All the Kokiri - even Mido to some extent - were very excited to welcome the five back to their forest. Most had wanted to put together some sort of party to congratulate them on not dying but Auru had informed them that, at this point, they really just wanted to sleep. The Kokiri had simply shrugged and ran to get some beds ready for them. The Great Deku tree had been over the moon, as much as a tree can be, to find out that the Triforce was safe and that Arnold was out of commission, it simply couldn't stop shaking with joy which was quite entertaining to watch. It had insisted that they stay at least for the following day so as to make sure they were properly recovered and restocked before they went home and since no one really had the energy to say no they agreed. Following these conversations they all had passed out rather quickly either from being on an adrenaline rush or from fighting.
The next morning mostly involved sleeping in and late breakfast. Zelda decided to go for a walk after eating and asked if Link was interested in joining her. He obviously said yes.
"So is there anywhere specific you would like to walk?" Link asked as they exited the house.
"Not particularly," Zelda shrugged. "Do you have a suggestion?"
Link grinned. "Lost woods?"
"That's a real place?" Zelda asked surprised
"Apparently. One of the know-it-all brothers told me it's just up the ledge over there." Link said pointing.
"And you believe him? They're not the most reliable sources of information."
"Well there's one way to find out." he said his smile growing.
Zelda smiled back. "Lead the way." She said.
They made their way up the hill towards the area that the Kokiri had told them it was. Zelda noted that she was thankful she could get away with wearing pants out here as climbing in a full-length dress would be quite difficult.
"Why not just pass a law to ban dresses or something?" Link offered as she came up behind him.
"I have a feeling that wouldn't go over so well." Zelda said. "Besides it's not that dresses themselves are bad it's just that they get in the way a lot."
"Still think you shouldn't have to wear them if you don't want to." Link commented.
"I agree; maybe I'll look into it when we get back."
They came across a fallen, hollowed out log similar to the one that served as the entrance for the kokiri forest.
Zelda ducked into the entrance and walked through with Link in tow. The came into a clearing with three other fallen logs identical to the one they came from leading out in the other three directions.
"If it's all like this I understand where it got its name from." Link commented.
"I guess if doesn't make much of a difference which one we try as long as we remember where we came from." Zelda noted.
"I guess so." Link agreed
"Well then let's try this one." Zelda said picking the one to the left.
They did get lost multiple times but they didn't really care, they were more interested in their conversation than where they were going. After a while they grew tired of the lost woods so they changed to walking around the Kokiri village. Eventually their conversation came around to the events of the day before.
"You were very impressive." Link was saying with a light chuckle.
"I was also scared out of my wits but thank you." Zelda replied shaking her head and causing a piece of hair to fall in front of her eyes.
"And though you were amazing you have no idea how worried I was." Link said pushing the strand of hair back out of her face.
"I think I have a pretty good idea actually," Zelda chuckled. "I have been on the other side you know."
"Yeah but we weren't-" Link caught himself, berating his mouth for saying things before he could think it through.
"We weren't what?" Zelda asked leaning closer.
Link looked away embarrassed. "Nothing, never mind." He started walking again.
Zelda huffed slightly and jogged to catch up to him. "So what will you do when we get back to Hyrule?" She asked changing the subject.
Link rubbed the back of his neck. "Whatever Ashei and Auru are doing I guess." He paused. "Although, I doubt Ashei will be around much now that I think about it, and with both her and Shad gone I don't know what exactly Auru and I will do."
Zelda looked to the side. "Actually I was talking with Auru earlier and I offered him a job as one of my royal advisors."
"You did?"
"Yeah I miss having him as a general and he's got an excellent eye for strategy which would be really useful to have on my team of advisors. He said he would think about it and he would give me his answer later." She said sheepishly
Link was silent for a minute looking straight ahead but not seeing anything, a slight frown appearing as he thought over this new information.
"Huh," he said. "I guess I'll be needing to find a new job then."
They were silent for a couple seconds more.
"You could come back to the castle with me." Zelda suggested a bit hesitant, unsure of what reaction she would get.
Link smirked and looked at her. "Are you on a recruitment mission right now or something?" He teased
"No! I'm serious! I mean I know you've already said you don't want to be in charge or training my army but maybe you could be my personal guard- or something else I don't know." Zelda said flustered
Link smiled. "I think you've proved without a shadow of a doubt that you don't need a personal guard. You're more than capable of taking care of yourself."
"Maybe so, but I still wouldn't mind the company." She said shifting closer to him again.
Link made a show of thinking it over.
"Do I have to wear the guard uniform?" He asked.
"Do you want to?" Zelda asked
"No." Link deadpanned, to which Zelda laughed.
"Then no, you don't have to wear the uniform, but you do have to wear something more fancy for special occasions."
"This isn't fancy enough?" Link asked gesturing to his green tunic.
Zelda laughed again. "I think it's perfect, but I doubt my advisors would agree."
"Auru didn't seem to mind." He pointed out.
"Auru's not an advisor yet." She reminded him.
"Hmmm, alright fine, fancy stuff for special occasions I think I can make that work." Link said
"So that's a yes then?" Zelda asked with a wide hopeful smile.
"I think I could get used to the idea, yes." he replied matching her smile.
"Good! I look forward to working with you then." Zelda said holding her hand out to shake his.
Link chuckled and chose to kiss her hand instead. "I look forward to it as well princess."
Zelda turned red but held onto his hand when he went to pull away. Link looked down at their intertwined hands but didn't comment choosing instead to just smile and keep walking.
"They're so cute." Ashei commented, she was sitting on Hugh's lap in front of Fado's house.
Hugh set his chin on her head and followed her line of sight to Link and Zelda.
"Yep, they are." He paused. "We're cuter though." He added
"Well obviously." Ashei agreed. "But still."
They watched them for a little while longer.
"To be honest I thought they would be closer by now." Hugh said
"Same, Zelda better make a move because Link is way too proper to do anything first." she observed
"Hmmm." Hugh hummed in agreement. "Can we get involved yet?"
"As long as Auru doesn't figure out what we're up to we probably can." Ashei smirked
"Sweet, what's the plan of attack?"
"Well we need to convince at least one of them to make the first move."
"So I get Link you get Zelda?" Hugh grinned.
"That would make the most sense yes." Ashei teased.
"Having fun you too?" Zelda asked innocently.
Both Ashei and Hugh's heads snapped up in surprise.
"Always princess, you should know that by now." Ashei returned recovering first.
"Of course how could I forget?" Zelda smirked. "Are you two ready to go?"
"We are currently sitting on our luggage so that would be a yes." Hugh said gesturing to the equipment on the ground
"That's good, is Auru around?"
"Talking to the tree I think, should be back soon." Ashei said.
"Excellent, then I think it's time we head home." Zelda said with a satisfied smile.
Hugh shimmied out from under Ashei and jumped to his feet.
"Sounds like a plan to me, I've been away for far too long - I hope everyone's doing ok." He said with a thoughtful look.
"Well I'm sure they'll be better once you're back." Ashei said standing up as well.
"I can't wait to properly introduce you as well." Hugh said fondly draping an arm over Ashei's shoulder.
"Well I haven't completely finished packing so I'm going to go do that now, maybe one of you could tell the Kokiri we're leaving." Zelda said
"Will do." Ashei saluted
The Kokiri had been sad to see them go but were kind enough to let them leave without a big hullabaloo. And before long the group was heading southwest towards Hugh's village. Ashei not-to-subtly moved her horse over next to Zelda, leaving Hugh and Link riding behind them. Auru had taken the lead as usual and had decided to not take much notice of what was happening behind him making Ashei and Hugh's jobs much easier.
"So," Ashei started with a forced air of casualty. "How are things going with you princess?"
"Fine." Zelda answered glancing at her suspiciously. "How are you?"
"Oh you know - same as usual." Ashei answered evasively
Zelda squinted at her. "So what do you actually want to ask me?"
Ashei opened her mouth to deny wanting to do anything more than make conversation but thought better of it.
"What's the deal with you and Link?" Ashei asked frustratedly instead. "What are you waiting for?!"
Zelda raised her eyebrows slightly and just stared at her for a while. "And this is important why?"
"Because it's bugging me! You guys clearly like each other but neither of you are doing anything!" Ashei managed to exclaim in such a way that it still didn't draw the attention of the others in the group.
"It's up to Link what happens next." Zelda said calmly turning her attention back to the road.
"So what are you going to do?" Hugh asked Link.
"Do?" Link asked confused.
"Yeah what's your plan?" Hugh pressed
"Plan?" Link asked again.
"With Zelda you idiot." Hugh retorted with a huff.
"Oh, well now that I know what your talking about -" Link replied. "I'm still not going to tell you."
"You're killing me man, what's holding you back?" Hugh groaned
Link smirked but didn't respond.
"Are you back to worrying about her being a princess? Because I told you that's not a problem." Hugh asked
"No I know." Link said calmly.
"Then what? Are you worried she doesn't like you?" Hugh asked confused.
"No I know she likes me and she would say yes if I asked." Link responded.
"Wha-? Then what are you waiting for?!" Hugh demanded.
"It's not the right time." Link answered simply.
"It's not the right time." Hugh repeated slowly. "Well what other time are you going to have?! We'll all be home in a couple days and I doubt she'll have much time to chat in between her princess jobs."
"He's coming back to the castle with you?!" Ashei replied shocked. "When did this happen?"
"I asked if he was interested in the position and he said yes." Zelda explained.
"Oh." Ashei said quietly. "Well I mean I guess it's a start." She said reluctantly
"Glad I could satisfy you." Zelda chuckled
"But seriously why are you going to all this trouble? Just ask him to court you." Ashei said
Zelda sighed long-sufferingly. "You realize that if what you are suggesting comes to be Link could become king of Hyrule right? It wouldn't be a very good trust builder if he couldn't even ask the princess if she was interested in him."
Ashei had no reply to this.
"I care very deeply for Link and should he be willing, I want him as king but I also want him to be respected as such. Therefore what happens next is up to him."
"Personal guard?" Hugh questioned. "Why would Zelda need a personal guard?"
"That's what I said." Link shrugged. "But it kills two birds with one stone. I get to spend time with Zelda and I have something to do when I get home."
"You tired of the resistance already? I thought you just joined." Hugh joked.
"The resistance is kinda disappearing, there wouldn't be much point if it was only me." Link pointed out.
"It would be just you, I mean sure shad's gone but Auru-"
"Is going to work at the castle as an advisor." Link broke in.
"Oh- well then it would just be you and Ashei, yeah I guess that's pretty small." Hugh admitted.
"I thought Ashei was staying with you?" Link said
Hugh stared at him for a couple seconds.
"Dude I hadn't even thought of that!" He said suddenly. "Wait did she say something? Because we haven't even talked about this- I was so focused on getting home I hadn't even considered what was going to happen after!" He looked mildly panicked. "If she goes back to Hyrule she might forget about me! And I wouldn't be able to visit very often and-"
"Hugh calm down!" Link broke in again. "Ashei's not going to forget about you, I'm sure you guys will work it out - sorry that I assumed."
"No, no it's fine I seriously just hadn't thought about it." Hugh remarked clearly already thinking about the different options.
"Okay well you work on that I'm going to go talk with Auru about where we're going to pitch camp."
They reached Hugh's village mid-morning the next day. And were immediately mobbed by all the villagers rushing to welcome Hugh home.
They thanked them all profusely for getting rid of the dragon and had insisted on refilling their food and water with whatever was lacking.
Hugh quickly began asking what the progress was with rebuilding and was very pleased with the results. Since they had been away the village had built enough huts and tents to move out of the ruins and above ground again. A good majority of the debris had been disposed of or used in the rebuilding work, and they had a number of true houses and sheds being built.
"We have a hut that's currently vacant since the family that was in it moved to a house. We're happy to move your items into it if you want." One of the villagers said to Hugh.
"That would be perfect thank you." Hugh said cheerfully. "And I'll give you a hand with that."
Ashei also volunteered to help move his stuff while the others left to water the horses.
Since Hugh hadn't brought much with him it didn't take long for him to settle into the hut they had specified.
"I can't believe how much progress they've made in such a short amount of time." Ashei said impressed as she set down a bag.
"Well it's easy to see that they're really hard workers." Hugh said proudly.
A beat of silence passed.
"So..." Hugh started then pulled back because he wasn't sure what to say.
"Yes?" Ashei asked
"Um... do- do you like it here?" Hugh asked lamely then internally facepalmed at the stupid question.
Ashei looked like she was trying not to laugh.
"Is there a secondary question behind that question Hugh?" She prodded as she tried not to look too amused.
Hugh rubbed the back of his neck embarrassedly. "Yeah, I mean kinda, but I just-" he stopped and gathered himself. "Do you want to stay here?" He burst out.
Ashei smirked.
Hugh continued. "With me I mean, like continually, with your own house to start- or for however long you want- or don't want or I-" Hugh sighed. "I'm going to stop talking now."
Ashei couldn't help but laugh this time. "Oh you loveable idiot." She said. "I've been waiting for you to ask that for a while now. My stuff is being delivered next week, Telma took care of that for me. So I'm here whether you want me or not." She said.
Hugh grinned bigger and bigger as he took in this news and then let out a whoop and captured her in a hug.
"I love how you're always so ahead of me when it comes to this stuff." He said happily.
"Yeah well get used to it since I doubt that's going to change anytime soon." She said returning the hug.
Hugh quickly spread the news that Ashei was staying to the rest of the village and with extreme pride introduced her to everyone officially. The village members all doted on her and were more than happy to welcome her to the family.
Link, Zelda and Auru weren't very surprised by the announcement and wished them well, promising to visit soon before heading off.
Arriving back in Hyrule went as you would expect. Telma welcomed them home and badgered them with questions on how it went. Zelda made arrangements for Link and Auru to come to the castle a week later after she had sorted everything out. Link returned to Ordon to collect the last of his things and leave his house to Rustl to take care of or sell as he saw fit. And as the week concluded both Auru and Link each found themselves in possession of a well-sized apartment within close quarters of each other and the princess. As rumors would have it the current council was not pleased with the new arrangements but wisely kept their mouth shut and turned their attention to the new alliance with Norachre.
Link and Auru quickly settled into their new roles and Link found himself with a surprising amount of opportunities to speak with Zelda to the enjoyment of both parties.
Ashei and Hugh made great progress on the village. By the time Ceil and Krem came for a visit - Thane was otherwise occupied - they were only missing a couple houses and were well launched with preparing the field for planting in the spring.
Zelda sent out invitations for the celebration of Arnold's defeat 2 months later only to receive a letter back from Ashei and Hugh informing them their recent engagement. They asked if they could semi-hijack the party as their wedding reception, since 'everyone was going to be there anyway' and 'Zelda was better at planning that sort of thing'. Link and Zelda laughed at the prospect but both concluded it was a very Ashei and Hugh thing to do. They responded with their congratulations and asking for more specifics about the party details so everything would be to their liking.
Shad had been alternating between staying at the Gerudo fortress and using Fyer's cannon to visit the Occoa city so he planned his visit to be in Hyrule for the wedding/party. Shylock and Kaori both wrote back that they were looking forward to it and asked if there was anything they could do to help. Krem responded on his and Thane's behalf saying that they would definitely be there while Ceil sent his own letter to Hugh accepting the invitation to be his best man. The next few weeks were a flurry of activity preparing everything.
The wedding was beautifully simple and resulted in tears both from Hugh and Ceil though Ceil denied it with every fiber of his being. The reception after was beyond all expectations and was thoroughly by all.
It wasn't long after that Shylock announced his upcoming marriage to Zera to the great surprise of some and to no surprise of others and informed them that they too were going to have their wedding in Hyrule. He claimed the reason was that Zera had mentioned once a long time ago she wouldn't mind seeing snow and gosh darn it, Shylock was going to make sure his love had her wish come true! Zera had mentioned later that she didn't really care one way or another but she appreciated the thought.
As such there wasn't much a break before Zelda, Link and Auru we're back in planning mode. Shylock's wedding and reception were to be much more extravagant then Ashei and Hugh's and required a lot more preparation. Thankfully they had more warning this time and as such we're still able to get everything done in time. Everything worked out perfectly, even the weather cooperated by providing a continuous snowfall of fat fluffy flakes. Shylock was grinning ear to ear the whole time and Zera looked stunning in her desert style wedding dress. The reception took place in the evening in one of the castle's largest ballrooms to accommodate all the guests.
—
"May I just say once again that I'm glad we had a simpler wedding?" Hugh said sitting down next to his wife after having navigated through the crazy crowd to bring them each a drink.
"I still don't think our wedding could be counted as simple since the ruler of our kingdom arranged it." Ashei retorted receiving her drink.
"No beer Ashei?" Shad teased. "Married life has changed you."
"Ugh don't remind me." Ashei said rubbing her stomach with a pointed look at Hugh.
"Anything you'd like to tell us?" Auru asked with a raised eyebrow.
Hugh blushed. "We're expecting." He said his voice shining with pride. "Sometime in the spring."
"Congratulations!" Shad and Auru both said.
"Called it!" Krem exclaimed jumping into the conversation. "And you didn't believe me." He quipped at Thane.
"Oh come on, Ceil must have told you - even you couldn't have just figured that out." Thane objected.
"It insults me how little you trust my abilities." Krem cried drawing back in mock shock.
"Good." Thane responded as he took a sip from his glass.
"Have you got some names picked out?" Auru asked.
"We've got a few options but nothing's set yet." Hugh replied
The group discussed possible names for a while, most of which Hugh and Ashei later agree would not be included on their list.
Zelda stood a little way over in a group of Gerudo who were congratulating Zera. Each taking their turn to praise her dress and to remark on how well Zelda had done in preparing everything.
"We especially appreciate that you made allowances for us to be armed," one woman commented. "I understand it made your troops uneasy but it wouldn't be right to have a ceremony without proper protection."
"I'm simply glad there was no occasion to use them." Zelda said lightly. "I'm sure the bride and groom wouldn't have appreciated such an interruption."
"Perhaps not but it certainly would have made for a good story." Another woman put in.
"Well I'm just happy that it's all said and done, our king was getting downright giddy the last few weeks." An older woman huffed. "I wasn't sure how much more of his gushing I could take."
"Aww I thought it was cute!" A different one objected. "Clearly he really cares for his bride."
Zera chuckled. "I suppose I should count that as a blessing but I agree, I look forward to when he returns to his normal self."
"So how do you feel about your new title of queen?" Zelda asked changing the subject.
"I decided not to take that title," Zera replied. "I have little interest in ruling myself so I simply will be the king's wife. Besides perhaps my husband's next wife will be more inclined for the position."
Zelda almost choked on her drink. "Next wife?!"
The rest of the Gerudo looked at her surprised.
"In our culture our kings often have multiple wives." Zera explained.
It was at this moment that Shylock happened to be walking by and overheard this statement.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa back up." He said pushing himself into the conversation - literally. "Though that may be true, let me just make things clear - that will NOT be the case with this king." He declared adamantly. "I couldn't handle having multiple wives! One is plenty! Love you honey." He quickly added throwing a wide grin at Zera. "So don't go thinking anything different. You are my one and only wife got it?" He said poking Zera in the forehead.
"If that's what you want." Zera shrugged but clearly was holding back a blush of happiness.
"It is!" Shylock said vehemently. "And don't you forget it!" He added before giving her a quick kiss and extracting himself from the group. "As you were!" He called as he walked away.
There was a beat of silence before Zera said. "I'm still not being queen." She grinned.
This made the rest of the group laugh and conversation resumed as before.
Shylock hummed happily to himself as he strode over to a group that included Link, Kaori, and Renjiro.
Shylock pulled Link into a one-armed hug.
"Hey Triforce buddy!" He greeted.
"Hi Shylock," Link responded with a smile.
"So how's castle life treating you? I hear you keep getting stuck with wedding planning." He teased
"Yeah I wonder who's fault that is." Link returned.
"I know not but whoever it may be I shall vanquish them for you!" Shylock said dramatically waving around an invisible sword. "But anyway it's not like you can complain too much you've only got one more to go."
"Oh? Did shad decided to propose without telling me?" Link inquired with a knowing smile.
"No, not yet but even so he would most likely be married at the fortress so that one's on me, thanks for reminding me." Shylock grumbled clearly not looking forward to the idea of work.
"Really then who could it be? Auru doesn't seem like he's looking to get married but I could be wrong." Link wondered pretending to be confused.
"No Link not Auru." Shylock rolled his eyes. "I'm talking about you and Zelda." He explained in unnecessary exasperation
"I never would have guess." Link joked.
"Ah well, I suppose it's inevitable so I needn't worry." Shylock continued. "Anyway how have things been with you Kaori? Heard the treaty was established with Hyrule."
"Yes we're all very pleased with the arrangements, and now that we've begun trading with Ceil our profit margins have been increasing and our crime is decreasing so no complaints from me." Kaori replied with a happy smile.
"Ah if only my kingdom was doing as well." Shylock lamented dramatically
"I haven't heard of any problems?" Kaori said confused.
"Oh that's because there aren't any I just like saying that to get reactions from people." Shylock grinned.
Link shook his head and chuckled. "Well if you're going to be like that." he said "I'm going to go get some fresh air."
"Aww you're no fun!" Shylock called after him.
Link smirked and shrugged but continued walking. He made his way to one of the doors leading out to the balcony area. The night was cool but not freezing and the sky was filled with fat fluffy snowflakes that fell slowly to the ground. Link's ears twitched as he heard the door open again behind him. Zelda walked out and came to join him at the railing of the balcony.
"Had a little too much socializing?" She asked with a small smile.
Link smiled back. "Nah just wanted to escape Shylock for a while." He replied.
"What a coincidence so was I, he must have come to talk to me after you left." Zelda said.
Link internally rolled his eyes, he doubted very much that Shylock bothering both of them at the same time was a coincidence but he let it slide this time since he was happy for her company.
"So are you happy with how the wedding turned out?" He asked. "Everyone seems to be having a good time."
"Yes, I think it all worked out just fine, I'm sure I couldn't have done it without your help." Zelda said shifting to look at him better.
"Well I'm always happy to offer you my assistance." Link said bowing teasingly.
Zelda laughed which then turned to a shiver. Link noticed that though her dress had long sleeves the material was quite thin for the weather.
"I can get your coat if you want?" Link offered
"No, no I'll be fine." Zelda replied then after a pause said. "you just may have to stand a bit closer."
Link smiled slightly and pulled the princess against him while wrapping his arms around the small of her back.
"Better?" He asked
Zelda blushed. "Much."
A silent moment passed.
"You know Zelda I've been thinking." Link spoke again gazing off just above her head.
"Oh?" She murmured in return.
"About when we first met." He continued while brushing a few snowflakes out of her hair. "Growing up I always heard stories about the princess, how she was so beautiful and kind. But it wasn't until I met you that I realized how wrong they all were."
Zelda frowned slightly before she could stop herself and glance up at him waiting for an explanation.
"You aren't beautiful, you're stunning. You aren't kind, you're selfless and humble in a such a way I'd never seen before. But over time I've come to learn that you're so much more than that. Every day I've spent with you I've been able to learn a little bit more about you. The parts you put on display for the world to see, the flaws you feel should be hidden, the quirks you try to control but that pop out when you least expect them. Every day it's something new, and every day I find myself falling deeper in love with you." Link said his gaze not wavering from her face.
Zelda bit her lip trying not to let the tears in her eyes fall.
"I know I'm not really the best suited to be in politics but if you're willing to help me learn I want to do everything in my power to be with you every day for the rest of our lives…. Zelda will you marry me?" Link finished kneeling with her hand in his.
Zelda laughed letting the tears flow down her cheeks. "Yes! Of course yes!" She said throwing herself into his arms making them both fall to the snow-covered ground. They both lay there laughing and hugging until Link finally pushed himself up so they were sitting up.
Zelda rubbed her eyes with a giant smile. "You know I think you may have missed a few steps." She teased through her laughter.
"Oh you mean the courtship part?" Link smirked. "Yeah we'll do that first but I wanted you to know that I'm here to stay, plus since we're technically engaged I can do this." He grinned and slipped and hand behind her head, pulling her into a gentle kiss. Zelda happily returned it.