"Link! I simply cannot believe that you found this beautiful beast!" Zelda beamed.
Link watched, more content than he had been in, well, 100 years. The joy on Zelda's face was contagious. Her eyes sparkled. She traced shaking hands along the white horse's side, combing her fingers through it's mane. He knew she would be surprised. He had hoped she would be happy. But seeing it all play out in front of him was more powerful than he imagined. He couldn't be happier with just how joyous the stallion made her. Her joy was the key.
Zelda turned to him, tears in her eyes. "Thank you Link. This means more to me than you could ever know." She threw her arms around his neck. Surprised, he stood there for a moment, arms raised up at his sides. Before he could respond and return her hug, before he even had the chance to form the thought, she was gone, circling her new mount. She chattered excitedly to the stablehand.
Link lowered his arms and coughed, embarrassed. That was the Princess, always so animated when she was passionate. Her passion, that was also the key. For a princess who had been through so much, Link thought she deserved some joy. The freedom they had worked together to achieve was undoubtedly a joyous event. All of Hyrule would be celebrating on this night, and the next night, and many more nights to follow. But for people like Princess Zelda, there wasn't nearly enough time for joy. There wasn't nearly enough time to celebrate. If he knew Zelda, and he did, she would already be fixated on the responsibilities ahead of her. She would already be feeling overwhelmed considering the necessity of rebuilding Hyrule. She would still be mourning the loss of her Father, her friends, the Champions...
Link scowled, eyes wandering East toward Zora's Domain. So many warriors fell that day 100 years ago, warriors that had become like family. So many gave the ultimate sacrifice. Daruk, Revali, Urbosa, Mipha...The battle had been won but the victory was bittersweet. Their goal was achieved, Gannon perished, but the price was so high. Their death's still weighed heavy on Link's heart. He could only imagine how heavy the burden was for the Princess.
Link watched as Zelda gripped onto the saddle of her new steed. She no doubt would have some difficulty mounting in the tattered white ceremonial dress she still wore. The stablehand stepped forward, prepared to assist. Link watched the man grip Zelda's hips. He growled. He didn't think it was appropriate for a stranger be gripping the princess in such a way. And he really didn't like how the stablehand's eyes had been roaming Zelda's body...
He stepped forward.
"Oh! Well thank you but I don't think..." Zelda fumbled with her words, trying to remain polite. Link could feel her discomfort. "That is to say I don't need..."
Link stepped up, staring down the stablehand. He let go of Zelda, backing away under Link's harsh gaze. "I'll leave you to it Your Majesty." With a quick bow, he headed toward the stables.
"Thank you!" Zelda called after him. She turned to Link, relief on her face. "It would seem people don't know proper etiquette anymore. Not that I can blame them. Hyrule has been without a ruler for 100 years. I assume nearly anybody who lived under my father's rule has since passed. Most of Hyrule's inhabitants must lack any knowledge of how to treat those in the Royal Family." She scowled. "Not that we are better than anybody else..." She sighed. "No sense in dallying here. A bit of help please Link."
He nodded, gripping her waist and hoisting her onto her horse in one fluid motion. He tried to ignore the way her body felt underneath his calloused hands...
"Let's head to Kakariko village. I am anxious to meet with Impa." She gripped her horse's reigns, seeming a bit awkward riding sidesaddle in her dress. "But I may be just as anxious to get changed out of this cursed ceremonial dress."
They reached Kakariko village just as the sun began to set. Zelda swayed, exhausted in her saddle. To think that so much had transpired in just one day. She had watched Gannon's destruction with Link's final blow as the sun rose that morning. Now, at day's end, she rode on a new steed, a sliver of her past, to reunite with her most trusted advisor Impa in the now-free land of Hyrule.
Music met their ears as they stopped under the arches leading into the village. As she had thought, all of Hyrule would be celebrating this night and Kakariko village was no exception. Link helped her dismount. She walked up to the fence on the path's edge, taking in the sight of the village below. Torches and the dying light of sunset made the sight all the more enchanting. It was the closest thing to a home that she had left, at least until Hyrule Castle could be restored.
"Part of me never thought I would see this place again," she murmured. Link came to stand next to her and she turned her head to look at him. "Part of me feared I would never see you again either." He looked at her, questions in his eyes. "We almost lost you you know. 100 years ago." She shuttered, remembering how close death had been.
Zelda took a steadying breath. She paused, then took another, breathing through her nose. "Mmmmm. Smells good!" Link sniffed hard, a huge smile crossing his face. Zelda laughed. "You must be hungry! I am as well! It smells wonderful! What is that...Tough Meat-Stuffed Pumpkins and..."
"Hot Buttered Apples!" Link shouted, heading down the path.
"You always were quite the glutton. I am glad to see that hasn't changed!"
"PRINCESS!" Link stopped short. Two Shieka warriors came dashing up the path to meet them. "Princess Zelda!" They bowed. The masks covering their mouths couldn't hide their smiles. "We have awaited this day for so long! Please, come. Impa, the entire village, everybody is anxiously awaiting your presence!"
Zelda took a deep breath. Her stomach fluttered, excitement and nervousness wreaking havoc on her insides. Link came to her side, his shoulder touching hers. His silent strength was just what she needed in this moment. She wasn't alone. Rebuilding Hyrule wasn't going to be easy. But at the very least, she wasn't alone. "Yes, please. I am anxious to be amongst friends once again."