A/N:

As always, a super big thank you to the wonderful Norkix (here on FFnet) for beta reading this chapter!

I also wanted to thank everybody who's read the story and followed, favorited, or left a review - it means a lot to me! The support has only furthered my desire to continue writing and improving.

Enjoy the chapter!

XXXXX

Rooted apprehensively outside of Master Smith's door, Zelda found herself feeling suddenly fraught with discomfort. She peered down and flexed her fingers, urging herself to simply ball her hand into a fist and knock on the wooden entrance before her - but she failed.

During her familiar slog to Master Smith's house - whilst she haphazardly dodged any townsfolk she spotted and took extra precaution not to rattle Anju's sleeping cuccos (something engraved into her memory after a failed attempt trying to sneak out years ago) - Zelda had had a revelation. She wouldn't be able to exuberantly stride into his home and ask for advice on the heroic plan she had been drafting. No, it wouldn't be that easy. She would have to be the first person to tell Master Smith about what had happened to Link, about how his good nature had gotten him into misfortune again, and she found herself worried that - maybe, just maybe - Master Smith would blame the castle guards, King Daltus, or even herself for this entire ordeal.

It was an unlikely outcome, she was fully aware of that. Master Smith had a heart full of solid gold, braving tough scenarios with grace and affording everybody he met sympathy and understanding. Yet still, she couldn't stop the worry glazing her mind; piercing her heart and leaving her paralyzed.

Get it together, Zelda. You're better than this.

Her brain had been a scrambled mess from the moment she had gone to bed the evening prior. The night had slipped into a cocoon, eclipsing her as it always had. Despite the initial onset of calmness, she had descended into a disorienting nightmare instead of slumbering undisturbed, leaving her to wake in a state of uncharacteristic panic.

Worse yet, she wasn't even afforded time to recover from her frantic nightmare. Mere minutes had passed before she was thrown into another torturous dream, spiraling her already shaky existence into oblivion and leaving her as mentally petrified as Link had physically become. Though, that nightmare had been different.

That nightmare had been a painful reality.

Resting afterward had been uncomfortable, too (though one can never imagine collapsing to provide a peaceful repose). She awoke only to learn that Vaati truly was freed, and that Link being encased in stone had been the sorcerer's doing, leaving Hyrule completely vulnerable. She still couldn't understand why Vaati hadn't sought her out upon his escape straight away, why he hadn't stolen her Light Force and toiled destruction onto Hyrule immediately… it made her head spin, but she actively worked to propel those thoughts aside. Vaati must have a reason, but she had to remind herself that he would not win. No matter what happened, she knew she would be able to thwart whatever devious scheme he was brewing, so long as she remained clear-headed and ironclad.

I will not lose to that wretched sorcerer, she incessantly reminded herself.

An airy breeze swirled around Zelda, ruffling her back to the present situation. Her unseasonable concerns returned in sweeping strides, and her eyes glossed over like soap bubbles. Attempting to instill an iota of confidence back into herself, she gracelessly bounced on the balls of her feet, briefly closing her eyes to indulge in the soothing movement. I can do this, she repeated in a silent mantra.

With modest effort, Zelda coiled her hand into a fist and pressed three hollow knocks onto Master Smith's door, feeling the rustic echo ring in her ears. Her body shivered lightly, but she compelled herself to remain still as spoonfuls of anxiety began clotting her veins. Reflexively, she sucked in a deep breath, appreciating the scent of green grass and melting ore that swathed only this specific corner of Hyrule.

After a brief, agonizing pause, the door creaked open, with Master Smith looking down at his unexpected visitor.

"Oh! Princess Zelda," he began, widening the door further as he suddenly donned a toothy smile. "I wasn't expecting to see you today. Link isn't here at the moment."

She swallowed a forming lump, urging herself to persist past the uneasiness radiating through her body. "Oh, um, no worries at all, Master Smith." She paused, bringing her hands up to hug herself, suddenly feeling a chill break through her boiling apprehension. "Actually, I was hoping to see you. May I come in?"

His smile quickly turned into a look of confusion, but he motioned her indoors nonetheless. "Absolutely. Would you like me to prepare some tea?"

"That sounds lovely, thank you," she said.

Zelda proceeded into the all too recognizable dining room, settling herself neatly in her favorite stiff chair. Master Smith closed the door behind her and turned to the quaint kitchen corner nearby, promptly rummaging through the cabinets for clean mugs before speaking up again.

"Would you like to talk now? Or do you want to wait until I've made tea?"

"We can talk now," she responded without much thought, half glimpsing at the pottery strewn about the room and half working to quell her frenzied nerves.

Wait, she thought, I can't just dive into a discussion about Link so suddenly like this, not while I'm still feeling uneasy… I haven't even figured out exactly how to tell Master Smith yet!

She grimaced, the realization of her hasty response hitting her full force.

Aiming to stall for more time, she poached her brain for simple conversation starters, blurting out the first thing she thought of, "Why don't you tell me how you're doing?"

Master Smith groaned as he placed the kettle sloshing with water onto the firelit stovetop, seemingly unaware of her inner conflict. "I'm alright. Link's been busy helping Hyrule Castle, which I'm sure you know more about than me, so I haven't seen much of him. I've been holed up while I work on these never-ending commissions from King Daltus anyway," he sighed, "I guess all of the knights needed new swords for an upcoming event, or something like that. Preparing all of these materials and requests is definitely my own personal event, that's for sure."

Surprisingly, Zelda giggled, placing her hand neatly in front of her mouth. "Ah, right. We're holding a training event for the newly appointed knights soon, and we tend to go through swords at the same pace we use running water. Sorry to hear that."

Though she was still reeling from her earlier hiccup, she felt a flimsy block of weight slide off of her nerves; a pebble of relief edging to fill the space. Talking with Master Smith was always a comfort for her, and she felt tremendously grateful that her instincts brought her here amidst her mind overcasting with anxiety and turmoil.

For her, It had always been a harsh reality that Master Smith and Link were the only people who treated her like a real person, dropping the unnecessary formalities and prose in her presence. She often felt like nothing more than a treasure upheld as sacrosanct in the eyes of Hyrule's people, and it brought a miserable sort of pit to her stomach knowing she would likely never amount to more; to being seen as a real person. Nevertheless, it was her duty to serve them. She was caged, even while she was free.

Zelda watched in comfortable silence as Master Smith hummed in response, too focused on digging out a crumpled bag of tea leaves from between the kitchen drawers. He attentively measured two heaping spoonfuls of the chosen blend and tossed it into an aged teapot nearby, just as the kettle began belting its sharp whistle.

"So, Princess Zelda," he spoke again, a hint of unease laced in his tone, "I can tell something is bothering you. After all, it's not often you come here seeking just me to talk to." The sound of the scalding water colliding with the ceramic walls of the teapot rang out, muffling his voice slightly. "What's happened?"

Zelda bit her lip. She knew the conversation would steer in this direction eventually, no matter how much idle chatter she'd manage to drum up. With a hushed plea to the goddesses above, she began in a small voice, "It's about Link."

Master Smith shuffled over to the dining table she was seated at, armed with the steaming teapot and two thick mugs he dredged up earlier. He graciously plunked a cup in front of her and the empty seat stationed across, situating the blistering teapot between the two.

"And what about Link?" he said, wandering back into the kitchen to hunt for a complementary snack.

"Right, well, Link… ah, that is to say…" she fumbled, cursing herself silently for this recurring hesitation.

An unusually cold draft spun against her body, submerging her in her feelings of stony doubt and causing her to shudder. That must be a physical manifestation of my worries, she thought, reassuring herself that Master Smith's house was strongly secured against the exterior elements of weather.

He returned with a loaf of honey bread and two plates in tow, quickly handing Zelda one of the dishes. He placed the other across from her at his soon-to-be seat, before finally situating the bread at the edge of the small table. At last, Master Smith cascaded onto his seat, belting out a slight howl of relief.

"Take your time," he remarked, languidly pouring streams of simmering tea into each of their mugs.

Zelda muttered a quiet, "Thank you," as she gripped her steaming beverage, reveling in the warmth it delivered to her fingertips.

Minutes rolled away, with only the sounds of Master Smith's serrated knife trimming slices of honey bread resonating through the room. Zelda's thoughts were muddled, short like shards of glass. She knew she needed to rip off the bandage that housed this all-consuming stress, and the only way to do so was to explain the situation. He won't be mad, she reminded herself. Master Smith will understand and likely lend his aid.

With shaky confidence, she proceeded. "Last night Link was stationed to guard the Four Sword Sanctuary. As you might know, we've been short on guards lately due to an odd sickness making the rounds." She paused to take a sip of her rich, botanic tea, her throat already withering. "My father asked if Link would be able to guard the Four Sword Sanctuary entrance at night, and he dutifully obliged. I… really wish he hadn't agreed, knowing what I know now."

Master Smith listened mindfully, biting into a thick slab of honey bread and scrunching his eyes closed in thought.

Zelda continued, "Somehow, the Four Sword shattered, and Vaati escaped. My father told me that the Four Elements dispersed from the Four Sword Sanctuary, and that no one is really sure where they've gone. Perhaps they returned to the shrines they were initially found in, perhaps Vaati took them… it's hard to say."

She sighed, lowering her tea to her lap and tilting her head downwards. "Link… Link was turned to stone by Vaati. One of the castle guards found him whilst they were performing their nighttime patrol, and they quickly alerted my father. I found out shortly afterward, too - a maid summoned me to my father's chambers where the statue of Link stood still." Her eyes wavered, unblinking. "It was mortifying," she whispered.

Silence befell the atmosphere, and Zelda found herself too consumed in her sticky, all-pervading thoughts to look up again. She couldn't deny that she felt some semblance of peace wriggle its way into her mind upon opening up to someone, but reiterating the story and carving it into reality left her feeling desolate altogether.

Her face paled, and her eyes began to dry from her distant gaze; her head pounding with that all too familiar feeling of fear. I need to be brave. I need to be strong.

"Princess Zelda." Master Smith's gentle tone tore through the fright that aimed to devour her whole, and she tentatively raised her head back up, looking curiously at him. "This isn't your fault, and I surely hope you realize that. From what I've heard from Link's stories, Vaati is a powerful sorcerer, but the seal that chained him to the Four Sword was stronger than any other used before it. That magic was strong... no one could have foreseen this coming with a barrier like that."

Zelda nodded weakly, a mite of relief sprouting in her heart from Master Smith's affirmation. She brought her tea back to her lips, indulging in the sense of comfort it brought with it.

He continued, his tone now wary, "This is worrisome, though. With Link turned to stone and Vaati set free, it's hard to say what could happen to Hyrule. We'll need to somehow locate the Four Elements so we can return Link to his living form. Granted, that's assuming Vaati hasn't stolen them."

Her ears twitched at his declaration. That's exactly what I was thinking, too. Master Smith can provide his expertise and equipment for finding the Four Elements. A shapeless spark ignited in her chest, with the emergence of durability permeating within. Right, I can't dwell on the painful situations that have already happened any longer; I need to take action!

A sudden surge of conviction ran through her, replacing her prior hesitation and fear with invigorated strength. "I was thinking the same thing!" Zelda affirmed. A purposeful smile graced her lips, and color slowly painted her face again, smudging away any sign of lingering angst. "I snuck out to see you right after I found Link - err, well - I fainted when I saw him, actually… but as soon as I came to, I made my way here."

She placed down her half-empty mug of tea on the table, fidgeting with her decorative golden belt. She was beaming with excitement, her previous woes temporarily forgotten. Swiftly, yet with elegant care, she revealed a folded scrap of weathered paper. Making quick work of it, she flattened it into a whole document and held it up in front of Master Smith's face.

"Does this look familiar?" she questioned, her voice rising in excitement.

His eyebrows rose incredulously. "Is this… Link's old map of Hyrule?"

"You bet! The very one." She pushed their refreshments further back on the table, plopping the map on the newly cleared-out space for both of them to comfortably see. "After Link defeated Vaati, he gave this to me," she said, smoothing her finger over the paper in small circles. Her tone shifted slightly, twisting with wistful anguish as she continued, "He was always talking about how he felt bad I couldn't see much of Hyrule… I was always cooped up in Hyrule Castle, you know, and I only ever snuck outside of the borders of Hyrule Town to visit you two. Link wanted me to hold onto this piece of his journey, as a way to finally bear witness to what Hyrule has to fully offer, I think."

"Zelda…"

A bittersweet smile graced her features. "This is why I need to restore the Four Sword and save Link! It's what he did for me years ago, this is the least I can do to repay him."

Master Smith crossed his arms, leaning further back in his chair in thought. "And how do you intend to do that? You plan on retrieving the Four Elements all by yourself?"

"Of course! Look here," her finger darted out to the bottom right corner of the map, a smeared circle of ink encasing the grassy-colored square. "See this circle? Link marked every area in Hyrule that housed one of the Four Elements during his journey. Specifically, this one appears to reside in the Minish Woods."

Master Smith's hardened eyes locked onto hers. "But how do you know the Four Elements returned to the areas where Link originally found them? And if they are there, what if they're heavily guarded? No offense Princess Zelda, but -" he broke his perturbing stare, seemingly finding the floorboards more enticing as his voice lowered, "- you haven't even traveled outside of Hyrule Town before, as you just admitted. How would you be safe? How would you fight back?"

Zelda frowned, pulling her shepherding finger back and slumping in her chair. "Come on, Master Smith. I'm not a helpless child anymore…"

"As true as that may be, it's unnerving to think about you exploring these places that, most likely, still have some monsters running wild whilst you're all by yourself. Link was trained in the art of sword fighting, and he also had Ezlo assisting him the whole time." He brought his hand under his chin, stroking his beard. "It'd probably be better if I adventured to find the Four Elements instead. I may be weaker from old age, but -"

"No!" Zelda shot up from her chair, smacking her palms on the table. The glasses and dishware clattered in protest, momentarily dancing with hastened abandon before quieting back down on the wooden surface. Zelda fastened the most powerful stare she could muster on her face, sucking in a deep breath before exclaiming, "I know I can do this! I've been training tirelessly to hone my protective magic skills, and I also frequently work to improve my skills with my bow, too! I've been studying this map Link gave me for years now, and I have a compass I'll bring with me so I won't get lost!" Her eyes shook with a fierceness unknown to her, but she continued her plea, "If Vaati is freed from the Four Sword, that means he's most likely plotting to come after me again… I may be afraid, but I will not stand by idly and watch others do what needs to be done to amend this. Link journeyed with nothing but praise from you when it was me trapped in stone." Zelda's eyes shut, her fire dissolving into abjection. "I want to do the same for him. I believe that there's a high chance that the Four Elements returned to where they resided initially, and I plan to investigate these areas either way. I can do this alone, but I'd be much better off with your help. Please, Master Smith. I came to you because I trust you."

For the second time that day, the house became shrouded in silence. This silence, however, seemed deafening. It made Zelda feel like she was somehow drowning in the thickness of the atmosphere; like she was trying to breathe, but her lungs were painfully too full.

Master Smith trained his sharp view to the map situated on the table below, the only movement being from his hand absentmindedly stroking his beard. He seemed to be deep in thought - a rare sight for Zelda to behold.

Perhaps I shouldn't have gotten so fired up, she thought resolutely. But I know I need to overcome this feeling. I need to show Link that I'm fully capable. I need to fight back and seal Vaati away once and for all.

Golden braids of light poured like spilled milk into the quiet room. The sun was high above the clouds now, indicating that she needed to return to Hyrule Castle soon, before anyone noticed she had been absent.

"Princess Zelda," Master Smith's gruff voice called, shattering the veil of silence. "I will help you, but only on three conditions." Hesitantly, he held up a single digit. "One, you practice shooting your bow at least once a day, and always bring it with you when adventuring." Another finger unfurled upwards. "Two, you visit me at least twice a week, so that I can help you with whatever you need, and so I know that you're safe." Finally, a third finger shot up. "And three, you don't tell anyone about my involvement, or better yet, about this plan in general. If word got out that I allowed the princess to be put in potential harm, I think King Daltus would exile me."

Globs of salty tears threatened to spill from the corners of Zelda's eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. Her body tottered back into her seat, and her expression formed an unreadable mask as she absorbed what Master Smith had conceded.

He believes in me.

Her pleasant voice rang out in uncontrolled elation, "Yes, of course! I promise to abide by those rules." She reached out to grab Link's map, gazing at it with roaring strength behind her eyes. "Thank you, Master Smith."

Despite his explicit paranoia, he nodded affectionately at her. "You make it very tough to say no to you, you know that?"

For the first time in a long time, Zelda laughed with wild abandon. She paid no mind to the fact that she likely sounded undignified or probably looked senseless. Having been plagued with an uncomfortable sauté of fear, anxiety, and doubt ever since her eyes fluttered shut the night prior, she was grateful to ultimately feel like things were on an upswing. Although the wound left behind was still fresh, she was positive that a resolution, by her own hands, no less, would be coming soon.

Just hold on a bit longer, Link. I'll release you from your stone prison soon.

Chugging the final dregs of her tea, Zelda chanced a glimpse at Master Smith's antique clock. The sun would be reaching its pinnacle soon, and they would need to be parting ways any minute now.

With a drained exhale, Master Smith spoke out, "Now, let's wrangle up a few items you'll be needing for your journey, alright?"

Zelda's steps clacked distinctly on the tiled floor, publicizing her appearance. As she navigated Hyrule Castle's hallways, having been summoned to Minister Potho's office by her father barely an hour after she had covertly returned, her mind wandered.

Master Smith had supplied her with more than enough gear to safely traverse the vast expanse of Hyrule. And maybe even beyond that, Zelda mused. He had rummaged through his entire smithing room, lugging out strange items that she had never seen nor even heard Link talk about before. Master Smith had animatedly expounded upon the capabilities and nuances of each object before unceremoniously chucking it into her hands, promptly continuing to dig through the neverending vortex lying before him in hopes of unearthing even more confusing hunks of metal.

By the end of her visit, she sheepishly stood by his open doorframe, hoisting a large pack filled to the brim with various oddities on her shoulders. The weight had slowed her steps, making the stealthy hike back to Hyrule Castle strenuous on her syrupy bones. If not for the tender wind propelling her forward with each footfall, she worried she might not have made it back in time at all.

Fortunately, she had been able to sidle back into her room and promptly stow her equipment bag in an old hidden chest she had inherited when she was little, feeling utterly relieved. Her plan was actively being cemented into reality now, and it would only be a matter of time before she had the Four Sword repaired and Link restored to living flesh.

However, as she now approached the broad double doors of Minister Potho's office, she couldn't help but feel annoyance creep in place of her solace.

Minister Potho was an interesting man. He had taken care of Zelda for most of her life growing up, yet their relationship was anything but familial. As a child, all she wanted to do was run amok and chat with the friendly castle staff, but Minister Potho ensured that she was secluded in a lifeless room more often than not. He would force her to read bulky books on topics such as financial management, power dynamics, and ways to procure imported goods, always against her own wishes. These forced lessons would usually just end with Zelda bored to tears, and Minister Potho utterly exasperated at her lack of comprehension.

Now, with her hand gripping one of the door's handles, she hesitated. This probably won't be long. After everything I've already been through today, I can definitely deal with him.

Tentatively, she opened the door. A dollop of natural light followed from the slender gap behind her, warming the artificially candlelit room. The curtains had been closed and a multitude of lanterns glowed garishly, with messy piles of books decorating each corner of the small area. Some of the novels seemed to be strewn about with abandon, laying ajar and crumpled, whilst others looked to have never been opened before.

In the center of the room was Minister Potho, who was pacing in obvious dismay. One of his hands was gathered under his chin, and a fog of worry was evident behind his clunky spectacles. If not for their strained relationship, Zelda would've felt terrible upon seeing him in this bizarre daze.

A buoyant voice sang out beyond Minister Potho's meek stature, "Ah, my precious Zelda! Thank you for joining us!"

Confused, she advanced further into the room and glanced to her right, noticing her father seated in the depths of the office. He was positioned in a chair that was swathed in rich velvet, and an open book lingered in his hands.

"Oh, hello again father. I wasn't aware you'd be here as well," she said.

Minister Potho halted his incessant pacing, uttering a strangled "Oh!" before pushing up his glasses and brushing his fingers through his bristly mustache. With his hands respectfully placed behind his back, he looked up at Zelda from his short stature and spoke, "So lovely to see you finally here, Princess Zelda. We have much to discuss!"

She refrained from rolling her eyes at his pompous tone, noting the way he skirted around scolding her for her unpunctual arrival. With a nod, Zelda closed the door gently, blanketing the room in silence and the soft glow of candlelight.

"Let's get into business, shall we?" King Daltus' commanding voice rang out. He flipped his book closed and eyed Minister Potho, a look of restlessness hidden in the gray bags under his eyes.

"Right, sir." Minister Potho pushed up his falling glasses again, circling behind his mahogany desk and rifling through his cabinets. He pulled out a slew of crisp documents, slamming each one onto his table with ferocity. "As you know, Princess Zelda, we must prepare for the upcoming Picori Festival. We only have a timeline of two weeks, and we need to begin contact with the food suppliers, construction crew, and license approval for any shop or minigame vendors. I think this year we should work closely with Mayor Hagen to-"

"W-woah, hold on!" Zelda cut in, quashing his statements before he could finish.

Minister Potho rose an irritated eyebrow at her interruption, looking at her with clear displeasure. "Yes?"

"We still plan to host the Picori Festival? Even with Link, the very Hero of the Minish, currently turned to stone and Vaati on the loose?" Her voice rose in surprise, a whisper of anger interlaced underneath it. "Isn't that irresponsible? Truly, who will want to participate in a festival under these circumstances?"

King Daltus stood wearily, regarding her with compassion and regal poise. "Now, my dear Zelda, as I told you earlier… this is none of your concern. I'm confident that the knights I've sent on duty will be able to capture Vaati and free Link before the Picori Festival commences." He paused, his command of authority solidified even in his stance. The ghost of a frown graced his imposing features as he began absentmindedly toying with his imperial red robe, adjusting the button fixtures repeatedly.

I haven't seen him act like this before… perhaps he's more worried than he lets on? Zelda wondered. King Daltus ceased his empty fumbling in a trice, tiresomely ending his statement, "This is not our first experience with that vile sorcerer, so we're more aware of what he's capable of now."

"Precisely," Minister Potho chipped in, looking much too pleased with himself. "Regardless - sir, if I may?" he glanced over at King Daltus to obtain permission to continue his barreling speech. Lazily, King Daltus nodded in his direction, prompting Minister Potho to pipe up again, "We do not want to alert the townsfolk about this predicament. If Vaati has yet to wreak any sort of havoc, why worry people who have no means to fight back? No, we plan to conceal this affair and restore order in secrecy."

Bewilderment hit her like a compacted brick, leaving her speechless. To act as if everything was normal seemed like lunacy to her - nothing was normal right now, and if the townsfolk found out that they were covering this up, a riot could break loose.

How can they think this is okay?

Frowning, she was about to speak up and voice her disagreement, but King Daltus beat her to it. "You may think this is deceitful, Zelda, but I know what is right for the people of Hyrule." His voice carried an air of noble authority, a mask of decorum seemingly veiling him as he spoke, "Hyrule is still recovering from the near travesty that befell our kingdom when Vaati first attacked five years ago, and we cannot worry anyone further by knowing such evil could be released again so soon afterward. You may not agree, but this is the way it must be done," he proclaimed.

Minister Potho cleared his throat, meekly adding, "Link's status will be kept hidden from everyone but the three of us and the guards that King Daltus has notified and sent on duty. No one else is to know about Vaati's current freedom… we must continue like normal, which includes planning the long-awaited Picori Festival."

Bitter tension flooded the room, and Zelda found herself sharply looking from King Daltus to Minister Potho with mute judgment. Melting ire weaved against her better sensibility. She could feel her blood run hot and her callous glare betray her impassivity. She felt angry, afraid, and outraged all at once.

However, she remained still. Contemplative.

From her first step into this office, she could tell how unnerved both Minister Potho and King Daltus had been from their unusual reactions alone. Minister Potho had been pacing almost uncontrollably, and he had been thoroughly unaware of her entrance - only startled by King Daltus' booming voice, of which, had spoken up immediately as she arrived. He seemed to be unusually attentive, not even reading the book he had splayed open in his lap.

It occurred to her that they were acting out of fear. Fear disguised as unwieldy righteousness and principled leadership.

If she spoke up in disagreement, it would only snowball further into a strained argument. Worryingly, she briefly wondered what would happen if things escalated, fretting that her father might enlist a higher number of guardsmen to watch her, wrongfully assuming her disdain was purely out of internal panic. That wouldn't work, she considered, I wouldn't be able to recover the Four Elements if I was surveilled to that extent.

And aside from that issue, she had already told Master Smith about Vaati's release culminating in Link being turned to stone. She definitely couldn't risk her plan being uncovered so soon after its conception, and she knew that if she argued any further it would be apparent she had something to hide from them.

Zelda bunched her hands into fists at her sides, digging her nails into her palms. "I understand," was all she said.

Minister Potho side-eyed King Daltus, relief briefly washing over his scraggly features before it returned to his regular haughty cloak. "Very good. Now, let's return to what you were called to help with before unnecessarily sidetracking us, shall we?"

She bit back any insults she wanted to sling and instead nodded tersely.

As Minister Potho needlessly drawled on about the new proposals and desired direction for this year's Picori Festival, Zelda couldn't help but make note of the stress ticking in her father's jaw, and the raw horror shielded behind his glassy eyes.

Hours had crept by at a snail's pace, and Zelda found her resolve quickly wearing thin. She had been holed up in Minister Potho's office with an orderly stack of papers presented before her, and only lukewarm tea was given to fill her empty stomach.

Minister Potho had made it clear that it was her individual responsibility to organize the inner workings of the Picori Festival, and Zelda had continued to bite her tongue and unambiguously nod at his requests, not wanting to instigate a commotion. She was used to planning events by now - with the Picori Festival being something she'd overseen every year since Link had saved Hyrule. That assigned chore had never bothered her, but her real reason for frustration was simple.

There would be no Picori Festival if there was no Link.

Of course, Zelda felt confident that she could still retrieve the Four Elements before the festival deadline, but the added pressure weighed heavily on her heart. She definitely did not need another priority renting space in her cushioned mind, and yet, it seemed that such things were falling from the treetops above - like rotting apples.

With all of these concerns balled into a tangled knot in her head, she couldn't stop her eyes from wandering. It was difficult to sit back and slave over paperwork and menial tasks she currently couldn't care less about, not when there were innumerable other things to focus on.

Above the glossy desk she took residence at, draped perfectly in the center wall, was a large-scale map of Hyrule. As the candlelight flooding the room bobbed on burning wicks, the map glistened in a sheen of reds, oranges, and yellows. Zelda couldn't maintain her concentration on anything else, finding her focus instead drawn to the crinkly lines and faded earth-toned dyes above her.

She curiously peered at the upper left borders of the map, honing in on what she knew to be Mt. Crenel. Link had circled that area as having one of the Four Elements, hadn't he?

Recalling Minister Potho's taxing geography lessons from her school days, she knew that Mt. Crenel was particularly rocky and dry, with visitors often climbing the local hot spring vine sprouts to traverse the jagged terrain. She thought back to the unusual tools Master Smith had lent her, recalling a clunky Hookshot prototype and a dull Grip Ring of sorts, amongst everything else provided to her.

It was perhaps an odd first choice, but she found herself drawn to the wonders and mysteries of Mt. Crenel.

Alright, she inwardly concluded, Mt. Crenel will be my first destination, as soon as I can escape this misery.

With a lopsided smile brimming with certainty and ambition, Zelda sank her murky pen onto the page fanned out before her, determined to complete this task and depart at the first opportunity presented to her.