Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter.
Let's get to it.
Chapter 8- Next Steps
As the sun rises high over the kingdom of Hyrule, deep within Hyrule Forest, Link and Zelda feel a sense of peace as they finally come out of the Lost Woods and into the Korok Forest. It's been a day since Ganon was finally defeated and the two of them were finally reunited. The two had spent the entire rest of that day just spending time together, resting together in Hyrule Field and just holding each other, relieved to be back together after a hundred years. However, as the day wore on, Zelda was desperate to head for the Korok Forest. Although Link didn't know why, he wasn't about to deny her wishes.
The two had headed towards Hyrule Forest, staying the night at a stable along the way before resuming their journey the following morning. Now, at last, they have reached the Korok Forest.
The two walk briskly in the direction of the Deku Tree. All around them, Koroks are noticing them and calling out happily "Mr. Hero!" or "Princess!" Link and Zelda can't help but smile at the happiness being shown them by all the Koroks.
They soon approach the Deku Tree, who at first seems to be resting. As they approach the plinth where the Master Sword had rested during Link's slumber in the Shrine of Resurrection, the Deku Tree stirs slightly. After a moment, the tree speaks, "Hmm, I must have dozed off again…oh, you have returned at last. Princess, welcome back. I had nearly given up hope of seeing you again."
"Great Deku Tree, it brings me joy to return and see you again," Zelda greets the Deku Tree.
"It brings me great joy, princess, to see your smile once again. And to know that Calamity Ganon has been defeated once again. You have followed in the footsteps of heroes of Hyrule since time immemorial," the Deku Tree says. The Deku Tree pauses, then says, "Link, you have proven yourself as a great warrior and hero. The sword that seals the darkness has chosen well. I hope you will continue to wield it with strength and justice until the time comes for it to pass to a new owner."
Link inclines his head respectfully to the Deku Tree. Zelda then takes a step forward, but still holding tightly onto Link's hand. "Great Deku Tree, I entrusted something very important to you 100 years ago. As you wished, I have returned with Link…my husband, to retrieve it," she says, looking at Link as she calls him her husband. Link smile back at her.
The Deku Tree chuckles as he says, "I had suspicions of such a thing when you came to me a century ago, Princess, but it pleases me to have my suspicions confirmed. May your life together be blessed." The Deku Tree pauses, then says, "I now return to you what you once left in my care."
A Korok floats down to a spot on the Deku Tree's trunk close to the ground. A moment later, it then flies down towards Link and Zelda, holding a small box. It sets the box down in front of them.
Zelda looks at Link with a brilliant smile. "Link, please open the box," she asks. Link looks a bit confused, but she just smiles.
Link steps forward and picks it up. He examines it for a second before he opens it, and he looks into it in surprise. Inside is Zelda's wedding ring, the diamonds shining brightly in the light of Korok Forest. And sitting beside it is a small note with the simple words "I will always love you", along with Zelda's signature.
Link looks up at Zelda in surprise. "Your ring?" he asks.
Zelda nods, her eyes watering a bit. "When I prepared to leave to fight Ganon, I knew there was a chance I may never see you again, and that I would not survive. I also knew that the Slumber of Restoration would deprive you of your memories. In case we never were able to reunite…I wanted to leave my ring for you…so that you would always have something to remind you of our love and our marriage."
Link is quiet for a second before he grabs Zelda in a tight hug, lifting her up and spinning her around as he kisses her. Zelda giggles in delight as she kisses him back. After he sets her down, Link looks deeply into her eyes and whispers to her, "You are more than I ever deserve. You deserve someone infinitely better than me, and I cannot believe I was so lucky for you to fall for me. I love you with all my heart."
"I love you, Link," Zelda replies with tears in her eyes, and the two share another kiss.
Link sighs a little bit with contentment as he watches the sun set over the western horizon from his position on the slope. He feels Zelda resting her head gently on his shoulder. He holds her a little closer to him.
Dusk has fallen, and the two of them had left the Korok Forest. Now, they are sitting on a slope up in the foothills of Death Mountain, not far from the Hyrule Forest, watching as the sun sets and enjoying the beauty of Hyrule.
Link looks down at Zelda, taking a moment to just enjoy her beauty and the sun shining on her face. After a moment, he asks, "So, what do you want to do now?"
Zelda looks up at him. "I don't know. But whatever we do, as long as you are by my side, I will be happy," she says, smiling sweetly at him.
Link smiles in return before he asks, "Where do you want to live?"
Zelda thinks about this for a moment before she says, "I'm not sure. But, I don't think I want to live in the castle. Not for a long time at least. The castle needs so many repairs even to be able to be lived in again, and I'm not sure I'm ready to return to that life just yet. I want to enjoy being married and being together as much as I can. And to me, it does not matter if we live in the most run down cottage, so long as I am with you."
Link smiles at her, then says, "If that is what you wish…I actually have a house we can live in."
"What?" Zelda asks with a slight laugh, a bit surprised.
"Yes. During my adventures, I bought a house in Hateno Village from a business that was about to tear it down, and I had it repaired and refurbished. It's not much, and far from what you're used to, but…"
Zelda places a finger on his mouth to make him stop talking, smiling softly at him. "It sounds lovely. And I will be happy to live there with you, because I will be with you," she says before kissing him gently.
Link smiles, and the two look back towards the setting sun, arms around each other, resting in the peaceful bliss of being back together at last.
And, I'll end the chapter there. Hope you guys enjoyed this one.
Alright, next chapter will be up soon. Until it is, please leave a review and stay tuned!