Ganon passed the daylong trip teaching Zeld ahis favorite Gerudo lullabies. She stumbled along at first, the words foreign in her mouth, but soon found herself at least familiar with the melodies. By the time dusk fell, he even had her singing along in a few parts.

"We won't be reaching the Hero of Shadow tonight," Ganon said. "Or if we do, it'll have to be an overnight trip."

Zelda shook her head. "The horses have worked hard enough today," she said. "It's time to let them rest."

And so he did. He slowed the carriage by a pool of water. The clear water flowed from what had once been a volcano. Hundreds of years had passed since those ashen days. In those days, this place had been called Symmetry Village due to its symmetrical design. If you folded a map of it horizontally, everything lined up. At some times, even the genders of the people living in the houses lined up.

But Symmetry was no longer as reversed as it had been in years past. It wasn't even called Symmetry anymore. Now, it was the small town of Libra, and it was the balance of life – of work, play, and rest – that ruled over them.

It was only a few hours to sunset, and they'd never make it to Lorule in time. It was still a full day's trip away. They'd reach it in the afternoon if they traveled by night, but Zelda just couldn't see that as fair to Ganon's trusty Gerudo steeds. No, it was better to stay in one place for the night.

Luckily, they didn't have to settle for sleeping on the road. There was an inn in Libra, known for its good service even if the town was small. Sure, Zelda would have taken what she could get, but an inn was always preferable.

"So what do we do now?"

"Buy food and eat."

Her stomach was growling after the long trip and having only rabbit jerky on the way up. Sure, they could have stopped for fish, but Ganon had insisted they reach a town by nightfall. Perhaps he was finally starting to understand Zelda and her sensibilities.

She paused at a small food hop and exchanged rupees for a sack of groceries. She then built a fire outside the inn with Ganon's help and readied a meal.

It was quick and easy, obnoxiously so. But then again it was only cucco breast and boiled vegetables. They had fruit for desert. Zelda longed for Gerudo curry, Ordon porridge, and the gigantic iced cakes of her childhood.

Instead, there was just… this. Simple food. A commoner's dinner. But at least it was something.

Ganon took a seat on the dirt next to her. "I see you can cook," he teased.

She playfully shoved him. "I've been on the road long enough to take care of myself."

"I can see that." Pride shone in his eyes. Was he proud of her? What for?

"What's that look for?"

"I'm impressed with you again, princess," he said. "I'd always pegged you for the type who couldn't do anything without help, but it looks like those years on the road changed you."

Zelda nodded solemnly. "They did. For better and for worse."

No longer would she be the dainty damsel in distress that she had been raised to be. She may have been able to enjoy her studies, participate in politics, and mind her manners as well as she'd ever been able to, if not better. But she was no longer so naïve of the world around her. If anything, she was a bit jaded.

"Forgive me, Zelda. I didn't mean to bring up harsh memories."

"It's okay," she said.

"What are you thinking about?"

"My nanny, Impa."

"What happened to her?"

Zelda closed her eyes, going back to that day.

"We had stopped in Kakariko to rest from the road and get more supplies. Impa told me not to leave the house, not without my Sheikah garb. But I thought it was impossible for the tyrant to be so close by. Little did I know, the guards were loyal to him, not the true royal family. We were chased out."

"I'm sorry," Ganon said, placing a hand on the princess' shoulder.

She placed a hand on top of his tanned one. "It was that or be captured. But in the process, Impa and I got separated. I don't know where she is or if she's alive-"

"I'm sure she is," Ganon insisted.

Zelda hesitated, then nodded. "Yes. I'm sure you're right."

Their dinner finished, Zelda stood and put dirt on the fire until it went out.

"I know I'll find her one of these days," Zelda said, staring up at the sky. "I just have to keep looking."

"And I'll be by your side until then," Ganon said. "That's a promise."

A promise? "Are you going to seal it with a kiss like you did last time?"

Ganon chuckled softly and ran a hand through his crimson mane. "I can if you want." His cheeks were tinged a light pink.

Zelda felt heat rush into her face and looked away. "I'll pass. I should only kiss who I'm courting."

"Oh, okay." Ganon said, but planted a kiss to her forehead. "There. That's good enough."

Zelda's blush deepened anyways. "I, um… Yes, I suppose it is." She turned away from him. "We should get to bed. I'll bathe and then seen you back in the room."

"Of course, princess. See you there."

Zelda rushed inside, cursing whatever was making her heart race so fast. Those stupid Gerudo and their promise kisses – she'd never get used to it! She wasn't sure she wanted to.

At least from anyone else but him.

"Oh, goddesses," she mumbled to herself. "I think I've fallen in love."