A Hero's Path

by LuxDragon

Link's journey from an exuberant child to a stoic knight. A retelling and reimagining of Breath of the Wild with Age of Calamity elements added. Will be AU eventually. Pre-Calamity.

26. Life Amidst Loss

Lanayru Province – Zora's Domain

"She's so cute!"

"Her fur is really soft!"

"Oh, I love her smile!"

The Big Bad Bazz Brigade were all gathered around Midna. Far from being afraid, the wolf basked in the attention, flopping onto her back and presenting her belly, or rolling over and hindside up with her tail swishing in anticipation.

"I promised I'd bring her the next time I came back," Link said.

Just like the previous night, the children showered Midna with affection. It was an odd sensation. Their exuberance and innocence were in stark contrast to the doom and gloom derived from the Lynel threat that Link and Mipha had handled not just two hours earlier. Though, looking around, one would never have known that the Zora had been under threat, and instead, there may have been a festival going on. They were cheering, partying, and the smell of what promised to be a wonderous feast was being prepared the moment news broke out that the Lynel had been vanquished. For nearly an hour, Link had shaken hands and received tearful hugs and claps on the back for a job well done. Mipha offered to recount the tale in his stead when he was asked how he had managed to accomplish such a feat when a squad of Zora and Hylian Knights had been unable to. She tried to downplay the events on his behalf, but when the Zora grew insistent for details, she eventually gave in and spoke about Link's skill and heroism. After which, other Zora took it upon themselves to blossom it into an epic tale; a vengeful Lynel vowing to slay the kin of the knight that had mutilated it years earlier, retribution against a family legacy, and the penultimate clash between supernatural might born of pure, unending hatred against a living legend…

Link utilized every ounce of his Sheikah training to get away from it all.

Thankfully, the children did not yet know why everyone was happy, but they were willing to go along with it because it was fun.

Simpler times.

"Are you going to stay long?" Gaddison asked.

Link shook his head. "Maybe one more night, then I have to go back."

"A shame," a female voice said.

Link turned around and shrugged. "I have a duty to return to, Coral."

Coral nodded. "I understand that, especially since it involves Her Royal Highness. Still, it's been a while since Zora's Domain has been this lively. The mood is sure to drop when everyone hears you're leaving."

"I'm staying only long enough to pay my respects to King Dorephan," Link said.

Coral smirked. "No matter how badly you want to leave now. Well, at least you have manners."

"I represent Hyrule in all respects, especially as a Royal Guard," Link replied. His smile was a bit dry in comparison to hers. "But yes, I was tempted to sneak away."

Laughing, Coral turned to the kids. "It's lunchtime! Food has been made!"

The Big Bad Bazz Brigade all cheered.

"Let's go, Midna!" Bazz said before dashing off.

Midna barked and looked at Link pleadingly.

Link hung his head. "I am utterly shocked that you're not fatter than you already are. We're definitely going to have to run it out of you tomorrow."

Now the wolf started to whine in addition to her wide eyes that didn't seem to blink once.

Surrendering to the inevitable, Link muttered, "Go on, then."

Grinning widely, Midna chased after the Zora children.

"And control yourself for once!" Link shouted.

"Let's go, you," Coral said. She looped her arm around his and started pulling. "I suspect many will want to toast to your bravery and heroism, and the feast won't start unless the man of the hour is present."

"Far be it from me to deny everyone a chance to eat," Link replied. He mentally prepared himself and followed the Sheikah to the main concourse. "I need to send word back to Hyrule Castle, though."

"Already taken care of. I wanted to send a letter to Master Impaz, and I drafted a simple letter to be taken to the castle," Coral said. "It pretty much said 'mission accomplished' and that you are alive and well. You'll have to give all the juicy details to the Royal Family in person. No doubt King Dorephan will want to do the same so that he can sing your praises to King Rhoam. Guess you and your father share that now."

Link hoped his smile didn't come out as a grimace. Still, as he reflected on those events more than a decade earlier, he found that he didn't mind, nor should he. It hadn't been a mere act of dishonesty, it had been his father doing what he could to protect him, even if it meant sacrificing his personal integrity.

The thought was comforting.

"I also had a letter sent to Cowan," Coral added. "He'll be expecting you tomorrow at his campsite with your horse."

"Thanks," Link said.

In the main concourse, Chancellor Muzu was there, listening attentively to Mipha. He looked excited at the story being told to him.

"—thrusted the trident into the Lynel, decisively ending the threat," Mipha said.

"My favorite part," Trello said. He was sitting nearby, his leg wrapped up stiffly and his arm in a sling. "Thank goodness for that."

"My favorite part was that spinning slash," Mipha mused thoughtfully. She caught sight of Link standing nearby and smiled. "It was very impressive."

"It's called the Spin Attack, according to the training manuals I've read," Link replied, thus announcing his presence. "A favorite among my predecessors, as I understand it."

"Ah, Link! Come, come, join us!" Chancellor Muzu said happily. He pointed at a random Zora. "Ah, a glass for our hero, if you please!"

"Just water," Link replied. "I'm not a good drinker."

"Oh, surely you can have one?" the chancellor jovially asked.

Link shook his head, remaining adamant.

"Very well. Water for him, but I shall partake!" Chancellor Muzu said. He held out his glass, and someone poured what looked to be some kind of clear liquid that was a little thicker than water.

A Zora hurriedly brought a glass of water to Link and handed it to him.

"Come, glasses in the air! To Sir Link Faron! Hero of Zora's Domain!" Chancellor Muzu shouted.

"To Link!" the Zoras cried out.

Link smiled embarrassedly, but raised his glass in harmony before he took a big gulp.

"You'll stay a little longer, I hope?" Chancellor Muzu asked. "I'm certain both lunch and dinner will be spectacular, and His Majesty would certainly like to offer you his personal gratitude as well. As soon as I met him last night to report, he begged leave to our guests so that he could return as quickly as possible. He should be here shortly."

"I'll leave tomorrow morning," Link said. "Don't worry, Chancellor. You'll have me until then."

"Excellent!" Chancellor Muzu replied. "I confess, you weren't my brightest student, but you were certainly one of my diligent ones!"

Link grinned. "That's because your lessons were always so boring!"

Chancellor Muzu laughed and took another big gulp of his drink. Already, his cheeks were growing red. "Ah, but you kept at it! That's the important thing!"

Mipha appeared and grabbed Link's arm. "Might I steal him away for a bit, Muzu?"

Chancellor Muzu nodded. "But of course, but of course."

Mipha led Link through the crowds, where everyone wanted to congratulate him once more or raise another toast.

Finally, when they broke free, Link turned to Mipha questioningly. "How come no one is giving you any praise? You were there, too."

"Oh, well… that's…" Mipha said. She was blushing. "Um… how should I say this…?"

A Zora approached them before Link could press further. "Sir Faron? His Majesty has returned and wishes to speak to you personally up in the throne room."

Link nodded. "Of course. I—we'll go right now."

For what might have been the first time ever, Link gave Mipha a suspicious look, but did not have the chance to comment further.

They quickly made their way to the throne room, where King Dorephan was. The Zora remained as impressive as ever with his monumental size. Link had to suppress the urge to smile when he recalled his father once warning him not to stare.

"Ah, Link!" King Dorephan said joyously. "Muzu and many others have just told me of what occurred on Ploymus Mountain! You truly live up to the title of Hero!"

"Oh, I didn't do it alone—" Link started to say, but he caught Mipha's wide, panicked eyes. She was shaking her head frantically, just out of sight of her father's gaze. "I had Mi—Midna with me."

King Dorephan let out a laugh. "A Hero and his wolf! This shall make for an entertaining tale to chronicle!"

Link cast another glance at Mipha, but she looked away, embarrassed.

"I was only doing my duty, Your Majesty," Link said. "But I was glad to help. Should you ever need me again, please do not hesitate to ask."

King Dorephan nodded solemnly as the cheer left his visage. "Indeed. And please, be assured that we will honor the sacrifice of the brave knights that gave their lives against that heinous fiend."

Out of respect, Link remained silent.

Once the moment passed, King Dorephan smiled. "Once again, we thank you deeply for your service here. Having the honor of hosting your father within my Domain, and his courageous rescue of my son, I know that wherever he is, he would be proud of what you accomplished today."

That brought a smile to Link's face.

King Dorephan stood up. "Come! Today we celebrate!"

Following the king at a more sedate pace as he—with surprising grace, given his massive stature—walked down to the main concourse, Link shot Mipha a questioning look.

For her part, Mipha had trouble meeting his eyes.

"You lied that you weren't there?" Link asked quietly, half-smiling to show that no offense had been taken.

"I… I omitted that part," Mipha mumbled.

"You voluntarily withheld information," Link retorted, albeit playfully.

Now Mipha huffed but managed to look at him. "I didn't want Father to worry."

"I can understand that," he replied. "Don't worry, it'll be our secret."

She smiled widely. "Thank you, Link."

"Does that mean you told everyone that version of the story?" he asked.

"I… I told them that you needed healing for a minor wound after your battle and that you told me what you did, and I simply relayed that story to them," she answered. "If my words got blown out of proportion, know I had nothing to do with that."

Link chuckled. "Well, that would have happened with or without you being a part of it."

"Honestly, I didn't do much," Mipha said.

"You healed me," Link reminded. "That's more than enough."

"Good, because I don't think I would be able to heal you if Father became angry that I was hurt despite your presence," Mipha said, regaining her good spirits. Teasingly, she added, "No need to worry about tridents chasing you out of the domain today."

Link laughed as they walked down the steps.

Their conversation was put on hold when they rejoined the celebration together. Link still felt a bit flustered at all the attention he was receiving, but that was soon forgotten when lunch was served. He was quick to dive right into his meal and remained preoccupied throughout, though he did give descriptions, impressions, and details about his fight to those that were prepared to chronicle it.

After lunch, the celebration continued, with mid-afternoon snacks and drinks served later on. Finally, when evening fell, it seemed the entire Domain let loose. At this point, Link was sure that the celebration was running on momentum rather than anything he had done, but when a buffet was rolled out, he found that he didn't mind as he partook in more food. By this time, Link's story about the 'dread beast Lynel' had been told enough times that he inquired about other stories of heroic and legendary Zora of the past to change up the pace… and to divert further attention from himself. Immediately, the Zora jumped at the chance to spin some yarn.

Surprisingly, Mipha was first. She told him about a young prince that had separated from his mother, only to be saved by one of Link's predecessors and, upon doing so, helped to save Zora's Domain from a curse that had turned water into ice—she confided to him that it was one of Sidon's favorites.

An older Zora took up the role of storyteller after that. He explained the origins of the East Reservoir Lake, and about the calamitous floods that had occurred every ten years. The kings of Zora's Domain and Hyrule had banded together, bringing top engineers to design, build, and ultimately save both realms from the floodwaters. To this day, the Zora upheld their pact with Hyrule by maintaining the reservoir so that the waters did not threaten the rest of Hyrule, and to provide clean water every Din's Season.

Next, the storyteller launched into another story that spoke of the sage Vah Ruta had been named after—both Link and Mipha paid rapt attention, though the former continued to eat his dinner while doing so—as the storyteller revealed the myth of Princess Ruto and her instrumental aid to the hero of legend.

Finally, one of the diplomats took the stage and told a story about a hero from the sea. He wove a tale of a guitarist descended from ancient Zora heroes, who had single-handedly fought against a group of pirates in their own fortress to rescue a clutch of eggs that had belonged to him and his mate.

Finally, when the celebration died down, mainly because most had imbibed enough into a powerful stupor, Link managed to sneak away. He found himself at the East Reservoir Lake. He moved to where he and Mipha usually sat and settled himself in. It wasn't long before he heard Mipha's footsteps, and he looked over his shoulder to see the Zora princess walk up to him a bit unsteadily.

Link patted the spot next to him invitingly.

Mipha smiled and took the proffered seat, though she still looked a bit tipsy. Link ended up helping her before she could fall into the water—not that that would have been a problem for her.

"Thank you, Link," Mipha said. She leaned against him and sighed.

"Had a bit too much to drink, did you?" Link asked.

Mipha giggled and maneuvered herself so that she could rest her head on his shoulder. "I do believe so. Not quite enough to be drunk, I hope. Just enough to feel that wonderful weight fall off my shoulders."

"Under an alcoholic haze," Link pointed out.

Groaning, Mipha grabbed Link's arm. "Oh, don't be so dull."

Link scoffed but relaxed and let her manhandle him while he enjoyed the peace and quiet.

"Link, did you ever hear the story of the 'Miracle of the White Scale'?" Mipha suddenly asked.

Link shook his head. "No, I don't think I have."

Sitting up straighter, Mipha dipped her legs into the lake and started kicking at the water. "An ancestor of mine, king of that time, was renowned for his love of his people. However, a Lizalfos army threatened Zora's Domain. Despite his ineffectiveness for war, he still took up arms to defend our realm."

"Was he that bad?" Link asked.

"By his own admission, he was wholly unprepared for the task," Mipha replied. "It was only by the love of his queen that he survived, thanks to the scale she wove into his armor. As the story goes, the Zora army was backed into a corner and the Lizalfos general was about to deal a mortal blow to the king, but the sun struck the white scale the queen had woven into the king's armor and blinded the general, allowing the king to retaliate and slay the Lizalfos general. Thus, it began a tradition. Zora prin—um, all members of the Zora Royal Family were to be trained in the trident."

"So that's why," Link murmured. " 'Miracle of the White Scale', hmm?"

He had a feeling Mipha had meant to say something else, but she sighed forlornly and leaned against him again.

"It's nice up here," she whispered.

"You're not going to make Vah Ruta splash us again, are you?" Link asked jokingly.

"Don't tempt me," Mipha retorted before giggling.

Vah Ruta's nose came out of the water and sprayed a small shower into the air. Not enough to do anything but soak the Divine Beast, but it looked so majestic that Link found his eyes tracking everything.

They stayed together like that for a time, and no other words were exchanged. Vah Ruta continued to make a light shower over itself without any signs of stopping. Watching it was soothing, and the sounds of the water almost put Link into a meditative state. Still, a part of him wondered how long Mipha would let Vah Ruta keep going.

"Hey, Miph—" Link started to say before he clamped his mouth shut.

She was dozing on his shoulder. What amused him was the light bit of drool that was coming out of the corner of her mouth from the awkward angle that she was sleeping at that stained his tunic a bit. Suppressing the urge to chuckle, Link carefully managed to pick her up and gently placed her within the water. She sank beneath the surface but didn't go any further. She unconsciously curled up into herself and remained blissfully asleep.

Link stood up, stretched, and made his way back to his room to catch up on some sleep as well before his journey back home later in the morning.

~o~O~o~

The next morning, Link managed to sleep in—for once!—and he thoroughly enjoyed it. However, he was eventually roused back to wakefulness by Midna, who needed to go out to do some business.

He swiftly led the way to the nearby forest, waiting for Midna to be done, before heading back to his room to pack up and head home.

Outside his door, though, Trello was waiting. He waved at Link in his usual friendly manner with his uninjured arm. "Link, good morning."

"Good morning, Trello," Link replied. "You Zora sure know how to party."

Trello laughed and adjusted his grip on his cane. "It's been some time since we were allowed to relax. You've no idea how much we needed that Lynel gone."

"That bad?"

"Well… the reasons are personal to us," Trello said, hedging a bit. "I don't think it's in me to tell you."

"It's fine," Link replied. "What brings you here?"

"Oh! Yes, right. His Majesty wants to present you with something before you leave."

Link nodded. "When?"

"Ah, whenever you are ready," Trello answered.

"I have everything packed, so let me collect my gear, and I can go right now," Link said. "But… are you sure you should be moving?"

Trello shrugged, then winced when it aggravated his arm injury. "I need to stay a little bit active. Don't worry, once I get back into the water, it hurts far less."

Link nodded before a thought occurred to him. "Trello, why don't Zora spend more time in the water?"

Trello grinned. "We get asked that all the time. It's because all the interesting things happen out of the water. If we wanted nothing but Zora, fish, and an underwater life, then we would be down there. That sounds frustratingly dull, especially when there's an entire other world above the surface. We would like to be a part of that."

"Oh. That makes sense," Link replied. "I mean, if you spent all your time underwater, you'd be really insular."

"Exactly," Trello said. He rubbed his injured leg ruefully. "However, we also heal better when we don't have to worry about weight. But I wanted to take the time to thank you personally and to wish you a safe journey home."

Touched that Trello would do that despite his injuries, Link grasped Trello's uninjured arm. "That means a lot to me. Heal up and stay safe yourself, okay?"

"Of course."

Link quickly gathered his belongings, and once his armaments and bag were secure, he told Midna to go and say goodbye to Bazz and the rest of the gang while he met up with King Dorephan.

The herald was there and officiously announced him.

"We are saddened to see you go, Link," King Dorephan said. "Know that you will always be welcome here at Zora's Domain."

Link bowed. "You are too kind, Your Majesty."

"We would also like to offer you a token of our appreciation for your efforts," King Dorephan said. He nodded at Mipha.

Mipha walked up to Link, holding a strange-looking, blue-hued helmet in her hands. "It is a special helmet, woven from the scales of a water dragon in the distant past, and a treasured artifact of the Zora."

Link blinked. "Are you… are you offering it to me?"

Nodding solemnly, she held out the helmet. "Please, accept this with our deepest gratitude."

Slightly speechless, Link took it carefully and held it against his chest. "I… I don't know what to say."

"Think nothing of it, Link," Mipha said. "The helmet is said to be imbued with special powers. You'll understand if you wear it whilst in the water."

"The water?" Link repeated. He studied the helmet in his hands.

Mipha nodded. "We can't say for certain what advantages it confers, since it will not work for us. Water is our primary element, after all."

"Right." Link cradled the helmet in his arms again and looked up at King Dorephan. "I shall take great care of it. You have my thanks, Your Majesty."

"May you have a safe journey home, Link," King Dorephan said.

"Father, if you'll permit me, I shall walk Link to the mouth of the Zora River," Mipha said.

King Dorephan nodded. "Very well. An escort will be provided."

"That's not necessary," Link mumbled.

Mipha smiled. "I know, but I want to."

"All right. I'll go find Midna while you get ready, then," Link said.

Bowing once more to the king, Link went down to the children's area. Besides Bazz, Rivan, and Gaddison, Sidon and his newest friend, Yona, were all playing with Midna. The wolf was happily chasing them around, swapping between them and spinning around in place as the zoomies took control of her.

Sidon spotted Link first and quickly waddled up to him. "Link, Link!"

"Hey, Link!" Rivan shouted. Then he realized why Link was there. "Oh, wait… are you leaving now?"

Link nodded. He gave Sidon a quick hug before he took off his rucksack and carefully placed the Zora Helm inside. "I'm afraid so. Midna, too."

All the children took on dejected looks and let out feeble sounds of protests.

"Sorry, everyone," Link said sincerely. "But we have a duty to get back to."

"You're gonna save us, right?" Bazz asked.

"I'm going to try," Link answered.

Gaddison rubbed Midna's head one last time. "And you're going to help him, okay?"

Midna huffed indignantly but accepted her affection all the same. All the kids started giving the wolf one last set of pets.

Shaking herself off, Midna bounded over to Link and let out a mournful howl.

"Yeah, I feel the same way," Link said. "Duty calls, girl. Time to go."

Saying goodbye to the gang one last time, Link made his way to the entrance of Zora's Domain. Mipha was there, as was Coral. A few Zora guards were there as well, most that Link distantly knew, but he did not see Sergeant Seggin anywhere.

Seemingly reading his mind, Mipha said, "Seggin is still healing. Oh, and Trello wanted to convey his thanks once more and hopes to be healed soon enough to be of use to you whenever you require it."

Link nodded. "And the sergeant?"

"Ah, well, he… he appreciates what you've done… in his own way," Mipha diplomatically answered.

Link chuckled. "Shall we?"

The group soon marched out of Zora's Domain. Link resisted the urge to sigh.

"I don't know if you knew this already, but Seggin was the one that taught me the trident," Mipha said.

Link shrugged. "I didn't 'know', but I knew. You just confirmed it, that's all."

"How did you 'know' about that?" Mipha asked, curious.

"When I fought against him at the Four Swords and when I watched him go over drills with the rest of the Zora Guardsmen," Link replied. "Everything about his style was similar to yours, but you have a bit more flexibility and flair… probably because you incorporated my father's style as well."

"I understand that Seggin holds you in high regard, Mipha," Coral said. "One of the finest students he ever taught."

Mipha blushed slightly. "I wouldn't go so far as to say that. I obviously have much to learn."

"I hope that doesn't make you Bazz's rival," Link said. "It can't be easy having Seggin as a father already."

Mipha playfully pushed Link's shoulder. "He's not that bad."

"Mipha, they call him the 'Demon Sergeant' for a reason," Link blandly replied.

He glanced at the other Zora Guardsmen. One or two nodded emphatically, while the others pretended to look elsewhere when Mipha's gaze turned to them.

"I still think his reputation is blown out of proportion," Mipha said.

Link nodded and looked away. "Mhm."

"Really! He's not that bad!"

"Yeah, sure."

"He's not!"

"If you say so."

"Link!"

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

"And we're back," Link said to his animal companions.

Maybe he was feeling nostalgic, but he suddenly recalled when he had first laid eyes on the grandeur that was Hyrule Castle. He had been in awe of such a massive structure, and his imagination had run wild with what laid within. Nowadays, it was a place where he worked, slept, ate, and maybe—occasionally—called it home.

It was an odd feeling to have, especially only at sixteen, but he sorely wished for things to be so simple again.

"Home sweet home… as it were," Link mumbled.

If he had to be honest with himself, his feelings about the castle were complicated. If he didn't need to be at the princess's side, he would have been making the trip to the castle daily anyway, maybe as a knight, but certainly as a Royal Guard to report in, so the edifice would have been familiar regardless. However, it wasn't home, but ever since the princess's attitude towards him had warmed, it felt… comfortable.

He didn't know if his feelings to return were from a place of longing or steadfast conviction to his duty.

Voicing his thoughts out loud, he looked down at Midna. "So, what do you think?"

She tilted her head at him before shaking her head and trotting onwards without him. She confidently marched right through the doors past the guards and disappeared from sight.

"Yeah, I guess it's the people that make it home," Link murmured.

He brought Epona to the stables. The mare gave him a small nudge and licked his hair lovingly before trotting over to the trough for a well-deserved drink.

When he entered the castle, he asked a nearby servant where the king was. After being directed to the throne room, Link quickly made his way there, but upon seeing the line of people wishing to see the king today, he quietly bypassed everyone and entered. Inside was a small crowd, all of whom were waiting to have an audience. From what Link could see, they came from various social tiers, ranging from the common Hylians, to the merchant class, to the noble courts. Currently, King Rhoam was speaking to someone Link didn't know, but judging from the expensive attire and polished mannerisms and speech, it was likely a noble. Sensing a presence behind him, Link turned and spotted Harper approach him.

Harper looked a bit surprised that Link was able to detect him. Quietly, he asked, "Eyes in the back of your head, huh?"

"Or maybe you're not as sneaky as you thought," Link murmured back.

Harper grinned boyishly before turning serious. "His Majesty knows you're here. You're getting bumped to the front of the line. He just needs to finish speaking to Lord Tightpants there before you can report in."

Link nodded. "How's Diaz?"

"Running a high fever, getting delirious, nightmares in his sleep, and barely able to keep any food down," Harper muttered. "Infections have set in good and proper now. Healers are doing everything they can, but he's not out of the woods yet. The leg isn't looking too good, either. There's talk about needing to remove it."

Frowning, Link asked, "What will that mean for Diaz?"

"Retirement, whether he likes it or not," Harper answered. "That's assuming he lives. Tell me you got the bastard."

"I'm alive, aren't I?"

"Good point."

Their conversation was put on hold when King Rhoam finally spoke.

"I'm afraid I cannot grant such a request, Lord Shad," he said authoritatively. "The technology and research being done at the Royal Ancient Lab are state secrets."

Lord Shad sighed disappointedly and adjusted his glasses. "I understand, Your Majesty. And about the other request?"

"I will allow it," King Rhoam replied. "Speak to Sahasrahla, and he will grant you access. You will be given only what is relevant. Should you overstep your bounds, you will be banned from the archives and summarily punished for your trespass. Sahasrahla must sign off on every tome you touch. There will be no exceptions."

Lord Shad bowed deeply. "Many thanks, Your Majesty. I will abide by your ruling."

King Rhoam nodded and waved his hand dismissively. Lord Shad bowed once more before leaving. His Majesty sought out Link among the crowd and gestured for him to come forth.

Link made his way to the dais and knelt.

"Welcome back, Sir Faron," King Rhoam said formally. "We are glad to see that you have returned to us unharmed. Rise."

Link nodded and stood up before going to parade rest.

"What report have you?" King Rhoam asked.

"The mission was a success in all respects. The Lynel has been slain, with no further casualties to report," Link answered. "King Dorephan sends his heartfelt gratitude to you for your willingness to assist his domain."

"And you?"

"Fit for duty."

"What can you tell us about that Lynel?" King Rhoam asked.

"It seemed impervious to pain and would continue to fight on despite suffering mortal wounds," Link answered. "Having fought it, it became clear to me why Sir Diaz Braxton had so much trouble. Were it not for his warning, I may not have walked away unscathed."

King Rhoam slowly nodded. "Is there anything else that you wish to share? Will we see other Lynels such as this?"

"I don't think so, Your Majesty," Link said carefully. "The Lynel was… it was one that my fath—Sir Revan Faron fought a decade ago when he was stationed at Zora's Domain. Apparently, either the wounds it suffered at his hands allowed it to get an infection, or something of that nature, which drove it mad… or it allowed its rage and hate for what happened to fester and build until it reached a breaking point. When the Lynel saw me… it was… well, it felt personal. Everything about it—its actions, its motivations—it was all seeped in insanity."

Again, King Rhoam nodded. "I see. Anything else to report, then?"

"Princess Mipha will begin weapons testing soon," Link replied. "Her control over Vah Ruta appeared satisfactory, and she herself was confident and comfortable."

"Hmm. We will prepare for the possible monster displacement, then," King Rhoam said. "Fort Hateno and Akkala Citadel will be on alert."

"The Zora are also preparing to mobilize their forces in preparation as well," Link added.

"Very good, then. Is there anything else to report?"

Link shook his head. "Nothing further, Your Majesty."

"Rest if you like, then, Sir Faron," King Rhoam said. "You may resume your duties tomorrow, if you so choose."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Link dutifully replied.

"Dismissed."

Link snapped to attention and presented the king with a knight's salute. When King Rhoam inclined his head, Link turned on his heel and marched out.

Back in the main hall, he spotted Zelda, Impa, and Midna all waiting for him.

"Link, you've returned," Zelda said happily. "How was everything?"

"Handled well enough, though it was as difficult as Diaz said it was," Link answered before sighing. "Harper gave me the news on Diaz, so there's no need to rehash it for me."

"There's reason to remain hopeful. But I'm glad to see you are unharmed."

Link managed to smile. "So am I. Zora's Domain was certainly happy, too."

"Well, what are you going to do now?" Impa asked.

"My duty," Link replied.

Zelda tilted her head. "Oh, you don't have to so soon after your return. I'm sure Father gave you leave to rest."

"He gave me a choice, and I'm fine," Link said. "I honestly don't mind."

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. "I'm sure."

"Well, would you mind regaling us on what happened?" Zelda asked. "If you're feeling up for it, of course."

Link shrugged and nodded again. Together, with Impa and Midna with them, he told them about the Lynel and their 'history' as they walked to the dining room for lunch.

~o~O~o~

Upon returning, Link went back into the routine of the day-to-day, though that wasn't necessarily a good thing. Zelda's powers had not shown any signs of manifesting, much to her frustration and disappointment. Talk was going around, not quite within earshot of the princess, but certainly around Link and Impa. They spoke at length and decided to keep it to themselves and to steer Zelda away from the gossipmongers so that she could focus on her task.

It seemed that as the weeks went by, the more King Rhoam became anxious. Or fearful. Link was required to give him bi-weekly reports—usually lasting a few seconds that amounted to a yes or no, and it was always no—regarding Zelda's current efforts. The pressure the king was placing on her grew with each passing day, as well as the daily reminders to keep trying her utmost.

Link honestly felt bad for her, but the fate of the realm did rest on their shoulders. Sadly, he lacked any words of encouragement that would suffice, but remained steadfast by her side, especially when she needed to vent about her continued failed efforts. At the very least, he could provide an empathetic ear, especially when his own efforts to discover the powers of the Master Sword had not been successful.

At the approach of Din's Season, Zelda, King Rhoam, and several other prominent dignitaries all prepared to honor the passing of the late queen. It was to be a private affair, though Link was still 'invited', meaning he was expected to guard the princess in case anyone wanted to take advantage of the event.

It took place at the Royal Mausoleum, where the late queen was entombed. It was a somber affair, as to be expected. Urbosa had made the trip and shed a tear or two, though she did her best to hide it. Both Zelda and King Rhoam held themselves stoically. Presiding over the affair was High Priest Rauru. For the occasion, Link was in his Royal Guard uniform and stood guard right next to the princess.

Surprisingly, Zelda held his hand through most of it.

When the service ended, King Rhoam took Zelda, and they left together. Captain Auru informed Link that it was something they did to mourn in private. The Royal Guard that served directly under the king would be protecting them. While Link was to be on standby, he was, for all intents and purposes, relieved of his duty until the next morning.

Taking advantage of his newfound free time, Link went down to Castle Town to find and send a gift for Aryll's upcoming birthday, while simultaneously sending a modest wedding gift to Cremia. He also penned a quick letter to his family before dropping everything off at the Post Office.

It wasn't until a few weeks after that made Link understand the depth of his newfound friendship with Zelda.

~o~O~o~

"Link, how come you haven't requested leave?" Zelda suddenly asked one day. "The day of Sir Revan's… passing is coming."

Link shook his head. "Purah and Impa asked me that once last year. The Yiga are certainly going to have a plan in case I take a personal day like that. We got away with it last year because we went to Tabantha, but… it's best that I don't leave your side."

Zelda looked out the window. "You live in Mabe Village, correct? Impa mentioned that to me."

"Yes."

"You live so close, yet you're always here," Zelda murmured. "It seems cruel."

"It's life. Nothing about our situation is fair, but we must manage it the best we can," Link said, shrugging. A faint memory caused him to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"I remember thinking on the first day I reported in that unless you made regular trips to Mabe Village, this task would be my first long-term posting, despite living nearby," he replied, still chuckling mirthlessly.

When he looked up, she had an odd look on her face.

"What?" he asked.

She grinned. "I have an idea, and I think you're going to like it."

~o~O~o~

A day later, a servant approached Link, Zelda, and Impa as they were meandering down a hallway.

When the servant cleared his throat, Zelda inclined her head at him. "Yes?"

"His Majesty would like a private word with you, Your Highness," the servant said. He turned to Link next. "Captain Auru has a separate briefing for you."

Link nodded and gave Impa a glance.

"I'll stay with her until the king dismisses me," Impa assured.

Link nodded once more before going to Captain Auru's office. He knocked twice and waited to be acknowledged.

"Come in!" Captain Auru called out.

Link stepped inside and closed the door. He stood at attention in front of the desk and saluted. "You summoned me, sir?"

Captain Auru returned the salute. He sat down on his chair heavily and sighed while he rubbed his eyes. "Tensions are growing, Link. It's not just nobles that are worried about the coming days. Commoners are growing increasingly concerned about the princess and whether she can perform her duty."

"I've heard."

"Clearly, prayers aren't working, and… I don't know, it feels like we're running out of time," Captain Auru muttered. "A new idea has been proposed."

Link tilted his head in confusion. "What is it?"

Auru tapped a piece of parchment on his desk. "Do you know of the Sacred Springs?"

"I've been to the Springs of Courage and Wisdom, but not Power," Link answered slowly, still not comprehending the point. "What of them?"

"There is a pilgrimage to go and pray at each spring on the solstice of each season," Captain Auru said. "Din's Solstice approaches, and we need to take advantage of that. We've sent people early to secure the paths. You and Her Highness will set out first thing tomorrow. I understand that the anniversary of Sir Revan's passing approaches as well. At the princess's request, you will both spend time at Mabe Village. From there, we shall leave it to you to determine when to ride to the Akkala region, so long as Her Highness arrives on time. She is to pray at the Spring of Power on the eve and entire day of the solstice."

"I understand," Link replied. "There aren't any roads there, though. A carriage won't be able to handle the trip."

"You'll go on horseback," Captain Auru said. "General Aldric Irons is the commanding officer of the Akkala Citadel. He will be expecting you both and will provide the necessary shelter and supplies for the latter half of your journey."

"And if praying at the spring doesn't work?"

Captain Auru shrugged. "Then we must assume that she must pray at all three springs on each solstice. After her ritual is complete, you will return to Hyrule Castle and be ready to go to the Spring of Courage during Farore's Solstice. However, she cannot pray at the Spring of Wisdom until she is seventeen. Tradition dictates that, and we're trying to gain favor with the Goddesses, not anger them."

Link nodded.

"I understand this feels dire, so that should tell you much about the pressures we're facing," Captain Auru said solemnly. "You've seen the power of a Divine Beast with your own eyes. The ancients did not take the threat lightly, and neither should we."

"I understand, Captain."

"Dismissed."

Link saluted, and when Captain Auru returned it, he turned on his heel and left.

When he arrived outside the king's office, he spotted Impa waiting outside, with Midna looking at the door worriedly.

Impa waved at him. "What's going on?"

"Zelda is about to be sent on a pilgrimage," Link answered. "On the eve and day of Din's Solstice, she needs to be praying at the Spring of Power."

"Oh, I know of that one," Impa said, eyes wide. "Courage is next during Farore's Solstice, but she can't pray at the Spring of Wisdom until after her seventeenth birthday, which is the day before… oh."

"Nayru's Solstice, right," Link muttered. "No celebration next year for her, then. We'll likely be staying at Kakariko before taking the Lanayru Road to the East Gate."

"I guess that's what His Majesty must be telling her now," Impa murmured.

"We're leaving tomorrow, but we're going to Mabe Village first, for my father," Link said.

"Should I come with you?" Impa asked.

"Hmm… it might be a good idea," he replied. "I'll ask."

~o~O~o~

Central Hyrule – Mabe Village

Sadly, Impa could not come. The delivery of the new Guardian Turrets was expected to arrive within the week, and she had to liaise with the Sheikah and Purah to ensure proper placement and installment. And so, Link and Zelda were riding together to Mabe Village alongside Midna.

"Are you sure this is all right?" Link asked.

Zelda nodded. "It's only fitting. You were there for me during my grief. The least we should do for you is allow time for you to do the same. And since we are going to the Akkala Province later on, the routes are going to be secure."

"Was the pilgrimage your idea?"

Zelda shook her head. "We've—Father and me, I mean—had been discussing it for some time. I… I simply said I would do my duty and attempt the pilgrimage. I just reminded him of the date of Sir Revan's passing and asked that we take that into account."

Link took a deep breath but managed to smile at her. He looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary, though he was sure that the Royal Guard would be stationed in or around Mabe Village by now. It made him feel better, since none could claim that Link's home was a fortress.

I probably should have refused to go along with this, but…

If Zelda was willing to make the extra effort, Link supposed that he should be grateful. His family would be.

I hope.

"So this is Mabe Village," Zelda murmured. "It's lovely here."

Zelda was going incognito for the trip. Lumine was wearing a simple saddle, instead of the royal adornments she was typically expected to have. Zelda herself was in her traveling attire but kept the hood of her cloak up to keep her identity hidden.

Link nodded and took a deep breath. Even Epona, usually well-behaved and disciplined, started to get antsy at the familiar sights and smells of home. Midna was going all-out, prancing around and smelling—and urinating—everything and everywhere. "It is that. My home is at the end of the road."

As they got closer to Link's house, he could hear rhythmic thunks happening every few seconds.

Zelda heard it, too, and tilted her head. "What is that?"

"Archery practice, likely," Link answered. "Aryll's been training to become a squire. Eventually a knight. She wants to help me fight Calamity Ganon."

Zelda moved Lumine closer to peer into Link's face. "Really? How do you feel about that?"

"Conflicted."

Before Zelda could say anything more, Cremia saw them and waved at Link. Midna spotted her, too, and ran up to greet her, tail wagging excitedly. Cremia laughed and started stroking the wolf fondly. As soon as Link and Zelda were in earshot, Cremia said, "Link, welcome home."

"Hi, Cremia," Link replied. "No need to worry about Epona. I want her to go to Lon Lon to dote on her family. Malon will look after her, I'm sure. You can take Lumine, though."

"Of course," Cremia said. She turned to Zelda. "May I take care of your mare, milady?"

Zelda nodded and dismounted. "Yes, of course. Thank you."

"It's no trouble," Cremia replied. She turned to Link. "Thank you for your gift, by the way."

"It was no trouble," Link said. "You didn't open it already, did you?"

"We didn't, we didn't," Cremia said, giggling.

"You look to be in a good mood," Link said. He dismounted as well and started removing Epona's equipment.

"I don't know if you heard, but construction on the new barn is coming along swimmingly," Cremia gushed. "Fado and I will be able to move in after the wedding."

"We'll have to furnish the place before that, then," Link said. "Not unless you fancy sleeping and eating on the floor."

"Oh, Mr. Harrison said he can take care of that!" Cremia replied, her smile changing from pleasant to ecstatic. " 'All part of the service with Harrison and Sons!' or so he keeps telling us."

"Glad Leon was able to recommend him."

"What brings you back home—oh. Oh!" Cremia's hands covered her mouth. "Oh, of course. Were you given leave?"

Link nodded. "Yes. How is everyone?"

Cremia looked around before she gave Zelda an uncertain look.

"I trust her," Link said. Once he finished removing the saddle, bit, and bridle, he whispered a few words to Epona. The loyal mare softly bumped his shoulder before galloping away in the direction of Ilia's home first. Link's heart clenched painfully at the sight. It was something he had been wrestling with for some time now, and he hated the idea of it.

"Nothing serious, I promise," Cremia said. "Just… the mood has grown despondent as we approach… well, you know."

"I know," Link muttered. "I'll go check on Aryll, then. Thank you, Cremia."

Cremia nodded and smiled for his benefit. "It's good to have you home, Link."

Letting Cremia take Lumine to the stables, Link smiled at Zelda and jerked his head toward the archery range. "This way."

Zelda nodded but cast one look at Cremia and Lumine's retreating backs. "You didn't introduce us."

"Yeah," Link said. "She seemed so happy that I didn't want formalities to dampen her spirits. I'll introduce you later."

"It occurred to me that this might not be appropriate," Zelda said contritely.

"It's fine. Everyone will understand," Link replied. "Come on, let's go surprise Aryll. She loves surprises."

As Link had expected, Aryll was training. Romani was with her as well, and they were both launching arrows at separate targets. Interestingly, and Link felt a bit of pride at this, Aryll's target was filled with bullseyes, whereas Romani had one on the border between the bullseye and the next ring.

After both girls released their arrows, Link spoke up. "I hope you've been doing muscle training, too, Aryll."

They both jerked in surprise, before Aryll broke out in a grin and ran towards him. "Link, you're home!"

"Yep," Link replied. He easily absorbed her tackle hug and rubbed the back of her head affectionately.

Aryll held him for a moment longer before turning her attention to the cloaked woman next to them, only to utter a shocked, "Eep!" and leap back before curtsying. "Your Highness! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you!"

Zelda put her finger to her lips. "And you still haven't."

Aryll blinked in confusion. "I… haven't… what?"

"It's just Zelda. I don't want to advertise my presence here," Zelda whispered. "Let's just keep this between us, hmm?"

Standing straight, Aryll nodded back uncertainly. "Okay… but what's going on?"

"She's here to show us support and to… be there for Father," Link answered, keeping the rest of the mission to himself. "He was in the guard, after all."

"Oh. Well, um… w-welcome to our home, Your—I mean, Z-Z-Zelda," Aryll stammered out.

Link chuckled, causing Aryll to glare at him and pout. That ended when Midna, not used to being ignored, started patting Aryll's leg with her paw insistently. Aryll grinned and started gushing all over Midna, rubbing all her favorite spots. The wolf flopped down in bliss, her leg kicking out involuntarily.

Meanwhile, Link turned his attention to Romani, who also looked wide-eyed at Zelda but was completely unsure of what to do.

"Just relax, Romani," he said. "We've had guests before. Ignore her station, and treat her as you would any other guest."

"U-um… yes, okay… sure…" Romani stopped and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, yes. I'll… um… oh! Um, welcome to the Faron residence… Yo—Zelda. I meant Z-Z-Zelda."

"I am glad to be here," Zelda said kindly.

"I'll go make sure the guest room is ready," Romani said, still slightly dazed. "If you'll excuse me."

Aryll turned to Link accusingly. "Your letter never mentioned this!"

"It was a surprise to me, too, actually," Link said. He nodded his head at Zelda. "Her idea."

That stopped Aryll's upcoming tirade short, and she blinked owlishly at Zelda. "Oh."

"Come on. I need to greet Mother," Link said.

Aryll grinned and tugged at Link's arm. "Let's go, then!"

Link looked over his shoulder and shrugged helplessly at Zelda as he was led away by his younger sister.

~o~O~o~

Zelda hid her smile as she sedately followed behind the siblings. Likely, Romani would have told the Faron matriarch of Zelda's arrival, and she desperately hoped that it wouldn't inconvenience them, despite Link's assurances.

Upon entering the modest yet comfortable domicile, Lady Faron was standing in the living room. She greeted Link enthusiastically, with a kind of love only a mother could give. The sight caused an unexpected pang in Zelda's heart as she watched Link be taken in for a hug before enduring being visually inspected and complimented on how he must have made ladies swoon…

Wait, what?

Zelda blinked and looked at Link from head to toe before a flood of heat suddenly crept up her neck and threatened to make her cheeks glow. Realizing that she was just about to do what Lady Faron had teased Link about, she took a deep, cleansing breath and refocused onto the family gathering before her.

Lady Faron finally looked up at her. Her joyous expression shifted into something… neutral. Neither glad nor angry. It was an expression that Zelda never had directed at her… except perhaps by her father.

Lady Faron gave a small curtsy, though her eyes remained locked on Zelda, instead of bowing her head. "Your Highness. You honor us with this visit."

"Zelda, please, Lady Faron," she said. "I am not here in any official capacity, merely showing my support during this trying time for you all."

Lady Faron's jaw seemed to clench briefly. Zelda was surprised, though she made sure she hid it.

"Marin, please then, Zelda," Marin said, again in a painfully neutral tone. "Link just told me that you will be staying for a few days."

"I hope it won't be an imposition," Zelda said in the kindest tone she could muster.

"No, of course not," Marin replied. "Romani should have our guest room ready."

"I'll show her," Link said. He was looking at his mother oddly but smiled when he looked at Zelda.

Zelda's stomach fluttered a little at the sight. For some reason, it had never struck her how handsome he looked when he was at the castle. Here in his home, though, his appearance stood out like a bonfire.

Zelda hoped her smile wasn't shaky or crooked.

She followed behind him, though she felt Marin's eyes tracking their departure.

Suddenly, Link glanced over his shoulder and asked, "How long are you going to keep that hood up?"

Blushing slightly, Zelda lowered the hood of her cloak and smiled bashfully. "I've never had to travel so clandestinely before."

Link chuckled before approaching an open door. He peered inside and waved. "Hey, Romani. All set in here?"

"Yep!" a reply floated back. Romani stepped into the hall. When she spotted Zelda standing there, she floundered a bit on what to do before settling on waving.

Zelda waved back and smiled. "Thank you very much."

"Oh, um… no problem," Romani replied.

"It's fine, Romani," Link said. "Just be normal."

"Right, I can do that," Romani said. She pumped her arms bracingly and took a breath. "Just be normal."

"I would prefer it," Zelda added, giggling.

"Okay, Z-Zelda," Romani said, smiling back. She gave Link a dour look. "I knew being in the Royal Guard would be different, but to host royalty… I wish you'd sent word."

Link shrugged. "I didn't know, either. I'll get Zelda settled. Take Aryll and clean up the range. No leaving arrows out there, no matter how shocked you are at all of this."

Romani nodded and left.

Link gestured into the room. "After you."

Zelda walked inside, and already she felt comfortable, despite how modest the room was. It had a bed, a desk with a chair, a vanity table, and a dresser with a partition to change behind. While obviously everything paled in comparison to the castle, it felt… lived in. Like a genuine home.

"It's lovely," Zelda said.

"I know it's not Hyrule Castle…" Link said.

She shook her head. "No, I mean it. It's more than enough. I can see why you would miss home."

"Well… the privy is outside, and the bathhouse is on the opposite side of the estate, and you saw the dining room and living room," he listed off. "Upstairs is where our bedrooms are. Next to us is… it's the office."

"Your father's office," Zelda murmured.

"Ours," Link corrected quickly. "I mean, he did use it most of the time, but all of our lessons were done in there as well. It's well used, even now. There's a library, too… though it's more like a bunch of bookshelves, especially in comparison to the library at the castle."

Taking off her cloak and placing it on the dresser, she unslung her bag and dropped it on the floor. Sitting on the bed, she smiled at him and said, "Aryll is very sweet."

"One of her few redeeming qualities," Link replied with a long-suffering sigh. He sat down at the desk chair.

"You joke, but I know you love her," Zelda said, giggling.

Link grinned and shrugged. "You don't choose your family, but they're still your family… Okay, fine, I love the little imp. I admit it."

Zelda laughed before fiddling with a stray tassel on the comforter. "I wish I had siblings."

"Brother or sister?"

"Sister."

"Older or younger?"

Zelda pulled her legs up to her chest. "Older."

Link exhaled and leaned back in his chair. "Because you think that the responsibility would go to her instead of you?"

Zelda couldn't meet his eyes, but she nodded, keeping her gaze locked on the floor.

"Do you really think it would work like that? Or that your life would be any better?" he asked.

"I don't know. It's just wishful thinking. Though… if I had to be honest with myself…" She heaved a sigh and looked back up at him. "No… I wouldn't want my sister or any of my siblings to have to go through this. I suspect I would wish it were me and not them in that case."

"And we're right back to where we started," Link pointedly said.

"Except I wouldn't feel so alone," Zelda mumbled. She looked back up at him and smiled. "At least I have you."

"For as long as you can stand me," he joked.

Zelda giggled and relaxed. "You could be worse."

You certainly couldn't be any better… I hope.

Again, Zelda felt heat crawl up her skin and forcibly controlled herself, though she could feel the gooseflesh tingling her arms. It didn't seem fair that her knight-protector had to be so fetching. It was awfully distracting now.

"Would you like to take a walk outside?" Link asked.

Zelda nodded. She looked at her cloak and judged whether she would need it or not.

"It's fine," Link said. "The only ones that would recognize you are the guards, and they won't say anything. Wearing that in this weather is too conspicuous anyway."

"I suppose that's true," Zelda murmured. Din's Season was in full swing, with a heat that wasn't as oppressive as the Gerudo Desert, but it wasn't exactly comfortable, either.

"Come on, then," Link said. He got up and walked out.

Hopping to her feet, Zelda quickly followed him. They left through the front door this time. Link muttered something to the guards on duty and jerked his head at her. The guards both did double takes at her presence but nodded numbly.

Zelda waved and tried not to giggle at their gobsmacked expressions.

In the distance, next to the stables, Romani was having an animated conversation with Cremia.

"Let's go chat for a moment," Link said. "Then I can show you around."

"Okay," Zelda replied shyly.

Cremia spotted their approach and asked Romani another question, though it was too far to hear, before looking at Zelda again with a bit more scrutiny.

"Um…" Cremia uttered, glancing helplessly at Link and Romani.

"Cremia, was it?" Zelda asked. "I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials. I wish nothing but the best for you and your future husband."

"Oh, Link told you about that?" Cremia asked, blushing brightly. "Th-thank you."

"Zelda."

"Z-Zelda."

"I want you to know that I'll personally see to it that Link will be there for you," Zelda added.

That earned a smile from the older woman, and she bowed. "Thank you so much."

Link had an unreadable look on his face, but he murmured his gratitude for her thoughtfulness as well before pointing at the main path. "Well, shall we?"

"We shall," Zelda said. "It was nice meeting you both. I hope to see you again later."

Both sisters nodded.

Waving goodbye, Zelda followed Link to wherever he was leading her next.

"The farm across from my home," Link said. "My friend lives there. She'll want to know I'm back."

Before Zelda could ask who it was, a girl about their age was running down the path towards them. She was pretty, with short-cropped hair—I wonder if that is Link's preference—almond-shaped green eyes, and framed by a pleasant face. She wore a sleeveless white tunic and sturdy trousers.

"Link! I knew you were back!" the girl said happily. She stopped in front of them and looked at Zelda curiously.

"This is Ilia, one of my oldest friends," Link said by way of introduction.

"Hello," Zelda greeted.

"Hello," Ilia replied. She gazed at Link expectantly.

"Oh, this is… um…" Link trailed off and looked at Zelda uncertainly.

"Kara," Zelda promptly answered. She held out her hand. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Kara," Ilia repeated, and she shook her hand. "Yes, nice to meet you, too. How do you know Link?"

"I work at the Castle, serving under the chancellor," Zelda answered. "I was due for a break, and Link was kind enough to take me out to the countryside, away from the city, so I could finally get a chance to relax and get away from all the hustle and bustle of Castle Town."

"Right," Link said, playing along.

"It can get very busy there, I agree. He's very considerate like that," Ilia said, smiling. She turned to him. "Epona dropped by to say hello before going to Lon Lon Ranch. Her hair has grown out again."

"I know, I know," Link muttered. "I don't want to bother the castle stable hands with it, though. They have a lot more to do over there. All of the knights' horses, the royal horses, and the various merchant horses that trade directly with the castle, not to mention visiting dignitaries, nobles, and ambassadors… all of those animals are their responsibility. It wouldn't feel right to ask for preferential treatment."

Ilia shook her head. "Fine. I'll make my way to the ranch later and cut her hair myself."

"Thanks, Ilia."

She looked around. "Where's Midna?"

"With Aryll," he answered. "She needs a bath, and Aryll was intending to be the one to do it."

"Will you be staying long?" Ilia asked.

He shook his head. "Just home long enough for Father, then we go back to the castle."

She bowed her head. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he replied. "It still hurts, but not as much as before."

"I suppose time does heal all wounds, doesn't it?"

He shrugged. "For me, it's more like… I rather focus on all the good things, and that makes me feel better."

Ilia smiled. "I understand. I'll leave you to it, then. I still have to finish my chores, but I'll see you later?"

"At the very least, at Lon Lon Ranch," Link answered. "I want to see how the foals are doing."

She grinned. "Oh, you should! They're so adorable!"

"Ilia! Where you gone to, girl?! There's more work to be done!" a man's booming voice echoed.

Ilia's hands shot up to her mouth. "Oh, no! I have to go!"

Link grinned. "Go, go. We can catch up at my house later."

"Count on it!" Ilia said before running off.

Link waved at her retreating back before turning to Zelda. "Right. Let's have a look around."

Zelda nodded, her eyes still locked onto Ilia's distant form. "You and Ilia… you're just friends?"

He had walked a few steps before turning around with a confused expression on his face. "Yeah, why?"

"Oh, nothing," Zelda replied. There were burning questions on her mind, but when she tried to voice them out, her chest clenched, and she found that she didn't want to know. "Lead on."

Link's expression still hadn't changed, but he nodded regardless and walked on.

They spent the day roaming Mabe Village. Zelda had never been to it before but found it to be a quaint place. Link pointed out some of the features: a small general store, several houses and the families living within, a few anecdotes about the trouble he had gotten up to in his youth, and Lon Lon Ranch, not far in the distance. Once they did a quick circuit of the village, Link spotted the new barn and home being constructed and made a beeline towards it.

"So, this will be Cremia's new home?" Zelda asked.

"Has to be," Link answered. "I'm familiar with every other building, and this is the only one I don't know about."

They watched the builders and carpenters work for a time. The foundation and framework had long since been erected, so now they were putting up the floors, walls, and roof.

A few people greeted Link with familiarity, and he responded in kind. Unlike how formally he held himself at the castle, Zelda couldn't help but notice how at ease he was now. It was as if he had cast a huge weight off his shoulders and was living naturally and free in the wilds… or at the very least, the comfort of his own home.

Next, he led the way to Lon Lon Ranch. Once again, they adhered to the fiction that she was an adjunct to the chancellor on sabbatical. Malon and her father, Talon, accepted the story readily enough, and Zelda finally got to see where some of the finest horses in Hyrule were bred and raised. Malon showed off the progeny of Link's mare to Zelda while Talon took Link aside to discuss business about the new grazing area they were going to share.

"Epona is truly one of a kind," Malon said. "Even now, I'm still kicking myself in the pants for letting her go so easily."

"Whatever happened?" Zelda asked.

"She was a small thing, especially compared to her brothers and sisters," Malon said. She rubbed Epona's flanks fondly. "I thought she would have been one of the best, but some naysayers didn't believe so. Stupid me, I went and believed them, especially since I was so young. When Link and his father came by to purchase a working horse, Link immediately fell in love with Epona and practically begged his pa to get her as well."

"Is that regret I detect in your voice?"

Malon nodded. "It sure is. Since then, I vowed to be better. Give all my animals a fair shake and not listen to some slick city folk on how to raise my horses. Oh, not that I mean you, of course."

Zelda giggled. "Of course."

"Still, I feel bad for him," Malon murmured, though it was mostly directed at Epona. She lovingly stroked the mare's head.

"Why?" Zelda asked, concerned.

Startled, Malon shook her head. "Never you mind. If Link wants to tell you, he can, but I'm not. His bond with Epona is private business."

Zelda turned her gaze back to Link. He was still talking with Talon over the logistics of their partnership, mainly the overall care Cremia would have over the cattle and what help Talon could offer in addition to providing the feed. They managed to reach an accord and shook hands before Link smiled at Zelda and gestured that they should return home.

Zelda thanked Malon for her time and jogged up to Link's side. "Link… Malon let slip about something. You and Epona?"

Link arched an eyebrow. "Did she, now?"

"Is there something wrong?" Zelda asked.

Sighing, Link turned away and rubbed the back of his head. "I've had Epona since I was four. I first noticed she was slowing down when you and I went to the Royal Ancient Lab. A little bit more when I pushed her hard to Lanayru. She was breathing heavier, couldn't maintain her usual pace… I think it's time to let her spend time with her family, instead of racing around the four corners of Hyrule with me."

Zelda bit her lip. "Oh…"

"Yeah, she gave me her best years," Link muttered. "I want her to live out her golden ones with her foals, though."

"I think… I think that's a noble gesture," Zelda said.

"Still, I'm going to miss her," Link said. He smiled humorously. "She's going to be stubborn about it, though. As much as she loves her family, she's fiercely loyal. She might not take to retirement willingly."

"I guess you'll have to ply your charms and convince her, won't you?" Zelda teased.

Link laughed. "I think you have an overinflated sense of my powers of persuasion. Come on. It's time for lunch."

Once again, Zelda felt a bit self-conscious about eating with Link's family, but he continued to reassure her that it was all right. Marin remained cordial yet strangely distant about the entire affair, though. Aryll loved the novelty of it. Cremia and Romani were present only for part of lunch before needing to go, though the older sister promised that Fado would visit the next day for dinner, so Link would finally get to meet him.

"Oh, Aryll. I didn't get a chance to tell you when we saw each other at Zelda's birthday, but I reunited with Ammy," Link said.

Aryll's eyes widened, and she scooted closer. "How is she?! Is she okay?!"

Link smiled. "She's doing fine. Recognized me, and she brought her entire family to show off."

"When was this?!"

"When we went to Eldin Canyon." He glanced at Zelda, seeking confirmation.

"It was quite the surprise," Zelda said. "She was beautiful. And she looked very proud of the pack she made. They certainly didn't mind sharing dinner with us. They even watched over us that night."

Aryll sighed in relief. "I'm glad to know that Ammy was okay. She was with me when I was born."

"She still is, in a way," Link said. "Isn't that right, Midna?"

Midna quickly swallowed Aryll's damning evidence of being fed beneath the table, thinking she was going to get another lecture about being gluttonous or fat.

"Was Midna with you?" Aryll asked before shaking her head. "Oh, of course she wasn't. Impa brought her to us because you were going to the Gerudo Desert."

Zelda tilted her head. "You know, Link, you've told Aryll about your daring heroics, but you haven't told her about other aspects of your time in the Gerudo Desert. Wasn't there something about a race I heard about? One of the Gerudo seemed quite upset."

"Sylph," Link replied. "She was the sand seal champion to beat."

"Which you did," Zelda pointed out.

"Sand seal?" Aryll asked, intrigued.

"It's how they get around the desert," Zelda answered. "You tie yourself to a sand seal, use your shield as a sled, and the seal swims through the sands like it was swimming through water."

"Oh, wow!" Aryll said, her eyes wide. "I want to see that."

"Only if you don't mind the heat," Link said. "If you thought Din's Season was bad, then the desert is a million times worse."

Aryll made a disgusted face before she became resolute. "If you can do it, so can I!"

"At least it'll be good training for you," Link replied.

"So, you learned to, um, 'sand seal'?" Aryll asked.

"Surf would be the correct term," Zelda answered. "He won the race; almost handily, if the accounts were to be believed. Sylph was quite irate over dinner, complaining to any that would listen, but I got the sense that she respected Link's prowess, given the gains he made in such a short time."

"Just wanted to train," Link mumbled before taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Sounds more like fun than training," Aryll teased. She suddenly perked up. "Oh, speaking of training, want to see my spearwork? I think I like it best."

"Father would have been thrilled, then," Link said, smiling. "I remember when I was young that I didn't have the heart to tell him I preferred the sword over the spear. And I never did tell him. Probably for the best."

Aryll's smile was neither despondent nor happy. "He would have tried to talk you into it otherwise."

Link chuckled. "Very likely."

Zelda cleared her throat to get their attention. "Um… would you mind terribly if I watched?"

"I don't mind, but that really depends on Aryll," Link answered before he turned to his sister. "Aryll?"

"Oh. Um… no, I don't mind," Aryll replied bashfully.

"Are you sure?" Zelda asked. "I'm merely curious, that's all."

"I'm fine," Aryll said. She pumped her arms to psych herself up. "I need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, right, Link?"

Link grinned. "Right."

"Finish your lunch first," Marin said sternly.

"Yes, Mother," both Farons said obediently.

Zelda giggled.

~o~O~o~

While Zelda was self-aware enough to admit that she knew very little about combat, she was still in awe of the prowess Link displayed. She had only seen him show off his martial talents a few times, notably in the Four Swords and in the Gerudo Desert, but to observe his talents up close and without duress…

It was breathtaking.

Not that Aryll was bad by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Zelda had trouble reconciling with the fact that the young girl was only ten years old.

Aryll leapt again, trying to strike Link with her training spear. Link deftly twirled his spear and parried before trying to sweep Aryll, only for the little girl to somersault back and away.

Link looked impressed at the maneuver. "Wow. You have been practicing."

Grinning widely, Aryll confidently held her spear ready.

They clashed again, and Zelda could not tear her eyes away for a moment. Though she may have been pedestrian, she could see that Link was firmly in control of the match. Aryll attacked aggressively, but none of her attempts amounted to anything significant, while Link deflected or parried with an almost-casual outlook, leading his little sister around by the nose without the younger Faron the wiser.

It was when Aryll tripped over an exposed tree root that Link's plan revealed itself, and he promptly capitalized on her moment of weakness by disarming her and solidly sitting on top of her back. Aryll let out a muted scream and tried to wiggle free, but Link dropped his spear and started tickling her, causing Aryll to gasp, squeal, and cry amidst the laughter he coerced out of her.

Zelda broke out laughing as well, while Aryll shouted at Link for his unsportsmanlike behavior.

"No fair!" Aryll screeched, laughing. "Cheater!"

"Do you yield?" Link demanded playfully.

"Never!"

Link redoubled his efforts. "Do you yield?!"

"M-M-Midna!"

"Oh, cra—" was all Link could say before Midna ran at Link, bowled him over, and started licking him. "No, stop! Yuck!"

Aryll scrambled to her hands and feet, and launched herself at Link, aiming at his ticklish spots now. "Two against one! You have no chance!"

"Unfair! Foul!" Link cried out indignantly before sputtering. "Ack, Midna! Bad breath! Yuck!"

Fully giving in to her mirth, Zelda fell over onto her side, clutching her chest, and laughing harder than she could ever recall as the siblings and wolf broke down into a no-holds-barred playground wrestling match.

Eventually, the siblings ran out of energy and laid on the grass, panting and gasping, but both were grinning widely. Only Midna was still active, but she found pleasure under Zelda's waiting hands. Or a tossed stick.

"So, looks like you finally have a preference," Link said. He wiped his face clean of Midna's affections using his tunic and finally sat up, crossing his legs as he regarded his little sister.

"I like daggers, too, but my arms are too small to make proper use of them," Aryll said, grumbling slightly. She managed to sit up, too, but only to lean back onto her arms. "But using the spear… it's almost like dancing. Once I found my rhythm, it sort of fell into place."

"If I may," Zelda said shyly. She paused long enough to throw the stick for Midna to chase before speaking again. "I think you may benefit from the Gerudo style. Urbosa would certainly be pleased to assist."

"Really?" Aryll asked excitedly.

"I agree," Link said. "You can use that as your foundation before moving on to Hylian styles, and then maybe the trident, like Mipha."

"Do you know it?" Aryll asked. "The Gerudo style, I mean."

Link nodded. "Yeah, we can get started now."

Excited to learn something new, Aryll rolled onto her back and kipped up to her feet in a remarkable display of acrobatics. Link arched an eyebrow as he merely stood up casually.

Aryll grinned. "Saw some of the Gerudo do that during the Four Swords."

"You really have been training hard," Link said appreciatively. "It shows."

Beaming, Aryll picked up their spears and handed Link his. "Okay, what's it like?"

"Do as I do," Link said, taking the spear. "Watch closely, then try to mimic my movements."

Zelda passively watched as Link patiently taught Aryll the spear and couldn't help but feel a bit jealous at the sight. The thought also struck her with a sense of irony, that she, a princess of an entire realm, would be jealous of someone of common standing.

She also felt another sense of guilt well up within her as she recalled the despicable things she had thought of him prior to their reconciliation. She hadn't bothered to take the time to get to know him, and she had stubbornly ignored all of Impa's counsel.

Zelda had never thought of herself as petty, arrogantly believing that she was above such things…

Was I really so foolish?

Watching him, being a big brother, being a son, being… him. It was a side Zelda should have known he had from the start but had chosen to ignore simply to justify her baseless opinions.

A part of her felt absolutely unworthy to be here now, on the eve of their mourning.

She wanted to run away and hide in her room, but Midna, sensing her distress, heavily plopped down onto her crossed legs and looked up at her with doleful eyes. Zelda smiled and stroked the loyal wolf. Instead of basking in her touch, Midna continued to look up at her with something akin to empathy but did not move, ensuring that Zelda couldn't abruptly leave.

"Taking his side or mine?" Zelda whispered.

Midna snorted as if to call her silly that there were sides.

"You're right. He forgave me, and we promised that we needed to pretend that moment never happened," Zelda murmured. "I seem to be the one that keeps bringing it up, though. Guilt, I imagine."

One of Midna's paws batted at her.

They stayed like that for a time. Eventually, Zelda found her tumultuous feelings resolved for the moment under Midna's steady companionship as she watched Link gracefully show Aryll the things he'd learned from the Gerudo. The younger Faron struggled to keep up, lacking the same precision and polish as the older sibling, but she didn't let her failures daunt her. Instead, she kept trying, with each mistake solidifying new resolve in her eyes.

Zelda found herself a bit envious of Aryll as well, and she also felt that she could stand to learn something from the exchange.

None of them knew how the time had flown by when Marin called out for them to come in for dinner. Startled, Zelda looked to see that the sun was indeed passing beneath the horizon. At the word 'dinner', Midna clumsily scampered back to her feet and ran at full tilt towards the house.

A hand appeared in front of Zelda. Following it up, she saw Link smiling down at her.

"We need to wash up, or she won't let us sit at the table," he said.

Giggling, Zelda took his hand and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. She shook her legs out to get feeling back into them before following Link and Aryll back into the house.

~o~O~o~

"Here are some towels for you," Link said, placing the linens atop the dresser. "The bath is all yours."

"Thank you," Zelda replied. "Dinner was lovely. Your mother is a very good cook."

"She's been taking lessons, as I understand it," Link said. "Got the idea last year, at your fifteenth birthday celebration. She hadn't tasted food that good before and wanted to learn."

"I daresay she would be a match for any one of the kitchen staff now," Zelda said.

"High praise. You should have said something," Link replied.

Zelda's smile faltered a bit. "I-I wanted to, but it seems your mother is a bit… reticent to speak to me…"

Link became pensive as he recalled his mother's attitude towards Zelda… and the Royal Family as a whole. "I know what you mean. I can't explain why, though."

"Well, she's entitled to her opinions and feelings. I certainly would not begrudge her for that," Zelda said quietly before brightening up. "On to lighter matters, I have decided."

Blinking, Link tilted his head curiously. "Decided… what?"

"I changed my mind after watching you and Aryll," Zelda said, grinning. "I would dearly love to have a younger sibling. Brother or sister, it wouldn't matter."

Link chuckled. "Are you sure? You won't get into as much trouble if you're younger. All the blame tends to be placed on the older sibling."

"I'm sure," Zelda said primly.

"And you get to be more spoiled as the younger sibling," he added.

"There's more fun in the act of doing the spoiling than being spoiled, too," she countered.

"And you often get doted on when you're the youngest."

"You also get looked up to for guidance, opinions, and trust as the elder."

Link held up his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. Call it a draw, then."

Zelda pretended to think about it before nodding. "Very well. A draw."

Smiling, Link waved at her. "I'll let you have your privacy. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning, but not so early that you won't miss us scuffling around."

"I will be ready."

Stepping back into the hall, Link meandered back to the kitchen. He picked up a dishcloth and started wiping down the surfaces. A flicker of movement caught by the dimmed candlelight in the darkened living room barely caused him to bat an eye. He continued to clean up the remnants of dinner and tidy up before his mother finally spoke.

"How long are you going to pretend that you didn't notice me sitting here?" she asked.

"I didn't know if you wanted to be alone with your thoughts or if you wanted to talk," Link quietly answered. "I was just waiting for you."

Marin sighed and leaned back against the couch. On her lap was Midna, snuggled comfortably next to her. The wolf's head lay nestled on Marin's lap, though her eyes were wide and staring up at Marin worriedly.

Link wrung out the water in the rag and hung it to dry before taking a seat next to his mother. "Is there something you wanted to get off your mind?"

Marin shook her head and looked away.

"You know, it hasn't escaped my notice that you don't seem fond of Zelda. Or of King Rhoam," Link said. "I observed that at the last two birthday celebrations we attended."

Sighing heavily, Marin finally looked back up at Link. "You'll think I'm being silly."

"I think we all miss Father."

She started to stroke Midna's head absently as she stared at the family portrait they'd had commissioned a few years after Aryll was born. It hung proudly above the mantel.

"I suppose I blame the Royal Family for our loss," Marin whispered. "It's irrational, I know, but I can't help but harbor those feelings."

Heaving out a heavy sigh of his own, Link leaned back in his seat. "I find that I blame myself more than I blame them."

Marin glanced up at him sharply. "What?"

"I told Zelda this before… Liena could have made me a knight prior to Father's last mission," Link muttered. "I remember vividly how I told Father, I told him that I would take the trials later that year, when he would be home, and he could watch. I was ready, but I didn't do it. I hesitated, and then he was gone. The moment I heard he was missing, I didn't hesitate that day to ride out, but I kept thinking to myself, 'Why didn't I just become a knight and join him?' "

"Link…"

"And then there was Zora's Domain," Link muttered.

"Zora's Domain?" Marin repeated.

Link shook his head and fell silent.

"What is it, Link?"

"Nothing. I'm just being stupid," Link muttered.

"Link, talk to me," Marin said softly.

Sighing, he looked up and met her eyes. "I was sent on a mission to Zora's Domain recently. A Lynel, likely the same one that I wounded when I was five, was terrorizing the Zora. I ended the threat, but I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking things."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember how we talked about why Father got his promotion? Because of King Dorephan? Because of what I did?" Link asked. "King Dorephan told King Rhoam about the Lynel, and Sidon, and how Father was a credit to Hyrule and a hero to the Zora…"

"You think that because you did the deed, and your father had to protect you, you feel responsible?" Marin asked.

Link clenched his hands and looked away. "I know, I'm being stupid."

"If you hadn't acted, wouldn't a child have been killed?" she asked.

He hesitated for just a moment before slowly nodding.

"You did what you had to do," Marin said with finality. "There are things that are well beyond your control. The idea that you can alter one event and suddenly your father is with us is…"

"Is what, Mother?"

Marin exhaled sharply but sent Link a sad smile. "It's wishful thinking. More importantly, I don't want you punishing yourself for doing the right thing. Mipha is your friend, isn't she?"

"Yeah," Link mumbled.

"And Sidon is but a child," Marin said. She shifted so that Midna wasn't on her lap anymore, walked over to Link, took his hand, and squeezed it. "Link, you did the right thing. And your father did as well, shielding you as he did. Do not do this to yourself. You're right. We all miss him."

"Yeah, we do," Link replied, looking back up at her meaningfully.

Marin sighed again, but this time out of fondness. She ruffled Link's hair playfully. "When did you get so wise?"

Link shrugged and grinned. "I don't think I got it from Father. Must be from somewhere else."

Marin laughed and gave him a kiss on the head. "Go to sleep, you. And… thank you."

Link got up, pecked his mother on the cheek, and shambled off to bed.

~o~O~o~

The next morning, Leon, Astoria, and Liena made a surprise visit in a show of support. Just as the Farons and Zelda were all preparing to leave, Liena knocked on their door. Link answered, smiled, and ushered them inside. The Serluts were shocked to see Princess Zelda there, though they were quick-witted enough to not say anything. Liena's eyes demanded that Link tell her the story later.

For now, they all made the trip to the cemetery. Using the Serlut carriage rather than the wagon, everyone but Link and Aryll were inside. Aryll was riding atop Lux, wanting to get more 'riding practice' as she put it—Link suspected she wanted to appear knightly or, at the very least, as a squire before their father.

She looked contemplative, so Link brought Epona closer.

"Something on your mind?" he asked.

Startled out of her thoughts, she nodded, but rigidly looked forward. "Sir Ordon offered to be my mentor."

"Rusl, huh?" Link murmured. "He's a good man. He has a son your age, too."

"Really? Does he want to be a knight?" Aryll asked.

Link shook his head. "Colin doesn't seem to have the right temperament for the task. And I don't think Rusl's wife wanted him to be a knight anyway. Uli is… overbearing."

Aryll giggled.

"Have you accepted?" Link asked.

Aryll shook her head. "There were others that offered, too, but I wanted to ask you first about them. You coming home was good, because I really didn't want to write you letters about this."

Link nodded and softly said, "We'll talk after, then."

Aryll nodded back.

"Have you talked to Mother about this?"

"Yeah, but she said it might be better to talk to you," Aryll replied. "She seemed happy enough, but I don't know."

"She's worried. Same as me," Link said. "That's what mothers do. Big brothers, too, now that I think about it."

Aryll giggled at that.

When they finally arrived at the cemetery, Link hopped off Epona and opened the door to the carriage, assisting everyone but Astoria, whom Leon quietly escorted out.

They were all dressed in black and somberly shuffled to where Revan's memorial was. Marin was holding a bouquet of flowers and gently placed it down.

Everyone stepped back and gave the grieving widow her space to say whatever it was she wished to say. Link turned to their unexpected escorts instead.

"I didn't expect to see you," Link murmured.

"We were here last year, actually," Liena quietly replied. "You were at… Tabantha, wasn't it?"

Link nodded.

"I looked up to him," Liena said mournfully.

"And he was a good friend, and someone who I called upon for advice numerous times," Leon confessed. "You might be surprised to know that I heeded every word he ever told me. My life grew richer for it. You might say he was a mentor of mine as well."

"Every word?" Aryll asked.

Leon nodded. "I wouldn't joke about this; not here. Not in this place. Believe me, if he told me that it would be in my best interest to donate half of my holdings to charity, I would do it. His advice had a way of panning out for the better."

When Marin stood up, all conversation ceased.

Link took Aryll's hand. "Let's go."

"I can go on my own," Aryll said, her cheeks puffing out in annoyance.

"As knight and soon-to-be-squire, then," Link replied.

Deflating at that, Aryll nodded, but she took the lead and pulled Link along. Midna trotted alongside them.

"Hi, Father," Aryll whispered. "So… Link wants to tell you that he prefers the sword over the spear. Me? I love the spear. I'm training really hard."

Link chuckled, though he needed to take a cleansing breath to hold back the tears, too.

"I'm going to be a squire soon; within the month, likely," Aryll said. "After that… knighthood and making sure Link doesn't do anything crazy. Maybe go on to tasks of my own and help where I can, when I can. It doesn't sound like a bad way to live."

When tears started falling down her cheeks, Link knelt next to her and wrapped an arm around her comfortingly.

"I-I really wish you were here to give us some advice, but… I know we can muddle through," Aryll said. She took a shuddering breath. "We're your children, after all. You taught us a lot."

Standing up abruptly, she shook off Link's arm and stomped away, rubbing her face as she left. Midna chose to chase after her and keep her company.

"Don't worry, Father, I'll watch over her, too," Link whispered. "You have my word on that."

Link placed both knees onto the ground, clasped his hands, and quietly prayed to the Great Goddesses.

When he was done, Zelda urged the Serluts to speak a few words next. Marin glanced worriedly at Aryll, who was leaning against a tree not far from where they were.

"I-I should probably go to her," Marin said.

Just as Link wondered whether that would be the wisest course of action, Zelda spoke up.

"Perhaps at home, but not here," she said quietly. "If she's anything like me, there are no words, no scriptures, and no prayers that will alleviate the pain she's feeling. Give it a little time for her to adjust to it, to find the strength to rise above it, before approaching. She will appreciate that more than you'll ever know."

Marin looked at Zelda, startled, before considering her words and nodding. "Yes, that's… that's probably for the best."

When the Serluts were finished, Zelda walked up to the grave, fell upon her knees, clasped her hands together, and prayed, similar to Link. Unlike Link, though, she was there for far longer than he. It made him wonder if she was doing a full mantra for Revan. When she was done, she wiped away a solitary tear and stood up.

With their period of mourning completed, they all returned to Mabe Village. When they arrived home, Marin offered lunch to the Serluts, who graciously accepted the invitation. Had it been any other time, Link would have found it odd that they were hosting both royalty and nobles within their modest home.

At some point, Liena managed to drag Link away, while Zelda, surprisingly, offered to help with lunch. Insisted, in fact.

"Can you tell me why the princess is here?" Liena asked.

"For me," Link answered. "And because she didn't have the chance to preside over the funeral."

Liena nodded slowly. "Hmm. None of us heard about this, but I'm sure people will be talking about it soon enough, even if we were to remain mum on the whole affair."

Link shrugged. "We're going back to the castle tomorrow, so it doesn't matter."

When lunch was served, Leon told a few tales he had heard about Revan before he'd met Marin—Link was profusely glad he didn't mention the Gerudo Desert—and Revan's rise to fame amongst the Hyrulean military with his prowess in dispatching some of the most difficult foes that roamed the land.

"It still gives me gooseflesh to imagine that he led a small band of soldiers against a Flame Gleeok!" Leon said dramatically. "Picture this in your mind: To gallop along the length of the great Bridge of Hylia, spear in hand, as a three-headed, fire-breathing dragon bears down upon you! The backdrop of Lake Hylia and the Great Plateau framing the moment! Oh, what a sight it must have been!"

"And how did he win?" Aryll asked excitedly.

"According to the reports written by him and the soldiers serving under him, he threw his spear!" Leon said. He stood up from the table, backed up a few paces, and pretended to throw a spear of his own. Dramatic, yes, but to Link's trained eye, no form whatsoever.

Ah, I can't believe I'm judging a civilian's spear technique.

"It struck one of the heads, and the Gleeok collided into one of the bridge's towers," Leon continued. "Stunned, the beast crashed onto the bridge. Revan and his team took swift advantage and slayed the fell beast."

"Is this really true?" Marin asked.

Leon looked wounded. "But of course!"

"I can wholeheartedly affirm his tale," Zelda said. When all eyes were on her, she turned a bit pink but forged on. "It's one of the many things we look at when considering candidates for the Royal Guard. His feats were noteworthy."

"Were you considering him long?" Link asked, curious.

Zelda nodded. "We were, but due to the power the Royal Guard has, we keep their numbers small, and no positions were available until… until one was. Sir Revan was one of the top candidates, possibly the candidate we'd been looking at to fill that spot."

That was a detail Link hadn't known. He looked down at his nearly empty plate. "So that means I inherited his position."

Zelda opened her mouth but found no words to say.

Seeing this, Link smiled. "No, it's… it's like he's watching over me, in a way. It's fine. It's comforting, actually."

"Um… Zelda?" Aryll suddenly asked, and she pointed at Link. "Does Link still call you that at the castle, too?"

"Only in private," Zelda answered.

Aryll shot Link a wicked grin. "Really?"

Zelda tilted her head in confusion before a blush blossomed across her cheeks.

"I call Mipha by her given name, too," Link pointed out, quick to save her. "No need to stand on formality all the time."

Aryll sighed. "That sounds so boring."

"Sorry if you're looking for some drama," Link dryly retorted. "I mean, we should be addressing Leon and Astoria as Lord and Lady, you know."

Astoria shook her head and sighed. Normally, it was a breach of manners, but amongst the casual crowd she found herself in, she let down her hair, so to speak. It was probably the most casual Link had ever seen her.

"Truly, that's one of the many problems with nobles. We must use a dozen words when five will do. It's a miracle we get anything of substance done at all!" Astoria exclaimed.

Liena giggled. "Poor us."

"Oh, Liena, did you know about Aryll's new training?" Link asked.

Liena perked up and turned to Aryll. "Did you beat him?"

Aryll hung her head and sighed. "No. Not for lack of trying, though."

"You were in on this," Link said accusingly.

"I was simply helping a potential squire," Liena replied innocently. "And if that potential squire were to make the Hero of Legend eat dirt, well, that would make for another entertaining tale my father can impart, wouldn't it?"

Zelda giggled. "That would be adorable, though. Your fatal weakness!"

"She still is, in a way," Marin said.

"You're all so mean to me," Link mumbled.

He almost pouted when everyone at the table laughed instead of commiserating.

~o~O~o~

Following the conclusion of lunch, the Serluts bade everyone farewell and assured Zelda that they would keep her presence in Mabe Village a secret.

Zelda thanked them for their discretion and wished them a safe journey home.

Aryll wanted more lessons from Link and fairly dragged him back outside.

Zelda wondered what to do when she saw that Marin was cleaning up the plates and other utensils by herself.

"Would you like me to help you with that?" Zelda asked.

Marin blinked but showed no other signs of surprise. Eventually, she smiled and shook her head. "No, it was more than enough to have you help me with lunch preparations. Romani will be in soon to help me. She and Cremia will want to help with dinner as well, since Fado will be joining us this evening."

"Are you sure?" Zelda asked.

"Very. You may join Link and Aryll outside," Marin said. "Oh, but if you feel like being useful, take this pitcher of lemonade and mugs out to them. No doubt the heat will make them thirsty."

"I can certainly do that much," Zelda said, relieved that Marin's attitude towards her was warming.

Marin placed the drinks, as well as a plate of snacks, onto a tray and carefully handed everything over.

Just as Zelda was about to take it, Marin pulled the tray back and looked pensive.

"I heard from my son… that you're having difficulty with your abilities," Marin said. She hesitated a bit before continuing. "I won't presume to know what your life is like or what difficulties you're having, and I doubt I can fathom the depths of your responsibilities… so… all I ask of you… in fact, I'm begging of you… please, please… watch over Link for me?"

Zelda opened and closed her mouth a few times before taking a deep breath and firmly nodding. "You have my word. Not just as the princess of Hyrule, but my personal vow that I shall do my utmost."

Marin took a deep breath of her own and nodded. "Thank you."

Carefully taking the tray, Zelda nodded back and, after one last glance at the Faron matriarch, headed outside.

"It's good work, Aryll," Link was saying as Zelda approached. "At this rate, you'll be a force to be reckoned with."

Aryll grumbled and dusted herself off as she clambered back to her feet. "Again!"

Zelda placed the tray atop the outdoor table and sat down to watch. Just like the day before, she found herself entranced by the way Link moved, how he seemed to gracefully flow, the beads of sweat running down his throat…

It was only thanks to Midna that her daydreaming didn't go any further than Link's collarbone when the wolf whined incessantly and looked at the plate of snacks.

And it was only then that Zelda realized she had been fantasizing about her knight-protector.

Oh. Oh, my goddesses, what am I doing?!