The rain soon passed within the night, bringing the sunrise in the morning. Zelda's body slowly shifted, waking up and being greeted by the morning's first rays, looking through the misted windows. The sheets of the cozy, soft bed are entangled with her body, she rubs her eyes, letting out a soft yawn. She attempts moving out of the bed when something jerks her body back, keeping her in place.

Slightly shocked, and in a bit of confusion. She wriggles around in an attempt to escape from whatever is holding her back. Until she remembers…

She's with him.

After waiting for so long, she's finally with him, really with him, and nothing holding them back. Link's arms are wrapped tightly around her waist, his face buried in the crook of her neck. His slow, deep breaths falling on her shoulders, completely at peace. Zelda can feel the blood rush to her face as she takes in Link's warm grasp and his gentle face sleeping so peacefully. The memory of last night is now all she can think about, it's been 100 years since they were last..honest, with each other. Link's long awaited confession brought Zelda an inkling of worry.

How far will he go for us now?

Is all she keeps asking herself. How far exactly would Link go for her? What about in battle? They hardly know what they're up against with the Yiga and with this acolyte for Ganon, Astor. Just that they're stronger together, than they ever were on their own.

Much stronger.

In this past week, within a span of only a few days they both barely escaped death's door. It had begun to dawn on Zelda, that she hadn't grown any stronger than she was before the Calamity. If she couldn't harness this power of hers, how could she protect the both of them? How can she protect Hyrule with how she is now?

Curse you fickle powers…

Her rage against the Goddess Hylia festers, battling against her own thoughts.

You didn't try hard enough…

I…I really did!

Is it really not that simple…? Something that is supposed to be my birthright is not even fully attainable for me? Am I…simply not good enough?

She shakes her head, disappointed in herself. She knew she was being hard on herself, but the usage of her own powers is something that still upsets her.

Simply, how can the Goddess Hylia, allow this to happen to her when this was bestowed upon her? What was she constantly missing? So far, she was able to deduce she was able to use her power effectively in times of stress. When holding off the Calamity, her power had completely consumed her, protecting her. However, it was also a constant fight, like her mind and body had become one, but also…nothing. Just an…entity, holding back the pure evil and malice of the Calamity from spreading.

Looking down at her hand where the symbol of the triforce first showed itself many years ago, thinking back on how she was barely able to hold off the Guardian, saving herself and for Link…it was almost too late.

How will I ever be useful to him when I'm like this…?

She was so lost in thought, she didn't realize how hard she had been clenching her hand. Until she felt Link's soft hand intertwine with hers, kissing behind her ears, sending shivers down her whole spine. Completely forgetting what she was thinking about. Making her whole body relax, releasing all the tension.

"You're up early," he whispers. Nuzzling his face through her silky golden hair.

She can barely breath, the heat from her cheeks spread throughout her whole face to the tip of her ears, making her incredibly flustered. It makes her look over to see Link is still barely waking up, his hair all disheveled, and eyes still sleepy. The sight of his groggy state makes a small smile creep up on her.

"I could say the same about you," she giggles.

He suddenly takes her hand and brings it up to his chest, letting her feel his heartbeat. His ocean eyes washed away all the worry she had of the Yiga, Astor, and her powers.

How does he do this to her?

Even if it was only for a moment. He made her feel like none of that mattered, that they were the only two people in Hyrule. She gently holds onto his hand tightly, enjoying his thumb softly rubbing against her hand.

"What were you thinking about?"

She buries her head in his chest, trying to escape his gaze.

"Nothing important…" she said quietly, hugging his warm body. Link returns her embrace, resting his chin on her head, letting the moment between them breathe, until he gently pulls away from him and looks her dead in the eye.

"Your power?" he asks bluntly.

Zelda felt choked up when he looked at her with such concern. But the feeling of guilt wouldn't go away for her.

Link had the opportunity to defeat Ganon's acolyte, and yet, he sacrificed the opportunity to save her. Again. Because she impulsively went on her own to uncover what she thought would be useful in their search. But instead, she became a burden to him…

Because she got in the way.

"I…I don't want what happened yesterday to happen again…you could have stopped Ganon's disciple…and instead you saved me…"

"Zelda…"

"I don't want to become a burden to you again, y-you've already pushed yourself to the limit…if you go any further Link, I–I'm afraid y-you'll–"

She's interrupted with Link's finger pressed up against her lips and leans in close, mere centimeters away from her face, cupping her cheek.

"You are never a burden to me…" he says softly, as he brushes the loose hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Zelda's eyes begin to fog and water, she turns away from him, with a pouty look.

"I don't know how to control my powers…s-so I'm not reliable on the battlefield, a-and I've now broken two of your bows, the only weapon I seem to be proficient at…until I figure out this power…I'm completely defenseless,"

"Your not defenseless, you have me,"

"But it would be selfish of me to rely on you all the time, I've already told you Link…I–I want to protect you too…"

Links cheeks have a slight tinted shade of red. "Y'know, you're not useless…"

Zelda's ears twitch slightly from his quiet comment, letting him continue. "I'm only here now, because you saved me,"

"What do you mean?"

"Where do you want me to start?" he asks, letting out a chuckle, then realizing the look on her face tells him she's seriously asking.

"She's not joking?"

"On the mountain, you're the one who stopped the lynel by shooting at the eye of malice. In the forest, you held off the moblins for enough time for me to make a recovery and even used your power. Same time with the Yiga, if it wasn't for you, and your quick thinking using the Sheikah slate, we both wouldn't be here, you're not a burden Zelda,"

He pulls her closer to him, nuzzling his nose against hers and lets out a long sigh.

"The truth is, I need you too…I can't defeat Astor without you,"

Zelda never thought about Link needing her. She felt…happy, by the idea.

"Even if you never had your powers, I still wouldn't be where I am without you, I've said this before but…you are more than your powers Zel,"

"Link…" she says softly, at a loss for words, and just lays her head on his bandaged chest. Being careful to be gentle with his wounds. She can feel his bare chest through the thin gauze and begins to turn red from hearing his heart beat fast. She looks up to see Link's calm blue eyes pierce through her own, and begins leaning in closer slowly towards her. His gaze shifts down to her soft lips, then looks up to her again, hesitant. She giggles, and happily accepts his rough lips pressing against hers.

His hand cupping her cheek, moves slowly through her hair, and gently rests on her neck, deepening their kiss. Zelda's hand grazes his chest, and then resting it gently on his cheek, sending a shocking sensation like lightning through Link. All Link could think of was how sweet Zelda's lip tasted like honey, becoming addicted to her taste and craving more of her.

Zelda's eyes shoot open when she feels his tongue licking her own gently. But she loves the feeling of it so much she can't help but return his excitement. After 100 years of feelings they both held back for so long, every touch, every moment their lips touched, more feelings began to surface. Link takes his other hand and gently places it on her lower back, letting his hand go under her blouse and feeling her soft body. Making her arch her back, letting her body melt into his touch, and releases out a small moan. Sounding like music to his ears, it drove Link crazy, he felt like he would break her if he held her any tighter, but he wanted more of her…

This intimacy between them felt so natural for the two of them. After all the pain, loss, and suffering caused by the Calamity. It all seemed like none of it mattered now. It was simply enough to be in each other's arms like this. It just…felt right. As if they were made for each other.

Zelda began cursing herself, as she tried so desperately to keep up with Link, as their lips slid against each other, and their tongues danced. But the tightness in her chest started becoming unbearable, until she couldn't take it anymore. She quickly pushed away from her lover and let out a series of short coughs, desperate to take a breath. Link was caught off guard, dazed from tasting her sweet lips, and wanting more. Zelda hides her face of embarrassment in Link's chest, her cheeks flushed as she begins letting the color return to her face from holding her breath for so long. Link still has a look of confusion for a moment, until reality hits him, and lets out a burst of laughter.

"I'm no expert at this but…I think you're supposed to breathe through your nose Princess," he says cooly, pointing coyly at his nose.

"W-What would you know about k-kissing huh?" she asks defensively, showing her pouty face to him. He quickly leans in and pecks her cheek, having her let out a small gasp. He looks back to her blushed face, and lets out a chuckle. Pushing himself up off the bed, and holds out his hand for her.

"Like I said, I'm no expert," Waiting for her to accept his assistance in letting her out of bed. In this lighting, Zelda noticed the sun showing off his beet red face. Taking his hand, she lets out a giggle, making Link begin pawing at his neck.

"I…I should probably make some breakfast soon huh…?" He asks nervously, trying to change the subject. Still unsure how to process the intense feelings he had moments ago.

Zelda gives him a sweet smile and pokes his chest gently,

"I'm absolutely starving,"

The cool Akkala breeze gently blows through Zelda's golden hair as she is accompanied by the scent of Links cooking and his quiet humming. She tries to remain focused reading the newspaper Kapson generously offered her, as they left the inn, but is distracted by the butterflies in her stomach as she looks over to Link. Who has a soft smile resting on his face, tending to the hot pot, mixing in the ingredients. Trying to guess what he's making this time.

It feels like a dream…

She catches a whiff of the sweet and syrupy scent, and suddenly, a loud growl escapes from her stomach. Looking down at herself, she is astounded her body was capable of making such an aggressive noise.

"I'm glad he wasn't close enough to hear that…"

"Hungry, are we?" a firm, but familiar voice said behind her.

Almost falling out of her seat from the shock, she turns around and sees the tall, quiet Gerudo woman overshadowing her.

"R-Rhondson! G-Good morning!"

"Sav'otta," she waves. "Did Hagies rumor bring any good fortune?" she asks, crossing her arms.

Zelda feels her throat choke up, unsure how to answer her question. When she remembers that Link's long awaited confession was inadvertently instigated by Hagie. Her cheeks feel hot, and rubs her arm nervously.

"W-Well…I guess you could say that,"

Rhondson takes notice of the sudden change in demeanor Zelda displayed, and then glances over to Link. Who overhears them exchanging pleasantries, giving her a goofy grin with a small wave, and resumes attending to their breakfast. She can't help but smirk towards Zelda, as she catches the princess sweetly looking back to him, watching him look so relaxed.

"I see…" she says quietly. "Will you both be departing today?"

Zelda looks back at her and nods.

"Yes, there's still something we need to finish," she says in a serious tone, looking up at the peak of Death Mountain. Noticing the shutdown Divine Beast Rudania, resting on the mountain, overlooking all of Hyrule.

"Hmm…" Rhondson lets out, bending down and notices the new small tears in Zelda's clothes. Feeling the fabric between her fingers, gauging the thickness of the fine fabric seeing how far the tears go.

"S-Sorry, I kinda got caught up in the storm," she chuckles nervously. Pawing her neck, hoping she hasn't angered the Gerudo tailor.

"I can see that," she says bluntly.

"I-I'm sorry for ruining your hard work,"

"Will you let me patch you up before you two depart?" Rhondson asks. Making Zelda feel instant relief when asked, and with a sparkle in her eyes nods her head bashfully.

"I-If you wouldn't mind, I could pay you for your time—"

"Think nothing of it," she cuts off. "Stop by after you've eaten, I'll be waiting,"

Confusion befell on Zelda, she still didn't understand what this Gerudo was thinking. Unsure why she wanted to help her so much with barely knowing her. Regardless, she was thankful for her kindness, and took notice of her torn traveling gear and muddied sleeves.

Familiar footsteps approached from behind her, followed by a warmth leaning against her. Link hands her a wooden bowl with an apple risotto, topped with perfectly crisped bacon. The crispness of the apple, married with the perfectly caramelized rice, and the combined salty texture of the maple flavored bacon provides warmth from the cool Akkala weather. The dish rejuvenated both of their senses, but was still light on the stomach. Readying their bodies for the continued long journey ahead of them.

Before Zelda knew it, the whole dish had been completely devoured. Link could be heard letting out a soft chuckle at her expense. She looked over to him with a pouty look, hiding her embarrassment, and noticed how pleased he looked from her fulfillment from his breakfast.

"I'm sure you're not laughing at me are you?" she asked coily, pushing her elbow into the side of his arm, invoking more laughter. Link gently rubs a piece of fallen rice off her lower lip, immediately, feeling more embarrassment wash over Zelda's face.

"Just appreciating my work," he said sweetly, licking the rice off his thumb. At a loss for words, Zelda begins rubbing her burning cheeks, and looks away from him.

"So, what did Rhondson want?" he asks, sparing her heart from racing anymore.

"She wants to repair my traveling gear before we leave,"

"Oh, that's good! It'll be worth it when we get to the mountain. Wouldn't want your skin exposed to the volcano's heat," he says sweetly, gently rubbing her arm.

"What about those fireproof potions you made? Won't those protect me from the mountain heat?"

"They'll help you with the heat resistance, but just because you'll be resistant to the heat doesn't mean you should be less exposed to the elements as much as possible," he says nervously, pawing his neck. "Wouldn't want you to get burned by anything,"

"Y-You're right,"

"You should head over there, sooner you're all patched up, the sooner we can finish this," he smiles. Zelda returns a determined look, nodding towards him. Quickly getting up and looking back over to him.

"Are you coming with me?" she asks curiously, noticing he doesn't join her side. Link notices Hagie and his daughter leaving their house, and looks back to Zelda, letting out a chuckle, and nervously scratches his head.

"I'll clean up and catch up with you in a minute, you don't wanna keep her waiting,"

taking her hand and sweetly kissing it.

She quickly brings her hand up to her chest, trying to slow down her heart beat, and waves to Link before rushing over to Rhondson and Hudson's home. When she arrives, she knocks on the door and can hear a muffled,

"Come in!"

Zelda lets herself in, slowly opening the heavy door and sees Rhondson approaching the stand with a pin cushion and a spool of thread in hand.

"Glad you could make it, just step up here and I'll make this quick for you," she says bluntly.

"T-Thank you so much for doing this Rhondson," heading towards the stand and remaining still for the tailor.

"It's the least I can do," she says in a straight voice. Beginning to take a high quality thread and stitching up the small tears on her harness and sleeves, completely concentrated.

"I don't mean to be rude, but is there something I did for you? O–Or I guess, a relative for you?" Zelda asks, correcting herself as she remembers her place in time. She's technically old enough to be this Gerudos grandmother.

"You were close with our late Lady Urbosa, no?"

A twinge of guilt hits her heart, hearing that name. Zelda begins stumbling on her words, "Y-Yes," is all she can muster. Trying not to remember her dear friend's smiling, calm face.

"Consider this as my way of saying 'Thank you' for your service in protecting us during the Calamity, Princess Zelda,"

"R-Really you can just call me Zelda," she says nervously.

"Lady Urbosa would not appreciate me being so disrespectful to our protector," Rhondson says to her sweetly, careful not to prick the young girl while sewing.

"W-Well it was actually Link who–"

"You know, there are people who don't believe you even exist?" Rhondson cuts off. Intrigued, Zelda lets her continue what she was saying,

"It's been 100 years since the Calamity, but with the state of Hyrule and how separated we have become as a society, past events don't get discussed much. Of course you've heard of the names of the Champions, throughout all the regions. The great Daruk of the Gorons, the gentle Mipha of the Zora, the skilled Revali of the Rito, and the wise Lady Urbosa of the Gerudo. But most believe the Princess and her chosen knight fell at the hands of the Calamity, or that you remain in a battle with Ganon for eternity, holding back his malice,"

"R-Really?"

"After the events of the Calamity, the Gerudo grieved the loss of Lady Urbosa and the princess who she treated her has her very own kin, and remained isolated for many years, afraid of any more of Ganon's Guardians,"

"I-I'm sorry to hear that happened to your people Rhondson,"

"It was only until we realized that we would be taking both of your sacrifices in vain, if we didn't try to live the best life we could and explore all of Hyrule and its beauty," she finishes, going over Zelda's outfit looking for any other imperfections in the fabric.

"When I met Link, I wasn't sure who he really was, and what I wanted to do with this life and couldn't find any love, even though you and Lady Urbosa tried so hard to protect this life of mine, I felt useless…but then, he told me about this new town, and I knew then I was destined to be here," Rhondson says, looking up to Zelda, who tried her best to hold back her teary eyes.

"I-I'm glad to have met you Rhondson, I'm glad that you were able to live a life, and find love. You and every person in Hyrule deserve to live peacefully," Zelda manages to say without breaking down in tears.

The tall Gerudo gives her a warm hug, "I know I may not look like it, but you and Link, have given me so much, and I am eternally grateful,"

"I–I was just doing my duty," Zelda says humbly.

Rhondson takes a step back, and turns the young Princess to face a nearby full body sized mirror. Zelda looks amazed from the before and after difference of Rhondsons patch work. She looks down to her puffy sleeves and barely notices the stitches in all the corrections that the tailor made.

"It looks perfect, Rhondson! T-Thank you so much," she says nervously, grateful for the Gerudos service.

Rhondson waves her hand, brushing off her handiwork, and helps the young girl down from the stand.

"So…what are you and Link doing traveling all the way out here in the highlands?"

"Well…we were originally on our way to Death Mountain, but we got a little…sidetracked…"

"Why in Din's name would you want to go there?" the tailor asked in a shocked voice.

"We need to find new pilots for the Divine Beasts…so that nothing should ever threaten the land of Hyrule ever again…"

"But the Calamity is defeated, no? I mean, why else would you be standing here?"

"Yes but, as a previous royal of this land, it is my duty to protect it at any cost," Zelda says firmly. With resolve, on wanting to continue protecting this life of Rhondsons, and making life better for the people of Hyrule.

"This power…I still don't know how to control it, and I don't know where to start,"

Rhondson rubs her chin, in deep thought trying to think of anything that she could let Zelda know that could be of use to protect her. Until, she lets out a gasp, having an epiphany.

"Have you consulted the Great Fairy?" she asks.

"One of them, why? But it was something for Link,"

"Well, legends say that the Great Fairies were able to aid travelers on their journey, for a cost of course…perhaps she knows something that can help you control your power,"

Rhondsons suggestion was the first suggestion that she could think of that would be of some use.

Why didn't she think of that sooner?

"That's brilliant Rhondson!" Zelda says excitedly. Impulsively hugging the tall Gerudo. She could hardly contain her eagerness, and quickly walked to the door to exit the tailor's home. Rhondson quickly followed behind her to see her off, when Zelda bumps into the Gerudos ' short, burly husband, nearly knocking her off her feet.

"O-Oh! Excuse me!" Zelda says apologetically.

"It's no problem, Rhondson scare you off?" Hudson asked in a monotone.

"N-No! Not at all!"

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Rhondson asks, with crossed arms. Arching her brow towards her short husband, and waits patiently for him to answer as he begins fidgeting with his heavy hammer.

"Oh well, you know, h-hey, you came into town with Link right? He's talkin' to Hagie, you'd better go catch up with him,"

"Oh he is?" she asks, surprised.

She walks past Hudson, and looks around the small town, looking for Link. When she spots him indeed speaking with the…discourteous Hylian.

"What could he possibly be speaking with him about?" Rhondson asks curiously.

"Dunno, not our business I'spose" Hudson shrugs his shoulders, looking over Zelda and then his wife, who rolls her eyes at her husband who could care less about the strange instance.

"Yes, 'I'spose'," Rhondson says mockingly, smirking towards her husband. Hudson lets out a chuckle from hearing his wife attempting such a rural accent. Zelda, excited seeing her partner and is reminded of the journey ahead, turns around and gives the tall Gerudo woman one last warm hug.

"Thank you Rhondson, for everything,"

"Be sure to come back if you need more gear, I'll have something made for you, for your next visit," Rhondson hugs back. "May Lady Urbosa smile down on you,"

As they exchange goodbyes, Zelda waves the happy couple off, heading towards Link. Who seems to be finishing the conversation with Hagie, and looks over his shoulder, smiling when seeing his sweetheart coming his way. Though she approaches him with a smile on her face, when faced with Hagie, she looks at him with hesitance.

"Link! Is everything alright?"

"Yup, finished already?" Link asks her,

"Yes, a-are you ready to go?" she replies. Keeping her eyes fixated on Hagie, not trusting him since yesterday's events, who also stares back at Zelda with a look of confusion.

"I haven't seen you here before, have you two always been traveling together?" he asks.

Immediately, Zelda is taken aback by his question, does he…not remember her?

"You could say that," Link answers. "Anyways, good seeing you Hagie, and sorry again,"

"I still have no idea what you're talking about, you foolish boy,"

"Right…"

Link gently takes Zelda's hand, and starts heading to the town exit. "Shall we?" Zelda's cheeks feel warm when she sees his calm face leading her out of town. He lets go of her hand and reaches for the Sheikah slate and pulls another long golden bow, Zelda looks astounded by the brand new looking royal bow. When Link hands it over to her.

"Y-You had another one?"

"I've done…a lot of exploring," Link chuckles. "Just don't go running off without me next time," he teases. Zelda gives off a pouty face after taking the long bow from him and places it on her back.

"I-I won't…" she says quietly.

As they walk along the path, outside of Tarry town, Zelda remembers what Rhondson mentioned earlier about the Great Fairy.

Could she really help her find a way to control her powers? Where would she even find another Fairy?

"Link, t-there's somewhere that I want to go!"

"And that would be?"

"Where is the nearest Great Fairy?"

Link doesn't say anything, but just gives her a smile, and points up to the nearby cliff overseeing Tarry town.

"Closer than you think,"