Author's Note: Welcome back everyone! I hope you've had a wonderful week!
So I wanted to acknowledge a few changes I made to this project to start things out this week. It doesn't affect any prior content drastically but I figured I'd say it anyway. If you're reading this chapter on the day it was posted, this past week I went back through the first several chapters of this story and fixed a few things. Mostly it was just general formatting - I changed the way I used dialogue tags and line breaks starting in chapter 7 so I went back through the first six and standardized them for future readers. It definitely made things more clear so I'm glad I spent the time to do it. I also fixed the uses of "fiancé" and "fiancée" so they're proper now throughout the whole story (unless I missed one or two somewhere).
Also, I changed a few wordings to the scene where Zelda first arrives in Hateno Village in Chapter 1 to make it more clear that the character she was interacting with was the then-unnamed Glenne. I hadn't conceptualized the character yet so it was a bit too generic and I wanted to fix that little inconsistency since I established later in Chapter 3 that Glenne was indeed the person Zelda met at the entrance to Hateno that day. It's not worth going back and rereading the chapter or anything, but I figured I'd note that I changed it all the same.
As a quick reminder, "-sama" is used (in this story) for someone of Royal lineage who deserves (or demands) respect. Aside from that, I have nothing more to add that you'll need to be aware of! So with that said, I hope you enjoy the latest installment!
Book II – Family
Chapter 12 – Royal Advisor
Cold air nipped at Link's face as he glanced towards the horizon once more. He was sitting on the coachman's bench of a small wagon he'd borrowed from Ira, occasionally urging forward the horse that currently pulled the cart. But unlike the last time he had taken a trip, he wasn't alone today. Next to him sat Zelda, her eyes darting around in wonder as they continued on their way. They were close to their destination now and even though the trip had taken a few hours, she had seemed to enjoy every second of it, something Link was very glad for.
The last week had been filled with some of the most potent amusement and glee he'd ever experienced. Zelda had taken to the Sheikah Shrine like a moth to a lantern's flame – she was fascinated by it and wanted nothing more than to examine every inch of it. Link was more than happy to facilitate this, of course, suggesting several times that they make trips out to the little cave near their house. Zelda had been quite hesitant at first, loathe to waste Link's free time, but he had assured her that there was nothing he would rather be doing.
There wasn't a single word of exaggeration in that assurance.
The truth was that Link couldn't have been more pleased with himself for remembering that the Shrine existed in the first place. Something he had never once cared about was suddenly one of the greatest gifts the world had ever given him. That it delighted Zelda to such an extent and made her so unapologetically elated was wonderful and made him smile like few other things could.
Her happiness was worth more than anything else.
Which is why he had been a little wary when Zelda had returned one afternoon from said cave with a disappointed look on her face. After Link finally managed to get her to talk about it, he discovered that she had hit a wall in what she wanted to learn about the Shrine and didn't know where to go from there. She wasn't as versed in ancient Sheikah technology as Purah was, of course, but she knew her way around the structure. Yet even still, it seemed there was nothing more she could gain from the artifact itself without proper guidance.
But rather than let her sit around wondering if she would ever figure out the answers to her questions and slowly losing interest in her passion, an idea came to him in the bath that same night. What if they paid a visit to Kakariko Village themselves? The Sheikah were experts in the ancient structures that littered Hyrule's hills and caves; if anyone could point Zelda's research in the right direction, it was surely them. The fact that the Sheikah were loyal to the Royal Family would also help significantly given that Zelda herself was the Second Princess of the Kingdom.
But even if none of those things had been true, Link had a friend in Kakariko that he hadn't seen in a long time but one whom he wouldn't hesitate to entrust his life to in the most intense battles. In fact, he'd done exactly that five years ago every day prior to Ganon's resurrection. She was someone he knew he could trust, someone who would make sure Zelda was well taken care of.
That friend was Impa, former Royal Advisor and brilliant Sheikah warrior.
Though Link didn't know the exact story behind her dismissal from the Castle, he knew that she was upset enough about it that she didn't bring it up with him. This in turn had convinced him not to mention it either. Especially five years ago, he had been much more uncomfortable in social situations and tried not to stick his nose where it didn't belong lest he get stung. Still, a small part of him was curious what had led to the Royal Family dismissing someone so intensely loyal and brilliant. Perhaps Zelda had heard something about the situation back then.
Speaking of Zelda…
"Are you cold?" Link asked her, turning his eyes from the road ahead of them.
They had been out in the wilderness for a while now – it would make sense if Zelda was chilly despite their warm winter outfits. Her white jacket that he was more than accustomed to seeing her in now complimented her perfectly. He had even gone so far as to make a mental note to thank Lissa again for her fashion sense and excellent taste…until he remembered how much she would tease him for saying something like that.
That little comment of appreciation would stay locked away in his mind.
The horse they had borrowed from Anya and Glenne was happily carrying them towards the stable at the base of the hill that led to Kakariko. They would leave it there with the caretakers for the afternoon while they finished the journey on foot, something that would hopefully assist in warming them both up. Of course, a horse that strong would easily be able to carry them up the rather steep hillside…but then it would be bored and confined to a small space for the remainder of the afternoon and Link didn't want that. Better to take the slight inconvenience of a thirty-minute hike than to consign the horse lent to them by two friends to a miserably dull several hours.
"I'm…okay, thank you," Zelda answered at last, tearing her attention away from the natural scenery. "Everything out here is so beautiful, much more so than the last time I traveled this path."
"That's right, you probably came through here on your way to Hateno, didn't you?"
"I did. It was…a lot less inviting that day."
"I'm very glad you're enjoying yourself this time. But I'm still so surprised you've never been to Kakariko Village, especially given the relationship between the Sheikah and the Royal Family."
"Well…even before things changed between my sister and I, Father never liked to let us out of the Castle for very long. I think he was concerned that we'd be hurt…and he needed us to stop the Calamity."
"Hm…"
A silence hung in the air between them before Zelda spoke again in a small voice.
"M-may I…ask what's on your mind?"
He rested a comforting hand atop her own, a gesture she never seemed to mind these days. It was an effective way of reassuring her that she could ask him any question that ever came to her mind, too.
"Of course you can. I was just thinking…that's a very sad way to look at your own daughters. And rather selfish too…"
"I…don't disagree," she admitted, her voice growing in strength a little.
"The good news," Link continued, an easy smile spreading across his face again, "is that I get to show you the village today instead. It's very charming; I think you'll like it a lot."
"O-oh, I'm sure it's lovely. I wonder…if Impa has been okay…"
"She sounded well in her letter if that helps. Speaking of Impa, do you mind if I ask you something?"
"N-not at all."
"You knew Impa personally before the Calamity, right?"
"N…not extremely well, but yes, I knew her. She was always good to me, even when nobody else wanted her to be."
"That sounds exactly like her. She could never treat another person badly, much less one of the Princesses she'd sworn to protect. But what I really wanted to ask you is…do you know what happened that led to her being dismissed as the Royal Advisor? Something extreme must have led to such a drastic change, right?"
Zelda was silent for several moments as her face fell.
"Impa was dismissed…because of me…"
Link didn't falter at all.
"I'd bet Hilda just used that as an excuse, no?"
"F…for once, not really. Impa was…kind to me. That upset Hilda. But so few people showed me any kindness at all that…I tried to create situations where I could be near her. She was always so polite and caring, the exact opposite of what I was used to. I knew she didn't approve of the way my sister treated me but…she could do nothing about it, of course. So instead, she made it a point to be extremely good to me herself…to the point that she earned Hilda's ire.
"Even my sister wasn't stubborn enough to dismiss a warrior of Impa's caliber with the Calamity so close at hand, but almost immediately after you and she felled Ganon…Hilda hosted a celebration party with her friends of the nobility. She…demanded that Impa and I also be there. It was there that…she dismissed Impa from her role as the Royal Advisor."
"In front of all those people…?"
"She…did it on purpose. She planned the whole thing…"
The stable was already in sight but Link couldn't stop himself from asking more – it was a question he had always wondered the answer to.
"What happened that day?"
Zelda hesitated for a long moment before drawing a very slow breath.
"Well…"
Zelda entered the ballroom timidly, wearing her blue dress. It was the only presentable article of clothing she still possessed and her sister had demanded she look 'half-decent at the very least.' Hopefully this Royal garb would be enough to satisfy her.
The three noblewomen Hilda considered her closest friends were already there, seated at the large table in the center of the grand chamber. They each looked so dignified and beautiful that Zelda almost lost her nerve to approach them. Surely Hilda hadn't really meant to place her lowly sister next to these perfect women…right?
The most prestigious of the noble daughters, Ruli Nell, eldest child of Duke Nell, wore a wine-red dress that seemed to cascade towards the floor like the drink itself might were it spilled from on high. Her shoulder-length blonde hair had a similarly soft and streaming quality to it. The waves and light curling that accented it had likely taken hours to achieve properly. She was elegance incarnate.
The second was Aya Rohan, only daughter of Count Rohan to the north. Her chosen color was a sparkling silver that accented her long, dark hair tastefully. She was the quietest of the three, something even Zelda had managed to learn in the extraordinarily little time she'd been around her. It didn't make her seem unconfident though, not like Zelda herself. No, if anything it made Aya seem intriguing and frightfully mature, as if one wrong step would be all it took to appear a bumbling child next to her.
And finally, her eyes fell upon Sophie Celessa, middle daughter of Baroness Celessa to the east. She wore a bright pink dress that perfectly complimented her outgoing personality. Her medium-length brown hair was done up into a myriad of complicated braids that framed her face in a tasteful manner, drawing one's attention to her bright eyes.
Given that Sophie had the lowest social standing when compared to Ruli or Aya, Zelda had always assumed she must be the most withdrawn and subservient to them as well as Hilda. Recently, though, she had learned that, likely as a result of this disparity, Sophie was their loudest and staunchest supporter, acting as a cheerleader of sorts and endearing herself to those around her with careful words and energetic encouragement. Zelda marveled at her ability to rise above her status and become close with Hilda. It was something she couldn't ever imagine achieving for herself.
"Ah, Zelda. Do come join us," Ruli called across the room, a disconcertingly…normal smile on her face.
Zelda hadn't spent much time with Hilda's inner circle but they had proven themselves to be every bit as direct as Hilda herself was on several occasions. Her sister likely demanded that they treat her poorly and promised them that no criticism or punishment would come their way as a result. Today, however, they didn't seem interested in demeaning her…not yet at least.
"Of course," she murmured, crossing the chamber and taking a seat at the table.
Two empty chairs sat to her left and to her right was Aya. Beside her sat Ruli herself, leaving Sophie almost directly across from Zelda; the girl was clearly eager to be at Hilda's side when eventually she arrived.
"How have you been recently? You must be relieved that the Calamity has been averted," Ruli mused.
"O-oh, indeed. I am quite impressed by Onee-sama's and Link's efforts to protect us all, not to mention the four Champions."
"Link! That was his name!" Sophie cried out suddenly, all but shattering the dignified atmosphere.
If the others minded her outburst, they didn't show it. Ruli turned towards her companion with a bemused smile.
"Sophie, how could you forget the name of the Goddess's chosen hero?"
"Ah, it just slipped my mind, that's all. Maybe I should remember it, though; it seems my mother is planning on offering me or one of my sisters to him as a bride. Well, as long as none of the higher ranked nobles object, that is."
Ruli's eyes narrowed an almost imperceptible amount.
"Thankfully, the right of proposal is for our parents to discuss amongst themselves. Let us not spoil what promises to be a joyous feast with such discussions as rank and standing within the Kingdom."
"Yeah, I totally agree, Ruli!"
Aya finally spoke for the first time since Zelda's arrival.
"If anyone would be best fit for a hero it would be you, Ruli, don't you think?"
Ruli just waved a gloved hand, a graceful motion even in the midst of conversation.
"Oh, perish the thought, Aya. My family needs no such boon at this point in time and I am hardly ready to marry yet. However, I am certain things will play out in a way that benefits everyone involved, especially our darling Hilda."
As if speaking her name had summoned her, Hilda entered the room a moment later with a flourish, her long purple hair carefully styled to its usual perfection. She had replaced her standard Royal dress with an extravagant turquoise gown, one that would have looked right at home during the regal end of year ball they hosted at the Castle.
Behind her was Impa, who had also donned a rather lavish dress. Hers was a plain black color but it looked very refined on her, contrasting beautifully with her stark white hair, still done up in her preferred style. Zelda had never seen Impa in anything but her Sheikah attire and she had to admit that, even though she looked a bit uncomfortable to be wearing such an outfit, she looked far more graceful and elegant than Zelda herself had ever managed.
"Hilda-sama!" Sophie sang from across the room, leaping to her feet and bowing her head enthusiastically.
"Oh, relax, Sophie," she responded, waving her hand. "I've told you before – we're all equals here. There is no status or distinction between my three dearest friends and I."
"H-Hilda-sama…you're so amazing," she murmured in wonder.
"So I've been told."
It only took a moment before Sophie snapped from her daze and pulled Hilda's chair out for her. Despite her protests, Hilda said nothing to stop the girl from doting on her, instead sitting and giving her a simple nod. Impa, meanwhile, took her seat between Hilda and Zelda before glancing over and smiling at the Second Princess.
Zelda managed to return the gesture but couldn't suppress the uneasy feeling in her stomach. It had been traveling with her all week, ever since Hilda had informed her about a celebration luncheon that she wanted Impa and Zelda herself to attend alongside her closest friends. Perhaps even Hilda was caught up in the celebratory atmosphere that had descended across the Kingdom following the Calamity's defeat, but Zelda just couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more going on here.
Hilda never invited Zelda to anything. There must be a reason she had done so today…right?
"I see you look halfway put together today, Zelda," Hilda drawled a moment later, pulling her suddenly back into the moment.
"I…apologize for not having been able to do more," was her timid reply as she averted her gaze.
"Well, at least you're not utterly unfit to look at."
"Thank you, Onee-sama."
Across the table, Sophie stifled a laugh.
Over the years, Hilda's friends had become rather comfortable with the way she treated Zelda. Ruli would occasionally chime in to back her up and, while Aya hardly ever spoke at all, her eyes never disapproved of the situation either.
Sophie, however, was a different story. Though she was Hilda's loudest supporter and one of her closest friends, even she felt that the gap in status between herself and the Second Princess was far too great for her to dare insult or demean Zelda…no matter how far from a Princess she really was in practice. As a result of this, Sophie often caught herself in the midst of speaking up to support Hilda and clamped her hands over her mouth. Sometimes she would have to stop herself mid-laugh if it caught her off guard, like just now.
Though Hilda had insisted she didn't need to worry about insulting Zelda, Sophie was still unwilling to take the risk. She likely didn't want to be responsible for anything undesirable happening to her family's reputation.
'As if treating me the way I deserve would reflect badly on Sophie or her family in the first place…'
After several minutes of conversation that Zelda, Impa, and Aya mostly just observed, Hilda summoned the servants that would be attending to their needs that afternoon. It wasn't very long before an exquisite selection of food was laid out on the grand table they sat at. Zelda hadn't been party to such a momentous occasion in as long as she could remember and almost caught herself forgetting all the misery she had suffered as a result of her own incompetence.
Hilda had invited her to a feast. For just a moment…she had treated her like a sister.
Lunch was quite pleasant, shockingly. Hilda was more focused on chatting with Ruli and the others than she was on throwing insults or harsh words at Zelda. As a result, Zelda found herself enjoying this meal more than any other she'd had in her sister's presence in nearly a decade. Impa, as well, seemed to be settling into the atmosphere.
After a short while, the ever-polite Sheikah gestured to Zelda's cup.
"Zelda-sama, would you like some more tea? I'd be happy to pour it for you."
Zelda shook her head automatically, though. She wasn't used to hearing such things anymore – nobody ever referred to her respectfully except the other servants and the errant guard as they passed. And on top of that, she never wanted to make Impa wait on her. The impassioned Royal Advisor was far too wonderful to waste her effort on something like her…
"N-no thank you, Impa, that's okay. I appreciate it, though."
"If you insist. But let me know if you need anything at all, okay?"
Impa was always so kind. In a world where Zelda was insulted or outright ignored far more often than not, she was extremely grateful for her courtesy. Hilda usually wasn't…but even she seemed to be paying it no mind today. Perhaps her sister was in a better mood than Zelda had originally thought.
The meal continued on, the conversation traveling through many topics at Hilda's and Ruli's behest – which noblemen they were interested in, where they wanted to travel now that the monsters had been severely diminished in numbers, what their plans were for the next several months. Zelda silently listened to each sentence, noting their answers with an unwavering expression so as not to subject anyone to her inner thoughts or opinions accidentally.
It was during this time she felt a strange kinship with Aya. Neither of them had spoken but a few words this afternoon yet each listened intently. She would never have expressed such feelings lest she disgust the Count's daughter, but it was somewhat comforting to know that she wasn't the only one not taking part in the chat directly. It made her feel like she wasn't entirely out of place.
"Impa, now you're out of tea," Hilda noted suddenly.
Zelda caught herself before her mouth fell open. It was extremely rare for Hilda to spare a modicum of attention for anyone but herself.
"Ah, I didn't even notice," Impa exclaimed with wide eyes. "Thank you for point that out, Hilda-sama!"
"It's important to stay hydrated during the heat of the summer months. And it's delicious too – you should have some more."
"That's a wonderful idea," she agreed, beginning to reach for the pitcher towards the center of the table.
But Hilda reached out even faster and gently caught Impa's wrist, shaking her head.
"Please, allow me."
This time, Zelda couldn't stop her eyes from widening.
"Oh, Hilda-sama, you don't have to go that far just for me!" Impa insisted, shaking her head. "I appreciate your kindness very much but you shouldn't ever have to lift a finger where I'm concerned."
"Oh, come now. We've known each other for years; I think it's high time I start paying you back for your kindness."
"Hilda-sama…thank you."
Impa retracted her hand, a bright smile on her face as Hilda reached out and pulled the pitcher close. Crystalline beads of condensation dripped down the outside of the glass object, the heat having long since caused the ice in it to melt.
Impa was a bit too far for Hilda to reach her glass so she actually rose to her feet and began carrying the container herself. That was something Hilda never did. The fact that she had even offered to pour a glass by her own hand was shocking enough but that she had actually decided to inconvenience herself enough to stand up…?
Zelda was stricken by the sudden realization that Hilda was up to something only a moment before it happened. She wanted to reach out and warn Impa. She wanted to interrupt or force the situation to a halt somehow. Even if she earned her sister's ire, she wanted to spare the only person that had been nice to her in recent memory from whatever scheme awaited her.
But she was too late…and she couldn't have done anything even if she'd been brave enough.
It started with a shocked gasp from Impa. Zelda watched in disbelief as her sister turned the pitcher slowly until liquid cascaded from, as if she were really pouring a glass. The extraordinary difference, however, was that she was pouring that pitcher of tea atop Impa's head. The lukewarm liquid splattered against her white hair and began running down her face and arms, soaking the front of her dress as it went.
"What do you think? Is this a decent way to start repaying how kind you are to my sister but how flippant you are with me?"
Her voice lacked any venom at all. She was speaking as if what she was doing at that moment was a trivial thing she could hardly be concerned with.
Zelda watched helplessly as Impa just hung her head, biting her lip. The pitcher was more than half full still and Hilda was taking her sweet time with the process, seemingly intent on emptying the entire thing onto the poor girl…
"Don't think I haven't noticed it," Hilda continued. "You go behind my back and whisper sweet little lies and assurances to that filth – I know you do. You like her better than me. But that's fine; you can't win over everyone in the world, after all. Even I'm bound to have some dissenters. But I at least expected more consideration and deference from my personal Advisor."
Impa said nothing. She didn't move and didn't make a sound. She simply sat there and allowed the Crown Princess, the young woman she had been so devoted to for the last many years, her trusted companion on and off the battlefield, to continue pouring an entire pitcher of tea on her. There was even an audience…
Zelda chanced a look around the table. Sophie was watching with barely concealed delight in her eyes. She was likely seconds from leaping from her seat and cheering Hilda on.
Ruli had a similar twinkle in her eye but she hid it far better. For as refined as she had been all afternoon, Zelda had forgotten that Ruli was Hilda's first and closest friend from outside the Castle. Of course she was in complete support of what was happening; she had likely had a hand in orchestrating it.
Even Aya raised no objection. She looked on with a disinterested stare as she sipped her own tea.
Nobody cared enough to help. Nobody cared enough to speak up. Zelda even got the sense that they were happy about what was going on. They probably were…
'This…is why Impa and I were invited today…'
"O-Onee-sama," Zelda began meekly. "W…why are you-"
"Why?" Hilda interrupted, still pouring. "Because I'm done with false pleasantries. I've swallowed my hate for years and allowed this wretch to stay by my side because she was a capable warrior who fit in well with our pathetic little band of heroes. But every time push came to shove, she would side with anyone but me. If the Champions turned against me during a strategy meeting or a training session, Impa would back them without fail. If I said a single word about you, she would try to assure me that you were worth far more than I realized. Can you imagine? Someone like her trying to tell me what's true or not?"
Zelda, for the first time in her life, felt compelled to reach out and seize her sister's wrist. She wanted to make her stop. She was filled with such internal conflict in that moment that all she could focus on was her heart thumping in her ears. All she had to do was stand up…all she had to do was put someone who deserved her help before her own sorry self.
But…she couldn't bring herself to raise her hand…or her voice. If she upset Hilda…things would likely get even worse for her than they already were…
"And so, that's why I invited you both here today," Hilda continued, lazily turning the last of the container's contents towards the poor girl beneath it. "Impa is the Royal Advisor and while you're certainly a sorry sight, technically you are Royalty, Zelda. So I wanted you to hear this too."
At last, the pitcher was empty. Impa hadn't moved at all since she had hung her head before. Her hair was plastered to her face and forehead, having taken on the greenish coloring of the liquid that had been poured on her. Her dress was sopping wet and even now tea dripped from her bangs and nose.
Her hands were balled into fists in her lap. Zelda noticed they were shaking.
"Royal Advisor Impa," Hilda began in an authoritative tone. "You may consider this act as notice of your immediate and non-negotiable dismissal from the Royal Family's services. You will leave this ballroom at once, gather your things from your quarters, and depart this Castle within the hour. From the moment you leave the Castle grounds, you will no longer be permitted to return again. Is that understood?"
Zelda wanted to cry for Impa. She had been nothing but good to her…she had always been so kind. So thoughtful. So selfless. She had thrown herself into battle against the Calamity alongside the Champions and Hilda herself. She had protected Hilda's life so many times, tried to be there for her even when things were difficult. And yet…after all that…Hilda had still done this to her…
Impa slowly rose to her feet and stepped away from her seat at the table. Her eyes were still downcast. Even so, she bowed to Hilda.
"As you wish."
With only those three quiet words, she rose to her full height again and pushed her chair against the table before turning and walking more quickly than normal towards the exit of the ballroom. But Zelda couldn't stop herself anymore.
"Impa!"
The Sheikah girl froze for a moment…almost turned around. But the sickeningly sweet voice of Hilda interrupted the moment.
"Zelda, you'll of course stay with us, won't you? It seems a shame to abandon the conversation just for that ingrate. Besides, we'll need to discuss a replacement Advisor and as I said earlier, you are technically Royalty."
Zelda knew Hilda was doing this on purpose. She didn't really want her here. She didn't care about her opinion. All she wanted was to hurt Impa. And without even realizing it…Zelda had fallen right into a trap to allow that to happen.
But…what could she possibly do at this point…?
"O…of course…Onee-sama…"
Impa continued walking towards the exit at a brisk pace a moment later and Zelda sadly watched her go. She took note of the three dark smirks and one dispassionate stare that followed the humiliated young woman as she finally left the ballroom. She only hoped that nobody would take notice of the condition she was in before she had a chance to clean herself up…she didn't deserve any more embarrassment…
'I'm so sorry, Impa…'
That was the last time Zelda ever saw Impa at the Castle.
"I…couldn't defy Hilda…" Zelda murmured to Link. "I should have been brave enough…but I just wasn't. I'm sure Impa resents me for that…and rightly so. I could have done anything to intervene that day…but I didn't. I was too much of a coward to help her…to help someone who deserved it…"
"Zelda…" Link murmured, reaching out and placing a comforting hand on her arm.
In the time she had told Link the story, they had arrived at the stable, left Anya and Glenne's horse with the caretakers for the afternoon, and set out on their hike up the large hill that led to Kakariko Village. She had paused her story when they were around others and as a result it had taken them a fair amount of the way towards the home of the Sheikah.
And having relived it now…Zelda knew there was no world in which Impa would ever be happy to see her again…
"Link…I know you told me I'm not a failure…but I really did fail that day. I let Impa be so hurt and embarrassed…I wish I had done something about it…"
"I'm sure she doesn't blame you," Link assured her. "From what you said, it sounds like she was well aware of your situation at the Castle. I'm sure she would have preferred that things not get any worse for you."
"But…she stopped when I called her name. I can only imagine…how much she wanted me to go to her. To help her or just to comfort her. And I couldn't even manage that much…"
"It wasn't your fault – it was Hilda's. Somehow it seems like everything is always Hilda's fault," he noted with an aggravated tone.
A silence fell over them for a moment before Link sighed heavily and shook his head.
"I think I hate your sister." There wasn't much intensity to his tone; it sounded more like he'd resigned himself to the fact.
Zelda felt her eyes widen in immediate surprise, though.
"H…hate? I know you told me you dislike her but…"
"Honestly, why shouldn't I?" he continued, his voice still quite calm. "She's always been rude to everyone around her. She's told vicious lies about me to anyone who will listen. She cruelly embarrassed someone I think of as a good friend and companion from the days of the Calamity. And most importantly…she's made you live through absolutely hell and misery for more than a decade. It's hard to think of anything redeemable about her."
"I…would have a hard time saying that you're wrong…" Zelda admitted, feeling a bit conflicted.
She wasn't upset that Link hated Hilda. It made perfect sense when he explained it like that. But…it was how little hearing those words actually vexed her that threw her off. Were her own feelings towards Hilda changing that much…? Everything she'd been subjected to over the years…was at least partially her fault…right?
It was far too early to know for sure…but she had to admit, she wasn't as certain as she had once been…
"Let's put her out of our minds for now, though," Link suggested, gesturing before him with a fresh smile. "We're here."
Zelda's eyes finally fell on Kakariko Village for the first time in her life. The home of the Sheikah was simpler than she'd imagined. It was a far larger and more populous village than Hateno was, but the rustic construction of each house and shop left it feeling more quaint than venerable. Many large trees decorated the canyon, the high cliffs on almost every side enclosing the town from prying eyes both on the surface and in the skies.
Of course, many members of the Sheikah tribe were wandering the village, all of them wearing a similar outfit to what Zelda remembered Impa to have always worn around the Castle. Everything seemed so…peaceful here. They had clearly settled into the post-Calamity calm as effortlessly as anywhere else.
As Zelda followed Link through town, he took the time to point out some of the buildings he recognized. He gestured towards a clothing shop, a shop specializing in arrows, a general store, and an inn among others. Many of the same locations were present in Hateno as well but here they felt much more interconnected with the layout of the village. Kakariko as a whole felt much more deliberate as opposed to the sparser and more improvised nature of her current home. Both had their appeal, of course, but it spoke to the legacy of Kakariko when compared to a young, new town.
As they approached the center of the village, Zelda's eyes fell on a large house that sat upon a raised hillside, a long staircase leading up to it. It drew her eyes immediately as the likely home of the Sheikah Elder. She knew the Elder was essentially the ruling force of the Sheikah tribe and it made sense that they would inhabit such a house.
It was what awaited her at the base of those stairs that surprised her.
Impa herself was kneeling down in front of several statues, placing apples in the offering trays they held. Though her back was turned to them, there was no mistaking that hair. Zelda had seen her often enough at the Castle that she would likely recognize her anywhere.
Zelda immediately felt her heart sink. Impa surely resented her for what had happened back at the Castle that day…she wouldn't be happy to have to force herself to speak with the person who abandoned her…
"Impa," Link called out, startling Zelda from her thoughts.
"Is that Link?" she called back without turning around, instead placing the last apple carefully before the statue.
"Sure is."
"I had to make sure – sorry! I didn't your voice nearly as much as the other Champions five years ago. Hang on, just let me finish up here."
"Take your time."
Impa polished the red apple to a sparkling sheen before brushing her hands and letting out a satisfied sigh. As she jumped to her feet and spun, she spoke with an energetic voice.
"I'm surprised you wanted to come out here, Link! You haven't visited Kakariko in years. What brings you-"
She stopped short as her eyes fell on Zelda. Words failed her entirely, it seemed. She opened her mouth and closed it several times before she eventually just gave up and stared in surprise.
"I mentioned I was bringing someone with me, right?" Link asked, a relaxed smile on his face.
"I…but how is…what?" Impa sputtered, her eyes growing wider by the second.
Zelda, however, was certain she knew the reason for Impa's surprise.
'She…really must not have wanted to see me. There was no way Link could have known but…she must be so shocked she has no words. I let Hilda humiliate her that day. I let her walk away without chasing after her. I didn't so much as lift one lousy finger to help her. Of course she resents me. Why wouldn't she? She has every right in the world-'
Zelda was snapped from her own thoughts as a pair of unfamiliar arms ensnared her, pulling her into a tight hug. She gasped in surprise and finally acknowledged that it was Impa herself, not Link, that had seized her.
What was this? Was she angry? Was she upset? Why hug her?
"Zelda-sama," Impa murmured into her shoulder. "I'm so, so happy to see you."
'She…is…?'
"W…why?"
Impa pulled back and met her eyes, her own filled with confusion.
"Why? Because…I've never been able to meet you again after that day at the Castle. I missed seeing you."
"B…but…I…"
Impa finally released Zelda and stepped back a bit, bowing her head cordially.
"Forgive me for embracing you like that so suddenly, Zelda-sama. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."
Zelda was reeling from the unexpected situation. She was so taken aback that she didn't even realize she was voicing her thoughts aloud.
"But…why don't you…hate me…?"
"Hate you?" Impa repeated, her face horrified. "I could never hate you!"
"But I…let Hilda do something so awful to you…and I didn't even try to help you…"
Impa gave her a smile and shook her head.
"You didn't let Hilda-sama do anything. And you absolutely did try to help me, remember? You spoke up for me and tried to stop her. But we both know Hilda-sama would never have listened to either of us regardless. You can't blame yourself for her actions."
"T-then…you don't…resent me for that day…?"
"Resent you!? Of course not! If anything, I've longed for the day I might see you again. After Hilda-sama banned me from returning to the Castle, I always wondered if things had continued down the same path for you or if, hopefully, they'd improved at least a little."
"Impa…"
Zelda was stunned. Even after all she'd gone through because of her, Impa didn't resent or even blame her. Even after all these years, she was so deeply kind.
"I have to ask, though," Impa continued, glancing between she and Link, "what are you doing here of all places, Zelda-sama? And with Link, too."
"Oh, you haven't heard?" Link interjected, stepping closer to them again. "I figured news might have made its way to you from the Castle somehow."
Impa shook her head.
"I don't hear anything from the Castle anymore. Hilda-sama's new Advisor sometimes brings tidings to the village but I'm usually not included in that – we don't get along very well, he and I. But enough about that - what's the news?"
"Zelda is my fiancée," Link explained simply.
Impa's eyes widened slowly.
"W…I'm sorry, what?"
"It's true," he continued. "The King arranged a marriage between us and Hilda even suggested Zelda come stay with me in Hateno Village. So now she lives out there with me."
Impa turned towards Zelda in amazement.
"So…you aren't living at the Castle anymore?"
"N…no. For the last two months or so, I've been living with Link. I…have every intention of staying there with him."
Impa again threw her arms around Zelda and squeezed her tight, catching her by surprise a second time. Though she had always been kind in the past, she had never pulled Zelda into such embraces before. Her happiness was overwhelming any decorum she usually behaved with.
"I'm so glad," she murmured, her voice light.
"W…what about?"
"I'm so glad you don't live at the Castle anymore. I'm so glad you don't live with Hilda-sama anymore. You've always deserved to be treated so much better than you were in that place. Are you…happier now?"
Zelda didn't need to consider her words for more than a moment.
"I…am. Link has been…wonderfully kind to me. Things are…much better now than they've been for much of my life…even if I struggle to believe I deserve it sometimes."
Impa stepped back at last and fixed her with a bright smile.
"You absolutely deserve it! And I truly could not be happier to hear all this, Zelda-sama. It warms my heart to know that you don't have to be stuck in such misery anymore."
"I-Impa, you don't have to address me that way. You…never really did to begin with…"
"Out of the question!" she insisted suddenly. "You are one of this Kingdom's Princesses and even though I'm the former Royal Advisor now, I will never disrespect you in such a way! My whole life, I've been raised to support the Royal Family and you're someone I couldn't be happier to show my utmost respect to."
"Impa…"
"You may as well just let her," Link suggested with a grin. "She's pretty stubborn, after all."
"Oh, you're one to talk," Impa scoffed, raising an eyebrow and grinning back at him. "I remember how persistent you used to be back in the day. I begged you to get along with Hilda-sama for the sake of the Kingdom but you always refused to."
"Can you really blame me? She's unbearable."
"I kn-"
Impa interrupted herself quickly, clearing her throat before continuing.
"Even so, I only wanted you to do it for the sake of defeating the Calamity. But I suppose I shouldn't have worried so much; in the end, you saved us all."
"It wouldn't have happened without you and all of the others," Link insisted.
"I'm just glad I could help even somewhat."
"You always did."
"Thank you. Alright, I'm clearly behind on a lot; tell me what's happened since Zelda-sama moved to Hateno!" Impa insisted, glancing between them with an eager smile.
And so, Zelda and Link set about telling her the few things of note that had happened since the middle of the Eleventh Month. The most significant, of course, was Zelda's near-kidnapping orchestrated by the Yiga Clan, something that made Impa's eyes turn to saucers and her voice fail her entirely. But by the end of the story, she was calm again, giving Link nods of approval and respect and offering as much consolation to Zelda as she could manage.
It was amazing to hear her words of support from Impa once more.
"So I have to ask, what brings you out here?" Impa began after a break in the conversation. "Your letter only mentioned you were coming to visit and ask me about something, not specifically what."
"Ah, right," Link began. "Well, I remembered the other day we have a Sheikah Shrine near the house back in Hateno so I took Zelda over to it. And she's hit a wall in her research of the thing so I was hoping you might know something to help her with it."
"Research?" Impa repeated, turning her attention to Zelda again.
"Um…yes. I…have always been fascinated by the Shrines and the rest of the ancient technology. Link was…kind enough to take me to the one in Hateno and let me spend as much time with it as I liked. But…I'm afraid I can't learn anything more about it with my limited knowledge…"
"Wow, I never knew you were so interested in that old technology, Zelda-sama," Impa mused. "You'd probably get along real well with Purah. Unfortunately, I don't know much about it myself."
"Oh…"
"But! I have another idea instead!"
Link's ears perked up.
"You do? What's that?"
"I may not be able to give you much personal guidance, but Grandma has a ton of books upstairs about the Sheikah technology. She won't have a problem if I lend those to you – you're one of the Princesses she's sworn to serve after all!"
"O-oh, I could never inconvenience your grandmother in such a way," Zelda insisted quickly.
"Nonsense! She doesn't even look at those dusty old books. They'll be much better appreciated by you and maybe they can even help some."
Link smiled and laid a hand on Zelda's shoulder.
"You should take her up on the offer. That's why we're here, after all."
Zelda considered them both for a moment. Their smiling faces settled her unease more and more with each passing second.
"I…if you insist, Impa. I would be…very happy to have your help."
"Perfect! We'll head inside in just a little while. Hilda-sama's new Advisor is with Grandma right now. He's been back for a few days to take some time off and he's heading out again this afternoon for the Castle; I guess he wanted to say goodbye personally."
"Aisen-san is here?" Zelda asked.
She hadn't interacted with the young man very often after he was appointed as the new Royal Advisor, likely at Hilda's request…or perhaps 'at her demand' was more accurate. Zelda wouldn't have been surprised if her sister had told Aisen to all but ignore her. But all the same, she didn't harbor him any ill will. He was just trying to make Hilda happy the same way Zelda had always attempted.
"He is," Impa explained, her brow furrowing. "You shouldn't feel obligated to address him like that, though."
"W-why not?"
"The Royal Advisor exists to aid the Royal Family! We are your personal retainers and oracles, not people deserving of being placed on the same level as yourself. Though I don't like to admit it, Aisen has done well at Hilda-sama's side. But he's hardly deserving of deference from a Princess, Zelda-sama."
"O-oh…I just…started doing that a long time ago. I don't mind it, though."
"Well," Impa continued, chewing her lip, "if that's what makes you most comfortable, then who am I to question things? I apologize for forcing my opinion on you, Zelda-sama."
Zelda quickly shook her head, waving her hands in front of her.
"N-not at all! I…would rather you speak honestly and openly with me, Impa. I've always wanted…to know your real thoughts. And I've always wanted to…be better to you."
"Be better to me? You never did anything to wrong me, Zelda-sama."
"But…I called out to you at the luncheon that day…and then I let you leave without having the courage to help you. I've regretted it…for all these years. I'm sorry…Impa. I got your hopes up that you weren't alone in that moment…and I did nothing for you…"
Zelda hung her head and clenched her fists. It was so frustrating, so galling that she had been such a coward back then. Even if she had upset her sister for some time afterwards, she should have had the courage to follow Impa. To help her that day. To do something, anything at all to give back to the girl who had gone out of her way so often to make her feel wanted…
Impa drew her attention again, though, showing her a soft smile and shaking her head.
"You have nothing to regret or apologize for. I stopped when you called out to me, absolutely – I was embarrassed and humiliated and upset. But I was glad that you didn't follow me. I didn't want Hilda to make your life any worse than it already was because you chose to help me and defy her that day. It was honestly a relief when you didn't chase after me. That's why I left so quickly – I didn't want you to second guess your decision and decide to stand up for me so I hurried away as fast as I could. Even to the very end…I just wanted to help you, Zelda-sama."
Zelda was at a complete loss for words now. Impa had always been so kind and courteous. Even at her lowest point, she had still been thinking of Zelda's wellbeing.
"Thank you…Impa. You were always good to me, even when nobody else was. I…will never forget that, not for the rest of my life. If there were more I could do for you…I would…"
"Zelda-sama, you don't have to worry about me at all," Impa promised. "I'm beyond thrilled that you're finally in a better place and taking your life back for yourself. And if it helps reassure you, I'm quite happy being back in Kakariko!"
Zelda smiled at her.
"I'm…truly glad to hear that. What have you been doing since returning here? Have you been okay?"
"Well, when I first returned, of course I was upset. I felt betrayed by Hilda-sama; she was someone I had always tried to support no matter what things she'd done that I disapproved of. And Grandma understood everything once I explained it to her; she's always been very good to me. But after the other villagers found out I had been dismissed from my role as Royal Advisor, several of the older, more traditional members of the tribe were calling for my banishment from the village. They believed I was a failure and shouldn't be allowed to stay."
"That's horrible," Zelda murmured, frowning.
"It felt pretty horrible, too," Impa admitted. "But as you know, Grandma is the current Elder, luckily for me. She put a stop to that kind of talk pretty quickly – I won't repeat her exact words but suffice to say that she made some…pretty intense threats about what she would do to the next person who floated that idea around her or anyone else in the village for that matter."
Link whistled from beside her.
"I can't accurately explain how much respect I have for that."
"N-nor can I," Zelda insisted.
"Thank you both. After Grandma put a stop to all that, she told me I was welcome to take as much time as I needed to recover from the shock of what happened. But honestly, I was already beginning to go a little crazy without anything to do. So I asked if I could start teaching our secret techniques to the younger members of the tribe. She loved the idea so I've been the ninjutsu instructor for Kakariko Village for a few years now! And honestly, teaching is much more rewarding than I expected. It's been delightful!"
Zelda was smiling brightly at Impa now.
"I'm…so very happy to hear that. You deserve happiness so very much, Impa."
"Thank you, Zelda-sama. You do as well and I'm overjoyed to see you already looking so much more upbeat!"
"D…do I?" she murmured, though the smile never left her face.
"You really do! I don't think I've ever seen you smile like you have today!"
"I don't believe I have either," a new voice interjected from somewhere close by.
Zelda pulled her eyes away from Impa in search of the newcomer and quickly found Aisen, Hilda's current Royal Advisor, having just finished descending the steps from the Elder's residence.
He, like most of the Sheikah, sported stark white hair, although his was kept much shorter and cleaner cut than some of the older men of the tribe. It was even a little wavy – Zelda had long since acknowledged how graceful his hair was kept in spite of the more traditional warrior aesthetic most men of the tribe preferred. He was fairly tall as well, though she wasn't sure of his exact height. All she could tell at a glance was that both she and Link were shorter than he was.
As always, he wore the standard garb of the Sheikah, though his hat was dangling behind him from its cord. She had always noticed that he carried himself with palpable confidence. It was likely necessary to contend with Hilda's personality but many times she had caught herself wondering exactly where it came from. And his way with words, especially towards those he was at odds with, was equally impressive.
He was almost the exact opposite of her in terms of personality.
"A-ah, Aisen-san, it's…good to see you again," Zelda greeted him, finally recovering from his sudden appearance.
"You too, Zelda," was his relaxed response.
He had always spoken quite casually to her. Truthfully, Zelda wasn't bothered by this at all; it felt far more natural at this point in her life than for anyone to bow and use polite speech with her. Impa, however, didn't share this opinion.
"Aisen!" she began, her eyes sharp. "You should know better than to address one of our Kingdom's Princesses so brazenly!"
He waved a hand and gave a calm smile in response.
"Oh, relax Impa. Hilda-sama told me to do this a long time ago; I can't just defy the heir to the throne of Hyrule, can I?"
Impa scowled and clenched her jaw but said nothing more.
"H-how have things been…at the Castle?" Zelda asked, doing her best to diffuse the awkward tension in the air.
"Fine, all things considered. Hilda-sama was quite surprised to learn that the Yiga Clan attempted to kidnap you."
"O-oh, is that…so?"
"Well, that's what she told me."
Link stepped closer to Zelda and frowned.
"Somehow I get the sense there wasn't much sincerity in her words," he muttered.
Aisen, however, lit up as his eyes fell on him.
"You're Link, aren't you? What an honor; I never imagined I'd get to meet you here today."
Impa clicked her tongue again.
"You won't refer the Goddess's chosen hero with any deference either?"
"More orders from Hilda-sama, I'm afraid."
Link gave Impa a smile in an attempt to calm her down.
"Don't worry about it, Impa; I prefer it this way honestly. I hate being treated formally."
"Well…if you're sure…" she murmured.
Aisen shot a grin at Impa.
"See? Besides, it's not like you refer to Link politely either."
Impa huffed.
"I used to, but of course I don't anymore; we've fought in more battles than I can count and had each other's backs in life-or-death situations numerous times. We became friends long ago."
Zelda felt herself smile at Impa's words. Though she didn't wish for such a time to ever come about again, the fact that the days before the Calamity had brought Link and Impa closer together was something she was glad for. Both of them deserved the quality of friend the other very much was.
Aisen, however, continued rather dismissively.
"You know, that's probably a big part of the reason why Hilda-sama got fed up with you. She's very…particular about the way she wants people treated in her presence."
"Oh, I'm well aware. I wasn't going to bring this up, but you've done it yourself now so I'm more than happy to continue this line of questioning – were you told to treat Zelda-sama poorly while you were at the Castle?"
"Mm…not 'poorly' per se, but Hilda-sama did impress upon me that I was not to go out of my way for her."
Link, standing close to Zelda, sighed and muttered to himself.
"That sounds about right…"
Zelda offered him a defeated smile.
"It…does, doesn't it?" she agreed, trying her best to show him a smile even as the clash of wills escalated nearby.
"You shouldn't forget," Impa continued, "that as the Royal Advisor, your responsibility is to the entire Royal Family, not just Hilda-sama. Zelda-sama and the King himself are just as much a part of your duties. You are a consultant and retainer, not a personal butler."
"Just let it go, will you?" Aisen sighed. "I know you're still bitter about Hilda-sama dismissing you after the Calamity and me replacing you, but I'm clearly doing a decent job in the position. At the very least, I'll be traveling back to the Castle today instead of remaining here."
Zelda felt her heart sink as she watched Impa's face fall. She wasn't the jealous type…but there was just no way she wasn't at least disappointed by the fact that the position she had worked so hard for had been given away to someone else.
"You…have a point," she murmured, though her eyes never softened.
"I'm glad we have an understanding. Perhaps I could even give you some advice for the next time – Hilda-sama often tells me I'm doing well. I wonder, did she ever tell you the same?"
Impa all but hung her head at those words; it looked upsettingly like that day with Hilda and her friends. Zelda knew the Sheikah girl was spirited but surely this had to sting…
It stung for Zelda as well. She was just standing there, watching the only person who had ever treated her with any sort of kindness back at the Castle be insulted and belittled right in front of her. Again.
'Why…why don't I ever do anything to help her…? Am I really that much of a coward…?'
"I figured as much. I'd bet your biggest problem, Impa, was trying to make everyone happy. Sometimes you can only do what's asked of you instead of going above and beyond. You've never known how to quit while you're ahead."
'Stop that…don't talk to her like that. She was a wonderful Royal Advisor. It's because of me that Hilda dismissed her. She never did anything wrong at all.'
Aisen sighed and shook his head when Impa refused to respond.
"Well, at least it looks like Hilda-sama made the right choice in the end; I seem to be a pretty good fit for the job. So please, in the future, spare me the lectures. I hardly need advice from the first person in our history to be dismissed from their role at the Castle."
That comment had been a step too far and Zelda felt it in the depths of her soul. The previously stoic Impa looked like she might cry. Zelda knew she was far too strong-willed to do it in front of Aisen or even she and Link…but the idea of her alone in her room later than night crying over what he'd said broke her heart.
Zelda herself had done that many times at the Castle. She had swallowed her hurt and heartache for hours only to weep into her pillow all by herself later that night. It had become a rather common occurrence over the years.
But Impa…didn't deserve that.
"…end like that," she murmured.
"Hm?" Aisen glanced over towards her, his eyes curious.
Zelda was suddenly very aware of her body surging with adrenaline, almost trembling. She wasn't someone fit to stand up for another. She wasn't anything special. She wasn't strong and respectable like her father. She wasn't clever and forceful like Hilda.
And yet, despite her fear, her hesitance finally broke.
"D-d-don't…t-talk to my friend like that," she managed at last.
Her voice trembled and there wasn't much volume to back up her words, but she forced herself to maintain eye contact with Aisen even as she balled her hands into fists to keep them from shaking any more than they already were.
Nearby, Link's surprised eyes shot to her. She knew she was behaving in a way she never did. She was probably being presumptuous to think that Impa needed or even wanted her help at all. It was arrogant to make demands of someone like Aisen, a person so much more accomplished than she herself was.
But she had failed Impa five years ago; she had no intention of letting herself repeat the same mistake again, not after she'd already taken the first step.
The Royal Advisor had a look of near-shock on his face. He seemed to be at a loss for words entirely as he blinked several times. Finally, he cleared his throat and that familiar, easy smile took up residence on his face again, albeit more slowly than usual.
"Sorry to freeze up like that; I was just so surprised to hear you say anything like that. I wasn't trying to offend anyone."
"Y…y…yes you were," she managed, still quaking on the spot even as she forced herself to keep her eyes looked with his. "Impa is…a good person. And she was…an amazing Advisor. D-don't…pretend s-she wasn't…"
Aisen let slip a light laugh before quickly waving his hands.
"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you, Zelda. It's just…this is such a novel situation. When I met you all those years ago, I never imagined you'd have the confidence to say something like that. Hilda-sama had convinced me that all the fight you had in you died long before I arrived at the Castle."
"I…"
Zelda was at a loss for words at that comment. Was she that far out of her element right now? She really had resigned herself to her role as Hilda's servant in an effort to make her own life less miserable. It had worked somewhat – Hilda often lost interest in tormenting her after she didn't get a rise or reaction for long enough and simply sent her away. At least then she was alone rather than beside her sister…no matter how much she felt like she deserved her ire.
"I still remember the first time I met you," he continued, his smile rather bemused now. "You brought Hilda-sama and I tea while we met in her tower a few days after she had selected me to fill the position of Advisor. I hadn't realized how subservient you were until then; she'd told me, of course, but I had never met anyone quite so meek."
Zelda held eye contact with him but the intensity of her feelings were rapidly diminishing. She wasn't fit for something like this after all…how arrogant to try reprimanding someone who had risen to heights far greater than she ever had. And even if she were the Crown Princess herself…how could she have ever managed to tell off someone who had no respect for her…?
'Not that I deserve it…'
"That's enough out of you."
Link's voice suddenly sounded from Zelda's left, causing her to turn quickly to her fiancé. He stepped forward and grabbed Zelda's hand, his eyes boring into Aisen. The Advisor stepped back in surprise but never faltered otherwise, even as Link continued.
"I think you've imposed on our afternoon long enough, Aisen. Zelda and I came here to spend the day with our old friend. And I don't want to listen to you demean Impa or disrespect my fiancée for even a single second more. I believe you said you were returning to the Castle this afternoon, didn't you?"
Finally recovering from the surprise, Aisen simply nodded.
"I am, indeed."
"Then we'd hate to keep you; it's a long journey back, after all. Feel free to take your leave."
Though his words weren't very harsh, there was a steely quality to his voice, one Zelda hadn't heard since he'd stood face to face with Sooga at the bottom of the cavern by the sea. His tone brooked no argument.
"My apologies if I've upset anyone here. Though it does seem I should do as you say," he conceded, his easy smile was back in full force, perhaps even stronger than before. "It was a pleasure to meet you at last, Link."
"I wish I could say the same. You could learn a lot from heeding Impa's advice."
Zelda watched as Aisen's face morphed subtly through several different emotions – surprise, annoyance, amusement, anger, perhaps even a flash of fear. In the end, he chose not to settle on any single one and instead kept his smile in place before bringing an arm across his chest and bowing to the three of them.
"Perhaps I might take to heart your words in the future, then. Until next time."
And with that, Aisen strolled away, headed past them towards the southern exit of the village.
Link watched him go before sighing and shaking his head.
"He's a real piece of work."
Zelda nodded.
"He was always…quite confident in himself. He uses carefully chosen words to tear down the people at odds with him…before they even realize what he's doing. He often employed those skills for Hilda back at the Castle; it seems that hasn't changed now, either. But…more importantly than him," she continued, stepping forward and turning her attention towards Impa. "Are you okay?"
Impa's face was completely different from when last Zelda had seen it minutes ago. All signs of hurt or frustration had evaporated, instead replaced by wide-eyed amazement.
"I'm…just fine, Zelda-sama. Really. Actually, I…I feel…so happy right now."
"Y-you…do?"
"I…never wanted to make you defend me, but the fact that you chose to is one of the kindest things that's even been done for me. Thank you, Zelda-sama."
"O-oh, it was…nothing…" she muttered, averting her eyes.
"That's not true," Link interjected.
She turned towards him in surprise as he gave her a gentle smile.
"W-what do you mean?"
"I've known you for a while now, Zelda, but that's the first time I've ever seen you do something like that. You spoke up for Impa. You protected her even though it scared you. You forced yourself so far out of your comfort zone for someone you care about. That takes an immense amount of courage; you should be unbelievably proud of yourself."
"I…I should…?"
"I certainly am – I'm extremely proud of you."
Zelda felt her face flush crimson at his words and tried fruitlessly to pretend it hadn't happened. Thankfully, Impa gave her an out by jumping back into the conversation, her previous energy having returned at last.
"Link's right! I know it may not be my place to say so, but witnessing you like that was truly wonderful. You've come so very far from the last time we met, Zelda-sama. I mean that from the bottom of my heart."
"Impa…thank you."
"Looks like you're the hero of the day," Link assured her with a bright smile.
Her blush only deepened.
"O-oh…um…I'm just glad…I didn't let myself be a coward again. I…wanted to protect Impa this time…"
The Sheikah sprang forward and gave her an enormous smile.
"You certainly did! And thank you so much for doing it, Zelda-sama. I can't tell you how delightful it's going to be to think back on Aisen's smug face turning completely shocked when you told him off. Grandma's going to hear me giggling to myself as I fall asleep tonight!"
A relaxed laughter descended over the trio, Zelda's heart far lighter than it had been in a long time. The fact that Impa's earlier sadness had been entirely replaced with glee because of her actions was worth more to her than the words she'd actually spoken.
She had finally begun to make up for the mistake she had regretted for five long years. It felt…good.
"And speaking of Grandma," Impa continued, "why don't we head inside? I promised you a few research books! And…now that I think about it, I might even have a surprise for you…but only if Grandma is okay with it."
"A…surprise?" Zelda asked, her eyes wide. This was the second surprise she'd been told of in just a week.
Impa gave her an excited nod.
"Yes, a surprise! I don't know why it didn't occurred to me earlier but it would be absolutely perfect! And you know what? Grandma won't have any problems with it – you're one of Hyrule's Princesses! You have just as much right to our aid as any other member of the Royal Family!"
Impa seemed genuinely excited about whatever realization she had come to. Zelda found herself reeling a bit from how quickly the atmosphere had changed following Aisen's departure, but she was still glad for it. Seeing Impa be this happy was a delight when compared to the last time they had met.
For everything that had happened, it seemed like Impa had successfully settled into her own new happiness…just as Zelda herself was starting to.
"What do you say? Want to find out what Impa's surprise is?" Link encouraged her with a smile.
He was still holding her hand…why hadn't she realized that until just now? And why…did it feel so comfortable that it had slipped her mind entirely…?
Forcing the thought away for now, Zelda let a tiny smile cross her lips and nodded at both Link and Impa.
"I…would love to know what surprise you might have for me, even if it can't pan out in the end. Thank you, Impa."
"Of course, Zelda-sama! Now come on – we've wasted enough time out here!"
As the former Royal Advisor led she and Link up the long stairs to the Elder's house, Zelda was acutely aware of the fact that her smile was growing with each step she took. She had been worried Impa would resent her, but she was far too kind to ever feel things like that. It seemed the specter of Hilda's luncheon had finally left them. And Zelda had even managed to defend her…friend.
'I called her my friend earlier…but she didn't seem to mind. Perhaps…I can think of her that way after all?'
The thought caused Zelda to beam.
10/6/2023
Post-Chapter Note: Welcome back everyone and thank you so much for reading the newest chapter!
I'm gonna be honest - I really hated this chapter at first. The first half was okay and I was pleased with the flashback scene at the beginning. But I really didn't like the second half of this chapter when I was writing it. It felt aimless and meandering, like I was just wasting my readers' time. Ultimately, I spent quite a while trying to turn it into something cohesive and I do think I managed to make it contribute somewhat to the overall story, but I feel like it's the weakest chapter I've written for this work for sure. There are a few important plot flags that happen here though so I couldn't exactly trash the whole thing but even now I'm unsure if I'm happy with the finished product. So I hope even with my own misgivings that you enjoyed it.
Impa is a strange character for me in this story. I don't really know what to do with her. I established her early on and I had always planned for Link and Zelda to come to Kakariko to visit her again, but it feels like I've written myself into a bit of a corner with her. I'm not sure how she really adds to the plot from here. She'll be around, but she's not a major player and she was never intended to be. So it feels a bit weird to have centered a whole chapter around her as a result of that. Maybe that's where my misgivings stemmed from in the first place.
I do think there were some big moments that I'm glad I wrote so I don't see the entire chapter in a bad light. Seeing what actually happened to Impa after the Calamity was something I had always planned on showing you and it's a good reminder that Hilda is just a terrible person to everyone around her. I also liked that it helped establish a bit more some of the noblewomen we've alluded to in the past through Link's rejections of potential marriage partners - Ruli was named in Chapter 6 as the one who stormed out of his house in Hateno in the dead of night and Sophie is somewhat implied (really only through the time frame) to be the rude, uppity one that insulted Aryll and made Link angry.
The moment I'm most proud of this chapter was, of course, Zelda standing up for Impa. She regretted not being able to do anything before but she was able to resist her fear and step up for her friend and that's a *huge* moment for her. Of course, she still has a ways to go as evidenced by her responses following that initial defense, but she's really making progress and I'm very happy to have been able to write that moment.
As I sit here thinking more and more about it, I think I'm unhappy with how disjointed this chapter feels from the rest of the plot. The entire first Book is fairly cohesive in my eyes, something I always strive to achieve in my multi-chapter writings. Each chapter serves a very deliberate purpose in furthering Zelda or Link's characters and their relationship together. The first two chapters of Book II even do the same, introducing Aryll and furthering the development of all three. But this chapter...doesn't really do that, I don't think. Aside from that one (admittedly) big moment for Zelda at the end, it's kind of just about a side character who's not going to crop up very much from here. And I think that's the impetus for my own frustrations with this one. There were almost certainly ways I could have furthered Link and Zelda's characters through Impa but I don't think I found a very good way to do that outside of the last thousand words or so. Maybe I should have just gone back and rewritten it?
Yikes, have I complained enough that you're sick of it yet? LOL!
In all seriousness though, despite the fact that this isn't my favorite chapter, I hope I at least did a decent job making it an enjoyable read for you. If I managed that, I'm still happy! The rest of Book II has already been very deliberately mapped out and I have specifics arcs and plans for all the major players from here so I don't think I'll wrestle with this issue again, at least I certainly hope I won't. But even so, thank you for listening to my whining and I hope I didn't ruin the chapter if you enjoyed it anyway (lol and also yikes again)!
Okay, that's more than enough out of me this time. Thank you all so much for reading the new chapter and I really hope it resonated better with you than it did with me. I'm excited to start writing next week's chapter though - I think it'll be a lot of fun for me and for you! Until then, take care everyone and I'll see you in the next one!