Chapter One

"Do you really remember me?"

Zelda shot up from her bed, drenched in sweat, memories of the battle against Calamity Ganon still fresh in her mind. As she looked around, the events of the past week flooded her mind, as she relaxed and lay back down. She and Link were going through Hyrule, to the homes of each of the races. Right now, they were in the Dueling Peaks Stable, taking them the full week to get there since the Sheikah Slate had stopped working. Link had told her Impa had changed drastically over the years, as did Purah in Hateno Village.

Link…

Link was also different than she remembered. He had become more sociable, though he still stayed silent unless he absolutely needed to talk.

Wait. Where is Link? Zelda wondered.

"Link!" She exclaimed loudly, jumping out of her bed and running out of the stables hastily. "Link! Where are you?"

"You know, Princess," she heard a voice from above her. "You should really keep your hair like this. It is much more relaxed than your normal look. Though it could be a combed a bit better..."

Zelda whirled around, looking up to see Link sitting on top of the stable, his legs dangling off of the top of the tent. The Master Sword was at his side, his Royal Bow in his hands, as he seemed to be inspecting it.

"Just what do you mean, Link?" Zelda inquired, her voice dripping with false curiosity.

"Well, I was simply complimenting you. However, Princess," he said, stopping his work and looking up, smirking slightly. "I would suggest you put on some actual clothes. Though the nightgown looks good, I don't think it would give quite the regal image you try to portray."

"What are you talking about…" Zelda trailed off as she looked down, and noticing for the first time that she was indeed still wearing her nightgown, which, unfortunately for the reawakened princess, did not do a very good job protecting her modesty, just barely keeping her assets covered. Her face flushed, as she ran inside, eager to get away from Link to save face.

Fifteen Minutes Later…

Zelda emerged wearing her usual attire, with the gold lining on her blue shirt glinting in the morning light. Her hair was pulled back in its usual flashing, her green eyes sparkling with new hope.

"Link! Shall we go? We have much to do, starting with meeting Impa in Kakariko Village, and then to Zora's Domain in order to talk about rebuilding Hyrule along wi— "

"Forgive me Princess," Link interrupted. "But let us first focus on meeting Impa. We have more than enough time now that Calamity Ganon has been defeated."

Zelda turned around to see her knight, with the Master Sword on his back following her. His mouth set in a firm line, any hint of the freeness he was feeling earlier was gone. Zelda had to admit that he did bring a thoughtful statement.

"You're right, Link. Better to focus in the present, no?

Looking up, Link simply nodded his head in agreement.

"Very well, then! Let us be off!" She exclaimed as she went to take her white steed from the stables

The ride to Kakariko was uneventful, and though Zelda spoke and pointed out the differences that she could find, Link simply looked and nodded, as if the man that was there in the morning never existed. As they neared the entrance of Kakariko, Zelda stopped her horse.

"Link?" She asked.

Link simply looked at her, his eyes questioning.

"Link, why do you not speak to me?"

Links eyebrows raised, but he replied.

"Princess, I do not speak, for I do not wish to get close, not to anyone, especially you."

"But why? Am I not your friend?"

"That is not the problem, Prin— "

"Please, Link. Call me Zelda."

"No, Princess. I am still bound by the Knight's Oath.'

"Link! You are the only knight left in all of Hyrule! I could understand if it were 100 years ago, but this is silly, Link!"

"Princess, the Oath is the only thing that binds us."

"Is it? So, if I were to release you from your duty you would leave me all together, Link? Is that right?"

"…"

"Link, I relieve you of your duty. My appointed knight was there only to protect me. If you wish to accompany me, of your own free will, then do it."

And with that Link, on his trusty steed, turned and left.