Jules stared down at the silky Gerudo outfit in her hands. With a deep breath, she shoved it into the bag that was sitting on her bed, along with a few other sets of clothing that had been laying on the sheets. With the bed cleared, she turned to the nightstand that sat next to the headboard and pulled it open, rummaging through the drawer to pull out any clothes she had remaining in there from the past few months of renting it out.
"Where are you off to this evening?"
Surprised by the sudden voice, Jules turned toward the staircase to see the clerk standing on the top step. Brushing her straight brown hair out of her eyes, she raised an eyebrow.
"Usually people check in at this time of the day, not out," she said. "It's also dangerous to leave at this time."
"Come on, Prima," Jules sighed. "You know why I'm leaving."
"I can take a good guess," the clerk answered, "the same way I'm sure you can guess why I've come up here."
"I can," Jules said, returning to the nightstand drawer. "There's no point in staying."
"Jules, everyone made mistakes these past few months," Prima said, but Jules shook her head.
"Not as many as I've made," she said. "Thinking I could actually be there for Link, pushing Zelda to do better when I couldn't even do that—"
"While a lot of that has some truth, you know Zelda was being just as bad, if not worse," Prima cut in. "Besides, there's a good chance Link, Zelda, and Celessa would be dead had it not been for you. Regardless, it's all over now, so—"
"Prima, look, I appreciate the kind words, but even knowing that…" Jules said, stuffing more clothes into her bag. "I still think it's time for me to leave."
"And where will you go?" Prima asked. "There aren't many other Hylian residences other than Lurelin, and I doubt any stable will be as good as here."
"Lurelin doesn't sound too bad," Jules said, tightening up her bag. "I actually hear it's a pretty relaxing place. I could use that. I left Gerudo Town to find myself; to figure out what I'm gonna do with myself."
"I think you can do that here," Prima said, folding her arms. "At least stay for another night and think about it, a free night— on me—so come downstairs and have a good time. If you still want to leave in the morning, I won't stop you."
With that, she turned and began heading back down the stairs, only pausing when Jules called back out to her.
"Why do you want me to stay so badly?" she asked. "I don't have infinite rupees, you know, so if you just want a regular customer—"
"Link and Zelda aren't the only two here in this village, or in this inn," Prima cut in. She stepped back up the stairs, just enough to where she could meet Jules's eyes. "I know the truth: you don't want to look at those two, especially now that they're on good terms. I know it hurts, but they're still your friends. Both Link and Zelda. Besides, even without them, Celessa would be pretty disappointed if you left without saying anything, and… maybe I would too."
Jules's face softened as Prima gave her a small grin.
"It's much easier to figure things out with friends rather than getting stuck in your own head. You should know that after everything that's happened," Prima continued to lecture. "Now put that bag away and get down here before more guests show up. You'll lose your usual seat if you don't hurry now."
Again, the clerk disappeared down the stairs. Jules blew through her nose, frustrated as she looked down at the bag sitting on her bed. She bit the inside of her mouth before sighing and releasing the bag, allowing it to lazily fall to its side on the sheets. Giving in to Prima's words, she lazily crossed the room and followed down the staircase to find villagers pouring into the inn through the large double doors.
"Alright, everyone," Prima said to the crowd as Jules stepped onto the floor behind her. "It's just me tonight, Zelda won't be helping, so drinks and food will be a bit slower," she called out of the room. "That being said, go in, take a seat, and have a good time."
The crowd cheered and began pouring into the dining hall. Placing her hands on her hips, Prima looked back at Jules and winked before shooing her away, clearly egging her to head into the hall.
"Celessa's already got a drink for you," Prima said, "so go on and get in there."
"Yeah, yeah, alright," Jules said. "I'm going."
Prima grinned as she watched Jules disappear into the hall alongside the crowd, though her attention was immediately pulled away by the call of her name.
"Prima!"
She turned to see one of the village farmhands appearing from the crowd and hurrying toward her as her black pigtails swayed behind her.
"Hello, Koyin," Prima said cheerfully as the shepherd came to a stop in front of her. "It's a surprise to see you so energetic after a long week of work. Especially these past few weeks."
"That's because all my issues have been solved!" Koyin said happily. "Link took care of the monsters that were nabbing my sheep. It's a weight off my shoulders, and the herd's too. They're much calmer."
"Link helped, huh…" Prima mumbled, folding her arms before a small grin appeared on her face. "Glad he was able to help you out there."
"Thanks, I really owe him one," the farmhand said, "which is why I'm here actually. I promised to buy him a drink. Has he arrived yet?"
"Not yet, nor has Zelda," Prima replied. Koyin frowned.
"Ah, I don't want to get a few drinks in and forget to get him one," she said disappointedly. "Knowing him, he won't remind me. He'll just consider it another good deed done…"
"Well, it looks like you won't have to wait too long," Prima said.
Koyin gave her a confused look before noticing the clerk gesturing her head toward the door. Her face brightened upon seeing both Link and his lover enter through the doors, with Zelda tightly holding onto his arm.
"Good evening, you two," Prima said the moment they were within earshot. "It's good to see you both here."
"It's good to be here," Zelda said with a kind smile. "Especially after everything that's happened. It's nice to be here under calm circumstances again."
"Hey there, Koyin. Prima," Link said with a calm wave and small smile of his own before turning his full attention to the clerk. "Glad to see you're doing okay."
"Link! It's good to see you!" Koyin said excitedly as the couple stopped in front of them. "The sheep have really calmed down since you took out that camp, and that means I owe you a drink!"
With a chuckle, she stepped over and wrapped her arm around Link's shoulders before looking at Zelda.
"You don't mind if I steal him for a bit, do you?" she asked, giving her a grin.
"S-sure, absolutely," Zelda replied, and though she was a little thrown off by the sudden request, she released her grip on Link's arm.
"Thank you, kindly," Koyin said happily. "Come on, Link. I owe you a drink, and we can have it with the rest of the farmers!"
"I dunno if I'm gonna drink like last time, Koyin," Link said as the farmhand guided him to the door. "I mean, you remember what happened last time—"
"Stop worrying and let's go! Come on, get a move on," she chirped.
"Am I one of your sheep now…?"
Apparently giving in to Koyin's guidance after realizing he wasn't going to escape, the two disappeared into the dining hall, where cheers and laughter had started to grow louder as many took their seats. With her arms still folded, Prima looked over at Zelda, who was blankly staring at the door Link and Koyin had disappeared through.
"I'm surprised you let him go that easily," she said. "I thought you'd be a bit more protective over him."
"You make it sound as though I'm his mother," Zelda said, though she hadn't looked away from the door. The clerk chuckled.
"Maybe not a mother, but knowing that jealous side of yours—"
"I'm not that petty!" Zelda said, growing a little red as she furrowed her brow and gave Prima a glare. After a moment though, she gave a guilty frown. "Was I that bad before…?"
"Just a bit," Prima laughed before placing a hand on her back. "Relax; it was out of love, not malice. Still not good, but makes a difference. Come on, head on in. You know Celessa has to be waiting for you to appear. Best not keep her waiting."
"Are you sure you'll be able to handle tonight alone?" Zelda asked as they followed Link and Koyin into the dining hall. "I don't mind being of some assistance—"
"If I need help, I'll ask," Prima said confidently. "But, I'll be fine, at least for a bit. Oh, don't give me that look. How do you think I managed before?"
"That is a good point," Zelda chuckled as they stepped into the hall. The two giggled to themselves before looking around the hall, where many had formed their groups and stationed themselves at tables. "I don't see Celessa anywhere…"
"That's because she's at my counter waiting for another drink," Prima said with a frown. Upon hearing this, Zelda looked over at the cooking counter, and sure enough, there her friend was, holding an empty mug and waving happily at them. The clerk sighed. "And she had her cup before anyone else… ah, well. Looks like she was over at that table in the back. You know, that one near the window she usually sits at?"
"I know the one, I'll just wait for her over—" Zelda began, looking at the table in question before pausing. "A-actually, I'll just wait here for her."
"Hm?" Prima hummed, raising an eyebrow. She looked at the table herself before giving her employee a look. "Zelda…"
"It's not that I don't want to!" Zelda immediately explained. "It's just… I know I'm not exactly her favorite person right now. Sure, you could say we made amends, but that doesn't mean she considers the two of us as being on friendly terms. Of course, after all she's done, I'd like to be, but—"
"You're rambling," Prima cut in after raising a hand, a sign for Zelda to hush. "Look, just… Just go over there. I think she could use an uplift."
"And uplift? From me?" Zelda asked. "Prima, I'd think I would be the last person she'd wanna get an uplift from."
"And I'd beg to differ," Prima debated. "You don't have to listen to me, I'm not forcing you, but I really think it would help. I've gotta go, the job is literally calling my name— I'm coming, Celessa! Hold on a second!"
Leaving Zelda alone by the doorway, the clerk hurried to her counter, where Celessa was eagerly awaiting her. Nervously blowing air through her nostrils, Zelda looked back over at the table where Jules sat. She pursed her lips even more before taking a deep breath, choosing to heed Prima's words.
"H-hello," she greeted awkwardly as she grew close to Jules's table. The purple-haired woman looked up, and upon realizing who was now standing over her, she sighed.
"Of course," she mumbled before placing her chin in her hand to look out the snowy window. "Hey. What can I help you with?"
An immediate wall. Discourage set in as Zelda frowned, but she continued.
"Nothing. I just thought I'd come over," she replied. "May I sit…?"
Jules glanced over, meeting Zelda's earnest eyes before quietly sighing.
"Yeah, sure," she said. With an awkward smile, Zelda pulled back and sat in the chair next to her. Watching as she adjusted in her chair to get cozy, Jules asked, "I'm surprised you're here alone. Did Link choose not to come?"
"He's actually over… there," Zelda said, locating and pointing at Link. Jules looked at where Zelda's finger was aimed to see Link sitting with a group of farmhands, one of them being Koyin.
"I find that even more surprising," Jules commented.
"Prima said something similar a few moments ago," Zelda said. "I'm really starting to realize how jealous I was, and how that strained not just myself, but everyone around me. I really am sorry, you know."
Jules sat quietly for a moment before humming, choosing to look out the window again.
"It's not like it's wrong for you to feel jealous," she finally replied. "If anything, you have the right too. I'm really the one in the wrong for… well… the same thing, I guess. He's yours, not mine—"
"But he's still your friend, and you did all you could to help him. More than me," Zelda said.
"Arguably," said a defeated Jules.
"Regardless, how I treated you was wrong. I know I keep saying it, but I'm sorry," Zelda repeated. "You helped me even back in Gerudo Town all those months ago with cooking. You've always supported me, even when you didn't want to. I thank you for that."
"Yeah… Yeah, it's no problem," Jules said simply. "Link's my friend. One of, if not my best friend. I'm sure he's that for many people. He helps—that's what he does— so I just wanted to give back. That's all."
"Well, I'd like to give back as well," Zelda said, leaning in slightly. "After what we just went through together it would be nice to give back to you. Koyin said she'd buy Link a drink. Why don't I do the same for you?"
"You want to buy me a drink?" Jules asked, looking away from the window to raise an eyebrow at her. "Really? Aren't you afraid I'll screw things up?"
"You saved my life," Zelda said, "and I'd trust you with it again, and be there for you if that's something you need."
"I didn't really even save you—"
"But you tried, and you did," she said. "You held off that assassin longer than any of us did. I froze up, but you kept going. I owe you."
"You read too deep into things," Jules said. "I don't need anything back."
"Even if you say that, I still want to," Zelda said. Jules met her eyes, wanting to ask the same question as before, but Zelda already had an answer. "It's the same reason as you have for Link. I just want to give back. That's all."
Jules continued to stare into Zelda's unwavering eyes, as if challenging to see if she truly meant what she said, until finally, she looked away.
"Can you even buy alcohol? Aren't you seventeen?" she asked. "Subtracting the hundred years?"
"Yes, but I'm sure Prima will do me a favor," Zelda smiled. "I'll be turning eighteen at the beginning of spring. That isn't too far off from now."
"That's about a month away…" Jules muttered. "Fine, I'll have a drink with you. You win. Again. As usual."
"Hey! Don't say it like that," Zelda complained. "You won the drinking contest we had before."
"Uh, I did not," Jules corrected. "You won that. I fell asleep first, and ended up getting kicked out of the Noble Canteen afterward."
"With how Link saw me that night, I promise you I lost too," Zelda said. Jules burst into a laugh, something that made Zelda giggle as well.
"I still can't believe you're over a hundred years old," Jules said after they managed to collect themselves. "Seriously, how is it even possible you look like that after so long? I'd say it's unfair."
"I couldn't tell you, as much as I wish I had an explanation for it," Zelda answered. "I have a few theories, but that's all they are at the moment. There's still so much I don't understand. For once, I wish things would be straightforward with me."
"Really? I thought you liked research and all," Jules asked.
"On everything but my responsibilities. I'm tired of being riddled. I haven't liked thinking about any of it ever since I returned from keeping the Calamity at bay," Zelda groaned. "But… Maybe it's time I stop running away from my duties. That's something I've been thinking about recently, if I'm being honest. Sometimes ignoring things and simply hoping they'll work out isn't always the best thing I've learned."
"Yeah… Yeah, I'm kinda figuring that out too," Jules muttered. "But… rushing toward things constantly isn't always good either. I mean, you saw what happened to Link."
"Yes, that is true," Zelda hummed, glancing over at Link, who was awkwardly laughing with the farmers around him. "I guess things are never so black and white. I've never had to balance such concepts before when living with the Calamity looming over us."
"Well, as someone who is still trying to find that balance, I'll tell you this: you'll never fully figure it out," Jules sighed. "But… I guess it gets easier."
"That I can believe," Zelda smiled.
"Hey there," a voice suddenly called out to them. Both turned their heads to see not only Celessa, but Prima walking toward their table, with the pilgrim carrying a drink in her hands. As Celessa took a seat next to Zelda, Prima stopped at the edge of the table with a grin. "It seems as though you two are getting along fine."
"What are we? Children?" Jules asked.
"My children, yes," Prima answered with a nod. "Unfortunately for me."
"Oh, you are not that much older than us," Jules countered. "If older at all."
"Come on, Jules, lighten up!" Celessa said happily. "You were so bright and lively before."
"Yeah, and then all of that happened," Jules said. "Now I just feel exhausted."
"I can sympathize with that," Prima sighed. "But, that's why we're having this, so lighten up!"
"Prima, could you do me a favor and bring a drink over for Jules? I'll be the one paying for it," Zelda requested.
The clerk raised her eyebrows—caught off guard by the unusual request from Zelda of all people— before furrowing her brow.
"You know those under eighteen can't drink, Zelda," she said. "That means no purchasing alcohol either."
"I won't be drinking any," Zelda persuaded. "Please? I made a promise that I would."
Prima stared down at her employee before folding her arms and giving a sigh.
"You better be glad you're almost of age, but you better not tell a soul," Prima sighed. "I'll be back after I get the drink Koyin and a few others ordered. I'm sure you all can wait until then."
Turning on her heel, Prima walked off as Zelda thanked her.
"She sees us as her children. Can you believe that?" Celessa asked.
"You can't blame her, especially with how you hound her for a drink," Jules replied.
"You do the same thing usually," Celessa giggled as she took a swig from her mug.
"Hence, why she sees us as her children," Jules chuckled.
"Zelda, what's up?" Celessa suddenly asked. Both she and Jules turned their attention to Zelda, who hadn't been paying much attention to them. With a hum, she looked over.
"Hm? I'm sorry, did you ask me something?" she said, pulling her focus back to them. "I missed what you said."
"Yes, I asked what's up? You've got your thinking face on," Celessa said before Jules chimed in.
"She's looking at Link," she answered for Zelda. Raising an eyebrow, Celessa looked around before finding Link's position.
"Looks like they're having a good time," she said. "Is something wrong with that? Do you not approve?"
"I—it's nothing like that! Is that what everyone just expects of me now?" Zelda sighed. "No, I'm actually thinking about something, if you'd like to hear me out…"
...
It was almost strange sitting alongside the village farmers. He almost felt out of place, considering how he had been acting these last few months. Though he was smiling, he sat quietly as the farmers laughed and listened as Koyin told them not only about how he helped her earlier, but the first time he saved her sheep as well.
"Those savages were always after my herd!" she said angrily. "They could have at least taken the cows, but no, they decided to take the sheep!"
"Hey, don't offer up your own father's animals!" Dantz said loudly, causing the farmers around them to laugh even harder. "We need the cows for leather and milk! You know Hateno is known for its fresh milk."
"Yes, but we need my sheep for wool, meaning clothes!" Koyin argued before waving her father's worries away. "It doesn't matter anymore, 'cause Link here got rid of them for me! We won't have to worry about that camp anymore!"
"That's what you said the last time," Nack said, who was sitting at the table next to Medda. "You sure they won't just come back again?"
"I'll take care of them," Link suddenly spoke up. "I'll find a way to get rid of them for good. Zelda and I both will."
"And I trust he'll figure it out," Koyin said happily, wrapping her arms around Link's shoulder again before giving him a light shake.
"If you say so," Nack shrugged, adjusting his large straw hat. "I can't complain. Link was the one who convinced Bolson to buy that house he lives in now. I thought it'd be impossible, seeing how dead set that carpenter was on destroying it."
"Link saved me from some monsters on my travels a few times," Teli spoke up from a little ways away. "I wouldn't be sitting here looking as dashing as I do without him around."
"You know, Link was the one who helped clear the deer problem we had," Dantz said thoughtfully. "And helped with a few… um, other things, I guess I could say."
"And ended up giving me hundreds of crickets when he first arrived," a voice said behind them, causing another wave of laughter to roar. Koyin and Link looked behind them to see Prima hovering over them. "I believe we ordered a few drinks here?"
The table nodded in agreement, allowing the clerk to set the drinks around before lastly putting a drink in front of Link.
"On the house thanks to Koyin, as you know," she said, "and don't worry. I didn't make it as strong as before."
"Thanks. I really appreciate that," Link said with a grateful smile.
With a nod, Prima disappeared, heading toward the table where Zelda sat. He couldn't help but glance at his lover—who looked deep in the conversation she was having— before Koyin and the rest of the farmers pulled his attention back.
"Cheers, Link," Koyin said happily, raising her mug to him. "For helping us out all the time."
"T-thanks," Link said, raising his mug to tap against hers.
"We should be the ones thanking you," Dantz said. After a brief pause, seemingly thinking about something, he stood from his chair.
"And where are you off to?" Medda asked from his chair.
"I'll be back. I just need to talk to Link for a second in private," Dantz told him before looking at Link and asking, "do you mind?"
"No, not at all," Link answered, pushing himself up as well.
"Don't take too long. This was supposed to be my thanks to him," Koyin said, taking a sip of her own drink.
"I won't keep him, just give us a few minutes," Dantz chuckled before gesturing Link toward the dining hall entrance.
The two left the table, avoiding the chairs and the people around them. Link's brow furrowed. The last time he had seen Dantz was just after the Yiga's attack. He wouldn't be surprised if Dantz was to scold him for letting something that dangerous happen in the village, and it was something he was ready to accept. He practically caused it to happen. He took a deep breath before both of them stopped in their tracks in front of the entrance.
"What's going on, Dantz?" Link asked, ready for the verbal reprimanding.
"I wanted to apologize, Link," the farmer said, adjusting the red bandana that was tied around his neck. Noticing the confused look on Link's face, he continued. "You were keeping an eye on the village ever since the beginning. I got in your way, stopping you from harassing visitors when all you were doing was keeping us safe. I was off the mark."
"No, not at all," Link said, forcing his thoughts to start working again. "You were right. I was treating people poorly, and ignoring the connections I made in this town. I turned down helping Koyin, I pushed the children away… I let that assassin get to me. That's why all of that happened."
"And instead of helping you, I simply told you to stop and push back all your worries," Dantz chimed in. "You helped us all in the end, as you usually do for all of us. You're a part of this village just like all of us. I should have listened."
Link gave a tiny smile.
"Thanks, Dantz. That means a lot," he said.
"No problem, son," Dantz replied, raising his arm to give Link a friendly tap on his shoulder. "I still can't believe all of that happened. It feels like a dream."
"I'd consider that a blessing, honestly," Link chuckled.
"Alright then, that's all I wanted," Dantz said. "Shall we head back?"
"Actually, there's something I wanted to ask. Since I have you," Link suddenly said. "Does everyone remember? As in, remember what happened last time I had a drink?"
"I'm sure they do. That was quite a night," Dantz said, bringing a hand to his chin, seemingly picturing the night in question. "Makes sense why you reacted the way you did though, now that I know what was going on. Why do you ask?"
"Well, everyone's acting normal," Link said, glancing back at the table where the farmers were still laughing away. "I just figured it was kinda weird they aren't nervous about giving me another drink…"
"What? Oh, everyone has a moment like that," Dantz chuckled. "You think there haven't been any fights or arguments? Everyone's first time drinking is a bit different and we all knew you were stressed. Besides, Manny did walk over to antagonize you—"
"That doesn't make it okay, though!" said another voice. Both Link and Dantz turned and looked out the exit to the lobby, where Manny was now standing and pointing his finger angrily at Link. "My nose was completely swollen after that, and a bit bloody!"
"That sounds like something you two need to figure out between yourselves," Dantz said. "I'll see you back at the table, Link. Good to see you again, Manny. I hope your hand is doing alright from punching that guy."
With a wave, Dantz headed back to the table, leaving Manny and Link alone.
"So, you were listening to that, huh?" Link asked, turning his attention to Manny.
"How could I not? You two were blocking the door," Manny said. "But don't try and change the subject; you punched me! And you've been a real jerk these past few months, and I still came to help you out a few days ago, and—"
"You're right. I thank you for that," Link said as Manny continued to ramble on, "and I apologize."
"— and look at how you—huh?" the large Hylian paused. "You what?"
"I apologize," Link said. "Drunk or not, I shouldn't have hit you, and you're right. I've been a little… off… these past few months. I'm sorry about your nose and everything else."
"I… Uh… Yeah…" Manny said, folding his arms before shrugging. "Yeah, good. Glad you get it."
Link gave a kind smile before turning, ready to head back to the table, only stopping when Manny called his name again.
"I'm… glad you're alright," he managed to spit out, "and doing better."
"Thanks," Link nodded. "Have a good night, Manny."
With that, he turned and left the doorway, leaving Manny to contemplate their brief conversation. He began his trek through the crowd and back to the farmer's table, taking his seat next to Koyin, who had already gotten through half her mug.
"There he is," Koyin said happily. "I thought you had run away with how long you took."
"Did you figure things out with Manny?" Dantz asked as Link got comfortable in his chair.
"Yeah, you gave him quite a hit last time," Medda laughed before taking a drink out of his own mug. After taking a few swigs, he lowered it with a sigh. "Not that he didn't deserve it, coming up on a first-time drinker like that."
"I wouldn' say he deserved it," Nack spoke up, to which Link nodded.
"He didn't," he said, "but, I think we got it sorted out, and… Thanks, everyone."
"What are you thankin' us for?" Nack asked, raising an eyebrow.
"For letting me in this town, and having dealt with me these past few months," Link said. "I'm glad to be a part of Hateno with you all."
"Oh, you know you're one of us! Both you and Zelda!" Koyin said, playfully shoving his shoulder. With a laugh, she raised her mug in the air. "To Link!"
With a cheer, the group chugged their drinks. Link grinned as he watched them, before looking down at his mug. Following suit, he lifted the mug to his lips and allowed the bitterness to flow down his throat before lowering the mug with a sigh along with everyone else. As the conversations around him continued, he gave a quick glance over at Zelda, who was still thoroughly lost in her own conversation. He smiled. Things were starting to feel normal again.
