Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle
The next morning, Link was in a room he had only visited once or twice, and that had only been during his duties of protecting the princess. This time, he was an active participant. It was basically a large meeting room with a circular table for everyone to sit down at and discuss important matters. Zelda had whispered to him that the unofficial name was the 'War Room', due to the serious atmosphere that everyone presented when the room was used and the grave matters that were often brought up in it. Some of the greatest political changes had been decided within, as well as discussing matters of life and death for condemned prisoners, and in the distant past, actual strategies in times of genuine bloody conflicts.
Needless to say, Link found himself a little out of his depth, sitting in a place with such a storied and colorful history.
Besides Link, Zelda, Midna, and King Rhoam, the others in attendance were Chancellor Cole, Captain Auru, Knight-Commander Taggart, Master Impaz, and Impa.
"The real Ramalla is safe, as is the rest of her family," Commander Taggart reported. "From what we were able to piece together, the night before the celebration, Yiga assassins stormed the Ashlyns' estate, killed several of their servants and guards, and took the entire family hostage. They were kept alive to understand their mannerisms and history so their imposters could effectively infiltrate the party without raising suspicion."
"A combined force of Sheikah and Hylian Knights were quick to eliminate the Yiga and successfully rescued the Ashlyns," Chancellor Cole added. "However, we lost some people during the mission."
There was a moment of respectful silence that fell around the room like a pall.
Chancellor Cole was the first to speak, though he cleared his throat first before doing so. "I shall have a list of the names of those that sacrificed themselves delivered to you after the conclusion of this meeting, Sire."
King Rhoam nodded solemnly.
"Why the Ashlyns, though?" Link asked. "Any reason?"
"A big family," Impa answered. "I don't mean status, I mean numbers. The patriarch, the matriarch, and seven children, including Ramalla."
"And the Yiga took advantage of this to masquerade as them," Taggart said. "Nine infiltrators in total."
"I see. They were all invited," Link muttered.
"Did we get them all?" Zelda asked.
Impa nodded. "We did, after Link handed 'Ramalla' to us. Purah and I got her to talk, and we proceeded to round up the rest of the family, save one, quietly from the ballroom."
"Whatever happened to the last?"
"My room," Link answered. "Unfortunately for him, Midna was in there."
Midna, upon hearing her name, raised her head from her sleeping position against Link's legs and barked happily. Or smugly.
Master Impaz let out a harrumph and eyed Link approvingly. "Well, either they were hoping to retaliate against you for the failed attempt in the Gerudo Desert, or they anticipated that the guard around Her Highness would be increased, but you would be riding high on your victory and would let your guard down."
"Their mistake," Link said.
"So it seems," Master Impaz replied before she cackled. "You should thank Serlut when you get the chance, boy. It was wise of her to bring you to us."
"Urbosa is aware of the attack," King Rhoam said. "Far be it from me to tell her how to rule her realm or what actions she should take, but…"
"I asked her to be patient before she left this morning, Father," Zelda said, "and warned her that if she lost control of Vah Naboris, then the results could be cataclysmic. She will go after the Yiga, but only when she's ready and not a moment sooner."
"And you believe her?" Chancellor Cole asked with a hint of skepticism.
Zelda nodded. "It is not so different than when she first learned to use her lightning abilities. She had to be careful, patient, and disciplined to master her talents to avoid harming herself or others. This is simply… um… massive in scale."
"Besides the Ashlyn family, were there any other problems we should be aware of?" Commander Taggart asked.
Captain Auru shook his head. "Nothing that drew my attention. Master Impaz?"
"My people have reported nothing further to act upon," Master Impaz answered. "If there were contingency plans, we have not learned of them… yet."
"I do not know if I am relieved or wary to hear that," Zelda murmured.
"Do not worry yourself, Your Highness," Master Impaz said. "Simply because your birthday celebration is over does not mean we have relaxed in our duty. In fact, we have redoubled our efforts just in case the Yiga believe we would bask in our victory of foiling Link's assassination."
"Speaking of which, are you all right, Link?" Commander Taggart asked.
Link nodded. It was a strange feeling for him, having people look out for his well-being rather than him looking out for the welfare of others, he mused privately to himself.
"Have the other captives said anything?" King Rhoam asked.
Captain Auru shook his head. "Yes, but we doubt the veracity of their words. Unless we can independently confirm, we better not trust anything they say, regardless of the methods we use to get them to talk."
"A course I agree with," Master Impaz said. "Often, the information we gained from Yiga we've captured in the past led to long-abandoned hideouts. I'm certain Urbosa faces the same problems."
"A pity," Commander Taggart said.
"Well, thanks to our preparations and awareness, we averted disaster regardless, and without anyone the wiser," Chancellor Cole said. "It seems the populous has not been made aware of last night's events, and the rumors remain just that: rumors. Unless the noble houses can confirm, it is very unlikely they will act on any 'information' they hear. For those that do, well, we have ways to silence them."
Link frowned. "Does that include the Ashlyns?"
Chancellor Cole looked at Link dead in the eyes. "We saved their lives, and they know this. As such, they owe us their lives, and should they break the Royal Decree placed upon them, we may collect those lives as recompense. They will not speak of what happened."
Once again, Link was reminded of how differently nobles lived their lives in comparison to his more modest status and found himself genuinely grateful he wasn't a part of the upper courts.
"The Champions left for their respective realms one hour earlier safe and sound," Commander Taggart reported.
"Very good," King Rhoam said. "Are there any other matters to discuss?"
Everyone glanced at one another, but none spoke up or called attention to themselves.
"I believe we have covered enough. That will be all for now," King Rhoam announced. "Commander Taggart, Auru, please stay. I have further need of you both. The rest of you may leave. Elder Impaz, once again, we thank you for your steadfast wisdom in these trying times. I bid you a safe journey home."
Master Impaz nodded and smiled back. "It is our duty."
Dismissed, Link reached the door first and opened it to let everyone out. Chancellor Cole quickly marched off to do whatever business needed his attention. Impa looked at her grandmother with concern as the elderly woman hobbled out of the office—sincerely this time; her footsteps were heavier, lacking the same grace Link remembered her having when he had first arrived at Kakariko years past.
"Gram, are you feeling okay?" Impa asked.
Master Impaz snorted. "I'm feeling old. The worst part is the sensation of sand being poured into these ancient joints."
Zelda's eyes widened. "Oh, Impaz! You needn't have come if you weren't up to it!"
Master Impaz waved off her worries. "Nonsense, Your Highness. I intend to be here at your next birthday as well, even if I must have Link carry me all the way here!"
While the ladies fretted, Link had to chuckle alongside Master Impaz's cackles.
Zelda bit her lip and struggled to find words.
"Your Highness, please do not worry yourself so," Master Impaz said gently. She took Zelda's hand and patted it reassuringly. "I made a promise to myself that I would remain at least until your seventeenth birthday. A hallmark year, you understand. It is said that you would find power at fifteen, courage at sixteen, and wisdom at seventeen. I would very much like to be here for that. After that, I shall relax in my humble village. Likely, I will have to groom Impa to take over as Elder then, since Purah expressed her desire to remain at the labs."
"Then you'll need to stick around, won't you?" Impa asked hopefully.
Master Impaz cackled and wagged a finger at her. "Don't write me off just yet!"
"She's too stubborn to die," Link said.
Zelda and Impa looked flabbergasted or horrified at the macabre joke, but Master Impaz cackled again and gripped Link's shoulder.
"You see?! This one understands!" Master Impaz crowed. "I'm old, not infirm!"
"Maybe a little mad, too," Link added.
Master Impaz grinned. "I don't see anything wrong with that."
"Oh, Hylia," Impa said, exasperated. "You two…"
Master Impaz gave Impa a light bonk on the head with her cane. "Stop hovering over me like a vulture, and take me to where Purah is so I can say goodbye and head home. It's a long ride, and we need to get going."
"Yes, Gram," Impa replied, rubbing her head.
"Please don't hesitate to ask us for help if you require it," Zelda said. "We have excellent healers and resources."
"We have them in Kakariko as well, Your Highness," Master Impaz replied. She let out an impatient huff. "They take good care of me… in an annoyingly overbearing way."
"That's because they care," Link said. "Much like how Impa and Zelda care."
"In an annoyingly overbearing way," Master Impaz repeated before cackling once again. "Hylia watch over you, Child of Farore. You received our gifts, yes?"
"I did," Link said. "Thank you."
Waving, Master Impaz took Impa's arm, and they walked off.
"What did they get you?" Zelda asked.
"New chainmail and one of their Sheikah outfits, in the event I feel the need to be sneaky," Link answered.
"For your birthday, I presume?"
He nodded.
Zelda smiled and walked down the hall. Midna trotted alongside obediently, with Link taking the other side rather than trailing behind.
"First thing tomorrow morning, we will be leaving the castle and going to the Royal Ancient Lab," Zelda announced. "The Royal Guard should have left already to secure the route, and we anticipate no problems, especially since this is a personal day and there have been no plans made beforehand for anyone to find out."
"The Royal Ancient Lab?" Link repeated curiously.
Zelda stopped walking and bowed her head before she took a sharp breath and faced Link with a smile, though it looked a bit forced. "Yes. It's a tradition between Father and me. Following the celebrations here at the castle, he would ask what I want, and then he would personally grant it. This year, I told him I wanted a couple of days of private time to myself and I wanted to go to the labs. I haven't been there in quite some time, and I wanted to observe the progress made there."
"I see," Link replied.
"Would that be a problem?" Zelda asked.
"Not at all. It would be nice to get out and stretch our legs a bit," Link said. "As you said, this is spontaneous. There's no way for anyone to anticipate our actions. The weather is on our side, and the route there is regularly patrolled. No problems at all."
Zelda nodded, if only to affirm his words… or her plans. "Right, we leave early morning after breakfast, so please have your bag packed and ready. There will be no need for carriages. We shall be on horseback together. We should arrive sometime in the afternoon. We will be spending the night and spending the day after aiding and studying the various models of the Guardians, after which we will stay one more night at the lab and return to the castle the following day."
Link nodded in time to her criteria and mentally catalogued what to bring with him.
They returned to the castle's residential section. After Zelda went into her chambers to organize what she wanted to bring, Link went into his room to pack a few essentials and a small overnight bag for the trip the next day.
After an hour, Midna suddenly entered his room and bounded over to him. Assuming Zelda was done for now, Link left his bag near the door. As expected, she appeared and assessed his readiness before going about her day.
Her main order of business consisted of opening and organizing her birthday presents in a parlor room. The ones from the Zora Royal Family, Urbosa, Chief Komali, and Boss Bludo were opened without hesitation. Servants brought in other gifts that had been inspected and deemed safe.
Naturally, anything from the 'Ashlyn' family was summarily burned and destroyed.
After a few hours, Link found himself astonished at the lavish gifts Zelda had received.
She noticed his dumbstruck expression and demurely smiled. "This will take up most of the day, I'm afraid."
Midna let out a snort, circled in place, and curled up for a nap beneath the table.
Link merely shrugged and found a chair to settle in.
"What were your gifts like?" Zelda asked as she inspected a beautiful porcelain vase inlaid with precious gems.
"Nothing like yours," Link replied. "I usually ask my par—my mother for things, and my requests tend to be practical. But on my last birthday, it was a lot of nice curios, handmade rugs, whittled wooden carvings, amulets, paintings… things the average Hyrulean could make rather than buy. I loved the sentiment behind it all."
Putting aside another extravagant object, Zelda smiled at him. "That sounds lovely, actually. Genuine craftsmanship and thought must have gone into your gifts."
"Well, your gifts aren't exactly easy to make, either," Link pointed out.
Zelda nodded but shrugged. "I do agree. However, many of the gifts here are merely tokens to buy favor from me and, by extension, my father."
"I guess I see that," Link murmured.
"Do you, now?" Zelda asked. She gestured to the table that her gifts rested upon. "Observe and tell me what conclusions you can draw from all this."
Obliging her, Link studied the gifts atop the table. First, he tried to catalogue everything, but there didn't seem to be a unifying theme beyond 'lots of rupees' or 'pretty'.
"They're all expensive, but that's not surprising. Doesn't look like they're useful. They're shiny… hmm…" Link muttered.
When Zelda giggled, he realized his slip and knew she hadn't invited him to state something so blatantly obvious. He stood up and closely inspected some of the pieces. He spied her grinning mischievously when he shot a subtle glance in her direction.
Realizing that he was seeing the forest for the trees, Link sighed internally before he put himself into Zelda's position and tried to see the gifts as she saw them. Through her eyes, when he looked at the table once again, none of them felt… interesting. Having spent just shy of a year by her side, he felt he had gotten to know the princess pretty well at this point.
He was sure he was on the right track with his thoughts. Even though the quality of the gifts he received was vastly inferior to Zelda's, Link was touched by the thought and care that had gone into everything. Only a few things he had gotten didn't move him, and he forgot what they were, which spoke volumes as to how unremarkable they must have been.
Looking at the affluent pile of gifts, Link knew not one piece impressed Zelda.
"It feels like they're… impersonal?" he ventured. "I'm sure they're valuable in some other way besides rupees, but nothing here seems to be… 'you', I guess."
Zelda grinned and applauded him. "Bravo, Sir Link. Very astute of you. That is correct."
"Are all your gifts like that?" Link asked.
Zelda shrugged. "Not always… Obviously, people closest to me send me gifts that come with a lot of thought and care into them, but as for the rest… well, doing this is more like a chore than a joy, if I'm being honest. I must sound ungrateful, don't I?"
"I think it sounds reasonable," he replied, glancing at the gifts. "It's not as if you're turning these things away. It's just… nothing here makes you want to be here."
She smiled wanly. "That's precisely it."
He tilted his head. "Should I have gotten you something? Would that be appropriate?"
She blinked twice before giggling again. "No, no. You needn't do that. Besides, how could you? Your duty compels you to remain in the castle with me."
"I could have asked Impa to get something," he pointed out.
"A kind sentiment, but you needn't worry," Zelda replied, though she did sound happy. She turned in her chair to face him. "Tell me, given the chance, what would you get me for my birthday?"
"An excavation kit," Link answered promptly. "One that you can carry around, though; something that can fit into a small leather satchel. I got the idea from watching Masako's team working at the Great Plateau."
Zelda's mouth fell open slightly before she remembered her manners and closed it with a soft snap. "O-oh. That… that sounds quite lovely, actually."
As if on cue—even Link was surprised by the serendipitous timing—a servant walked in with another armful of gifts. Placing them on top of the table, he withdrew a leather bundle from the pile. "From Link, Your Highness. Security considered him safe and have not inspected it."
Blinking owlishly, Zelda took the leather bundle. She looked at it, then looked at Link, before looking down at the simple-looking gift in her hands again. She carefully undid the leather straps and unrolled the bundle. Inside, held in place with sewn-in leather straps and pouches, were various tools such as a trowel, a rock hammer, brushes, tweezers, and other instruments that would be useful for a small-scale archeological adventure.
"What? How?" Zelda asked, shocked.
"Oh, right. I did go to Castle Town yesterday while you were getting ready," Link said as if he had forgotten. "I brought Midna down there to play for a bit, and we decided to buy you a gift while we were in town. Do you like it?"
Zelda delicately ran her fingers over the various tools, her expression and actions akin to rapture, before looking back up and smiling at him—them, Link and Midna.
"It's beautiful," Zelda answered softly.
Link shrugged and smiled back. "It's you."
~o~O~o~
The next morning, Link woke early and finalized his preparations. He had a servant bring his bag down to the stables while he checked Midna over. She appeared to be in fine health, and he found nothing wrong with her paws or legs.
"Looks like you get to come with us," he said to her, grinning.
She did a small happy hop and shook her behind while her tail swished excitedly.
Next, he checked to see if his quiver was tied on with a full stock of arrows, his Ancient Bow was securely fastened, and that the Master Sword was equipped.
Moments later, Zelda peeked her head into his doorway. Impishly, she asked, "Ready?"
Link nodded. "Lead on."
On the way out, they met the king, who appeared to be waiting for them in the main hall. He gave her an affectionate peck on each cheek—Link pointedly looked away and patiently waited—before contrastingly warning her sternly to be careful and to return quickly so that she may resume her responsibilities.
Zelda nodded and promised that she would.
Once the brief but poignant moment was over, Zelda bade Link to follow and purposefully walked out the doors.
When they arrived at the stables, their horses were already prepared. Link distantly heard something about Princess Zelda's newest gift being taken care of but chose not to pry. Instead, he preoccupied himself with fussing over Epona, who was delighted to see him and Midna.
"Hi, girl," Link whispered, and he lovingly scratched her.
Epona nipped at the side of his head in response and licked his ear.
"I missed you, too. Ready for a ride to the countryside?"
Epona nickered softly and licked his ear again, causing him to laugh.
Checking to see if all his belongings were in order and stowed away in the saddlebags, Link put on his rucksack and hoisted himself up. Nearby, Zelda did the same and turned to him.
"Lead on," she said.
Nodding, he nudged Epona's flanks, and they were off.
The journey took them all of the morning and most of the afternoon, going west past Mount Gustaf and Carok Bridge, beneath the intimidating stone arches of the Breach of Demise, before turning right and galloping joyously through North Hyrule Plain. They were supposed to take a break for lunch, but the weather was far too nice to stop. It was nearing late afternoon by the time they arrived at the Royal Ancient Lab. Zelda and Link dismounted, while Midna sniffed around the unfamiliar environs eagerly.
The princess ran her fingers through her long, wind-swept blonde hair and sighed happily. "It's been ages since I was able to ride freely like that. We must do it more often."
"Didn't we have to go full gallop after our visit to Eldin?" Link asked teasingly.
She looked at him incredulously. "That does not count. It wasn't fun; it was frantic, desperate, and—oh, you're joking."
"I am," Link replied, suppressing his grin.
She swatted his arm and led their horses to the nearby stables. Some Sheikah were there to take them and give their mounts the care they deserved. Link took a few articles out of the saddlebags before dutifully following Zelda's barely restrained pace to the main building.
"Ah, Your Highness! Welcome, welcome!" Purah said. "You're quite early; earlier than expected, in fact."
"We skipped lunch and continued here," Zelda replied. "It was such nice riding weather."
"Well, it's so nice to have you here once again."
"I am glad to be here," Zelda said ecstatically. "I understand that the stationary Guardians are in working order?"
"They are, and we have about three right now," Purah answered. "They'll be shipped to Hyrule Castle within the month. Captain Auru already has the particulars. It'll be up to him to figure out where to place them."
"The official name is Guardian Turrets," Robbie said, walking up to them. He turned to Link, who was only passively watching but not really understanding. "Imagine a Guardian Stalker without legs, meant to be locked in one position and tracking approaching enemies before firing its main cannon. Fewer moving parts, fewer complications, and able to hold its position to do its job. Much easier to restore and get to working order than the other models of Guardians we've been working on."
Link nodded. "Hello, Robbie. Your bow has been working fantastically, by the way. Tested it thoroughly during our jaunt in the Gerudo Desert."
Robbie grinned, and though he was wearing his outlandish goggles, Link was sure his eyes lit up. "Excellent! Oh, I had hoped it would perform well!"
Link turned to Purah. "Thanks for the help earlier, back at the castle."
Purah waved it off. "Just doing our duty."
"Well, may I see the progress done?" Zelda asked.
"And we'll need an early supper," Link added pointedly, "since we didn't eat lunch."
"Oh, yes, and something to eat as well," Zelda said, blushing slightly.
Purah laughed and walked over to a bowl of fruit. "Help yourselves, then we can take a walk. I'm dying to show you what we've accomplished!"
The rest of the day progressed exactly as Link expected: Zelda, Purah, and Robbie excitedly discussing things Link could not make any sense of whatsoever. He was well-versed in following and remaining quiet in the background, though, and let Zelda have whatever moments she could steal for herself. Ultimately, he was determined not to let his boredom ruin her break.
The conversation was pretty much the same over dinner. Link contentedly ate while conversations about Guardians, Guidance Stone upgrades, or other theoretical lost technological marvels washed over him. Midna had sought to make her own fun elsewhere and ran off after getting her fill from Zelda and the other researchers she managed to ply her charms on.
Thus ended the day.
They were given modest cots to rest in, and Link was assured by both Purah and Robbie that all the researchers had been vetted thoroughly for any 'alternative' allegiances.
Still, he slept that night with the Master Sword within arm's reach and Midna at the foot of Zelda's bed, with whispered instructions to wake him and defend the princess if anything were to happen.
Mercifully, the night proved peaceful, and they woke the next morning to the sounds of Cuccos cawing.
After breakfast, Zelda toured the facility, pored over the updated schematics of some of the machines being used, read some tomes referencing some hidden fifth Divine Beast, and got to do some hands-on work with the Guardians—none of them were active, and Robbie confided to Link that both he and Purah had thoroughly checked the settings on each Guardian twice over to ensure nothing had been tampered with.
"We don't know more about this last Divine Beast?" Zelda asked. She grunted with effort as she tried to turn an ancient screw into place within the Stalker she was helping with.
Purah shook her head. "Impa is looking, but information seems to be very scarce."
Seeing Zelda still struggling, Link crawled atop the Guardian and lent a hand. After a few turns, they got the screw to lock into place.
"Thank you," Zelda said gratefully. She wiped a bit of soot off her cheek and turned back to Purah. "Is it dangerous? I mean, more dangerous than the other Divine Beasts?"
"That might be one possibility why there is so little information," Purah answered thoughtfully. "Another is that the ancients may have had plans to make another Divine Beast, but decided against it, believing four to be enough. After all, the idea was to save Hyrule from Calamity Ganon, not to destroy everything in the pursuit of victory."
"The latter theory is likely, since the tapestry has no woven reference to this Divine Beast," Robbie added. He pushed a spring into place and covered it with a plate before it could bounce out. "Of course, perhaps we're looking at this the wrong way. Perhaps the fifth Divine Beast could actually be the first Divine Beast ever constructed. A prototype, if you will. Something the ancients built as a mere proof of concept, but not something they would employ against the Calamity."
Purah nodded. "That makes sense, too."
"I hope that's the case," Zelda said. "That would mean it's likely not dangerous, and therefore a prime artifact to study without fear of any harm."
"True, but in the end, it's all conjecture," Purah said. "We're looking, of course, but since we have the four Divine Beasts from the tapestry in working order, it's hard to justify spending resources on a mythical Divine Beast that might not have any use at all."
Realizing that her scientific curiosity was getting the better of her judgment, Zelda sighed and nodded. She carefully slotted a small ancient core into its proper place. "Yes, you're right, of course. Well, moving on to other matters, how goes the search for more spare parts?"
At this point, Link tuned out much of what was discussed, but kept himself busy by lending a helping hand when it was required. Otherwise, he remained on guard while Midna occupied herself elsewhere. It was late morning—nearly lunch, in fact—before Zelda declared that she needed a break.
It was a surprise when Zelda approached him and asked if he wanted to go out for a bit.
"Are you sure?" Link asked. "There looks to be a lot more work to be done here."
"And the Sheikah will be diligent about it," Zelda replied. "They don't need me to hover over their shoulders."
"But I'm sure they appreciate your help," he said.
She fidgeted a bit. "Well, it also occurred to me that riding here has been a lot of fun. I was wondering, if you would be amenable, that we have lunch together further north, at Irch Plain?"
He nodded. "I don't mind. What's there?"
"Nothing," she answered. "Warm sun, pleasant breeze, and few clouds. It should be perfect for a picnic."
Link was about to nod again when a thought occurred to him. "What brought this idea on?"
"I told you, stepping outside would be good for us," Zelda answered. However, to Link's eyes, she was playing it off a bit too innocently.
"Are you doing this for me?" he asked. "I don't want to impose on your free time."
Sighing, she grasped his hand and roughly pulled him along. "This is an order, Sir Link. I am going out to have a picnic. You are to guard me. So outside we go."
Allowing himself to be pulled along, he said, "So you are doing this for me."
Zelda shyly looked at her boots. "You looked bored. I know what we're doing isn't exactly something you have a vested interest in, so I thought why not do something fun?"
"What I'm doing is important, and I've been doing it for almost a year," Link argued. "Okay, I admit, I am a bit bored, but that's expected. I would be bored at the castle, too, but the alternative is a life-threatening situation involving you. I'd rather be bored."
Zelda stopped pulling him and turned to look at him with a complicated expression on her face. She opened and closed her mouth several times before shaking her head in exasperation and pulling him along again. "Well, I get bored at the castle, too. But if I can find some fun, then you should, too. It's healthy. Besides, a picnic will be fun for me as well, so it's hardly an imposition. I need to eat at some point, after all. Why not make it a picnic?"
Surrendering to the inevitable—partly because it was an order, partly because it did sound fun, and partly because Zelda was adamant—Link said, "As you wish."
~o~O~o~
Central Hyrule – Irch Plain
Irch Plain was a quick ride north by northeast from the labs. As Zelda had said, it was a lovely day, and the ride there was pleasant. It really would have been a shame to be indoors all day, though Link kept that opinion to himself. They kept their pace at a comfortable canter, talking about nonsensical things, though Zelda did want to know more about Link. Her questions weren't probing, merely curious. It was small things like hobbies, his favorite color, or his favorite subject to study. Midna kept running off to prance in the fields before dashing back when she realized that she had gone too far. It became a cycle for the wolf to speed off and run back panting and grinning.
It was during a lull in their conversation that Zelda suddenly sighed and looked away. "I know you think I should be trying to awaken my powers…" she said before trailing off.
"It's not just you," Link quickly said. "Don't think like that. I've been trying, too."
Zelda looked up at him with wide eyes. "Trying what?"
"Figuring out the Master Sword," Link confessed. "There are so many stories, but not one is relevant to me. The only common variable I hear is that the Master Sword is always there to defend Hyrule, it has powers that are unique to each hero that wielded it, and that it's necessary to help you. But in all the time I've studied the sword itself, nothing seems… it doesn't appear to have any powers for me."
"Oh," Zelda said. "I-I didn't know. I thought… I thought that it was a simple matter of claiming it, but I suppose there must be more to it than that, given its importance."
Link shrugged. "Maybe, but I haven't found the answer yet."
Zelda suddenly giggled. "You know, that actually makes me feel better, knowing that we both have to work harder to be ready for what comes."
Link faintly smiled. "I guess we do, but it's nice to know we're not alone in this."
"Very well, I shall make you a deal. I shall try my utmost if you do the same," Zelda said.
"A fair deal," Link replied. "I accept your terms."
Zelda laughed; it was a sound Link found that he wouldn't mind hearing more often.
"One of the things I love about Nayru's Season are the flowers," Zelda gushed as she gazed at the meadow around them. "A field of them should be in bloom just north of us. Would you mind escorting me there, Link? I believe it should be the perfect spot for lunch."
When they found the perfect spot not far from the pond in Irch Plain, Link dropped the blanket, unpacked the basket, and laid out all the food and drink they had brought. They ate in companionable comfort and familiarity, once again talking about whatever came to mind. After lunch, though, Link bemusedly recalled that Zelda had said there was nothing to find in the field and that he had naively believed her. Technically, there wasn't anything in the field except them, Midna, their lunch, and the horses.
However, the princess was still able to make the most of the experience by recording and cataloging the flora around her and rattling off the names and properties of the plants around them. Link knew some of them and was able to keep up, thankfully. In truth, he found her mannerisms endearing in a way and was content to watch her as she grew excited over the intellectual side of nature rather than its aesthetics.
"There's one! Oh! And another!" she exclaimed. She took another snapshot using her Sheikah Slate. "The flowers we have in Hyrule aren't just beautiful… They're also quite useful as ingredients for a variety of things."
That much, Link already knew, having learned from his father, Liena, and the Sheikah in the event that emergency care would need to be administered in the field. Or provide seasoning for their meals.
I guess I see their uses over their looks, too.
Suddenly, Zelda gasped. Link looked over her shoulder curiously, trying to see what had gotten her attention.
A familiar, delicate white-petaled flower with blue highlights was growing amongst the others. It somehow managed to stand out now that their gazes were locked onto it.
Zelda gently approached it on all fours, as if it would wither and die right before their very eyes if they breathed too hard in its direction. "This one here is called the silent princess. It's a rare, endangered species. Despite our efforts, we can't get them to grow domestically yet. The princess can only thrive out here in the wild."
Link gazed at the seemingly innocent flower. The last time he had seen one was in the Korok Forest. Unlike Zelda's expression of rapture and awe, Link almost felt a scowl tug at his lips as the memories of that fateful day played out with startling clarity. He looked away and took a small breath, lest Zelda saw him.
He felt that his mask had firmly returned into place when she spoke again with a hint of reverence. Her fingertips nearly brushed the flower, but she thought better of it and withdrew her hand.
"All that we can hope… is that the species will be strong enough to prosper on its own," she said quietly. She suddenly gasped with delight once again and lunged forward. "Is that what I think it is?!"
Link blinked and wondered what had prompted this bout of scientific curiosity when Zelda returned upright on her knees with something clutched firmly between her hands. Turning around, she grinned widely and shuffled towards him.
"Look at this! I don't believe it, but I actually caught one!" she cried out ecstatically. "This delicacy is known to have very, very potent effects under the proper circumstances. Ta-da!"
Opening her hands revealed a frog. Link's mind (un)helpfully supplied the information that it was the Hot-Footed variety. They were common enough that he hardly understood what the fuss was about. He had caught a fair few with Bazz and the gang back in Lanayru for fun when he had been a child and knew that frogs would make their homes near bodies of water—as was the case with most amphibians. It was hardly surprising to find one, since the pond in Irch Plain was a stone's throw away from where they were picnicking.
He did find it charming that she was able to hold the frog with no hesitation or hint of disgust, contrary to how some of the girls in Mabe Village would have acted if a frog had been presented to them.
His thoughts were derailed when she thrust the frog into his face, causing him to back up slightly.
"Research from the castle shows ingesting one of these can actually augment certain abilities," Zelda said excitedly.
Ingest? She can't mean…
"We wouldn't be in a controlled environment out here, but with your level of physical fitness… you'd be a perfect candidate for the study!"
For some reason, the damn frog stayed atop the palms of her hands. She wasn't even holding it around its body. It just sat there. The thing could have easily leapt out and away from her, but it stayed put, looking at Link with its shiny eyes.
Once again, she thrust her hands out at him. "Go on! Taste it!"
Link backed up, eyes wide.
She really is serious!
~o~O~o~
After explaining that the frog needed to be 'prepared' first by brewing it into an elixir with other ingredients—usually gathered from monsters—Zelda reluctantly released the amphibian, much to Link's private relief.
"Link, may I ask how you know about that elixir and the frog's properties?" she inquired.
Link nodded. "I don't know what academics call it, but us common folk just call them 'Hot-Footed Frogs'. I first learned about them because they're on the list of banned substances for the Four Swords."
"Really?" Zelda asked. "Does that mean you know what it does, then? Specifically?"
"Well, prepared right, the elixir can reduce or eliminate muscle fatigue, deaden pain a bit, and even allow increased muscle response," Link rattled off as he recalled what he had read. "Effectively, you run faster. According to my father, the speed you can run at under the effects of the elixir is noticeable and effective, almost double what you are normally capable of."
"Ah, quite an unfair advantage in the tournament," Zelda replied.
"Very."
"I didn't know this," she muttered.
"It's part of our survival training, if we're ever out in the field for extended periods of time," he said. "Things that are safe to eat, elixirs we can brew to increase odds of survival, things of that nature."
"Oh, I see."
"Practical, not theoretical."
Zelda looked at him with a complicated expression before smiling and looking away. "I underestimated you yet again. You're more well-read than I thought."
"Nowhere near the same as you," Link said. "I know a lot about a few things. You know a lot about a lot of things. Quality and quantity."
"Thank you for your words, but I meant that I shouldn't judge you simply because our upbringings were different," she replied. She perked up. "An acquaintance of mine recently asked me questions about you, but I know so little."
"Acquaintance?" Link asked.
"Oh, it means—oh, you meant—that is to say—I mean," Zelda prattled before she stopped, took a breath, and smiled at him. "Sorry. I don't think you know him. Misko?"
"The Sheikah bard," Link replied. "No, I don't know him personally. Just distantly."
"Well, he asked me about you, and I could only answer some things, but not nearly enough," she said. "I want to change that. Would you mind terribly?"
Bemused, Link said, "Ask away."
Zelda took out a notebook, licked her finger, and started thumbing through the pages.
He had to repress a smile.
Zelda caught the expression on his face and mock-glared. "Do not criticize my methods."
Link held up his hands in mock surrender and sat down on the blanket to make himself comfortable.
"How did you and Midna meet? Oh, and that other wolf we met, Ammy," Zelda asked.
Midna only perked up slightly upon hearing her name. The wolf was lounging on the blanket, dozing comfortably. She rolled onto her back but remained asleep, even when Zelda giggled and started rubbing Midna's flanks, causing the wolf to consciously or subconsciously lean into her touch.
"Ah, that's a bit of a story," Link replied. He leaned back onto his arms and let the memories play out in his mind. "I was five. My father was stationed in Zora's Domain at King Dorephan's request to teach Mipha the spear. He managed to convince my mother to bring me along to 'broaden my horizons'. My Zora friends and I would spend time exploring the surrounding forests or causing trouble in the Domain itself. One day, we came across a wolf cub, washed ashore on the river—"
"One moment," Zelda said. She studied Midna's sleeping form before turning back to Link. "You've had Midna since you were five?"
"No, I've had her since I was fourteen. Now shush, I'm telling you a story," Link said, grinning.
Zelda huffed in annoyance but continued to pay attention.
"We nursed that cub back to health, and I called her Ammy," Link said. "She stayed with me until she wanted to have a family of her own. I let her go, and she ran off with her mate. A few months later… during… during my father's funeral, when I wanted to get some time to myself, I found Midna on my doorstep."
Again, Zelda glanced at Midna before turning back to Link. "She was on your doorstep? Just like that?"
Link nodded. "I should point out that Midna bears all the same markings and patterns on her fur that Ammy has."
"Oh… so that might mean…" Zelda trailed off and bit her lip as she turned to study Midna again. The wolf was letting out the occasional snore or twitching her legs as she chased something or other in her dreams.
"I think so," Link said.
Zelda turned her Sheikah Slate at Midna and took a photo. "I've been doing a bit of lupology on her—"
When Zelda turned to face Link, he stared back with a confused expression.
"It's the study of wolves," Zelda explained with an amused smile.
"Right," Link replied.
"And I haven't been able to identify her breed at all," Zelda continued.
Link blinked and tilted his head. He turned his eyes to Midna and cast his mind back to Ammy before shaking his head. "You know, it's never come up before. Now that you mention it, I haven't the slightest idea what kind of wolf either of them are, either."
Zelda tapped her chin with her finger. "Hmm… I wonder if this means that you've inadvertently discovered a new species."
"Stranger things have happened," Link replied.
"I'm sorry if my questions brought any discomfort to you," Zelda said. "Know that wasn't my intention."
Link shook his head. "No, I'm fine. It was… Ammy has a family, and she's happy… Actually, I should have told Aryll when I saw Ammy during your birthday celebration. She would have wanted to know that Ammy was all right and has a large family of her own now."
Zelda smiled, though it was a bit strained. "You will have the chance to, but I was referring to Sir Revan. I didn't know that was when you and Midna met."
"Oh. Thank you, but I'm fine."
Licking her lips, Zelda fiddled with some blades of grass. "Dame Serlut told me a little about what happened that day."
"She mentioned that to me," Link quietly said.
"You both rode out to find him? And the expedition?" Zelda asked.
Link nodded.
"Do you… do you blame yourself?" Zelda asked. Her notebook lay forgotten on the blanket.
"Sometimes," Link answered. "If I pushed to be a knight sooner instead of being timid. If I demanded that I be attached to the expedition, even as a squire. I just… I just needed to be there. If I had, then I could have saved him. Saved them all."
"You didn't know," Zelda said.
"That doesn't matter," Link muttered. "I just had to act sooner. Instead, I dragged my heels."
"You shouldn't shoulder that guilt," she fervently said. "No one could have predicted your role in all of this. And if your father knew of the dangers, you know he would have forbidden you from joining."
Exhaling sharply, Link conceded that Zelda had a point. It would sound like something his father would have done. "You're probably right."
"I have been known to be from time to time," Zelda said.
A memory abruptly trickled to the forefront of Link's mind, and he tilted his head. "Your mother sort of knew about me, though. Your father once told me that she was watching me."
Zelda blinked before gasping. "Oh! You're right. When my father asked why, she said you were 'marked by the Goddesses'."
"She sounded interesting. I wish I had the chance to meet her," Link said.
Zelda smiled back sadly. "I wish you had the chance, too."
The moment was over when Midna sneezed, woke up, and let out a whine as she waved her paws at them for belly scratches.
Link laughed and obliged, followed by Zelda's hands gently stroking the wolf's chest.
Eventually, Zelda stood up and patted down her trousers to remove the dirt and grass. "Well, fun time is up. We should return to the lab before the sun sets."
Link nodded, more automatically than consciously. He was studying the golden hair streaming down Zelda's shoulders and back.
"W-what?" she asked when she caught him staring.
"I was thinking that short hair would suit you," Link bluntly answered.
"Short hair?" Zelda repeated.
"Well, you're always trying to do research in the field, not the lab. Not like Purah or Robbie do, in any event," Link said. "Short hair would be better for fieldwork, that's all."
"Oh," Zelda said. She took a strand of her hair and scrutinized it. "You really think so?"
"It's practical," Link said before coughing and looking away. "Also, I think it would probably look lovely on you… just saying."
Twin spots of red appeared on her cheeks. "Oh. Um… thank you."
"I did say I would give you a better compliment than what I gave during your birthday," Link added teasingly.
Zelda giggled, though the blush remained. "I also recall giving you until the end of the evening. I will not accept assassination attempts as a viable excuse, so you lose marks for tardiness."
Link shrugged back. "No one's perfect."
"Clearly," she retorted playfully.
Realizing that they were packing up, Midna scrambled to her feet. She stayed by Zelda's side while the princess folded the blanket and Link put the plates and utensils into the basket. Once they finished cleaning up, they mounted their horses and began the short trip back to the labs, still idly chatting the entire way.
~o~O~o~
"Thank you all so much for all your hard work," Zelda said to the assembled group. "And for enduring my presence here."
"Nonsense," Purah said. "If it were feasible, I'd like to have you here full-time!"
There was a general murmur of assent as the Sheikah and Hylian researchers all gathered to bid farewell to Zelda.
Zelda smiled, though to Link's eyes, there was a hint of melancholy behind it. "A tempting offer, but we all have our duties to perform."
"Well, I know I speak on behalf of all here when I say that you are welcome to assist us at any time you desire," Robbie said. "And I'm not saying that because you are our princess. It is refreshing to have additional hands helping on such a massive undertaking as this."
Once Zelda completed her final farewells, she and Link mounted up and started the trip back to the castle. Unlike the journey to the labs, where they had ridden at a gallop, she rode more sedately, keeping their pace slower.
Link obviously knew why and chose not to comment. Instead, he matched her pace and simply basked in the spring weather.
"Link?" Zelda called out.
"Hmm?"
"I didn't think of it at the time, since I became distracted, but when I spoke of the silent princess, you had a contemplative look on your face… I think," she said. "Was there something on your mind?"
He kept his face neutral. It wasn't something he wanted to share and ruin the day they'd had, so instead, he shrugged and looked her in the eyes. "When you were describing the flower… in a way, I thought you were talking about yourself."
She rolled her eyes. "Because I'm a princess?"
Link arched an eyebrow and ticked off his reasons on his fingers. "Despite your best efforts, you don't want to grow domestically. In fact, you seem to thrive out here in the wild. And we can only hope that you will be strong enough to prosper on your own."
Zelda opened her mouth to refute him, but when no sounds issued forth, she closed her mouth until it became a thin line and looked away.
Just as he debated whether he should apologize or not, she let out a sigh.
"I suppose that's not an 'entirely' inaccurate way to describe what my life has become," she murmured. She blinked and unexpectedly shot Link a sly look. "Though… one could also infer that describes you as well. Perhaps even more so."
This time, it was Link that opened his mouth to argue against her point before shutting it with a snap. "Well-played."
Accepting her victory with grace, they changed the subject to lighter matters. Just like the ride to the lab, the ride back was enjoyable, though Zelda's mood did dip considerably the closer they got. This time, they did take the time to stop for lunch. Their chosen spot was just after Carok Bridge, amongst the soldiers that were manning the checkpoint there.
Midna was happily chewing on a thick bone when her ears perked up, and she grew attentive.
Noticing this, Link looked around, trying to figure out what had gotten her attention. It wasn't long before he heard something out of the ordinary. He put his plate down and stood up slowly, hand itching toward his sword.
One of the soldiers saw him and shook his head. "It's okay, Sir Faron. That would be one of the Skywatchers."
Zelda perked up. "You have one here?"
"Flown to us during the attack when the Tabantha monsters started migrating towards Central Hyrule some months ago, Your Highness," the soldier answered promptly. "The Sheikah sent us two, to patrol the north and south parts of the Regencia River. Their help has been invaluable."
The noise grew louder. Now Link could hear the similarity between Vah Medoh and the new Guardian. Finally, it flew in from the south, right over Mount Gustaf, and it was the first time Link got to see Robbie's 'flying Guardian'.
"Oh, how magnificent," Zelda breathed out.
"It looks like a Guardian Turret… that flies," Link said. "And it's upside down."
"That's…!" Zelda started to say irately before deflating and looking at the Guardian Skywatcher again. "That's… that's a strangely accurate description, actually."
The Skywatcher didn't stop. It flew right over their heads and continued flying towards the north.
"The other should be arriving soon," the soldier said. "According to the Sheikah, they're on some sort of automated flight path. They'll only stop or deviate if they detect a threat. If we hear explosions, it means it's firing away. Alarm goes up, and we assume battle readiness until we get the all-clear."
"I heard Guardians had been deployed," Zelda said. "Have they been helpful?"
"Saved lives, that's for damn sure," the soldier answered thoughtlessly before realizing who he was addressing. "Um, Your Highness."
Zelda smiled. "It's quite all right. Do you know if any other Guardians have been deployed and where?"
Uh-oh.
Link firmly kept his face impassive as Zelda gazed upon the soldier expectantly. Oblivious to the true nature of her questions, the soldier answered, "I know that two of those walking Guardians are at the prison quarry to the north. When we needed to redeploy our forces to assist here, the Guardians were used to watch the prisoners to ensure they didn't use the chaos to their advantage."
Zelda's face fell slightly.
Link breathed an internal sigh of relief.
"Hey, Patrik, don't forget about the garrison!" a passing soldier said.
Patrik pounded his fist into his palm. "Oh, right. The garrison to the south is practicing with the Stalkers, trying to see how they can work with our formations and patrols. You can see a few scuttling about through the Passeri Greenbelt!"
Darn.
"They were deployed to help with the monster attacks, correct?" Zelda asked 'innocently'.
Patrik nodded. "They were, Your Highness. Dead helpful. Watching their cannon blasts was… well, it was terrifying, but in an exciting way, if that makes sense."
Zelda pestered him a little more with some random questions before Patrik's superior called an end to the break and to return to arms.
When Zelda turned to Link expectantly, he knew at once what she was going to ask, and he knew he wouldn't be able to say no.
"I know, I know," he said, resigned. "You want to take a quick detour south to see."
Grinning widely, Zelda said, "And we should be quick. We are expected to return in a few hours."
"That depends on you, then," Link replied. "I've already finished my lunch."
Zelda blinked and looked at his plate. He had already finished his sandwich while she had been preoccupied with conversation.
She quickly sought out Midna and carelessly tossed the remnants of her sandwich at the wolf, who ate it greedily. "Let us be off, then!"
Checking to see if the horses were set for the journey—Link was sure they were about to go full gallop again—and finding them to be fit and hale, they saddled up and rode off. Instead of taking the left path that would have led directly into Castle Town, they diverted right, which would only take them just south of Castle Town, close to the Sacred Grounds where Zelda had bestowed Link with her 'blessing', as it were.
They went off the beaten and well-traveled path to gallop directly south. It didn't take long before they could hear the Guardian or Guardians moving around, just as they had first heard during Robbie's demonstration. As they finally reached the crest of a small hill, Zelda let out a gasp and pulled out her Sheikah Slate to snap some pictures.
A contingent of cavalry were riding beside a Guardian Stalker. Its spindly legs and long strides allowed it to easily keep up. It was more agile than Link remembered, turning with the Hylian riders as they ran through their drills. Link had to make sure Midna wasn't going to run off here, given the potential hazard, and verbally ordered her to stay.
"Absolutely fascinating," Zelda murmured. "If I'm not mistaken, it looks to be improved over what we saw before."
Link nodded in agreement. "I wonder if the main cannon has been upgraded as well."
"I'll have to ask when we return to the castle," she replied. She abruptly frowned. "They appear to be riding quite close to the Stalker. I hope there weren't any training accidents, another question I must ask."
The thought hadn't occurred to Link, either, but troop movements weren't exactly under his purview, though as heir to the throne, it was likely something Zelda should be made privy to.
They stayed where they were for a while. Zelda took out her notebook and was scribbling her observations down. She grew even more animated when a second Stalker was brought out.
"Looks like they're assessing coordination and cooperation between the two Stalkers," Link said. "Last thing we want is for them to collide with one another. Or worse, avoid one another only to trample the horsemen."
"I do believe you're right," Zelda said. She craned her neck. "Do you think they will do weapons tests?"
"Absolutely not," he answered promptly. They couldn't see it from their vantage point, but he pointed to the east anyway. "Over there is Mabe Village. They won't risk an errant shot flying anywhere near civilian towns. Likely, all weapons tests were done at Ludfo's Bog or the Thundra Plateau. With all the lightning storms that happen there, a few more energy blasts won't really be noticeable. Did you not ask Purah or Robbie while we were at the labs?"
Zelda shook her head. "No, I didn't think of it. Next time they visit, though, I'll be sure to inquire."
Eventually, Link took one glance at the sun's position and announced that they needed to leave if they wanted to avoid being late.
"We got away with it last time, but a second would be pushing it," he said.
Zelda nodded and snapped her notebook shut. "You're absolutely right. I have enough to go on for now. Let us be off."
~o~O~o~
Central Hyrule – The Sacred Grounds
Once they returned to the path, they continued east with the intent to enter Castle Town from the south gate.
However, as they rode near the Sacred Grounds, Link noticed that Zelda's eyes were drawn to the stone edifice not too far in the distance.
"What is it?" Link asked when her pace began to slow.
"I really was horrible to you, wasn't I?" Zelda asked.
It sounded rhetorical, and Link wasn't sure if he had to answer her or not.
Before he could decide whether to answer or not, she said, "Today was the day, wasn't it?"
"Today…?" Link repeated, unsure of what today signified.
"When you were given your formal assignment to guard me," Zelda replied. Her gaze was still locked onto the Sacred Grounds. "Daruk took us here and the others were present as witnesses when I gave you your blessings."
The dates and details were brought to the forefront of Link's mind. It had been a few short days after Zelda's last birthday, after the ceremony announcing the Champions, the Guardian Stalker test, and Link's decision to stop dragging his feet and assume his responsibility.
"That is today," Link murmured. "Time really went by."
Suddenly, a new resolve entered Zelda eyes. "Come with me."
She turned Lumine to the south and made for the Sacred Grounds. Link blinked but urged Epona after them.
At the foot of the stone steps, Zelda dismounted and looped the reins around a fallen log. Link quickly did the same and continued to follow her, confused as to what she wanted to see in such an easily accessible and nearby structure. He was sure nothing here would really garner her interest, studious as she was. Her strides were purposeful, though, and she walked upon the stones until she stood at the center of the dais. She faced him and pointed at the Triforce relief at her feet. "Kneel, Sir Link."
With understanding finally dawning upon him, Link knelt before Zelda, head bowed as he had done a year prior.
Zelda took a deep breath and adopted her most officious expression… which abruptly turned to giggles when Midna, seeing Link down to her level now, walked up and licked the side of his face playfully.
Her giggles evolved into laughter as Link broke down in humor, losing the moment of seriousness.
Once she was able to regain control of herself, Zelda snapped her fingers. "Midna, this is important. Sit next to me, please. Heel."
Midna bounded over to Zelda's left and sat down on her haunches obediently.
Serious once more, Zelda arched an eyebrow at Link expectantly. He bowed his head again.
"Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the Sword that Seals the Darkness. You have shown unflinching bravery and skill in the face of darkness and adversity. And have proven yourself worthy of the blessings of the Goddess Hylia. Whether skyward bound, adrift in time, or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight… The sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the Hero. We pray for your protection… and we hope that the two of you will grow stronger together, as one."
Her tone and cadence were drastically different than what it had been before. Link couldn't resist looking back up and meeting her eyes. She looked earnest, putting meaning behind every word. Even though she was dressed in her riding attire, she looked every bit as regal as if she was wearing a gown. Despite going against tradition and decorum, Link could not bow his head. His eyes remained locked onto hers as she continued to give her blessing unto him.
"Forged in the long distant past, the Sword that Seals the Darkness. Guardian of Hyrule, ancient steel, forever bound to the Hero," Zelda intoned solemnly. "In the name of the Goddess Hylia, I bless you and your Chosen Hero. Over the seas of time and distance, when we need the golden power of the Goddess, our hope rests in you, to be forever by the Hero's side. Again, we pray that the two of you will be stronger, together, as one."
When she finished, she gave him a small smile, which he returned.
"Okay, Midna, now you may congratulate him," Zelda said, her smile becoming impish.
Link barely had time to process what she said before the wolf bounded over to him and bowled him over with her massive size and his lowered center of gravity. She started licking him enthusiastically as he struggled to get back to his feet while he covered his head to avoid getting covered with gallons of wolf drool. His actions prompted Zelda to laugh once more, even over his protests to get Midna to stop.
Still, Link found that he wouldn't mind hearing Zelda laugh more often.
~o~O~o~
Author's Notes:
Full disclosure, I did not anticipate the timing behind this. But wow, the chapter came together so nicely in terms of continuity. I'm rather shocked how I was able to blend some of these final scenes in.
And to think, I believed I had writer's block midway through this chapter.