"A celebration for Link?" Zelda asked after finishing explaining her thoughts to the two others at the table. "Are you sure that's the best idea?"
"Why not?" Celessa answered with a question of her own. "Now that he's starting to do better, a celebration for him doesn't seem too outlandish, does it? I mean, look at him over there."
"You aren't wrong," Zelda said as all three of them glanced over to the farmer's table, where Link had now started laughing along with them with a mug in his hand. "Still, we've tried a celebration for him before for his birthday. I know he's feeling mentally better, but after what transpired, I don't believe it would help. He already feels guilty enough. I feel as though he would take it as us celebrating his failures rather than his accomplishments."
"She's right," Jules said, lowering the gifted drink she had just sipped. "He feels like he almost cost everyone their lives. Celebrating that would only put him off, even if he's the only one who sees it that way."
"I guess my idea's no good then," Celessa sighed, taking a sip of her own drink. "That's unfortunate. It looks like he's having such a good time over there too."
"It isn't a bad idea, it just seems a bit repetitive to try and simply celebrate again," Zelda said. "Besides, Link is almost troublingly humble. I doubt he would even feel as though he deserved it. His birthday was one thing, but his accomplishments as a champion and hero?"
"You think we shouldn't cheer him on for those?" Celessa asked. "Those are big accomplishments! He saved us from the Calamity, locked up the Yiga Clan in the desert, and he did his best to save us from the remaining Yiga just yesterday."
"Trust me, I know he deserves every ounce of praise and more, but he feels similar to how I do about those times, Celessa. Even more than myself," Zelda said. Though the pilgrim looked as though she wanted to argue that point, she reluctantly stayed quiet and allowed Zelda to continue. "Especially regarding the events from a hundred years ago. Yes, the Calamity was sealed once more, but only after a century; well after we were supposed to. I doubt he would truly feel honored. If anything he would want to celebrate the other champ—"
Suddenly, she paused as her eyes lit up.
"She has an idea," Jules said before taking another drink from her mug.
"You want us to celebrate the champions of old as a whole?" Celessa asked, reading Zelda's features like a book. "Is that much better than celebrating Link himself? Besides, wouldn't that just remind him of who he lost?"
"Link's been trying to accept their deaths for months now after everything he saw," Zelda went on to explain. "At first he tried to shove them aside, but that didn't work. Now he's trying to confront them, and what better way than to properly say goodbye and celebrate what they all did for us?"
"Well, when you put it that way..." Celessa mumbled thoughtfully. "But, would it be any different from this? It would just end up being another thing those guys over there would toast."
The three of them looked back at the tables behind them to watch the farmers toast whatever it was they were holding their glasses up to. In all honesty, it sounded as though many had gotten so far in their drinks, they were all possibly toasting multiple different things at once.
"The legends of the hero and the princess survived out here, but the rest of the champions... They don't resonate with those here in Hateno," Celessa said.
"She'd know," Jules spoke up. "She's talked off the ear of anyone who would listen to her rave about the past."
"I don't rave!" Celessa said with a glare at her drinking partner. "Maybe you just get too drunk to listen properly. History is interesting, especially when it comes to hers."
"My history resonates more with people here..." Zelda muttered thoughtfully. "But, the other races held up their champions in high regard... and still do—"
"Hey there," a voice suddenly said beside her. She looked up from her running thoughts at whom the voice belonged to.
"Link?" she asked with a smile, watching as the knight placed his hand on the back of his chair and leaned down slightly to look at her. "And to what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I just wanted to see you," he answered before glancing at Jules and Celessa. "Evening, ladies."
Jules waved kindly as Celessa giggled, though neither bothered to say hello back as Link's attention had already turned back to his lover.
"May I sit here?" he asked, nodding down to the chair she currently sat in.
"Why here? You can clearly see another chair right next to me," Zelda responded, but Link didn't budge.
"If you would kindly stand, I would feel greatly appreciated," he reiterated, somewhat mimicking her proper accent.
"A-are you drunk?" Zelda asked, however, Link brushed off the question.
"You're still sitting," he said.
Confused, Zelda looked back at her friends, who simply shrugged. Choosing best to listen, she stood from her chair and stepped aside, allowing her lover to take the seat for himself. She couldn't believe she had just had her chair robbed from her, until he took her by the hand and pulled her back down into his lap.
"Link!" she said, glowing a shade of red.
"See? That wasn't so hard," he responded. "Now we both have a chair."
"Yes, but this is rather embarrassing, wouldn't you say?" Zelda asked, but Link shrugged.
"It isn't as though we haven't done this before," he said. "We did this at the last inn get-together."
"Y-yes, but that was different..." Zelda said.
Frowning, she guiltily glanced over at Jules, who simply gestured her hand as if silently informing her to just enjoy the moment. Regardless, her mind began to race, thinking of how she could escape his lap, only for her thoughts to crumble by the hands that were now firmly gripping her waist.
"Link!" she called again, looking down at his hands.
"This is quite the show," Celessa mumbled, giggling slightly as she brought her mug back up to her lips, watching attentively.
"You never answered my question," Zelda said, giving up on escaping Link's grip on her. "Are you drunk, sir knight?"
"Maybe just a bit," he answered with a small chuckle. "But not enough for you to be concerned like before. Trust me."
"Then why are you being so brazen?" she asked, still burning at her cheeks.
"Just because I was anxious last time I did this, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it before," he explained coolly. "I liked the feeling of your weight in my lap. Is that so bad?"
With a grin, he leaned into her. Gently, he placed his lips against her neck, giving her a teasingly light peck. Zelda's face felt as though it had turned hotter than the underside of the cooking pot in the room.
"You're so stubborn..." she said, giving in to his antics, deciding best to lean back against him. He smiled brighter.
"I picked it up from you," he said.
"That is highly debatable," Zelda retaliated, to which Celessa laughed.
"Seems like you two are having some wonderful quality time together," they heard the familiar voice of the clerk say. Everyone turned to see Prima walking toward them with a few wooden trays balanced on her palms, both filled with drinks. "Look at you two being all romantic in front of everyone. That's such a rarity these days."
"I-it isn't that rare," Zelda said. "You haven't come here to tease me, have you? At least do it when Link isn't around..."
"Actually, you can tease her now. I wanna hear the things you guys apparently talk about when I'm gone," Link said curiously.
"Sorry, that's women only," Prima said, something that gave Zelda a breath of relief. "Though I will be teasing her later on, that is for sure. I will need all the details."
"Are you here to bring us more drinks, or did you just pause simply to come over and make me more anxious?" Zelda asked, feeling her cheeks continue to burn.
"Actually, I was going to come ask for your help," Prima said, surprising apparently everyone at the table. "Link wasn't with you, and everyone seems a bit more rowdy than usual today, ordering more drinks and all. Maybe it was because of the storm. Regardless, I was going to ask for assistance, but it looks like your hands suddenly got full. Well, rather you're filling someone else's hands at the moment."
"I'll help," Jules suddenly spoke up, standing from her chair. Prima raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure you can?" she asked. "You've been drinking—"
"Not enough for it to affect me much," Jules said. "I can help, just like before, as long as someone doesn't get in my way again."
"I said I was sorry..." Zelda murmured, receiving a teasing grin from Jules in return before she turned back to the clerk.
"So, you need the help?" she asked again.
"As long as there isn't a repeat of last time, sure. Why not?" Prima said. "Besides, it looks like Bolson just arrived. Things are about to get a bit more hectic."
"I won't dance this time, promise," Jules chuckled, as she walked around the table. Arriving at Prima's side, she looked back at the three still sitting down. "Don't have too much fun without me. I'll be back in a bit."
With a small wave from her and a nod from Prima, the two turned and vanished into the crowd.
"I'm proud of you!" Celessa suddenly said to Zelda, giving her a happy smile. "Look at you getting along with Jules!"
"Well, she did most of the work," Zelda said. "She did risk her life for me. I still can't believe I treated her the way that I did... I'm awful."
"No, you're just a person," Celessa said, "one who was stressed and anxious after everything she's been through."
"That doesn't make it excusable," Zelda said, but her friend shook her head.
"It doesn't, but it does make it understandable," she said. "Now relax, and— What's up with you, Link?"
Surprised by Celessa's sudden comment, Zelda looked down at the person whose lap she sat in. He had grown quiet, now staring at the crowd of people. Suddenly, he looked up and met her eyes.
"Can you stand for a moment?" he asked her.
"You're leaving? But you just got here," Zelda said dejectedly, something that made him smile.
"Does that mean you appreciate me putting you in my lap?" he asked, making Zelda's brow furrow.
"That is not what I said," she answered, receiving a chuckle from him in return.
"I'll be back, I promise," he said. "It won't take long."
Though she looked disappointed, she stood, allowing Link to rise from his chair.
"Thanks. I'll make it quick," he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. After showing her another smile, he disappeared into the crowd just as Prima and Jules had done just moments before.
"And he's gone," Celessa said, watching the crowd he had vanished into. "I wonder what that was about. To work so hard to get you out of your chair and into his lap, only for him to disappear again."
"Highly disappointing," Zelda agreed as she sat back down. "But, this actually works out for the moment. I... wanted to talk to you about something. You in particular."
"Really? What's up?" Celessa asked curiously, taking note of Zelda's sudden fidgeting of her fingers.
Hesitating, Zelda looked down at her fingers before looking out into the crowds. She took a moment, watching the villagers laugh, talk, and cheer. She watched as mugs got thrown around, as some farmers almost fell out of their seats, and others continue to play games they had started. Even Bolson had once again started dancing, throwing his colorful confetti in the air, allowing her to hear Prima's voice to be heard yelling at him over the rest of the noise. Finally, she took a deep breath and turned back to Celessa.
"What would you think about me... maybe wanting to rebuild?" she asked. Celessa raised an eyebrow.
"Rebuild? Rebuild as in...?" she asked carefully.
"Rebuild... Hyrule," Zelda confirmed.
She had never seen Celessa's eyes grow so wide throughout their entire friendship.
...
With a small sigh, Jules began tying on the spare apron Prima had given her around her waist as she stood in the lobby. She knew very well why the clerk had come over, and that was to bail her out from having to watch Zelda and Link flirt in front of her. Though she had accepted Zelda as her friend and was working to move past everything that had erupted between them, it was still nice to get away from seeing what she desired. Besides, she actually enjoyed helping out before. This would be a nice change of pace.
"Hey, Jules."
Surprised, Jules looked up at the call of her name to find Link walking through the dining hall entrance and into the lobby.
"Link... W-what are you doing here?" she asked. "I thought you were with Zelda."
"I was, but I needed to talk to you," he said, stopping in front of her.
"What about?" Jules asked. Though she tried her best to remain her usual cool self, she could feel her heart beating against her chest. Whatever he wanted must've been important, seeing as he left Zelda as they were.
"I wanted to say thank you," he said. "For everything."
Though it made sense that's what he came for, she still felt taken aback. Despite this, after a brief pause, she lazily waved her hand in the air.
"Don't," she said. "If anything, I would've been a bad person not going to the house knowing something was up—"
"Not for that," Link cut in. "I mean, thank you for that too, but that's not why I'm here. Thank you for supporting me during these past few months."
"I... What?" Jules asked, caught off guard yet again.
"You were there for me," he explained. "Even when it felt like no one else had my back, you were there on my side, and trying to save me from it. I probably would've done something stupid a lot sooner if it weren't for you, and who knows where that would've led. That... probably saved my life. Thank you. I mean it."
Jules stood silently, stunned at his words. There was the man she cared so much about, standing before her wearing that kind smile she hadn't seen since Gerudo Town, and that person was thanking her. He had actually noticed her care. She couldn't tell if that was healing or making these more painful for her. And yet, she smiled back.
"You know I had to," she said. "I told you before, you're one of my closest friends. I'll always have your back. Otherwise, I would've ratted you out to the Gerudo when you snuck into their town."
"Yeah, that's true," Link chuckled. "I caused you a lot of problems. I'm sorry for that, really."
"You have caused me a lot of problems, now that you mention it," Jules said with an evil grin as she folded her arms. "More than you'll ever even know. You owe me."
"I guess I do," Link chuckled awkwardly at her bluntness. "I'll have to figure out how to pay you back someday—"
"Actually... there is one thing," Jules said. Even as she spoke those words, she felt a light burn on her cheeks, and deep inside, she hated thinking that she might've looked like Zelda at that moment.
"You thought of something already?" Link asked. "Wait, did you plan on saying that at some point? Look, if you want me to have that drink with you, I'll do my best, but I don't think I can keep up with you—"
"I want a hug," she said simply. Link paused before raising an eyebrow.
"A hug?" he asked. "Is that it? That seems really unlike you... A lot less... cheeky?"
"Is that a no? You could just say if it is," Jules said, furrowing her brow, but Link shook his head.
"It's not a no, just a bit unexpected," he answered. "Are you sure that's all you want?"
"That's what I said," Jules answered, placing her hands on her hips. "I've been... dealing with some stuff so... a hug would be nice. Is that alright?"
"If that really is all you want, then sure—" Link began to answer, yet the moment he gave his confirmation, he felt her body slam against his own. Wincing slightly from the force against his wounds, he looked down at the woman who was now tightly holding his torso in her arms. He could feel her chest rise against his before exhaling the breath she had just taken. "I guess it is..."
The two stood there for some time, longer than Link would have ever expected. Eventually, he put an arm around her shoulders, allowing her to enjoy the embrace she claimed she needed. After a few minutes, Jules slowly pulled back.
"Thanks," she said. "I really needed that."
"If that's what you needed, then I'm glad I could help," Link said with a smile. "Though, I feel like I haven't done much, compared to what you did for me if I'm being honest."
"Trust me... You've done enough," Jules said. She took another deep breath, choosing to hold it in for a moment longer before exhaling. "Okay! Go on back to your table now. I told Prima I'd help her and she's probably waiting... and has been waiting. I'll bring you a drink so get out of here and go to Zelda! I'll be around."
"Sure thing," Link chuckled. "Sorry for keeping you. Just tell Prima it was my fault. Hylia knows she'll believe it."
With a small wave, he turned and headed back to the dining hall entrance, but before he could step all the way through the doorway, he paused. Turning on his heel, he looked back at her with that same calming smile.
"Hey, I dunno what it is you're going through," he said, "but, if you ever need help, just let me know. You know I'm known for doing pretty much any quest given to me. I'm there for you."
"I'll... keep that in mind," Jules hesitated. "Thank you, Link."
With a nod and a slightly wider smile, Link disappeared through the door and back into the dining hall, leaving Jules alone once more in the lobby. She stared at the door he had disappeared through before giving a sad smile.
"You are so dense..." she murmured.
After taking a few silent moments to herself, she ran her fingers through her violet hair before following Link into the hall, ready to help with the inn's duties.
...
The doors to the inn opened, allowing for Zelda to walk out and onto the stone staircase, with Link following close after her. After closing the door behind him, he looked down at his lover, who stood waiting for him a few steps below. With a smile, he stepped down and offered his arm out to her, which she gladly took into her own arms as they continued their trek down the staircase.
"It's been a while since we've been able to properly see the moon. It's pretty high," Link asked, glancing up at the darkened sky. "We stayed kinda late."
"Well, that's what happens when we stay to help clean, something I'm sure Prima's grateful for," Zelda said, to which her lover nodded. "It took a bit of convincing, but it's hard for her to turn down her own employee, right?"
"Yeah," Link chuckled. "I'm glad I was able to help too. Makes me feel as though I was able to give a little bit back to her after all the help she gave us."
"You're doing just fine," Zelda reaffirmed, pressing her cheek against his shoulder. "You don't need to worry about things like that. Everyone is just glad you're here and alright."
"I know," Link said with an almost guilty smile. "I'm grateful. We live in a wonderful place here..."
"We do, don't we?" Zelda asked quietly.
The two continued to walk quietly, both allowing their thoughts to trail. They listened to the crunching of the snow under their boots as they headed toward the usual fork in the road. This time though, Zelda came to a slow stop, bringing Link to a stop with her. Confused, he looked at her, wondering why they had paused their steps, before noticing her looking up. He glanced up, wondering what she was looking at before his eye caught one of the last remaining remnants of their history that stood in Hateno. Near the wooden archway, sitting on a hill right next to it, was a tall pole, secured in place with worn out, but elegantly carved stone at the base, and at its top flew a rotting banner that branded the old kingdom's royal emblem.
"What's on your mind?" Link asked, now staring up at the banner himself. Giving him a quick look, Zelda took a deep breath.
"I've been contemplating a few things," she began. "Wondering whether or not I've been conducting myself appropriately."
"In what regard?" Link asked carefully.
"I believe... I've been putting off my duties for too long now," Zelda answered. "I know we agreed the kingdom of Hyrule wouldn't be able to be immediately restored, and that is true... but, I was supposed to be setting the seeds of revival, so that one day, maybe our kingdom would return, even better than it once was before. That was the plan, and yet I've done nothing of the sort."
"That's not your fault," Link said immediately. "We've had things to deal with, mysteries we've been following—"
"Maybe before, but these last few months?" Zelda cut in. "I've been more focused on selfish desires, trying to control you and trying to make a life for myself here without the worries of responsibility I had a hundred years ago while in the castle."
"No one can blame you for wanting that," Link said, but Zelda gave him a small smile.
"Even if they can't, and even if my guilt comes from a place of self-doubt, it doesn't change the fact that I feel it's time to at least start planting those seeds," she said. Exhaling, she looked back at the village of Hateno, illuminated by the moon shining above them. "These are my people, Link. Our people. I've said it to others and I'll say it to you: I love them. They gave us a home at a time we don't belong. It feels wrong to not fight for what they deserve— for what they could be— especially when many have shown interest in reviving what once was."
"Have people actually shown interest?" Link asked. Zelda nodded.
"Much of the older generation, such as Prima's father, Leop, or the lady from Tarrey Town," she said. "Reede supported me when we first arrived, and I'm sure Impa would like to see our growth, even if she refuses to say it so as not to pressure me. And the others in town... Well, I haven't much given them a choice, have I? I simply said it wasn't a focus. I hadn't bothered to ask."
Link gave a sad frown before looking back at the buildings behind them. He couldn't say he didn't understand. In fact, he knew deep down he understood more than he'd like to admit.
"Are you sure you're ready?" he asked quietly. To his surprise, he received a chuckle from her in response.
"Not at all," she said, "but, I'm starting to wonder if it's truly possible to be properly ready. It feels like we never are, no matter how much we go through."
With that, she turned. Link watched as she crossed the snow and up the hill. In his eyes, he was watching the goddess herself, gracefully gliding across the snow, before stopping next to the banner pole's stone-crafted base. Slowly and gently, she lifted and placed the palm of her hand against the cold, dark stone and looked out into the mountains of her old kingdom. The light of the moon shone brighter, as if any hint of cloud that could have been covering it had vanished, allowing her body to glow against the dark shadows of the terrain in the distance. After taking a moment to process the beauty of her glowing figure, Link slowly followed after her.
"Zelda," he said solemnly. "If that's what you're thinking, then... I should tell you this now."
"Tell me what?" she asked, turning to face him as he stopped next to her. He hesitated for a moment before exhaling the air he hadn't realized he was holding.
"When I was... at the castle, facing down the Yiga," he said. "I pulled out the Master sword to fight him, and something... reacted."
"Reacted?" Zelda asked curiously.
"Yeah. It was like malice, but almost... deadlier," Link explained, staring out into the mountain range. "It felt different, but the same. It seemed like it came from beneath the castle."
"Hm," Zelda hummed thoughtfully. "I should be even more grateful that you're here with me then. From underneath the castle, you said? That sounds an awful lot like what my father mentioned before."
She sat quietly for a moment, pondering what her partner had just told her. The two stood side by side, calmly watching the clouds pass through the skies above the mountain peaks.
"You don't seem all that bothered," Link mentioned after some time. "I thought you'd be more stressed when I told you."
"Before, I possibly would have been," Zelda admitted. "But honestly, now it almost is to be expected. We never did discover why the monsters and corruption are still around Hyrule. Maz Koshia pulled us away, claiming those trials were to prepare you—"
"Probably for whatever that is," Link finished.
"Do you believe it's the Calamity?" Zelda asked. "Do you think the seal failed?"
"I... hm. I know I said it seemed familiar, but it still felt different," Link said, running his fingers through his hair. "I dunno, Zel. Regardless, I wouldn't fear too much about it. The Master Sword did something while I was there. I'm not sure what it did, but seeing as nothing's happened yet, I think we have time."
"The Master Sword..." Zelda mumbled. "Is it still calling to you?"
"It is," Link answered after a moment. "I can feel it. The Lost Woods... that's where its trials await for me, just as it's told me before, only now the sword itself is there."
"Will you go?" she asked quietly, something that made Link turn to her. "To the Master Sword? Will you go take the trials?"
Link stood silently for a moment, looking deep into her emerald eyes with her azure ones. After a pause, he awkwardly lowered his head and averted his eyes.
"I, uh... I actually, wanted to talk to you about that," he said. "I wanted to tell you that I think I should... go out on my own for a bit. Into the wild. I want to take some time to find myself, and then... face the trials."
Zelda's eyes grew slightly wide in surprise, but to his own, she didn't immediately decline his request. Instead, she looked out into the mountains before taking a deep breath.
"Are you sure that's what you believe you need?" she asked. Looking back at her, he nodded, to which she nodded in return. "Okay. I understand."
"Really?" he asked. "Are you sure you're alright with that?"
"Yes... On one condition," she said, looking back at him, allowing their eyes to meet once more. "Coincidentally, I actually wanted to leave somewhere too, believe it or not."
"On your own?" Link asked. Zelda nodded.
"On my own, though I think Celessa may force herself on me as a partner," she said. "I want to do something for you, something that will help you. I went about that the wrong way these past few months, but this time, I think I know of a way to truly help. I know that must be scary to hear after... Well, everything, but I do think you'll appreciate this. I understand how dangerous the world out there is, and I know I'm suggesting a lot after what just happened, but I really need to do this alone—"
"Alright," Link answered. Zelda blinked.
"A-alright?" she repeated. He nodded. "Y-you're not afraid that something will happen?"
"Of course, I am," he answered quietly. "My heart's pounding thinking about it, but... I've been sitting in fear ever since you found your way out of that castle, afraid of what could hurt you, or anyone else in Hyrule. Being afraid is what caused that Yiga to attack in the first place. As scared as I am about you venturing by yourself... I may not always be around."
Pausing, he looked back over his shoulder, where the Master Sword once sat. With a sigh, he looked back at her.
"You're not a child, you're the person I've chosen to love," he said, "and I need to trust you. The Yiga knows if he gets you, he doesn't stand a chance against me, less than he already does. He won't touch you, and Celessa is a traveler, I'm sure she can recognize when monsters are too tough to beat. Besides, you know how to use a sword. I did teach you after all."
With a deep breath, he gave her a tiny smile.
"You're thinking of rebuilding the kingdom now," he said. "That's gonna be hard. No one will trust a leader who can't handle things on her own when push comes to shove. I think it's for the best."
"Link," Zelda mumbled as tears grew in the corners of her eyes. Taking a step forward she wrapped her arms around his neck and pushed her lips against his own. After a few moments, the two pulled away, blushing slightly at the sudden show of affection. "I guess that means another journey is about to begin for us, right?"
"It sounds like it," he said. "What'll you tell Prima?"
"I'll talk to her tomorrow," Zelda assured him. "I'm sure we can work something out while I'm gone. That, however, is as I said: for tomorrow. Shall we head back to our house?"
"Yeah... Yeah, we should," Link agreed happily.
He held out his hand, something Zelda took with a smile. They looked out into the mountains one last time before turning back to head up the road, ready to enter the home on the side of the mountain and sleep together in the bed sitting on the loft inside.