Chapter Five

Upon returning to the stable, Link was met by Kass before he could enter. "She's finally managed to fall back to sleep. A local doctor is here to assist her."

The rito kept his voice low, full of caution for Link's approach, and the knight took the hint. He removed the Master Sword from his back, instead holding it steady in his hand to keep it from making a single sound as he approached the sleeping Princess.

"She has a mild concussion. I'd suggest at least a day's rest before any travel can be done," the apparent doctor looked to Link from Zelda's bedside.

She was a rather pretty hylian, with chestnut hair and golden eyes. Even her smile seemed nurturing and gentle. "Take a seat. She was trying to stay awake until you returned."

Link spoke nothing to the stranger, pulling up a stool to sit beside the bed. He bent his knee, settling his chin there as he kept his guard up.

The room seemed quiet. The travelling guests hadn't even taken to their afternoon drinking. It was almost as if someone were dying, not recovering, and the somber mood felt heavy in the air.

Link soon shifted, setting the Master Sword across his legs as he let his mind wander. What he saw was nothing like he'd experienced thus far on his journey. Princess Zelda had always been full of surprises, but this...this was unnatural. Even for people as special as they were.

"Master Link, perhaps we could have a talk." It was Kass once more, his feathered hands on either one of Link's shoulders from behind the stool. "Let's go outside. The doctor will watch over her."

Link seemed hesitant, but stood nonetheless, walking towards one of the two entrances to the stable. He stood there, leaning on the wall in a spot he found had the perfect view. No one could enter or exit without him knowing. With this, he rolled his shoulders, relaxing only a little.

"May I ask something? I have a question that's been nagging me. I feel as though it's the spirit of my teacher begging for an answer."

Link barely looked to him, his eyes jetting between the entrance, exit, and Princess Zelda under the nurse's care. He chose not to answer, expecting Kass to continue anyway, which he did.

"Do you remember her? The Princess?"

"Yes. Sort of. It's complicated." Link managed quickly before pushing himself up and returning to Zelda's side. The conversation cut short due to the unappealing topic

"I see," Kass rubbed his beak, watching the chosen duo. "With time, Master Link, I'm sure."

Link pretended not to hear him, not wanting to give Kass the satisfaction of getting a reaction. It was hard for the Hero to hide the anger and anguish that came with losing his memory. He'd remember bits and pieces, read what his life used to be like, how he used to seem from others perspectives.

Like the Champions who'd written about him in their diaries and journals. Princess Mipha seemed particularly fond of him, and since owning the Zora armour she'd been planning to give him, he had come to understand it was clearly much more than a mere friendship.

But had he returned the feelings? He wasn't sure. And honestly, he didn't know if he'd ever truly find out.

The Princess, on the other hand, had left him more than words on a paper. Pictures of places they'd been, true memories that either could interpret. It wasn't simply how she had seen him, but through the images he could remember how he'd regarded her.

How he was cautious of her quick temper, and how he walked so far behind her. How it'd all changed over time. The silly moments with the frog during field research, or the times she'd been truly transparent with her emotions while praying helplessly to the Goddesses.

To lose Princess Zelda was to lose himself all over again, and that was a thought he'd never want to become a reality. He'd only just begun to remember.

He needed to stay by her side, whether he knew how he'd once felt or not.

Yet, despite all the memories he had recovered of their time together, there were patches that still seemed off. Memories that didn't seem like his own, at least, not in this lifetime. He'd wanted to ask the Princess about these even before Calamity Ganon was defeated, but he hadn't found the right time. Now, with her practically ill from her own abilities, he didn't know if such a time would come anytime soon.

He returned to the stool and glanced at the nurse once more. She had little with her. A bag by her side was all she seemed to carry.

Apparently starring much longer than he had intended, the woman looked up and offered the most gentle of smiles. It was nearly motherly. "You must be the Link she spoke of earlier. I'm Matilda." She held out her hand to him, across the bed the sleeping Princess resided in.

Hesitantly, he took it with a shake, setting his hand back by his side quickly. His gaze then fell to Zelda, not wanting to speak.

Matilda, on the other hand, wanted nothing more than to do just that. "Someone mentioned her name was Zelda. As in the Princess? I thought she'd been missing all of this time. Or is it just a mere coincidence? Like how there's always historically a spike in the name 'Link' after the hero dies." She tilted her head with a knowing smile. "But for a Link to travel with the sacred name of the Princess, off limits to those outside of the royal family…"

Link didn't look up. Why pester him when this lady clearly knew who he was? Like the Master Sword wasn't indication enough of his title as Hero.

"I've been dying to meet you. I've heard so many stories of all those you've helped while journeying myself, yes I have. You see, I do research in medicines based around plants and herbs, and there were many I had struggled getting to in Hyrule Field. Thanks to you, I can expand my research and hopefully aid more people with the medicines I'll soon discover."

Link briefly looked to her, waving his hand like it wasn't a big deal before looking back to his Princess.

"Even outside of my own benefit, I've heard stories of how you aided people. I heard you built an entire town! That's no small accomplishment, you know! There haven't been many new settlements around Hyrule, no there hasn't." She shook her head, crossing her arms as if to prove a point.

"And to think, the knight of legend is right in front of me-"

"Will she be alright?" Link interrupted, not wanting to hear another moment of praise when someone he cared about laid asleep and healing due to what he believed was his own negligence.

"It's hard to say. If she is truly the bearer of the Goddesses blood, I wouldn't worry too much. I doubt they'd ever harm her. She's too valuable."

"You speak of the Princess as if she were simply a vessel." He spat, his hand tightening around the hilt of the Master Sword in his lap.

"With all due respect, she doesn't have a throne to sit in."

Link looked up, eyes cold at her words. He wanted to speak, but the nagging of his training still in the back of his mind reminded him to remain calm. Lashing out would be of no benefit to anyone.

Wasn't this the same woman who, only moments ago, carried such a warm smile?

"Hyrule doesn't need a leader as a whole. The Hylians, on the other hand, may want to get a mayor or whatever they call a person like that," she waved her hand, uninterested. "I'd much rather a handsome, helpful knight than a sleepy princess myself."

"I think you've done more than enough to aid our sick friend," Kass interrupted, smiling overly sweet at the woman and patting her shoulder. "Matilda, was it? Well here," he settled a few rupees in her hand, "we can take it from here."

Link didn't look up. Didn't speak. He couldn't, too afraid of the feelings he may voice. Silently, he thanked Kass.

He could hear Matilda's protests as Kass walked her away from Zelda's side, her voice carrying even once they were out of the stable walls.

Still, the Princess made no movement. Her breathing was slow and steady, her sleep seemingly restful for once.

Her knight remained at her side, intending to do so until she woke up.

But he failed, eventually falling asleep once he knew Kass had taken the chair Matilda previously sat in. He had a sensation of safety whenever Kass was around, so letting his guard down around him felt natural. Besides, he was exhausted, his body still recovering after all these weeks following his greatest battle.

By morning, Link was startled away by the soft hand of the Princess herself on his arm. "Sir Link," she started, giddy once again. It was hard to believe she was bedridden only the day prior, "I prepared the horses. We ought to get started."

"Princess," Link yawned, one arm stretched above his head as he shrugged off her hand, "I was told you should remain resting for at least another day."

"Yes, well, I haven't any desire to spend another moment resting. I've kept King Dorephan waiting far too long as it is. We must make our way to the Domain sooner rather than later."

Link wanted to protest, but he knew she was right. The longer they made the zora wait, the more they'd remind them of that exact fact.

With another yawn, he stood, taking a private moment outside to freshen up before meeting the eager Princess outside.

Thankfully, Kass had assisted her in preparing the horses for their journey. That was a relieving thought to the knight, considering he had yet to remember the Princess being any good with horses.

The rito waved to him, holding the reins of Epona Jr. as Zelda finished prepping Speckles.

"Have you eaten, Princess?"

"I have while you were asleep. I trust you still eat as quickly as you used to."

Link only provided her a smile, nodding and rummaging once more through his magical bag, producing a few rice balls he'd made prior. In seconds they were gone, Link hoisting himself up onto his horse while still chewing the last few bites.

"Thank you for your assistance, Kass. We'll be sure to visit you in Rito Village soon."

"The Rito look forward to your visit, Princess." He bowed, looking to Link. "It was a pleasure to see you, as always."

"You as well, Kass. We'll see you soon." He nodded, starting Epona Jr. into a small trot, Zelda taking the hint to follow.

Moments later they were riding side by side, as they once had, following the trail from one stable towards another.

"I'm rather excited to see the Domain. To be remembered by nearly a whole race instead of simply a few individuals or no one at all." She hummed at the idea, a comforting smile on her lips.

"I don't think it's going to be the same reunion you received from Impa, Princess." Link hesitated, continuing, "they're not fond of Hylians as it is. They wanted to refuse my help. If not for Prince Sidon, I'm sure they would have."

"They are very proud people. That isn't anything new."

"They've also been living comfortably without a monarchy overriding their own. They...didn't seem too fond of the idea one may be implemented if I did save the Kingdom. Without their own problems following the Calamity, I'm sure they would have left Hyrule to rot."

"That's bold of you to say, Sir Link. Despite being proud the relationship between King Dorephan and my father was always stable."

"Was, Princess. And the King isn't here to reinstate the relationship that was lost. I just…don't want you to be surprised by the welcoming you're greeted with."

"Thank you, Sir Link, that's kind of you." she bit her lip, wanting to seem calm. Diplomatic. But honestly, Link probably had more of an idea of how royal meetings and such went than she ever would.

He'd been invited to many by her father.

She'd been left to pray instead.

"I have a rough idea of how I want to approach him. Can I share it?"

Link nodded, his eyes remaining on the path, scanning for any potential dangers, but thankfully things seemed calm at the moment.

"I want to visit for no more than three days. Day one, I want to only focus on the importance of Princess Mipha and her sacrifice. I have no intentions of talking politics or agreements. I also want to visit the other Zora and see if I can meet any old acquaintances.

The second day I'll bring up the union of Hyrule. My intentions as the returning Princess and my plans to rebuild. I need their support, considering how prosperous they've been the past century.

And the last day I intended to visit Vah Ruta, if King Dorephan allows. I want to make notes of her current state without a pilot, and perhaps suggest the search for a new Champion. Although, this does seem too early of a request, so I'll wait to see how the prior two days play out before bringing up such a topic."

Her knight remained quiet as she spoke, nodding every so often, but his eyes continued to wander. "That sounds good. King Dorephan loves talking about Princess Mipha. He'll appreciate it. Whether it's of any benefit," he shrugged. "It'll make you look good."

"Speaking of looking good, I have a request of you."

"Hmm?" Link finally met her gaze, giving her his full attention for the first time since they'd left the stable.

"Impa suggested it, actually. It's not traditional by any means, but I would like to request you remain by my side whenever I'm approaching the King. He looks at you fondly, so maybe…"

"No need to explain," he held up a hand, stopping her there, "I don't intend to leave your side unless instructed."

"Good." Zelda let out a deep sigh, shaking her head with a genuine smile returning again, "enough politics. It's such a dry subject."

"Well, have you ever seen a korok?" Link hummed, easily changing the direction of their conversation as they passed a few travellers. The others looked to the duo, stopping their walk and staring, but saying nothing until they had passed.

Zelda ignored the strangers as well, waiting until out of earshot before continuing the conversation. "Actually, yes. It's one of the first memories I have of my time with my mother. My father kept complaining I was leaving for the gardens too often to play with an imaginary friend. I was maybe three or four. Guarded, of course, but even for a skilled sheikah it was hard to deny the requests of a very stubborn, quick toddler." She giggled. "My mother knew what I was doing the whole time. She'd even join me and the korok and had picnics. My father never found out."

"I wonder if I was always able to see them," Link blinked, leaning down to reassure his horse with a pat on its neck. He was sure he was mostly doing the action to reassure himself. "Have you met the one right outside of Impa's house?"

"I saw him floating around when Paya was praying." She giggled again, "it was hard not to laugh while she was so serious."

"And in the forest?"

"Hundreds of them!" Zelda nodded quickly, laughing once more, "so eager to help! They actually assisted me in returning the Master Sword. I wasn't in the right mind to make it through the forest myself."

"Speaking of," he pulled the reins back, stopping his horse and focusing once more on the Princess. "What was it you wanted the Great Deku tree to tell me?"

The Princess paled, searching for the words before her eyes widened and she yelped. "Duck!"

A second later she was bent down on Speckles as a flame arrow zoomed past her head. She soon slipped off the horse as it bucked, immediately regaining her footing and trying her best to calm Speckles down. It was doubtful the horse had ever been met with any enemies, living in the seclusion of Kakariko Village.

Link, on the other hand, had his current Epona trained well. His own bow was out, a bomb arrow hooked and ready as he took aim for the distant archer. He let go, sending the arrow off and charging ahead after it.

The arrow met the enemy, a bokoblin flying through the air and turning to purple dust. Unfortunately, the explosion only brought on the attention of a horde more of the creatures.

Link jumped from his horse, Epona soon running to meet up with the Princess as the battle continued. The knight pulled out the Master Sword, barely making it in time to hold off the clash of a soldier's sword to his shoulder. Hand on hilt, he used his weight to throw the bokoblin back, watching it trip over its own feet before digging his blade deep into the creature's chest.

He lifted his hylian shield at the same time, stopping the blow of a boko club from above him. Within the blink of an eye his sword was released from the first bokoblin, driving into the next and leaving the two victims lifeless on the field. It was brief, and soon they turned to dust as well.

This left two more for Link to fight. Part of him knew he could retreat, forget about this nonsense and take the Princess to safety. The bigger part of him fought on. They were easy targets as it was, and without a blood moon to reanimate them, he figured he may as well get it over with.

He pulled out his bow, using a plain arrow at the next oncoming bokoblin and released it dead centre into its head. One down, one to go.

The last stood before Link, letting out a blood curdling scream of vengeance before swinging a boko spear around it's head.

Link ducked beneath the swings, running forward and letting out a series of slashes to the creature's stomach, it screeches near deafening at the proximity. In seconds it was down, evaporating like it's comrades.

When the coast seemed clear, Zelda approached on horseback, Epona immediately nuzzling up to Link affectionately at his victory.

"That was quite the show. No slate this time?"

"Wasn't worth the trouble," Link shrugged, patting Epona a few times before making his rounds to collect the monster parts left behind.

"What in the world are you doing?"

"Collecting their remains. A buddy of mine uses them as currency for his shop. Some of the stuff he sells is great, others are trash. At this point, I've made so many trades with him I think I have his catalogue memorized."

"And you just...carry it around...in your pouch?" Zelda pondered, watching his every movement.

"Pretty much. He's around most nights so I don't carry them long enough to rot or anything. I can also use them in elixirs, but I'm sure you knew that. Oh, and the Great Fairies need them to upgrade my armour. They're pretty important, actually." He clapped his hands when he was done, pulling an apple from the bag for Epona, and another for Speckles.

"And you store it in the same bag as food? Link! That's atrocious!" The Princess made a face, "remind me to never eat your cooking again."

"It's fine! Everything I cook gets heated up to kill any bugs and stuff."

"Link!" She whined, "haven't you any idea how unsanitary that is?"

Link blinked, hopping up onto Epona and starting the horse back off towards the trail. "I don't see the issue."

Zelda groaned, following with her own horse, "that's grotesque."

"You love my cooking."

"Loved. Now I know your secrets." She pointed, shaking her finger after, along with her head, "now I never want to taste another bite."

The stoic face of the knight she once remembered returned, and he shrugged. "More for me."

The two continued to bicker about the sanitation standards that Zelda intended to reinstate the second she took the throne for the rest of the ride. By nightfall, they came to a fork in the road, one Link seemed extremely familiar with.

"I think I'll board our horses for the night, but we should set up a camp for ourselves." Link nodded towards the closest stable. "No offence, but I'd rather you not go all firefly, golden light Princess mode that close to anyone again."

"Is that so? I thought perhaps you wanted some alone time with the Princess in a tent." She teased, her own cheeks heating up.

Link paid no mind to the joke, "actually, I think I'll just keep the horses with us in case we have to make a break for it."

"You've forgotten one thing." Zelda pointed to a small tent with a man, sitting by the fire, "this spot has been claimed."

"He's a buddy of mine. He won't care. Unless you mention shield surfing." He snorted, "usually he mentions it first, actually. Either way, he's about as dangerous as a restless cricket."

"I trust your judgement." Zelda yawned, looking to the hill opposite the one Link's apparent friend was camping by. "There's a small tree over there. Let's camp there."

The two tied up their horses by the water, then went to work setting up a small camp. Zelda gathered branches and stones to make a small fire pit, while Link got to work making a small lean-to with some branches and a tarp he'd apparently 'found lying around'.

From the magical bag of his he also pulled out a duo of bedrolls, and they made quick work getting comfortable as an appending group of storm clouds gathered close by.

"Are you still not going to eat my cooking?"

"I'd rather not." Zelda huffed, staring at the fish Link had been cooking for some time now. The smells were getting the best of her, and her stomach betrayed her desire to deny it with a grumble.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." The Hero chuckled, handing over a dish before taking a seat beside her with his own. "You cannot refuse my cooking."

"Oh, shut up." She stuck out her tongue before huffing, digging in with far less dignity than she had been raised to uphold.

Link didn't care, far too interested in his own meal. What did catch him by surprise was the Princess finishing first. He looked over, a mouthful of fish still between his teeth with eyes full of awe.

"What?" Zelda blushed, setting her bowl aside and trying to wipe her face clean with the sleeve of her shirt, "is there something on my face?"

Link finished his bite, shaking his head. "Never thought I'd be out eaten, especially by the Princess of Hyrule."

"I'll be sure to eat faster than you as the Queen of Hyrule as well." She pointed out, flopping back onto her bedroll and covering her mouth as she yawned. "I believe it's time I retire."

"By all means." He gestured to her. "Get comfortable, Princess."

She shimmed her way between the bedroll, tapping the rolled up clothes she'd be using as a pillow and adjusted herself at least three times before she hummed in satisfaction and let her eyes close.

Link took his time to finish his meal, setting his bowl with hers before returning his gaze to the Princess. She seemed more peaceful sleeping under the stars than she had in the stable or Impa's home. It almost seemed natural for her.

They had spent a lot of the time on the road together, and Link remembered she seemed far happier outside the castle, so maybe there was a connection there he had yet to fully understand.

He knew he wouldn't be sleeping that night, but the rain soon came and he had nothing to do but sit under the dry tarp and try to keep his mind occupied.

What had he thought about when guarding her back as her appointed knight? During the hours of her prayer, what went through his own head? Outside of her room, waiting for the sunrise, what thoughts kept him from falling asleep?

It was these questions that kept him awake now.

The questions, and the undying need to protect the person who knew him best.

It's Wednesday, my dudes! I almost posted this yesterday out of sheer excitement for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity and the release of the new trailer. I'm beyond excited!

I've also finished writing up to chapter 11, and boy are things going to get more intense in the next chapters.

As always, don't forget to favourite and follow this story, and comments are always welcome!

Until Sunday!