Chapter 19 - Legacy of Myriad
Zelda was so happy being with her parents she almost forgot about Link's return with his mother.
Almost.
For two hours, Hadinaru and Nissandra showed her about the palace, enthralling with stories related to each room they viewed. It wasn't a detailed tour, particularly with the state of devastation certain areas were left in thanks to Ganondorf's efforts to assemble the Triforce, but they showed her enough to know she'd likely be spending the next month just learning her way about.
More importantly, she learned a great deal about her parents by simply watching the way they interacted, and it seemed the numerous stories she'd heard were true. Her father was well spoken and diplomatic, though he also possessed a wry sense of humor. Her mother, on the other hand, was both discerning and a bit unflappable while maintaining an air of propriety.
Zelda caught herself trying to mimic them both on numerous occasions, hoping to conduct herself with even half as much grace and sophistication. It was difficult to tell whether she succeeded, but her subconscious attempts proved she looked up to them and couldn't be happier to finally have them in her life.
She walked between them to most places, either hand in hand or with their arms over her shoulders. It was like something out of a dream, and Zelda had to refrain from pinching herself to make sure it was real. Still, for as much as she enjoyed touring her ancestral home, she soon requested to adjourn to the courtyard so she could wait for Link to arrive with his family—not that she wasn't completely content spending so much time with her parents.
Yet she kept recalling the last time she'd seen him in the Sacred Realm when he was still so weak from his injuries. The memory haunted and nagged her, making it necessary to see him and know he was well before she could fully relax.
Thankfully, Hadinaru seemed eager for his old friend to return as well, so he wasn't reluctant to cut their brief tour short—though he and Nissandra both insisted their daughter wear a shawl to keep warm in the chilly winter air.
Zelda didn't feel as if she needed the extra insulation, but their doting nearly had tears in her eyes and she agreed just to make them happy. After all, it was wonderful to have her parents showing such concern for her comfort even if the worry was minor.
A short time later, they were standing at the top landing of the stairs in the courtyard where she'd first spied her parents with Impa after returning from the Sacred Realm. Her mentor had joined them and was heartened by the sight of Nissandra idly combing her fingers through her daughter's hair with her free arm wrapped around the Princess' chest—and Zelda was perfectly content to lean back and enjoy her mother's attention as they talked.
In the process, Hadinaru observed them and remarked, "It seems uncanny to me just how much you look like the both of us at the same time."
Smiling, Zelda related, "It's strange for me to look at two people I've never met before but who still seem so familiar. It makes me wish I'd known you both growing up, but I'm also happy just to be here now."
With his own warm smile, Hadinaru leaned in to gently kiss her cheek before resting his hand upon her shoulder with a nod. Yet the loving affection on his face eclipsed a noticeable amount of sadness in his eyes, a sorrow he didn't hesitate to explain.
"We couldn't be happier to have you back despite our sorrow of never getting to see you as a child. The three of us were robbed of the most basic joy, and once we realized Dragmire's manipulations stole our true child, I was so livid I would've waged war if it meant finding you again."
Releasing a sigh as if he'd just related a terrible secret, he then qualified, "I suppose fate had a different idea in mind, however. So no matter the troubles of the past, we should embrace a brighter future together."
Her father's sentiment had Zelda's smile growing bigger, and not simply because she agreed. It also reminded her of something Link said just after they were reunited in Kakariko. She'd mentioned how nothing was ever quite the same after his fall and Alma's arrest, to which he suggested they make new memories so the past wouldn't seem so sad—and he was right.
They'd struggled since their reunion, but they'd also rejoiced, which definitely helped take the sting out of her past without him.
The thought gave her an idea on how to get started doing the same with her parents, and she didn't hesitate to suggest, "We should host a celebration, father. Something that commemorates all of the good that's been done and the good that's soon to come about because of our victory."
"Interesting," Hadinaru drew out, thoughtfully stroking his beard with a considerate smile. "I was just considering the same thing. Nissandra, you're the one with a talent for organizing festive affairs, so what do you think?"
Still idly combing the locks of her daughter's hair, Nissandra chuckled over her husband's description, qualifying, "I don't think a week long festival would be enough, but it would be a start."
As Hadinaru chuckled over her joke, Zelda's eyes widened and she turned her head to meet her mother's gaze, announcing, "That's a wonderful idea, Mother!"
"Oh? I was jesting," Nissandra returned with a chuckle, then asked, "What's the idea again?"
"We could have a week long festival that starts every night at sundown," Zelda explained. "Of course, it's a bit cold this time of year, but I'm certain the people wouldn't mind too much after what the kingdom has been through."
Smiling, Impa qualified, "I believe she's right, Your Majesties. It's a sound plan that would raise the people's morale if nothing else."
"I think," Hadinaru started in a kingly manner, though his countenance turned sheepish in adding as nothing more than a proud father, "she's my daughter so all of her plans are sound."
Several amused snickers passed between Nissandra and Zelda, the latter breaking away from her mother just long enough to lean up and kiss her father's cheek.
Returning the gesture, Hadinaru then changed the subject by mentioning, "In the meantime, I'm curious about this Link fellow. You said you grew up together in Kakariko, and you seemed rather fond when you mentioned him. So how close are the two of you?"
A blush lit Zelda's cheeks which only worsened her embarrassment. She knew her feelings for Link were transparent enough to give her parents a few hints every time she spoke his name, but hoped they wouldn't catch on so quickly. Yet here they were, asking her for more information over her relationship with the man she could honestly say was the love of her life, and she wasn't certain how to respond.
Still, Impa knew the depth of their feelings, and understood why the Princess' head shyly dipped forward when asked over it. So she gently urged her ward, "Just tell them the truth, my Princess. They'll learn it soon enough anyway."
Zelda couldn't ignore that particular fact—even if she wanted to say Link was just a close friend, their interactions would quickly reveal something much stronger. So she nodded and slowly glanced up at her parents and admitted, "I love him."
Her confession didn't seem to surprise the King and Queen as much as she expected, and yet they exchanged a look she couldn't fully interpret. Was it uncertainty? Disapproval? An I told you so?
Whatever the case, Zelda was quick to qualify, "We didn't mean for it to happen, but … I guess being as close as we are, it just did."
Chuckling, Nissandra hushed her and stated, "We're not upset, darling … well," she paused, giving her husband a questioning look while amending, "perhaps your father is."
Quirking a brow, Hadinaru pursed his lips and folded his arms over his chest, muttering, "No one's good enough."
Mother and daughter both stared blankly at his stern expression which only transformed into a grin when his wife started to laugh. Realizing he was only joking, Zelda sighed in relief, and the sound had his grin growing bigger.
Chuckling, he gently patted his daughter's shoulder and related more seriously, "If you love him, and he loves you as well, I … wait," Hadinaru trailed, giving his wife a questioning look he turned on Zelda in asking, "you haven't decided on marriage, have you?"
"Oh, no," Zelda rushed out, but then paused and absently qualified, "well, we did marry in the Goron City, but that was before we fell in love or … at least, before we knew we loved each other."
Hearing her news, Hadinaru cleared his throat and exchanged a surprised look with his wife, remarking, "We evidently have a great deal of story time ahead of us."
Zelda cringed, hoping to soften the blow by smiling as sweetly as possible at her father—and Hadinaru let a dejected sigh, muttering, "Oh no."
"What?" Nissandra inquired, looking between her daughter and husband in uncertainty.
"She has that same look you always get when you want something," he explained, adding morosely, "It's sweet and I can't say no."
As Nissandra began snickering, Zelda found it difficult not to laugh if only because of the crestfallen look on her father's face. Still, his glum expression was quickly replaced by an amused grin as she reached out to hug him, an embrace he returned with all the love he felt in his heart.
"So, it's not a … bad thing?" Finally taking a step back, Zelda glanced between them and mentioned, "I was informed that you were good friends with Myriad, so my involvement with her son wouldn't pose much of a problem."
Chuckling, Hadinaru admitted, "I'm still finding it difficult to believe Myriad has a son, but you're right. She's been a good friend since we were children, and the fact that Link is her child does make things easier to accept."
With a coy smirk, Nissandra qualified, "Besides, it's just as you said. The two of you were close, and no one asks for these things to happen. They just do."
Zelda couldn't stop herself from releasing a loud sigh of relief, so happy to know her parents weren't going to deny her feelings she instantly responded, "I know that now, but I'll admit, we both tried to ignore our feelings at first because we were worried a relationship wouldn't be acceptable."
Hadinaru snorted in amusement as he shared a knowing look with his smiling wife. The exchange suggested they knew something Zelda didn't, prompting her to insist, "What?"
"I was just thinking of your father," Nissandra started, explaining, "and how we met only a few weeks before we were to be wed. Our initial meeting went pleasantly enough for two people about as nervous as anyone can be. But somehow, knowing we were both anxious helped us to get along. Even still, as time passed, your father stubbornly refused to admit he had any feelings for me, either blooming or otherwise. He was the future king, strong and determined, and completely impervious to love."
Hadinaru frowned, asking, "Did you really have to bring that up?"
His sheepish question had Nissandra laughing, a sound that put the grin back on his face despite his dismay. Turning it to his daughter, he confessed, "She's right. It took no time to fall in love with your mother, and that's why I was so … resistant. I thought it would take longer, and felt falling too quickly could've been interpreted as a sign of weakness. So I tried to ignore it, but as you can imagine, that didn't precisely work."
Going by her own experiences with Link, Zelda could imagine her father's frustration at being unable to ignore his feelings, asking, "So what did you do?"
Chuckling, Hadinaru admitted without reluctance, "I fell so deeply I had to find her in order to propose properly."
Zelda's brows arched high above her wide eyes. "You mean you were already married, but you wanted to ask her yourself anyway?"
Shooting a coy look at his wife, her father remarked, "Perhaps."
Still snickering, Nissandra qualified, "He felt asking of his own volition would serve to make our relationship more meaningful and also prove his sincerity."
With a grin slowly splitting Zelda's lips, she found herself both amused by her parents' story and saddened by the thought that she was only just getting to know them. Still, her gratitude to have the chance outweighed her remorse, and she didn't hesitate to capture her father's attention by taking his hand and leaning in to whisper, "Don't worry, father, your secret's safe with me."
With a smile containing just as much warm affection as it did amusement, Hadinaru squeezed his daughter's hand and returned, "That's my girl." The comment drew several chuckles from both ladies as he qualified, "Now all we need is to be properly introduced to this Link and find out if he's worth my daughter's time."
Somehow, Zelda got the feeling he was speaking solely as her father now as she knew he already thought highly of the Hero of Legend who'd delivered his kingdom from the hands of darkness. While relating his awakening, he'd mentioned being filled with hope that his kingdom would both survive and thrive at the sight of the steadfast young man wielding the Master Sword. More importantly, he knew deep down he would indeed be reunited with his long lost daughter soon.
Yet that was in regards to Link as the defender of Hyrule, and considering him as his daughter's suitor was an entirely different story.
Still, Zelda's attention was instantly drawn away from the topic when Impa suddenly announced, "Speaking of the Hero of Legend."
In response, each of the royals looked down at the gates leading into the courtyard to see three Hylians on horseback passing through them. The first, Lyonel, was seated upon a white steed while Epona carried Link and his mother not far behind. Each stopped in turn, and the moment Link drew up on the reins, he dismounted and turned to help Myriad down.
Seeing his old friends, Hadinaru smiled brightly and called, "Myriad! Lyonel!"
His voice carried across the courtyard with ease, capturing their attention, and yet his call wasn't overshadowed by the cry that immediately followed it.
"Link!"
Rushing past her father, Zelda barely found enough presence of mind to gather her skirts while moving down the steps with her startled parents staring behind. Instead, her focus remained on Link, who instantly turned around with a smile curving his lips and started moving up the stairs in her direction.
"Zelda!"
Forgetting all about their onlookers, each rushed toward the other, Link moving so swiftly his hat flew from his head while Zelda ignored the fountain in their way. Instead of running around it, she started moving through the water in the pool—and Link followed suit.
As their parents watched, the Hero of Legend caught Hyrule's Princess in his arms, the force of her hug sending them spinning around with a splash of water before each slumped to their knees, still clutching each other tight. The knowledge that their long fight was finally over weighed too heavily to remain standing, as did knowing that, somehow, they were together again.
"Link … ," Zelda rasped, feeling unable to get close enough while digging her fingers into the back of his jerkin and squeezing him as tightly as she could. "Link, I was so worried about you. I just needed to see you again to know you were okay … ."
"I know," he replied breathlessly, pressing his face into the crook of her neck and inhaling her floral scent. It was the same scent that always made him feel as if he were home—and he needed it now more than ever.
"I felt the same way," he finally added, clutching her with the words, "and I couldn't wait to get back here to see you."
Tears tracked down their cheeks as Link's hold grew strong enough to cut off her air supply—and it felt so good. Zelda didn't care if he squeezed the life out of her, as long as he had the strength to do it, and the sensation left her trembling against him for reasons that had nothing to do with the cold water engulfing their legs.
Instead, she needed to give him something, lifting her head back just as Link did the same, proving he was of the same mind as their lips met in a deep kiss filled with all the love they possessed.
The rest of the world melted away in turn, neither aware of anything but the other, even as their parents approached the fountain from either side.
Seeing their kiss, Hadinaru quirked a brow, a look he turned on Impa with the question, "What have you been teaching her, exactly?"
Instantly, Impa cleared her throat and turned to walk away.
The sight left Nissandra snickering as she smacked her husband's arm and shook her head. At the same time, Arden entered the gates of the courtyard with Nabooru, Tenio, and Nissa just behind him. Thanks to Myriad's unique skills, his vision was restored, his eyes in perfect working condition—and the first thing they spied drew him to an abrupt halt.
In turn, his companions stopped around him one by one, staring at the young Hylians with blank expressions as Arden groaned and muttered, "Way to get a ticket to the guillotine, kid."
Oblivious to his sentiment, Link's lips finally parted from Zelda's, gasping in attempt to catch his breath and ask if she was actually okay. Yet the words never came out before reality crashed into him like a boulder thanks to a stern, fatherly decree.
"If my daughter grows ill because of that cold water, the cost is going to be severe, boy."
Eyes going wide, Link immediately looked up to see the King of Hyrule—and more importantly, Zelda's father—staring down at him. Furthermore, as his words registered, Link looked down to realize the water of the fountain was soaking them both from their thighs down, and until that moment, he hadn't noticed just how cold it actually was.
So he wasted no time, abruptly lifting Zelda from the pool to carry her over the wall with glistening streams of water trailing behind them. Once there, he quickly settled her on her own two feet, then turned and instantly dropped to his knees in a show of respect and fealty to his king.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty!" he rushed in earnest, adding, "I wasn't thinking. Please forgive me!"
Seeing the stern look on her father's face, Zelda parted her lips to plead on Link's behalf, but Hadinaru instantly held up a hand to stop her. The gesture kept her silent as her father approached the kneeling Hero, her gaze then turning as Myriad came to a stop nearby—and somehow, the Sage of Light's visage eased Zelda's concerns.
As the King approached her son, Myriad was smiling in a manner that suggested she knew Hadinaru well enough to realize his intentions weren't actually disciplinary. Not even Lyonel seemed bothered, and Zelda returned her attention to Hadinaru when he addressed Link by commanding him to rise.
Doing so immediately, Link met Hadinaru's gaze without flinching despite the trouble he believed himself to be in, listening as the King inquired, "You are Link, the son of Myriad and Lyonel, are you not?"
"I am," he confirmed, preparing for the worst reprimand he'd ever received.
Yet Hadinaru's features softened considerably as he placed a hand upon Link's shoulder, stating with an undeniable amount of authority, "Then, Link, all of Hyrule is in your debt, not to mention my daughter's. You have saved her life on several occasions and brought her back to me, saved my own life as well as the Queen's, and also defeated the dark shadow that befell the kingdom."
With each word, Link's desire to deny Hadinaru's praise grew as the King lifted his head back and concluded, "Now, I have the honor of meeting my kingdom's savior and giving him my utmost gratitude. It won't be enough to repay you for all you've done, Link, but it's a start, and I am at your service."
To prove his sincerity, Hadinaru knelt on one knee, respectfully bowing his head to a wide eyed Hero of Legend.
Ready to insist the King stand up, Link only managed a gasp when Nissandra bowed as well—and she wasn't the only one to follow Hadinaru's lead. First Lyonel and Myriad bowed to their son, followed by the people at the landing of the steps in the lower courtyard and those standing upon the catwalk above.
One by one, everyone present showed respect to the Hero and the Princess who'd saved them, leaving Link completely uncertain how to respond. It wasn't until Zelda took his hand that he found any semblance of rational thought, glancing over to see a warm smile on her face.
Knowing how he hated being the center of attention, she squeezed his hand and leaned up to kiss his cheek while no one was looking to offer comfort. Still, he deserved each moment of recognition received, and her smile grew when Link's cheeks actually heated in a blush.
Proving he realized it, Link quickly shook his head and rushed out, "Your Majesties, I'm flattered, but this isn't necessary. I only did what needed to be done. I mean a horse isn't really commended for being a horse, is it? Besides, without your daughter, and without my mother, nothing I did would've been possible."
Finally turning his gaze up, Hadinaru quirked a brow and stood once more, remarking, "I'm well aware of the roles they played to enable you to fight for our kingdom, but … a horse?" Slowly shaking his head, he qualified, "If you were a horse, you'd be a purebred of the finest quality, and if memory serves, those are commended all the time. So you, young man, are much more than just a horse, and you'll be rewarded for your efforts."
Link pursed his lips and absently shoved his fingers into his hair in nervous discomfort. He couldn't precisely argue with the King of Hyrule, but also didn't want a reward for simply doing what needed to be done.
Still, Hadinaru seemed to be aware of his disquiet when he leaned in and spoke in confidence, "Don't worry, it'll be painless, at least as long as you promise to refrain from making my daughter lose her composure in front of so many people in the future."
Having heard every word, Zelda frowned with pursed lips while Link fought a smile—a battle he lost in giving his agreement.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The sight of their faces drew a laugh from the King, though he didn't focus on them for much longer. Instead, as everyone stood from their bows, his attention was snagged by Myriad, and his expression grew much more sentimental.
"My old friend," he remarked warmly in greeting, proving just how close they were by reaching out to draw the Sage of Light into a tight hug.
"I'm not that old, Your Majesty," came Myriad's retort as she, Hadinaru, Nissandra, and Lyonel commenced with their own reunion.
Laughter and chattering ensued between them as Link and Zelda watched with great interest. Something about seeing their parents interact had both feeling like curious children again, the numerous questions they'd harbored while growing up finally answered. Each could recall spending nights together telling stories of who their parents might be while hoping they were at least friends, and though they'd been told such was the case by a number of people during their long journey, actually seeing it with their own two eyes was indescribable.
It was also heartbreaking knowing so much time had been lost.
So it was no surprise to Link when Zelda slipped her hand into his and squeezed it as tears filled her eyes. While seeking his shoulder for support, Link lifted an arm and slipped it around her back, holding her much the way he would have when they were kids as they listened to their parents exchanging stories of the past few hours.
Resting his cheek to Zelda's crown, the sound of her sniffles drew Lyonel's attention. Looking over to see their children in what could only be described as a distraught state, he turned and placed a hand on Link's shoulder, asking the obvious question.
"Are you two alright?"
His inquiry captured the others' attention as Link shook his head and remarked honestly, "I'm not sure, Father."
Turning to face them, Nissandra asked in turn, "What's bothering you?"
Looking first at her mother followed by scanning the rest of their parents' curious faces, Zelda parted her lips to attempt providing an answer. Sadly, her emotions were so overwhelming speech was impossible, a new wave of tears surfacing that Link completely understood.
So he spoke for her.
"We both … we're happy to see you," he started quietly, being careful with each word if only to keep his own emotions from choking him. "But watching you together now after all the nights we wondered what you were like … after hoping you were friends for so long, we're sad we missed out on knowing you when we were growing up."
Proving he'd stated precisely how she felt, Zelda's tears flowed harder, a few hiccups sounding that fed the emotions of everyone around her. It also spurred their parents into action with Myriad being the first to move, approaching them both to offer a motherly hug.
Nissandra quickly followed, leaning in to kiss Zelda's cheek and then Link's temple as Hadinaru and Lyonel both took up positions at their sides—and neither Link or Zelda could recall having ever felt a stronger sense of comforting security. Having their parents so close was fulfilling in ways they hadn't expected, calming their emotions in what seemed like record time.
In turn, as Link rested his head on Myriad's shoulder, she combed her fingers through his hair and related, "In our eyes, you will always be our little ones no matter how big you've gotten or how mature you become."
Wiping her cheek, Nissandra held her daughter close and concurred, "It's true, and I hate that Hadinaru and I weren't even aware of our true child's identity until she was seven years old. It makes me feel so guilty."
Lifting her head, Zelda leaned in and kissed Nissandra's cheek, then rasped, "I'll never blame you for that, Mother, and I think Link and I will be fine as long as we get to spend lots of time with you."
A low wave of chuckles passed through the group as Hadinaru promised, "That won't be a problem, and in fact, you're going to find it difficult to get rid of us."
As the others gave their agreement, Lyonel observed, "That reminds me of how fortunate I was to meet them over a month ago, not that it was easy staying silent over the truth. That was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, and still, I don't take it for granted. Being able to help them liberate the kingdom and free the three of you … ."
Trailing, he exhaled and related with no lack of sincerity, "I feel fortunate to have done so, and more than anything I now look forward to discovering just how strong our bonds truly are because I think, after all that's come between us, they'll be unbreakable."
With a warm smile, Myriad's gaze roamed over everyone present as the meaning behind her husband's words lingered around them. It was a meaning neither could deny, and she thoughtfully qualified, "If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then our hearts are full to bursting, our bonds timeless in a legacy that will be passed on to our children and theirs, a network of support sustained by love and faith in each other lasting for generations to come."
"Hear, hear," Nissandra concurred with a bright smile, and as the rest offered their agreements, Link lifted his head to ask his mother a playful question.
"Would that be the legacy of Myriad?"
Arching a single brow above her eye, a slow smile curved her lips as she dismissed his question with a wave of her hand and the words, "Hush, you silly thing."
A round of chuckles sounded as the two families adjourned inside together where they could continue their conversation somewhere much warmer, and during it all, Link couldn't help but wonder if he was right. Some might argue that he was Myriad's legacy in being her child, or her power was the legacy she'd passed down, but he thought it was something much more meaningful—the bond of family and friends.
The Power to act, the Wisdom to find the way, and the Courage to see things through were all potent gifts. Myriad had proven it in her bid to protect both the kingdom and her family, acts motivated by the force that made power, wisdom, and courage so prestigious—love.
To love enough to cherish or love enough to hate, the reasons didn't matter as ultimately, everything was meaningless without it.
That was Myriad's legacy, the message she'd sent out which Link would keep close to his heart for as long as he lived.
Zelda couldn't sleep, and it wasn't the distant sound of fireworks keeping her awake.
Lying upon a beautiful canopy bed in her new private apartment which actually rivaled the size of her home in Kakariko, she had nearly every comfort one could want within reach. Her bedroom even possessed its own private balcony with a breathtaking view of the Zora River flowing through a forested ravine to the north side of the palace, and the festival grounds were visible below.
Tonight marked the first night of the week long festival everyone had eagerly planned, and the fireworks started at sundown as a part of their celebration. Zelda immensely enjoyed watching the night sky light up in bursts of beautiful colors, but found herself too fatigued to really engage in much socializing—and everyone knew why.
Their fight was grueling, and the chance to curl up in a soft bed with a crackling fire burning in the nearby hearth was too good to ignore.
Still, she couldn't sleep.
After an hour of trying, she found herself staring up at the vivid blue stone of her amulet clutched in her fingers, its color reflected in her quizzical eyes much the way it had when she was a child. But instead of questioning who had gifted her the item, she wondered what, precisely, it could be.
Despite everything that happened in the Sacred Realm, she still didn't possess all of the answers. Her experience left her with hints of what was and what could be instead of painting a clear picture—and she was more curious than ever to figure it all out.
Not that the mystery presented by the gem had kept her awake, and in fact, staring at the beautiful blue color as it glinted in the firelight was soothing. Still, every time she nearly drifted off, Zelda found herself trying to recall what battle needed to be fought next only to realize their fight was finally over.
Exhaling a low sigh at the thought, she finally sat up and put her bare feet on the floor, deciding the question of her gem's origins could wait a while. For now, she knew of another, more effective way to sooth her anxieties, and carefully placed the stone in a trinket box on her bedside table before standing with the intentions of departing her chamber to find Link.
Aside from hoping he'd agree to stay with her that evening which would make it much easier to rest, she hadn't been alone with him since leaving River Town to appease Ganondorf's demands. So it would be nice to spend some time with him after everything they'd been through—though she had to wonder how much trouble might be caused by going to see him so late in the evening.
Yet it seemed she had no cause for concern. Instead, as she'd taken the doorknob in hand, a light thud sounded on the balcony outside followed by the repetitive clink of a chain—the hookshot.
Instantly spinning around to face the balcony doors, her lips curved into a bright smile to see Link through the glass windows as he turned to tap a knuckle against one without knowing she was already aware of his presence.
Rushing over to unlock the doors, she started, "Link! What are you—oh!" Her gasp came as a cold breeze blew into her room, prompting her to snatch his hand and pull him inside while exclaiming, "It's cold!"
Shutting the doors again, she locked them and turned to hug him only to find his arms wrapping around her first.
Instantly enveloped in his warmth, Zelda didn't resist the temptation to lean into it, all but burrowing against him with a whispered, "Link ... I'm so glad you're here, but are you alright?"
"Couldn't sleep," he returned, finding it difficult to focus when she brushed her nose against his throat and along his jaw. Still, he managed to add, "But I was afraid your father might kill me if anyone saw me coming to your room so late, so I sneaked through the corridor on the floor above and used the hookshot to lower myself down from the window."
Zelda's soft snickering filled the air as she lifted her head to regard his playful grin—and it was easy to see he'd been in bed. His hair was hanging free around his neck and his white tunic was unbound, the hem hanging over a pair of tan pants.
The sight prompted her to relate, "I couldn't sleep either. Every time I was about to drift off, I would start worrying while trying to remember what our next step was, and it jarred me awake. Then I realized you weren't here with me, and it scared me until I recalled the truth, that our fight is actually over."
"That's what happened to me," Link admitted, finding the similarities of their trouble resting somewhat humorous. It was still hard for them to accept that their fight was over, but the real source of the problem was in not having the other nearby as a source of comfort.
So he corrected the problem by leaning down to lift Zelda from the floor and carried her to the bed to sit with her legs draped over his lap.
Smiling the whole way, she reached down to help him remove his boots while Link placed the hookshot on the floor between the bed and the table next to it. Once the tasks were completed, and Link gave her his full attention, she asked almost shyly, "Are you going to stay here all night?"
"I want to," he confessed, adding with ease, "I just need to be with you right now."
The sheer happiness in the smile his answer put on her face melted his heart, its radiance outmatched only by the sight of her in the Sacred Realm just before he'd defeated Ganondorf. The memory of her glowing so radiantly reminded him of a question which had been sitting at the back of his thoughts ever since their return, and though they were both tired, now seemed like a good time to ask.
"Zelda, in the Sacred Realm, just after you broke free of the Dark Orb, you were … glowing and you … looked angelic. Then you healed me, and my injury wasn't exactly minor." Shaking his head, he finally inquired, "How did you do that, and bind Ganondorf?"
Zelda held his gaze for a moment before it drifted to his right, and he followed her line of sight to see she was regarding a trinket box sitting on her bedside table. Uncertain why, he watched and waited as she reached over and opened it, producing a familiar blue gem—the stone of her amulet.
She said she'd managed to keep it after Ganondorf destroyed the necklace, and now, Zelda took his hand and placed the item in his palm, asking, "Do you hear anything? Or … sense it?"
Brows narrowed, he looked down at the gem resting in his palm, waiting and listening. After a few moments passed, he then shook his head and stated, "No, I don't hear anything, but … ."
Extremely curious, Zelda canted her head and insisted, "But what?"
Pursing his lips, Link finally stated, "I don't sense anything either, but I do feel … strange. Maybe it's just knowing this was a part of your necklace and I don't like that he destroyed it, but … I don't know, it almost seems like more than that. Like this is important somehow."
Zelda's gaze dipped from his face to the gem he held, and she slowly smiled before taking it to replace in the trinket box where it would be safe for now. Once done, she leaned against him again and provided an answer to his question along with an explanation of why she'd asked her own.
"As soon as Ganondorf broke the amulet containing that gem, I could sense a power within it I didn't understand, and I'm not sure I know what it means. But after I touched it, I could hear echoes of voices like … fragmented memories that grew clearer until I saw a figure who told me something I knew was the simple truth."
His fatigue momentarily forgotten, Link didn't hesitate to ask, "What did it say?"
Nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder, Zelda replied plainly, "She said your blood is my blood, and though I'm still not entirely sure what it means, I know it's true, and somehow knowing gave me strength."
Link considered the story for a moment, knowing that if Zelda was uncertain over the source of the gem's power, he'd have no chance of figuring it out. Still, he couldn't help wondering what it could possibly mean, or where the stone may have come from—not that he was concerned. They'd known the amulet possessed power since their journey began, and maybe they'd never know the truth of its origins.
Yet it was likely the King and Queen knew more, a thought that prompted his next question.
"Have you asked your parents about it?"
"Not yet," Zelda replied, ready to say more when she was interrupted by an abrupt yawn that proved to be contagious.
Rubbing his eyes while letting his own, Link finally turned to hoist her onto the mattress where she would be more comfortable followed by positioning the pillows so they could both lay back. Once done, he found Zelda cuddling into his side and tugging the blankets over them before she finally finished giving her response.
"I thought it would be better to ask them later, after everything calms down a bit."
Languidly kissing the top of her head, Link concurred, "Sounds good to me," and smiled when she clutched him more tightly. It was one of the most blissful feelings in the world, and with Zelda's warmth seeping into his side, her floral scent filling each breath, his drowsiness quickly overwhelmed him.
Finally, it seemed possible to fully relax, and just as he began to doze off, Zelda's soft voice sounded with a curious question.
"Is it really all over with, Link? Are we really here together with our parents nearby, all of us safe and sound?"
"Yes," he whispered, threading his fingers through hers beneath the sheets. "It's finally over, my love."
He could feel her squeezing his hand as she groggily admitted, "I'm so happy right now."
"Because it's over?"
"Because you're here."
In his half asleep state, a tiny smile curved his lips as he promised, "I'll be here all night."