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.

23. Ever Vigilant

Central Hyrule – Hyrule Castle

Following the meeting with the king, Link stepped back into the hallway, only to see that Zelda and Impa were waiting for him. In addition, Midna was there, too, nuzzling against the princess, but she bounded over to Link and pressed herself against his legs. He automatically started scratching her around the ears and below the jawline.

Zelda momentarily smiled before turning serious and ordered him to follow her—which was strange, considering that he would have followed her regardless. She quickly made her way to a part of the castle Link wasn't well acquainted with yet. Zelda knocked on a door and walked inside. A young and pretty woman was inside. She had the pale skin of a Hylian, but the red hair of a Gerudo. She had been writing something down but looked up upon their entry.

She calmly stood up and bowed. "Your Highness. What brings you by this evening?"

"Hello, Tarja. I need you to have a look at Link," Zelda said. "He was injured during the course of his duties, and I want to make sure he is all right."

"Tarja is the royal healer," Impa whispered to Link, who quietly nodded back.

"Of course, Your Highness. Hello, Link," Tarja said. She pointed at a chair next to her desk. "Please, have a seat."

Though her words were polite, her tone suggested that she was used to having her way. Her accent was interesting as well, a mix between the culture of aristocracy and the bluntness of a commoner, making Link wonder what her background was like.

Obliging the healer, Link sat down and presented himself for inspection. Zelda gestured at the wound on his right arm. Tarja clicked her tongue but made no further comment as she gently undid the field bandages to have a look.

"It looks to be irrigated and cleaned… ragged wound… Did you scrape yourself?" Tarja asked.

"Possible laceration, too, just prior to that," Link replied. "The wound could be deeper than it looks."

Tarja nodded and gently prodded the wound a bit more, keeping some cotton on hand to clean the blood that still seeped. "Any pain?"

"Nothing I can't handle."

Tarja rolled her eyes. "Of course."

Impa leaned over and grinned teasingly. "Just be honest with us: is he going to die?"

Link scoffed and shook his head exasperatedly, while Zelda swatted Impa on the arm.

"I see the cut, but it's not deep. Looks like a large, bladed weapon made this," Tarja murmured. She looked up sharply at Link. "How did that happen?"

"Lynel," Link answered.

"A Lynel," Tarja repeated, deadpan.

"A Lynel?" Impa asked, eyes wide. She turned to Zelda.

"Just a glancing strike," Link clarified to everyone.

Tarja turned her gaze to Zelda as well.

"It was a Lynel," Zelda said. "To be precise, he had to fight three of them. As well as a host of Bokoblins."

"Then I'm rather surprised that you have all your limbs," Tarja muttered. She inspected the wound more thoroughly now.

"Or my life," Link morbidly added.

"It seems that there's merit to the legends after all," Impa murmured appreciatively.

Link chose not to say anything this time.

Tarja continued to clean the blood using the cotton wad before handing him a rectangular bandage. "Press down."

Doing as he was told, Link looked on, curious as Tarja took the cotton and rubbed it several times on a sheaf of parchment. Discarding the cotton, she brought a candle close to the bloodstain she made and peered closely. Link thought she even sniffed the bloody streaks as well.

"Hmm… no abnormal discoloration, artifacts, scents, or viscous changes…" Tarja murmured to herself. She looked up at Link. "Any fevers, chills, or coughs?"

He shook his head.

"And the skin pigmentation around the wound is as expected, nothing to suggest spreading necrosis," Tarja said, more to herself than to the assembled group. She looked back up at her patient. "Well, likely you avoided infection for now."

"Then he's all right?" Zelda asked.

"Well, a young man such as he will have no problems with something like this," Tarja announced. Tossing the parchment away, she turned to Link. "No need for any fancy tinctures or stitches. I'll put on a poultice with a fresh bandage, and you'll be right as rain in a week or two. Any problems, and you are to return at once, do you understand me? I suspect you would like to keep that arm."

Link nodded.

After Tarja's ministrations were complete, she conducted a simple physical before announcing that there was nothing else wrong with Link that she could see beyond a few small scrapes or fading bruises. She offered potions to help with any residual pain or inflammation, but Link declined.

Relieved, Zelda thanked her and waited until Link was ready before leaving.

With that out of the way, they made their way to the dining hall to get a late supper.

"Um… Zelda," Link said suddenly.

Impa's eyes widened as she glanced between him and the princess with intense interest.

Zelda stopped and turned to him questioningly.

"I didn't get the chance to say this, considering our frantic ride back to the castle, but thank you," Link said. "For bandaging my wound. And for saving me."

"Oh," Zelda said. She smiled embarrassingly. "I didn't do that much. At best, I annoyed the beast, I think."

"It was enough," Link replied. His smile turned teasing. "Although, I think we were more surprised that you actually hit him."

Zelda scrunched up her nose cutely. "Very funny."

Now Impa looked intrigued. "What did I miss?"

"Quite a bit," Zelda answered. "Come, let us eat. I can tell you what happened. It's quite the story."

Impa turned to Link. "Is it?"

"I think so," Link replied.

"A proper adventure," Zelda added.

"Sounds exciting!" Impa said. She grabbed both of their hands and pulled them along. "I want to hear everything! Start from the beginning!"

~o~O~o~

With the decision to press on with the princess's birthday celebration, Link got to observe firsthand all the preparations that went on for such an occasion. He was sure there was some sort of method to the madness he was witnessing, because he could not make heads or tails of the flurry of activity happening around him, yet everything continued to take shape in something that promised to be spectacular. However, while Link was a bit stricken at the flurry of activity occurring, Zelda was entirely nonplussed and continued with her business as usual.

Almost as usual.

In the days and weeks that followed their sojourn in the Gerudo Desert, Zelda had become much more approachable, allowing Link to see her as Impa probably saw her, without the fear or resentment coloring her attitude. Zelda greeted him in the mornings, thanked him when he opened doors, took the time to inform him of her plans for the day over breakfast so he would be prepared, and bade him good night in the evenings.

It was amazing how much more comfortable life in the castle had become with just a little kindness.

Link also gave King Rhoam a more detailed report of the events in the Gerudo Desert and at Eldin Canyon. Link was sure that he spoke to Zelda privately as well to get the full perspective of events as well as their time at both locations.

Once again, Link had to follow behind the scenes as Zelda thoroughly immersed herself in prayers every evening; five days of the week were spent at the castle chapel, and one at Hyrule Cathedral. Sadly, Link saw no signs of anything that appeared 'divine', though what that sign might be, he still had no idea, nor did anyone else for that matter.

In between, Zelda continued her studies, though she often voiced her thoughts out loud now. Either it was to Midna, Link, or both. Regardless, neither of them offered any meaningful insights into the complex topics of whatever it was Zelda was studying, but she appeared glad to have two pairs of ears that were willing to entertain her intellectual musings.

In the week leading up to Zelda's birthday, Link also had to attend dozens of meetings with Captain Auru, Commander Taggart, and Impa regarding the new security arrangements put in place. He was forced to remember hand gestures, passphrases, challenge codes, and other new means to protect Zelda in a public forum. Things he had no idea had taken place the previous year when he had been a mere guest, despite being in the Royal Guard at the time.

It wasn't until then that Link had realized how much leeway King Rhoam had offered him before he'd accepted his current assignment.

Finally, the big day arrived. Impa's services were needed more than Link's, since Zelda would be sequestered in various parts of the castle for much of the day. From the snippets of conversations Link was able to glean, everything was geared towards making her presentable to the public at large. It was likely a gauntlet of beauty treatments Link had no interest in learning the details about. Since he was excused—more or less—he spent the day with Midna. He really wanted to go down to train with the knights or do some horseback archery, but he knew that he had to remain presentable later in the evening.

Instead, he occupied himself with reviewing the security protocols for the evening; it was dull but necessary work. After, when Midna's urgent nudging grew too insistent, he stepped outside to play fetch with her or let her run with some of the more adventurous children in Castle Town that were interested in playing with a wolf.

When the appointed time came, Link brought Midna back to his room, much to the lupine's disappointment.

When Midna gave him a doleful look, Link sighed and gave her some loving scratches. "It's only for the evening. I'll be bringing some good food for you, okay?"

Her side-eye bordered on distrustful, but she gracefully hopped onto Link's bed and laid down.

Grinning, Link bathed, groomed himself, put on his Royal Guard uniform, and made sure that the Master Sword was securely attached to his hip. Next, he went to Captain Auru to get an update on the security in place for the night's festivities.

"As you know, we have some people undercover in the ball, dressed as guests, and others as servants," Auru said. "What you may not know is that the Sheikah are providing their own security as well, though in what role that is, I have no idea. They wish to keep it secret, and they're afraid that the Royal Guard's methods may have already been compromised."

"But they masqueraded as Sheikah," Link pointed out.

"Which is why they claimed they put in new methods to ensure that if the Yiga were to try that, the Sheikah will know," Auru replied. "As such, I'm assured that any Sheikah guests are just that: guests. Only Impa will be visible protection out there tonight. If any Sheikah approaches you or the princess under the guise of protection, assume hostile unless they know the challenge code."

Link nodded. "Does the Royal Family know?"

"They do, and they're the only ones with the details," Auru answered. "I suspect they spent the majority of the week getting briefed."

Link hid his frown. His and Aryll's birthdays were usually so much more festive. Zelda's was beginning to feel more like a chore.

Guess this is really how the other side lives. Liena was right. Again.

"Now remember, you must remain close to the princess at all times this evening," Auru added. "His Majesty has asked Her Highness to limit herself on dances, if at all possible, but we can't afford to snub certain… well, let's just say 'influential individuals'. One of the undercover guardswomen will be dancing with the princess's potential partners to do discreet threat assessment before Her Highness dances with them. If she finds anything unusual, she'll give us a subtle signal."

Again, Link nodded, now having become accustomed to the methodology the Royal Guard utilized after the grueling week on operational security he'd had to learn. His brow was furrowed as he considered other disturbing scenarios. "What are your thoughts about the possible dangers tonight?"

Auru sighed and leaned back in his chair, causing it to creak heavily. "It's hard to say, knowing so little about the Yiga. On the one hand, what you did must have set them back and put them on the defensive. Losing that many assassins on a failed attempt should deter most, and since we know that the threat is real and that we are taking precautions, the smart move would be to retreat into the shadows and wait for a better opportunity. However, if Master Impaz's warnings are to be believed, the Yiga are fanatics."

"Which means they won't be thinking rationally," Link replied.

"We can't afford to be careless, so my gut says that we should be careful," Auru said. "Bear in mind, you are also a potential target."

"It didn't work out for them last time," Link said.

He wasn't boasting; not really. He was turning his mind back to his Sheikah training. Honorable duels were one thing, but fights were another, and the Sheikah did whatever it took to defend the princess. Since Link was acquainted with Sheikah methods, the Yiga wouldn't be able to take him head-on. An ambush might not even be enough if his martial skill was too overwhelming and he kept a cool head. No, Link felt that if the Yiga wanted to kill him, they would have to be as underhanded as possible.

"Best way for the Yiga to claim my life would be subterfuge. Poison my food or drink, maybe," Link muttered.

"The Sheikah expressed their feelings about that," Auru said. "Besides guarding the kitchens and the staff within, prior to serving, dishes will be randomized. What was made for you won't necessarily go to you."

"Instead, it'll kill someone else," Link pointed out.

Auru shook his head. "It's one of many security precautions in place, Link. Naturally, we have people watching for any suspicious acts, and the Royal Family's food and drink will be assessed and tasted before leaving the kitchens, but it still leaves one or two openings. It's grim, but we do what we must do to fulfil our duty."

Link didn't like it, but he knew he didn't have to. It was a situation that they simply had to deal with.

Thanking Captain Auru for his time, Link went back to the residential wing of the castle. A quick inquiry, and he learned that Zelda was still preparing for the evening.

Spending hours getting ready… how can she do that?

The process sounded extremely exhausting to Link.

Instead, he went down to the foyer to wait for his family, his 'date', and her family to arrive.

After twenty minutes of peoplewatching—mostly a parade of well-dressed and well-groomed nobles entering the castle—a carriage bearing the Royal Crest of Hyrule rolled into view. Link pushed off the column he was leaning against and walked down the steps, all smiles.

Aryll appeared first, hopping out of the carriage, yelling, "Link!" and dashed up to hug him.

Link grinned and patted her back fondly. "Hi, Aryll."

"It's so good to see you!" Aryll gushed.

"You, too," Link said. He looked up and found himself in another embrace, this time from their mother. "Hello, Mother."

"Link," Marin said happily. She stepped back and inspected him. "My goodness, Liena wasn't joking. You have become tan."

Link chuckled. "Well, the desert has plenty of sands and sun, Mother, and I had my fill of both."

Liena sauntered up to them and smiled. "As did I. Sadly, my tan is already fading. Shame. I thought I looked rather good with darker skin."

"I thought it was off-putting, to say the least," Astoria remarked as she joined them. "Link, a pleasure to see you again."

"Astoria, you look radiant this evening," Link replied.

"Thank you, Link."

"Indeed she does," Leon said, wrapping an arm around his wife possessively and mock glaring at Link. "Do not try to ply your charms on her, young man. You already have ladies fawning over you left and right. Why, I hear the majority of Gerudo Town wished to bed you! Scandalous!"

Liena heaved a long-suffering sigh, though the corners of her lips quirked up. "Father…"

Marin and Aryll giggled.

"And you don't look too shabby yourself, Leon," Link replied, grinning.

Leon pretended to preen. "Well, you silver-tongued devil, you. Perhaps I shall deign to allow you to court my daughter despite your lecherous ways."

Astoria shook her head and gave Leon a gentle whack on his arm, though her eyes shined with mirth. "Thank you for taking Liena out this evening, Link. We know you're quite busy with your duties, so I want you to know how much we appreciate the effort you're making."

"Oh, no. It's been my pleasure," Link replied. He smiled and took Liena's arm. "Shall we?"

As the group followed the red carpet into the castle, Aryll sidled up to Link's other side and asked, "Where's Midna?"

"My room," Link answered. "She was playing outside all day and hasn't had a bath in the last couple of weeks. She wouldn't be fit to greet you. Or anyone else, for that matter. Not if nobles are as fussy about their clothes as Liena would have us believe."

Liena smoothed out her gown and smiled. "Well, they are expensive, so having wolf prints all over their finest evening wear wouldn't exactly be a welcome sight."

"I don't think Z—Princess Zelda would mind," Link mused. "Or maybe she would, considering the amount of time it's taken her to prepare."

"Oh, does the princess like Midna?" Aryll asked.

Link nodded. "Yes, and Midna likes her, too. She's been helping me guard the princess."

"Aww. That's too cute!"

"Her Highness is quite taken with your lupine companion, if our information is accurate," Astoria said knowingly. "Tell us, is it true that your wolf sleeps in Her Highness's chambers as well?"

"She does, though I have no idea where she sleeps specifically, since I have never been in there," Link answered. "Ever."

"Now, I daresay if Her Highness's knight protector were ever to be in her personal chambers, that would get tongues wagging," Leon said, chuckling.

"And likely end Link's career… among other things," Liena added, shooting her father a baleful look. "Don't even joke about that."

"My dearest daughter, there are lines even I shan't cross… until I've imbibed enough, in any event," Leon replied, winking.

Link gave Liena an uncertain look. He knew what her feelings were about drinking.

Catching his eyes, she leaned in and whispered, "He doesn't usually drink to excess. I think that incident with Sir Revan may have been the last I've heard about."

There was a long line of nobles, each waiting impatiently or patiently, depending on entitlement, Link mused quietly to himself. At the front, guardsmen and Royal Guardsmen were inspecting each individual, even going so far as to open any bags and perform patdowns. Link led his group past the line all the way to the doors. He shared a look and a small nod with the guards as they walked past. Upon approaching the main hall, the Serluts produced invitations. After a servant took and inspected them, he gave Link a glance and bowed respectfully before taking the invitations to the herald.

The herald took the invitations, leaning to listen to whatever the servant had to say, before looking over at the group and nodding.

"What's going on?" Aryll asked.

"Our invitations have our names, and we're about to be announced," Leon answered. "At this point, I'm sure Link is well-known amongst the castle staff, and his uniform shows his station and rank. They're merely confirming before announcing our arrival."

"And because we're so close, standard security precautions are being waived for Liena and her family," Link added. "Everyone else is being inspected to see if they're carrying any weapons of any kind, hence the long line."

"Presenting the Hylian Champion, Sir Link Faron, his companion and family, Dame Sortiliena Serlut, Lady Marin Faron, and Lady Aryll Faron!" the herald cried out to the assembled guests.

"We should have taken the side door again," Link muttered.

"Now, now, Link. Courage. Head up, back straight, and walk me in," Liena said out of the corner of her lips.

Resisting the urge to sigh with eyes upon them, Link led Liena and his family into the main hall, still feeling uncomfortable with the attention, scant as it was. It was early, so there weren't many guests yet, and it wasn't as if there were that many eyes upon them. Only just all of the current nobles that had arrived before them.

"Presenting Lord Leon Serlut and Lady Astoria Serlut!"

"Dear me, you seem to have neglected some important parts of Link's training," Leon said as they rejoined them.

"Very funny, Father," Liena dryly replied.

"Like what?" Aryll asked.

"How to comport yourself amongst society's most entitled, how to be snobbish without looking crass, and how to be arrogant about your station without overplaying your hand," Leon answered. "Very important skills, you know."

Link rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'll get to work on that immediately."

"See that you do," Leon said imperiously. "You are a reflection of my Liena's teachings, after all."

"Oh, I see food," Aryll said forlornly. "I'm so hungry. We had to skip lunch to get ready for tonight!"

Aryll fairly skipped to the buffet provided, with the rest of the group following just behind. Link and Liena lagged a bit, however. The former looked around before leaning closer to his date.

"Did Commander Taggart brief you about this evening?" Link murmured out of the side of his mouth.

Liena smiled, turned, and hugged Link, bringing her mouth closer to his ear. "He did. Though, apparently, I'm to be your bodyguard tonight as well, in case anyone tries to do anything to you. Only Impa or I are to be your dance partners this evening."

Her distance was such that he got a whiff of something sweet in her long brunette locks, and it was slightly intoxicating. Link tried to control his blush and nodded. "F-feeling better already."

Liena caught the look on his face—even as he tried to pretend to look around—and grinned. She snagged his arm once more. "You know, you haven't complimented on how I look yet."

Blinking, Link turned back to Liena, his eyes taking her in from head to toe, and he had to clear his throat before the lump could firmly lodge itself and end his ability to breathe. Sadly, his mind was not yet functioning properly. "Oh, right. Well, you look… um… nice."

Giggling, Liena led him to the refreshments table. "Aw, Link. That's very sweet. You look dashing yourself. I would even go so far as to say that you wear that uniform better than any other Royal Guardsman here."

Link frowned, even as his blush began creeping up his neck. "I didn't mean that. I mean, I did mean that, but I know I can do better."

"Relax, Link," Liena said, smiling brightly. "Rendering a man tongue-tied is a compliment unto itself. Here, have a drink. You look like you need it."

She handed him a goblet of punch and took one for herself.

Link mumbled his thanks but refused. Promptly, a servant brought him a goblet instead, and he asked for two more for his family. The woman nodded and quickly left to complete his order.

"Security for you, too, huh?" Liena rhetorically asked.

"In case someone had their hands on that goblet before you," Link replied. "Shall we?"

"You look happy," Marin said as they approached. She thanked the servant that brought her a goblet and took a sip.

"Perhaps just a bit," Liena replied, eyeing Link mischievously.

Link handed Aryll her goblet and took a sip of his own drink instead of engaging. Once he felt he was in control of himself, he looked at Aryll and Marin and smiled. "New dresses? You both look great."

"They are!" Aryll chirped excitedly, and she turned side to side. "Astoria and Liena took us out yesterday."

"Well, you've been training so hard," Astoria said. "It's important to take a moment for yourself."

"Oh, you have, have you?" Link asked teasingly.

"I think I might surprise you… at least a little bit," Aryll retorted.

Leon led everyone to some expensive-looking couches and chairs, stealing a flute of champagne from a passing servant for himself and another for Astoria. Link and Aryll hastened to load their plates with as much food as they could get away with before following.

Just as Link was about to put a lovely honey-dipped ham into his mouth, Leon leaned forward and said, "Now then, Link, besides your wicked escapades with the Gerudo ladies—"

Link nearly sputtered and tried to defend his innocence, but he had just taken a bite of his appetizer and was unable to rally a defense.

"—Liena also regaled Astoria and me with a rather harrowing tale involving you and Her Highness in the Gerudo Desert," Leon continued, smiling. "I would like to hear it from your perspective. It sounds very thrilling."

Darkly staring back at the man, Link chewed and swallowed before replying. "I'm sure it was, but not nearly as interesting as what happened after."

"The events near Death Mountain?" Astoria astutely asked. "I understand that it was because of you and Her Highness that over a dozen lives were saved, plus more at the neighboring hamlets."

"You are well-informed," Link said.

Astoria modestly waved off the praise. "Broad strokes, dear, but details are always in short supply."

"I want to hear," Aryll said. She turned and faced Link expectantly, idly munching on her appetizer.

"I would, too," Liena added.

Resigned, Link told them of what had happened in the Gerudo Desert, and then the events that had transpired at Eldin Canyon while sticking to the fiction that Zelda had wanted to investigate the surge of monsters by testing a theory and that she had only come up with the idea at Hyrule Garrison—which was after they had split up from Liena.

All while trying to eat without looking uncouth.

"Goodness. How fortunate for those people at the stable that you were there, Link," Astoria said after he finished.

"I can't believe the princess had to help you, though," Aryll added, giggling all the while. "I would have loved to see that."

Link scoffed and took a sip from his goblet to hide his expression. He fibbed slightly, saying that Zelda had been able to distract one of the Lynels rather than save him from what could have been mortal peril. The last thing he wanted was to worry his family on what should be a festive occasion.

Now I know how you felt, Father. Guess I'm finally understanding what you were trying to tell me all those years ago.

"Truly a thrilling tale," Leon said. "Assassins and monsters amidst exotic locales. This would make a fantastic book one day… or perhaps even a play."

Aryll glanced at Link askance. "So, does this mean you and the princess are getting along now?"

"We're cordial to each other," Link simply replied.

Aryll mouthed the unfamiliar word to herself.

"It means they're being polite to each other," Marin patiently explained.

"Oh."

"Although, knowing Link, he's likely understating it," Marin added.

Link shrugged and didn't offer any further comments.

The conversation remained on his recent exploits, with everyone—save Marin—asking for more details. Liena was only able to give some clarification on what had happened in the Gerudo Desert, so she was keen on hearing how Link had saved Zelda from the Yiga Clan as well. Finally, Link was able to divert the conversation away from him and onto Aryll, who was happy to discuss the gains she had made. Archery was improving, as well as her swordplay. She had started work on short spears within the last month or two and was excitedly telling everyone all about it when a herald announced the arrival of Urbosa.

Link glanced at the entrance and easily spotted the flash of crimson hair, gold, and other precious stone jewelry worn by Urbosa and her Gerudo entourage. He returned his attention back to Aryll and continued to discuss the merits of the spear when a shadow loomed over him. He turned back to see Urbosa standing nearby.

"Sav'saaba, Link," Urbosa said. She inclined her head at Liena. "And to you as well, Dame Serlut."

"Sav'saaba," Link replied. He stood up and placed his plate down. "This is my family. My mother, Marin Faron; and my sister, Aryll."

"Sav'saaba," Urbosa greeted.

"It means 'good evening'," Link said to everyone present. "This is Leon Serlut and Astoria Serlut, Liena's parents."

Both Leon and Astoria stood up.

"An honor to meet you, Chief Urbosa," Leon said.

"Thank you for hosting our daughter in your home," Astoria added.

"Think nothing of it," Urbosa replied. "And please, just Urbosa. Titles and formalities bore me."

"Oh, you're the Gerudo chieftainess that Link was just telling us about," Aryll said. She quickly stood up and curtsied. "Nice to meet you!"

"Of course a voe as handsome as Link would have an equally adorable vai as a sister," Urbosa replied, smiling widely. "Sadly, Link spoke little of you, though that may have had to do with the fact that he was too busy doing his duty. A pleasure to meet you all, truly."

Marin stood up and curtsied as well. "The pleasure is ours, Ch—Urbosa."

Link had held his breath for just a moment before relaxing. He thought Urbosa would let slip about his father and his time amongst the Gerudo, and Link wasn't sure how his mother would take that particular tale.

Urbosa planted her fist atop her scimitar and shot Link a look. "You only just told your family about me, Link? I'm deeply hurt."

"Actually, we haven't seen Link since Farore's Season," Aryll said. "Not since his birthday a few months back."

"Ah, I see," Urbosa murmured. "Cruel that home should be so close, but duty compels you to be here in the castle. I actually sympathize with you. I would like to be here more often, but my responsibilities demand that I stay at Gerudo Town more often than not."

"I understand you were close to the late queen," Astoria said. She waved down a servant and pointed at a chair. "Almost like sisters, weren't you?"

Promptly, a servant brought a seat for Urbosa to sit down on, allowing everyone else to settle themselves comfortably.

"That's correct," Urbosa answered. "Naturally, that would make Zelda family to me."

"Little wonder you were the first to be approached to be a Champion," Astoria replied.

"Perhaps, but oh, talking about me is dull," Urbosa said.

She leaned back and crossed her legs. It didn't escape Link's attention that several males in the vicinity were either subtly or openly staring, and he was sure Urbosa knew it. Her evening wear did show that she was a woman of status, but remained true as a woman of the desert, revealing more skin than usual among Hylian clothing styles; her arms, shoulders, back, and midriff were bare, showing sun-kissed bronzed skin. She was still wearing her Champion's half-skirt, which left her other leg bare as well. Some noble females looked positively scandalized. Urbosa didn't appear to mind the attention at all, though.

"I would rather talk about Link," Urbosa said cattily.

"We already had a conversation about me," Link said. "There's not much more to discuss—"

"Oh, I'm sure we can find out a few more intimate details about you," Leon said with a smile that showed all of his teeth.

Just as Link feverishly tried to come up with a way to divert the incoming teasing at his expense, the herald mercifully announced Mipha and King Dorephan's arrival.

Urbosa sighed in disappointment and stood up. "A conversation I would love to have, but I must play nice and greet His Majesty."

Oh, thank the Goddesses.

"Don't worry, though, I'll bring Mipha here, and we can all have a chat about Link," Urbosa said, winking. She sauntered off, hips swaying and garnering more attention from the nearby men.

Damn it.

"Well… at least you and her are getting along," Marin said. "I hope that's the case among all the Champions."

"Um… more or less," Link mumbled, and he ate his food.

"Revali?" Liena asked knowingly.

Link nodded.

Liena patted his leg sympathetically. "Well, I'm glad you're managing it with poise."

Link shot Leon a look. "Just putting to practice what you've been teaching me."

Leon pretended to be wounded. "I did not mean to insinuate that she failed! Only that your lessons were not as comprehensive as they could have been. Not to worry, though; I'm sure you'll find a way to survive. After all, we're always learning, are we not?"

Before Link could retort, Mipha's voice spoke up just over his shoulder.

"Link, it's so good to see you again," she said gently.

Link made to stand up, but Mipha merely shook her head and gracefully took Urbosa's chair. "And of course, I shall always remember your family. Good evening, Marin, and to you as well, Aryll."

"Hey, Mipha." – "Hello, Mipha!" – "Good evening, Mipha."

Giggling at the jumbled greetings, Mipha turned to Liena. "Dame Serlut. Fare thee well?"

"Well enough," Liena replied. "Allow me to introduce my parents. Leon and Astoria Serlut. Mother, Father, this is Princess Mipha of the Zora."

"Good evening. Please, Mipha will do."

"Good evening, Mipha," Astoria said.

"A pleasure and honor. Truly," Leon said.

Link looked back and spotted Urbosa with King Dorephan. They appeared uncharacteristically serious.

Mipha saw where he was looking and shook her head. "Ah, nothing to be concerned about. There's a bit of trouble at home, and Father is venting a little. Urbosa was gracious enough to lend a compassionate ear."

"What kind of trouble?" Link asked.

Again, Mipha shook her head. "Nothing we wish to burden you with, especially after the events of Gerudo Desert and Eldin Canyon. It was good that you sent word to me when you did. We've increased our own patrols, and we're coordinating with Fort Hateno to the south in preparation for monster attacks."

Link nodded, though he remained concerned. "Are you sure?"

"You have your duties here, Link," Mipha said. "Father will petition King Rhoam later this evening or tomorrow morning for some additional assistance. I'm confident that the problem will be resolved. You needn't take on the world's burdens."

"That won't stop him from trying," Liena said. She patted Link on the arm. "It's fine, Link. Listen to her."

Mollified for the time being, Link finished his plate, took Aryll's when she finished hers, and passed on everything to a passing servant.

"To our honored guests, your attention, please!" the herald cried out. "Be upstanding, and present yourselves accordingly! The monarch and heir of the realm have arrived!"

As one, everyone turned to the entrance. Those that were sitting quickly stood up. Several guardsmen were already lined up and had trumpets in hand. They played a regal but somber tune that certainly garnered attention from all corners of the room if the herald's cries weren't enough.

"Presenting His Royal Majesty of Hyrule, King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule and Her Royal Highness, Princess Zelda Hyrule!"

Applause resounded through the room, slightly drowned out by a stronger, uplifting, yet equally regal tune by the trumpet players. The doors slowly opened—without so much as a creak—and the Royal Family entered.

King Rhoam cut both an intimidating and authoritative figure as he always did, commanding the attention of the room with his mere presence alone. On his arm, though…

Link had to swallow another lump in his throat that was of similar size to its predecessor.

Whatever efforts had been done to Princess Zelda, it made her appear like the Goddess the Sheikah believed her to be. Link had to forcibly remind himself that Zelda had looked much more mundane before, though still regal, and that she was in fact not floating into the room.

He had just barely managed to convince himself of it when an image of her looking indignant—dressed in her traveling attire—at a Lynel and poorly throwing a stone at it superimposed itself over the vision of divine royalty in front of him. The memory helped ground him back to reality.

Habitually, Link had risen to his feet and stood at attention before realizing that he was too far away. He settled for clapping along, though he did notice that Marin remained seated—possibly the only one that was—and was staring down at her goblet with an unreadable look on her face.

Link wanted to ask, he really did, but now that Zelda was on the floor, he had to get to work. He caught Liena's eye. She gave him a subtle nod in return.

"Aryll, would you like to see Z—Princess Zelda and King Rhoam again?" Link asked.

Aryll grinned and nodded.

Bidding farewell to the group and promising to meet up with Liena later, Link took Aryll's hand and wove their way through the crowds.

Zelda was smiling and politely nodding to some random noble when she caught sight of Link.

He felt his heart beat a little faster when her smile became even wider, and his temperature climbed just a bit higher when she beckoned him over.

"I would like to respectfully wish you a happy sixteenth birthday, Your Royal Highness," Link said formally before bowing respectfully.

"Happy birthday, Your Highness," Aryll said as well. She dipped into a curtsy.

"Good evening," Zelda replied. "It was… Aryll, wasn't it?"

Aryll looked up in shock, completely flummoxed that Zelda remembered her name. "Oh, um, g-good e-evening! I mean, y-yes, it was. Is. I mean—"

Zelda giggled and took Aryll's hands into her own. "Please, relax and enjoy yourself. It is a birthday party, after all."

Now disarmed, Aryll smiled back widely. "I'm looking forward to the fruitcake later this evening."

Giggling again, Zelda replied, "You and I both."

Link turned to the king and bowed. "Good evening, Your Majesty."

Aryll let out an "Eep!" and quickly turned to the monarch. "Oh, good evening, Your Majesty!"

Chuckling, King Rhoam said, "It is as my daughter said, Lady Aryll; relax, and enjoy the festivities. The Rito are providing a showing later this evening, and I am told it will be magnificent. You will stay and see it, I hope?"

"I wouldn't miss it, Your Majesty," Aryll replied happily. "Last year was so beautiful. It was worth watching."

Link was about to assume his position nearby when he realized that he couldn't leave Aryll in a crowd of people by herself.

Before he could decide on what to do, Mipha appeared. "Good evening, Your Majesty. And to you, Princess Zelda, I wish you a joyous and prosperous sixteenth year."

"Princess Mipha, you do me the honor of attending," Zelda replied. The words may have been formal, but the hug they shared was friendly and familiar.

"It is good to see you, Princess Mipha," King Rhoam said. "The Zora ambassadors have given me the broad scope thus far. I shall speak to King Dorephan later this evening to better understand what troubles you so."

Mipha elegantly curtsied. "Many thanks, Your Majesty."

"Wow, she makes it look so easy," Aryll said enviously.

Link patted her on the back. "Lots of practice."

"Aryll, shall we head back to our group?" Mipha asked. "I believe your older brother must attend to his duties now."

Aryll nodded.

Link mouthed a 'thank you' to Mipha for her thoughtfulness.

Mipha smiled. "I share similar responsibilities with Sidon, Link. It is no trouble."

With his responsibility as an older brother over for now, Link resumed his responsibility as knight-protector.

Zelda watched as Mipha took Aryll to the part of the room that Liena and Link's family had claimed for themselves.

"I'm glad you are not here alone," Zelda said to him.

"It's kind of you and His Majesty to invite us all," Link replied.

"I recall meeting your sister last year," Zelda said.

Surprised and pleased that she remembered such a brief moment from one year earlier, Link nodded. "Yes, that's right. I think she was happy you remembered her."

Zelda's cheeks grew red, and she looked down. "Oh, I remembered her because… well, I was thinking less-than-flattering thoughts about you at the time. I recalled thinking to myself, 'You couldn't possibly be related to each other.' I know, I was horrible."

Link shrugged and smiled disarmingly. "Well, that's certainly one way to make an impression."

King Rhoam started making his rounds, shaking the hands of several people he clearly knew well.

"I'm sorry you have to walk with us instead of being with your family," Zelda whispered.

"I know my duty, and they do, too," Link whispered back. "Let's just get through the night as peacefully as we can manage."

"Deal," Zelda replied quietly before straightening up and greeting a young gentleman that was a year or so older than her when she was approached.

And so, Link became her shadow once again, this time in the public eye rather than in private. He tried not to yawn at the boring greetings, meaningless conversations, and subtle flirtatious hints from the various men Zelda spoke to. Somehow, likely through years of practice, she navigated through the throngs of people with apparent ease. She played the perfect hostess, meeting and greeting most people by name, keeping a smile on her face, and entertaining many with conversation or wry humor. Still, it was a far cry from Leon's flamboyant presence and ability to make even the most mundane things lively. Link maintained vigilance, even when he heard Daruk and Revali's arrival. He was sure that Zelda would make her way to them in time or they to her, so there was no need to rush.

"Happy birthday, Princess," Revali said when they finally met.

He ignored Link's presence completely, which suited the Hylian just fine.

"Thank you, Revali," Zelda kindly replied. "How are the Rito doing?"

"Better, now that we have ascertained the sudden shift in the monster migration," Revali answered. "You did well to inform us of the cause. On behalf of Chief Komali and my people, we thank you."

"I am sorry that Chief Komali could not make it," Zelda said.

Revali shrugged. "He is getting on in years. He can't fly as well as he used to."

"And Captain Teboh?" Zelda asked, giving Link a small glance.

He genuinely appreciated her thoughtfulness and paid rapt attention.

"Extremely busy these days," Revali answered heavily. "He's personally leading the charge against the monsters to ensure no more enter Central Hyrule. I would like to join him, but I was ordered to attend as the Rito Champion and representative."

"You have my sympathy. I know that you would rather fulfil your duty to your people," Zelda said contritely.

Revali blinked and shook his head. "No, no, I certainly did not mean any offense or accusation, Your Highness. We must keep a presence within Hyrule and show proper respect to the Royal Family. It is my honor to be here tonight."

"Still…"

"The work will still be there when I return," Revali assured confidently. "We are here only but a night, and then it is an easy flight home. Please, do not worry yourself. It would be bad manners on my part to bring despair on your evening."

Zelda smiled. "Thank you, Revali."

"Ah, there you are, Princess," Daruk's booming voice cried out. "And hey, I see my brother is with you! How're you doing, Little Guy?"

Link smiled at Daruk and gave him a nod of acknowledgement.

"Daruk, I'm so pleased that you could make it," Zelda said.

Daruk grinned widely before noticing his fellow Champion standing nearby. "Hey, Revali! Good to see you, too. Everything okay back home?"

"It's under control," Revali said simply.

"Good to hear. If the Rito ever need some extra muscle, though, don't hesitate to ask, all right?" Daruk said. He thumped his chest confidently. "The Gorons will come rolling in to lend a hand, no problem."

"Thank you. I will pass your words along to Chief Komali."

Zelda chatted with both men a while longer, mainly to get an update on their progress with their respective Divine Beasts, as well as the current state of affairs in their realms. This time, Link was paying more attention, though he had to remember not to let himself get distracted and maintain a steady eye on his charge. He couldn't help but notice that Zelda spoke to Daruk a little bit more regarding Vah Rudania, though, and her eyes were shining with delight, causing him to silently laugh.

Link didn't expect his stomach to flip-flop when she gifted him a bright smile when Daruk told her about how Link had helped the Goron with his piloting problems.

The king returned to greet Revali and Daruk magnanimously. They spoke of the current events and of the security within their respective realms as well as offers of aid.

"Well, we're preparing to block the monsters in," Daruk said, rubbing his craggy beard. "A few rockslides here and there, some Gorons at the main paths, and they'll be easy pickings for Vah Rudania and me. You don't have to worry about a thing, Your Majesty. Now that we know about the problem, we can fix it, easy as can be."

"Well, our flight patrols are tighter, and I've moved Vah Medoh into a more advantageous position," Revali said imperiously. "I can assure you what happened before will not happen again. We will rain destruction on any monsters that wish to harm Rito Village or attempt to harm others outside of our lands."

"I am glad that you are both approaching the situation with all due attention. We feared it would impact your ability to train. I am glad to see our fears were unfounded," King Rhoam said smoothly. He turned to his daughter. "Zelda, Lady Everly would like to meet with you."

"Of course," Zelda replied. She turned to the Champions. "I shall see you again if time permits."

"Try to have fun," Daruk said, flashing her a thumbs-up.

"But of course, Your Highness," Revali said, bowing formally.

Parting ways, they made their way to a red-headed noblewoman that was speaking amongst her clique of friends. Before they could reach her, though, Chief Urbosa sauntered into view.

"King Rhoam, Zelda. Sav'saaba," she said.

"Good evening, Chief Urbosa," King Rhoam replied.

"Sav'saaba, Urbosa," Zelda replied happily.

"I hope things are well for you," Urbosa said. She quickly took Zelda in for a hug. "Are you sleeping all right?"

"You needn't worry about me," Zelda answered, returning the gesture with equal emotion. "I feel safe now, and I won't let what happened change me, except to take the Yiga threat more seriously."

Urbosa smiled. Stepping back, she playfully stroked a lock of Zelda's hair. "Very glad to hear that."

"How goes your training?" King Rhoam asked.

"Well. We received your warning, but since the only proper footpath out of the Gerudo Desert is through the canyon, I can safely say you won't face the same problems as your western borders," Urbosa answered. "We've moved many of our warriors to the Bazaar, and I have scouts studying monster movements. We're far more concerned about the Yiga, though."

The look Urbosa sent to Zelda was unmistakable, but Zelda merely nodded bravely.

"King Rhoam, I wanted to take this moment to personally apologize, face-to-face, for what happened," Urbosa said. "For it to transpire beneath my roof is one thing, but if something were to happen to Zelda, I—"

King Rhoam held up his hand and shook his head. "I do not blame you for what happened, Chief Urbosa. If it were to happen in your palace, then it may happen in mine. Let us take it as a reminder that our enemy will resort to any method to carry out their goals and that we must remain ever vigilant."

Urbosa smiled. "Indeed. Little Bird, we will speak later, perhaps when there aren't so many eyes upon us, hmm?"

Zelda smiled back, just as widely. "My door will always be open to you."

"And let me just say, you look smashing tonight," Urbosa added. "Sweet, beautiful sixteen. Do enjoy yourself tonight. You only live once, you know."

"I will take your words to heart," Zelda replied.

Nodding respectfully to both royals and shooting Link a flirtatious wink—he didn't dare react, lest it conjured all manner of rumors—Urbosa began walking amongst the crowds, drawing eyes and attention with aplomb.

The next hour or more was spent with more meetings and greetings, exchanging pleasantries, and small talk. Link found himself wishing he had taken more food from the buffet table before he began his duties.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the herald announced that dinner would be served shortly. Link searched for his or Liena's family and had just spotted them not too far away. Aryll was waving excitedly at him. He had just started to wave back when a servant walked up to him.

"Sir Faron?"

Link turned to him. "Just… Link. Is something the matter?"

"I was told to inform you that your family and party will be guided into the dining hall to their new seats."

"New seats?" Link repeated.

King Rhoam's hand clapped down onto Link's shoulder. "It was arranged at the last moment, at Master Impaz's request. Come with us."

That caught Link a bit off-guard, and judging from the looks on Leon and Astoria's faces, the usually well-informed nobles were also surprised when another servant broke the news to them.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Link replied.

King Rhoam led both Link and Zelda towards the place of honor, where the Royal Family would normally dine. The table was different from the previous year. It was circular and bigger, able to comfortably seat more people. Link blinked when he spotted his family and the Serluts being led to the table as well.

"Leon, I hope I was able to surprise you this time," King Rhoam said jovially. They shook hands. "Please, sit down and join us."

"Thank you for this honor. And I am not so prideful as to deny that you have utterly shocked me, Your Majesty," Leon said genially. He—as well as everyone else—waited until King Rhoam and Zelda were seated before taking their places. "Astoria and I truly did not think we would be dining with you or Her Highness this evening."

"No doubt your status will increase with this revelation," Zelda said.

"Indeed," Astoria said. "I had thought that our daughter on the arm of Hyrule's Champion would spur the gossip machine, but this will be a new level of complexity to navigate."

"Of course, it would make sense to have Her Highness's knight-protector close by," Leon said, smiling at Link. "Especially in light of her recent adventures."

"I trust this won't be an inconvenience," King Rhoam said.

Leon smiled. "Take away our wealth, our titles, and our status, and you and I are but fathers looking out for our daughters no matter the circumstances, Your Majesty. It is no inconvenience at all."

King Rhoam smiled back in understanding.

Link found himself sitting between Zelda and Liena. Aryll was next to Liena, followed by Marin, then Astoria and Leon, and then to King Rhoam around the circular table.

The Champions were all close by in places of honor, sitting with their friends and guests that accompanied them to the party. Startled, Link realized that he couldn't find Master Impaz, Purah, or Impa anywhere.

Are they not here? Or… are they?

Zelda cast her gaze around the dining hall and the doors. When one of the head staff members nodded to her, she stood up and declared, "Let us dine."

Like the previous year, servants appeared quickly from the side doors, bringing trays laden with mouth-watering delicacies. Aryll quietly gushed as a plate of food was placed before her. She looked up at Link, silently asking for permission, but he subtly shook his head, and his eyes darted to Zelda.

"Please, you are our guests," Zelda said. "There is no need to hold back."

"Hmm… you might be in for a shock, then," Liena said, shooting a knowing look at Link.

Unapologetically, Link tucked in. When he was finished with the entrées, he requested at least two more helpings.

Conversation flowed, though it was punctuated with politics. However, it wasn't ever boring with Leon taking stage, cracking wise, and making light humor, which easily drew laughs. Even the normally stoic King Rhoam chuckled on more than one occasion. Not once did the conversation drift to Calamity Ganon, Link's status as a Champion, or Zelda's powers. It stayed closer to business, laws around business, and recommendations to amend current existing policies.

When the main course arrived, the smell was enough that Link quietly whispered to the servant to bring extra portions for himself before he even started eating. Liena looked a bit concerned and kept casting glances back and forth between Link and the Royal Family regarding the former's nearly bottomless appetite. While he minded his manners, the volume of plates being brought and taken away from him was almost staggering.

Far from being disgusted, however, Zelda looked like she was trying to repress her mirth. "You seem to like food."

"One of the great driving forces in his life, I believe," Aryll teased.

"Funny," Link retorted, but he continued to eat regardless.

"Do you have anything in particular you enjoy?" Zelda asked.

Link tilted his head. "Hmm… not really. I like all sorts of food. Hot, cold, spicy, simple, sweet, sour, savory; I don't mind anything, really."

Liena became thoughtful. "Oh, I never mentioned that Link actually ate something Daruk offered, have I?"

"D-Daruk?" Marin asked. She glanced at the massive Goron Champion sitting not too far from them. "Oh, does he cook?"

"No, he offered us rocks."

"R-r-rocks?"

"Roast rock," Liena said.

"He called it Grade A rock roast," Link corrected, "and I didn't want to be rude."

"Y-y-you ate it?" Marin asked, eyes wide and looking at Link as if he were a Goron instead of her own Hylian son.

Link shrugged. "Just a few bites. I let Daruk finish the rest."

"I had the same look on my face, I'm sure, Marin," Liena said.

Marin wasn't the only one. Link stopped eating for just a moment to take a sip from his goblet when he noticed that the entire table was staring at him with varying looks of disbelief.

"What? It wasn't bad. Just a little too crunchy," Link said defensively.

Marin put her face into her hands. "Oh, Goddesses preserve me."

Zelda broke out laughing, which she quickly covered up with a napkin, knowing that eyes were on them.

"You know, this is one of the few times in my life that I am utterly rendered speechless," Leon said. "Truly, I can't even make light of it as I would love to do, for I cannot even process how Link could even eat something like that."

"With effort," Link said dryly.

That drew a chuckle out of Leon. "Well, thank you for clarifying that."

Once Zelda was able to control herself—and after Astoria masterfully steered the conversation away from Link's gustatory (mis)adventures, lest everyone lost their appetites—she leaned closer to Link and quietly asked, "Would you be so kind as to gift me with a small favor?"

Startled slightly, Link nodded.

"Save room for dessert and order extra fruitcake," Zelda whispered excitedly. "Please?"

Link quickly nodded once more without hesitation.

~o~O~o~

Once dinner and dessert were completed, with Link's extra helpings of dessert surreptitiously passed along to Zelda and Aryll to supplement their portions, King Rhoam signaled the musicians to set up at the nearby stage to prepare themselves.

Meanwhile, Link turned to his family and asked, "How is Cremia doing? Is everything progressing smoothly?"

Aryll grinned. "Oh, definitely! Construction on Cremia's new home has already started. Well, the 'barn' has started, with the house attached to it, of course. Talon is happy that they'll have a dedicated place to let their cows roam, and Malon is ecstatic that she can focus on raising horses now."

"The wedding date is set for fall," Marin said.

"A wedding?" Zelda asked. She turned to Link. "I recall you mentioned that Cremia was one of your workers."

Link nodded. "Yes. It looks like she can get married now that she's doing a bit more than being our stable and farm hand. Larger responsibility means increase in pay."

"And it's this fall?" Zelda asked.

"That's what they're hoping for," Aryll answered. "The construction crew Leon suggested to us… um… I can't remember his name. 'Son' something?"

"Harrison. Splendid chap. Very talented, dedicated, and a hard worker. It's a family business, you know," Leon said before chuckling. "He does seem obsessed with having '-son' in the names of his employees and family, though. No idea why. Even his wife is named Madison, and their young son is Emerson."

"Right, Harrison. They think they'll be finished before summer is done," Aryll said.

"It sounds nice," Link said simply, keeping his expression impassive.

Zelda patted him on the arm. "Don't worry, Link. I'm sure you will be able to attend," she said before looking at her father expectantly. "Won't he?"

"Of course," King Rhoam said. "We shall scrutinize the details whenever you wish. For now, however…" He stood up and held out his hand to his daughter.

Zelda smiled and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. They took to the floor just as the musicians began playing a lovely slow song, and everyone watched as the pair gracefully glided across the floor.

After observing them for a minute, Link turned back to his family. "By the way, have you met… um… Fado, was it? I remember Bo has."

Marin nodded. "We have. He seems to be an earnest young man, though a bit clumsy."

"We all have our flaws," Liena said. She turned to Link. "I met him at Riverside Stable, where he works."

"His father runs the stable, right?" Link asked.

She nodded. "I met him, too. Nice man."

"And how is Romani taking it?" Link asked.

"Perfectly fine," Marin answered. "Though, it's hard to tell. She's happy for her sister, that much is obvious, but…"

"She made a joke about how she'll have more room to herself now that Cremia is moving out," Aryll said. "But it sounded a little forced, you know? Cremia offered room for Romani at the new house when it's done—"

"But she rejected it," Link finished.

Aryll nodded. "I mean, Cremia is still only a stone's throw away from us, so it's not like she'll be a stranger, but still… I get the feeling Romani is dreading the idea of being alone."

When Link's brow furrowed, Marin said, "Don't worry, Link. Romani will figure out her place in the world, same as any of us. This is a change, and she hasn't accepted the fact that change can be good or that it happens whether we're ready or not."

Liena nudged him. "Let her figure it out."

Nodding, Link stood up and held out his hand to Liena, who graciously accepted the offer. Soon the dance floor was filled with dancing couples.

"Glad to see you and the princess have a working relationship now," Liena quietly said.

"You and I both," Link replied. "So… Aryll. A squire soon."

"There are several knights that are interested in teaching her," Liena said. "I confess, I almost wanted to take her on, but we know each other too well at this point. It wouldn't work the same way as you and I have, and I was afraid that would impact her training."

"Probably the wisest move," Link replied. He led Liena through a flawless Zoran Whirl.

"Well, it seems like your dancing has improved," Liena said, giggling.

Link smiled confidently before turning them ever so slightly so that he could keep an eye on the princess and another on Sofia, the undercover Royal Guardswoman that was dancing with one of Zelda's potential dance partners. Sofia played her role to perfection, and Link didn't see any warning signs.

"Do you think someone might actually try something tonight?" Liena whispered.

"Doesn't matter. It just takes one careless move," Link muttered. "So we must remain ever vigilant."

"I can't argue with that," Liena replied. Her brow furrowed. "I shouldn't have left my post."

"I told His Majesty that I would have done the same if I was there," Link said.

Liena looked surprised, doubly so when Link led her through the fleckerls.

"You did?" she asked. "You meant it?"

"Of course," Link answered.

"He called me and asked me what happened in the Gerudo Desert," Liena confessed. "I've never been so nervous before. I really thought I had failed."

"Did anything happen?" Link asked.

She shook her head. "No, it was a straightforward report, and he dismissed me after thanking me for my service and help to guard the princess."

They continued for three more dances before Impa seemed to materialize out of nowhere.

"Mind if I cut in?" Impa asked, smiling.

Liena shook her head. "Not even a little. Enjoy yourselves."

After Liena stepped away, Impa gracefully stepped into Link's waiting hands and began going through a slow dance.

"I was wondering where you had gone to," Link said.

"Was personally going through the castle, and elsewhere," Impa said. Her eyes looked tense.

Link pulled in close and wrapped his arms around her waist. She played along and moved her arms until they were around his neck.

"What is it?" he whispered.

"One of our people reported back two hours ago," Impa said softly. She kept her face looking pleasant, even if her words were anything but. "He said there's reason to be cautious tonight. No hard evidence, but there were signs he couldn't ignore, patterns that went beyond coincidence."

"Still investigating?"

"Yes, but it's not likely they'll find anything before the night is up, which is why they made a point to warn us to be ready for anything," Impa replied tightly. "This isn't casual security any longer. We may have a real threat here."

"We were ordered to handle it quietly if something happens," Link pointed out.

"Internally as possible," Impa said. "Not a whisper goes to the noble grapevine."

"I won't be the one to mention it," Link assured.

"Good," Impa replied. "I hope you don't mind, but I had some of my people entertain your family for this leg of the party. They'll dance with them and hopefully keep them away from any potential dangers."

"I don't. Thank you," Link said gratefully. He maneuvered them so that he could see that Marin and Aryll were indeed on the dance floor with a pair of Sheikah.

"Just a minor distraction," Impa said. "Don't want them to be bored."

"And preparations for the show later tonight?" Link asked.

This time, he was aware of the details of the light show the Rito had been asked to perform. It was believed that if any attempts were made on his or the princess's lives, then one such potential time would be when everyone would be distracted by whatever the Rito had organized.

"We're ready to move at a moment's notice," Impa assured.

"Good," Link murmured. "If all goes well tonight, I won't mention to Master Impaz that you just stepped on my foot."

Impa blinked and habitually looked down, just as the front of her shoe stepped on Link's boot—lightly, for Impa was far too graceful to be heavy-footed, but enough to be called a mistake.

Her mouth fell open. "Wha—how did you—?"

"I'm good like that," Link replied, grinning. "I'm fine, by the way. That wasn't your heel, thankfully."

"You did that on purpose," Impa said accusingly.

"Mistake," Link retorted playfully.

Impa gripped the back of his neck harder than necessary in retaliation but did nothing else.

Finally, after a few more dances, Zelda requested a break and moved away from her latest dance partner. Disengaging from Impa, Link followed behind the princess while the Sheikah girl seemingly disappeared among the throngs of people.

One of the castle staff brought Zelda a goblet of punch as she sat down and relaxed.

She turned to Link and blinked when he sat down nearby.

"You don't have to be so distant," Zelda pouted. She patted the cushion next to her. "Sit here."

Now it was Link's turn to blink, but he stood up and sat next to her, though he did so stiffly.

Zelda giggled at his mannerisms. "You needn't be so formal. Relax."

Taking a deep breath, Link settled into the chair more comfortably. He looked around and saw that Aryll and their mother were still dancing with some Sheikah guests. The undercover guardsman and woman weren't sending out any signals, so all remained safe for now.

"You have a very nice family," Zelda said.

A bit startled, Link turned to her. "I know."

Zelda looked down at her goblet. "I wish I had the chance to know Sir Revan more, though. He was always so… gallant."

"He was my hero," Link said distantly but fondly. "I always wanted to live up to his expectations. I still do."

Zelda nodded before looking contemplative. "It occurs to me that I've learned a bit about you. Perhaps some reciprocity is in order. Is there anything you wish to ask of me, Link?"

"Actually, something does come to mind. Why does Urbosa call you 'Little Bird'?" Link asked, finally taking the moment to scratch that particular curiosity that had been itching at him since their time together in the Gerudo Desert.

Zelda turned a bit pink. "Oh, that. It's… it came from a time when my mother was still with us. Just an anecdote that Urbosa uses."

"I'd like to hear it."

"It's… it's really nothing special," Zelda hedged.

"It's special to you," Link said.

Zelda glanced at him shyly. "My mother called me that."

"Any reason why?"

"Our family crest, you know of it?"

Link nodded. "Right, right. The legendary Loftwing."

"Urbosa told me that my mother wished for me to 'spread my wings and become the beacon of light' for Hyrule," Zelda said quietly. She smiled self-deprecatingly at Link. "Similar to you, I'm trying to live up to my mother's wishes."

Link licked his lips and tried to determine how to ask his next question without offending her. "Does it bother you that Urbosa calls you that?"

Zelda shook her head. "No. It's her way of showing that she believes wholeheartedly in me."

Before Link could comment further, Liena appeared out of nowhere and sat next to him. Closely.

In fact, she was almost sitting on his lap, much to his shock.

Grasping his arm and leaning heavily against him, Liena said, "Oh, there you are, Link. Having a good night?"

"Better than you," Link muttered quietly, deducing rapidly what had prompted her uncharacteristic closeness. "Running from someone?"

"Yes, now be quiet and hold me," Liena hissed. "I don't know what scent he was wearing, but it's enough that I want to confiscate it and use it as monster repellent on patrols."

Rolling his eyes, Link put his arm around Liena's shoulder.

"Lower," Liena ordered impatiently. "Don't be so chaste!"

Firmly keeping stoic, Link dropped his arm until it was around her waist while she—overdramatically in his opinion—slumped against him and rested her head heavily on his shoulder.

Over the top of Liena's head, Link spotted a blond-haired nobleman scowling at him and stalking off.

Zelda giggled at the sight.

Liena's head snapped up, and her eyes widened to the size of saucers. "Oh, Your Highness, I didn't see you there!"

Waving it off, Zelda glanced at the two of them with interest. Link bore the scrutiny masterfully, while Liena began to blush.

"Oh, are you two…?" Zelda asked before trailing off.

Link and Liena looked at one another before the former shook his head. "No, no. Just doing her a favor."

"My mother has been looking into potential suitors," Liena said. "And there are a few men here that are trying to vie for attention, either from my parents or simply myself."

Zelda looked sympathetic. "I understand completely."

Liena smiled at Link. "Our Champion here has been wonderful in helping me with this."

"That's nice of you," Zelda said.

Link cleared his throat uncomfortably and opted to remain on guard. For threats or the unrelenting teasing he was about to find himself under fire upon.

However, for all his mental preparation, he never foresaw what happened next.

"Well then, Link… would you like to dance?" Zelda asked, her cheeks pink.

Startled, Link automatically nodded. He became distracted at Liena's girlish giggles before he could properly formulate a response. Distantly, he knew his dance partners for the night were supposed to be Impa or Liena, but there was no way he was in danger from the princess, and he certainly couldn't refuse her.

Because she was the princess. And it was her birthday. Not because of any… 'other' reasons.

His train of thought went from slightly sluggish to completely derailed when Zelda placed her goblet on the table, stood up, and held out her hand expectantly.

Out of reflex, Link took her hand, stood up, and guided her to the dance floor.

He tried feverishly to ignore Liena's gasp of surprise or delight, even as his blush crept to the tips of his ears. Once on the dance floor, though, Zelda looked up at him expectantly and held out her arms. And once again, more automatically than consciously, he held her in the appropriate places. With this newfound show of physical contact, Link was sure King Rhoam could see them and tried desperately to banish the thought from his mind, lest his courage failed him.

Link kept the dance formal, but hopefully not distant, so as not to offend Zelda. She didn't seem to mind, though, and gave him the cues on where to lead her as he had been taught.

Of all the times Link had danced, he prayed to all of the Great Goddesses that he would not make a mistake here.

To his everlasting relief, Zelda smiled as he led her through a series of complicated waltz steps without mishaps.

Remembering that it was probably time to compliment her, Link said, "I wanted to mention that you look, um… well, what I mean to say is… uh…"

Zelda smiled teasingly. "Would you like me to offer some suggestions?"

Link cleared his throat. "No, no, I know what to say… I think. Maybe. Um…"

Now grinning, she said, "Very well, I will give you more time to come up with an appropriate compliment. You have until the end of this evening."

Link found himself glad the room had darkened. He was sure his blush could be seen across Hyrule Field now.

Trying desperately to distract himself from the flood of embarrassment that ran rampant through his addled mind, Link inquired where Master Impaz, Purah, and Robbie were.

"Hidden this time," Zelda said, frowning slightly. "Not undercover as guests, but hiding within the castle, watching."

"Are you okay?" Link asked.

Blinking back to the moment, Zelda nodded, even as he twirled her in place. "We spoke at length, and it was a coordinated effort between us all. In fact, I was often asked for my input regarding tonight's security."

Link nodded back.

Suddenly, Zelda smiled again. "I suppose your birthday was more intimate. Nothing as grandiose or impersonal as this."

"Actually, I think we spent my last birthday celebrating Cremia's engagement and promotion more than me," Link replied, chuckling. "I didn't mind, though. But yes, Aryll and my birthdays tend to be with friends and family. Very private affairs."

"I'm envious of you," Zelda murmured as the dance drew to a close.

Link didn't have a chance to comment. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar-looking Sheikah male approaching intently.

"Your Highness, might I have the honor of this next dance?" the Sheikah asked hopefully.

Normally, Link would have been more wary, but the way the man gazed at Zelda was akin to a puppy staring adoringly at its owner.

Even as clueless about the concept of love and attraction as he was, Link could recognize that the—strangely familiar—Sheikah was utterly lovestruck with the princess.

Zelda smiled. "Misko. Of course I would be delighted to dance with you."

"It gladdens me to hear you say that," Misko said. "Perhaps, if Her Highness wishes, I might play a song or two for you later this evening? I composed it specifically for your birthday."

"That would be lovely, Misko," Zelda replied.

Knowing he was dismissed, Link stepped aside and allowed Misko to take his place.

Seeing this, Liena met up with him so they could remain on the dance floor and still be close by in case of trouble.

The next song was faster-paced, more energetic. It wasn't something that Link couldn't handle, though, and he matched his rhythm accordingly.

"You two looked comfortable," Liena said teasingly. "About the same level of familiarity I observed back at the stable, hmm?"

"Don't," Link mumbled. "I really don't need the distraction."

It was a valid excuse, and Liena accepted it as such, though the teasing smile remained, so Link doubted it would be the last time they would have words about it.

After a few more dances, an intermission was announced. Liena was asked to accompany Zelda to an area where other noble females had gathered. Spotting at least two Royal Guardswomen hidden amongst the group, Link felt the princess was in safe hands and chose not to overtly hover over her shoulder to avoid making anything awkward for either of them.

Instead, he meandered to the refreshments table, where he spotted Leon casually watching the crowds with a pleasant, if distant, expression. Seeing him approach, Leon offered a goblet to Link, but the latter declined. Because of the possibility of danger on his own life, Link was instructed to accept food and drink from authorized personnel only. Leon was to be trusted, of course, but the food and drink he offered might not be, especially if someone slipped something unsavory into it without the nobleman noticing.

Instead, a servant was quick to bring him a goblet of juice. A subtle tapping of his index finger against the goblet as he handed it over signaled that it was one of the trusted castle staff that had been exclusively serving Link his food and drink all evening.

If Leon noticed the snub against his friendly offering, he made no show of it.

"Hello again, Link," Leon said. "Enjoying yourself?"

"More than I thought I would," Link replied. "And you?"

"Just wondering what Astoria's plans are now," Leon answered. "It seems Liena hasn't yet guessed her intentions."

"You mentioned that last year," Link said in remembrance. "That the plan was to either get Liena to come here with someone of Astoria's choice or come here with me."

"And Liena asked you because she lacks interest in any of the suitors Astoria had lined up, correct?"

Link nodded.

"That was by design," Leon said. "Astoria knew Liena would dislike them and would run to you for help. You may have already deduced that the intent was to create attraction between the two of you. It seems Astoria has taken a liking to you and hopes that the feeling is shared towards our daughter."

Link's mouth almost fell open, but he realized it and clenched it shut instead.

"I must say, Astoria's designs astound me," Leon mused. His tone carried nothing but admiration and adoration for his spouse. "Amazing vision, remarkable patience, and polished mannerisms. Even someone as astute as you have likely underestimated her vastly."

Link cleared his throat. "Leon, I am extremely flattered, and I won't lie and say that I don't carry any kind of interest in Liena, but… realistically, I-I can't see us…"

He trailed off when Leon chuckled merrily.

"Um… am I reading the situation incorrectly or…?" Link asked uncertainly.

Leon grinned and clapped a hand on Link's shoulder comfortingly. "Ah, Link. It is a bit disappointing, but not even remotely surprising. You see, the ideal scenario is of course that you take my daughter's hand in matrimony, we all rejoice, live happily ever after, and so on and so forth."

"But… that's not the only scenario," Link mumbled.

"Correct. Whether you like it or not, realize it or not, or accept it or not, you have risen to a position of prominence. While you are not a member of the noble courts, strictly speaking, you carry titles and accomplishments that are more worthy than most families have any claim to," Leon said. "For any woman to be on your arm and to have your undivided attention, it is significant among our circles. You heard Her Highness, did you not?"

Link noisily exhaled, a breach in manners, but he didn't care. "That your status would be uplifted simply because you sat down and dined with the king and princess."

"My wife and I certainly did not expect to sit with the Royal Family on the evening of the princess's birthday. That will be the talk of the upper echelons for quite some time," Leon said, chuckling. "But I digress. We are talking about you: the Hylian Champion, rubbing elbows with some of the most powerful and influential people in Hyrule. On a first-name basis with the princess of the Zora and the Gerudo Chieftainess, a sworn brother of the Bulwark of the Gorons, and a rival—perhaps even superior—to one of the finest warriors the Rito have… quite the list you've garnered for yourself."

"It's just circumstance," Link replied embarrassingly.

"And you remain at the epicenter of it all," Leon said. "Youngest knight and Royal Guardsman, chosen knight to protect Princess Zelda, and legendary Hero."

"So… coming to a public function with Liena… that would increase the Serluts' status," Link said.

"Correct," Leon replied happily. "It would open many doors that would otherwise require more… effort. This would grant my daughter advantages she otherwise would not have when the time comes for her to settle down. Furthermore, we would be in a better position to defend ourselves should we need to."

"Because who in their right mind would anger the Serluts, and therefore anger me and any allies aligned with me?" Link finished, now finally comprehending Astoria's machinations. Not all, but certainly a better appreciation for the broad scope of her vision that she had masterfully woven just by nudging her own daughter in the right direction and letting events play out as she had likely predicted.

She's shrewd. Very shrewd.

"Ideally, we would rather have you join our family, but since you lack sufficient interest in our Liena, we can only pray to the Goddesses that we find someone approaching your caliber," Leon said wistfully.

Link looked away. "I'm not nearly that good."

"Oh? You are an earnest, dependable, and courageous young man," Leon said. "The kind of man that a daughter would be delighted to bring home to her parents, and the kind that all parents would love to have their daughter wed."

Link blinked. "Well, I'm not… that is…"

Again, Leon patted Link on the shoulder. "Relax, dear boy. Many of those character flaws can be blamed on your mother and father—may the Goddesses watch over him. Now, while we cannot have everything, there are long-term gains to be made if we learn how to settle for less."

Mutely nodding, Link took a big drink out of his goblet to get moisture back into his suddenly parched throat. When it no longer felt like sand scraping within, he managed to pluck up the courage to ask, "And… um… how does Liena feel about this? Or, um… about… uh… m-me?"

Leon smiled and shrugged. "Oh, you'll have to ask her. If you dare."

Link never thought of himself as a coward, but that was something he was sure he was never going to do.

Ever.

~o~O~o~

With his mind still reeling from the conversation with Leon—the nobleman went off to greet some business associates—the musicians returned to complete the latter half of the evening dances. Zelda remained with Liena, chatting away with the other noble girls in their shadowy corner, so Link didn't anticipate any immediate dancing.

Suddenly, a brunette girl sidled up to his side and coquettishly batted her eyes at him. "Would you like to dance?"

Link habitually nodded. Before he realized his mistake, the girl gasped delightedly and seized his hand. In what seemed like no time at all, she led him onto the dance floor and was quick to wrap her arms around him.

"Forgive me for being forward," the girl said. "I was trying to work up the courage to ask you all evening. My name is Ramalla."

"Link," he said simply. It was too late to back out now, and it would seem terribly rude to dismiss her at this juncture. Even though it was a breach of security, he placed his hands at the top of her waist and swayed slowly to the music.

"I know," Ramalla purred as they moved in tune to the music. "The Hero. Interestingly, I've heard of how fetching you look, but to see you up close, the descriptions do not do you justice, Sir Link."

Normally, Link would have been flattered, but he could feel something prickling in his mind, trying to gain definition; shape, words.

"That, young man, is called instinct. It's good you're listening to it, because there's nothing mystical about it. It's simply that your mind is taking in all the information your senses are feeding it and making connections or deductions rapidly. Not quite consciously and not quite subconsciously, either."

Master Impaz's words reverberated through his mind. Willing himself to be calm and letting Ramalla's girlish prattle fade away, he called upon all of his senses to pinpoint what was wrong… what his instincts were trying to tell him.

Ramalla's appearance was exquisite; makeup, dress, hair, overall physical looks… she clearly knew she was attractive.

The way she talked, despite the lack of a proper introduction, her speech patterns suggested that she was well-educated, aristocratic, and prideful. Her manners merely reinforced that.

The scent she wore was lovely, something fruity; cherries, perhaps, though there was the odd undercurrent of bananas, too.

And then there was the dance. It was the way she moved. She was graceful, yes, but Link felt he could detect something else in her movements.

Something… predatory.

The moment he honed his attention on that almost innocuous detail, he could feel the hairs on his arms rise up and stiffen.

That's it. So, I'm the target tonight.

Still, Ramalla could also be a noble, and Link knew there would be repercussions if he was wrong.

Can't be squeamish. I need to trust my instincts.

They danced through two more songs before Ramalla bit her lip enticingly. "Would you like to go somewhere else?"

Link gave her a half-smile, hoping to keep his intentions hidden by presenting an air of mystery. "I know the perfect place."

~o~O~o~

Link led Ramalla to a private area of the castle that wasn't being used for the night's festivities. It was the changing room that Link had used when he'd donned his tailored Champion's Tunic.

"We'll have privacy here," Link murmured quietly.

"Privacy, hmm? Why, pray tell, Sir Link, would we need privacy?" Ramalla asked teasingly.

"That all depends on you, milady," Link replied, letting her take the lead and patiently waiting to see how this would all play out.

If Link was wrong, he would apologize, maybe pretend to stammer or stutter something embarrassingly, and have someone else escort Ramalla back to the ballroom. If he was right, then he would have confirmation of Impa's fears.

Ramalla licked her lips enticingly. "Well, I do have a few ideas…"

They were standing close. Too close. Ramalla batted her eyes at him and wetted her lips. Her left hand reached up and grasped his right shoulder.

That was when Link knew his instincts were right.

The way she gripped him; too tight, in order to hold him in place. The other hand was reaching down, not towards him, but for something hidden within her bodice.

Link's left hand went down to the Master Sword at his hip, and he seized it in a reverse grip.

Ramalla's eyes saw what he was doing. A dinner knife was in her hand, but Link brought the pommel up and struck the underside of her arm just as the blade was aimed for his chest. The sudden strike caused her to drop the weapon, and half of the sword had cleared the sheath. Ramalla was quick to bring her arm back down and press against the pommel, preventing Link from drawing the Master Sword fully.

Unfortunately for her, it was a feint.

Link's right hand came up, and he viciously chopped her exposed throat. Choking and gagging, Ramalla took an involuntary step back, releasing his shoulder and his sword.

Quickly capitalizing on the new distance, his boot came up and solidly struck her in the stomach.

Staggering backward, one of the heels on Ramalla's shoes got stuck in the carpet, and she toppled over.

Rapidly switching hands, Link gripped the Master Sword in his right hand now and drew it before pointing the blade down at her.

"How many of you are here tonight?" Link demanded harshly. "Talk!"

Ramalla sneered at him. She made to use one of her heels as a weapon and kicked at him, only to scream when Link pierced her lower leg with his sword.

Link pushed the blade deeper in.

To her credit, Ramalla managed to grit her teeth and prevent herself from screaming again. Instead, she cried, "Help! Murderer! Help me! Please! Someone!"

"No one will hear you," Link snarled. He pulled out his sword with a sickening squelch. "Remember, you wanted privacy to prevent me from doing the same."

Realizing that she was caught in her own trap, she spat at him, though it landed pathetically short. "What are you going to do? Torture me? Do you really have what it takes, Hero?"

"Maybe, maybe not," Link said coldly. "But unfortunately for you, you don't get to find out. Because there are others here who are more than willing to try."

As if on cue, the door opened. Impa walked in first, glaring daggers at the assassin. Purah followed behind, looking expressionless, even bored.

Ramalla turned white and scuttled back until her back hit a wall.

"They'll be asking you questions now, and they will not be as nice as me," Link said. "I have a party to get back to, and you have answers to choke out."

Impa picked up the fallen dinner knife and expertly twirled it in her fingers. "And we do have… So. Many. Questions."

"And believe us, we also have… So. Many. Tools. To. Use," Purah added, her dark tone in contrast to her blank expression. She pulled out a dangerous-looking contraption from her coat.

Link quietly closed the door.

~o~O~o~

Link heaved out a breath as he quickly walked back to the ballroom. Naturally, the prudent course of action would be to escort Princess Zelda out of the room, away from danger, and deal with a possible growing situation. However, with talk and concerns over her lack of power, the threat of Calamity Ganon looming over the future like a dark cloud, and apprehensions of readiness… if word were to get out about assassination attempts within Hyrule Castle itself, there could be no telling what sort of chaos could erupt.

Likely, it could very well be part of the Yiga plan, but only if the attempt was both public enough and believable—or successful. After all, an incompetent attack that was thwarted could easily be seen as fools doing what fools do, instead of agents of a malevolent evil.

Re-entering the ballroom, Link scanned the room and spotted Princess Zelda still sitting with Liena and Dame Sofia. They were giggling about something or other, but Sofia caught Link's eyes and made a gesture that, to the casual observer, would look harmless and innocent, something everyone commonly did.

To Link, it was a sign that all was clear for now, which he was privately relieved about. However, his countersign was a bit more dire.

Situation contained.

Sofia's eyes narrowed but revealed no other signs of acknowledgement. Instead, she turned to Princess Zelda, smiled, and sat a little closer.

From this point on, Zelda would abscond from all further dances, claiming exhaustion or injury. Liena and Sofia would be her constant hidden shadows, while Link would be her public one. If any other undercover Royal Guardsmen saw Link's sign, they would inform King Rhoam of the development.

Sighing heavily, Link picked a spot not too far from Zelda as she continued to converse, either aware or unaware of the new developments occurring.

Happy birthday to you, Princess.

Link had to admit, it was clever of the assassins to use the tools they had on hand. Just because they couldn't bring their own weapons into the castle didn't mean they couldn't find weapons to use at all. In a way, that meant anything could be used as a weapon if it was wielded right.

He spent the rest of the evening just 'relaxing'. He was approached by several girls and women interested in dancing with him, but he politely refused them all. The task became even easier when Aryll spotted him standing by his lonesome and she decided to keep him company with pleasant conversation, which had the added benefit of drastically reducing the number of people approaching him. He had to make sure he wasn't too distracted, though. Even with several other eyes on the princess, there was nothing wrong with a little vigilance.

Especially since having personally confirmed a legitimate threat.

While he conversed with Aryll, Link wondered what Impa and Purah were 'doing' and if he actually wanted to know.

Probably not, no.

Liena rose to her feet and helped Zelda to hers.

Seeing this, Link turned to his sister. "Looks like the show is about to start soon."

"Do you know about it this time?" Aryll asked.

Link shrugged. He spotted their mother and waved at her. "I know what's planned, but what it will look like is something I can't say at all. I can say that the Rito have been practicing this for some time, so it should be amazing."

Marin sauntered up to her children and smiled. "Ready to head outside?"

Link caught Liena's eyes. "I have to go. You find Leon and Astoria. I'm sure they have a good place to watch the show."

Marin nodded and gave Link a peck on the cheek before ushering Aryll to the side doors. Link hurriedly got to his position not far behind Zelda and Liena.

On the way, Zelda met up with King Rhoam, who personally escorted her out to the terrace. Just as Link wondered if His Majesty had been briefed on the recent situation, he looked over his shoulder at Link with a grim expression.

Yep, he knows.

Still, the king didn't appear angry. He was treating the situation as seriously as he could in such a public forum. He kept his arm wrapped protectively around Zelda as they stopped and waited with the rest of the guests as they wondered what was in store for them this year.

After nearly thirty minutes of waiting, someone pointed and shouted, "Look! What is that?!"

Several moving lights in the distance began flying in a remarkable but practiced pattern. Liena slid next to Link and took his arm in hers.

"What is that?" she whispered.

"Rito carrying special lanterns," Link whispered back. "They're literally flying in the dark, trusting their training and practice to complete the show without a mistake. I'm not joking when I say they can do this with their eyes closed. They practiced blindfolded for at least two days, to my knowledge."

The Rito brought their lights together in beautiful, intricate patterns, holding position to create art using the night sky as their canvas. The assembled guests and anyone in the countryside all let out gasps of surprise and delight. It started off simple, the Rito making common geometric shapes such as circles and squares. When they made a triangle, several more lanterns flew up and joined their fellows, forming two more triangles, which could not be mistaken for anything but the Triforce.

Once again, the assembled guests cried out in enjoyment and applauded.

One by one, the lanterns were put out, plunging the Rito into darkness. There was a murmur of anticipation as everyone wondered what would happen next.

Then motes of light appeared, again one by one, except instead of a shape, Hylian characters began appearing, as if someone had taken a brush across the sky to write a message:

Happy Birthday.

Zelda let out a gasp. "Oh, how lovely!"

Link glanced around, not only to assess for any threats while everyone was preoccupied with the grand show, but out of curiosity. Interestingly, he did not see Revali anywhere.

Is he actually out there?

Instead of the lights going out by singles, the entire message vanished. Almost at once, another appeared, this time numbers:

16.

The lights went out instantly, only to be replaced with another message. Instead of appearing one letter at a time, entire words were formed, one after another:

Joy, Love, Peace.

Again, everyone clapped and cheered at the imaginative and brilliant showing by the Rito.

As soon as the words disappeared, streaks of light started traversing the night sky, simulating shooting stars. Unlike the celestial phenomena, the Rito flew in rehearsed intricate patterns that dazzled the partygoers.

"Is that fire?" Liena asked, breathless with wonder.

Link nodded. "Something like that. I think that Purah and Robbie had something to do with this, but I'm not certain."

The show continued for another five minutes before it finally ended, with a spectacular finale of at least twenty trailing lines of fire flying right over Hyrule Castle.

"It's so beautiful," Zelda said as she craned her neck to better see. "Oh, we must give our heartfelt thanks to Chief Komali and those that must have practiced so hard for this."

King Rhoam chuckled. "But of course, Zelda."

With the conclusion of the show, guests began to file out, each one chattering excitedly.

"See you later, Link," Liena said. "Back to work for us."

"Yeah," Link replied.

"Thank you again for helping me tonight," Liena said gratefully. She gave him a chaste peck on the cheek, a wink, and then sauntered off.

"Welcome," Link replied to her retreating back. A gust of wind caught his attention, and he turned to see Revali landing on the railing of the terrace.

The guests that were still there all clapped and cheered. Several other Rito landed next to Revali. As one, they all bowed before waving and basking in the adoration.

Link clapped along. Despite whatever feelings he may have had for the pompous jerk, he had to admit, Revali and his team had put on a splendid showing.

Hopping off his perch, the Rito Champion bowed before Princess Zelda and King Rhoam. "I trust you enjoyed the show, Your Highness?"

"You've all outdone yourselves," Zelda replied happily. "You left me breathless throughout the entire experience. On behalf of my father and myself, we thank you for the hard work, dedication, and passion that must have gone into such a splendid performance."

All the Rito gathered around to pass along their well-wishes to her and chattered excitedly, flushed with a sense of accomplishment.

Unlike the previous year, Zelda's smile was genuine, and she carried an uplifting attitude that seemed to permeate her very presence. It only seemed to grow more when she looked over her shoulder, made eye contact with Link, and smiled brightly.

~o~O~o~

Finally, with the celebration officially concluded, Link was allowed to go on a short break. According to Captain Auru, Zelda and King Rhoam always shared a private moment following the princess's birthday celebration every year. If there was a small, intimate moment on such an important occasion, that was likely it.

Link made his way down to the kitchens, politely asked the staff for some leftovers, and loaded up a plate filled with the night's courses. After making sure that nothing would fall off, he made his way to the castle apartments.

"Midna? I know it's late, but I got you dinner," Link called out. He opened the door to his room and froze in his tracks. "Oh, I didn't know you were entertaining a guest."

"G-g-get this thing away from me!" the Yiga assassin shouted. The man was clutching his privates, where a significant part of his expensive-looking outfit had torn off.

Fortunately for him, Link didn't see any blood, and the Yiga's small clothes remained intact.

Midna was emitting a low, threatening snarl as she paced back and forth amidst the tatters of the Yiga's clothes, teeth fully bared and fur raised. Nearby, a thin metal blade was on the floor, and some knives were planted into the stone floor, likely thrown.

Frowning, Link put the plate down on the nearest surface, calmly drew his sword, and walked over to Midna. He visually inspected the wolf and found no injuries.

"You're lucky," Link muttered to the assassin. "If she had been hurt, you would have answered to me. And I would have been very upset."

"I'm sorry! Just don't let that thing near me!"

"Midna, did you go for the sweet spot?" Link asked the wolf. "Did you? Did you? Good girl! Such a good girl!"

Midna barked once, but kept her gaze locked on the assassin.

"Watch him," Link ordered. "And if he tries to run, eat him. I know how hungry you are."

Midna's growl became even more pronounced.

The man tried to push himself even further into the corner from where he was cowering. "W-w-what?!"

Link left the room and quickly went to Zelda's. She was likely still conversing with her father elsewhere in the castle, but he still rapped his knuckles on the door.

"Only those blessed by the Goddess Hylia may seek what is within," Link recited.

The door promptly opened, and a female Sheikah appeared—she lowered her Eightfold Blade when she saw it was him.

"What is within is something only the Goddess Hylia can reveal," the Sheikah replied. "Link, what are you doing here?"

"Checking to see if there are any problems," Link answered. "There's a Yiga in my room."

The Sheikah blinked. Twice. "I'm sorry, did you say that there's a Yiga in your room? In the present tense?"

Link nodded.

"Avery, maintain your position!" the Sheikah girl said. She stepped out into the hall but left the door open. "I assume you would like to see if Her Highness's chambers are safe?"

Again, Link nodded, but he felt a sliver of apprehension creep down his spine. He had never been in Zelda's room before, but since Impa was currently indisposed, it was up to him to make sure it was safe.

"I'll go see to your guest," the Sheikah girl said. "Avery is my partner this evening, to make sure no one would attempt to harm Her Highness in her chambers. I'm Lara."

Giving her a nod, Link stepped into Zelda's bedroom and looked around. Avery was standing next to the nearby window and gave him a simple salute before returning to her vigil.

Zelda's bedroom was more modest than Link thought it would be. It was a lot like his, with only the table being more extravagant, and completely littered with parchments, books, and pens. The walls above the grand desk were plastered with various drawings and diagrams. It almost looked like a simplified version of Zelda's research tower.

However, what truly surprised him was the small mattress in front of the fireplace that had wolf hairs on it and a small teddy bear.

Guess I know where Midna's been sleeping.

Link quickly conducted a cursory inspection, checking the most obvious places, such as under the bed, the massive closet, and the window curtains. Next, he moved to the fireplace, and after a few minutes, he had a fire going within.

Both he and Avery watched the fireplace for another few minutes before Avery said, "If any Yiga were hiding in there, I imagine they're close to well-done now."

"Or simply smoked. Like ham," Link morbidly replied.

Avery giggled girlishly before quickly coughing to hide that fact and adopted her serious persona once more.

Satisfied that everything was well in hand, Link bade his farewells to Avery and walked the short distance to his room. The plate Link had brought for Midna was on the floor now, with the wolf happily eating her late but delicious dinner. Lara was trussing up the Yiga assassin; his ankles, knees, elbows, and wrists were bound, with a cleave gag holding a piece of cloth stuck firmly in his mouth. He was lying on his stomach, with Lara's knee planted firmly on his back, allowing her to tie straps of leather around the man's fingers.

"What's that for?" Link asked.

"To prevent him from undoing the knots," Lara answered with a small grunt. She raised her knee and slammed it into her prisoner's back. "Stop squirming, or I'll simply plant my dagger in your back instead! I'd hardly have to worry about you when you're paralyzed, now, will I?!"

"Thanks for feeding Midna," Link said.

"Hmm? Oh, of course," Lara replied. She finished tying the last knot around the assassin's fingers and stood up. "After I trussed up our friend here, she kept eyeing that food something fierce. I figured it was for her, and she did deserve something for her work, but if it was yours, I'm sorry."

"It was hers."

"Oh, good," Lara said. "Do you want to keep our friend here company, or do you want to go get reinforcements?"

"I'll stay," Link answered.

Lara nodded and quickly dashed off.

Link took off his hat and carelessly tossed it onto his bed before slumping into the chair next to his desk. He watched the Yiga carefully for any tricks but remained seated. Link placed his faith in Midna that his room would remain safe aside from the lone assassin and that there wouldn't be any need to check his room for any other uninvited guests.

Several minutes later, Captain Auru walked in, prompting Link to stand back up at attention. Seeing this, Midna bounded up next to Link, sat down on her haunches, and looked equally attentive. Lara only stopped long enough to give Link a small wave before going back to Zelda's room. A couple of other Royal Guardsmen were with the captain.

"Hmph. So, it looks like they tried to go after you tonight, it seems," Captain Auru said gravely.

"So far," Link replied.

Running a hand through his hair, Captain Auru grunted in annoyance and pointed at the prisoner. The guardsmen approached and cut the rope around the ankles, but nowhere else. Seizing the Yiga by the arms, they hoisted him up until he was upright.

"Hobble along as best you can, scum!" Captain Auru barked out. "Goddesses grant me patience, if you make my night any worse than it already is, I will begin removing fingers for every minute you slow me down. We'll see how well you can kill someone without functioning hands!"

"Orders, Captain?" Link asked.

"Remain where you are," Captain Auru replied. "The Royal Family will be briefed on tonight's events. I suspect it will be hours more before we can even think about relaxing. I hope you weren't planning on sleeping."

"I was planning on changing out of my uniform, at least," Link said dryly.

Captain Auru chuckled. "Keep a weather eye out. Just because these idiots tried their luck with you, doesn't mean they don't have contingency plans to harm Her Highness."

"I'll do my duty."

"Good."

After Captain Auru left, Link sighed and changed into his Champion's Tunic, a pair of trousers, and his boots. He walked up to Midna and started lovingly scratching her around the ears. "Happy birthday, indeed."

~o~O~o~

Author's Notes:

At first, I was going to make this a filler chapter, with a little drama, a little humor, and some fluff, but my imagination ran wild, and I decided to see how far I could go with this one. Hope you all liked it!

One character was inspired by Final Fantasy XVI.