Back at Hyrule Castle, Zelda spent a few days in her studies and a considerable amount of time praying to the goddess. Link was glad that Zelda would tell Link her plans for the following day. And because she usually spent her mornings praying and reading everything she could on the goddess, Link happily slept in.
On the third day of this pattern, when Link finally woke up, ran through a quick work out routine to wake himself up fully, and ate a quick lunch, he went to find Zelda. He first checked her study. No luck. He checked the caves below the castle where a few Guardians were being excavated: not there. He went to Impa who worked with other Sheikah researching the Calamity, but they hadn't seen her since the early morning. Impa mentioned something about Zelda's inquisitions about the Sheikah slate. The group had started to theorize that the slate might be able to open up the odd shrines that laid across the kingdom.
Impa asked Link if anyone else had seen her, but he answered negatively.
"Oh dear," she sighed. "I think I know where she went." She rubbed her face. "I believe she went out to the shrine near the ancient columns across the Tabantha Great Bridge. Not surprised she didn't take you with…."
Link immediately hurried out to the stables without another word. He saw that Malon was gone and Epona antsy to get out. He gave her a reassuring pat before tacking her up and riding on out. It had been a long time since he had run with Epona. He had nearly forgotten the feeling of running with just her. Unfortunately his worry for Zelda lessened his enjoyment of the ride.
After a few hours it was nearly evening when he could see the top of the shine on the hill. He rode up the winding path to the shrine; Epona let out a whinny upon seeing Malon. Link saw Zelda turning towards him from the shrine. With a heavy feeling of relief on his shoulders, he leapt off the horse as she slowed, and he then hurried towards Zelda who had tight lips and narrowed eyes.
"I thought I made it clear that I am not in need of an escort," she scolded heavily while tramping over to him. She put her hands on her hips. "It seems I'm the only one with a mind of my own." She took a breath; "I, the person in question, am fine, regardless of the King's orders. Return to the castle." She started to walk past him. "And tell that to my father, please." She held her head high with closed eyes as she continued to walk by him.
Link watched her closely, feeling torn between his orders. But he knew that it was more important to stay close to her and have her be angry for some reason than for her to be alone and at risk. And so he simply strode forward, walking behind her.
"And stop following me!" she called, turning back to him and staring him down.
He looked at her confused. It was his job to follow her. To go wherever she decided to go. He couldn't figure out why that made her so upset at times.
"Ugh!" she called turning away. "All I ask for is a day of alone time to do some research, and I can't even do that." She mounted Malon, although she struggled thanks to Malon taking more interest in greeting Epona than having a rider. "Come on," she said to the horse before pulling herself up properly.
Link then mounted Epona and waited for Zelda.
She looked at him, clearly seeing his intention to stay by her side. With a deep breath she closed her eyes. "There is a small inn on the other side of the bridge. We will spend the evening there and ride home in the morning. I suppose I shant force you to ride through the night since it is drawing near evening." She held the reins and pushed her boots into Malon so he started walking. Not without an annoyed whinny first however.
Link mounted Epona, giving her a pat on the neck before starting her forward to follow Zelda down the hill. Zelda never once looked back during the hour long trot to the inn. They boarded their horses and went to their shared room. Zelda still kept to herself, preoccupying herself with that strange slate. Usually she was eager to think out loud, but now she was silent as she tapped away on it.
Knowing she'd be hungry, Link went to the main area of the inn and pulled out some food ingredients he kept on him in his magical pouch of holding. Within minutes he cooked up some meat and mushroom skewers and a plate of simmered fruit. He brought them upstairs and offered the food to Zelda.
She seemed to hesitate for a moment, but then took a skewer and the fruit. "Thank you," she said quietly, avoiding his eyes.
Link ate his skewer and proceeded to follow through with his nightly workout routine before going to bed.
Once morning brushed upon their faces through the window, Zelda spoke to him finally.
"So we shall make our way back to the castle, and I'll spend some time with Impa. Then, in a few days, we shall make our way to Gerudo City. Apparently they only allow women in the city, but seeing as you refuse to stop following me, you shall accompany me their and we can stay at the bazaar just outside of the town. I wish to speak with Urbosa and see Naboris. There's a new excavation of Guardians as well. Apparently they have even found a type that flies. I must go and see for myself what they have found," she finished, falling into her usually pattern of thinking aloud. "But right, we should make haste for the castle."