents must be somewhere inside, possibly coordinating efforts to restore their kingdom. That's when she spied Impa standing upon the steps located behind the fountain, her visage visible just to the right of the fairy statue.
Smiling brightly to find her mentor waiting, she gathered her skirts in hand and rushed up the first flight of stairs to the fountain, calling, "Impa! We've won!"
Yet her rushed footfalls came to an abrupt stop the moment she reached the first landing. With the fountain's statue no longer blocking her full view of the top landing, her smile faded and eyes grew wide at the sight revealed.
Hadinaru and Nissandra.
Her parents.
Holding each other where they stood next to Impa, time came to a stop and Zelda froze in place, unable to move or do anything but take in the sight of her parents staring down at her with tear stained cheeks. The love in their eyes was staggering—as was the sorrow, an emotion she shared as a result of having never known them before this moment.
Unwittingly, tears began streaming down her own cheeks in turn, the sight of them spurring Nissandra into action.
"Zelda!" she cried, gathering her skirts to rush down the steps as quickly as possible.
The sound of her mother's voice finally drew Zelda from her stupor, uncertain how she managed to take a single step even as she found herself running around the fountain to meet her. But it didn't matter, and the moment they reached each other, their arms wound tight in a tear filled reunion.
"Mother!" she rasped, just tall enough to rest her chin on Nissandra's shoulder, and though her vision was clouded by tears, she could still see Hadinaru stepping in behind them.
Upon spotting him, Zelda reached out a single hand and gasped, "Father!" finding herself overwhelmed by the desire to hug them both at the same time. Yet it seemed her father was large enough to wrap his arms around both his daughter and wife, the three eventually sinking to their knees together as Zelda sobbed with one kissing her cheek while the other kissed her crown.
"Zelda," Hadinaru then whispered, his voice wrought with emotion in adding, "my little angel."
And the reunited royal family wasn't the only group of people crying.
Onlookers stopped to smile, their eyes glistening at the sight of a daughter reunited with her long lost parents. Yet none were more profoundly affected than her closest friends, Nabooru sniffling as Tenio patted her back while Nissa landed on Impa's shoulder, all but bawling over the heartfelt scene.
As for Impa, she closed her eyes and said a silent prayer of thanks, recalling the night she'd taken Zelda from the palace. That entire journey was long, tedious, and emotionally draining, and it hadn't ended when she'd dropped the basket off with Zelda's adoptive parents.
It ended now that she'd been returned—and Impa couldn't be happier.
Several moments passed in emotional silence, the royal family shedding too many tears to speak at first. Even when they felt as if something could be said, neither of them had any idea what to say—did they remark upon how relieving it was to finally be together again? How sorrowful they were that so much time had been lost?
Finally, Zelda was the first to speak, relating, "I can't say it."
"You can't say what, darling?" Nissandra asked, lifting her head to regard her daughter with glistening eyes while placing a gentle hand against her cheek to wipe the tears away with her thumb.
The loving gesture made it difficult to respond for a moment, but Zelda finally managed to state, "I thought I'd be able to tell you how happy I was whenever I finally got to meet you, but I just can't. I've wanted to know you for so long, and there's no way to explain it."
"Oh, Zelda," her mother rasped, reaching to cup her cheeks and relate with the utmost sincerity, "It will take time, but we'll find a way to show it."
The warmth in her eyes had Zelda's tears streaming anew as she leaned in to rest her head against Nissandra's chest for several long moments—and something about the way her mother's heart beat against her ear was lulling. The sound eased her overflowing emotions, as did the way Nissandra kissed the top of her head while Hadinaru stroked her back.
And it felt just as good as Zelda had always imagined it might.
At the same time, her father asked, "Is that … ," then trailed off long enough to allow Zelda to open her eyes and spy him examining her forehead. It seemed confusing at first, but then he smiled brightly and pointed out, "She's wearing the circlet you commissioned Queen Majalyn to make for her, love."
"Oh," Nissandra drew out, canting her head to get a better look with a soft chuckle. "I didn't realize!"
Lifting her head to gaze up at her father's face, Zelda found it strange to see so many similarities to her own visage, particularly in the color of his eyes, as she whispered in response, "Bessa had it and gave it to me to wear."
"Bessa?" Nissandra asked, seeming happily surprised to hear the name. "I was hoping she was still around somewhere. Did she make that gown for you as well?"
"Yes, from the design she said you two worked to make for my coronation."
Looking between them, Zelda took a shaky breath and asked, "Did my wearing it help?"
Confused, Hadinaru returned, "Help with what?"
Choking on the words, his daughter whispered with tears flooding her eyes again, "Help you to know who I was? Because I was afraid you wouldn't."
Hearing of her concern, Hadinaru didn't hesitate to gather her against himself in a tight hug, reassuring her, "Don't ever concern yourself about that, Zelda. We knew who you were the moment we saw you, and it had nothing to do with how you were dressed or the fact that you appeared out of thin air. We never got to see you growing up because of Dragmire," he all but growled the name in anger, adding, "but once his influence was broken, we were prepared to scour the kingdom to find you, and would've known you the moment we saw you. We would have felt it in our hearts, as you would in yours."
Somehow, Zelda knew he was right, squeezing her eyes shut as she hugged him and recalled the day the announcement was made of the King and Queen's untimely passing. She hadn't known they were her parents at the time, but felt inexplicably bad to learn of their fate as if somewhere deep down she knew the truth, adding further validity to her father's claim.
And it made her happier than she'd ever been.
Turning a smile up at him, she nodded and qualified, "You're right, father. I would've known the truth if you'd found me as a child. So I suppose it's pointless to worry, and now that we're finally together, the next step is sharing stories, right? Because I want to know all about you both. Your favorite songs, stories, foods, your favorite colors, oh! And I never asked the precise date of my birthday because I was hoping you'd tell me yourselves."
Hadinaru chuckled, finally working his way back to his feet before helping his wife and daughter to stand with the playful response, "When is your birthday? Why it's the best day of the year, of course!"
Both ladies laughed, though Zelda soon found herself trying to dissuade him from proclaiming her birthday as an official holiday. At first she thought he was joking again, but Nissandra assured her that he was quite serious, and Zelda's efforts to stop him sparked a long and playful conversation that left all three of them feeling satisfied in ways they didn't think possible.
It left Zelda thinking things were almost perfect.
All that was missing was Link.
If it weren't for him, she wouldn't be standing here with her parents, having a reunion she'd wanted for as long as she could remember. Of course, he was with Myriad no doubt, possibly at the Temple of Time, or somewhere close to it, having his own happy reunion. Still, she was eager for the chance to see him again if only to hug and thank him for everything he'd done, then tell him once again just how much she loved, and would always love him.
The thought reminded her of what she'd learned in the Sacred Realm and the images revealed by the mysterious gem tucked away in her pouch. While she couldn't say she fully understood everything she'd seen, the words spoken to her held an undeniable amount of truth that was proven by her ability to hold Ganondorf at bay until Link could defeat him.
But the question of what the gem might truly be could wait. For now, she only wanted to enjoy her reunion with her parents while waiting for Link's arrival with his mother—and she wasn't the only one looking forward to their return.
Impa also felt a great deal of gratitude to the Hylian who'd claimed the Master Sword and delivered the kingdom from the darkness that had taken it. Looking up from her spot leaning against Arden who'd joined them after helping a few of the injured soldiers to their temporary beds, she gazed in the direction of the Temple of Time.
Somehow, she knew Myriad had returned there with her son, and with that knowledge, everything felt right once again. With the thoughts in mind, she rested her cheek against Arden's arm as he related softly, "Now all we need is for those scrawny arsed Hylians to show up so we can celebrate."
The words put a grin on Impa's typically stoic face as she hugged him tight, knowing he was right. As soon as Link arrived with his parents, there was likely to be a celebration unlike any Hyrule had ever seen.
And she couldn't think of a more fitting reason to have one than their victory.
Just as Zelda had appeared in the palace courtyard, two Hylians appeared upon the dais within the Sacred Grove of the Lost Woods. Forming in a golden light, Myriad and Link took shape standing several feet apart, both instantly glancing about to see where they'd arrived.
Yet it wasn't until Myriad spoke that Link realized where they were.
"How fitting. We've arrived at the Master Sword's resting place where this all began."
Hearing this, Link turned to see the pedestal he'd drawn the blade from so long ago now—and it seemed like longer than it actually was. So much had happened since then, so much had changed, and, as he considered it, he couldn't say those changes were for the worst despite the difficulties involved.
His current state of dress was a testament to the hardships as well. Though he felt perfectly fine after Zelda had taken the time to heal his injuries, his clothing was still stained with blood—even Myriad's robes were marred with dirt after their long fight. Yet he was less focused on how they looked and more concerned with another issue.
"Where's Zelda?"
Gazing ahead with her hood still obscuring most of her face, Myriad qualified confidently, "With her parents at Hyrule Palace where the Goddesses sent her."
Somehow, Link didn't need to question his mother to know she was telling the truth, and it was reassuring to think Zelda was finally getting the chance to meet her parents—just as he was finally able to have the reunion with his mother that he should've had from the start.
The thought made it difficult to tear his gaze away from Myriad, particularly when she removed her hood with the words, "Oh … it's been so long since I felt sunlight I'd forgotten how warm it can be."
With her hood removed, he realized his mother had a mane of golden blonde hair that matched his own, and the length was enough to rival Zelda's. Two segments at her temples were cuffed, her pointed ears jutting out from behind them as she lifted her face toward the sun in obvious enjoyment of its warmth.
Yet she soon opened her eyes, and where Lyonel's were sky blue, his mother's were sapphire and filled with love when she turned them to her son.
Instantly, Link felt weak in the knees. Everything they'd done, all of the fighting, the traveling, the endless worry and yearning had finally paid off. His mother was here now, gazing at him with a mixture of love and sorrow in her eyes that matched his own feelings.
All she'd done for him, how much she'd sacrificed out of love, it all crashed down as he found himself reaching out in the knowledge that his long wait was finally over.
She was here.
"Mother … ," he rasped, finding her reaching out to hug him just as tightly as he hugged her.
With tears streaming down her cheeks, she breathed, "Oh Link … ," just as his head came to rest against her shoulder.
Simultaneously, they sank to their knees before the pedestal where their journey had started, Myriad's fingers clasping the back of his head as she cradled her son against herself, whispering with a tremor in her voice, "My little love."
Still sobbing, Link's eyes cracked open to stare ahead where his temple rested against his mother's shoulder. The emotions choking him made it difficult to speak, but he managed to ask, "What did you c-call me?"
Myriad was silent for a moment, her own eyes cracking open as she rasped, "It's what I called you as a baby, and it just slipped out." After taking a moment to catch her breath, she qualified, "I'll stop if you'd like."
"N-no," he drew out, eyes squeezing shut almost as tightly as he squeezed her. "I don't c-care what you call me. As long as you're here."
If possible, his tears flowed even harder, prompting Myriad to stroke his back and shush him with the words, "I'm most certainly here now, thanks to you and Princess Zelda, and I'll never leave you again. I'm also so very sorry for everything, Link."
He wanted to tell her she had no reason to apologize, but couldn't quite get the words out, clutching her as his emotions all but choked him. With his face buried against her robe, he slowly came to realize it wasn't simply happiness over having his mother back that was causing his tears, nor was it the sorrow of only just meeting her.
It was his entire fight, the burden he'd carried for so long weighing him down with fatigue. Everything he'd done, the miraculous victories and the close brushes with death, and somehow he was still here, still breathing and able to tell her how much he loved her.
Or he would as soon as the emotional tides stopped churning.
Proving she was well aware of his distress, Myriad continued rubbing his back as she began to sway from side to side, gently rocking him. At the same time, she tugged his hat from his head and kissed his crown, a gesture that, combined with her lulling movements, finally soothed his disquiet.
"It's actually a bit ironic," she stated, her voice adding to the comforting effect. "The last time I held you, you were crying. So I rocked you much the same way as now. I also recall humming a song, but I don't quite remember which song it was."
She let a soft chuckle through her tears, still rocking her son in adding, "It doesn't matter though. All I ever wanted was to … h-hold you one more time."
Her eyes closed as more tears streamed down her cheeks, the ache in her arms to hold her only child finally alleviating as she clutched him more tightly. Just as Link was elated to have his mother back, she found endless joy in holding him as he let his emotions out—though she was briefly distracted when his grip around her loosened.
At the same time, his weight grew just a bit heavier, and Myriad gazed down at the back of his head, her lips finally curving in a bright smile.
She'd rocked her son to sleep.
A few more tears trailed down her cheeks as she exhaled low, gently working to sit with her back against the pedestal without disturbing him. As a result, Link's head slipped down to the center of her chest, but he didn't flinch. So Myriad removed his shield to hopefully make him more comfortable, followed by freeing his hair of the tie to comb her fingers through it.
There was no way of knowing how long they stayed just that way, but years could've passed and it wouldn't have been enough. Myriad was as content as she'd ever been to let her son sleep on her lap, enjoying every moment and closing her eyes only when a cold winter breeze passed by, creating a soothing sound in the branches swaying above them.
"That's the most beautiful sight I've ever seen."
The softly spoken words instantly drew her eyes open as she looked right to see a familiar and extremely welcome face approaching with two horses, and she didn't hesitate to speak his name—albeit softly as not to disturb Link.
"Lyonel, my love!"
Dismounting without bothering to tether either his horse or Epona, Lyonel instantly approached his wife with no clue as to how he'd accomplished the feat. EVer since he'd left the palace, he'd been shaky inside, wondering what he'd find once he reached the Temple of Time. Yet Brahm related that Myriad wasn't there, and something deep down told Lyonel she'd be in the Sacred Grove with their son.
Surely enough, he was right, and the sight of her alone was like a balm on an eighteen year old wound. But to find her with Link resting peacefully where he lay draped over her lap was indescribable, making his legs feel about as sturdy as jelly in walking toward them.
"Myriad," he whispered, a tremor sounding in his voice as he took her hand the moment he was close enough and knelt at her side to draw her as close as possible with tears rolling down his cheeks.
"I'm so sorry, my love," she rasped, intending to apologize for all the hurt she'd caused her husband. Yet he wouldn't hear it, silencing her apology with a kiss that left her too rattled to know what else to say despite years of careful planning for the occasion.
"Never apologize, Myriad. Never. If it weren't for your selflessness, I wouldn't have my family … back."
He could barely speak the words without choking on more tears, gazing down at their son as he slept so peacefully. Placing a hand on Link's back, Lyonel qualified, "I love you both endlessly, and I always will."
Myriad sniffled, resting her head against Lyonel's shoulder in amazement. Perhaps he was right, and her sacrifice allowed them to be together now, but it still seemed miraculous that he loved her at all.
And she'd never take it for granted, nor would she ever let them go again.
"How long has he been asleep?"
Lyonel's question came as he worked his way behind Myriad to allow her to lean against him rather than using the uncomfortable pedestal for support, and once they were both settled, she replied, "I'm honestly not sure. A few hours at most, though I doubt it's been quite that long."
Stroking his son's back, Lyonel remarked, "He has to be exhausted after all he's been through."
"Yes," Myriad whispered, gazing over his resting form in qualifying, "and it pains me that I wasn't able to be here for him during his arduous journey. Still, I rejoice in knowing I'll be here for his recovery, and I fully intend to help him every step of the way."
Lyonel pressed his lips to Myriad's temple once she finished speaking, mentioning softly, "As do I, my love. I intend to be here for you both."
Once again, tears brimmed in Myriad's eyes. Somehow, the knowledge that she not only had her son back, but also her husband had just sank in, and it was overwhelming. The result left her leaning against Lyonel while attempting to regain her composure, enjoying the warmth of his arms around her as she continued holding their son.
Rays of light filtered down over the reunited family from above, breaking against the tree branches as they calmly swayed in the breeze. The serenity of the moment enveloped them like a blanket, and only broke when Link let a low groan.
Eyes fluttering open, he couldn't recall exactly what happened at first and only knew the forest around him seemed ethereal as his mother tucked his hair behind an ear. That's when it hit him—his mother was there, and they'd returned from the Sacred Realm before he'd all but passed out.
Grunting as he pushed himself up to sit back and started rubbing his eyes, Link muttered, "Sorry, I didn't mean to drift off. How long was I out?"
Chuckling, Myriad qualified, "A few hours perhaps, and don't apologize. You've been through quite an ordeal."
Yawning, Link finally lowered his hand and looked up with the words, "Maybe, but so were you and … ."
Trailing the moment his eyes focused on his mother to realize his father had arrived during his impromptu nap, Link couldn't think clearly enough to continue speaking. Instead, all he could do was take in the sight of his very own parents, the affection in their eyes proving how much they loved him just as the way they held each other proved their own shared affinity as a couple.
And they were right here with him, just as he'd always wanted.
Instantly, Link reached for them, but the weight of emotions his thoughts evoked dragged him down, his hip hitting the dais with tears streaming down his cheeks anew. Still, it didn't matter as they were soon on either side of him, the three hugging one another while sharing kisses and words of love alike.
Once Link finally regained the ability to form a coherent sentence, he rasped, "I don't know what to say now. I finally have you both here like I've always wanted, but I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything, Link," Myriad rasped in cupping his tear stained cheek in a gentle hand. "We all feel the same way because there's so much we want and need to tell each other. But it will come out in time, and perhaps the best way to get started is by traveling to the palace and reuniting with old friends."
Finally, Link found a smile, nodding with the words, "That's the best idea I've heard all day, though … that's honestly not saying much."
As the three helped each other to stand, Myriad gave her son a curious look and asked, "Why? Because of where we were?"
Leaning down to grab his shield and replace it, Link also took his hat and returned it to his head without bothering to tie his hair back again. Once done, he shook his head and answered with a smile, "No, because one thing I've learned from all this is that my mother always has the best ideas."
As Myriad snorted and waved a dismissive hand, Lyonel remarked on a dry tone, "Good, I'm not the only one who sees it."
Staring between them in mock distress, Myriad observed, "Oh no, you're teaming up against me now."
"Face it, love. Hadinaru appointed you as an advisor for a reason."
"He has a good point, Mom."
Though she was grinning in obvious delight over their mirthful banter, her gaze soon fixated on Lyonel's hood with a curious light forming in the sapphire depths of her eyes.
"Lyonel," she started, reaching for the garment to push it back, and her curiosity only redoubled when he grasped her wrist to stop her, prompting the question, "What happened?"
"I was injured during the fight with Dragmire after he returned from sealing you inside the Sacred Realm," her husband admitted with no enthusiasm, adding, "I'd rather you not see it."
In response, Myriad arched a single brow in a look he knew meant she intended to get what she wanted one way or the other. So he didn't resist when she used her free hand to accomplish her goal with the words, "I, however, insist on it."
He groused as the hood fell around his shoulders, revealing the scars marring his left temple and the damage to his ear. Instantly, sorrow filled her eyes as she rasped, "I'm so sorry, my love. This is all my doing."
"No," he retorted sternly, giving her a look of his own she knew meant he was completely serious. "Your doing is what allows me to breathe, Myriad. Never doubt that."
His words had a grateful, yet sorrowful smile curving her lips as she covered her husband's damaged ear with her hand. A warm light pulsed forth from her palm against his injured flesh in turn, briefly growing brighter until she pulled her hand away—and the scar was gone.
Narrowing his brows, Lyonel reached up, able to feel nothing but smooth skin and a properly formed ear, its pointed tip returned. Realizing his visage had been restored to its normal state, he exhaled low, giving his wife a grateful look even as he shook his head.
"You didn't need to do that."
"I know," Myriad returned, resting her head against his chest with the words, "but I wanted to."
Smiling at the sight of his parents hugging, Link regarded his father and gave him a nod. "You look good, like a refined version of me."
Chuckling, Lyonel reached over to drag his son in for another hug along with his wife, an embrace he fully accepted. Kissing his mother's temple, Link then kissed his father's cheek, eliciting a round of laughter that grew stronger when Lyonel returned the favor, causing his son to playfully grimace.
It was a more lighthearted embrace that didn't last quite as long as the first, but the three of them were all blissfully aware of the same thing.
Their long wait to be together again was over.
Several moments later, after Myriad was properly introduced to Epona and promised to spoil the animal every chance she got, Lyonel helped his wife mount his white steed in preparation to depart for Hyrule Palace. Once she was settled upon the horse's back, he then looked over at Link and inquired, "Are we all set?"
Having just ensured he was in possession of his belongings, Link took a moment to gaze at the surrounding area, and his eyes finally stopped when they met the pedestal where the Master Sword once rested.
Where this all began.
Standing empty now at the center of the grove, he shook his head in response to his father's question and returned, "Not just yet."
His answer had Myriad looking up to spy him walking away from their horses to approach the pedestal while pulling the Master Sword from its sheath. The movement told her all she needed to know, and as she watched, she took Lyonel's hand with a smile over the meaning behind what her son was about to do.
Coming to a stop before the pedestal, Link looked the blade over, watching it glint in the sunlight filtering through the trees with no lack of gratitude for its help in his numerous struggles, a message he passed along in his thoughts.
Thank you, but I hope I don't ever see you again, and if the peace you've helped me restore is as strong as you are, I know I won't.
With his parents looking on, Link then turned the blade down in both hands and pushed it back into the pedestal. Lingering for only a moment with his hands resting upon the hilt, he finally released it to stand sentinel in the light of the forest as his own testament that evil no longer festered in these lands.
Its purpose served, the Master Sword came to rest for—hopefully—quite a long time.
Turning to rejoin his parents, they left the Lost Woods only moments later, their path clear despite the cursed forest's name. It was a path that would take them back to the true Kingdom of Hyrule, and more importantly, Link considered, back to her.