The orange rays of twilight shined down upon the mountains of Necluda as the white stallion clopped down the winding pass, carrying his owner as her partner walked on foot beside him. As he walked, the horse shook its mane, freeing his hair of the snow that had started to stick and collect from the light snowfall that had been falling since their departure from Hateno earlier that day. Free from the small but extra amount of weight, the horse carried on as usual while the Hylians it escorted carried out the multitude of conversations they had had since their journey began.
"— and then, just as I finished coming down the mountain after praying at the spring of wisdom myself, a band of bokoblins jumped out at me!" Celessa said excitedly as she continued walking at the horse's side. "There were at least four of them, and one was gold! I hadn't ever seen a gold bokoblin before. I fought, but the blue ones were hard enough, I thought for sure I was a goner the moment the gold one decided to jump in. But then, out of nowhere, Link appeared and saved my tail! I had never seen anyone fight the way he had that day. Hylia must have answered the prayers I gave her in the spring for sure, otherwise I— Princess, are you listening?"
Furrowing her brow, she glanced up at the stallion's rider to see her staring up the path with glossed-over eyes. The moment she heard her title, the golden-haired rider jolted slightly.
"Hm? Oh, yes, of course, I am," Zelda answered, looking down at her friend as she snapped back to reality. However, Celessa looked unconvinced.
"You're absolutely not," she whined. "You're worrying about Link. He'll be okay, Zelda. That's why I'm telling you this story: so you know he's capable of being on his own. I mean, he came out of the Yiga situation alive somehow."
"I know he's capable on his own. I've seen glimpses of his journey before he saved me, I've watched him take the trials of Maz Koshia, and even watched him make it back from the Yiga while mortally wounded," Zelda explained, "but that doesn't mean I won't worry. We've been together for so long… especially these past few months. It's strange not to be with him, and… I just naturally think about his well-being."
"You are so in love," Celessa chuckled. "It's cute that you're worrying about him the way you are, but he's fine. Honestly, I'm sure he's more worried about you."
"While I know he does, I almost wish he wouldn't," Zelda sighed. "He's got more pressing matters to attend to. He needs to be ready for whatever comes his way, and after all that's happened, I'm not sure how he's supposed to be."
"He said he was venturing off to do the trials the Master Sword has for him, yes?" Celessa asked. Zelda nodded.
"The last trials were so hard on him before," she explained, thinking back to Link's bloodied face right after his battle with the ancient monk. "These past few months I thought I was helping him heal, so he could be ready for what the sword has in store for him. Clearly, we see how that has gone… Now all I can hope is that he will make it through the trials on his own, and be alright at the end of it all."
"Hm…" Celessa hummed thoughtfully. "Well, I never understood what the trials really were. Even you don't fully know what it was Maz Koshia showed him, right?"
"I only know he saw the past— the death of the champions," Zelda said, allowing her tone to drop slightly. "Though, with how he came out of them, it surely was more than I could ever imagine. It was as though the monk was trying to break him, and at one point possibly even kill him. All just to test his spirit, something that should have already been proven after defeating the Calamity. I don't understand what more he has to show."
"Well, I'm still a bit lost on the true depths of his situation," Celessa admitted, "but, if it's anything worse than the Yiga, I can imagine that it will not be easy. Still, you said it was the sword testing him this time, right? Not a monk?"
Zelda nodded.
"Then, maybe things will work out," Celessa continued hopefully. "I doubt the Master Sword would try to kill its own wielder, right? You told me once that the sword encouraged you to save him in the past… So maybe the sword is exactly what Link needs? Just a thought."
Zelda didn't immediately respond. In fact, Celessa's words had hit her so hard, if she were walking on her own two feet, she probably would have stopped in her tracks. The thought that the sword may have been exactly what Link needed never crossed her mind. Instinctively she felt terrible, even foolish that the idea never came to her, yet she knew if she voiced this, the familiar encouragement of the one beside her would try and wash it all away. Instead, she smiled.
"That does put me at ease," she replied truthfully. "I never thought of it that way… and if that is the case, then he should be well when he returns."
"See?" Celessa smiled back in return. "Besides, even if he does come back a bit… down, the whole reason we're on this journey is to prepare for your idea, isn't it? He'll be fine no matter what, so let's make sure we make this plan of yours the best it can be."
"You… really are a good friend, Celessa," Zelda said earnestly. "I don't know where I'd be without you, honestly."
"Hey, none of us would be anywhere without you or Link," Celessa said. "Besides, I only support you. You're an amazing person, Princess. Things have been hard for you, and yet you still have so much you want to give to the Hyrule and those you care about. You'll be a great leader, you just need to believe that, and allow yourself to be."
"T-thank you, Celessa," Zelda replied, receiving a beaming smile from her friend in return.
"Anytime, Princess— Ah, we're here."
The two looked up, noticing the familiar wooden beams on each side of the road, with the string tied between them at the top holding up the usual red-painted pieces of wooden slabs. Kakariko Village was just ahead.
"One step closer to helping Link, right?" Celessa asked, to which Zelda nodded with a chuckle.
"Right," she said as her horse carried her under the wires holding the red decorum. "One of many if this works out. I hope Impa agrees with this idea of mine…"
"I think it's a wonderful idea," Celessa said, "I can't imagine Impa saying it's impossible."
"I doubt she'd ever say that, but I'm sure she too has noticed the signs," Zelda said worriedly, pulling her steed to a stop. With a deep breath, she looked out into the village hidden in the mountains, now clearly in view. "She told me to return before we left last time. She wants to discuss something, and I hope it doesn't ruin our plans…"
"There's only one way to find out," Celessa said optimistically. With a grin, Zelda nodded in agreement before lightly tapping Storm's side with her heel, urging him down the path and into the village with her friend continuing at her side.
...
The tapping of knuckles against the door echoed through the elder's home. With a warming smile, the short old lady sitting on the top of her stack of pillows raised her head and called out for her expected guests to enter. Upon her call, the doors opened to reveal the two she had seen a few days prior.
"Goo… Good evening, and wel… welcome back," said the elder's granddaughter, who had stood from the floor she was cleaning to bow in greeting. "It's good to see you both well."
"Good evening, Paya," Zelda returned before turning to the one on the stack of pillows, "and to you as well, Impa."
"Coming to my home in the evening once more," Impa teased as they closed the door behind them. "Maybe one day you'll come to see me when the sun is high."
"I'm sorry, Impa," Zelda said with a light bow, with Celessa mimicking her actions. "It's not at all purposeful."
"I'm only messing with you, dear," the old lady chuckled. Raising one of her small hands, she waved the two forward. "I've been awaiting your return. Come and sit. We have much to discuss. Paya, if you would please put a pause on your chores and leave us be for the time being, that would be lovely."
As the two stepped forward to sit on the pillows that dotted the wooden floor, Paya stood once more and bowed in understanding. As she headed up the staircase to the second floor, the elder looked down at the two with a warm smile.
"Before anything, I'd like to say I'm happy to see you both in good health and without the injuries you came bearing during your last visit. I see the guardian of our village was able to help you a great deal, yes?"
"Yes, she was," Zelda nodded. "I'm in her debt. I'll have to make it up to her at some point. It's because of her that Jules's life was able to be saved."
"She may have given you assistance, but it was you who came for that assistance nonetheless. You did well, my dear," Impa corrected. "And how is our hero faring?"
"Better," Zelda answered. "Though… he's not with us, nor is he back at Hateno Village."
"I can sense the call of the sword growing stronger," Impa said, closing her eyes. "He's journeying to take the Trial of the Sword, isn't he?"
"Yes, he is," Zelda said, allowing her face to fall slightly– something that didn't go unnoticed by the elder.
"Do you worry for him?" she asked.
"Always," Zelda sighed, "but…"
She glanced over at Celessa before giving her a small smile.
"I believe he'll be alright," she continued. "In the meantime, I'd like to focus on other matters, such as… what you mentioned before I left the last time we met."
"I see…" Impa murmured. She stared at Zelda for a moment before nodding. "Yes, what I felt in your heart was true. You're debating whether you should reclaim your title once more."
"It's true. I am wondering if now is the time I should begin to consider it," Zelda said.
"May I ask what sparked this sudden interest?" Impa asked curiously.
"I spent time among my people," Zelda said, smiling back at her time in Hateno Village. "Things were hard thanks to the Yiga, but I had a wonderful time despite that, working at the inn, talking to the residents, making new friends, and becoming one of them."
She paused, closing her eyes as a flash of the inn and its usual guests appeared in her mind. Allowing her grin to grow slightly wider, she opened them back up, now looking down at her knees and the pillow she rested them on.
"I wanted to take some time for myself, to learn this new world and indulge in my own interests; to take a break from it all," she explained, "but, after being with them and hearing their stories, especially from those who know of our prosperity a century ago… I feel as though I'm only neglecting my natural responsibilities. I can't forgive myself if I continue to put it off any longer. This land— the people in it— deserve to see the prosperity they've heard of in the stories."
"Hm…" Impa hummed thoughtfully. After a pause of her own, she began to speak. "Do not forget what I told you all those months ago when the Calamity had been sealed and you had returned to me. A breather was what you needed, and that is what you took. Do not fault yourself for that. Regarding your status, however, I said it then, and I'll say it again: you have a choice, my dear Zelda. While you may have natural responsibilities that come with having the blood of the goddess, that does not mean you must be a ruler. If you wish to wear the title you're referring to– that of Queen— then it must be something you want to do. I will not help you if it's not something you wish for."
The elderly lady gave Zelda a stern look, a sign that she had full intent of honoring her words. Celessa's face grew worried. Unable to help it, she glanced over at Zelda, but to her surprise, her princess had looked up from her knees. In fact, even more surprising, she looked confident.
"You also told me before that you knew I wasn't happy living inside the walls of the castle. You could tell it was overwhelming for me," she said. "You were right. My father's way of ruling was harsher than I would have liked, specifically on me. Unfortunately, after all that's happened with Link these past few months, I can't say that I blame him, for I've made the same mistakes."
Zelda took a deep breath.
"What is fortunate though is that… unlike my father, I am still here to correct those mistakes," she said. "You told me the kingdom of old was gone, but that didn't mean a new one couldn't rise from the ashes. Even I've spoken before about building a kingdom that is even better than the last. I can rebuild a kingdom having learned from all of my and my father's mistakes from the past. I can show everyone the prosperity they've heard about before and more. Impa…"
She looked the Sheikah elder directly in her old stern eyes.
"I want to do this."
"It'll take time," Impa said after a moment of thought. "It won't be easy, Zelda. It'll take years, and you will be responsible for every step. Are you sure you are ready to begin?"
"I am," Zelda answered. "At least, as best as I ever will be. Besides, you know just as well as I do that if the sword is calling Link as strongly as it is, something dark is upon us. You know we have to start now."
"It's… true," Impa responded grimly. She lowered her head, allowing for the brim of the large hat that sat up top of her head to cover her eyes. "I fear danger may be upon us again in the near future. I wanted you to have a choice, to choose to take your place as leader, but it is as you say. Whatever it is that is headed our way, it would be best to organize our kingdom once again. I'm sorry to say that, if my fears are correct, the fate of our world may rest on your shoulders again."
"Whatever it is that is headed our way…" Zelda murmured to herself, something that made Celessa's pointed ears twitch. After a pause, her princess's brow furrowed slightly before looking back up at the Sheikah elder. "I won't let what happened with the Calamity happen again. I care far too much about the people in this world. There's no need to apologize. I told you, I want to do this."
"Hyrule can't consist of just the Hylians," Impa suddenly mentioned. "The races that are scattered across these ancient lands; they must be unified just as they once were, regardless of the dangers that may be upon us. You'll have to convince not only the Hylians, but everyone in this kingdom to follow you. It will not be easy."
"I… I know it won't," Zelda answered. "I've already been told once by the Zora Council in the domain a few months prior that I may not be fit to rule after what happened a century before. I didn't expect it to be easy at all, actually."
"And you still wish to move forward with this regardless of that sentiment?" the elder asked. Zelda nodded. "I see. Well then…"
The old Sheikah lifted her head to reveal her eyes once more. It almost surprised Zelda to find that the sternness that had filled them a moment ago had vanished, leaving nothing but warmth behind them. Placing a hand on her knee, Impa gave her a smile.
"I believe it'll be no surprise to you that you have the Sheikah's full support, Princess," Impa said kindly.
"Thank you, Impa," Zelda said, returning the smile she received. "If that's the case… then would you mind advising me as you had done before?"
"Advising?" the elder repeated. "As in become your royal advisor?"
"Yes. I… I still have a lot to learn," Zelda admitted. "You were there a hundred years ago, one of the few who were that's still around. I can't imagine anyone else who could properly help me with this."
"While I appreciate the offer, Princess, I can't accept," Impa answered, declining with the shake of her head, something that made Zelda's face fall.
"But, why not?" she asked. "You're respected by most in Hyrule, right? If anyone could help with unifying the regions, it would be you."
"Ah, Zelda, my dear," Impa chuckled. "I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm not getting any younger. I'll gladly offer my advice to you as a friend, but as a proper advisor, I simply cannot."
To Celessa's surprise, the old lady jumped down from her stack of pillows and landed in front of her two guests. Placing her hands behind her back, she walked over to the painting on the wall, depicting the war-torn field filled with ancient machines and rubble. With a deep breath, she looked up at the picture as her eyes began to reminisce of days past.
"My time as an advisor has long passed, just as our original kingdom has," she said. "Even now, I've begun considering stepping down as elder of Kakariko and the Sheikah."
"Stepping down as elder?" Celessa spoke up suddenly, something that took Zelda aback.
"Hush, girl," Impa said in a calm but stern tone, glancing up at the staircase. "I have yet to inform anyone of my thoughts just yet, but yes, I have considered it. Do you not approve?"
"I mean, it's not really about approval," Celessa said disappointedly. "It's just… whenever I visited, you'd always indulge me and tell me stories about a hundred years ago, about the royal family, and even told me how and where Princess Zelda went to pray so I could start my pilgrimage. I doubt any other elder would have been so kind. You even allowed me to go see the great fairy the other day."
"Now, now," Impa chuckled, walking back to the two sitting women. "I'm glad you appreciate me so, but I can't do this forever. I'd like to do some more traveling while my body still allows me. I say that to you too, Princess. I can see your mind running inside your head from here."
Stepping past a heartbroken Celessa, the short elder stopped in front of her princess.
"A new kingdom, built from the ashes of the old to create something better," she said, looking Zelda directly in her green eyes. "While a ruler has advisors to keep them grounded, that ruler must still be wise, and wisdom comes best from experience. Besides, if a new kingdom is to be born, then it's time for those of us who are aged to pass on our responsibilities to the next generation of leaders, just as I plan to do with my status as an elder. Do you understand?"
"I… Yes," Zelda said sadly. "I understand."
The elder nodded but continued to look at both the pilgrim and the princess.
"Oh, come now, you two, get ahold of yourselves. I'm not passing my title on just yet," she said. "You'd think I was stepping down and disappearing without a trace today. Enough of this talk and let us get back to the matter at hand. I'm sorry, Princess, but I can't be the one that can unite the regions with you, but I'm surprised to have been your first choice, to be transparent."
"What do you mean?" Zelda asked. "I figured you'd be the obvious choice."
"Maybe a hundred years ago when diplomacy had already been long rooted in the regions," Impa said, "But by your side is another who has already established themselves as a trustworthy ally to most in this land."
"Link…" Zelda mumbled. "I considered him of course, and yes he has a strong influence, but that doesn't necessarily translate to a diplomatic one, would it?"
"I think you'll find that sometimes the heart is far more powerful than some bland papers," Impa replied. "Come now, Princess, I'm sure you could come up with a way to at least start conversations in restoration. Use that intellect of yours; treat this as one of your research projects."
"A way to start conversations of unity and restoration…" Zelda mumbled, bringing her fingers to her chin in thought.
At her side, Celessa grinned, tossing a cheerful glance at Impa, who returned the smile. She could see it: the elder was guiding her: teaching Zelda to rely on her mind, something she was trained to ignore over a century before. After a pause, the princess's emerald eyes brightened before looking at her friend, who met her eyes at the sudden movement.
"That suggestion I made," she said. "The one I told you about at the inn a few nights ago, the one meant to help Link…"
"If you wouldn't mind, could you fill an old lady in on this proposal of yours?" Impa spoke up.
"Yes, of course," Zelda said, turning her attention back toward the elder, who was now climbing back onto her stack of pillows. "It's actually the second reason we arrived. We wanted your opinion on something. You see, I'm… not exactly proud of how I went about trying to soothe Link's guilt these past few months. I realize that kind of pain won't just vanish. I should know that better than anyone."
Zelda guiltily looked back down at her knees, something that made Celesa frown. The pilgrim opened her mouth, ready to offer her support, but before a word could be spoken, Zelda lifted her head back up.
"I want to help him in a way that's less… forceful," she said, "but as well as something that would mean a lot to him, and actually myself if I'm being honest."
"I see," Impa said thoughtfully, having returned to her proper place on the pillows. "I assume if you've come to discuss this matter with me, then you already have an idea in mind?"
"Yes, I do," Zelda answered. "The loss of the champions still lingers within him after the trials, and myself recently. I find both of us constantly looking back at their old weapons, wishing they were here. While that in itself isn't wrong, it's been eating away at us, and more so Link. I want to ease this pain, even if just a little. I was thinking that maybe we could celebrate their lives somehow— a celebration of sorts."
"Like a festival?" Impa asked curiously.
"Exactly like that," Zelda answered quickly. "I think that would be a nice proper send-off, a way to continue forward with their memories in a positive light. The thing is, I would like to not only celebrate their lives with Link, but with those in the four regions as well. They were their champions, and I believe at least someone from each region should come to send off their own respective pilot of the Divine Beasts. This, however, is what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm not so naive to believe this will be a simple task, creating a festival from nothing and gathering each race in one place… I wanted to hear your thoughts on the matter and tell me if I'm in over my head. It… wouldn't be the first time."
"A festival… One where the four regions gather to celebrate the loss, but also the victory of those who gave their lives to save our lands," Impa said slowly. "You are right to assume that a task this large would be very challenging to pull off, Princess—"
"I know. I figured as much—"
"—but nonetheless, this could actually be quite the opportunity, if done correctly," the elder finished. Zelda's eyes widened.
"You truly believe so?" she asked. Impa nodded.
"If there's anything that could bring the regions together, it would be honoring their beloved champions, who were once the pride and joy," she explained. "Still, while a festival of this caliber would be a great start— especially with Link's influence softening them up for conversation— the fact remains that he's not here at your side. If you wish for this to work, it ultimately falls to you to prove to them why you are worthy of following."
"She's the one who kept the Calamity at bay for a century," Celessa spoke up. "Is that story not enough?"
"While mine and a few elderly may agree with you, the Calamity's impact grows fainter with each passing year," Impa said. "While this is a blessing, it isn't as helpful as it should be to our princess here."
"That's alright," Zelda said suddenly. "I don't want to be accepted simply because I did my duty, especially since many would consider my late sealing a failure. I'd like to be accepted for my qualities as a leader. If I can't prove that, then I have no right to take the title of princess back at all. I just hope I'm truly ready…"
"Remember what I said just a moment ago," Impa said. "Wisdom comes from experience, and the first step to gaining experience is always taking it. You wish to rebuild our kingdom to be better than it once was, yes?"
"Yes, I do," Zelda answered with a nod.
"Then don't falter now. Hold your head high, and start your journey strong," Impa said with a kind smile. "If there is anyone in this land with the potential to lead, it is you, Princess."
"I think you might be a bit biased," Zelda chuckled, "But, I'll do my best to live up to your expectations. You… and everyone else that came before."
"I believe in you," Impa said. "Now then, you two have a lot of planning ahead of you if you want this festival idea to work. For tonight and however long you may need, you two may rest here on the second floor."
"Oh, Impa, we couldn't do that!" Zelda objected. "Those are your beds—"
"Don't worry about me," the elder chuckled. "I promise you I'll be fine. I've grown more comfortable sleeping on top of these pillows right here believe it or not. Rest upstairs; I'll be alright. Although, knowing you, Princess, I expect that you'll be trying to plan a little later in the night. Just make sure not to speak too loudly. I do appreciate a good night's rest if possible."
"She knows you well, doesn't she?" Celessa giggled quietly.
Zelda furrowed her brow, still wanting to argue against Impa's offer, however, one look into the elder's eyes told her it was pointless. Giving in, Zelda reluctantly nodded.
"Good. Celessa, dear, if you wouldn't mind heading upstairs first? I'd like to speak to our princess in private," Impa asked, looking over at the pilgrim. A little caught off guard by the sudden attention, Celessa paused before snapping back to reality.
"Oh, uh, yes, of course!" she said, quickly getting to her feet. Glancing down at Zelda, she gave a little wave before saying quietly, "I'll meet you upstairs."
After receiving a nod from Zelda, Celessa headed up the stairs, leaving the elder and princess alone in the room.
"Now then… Zelda," Impa said in a motherly tone. "As confident as you sounded, and I know your words are very much true… I can sense the emotions that swirl inside of you. Would you care to speak of them?"
"I… huh?" Zelda stammered, slightly taken aback. After realizing what the elder had said, her face fell slightly before she pursed her lips. "Oh… It's not easy to hide anything from you, is it?"
"Please, bare your heart to me," Impa said softly. "Just as you were able to do a hundred years ago."
Zelda hesitated. With a frown, she averted her eyes.
"I'm nervous, Impa," she said. "I want to do this, and I know the sooner the better. I don't want to put off ignoring my title or responsibilities anymore. I want to give everyone in Hyrule what they deserve: prosperity. But… As much as I know I have to step up, I feel as though I've never been able to handle things correctly. I gave my father a hard time when we needed to unlock my powers. I made things difficult for Link not only when he was going through Maz Koshia's trials, but also while the Yiga was attacking him from the shadows. I almost got us killed because of my selfishness and ignorance. I know it has to be me who steps up and claims my title, but… I wonder if I can truly do this, or if I'm just living another fantasy like I was in Hateno."
"Zelda, there's something you need to understand," Impa spoke after listening to Zelda's rant. "You need to accept that you made mistakes, and move forward. You are not perfect, and no one is. It's because of the mistakes that you've made that you now have the ability to grow wiser."
"But what if I fail, Impa?" Zelda asked nervously. "The monsters are still infesting Hyrule, the Master Sword is still preparing, and you— along with the ancient monks— can sense something in the shadows. Something may be coming, whether it's the return of the Calamity or something else, and I could screw everything else up again. We got lucky any of us survived before, and now—"
"Zelda, hush for a moment," Impa commanded sternly. Though it looked as though she wanted to continue, Zelda obeyed, allowing the old Sheikah to speak. "As much as I hate to put it this way, it's this kind of thinking of yours that inhibited you a hundred years ago. You were once a far more strong-willed individual, and you still are. If you are to lead us, you need to trust your way of doing things, while also learning from your past. Your father, as much as he was trying to save us all, restrained you. Do not make the same mistake he made and restrain yourself."
"Are you really sure I can do this?" Zelda asked.
"I've said it many times already," Impa answered. "Yes. I do."
Zelda sat quietly for a moment, taking in her old advisor's words. After a few seconds, she took a deep breath before looking up at her elderly friend.
"Thank you, Impa," she said. "You always know what to say. I really wish I could have convinced you to come with me, as unreasonable as that would have been. Having you around would make things a lot easier, and just having you around would be nice."
"Oh, come now," Impa chuckled. "I'll always be around when you need me. Though, while I do believe you must sort this out without leveraging my presence, some assistance wouldn't be wrong to offer…"
"Impa?" Zelda asked, noticing the thoughtful look on the elder's features. Impa didn't immediately respond though. After a moment though, the old Sheikah turned her head toward the staircase.
"Paya! Come down here please," she called out suddenly. A few seconds later, the elder's granddaughter came hurrying down the staircase before stopping at the bottom.
"Y… You called, Grandmother?" she asked.
"Good news, Paya," Impa said with a surprisingly cheeky grin. "You will be journeying from our little village to accompany Zelda and Celessa with their plans."
While Zelda looked completely stunned by the sudden addition to her party, Paya didn't immediately react. She stood in place, staring at her grandmother as if she were still waiting for her to speak. After a short pause though, fear quickly began to show on her face.
"Tra— Tra— Tra—" she began quickly stuttering. "Travel? Awa… Away from the village?"
"Yes, my dear, travel," Impa nodded. "Away from the village. I have no doubt in my mind that you'll serve our princess well."
"Bu— Bu— Bu— Bu—" Paya began stammering again, but before she could find the words to finish her sentence, Impa put her hand in the air, demanding silence.
"You can question me about this sudden task later," she said. "For now, please help our guest get situated upstairs. Then you can come to barrage me with your concerns all you want. Go now."
"Eh? Bu— but… Uh…" Paya stammered again, looking between her grandmother and Zelda, supposedly for help. Realizing her grandmother would answer no further questions until later though, Paya bowed before slowly and shakily heading back up the staircase.
"Um… Impa?" Zelda spoke up. "Are you sure she should come with us? She doesn't seem all too… ecstatic about the idea."
"It's something she's going to have to accept. She's going," Impa practically demanded.
"You seem awfully insistent," Zelda said. "I know I said I would like the help, but if she isn't up for the journey—"
"Zelda, I can't be the elder of Kakariko Village forever," Impa reiterated suddenly. "Take her with you and show her there's more to her life than just stuttering, cleaning floors, and praying. Please."
"I…" Zelda stammered. She hadn't been prepared for the sudden sincerity. She looked between Impa's warm eyes and the staircase Paya had climbed before nodding. "Yes. Yes, of course."
"Thank you. I promise she'll prove useful to you," Impa said with a bow of her head. "Now follow her and get some rest for the day."
"I will. Thank you, Impa," Zelda said with a quick bow. "For everything."
With that, Zelda began to head toward the staircase herself, but before she could reach the first step, Impa spoke out again.
"You worry for him, don't you?" she asked. "Because of what the Master Sword has in store?"
"Y… Yes," Zelda answered. "I do. I always worry for him, no matter how big or small the task may be. I need him, Impa."
"And that is fine, but remember this, my dear," Impa said, glancing over to her. "Remember to have faith in him, as well."
Zelda smiled.
"Always. Without a doubt."
...
"So Paya is coming with us?" Celessa asked from her bed.
With her hands behind her head as she lay on the sheets, she glanced over at Zelda, who was in the other bed across the room. Sitting up against the headboard, with the Sheikah Slate in hand, she swiped her finger across the screen, staring down at the different areas on the map as she allowed her thoughts to travel.
"She is," she answered almost monotonously, just barely pulling her mind away from her internal planning. "Impa insisted. I just hope she'll be alright leaving home. Judging by her reaction, it'll be a first for her."
"I think it'll be good for her," Celessa said casually. "She's been here her whole life. It might help her with confidence."
"That would be nice…" Zelda said in the same tone as before. Raising an eyebrow, Celessa propped herself onto an elbow to get a better look at the princess.
"What are you so focused on over there?" Celessa asked.
"I'm trying to figure out where we could hold this festival," Zelda explained without looking up from the screen. "I told Link to meet us in a month's time, and honestly, now with everything this idea rides on, it's imperative that we hit that time frame. The thing is… I didn't think about the weather. Where in Hyrule would be a reasonable place to hold a festival in winter? As much as I'd like to hold it in Hateno, that doesn't seem right with how crowded it can get, along with the threat of snow storms being in the mountains… I'm kind of at a loss right now."
"Already starting to plan things out, just like Lady Impa said you would," Celessa chuckled before laying back down. After a moment of silence, she suddenly asked, "what about Lurelin?"
"Lurelin?" Zelda asked. "I've seen that on the map a few times. It's… this place, right? The one near the coast?"
"That's the one," Celessa answered before yawning."It usually stays pretty clear down there near the beach, and the place is beautiful. Very relaxing and has good food. I haven't been there in a while though. Maybe we should consider there?"
"That doesn't sound bad at all… Lurelin…" Zelda repeated thoughtfully, now staring at the beach villages icon on the map. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea at all…"
"Great, then put that map down and get some rest, Princess," Celessa yawned before turning over in her bed. "It's dangerous to be tired on the road. I know I was pretty loose in the inn back in Hateno, but the road is a dangerous place, and we won't have a Link to save us if something happens. That means rest is important, so get some. We have all day to plan tomorrow."
"Right. Thank you," Zelda said, trying to hide the reluctance in her voice. With a tap, the slate's screen darkened. As much as she didn't want to turn in yet, Celessa was right: Link wasn't there to save them this time. They were on their own. "Sleep well, Celessa."
"You too, Princess," Celessa yawned happily before drifting off into slumber.
As Celessa's breaths grew heavy, Zelda laid her body down on the sheets, but her eyes remained open. The bed felt large… and lonely. With a frown, she looked up at the circular window that sat high above them, sitting just below one of the roof's corners.
Link… I hope you're doing alright, she thought to herself as she watched the moon rays dance through the window. I know it's only been a day, but… I miss you. Greatly. I can't wait to see you in a month's time.
...
As the moon rose higher into the sky, the stable began to glow bright orange as the torch's light began to overtake the darkness of the night. With a grunt, the stablemaster standing at the counter leaned back, allowing his back to crack and release the tension that had built up from standing in the same spot every day and all day. Sometimes he wondered why he stood here even at night. Very few travelers appeared at night. Most chose to come in the evening before the sun went down to avoid any surprise monsters on the road. From what he could recall, there was only one traveler he had met that would ever appear in the late hours of the night.
"One bed please," a sudden, familiar voice called out at the front desk.
The stable master, recollecting himself after his stretch, looked out to see who it was. Of course, as if Hylia herself was listening in to his thoughts, there was that traveler, wearing a Hylian tunic and cloak.
"Good evening, Link," the stablemaster said as the traveler pulled his hood down. "Welcome back to the Wetland Stable. It's been some time, I thought I wouldn't see you again."
"I guess you could say I took a small break for the winter," Link answered. "I just need to rest here for a night. Can you wake me in the morning?"
"For twenty rupees I can," the stablemaster said. As Link began to rummage through his pouch, the stablemaster asked, "if you're on this road, then chances are you're headed to Zora's Domain, right?"
"That's the place, "Link said, pulling out a red rupee from his pouch. "I've got a friend there I want to talk to. It's been a while and before things get tough for me, I thought it'd be nice to pay him a quick visit…"
"I see," the stablemaster said, taking the rupee from Link's hand. "Well, you get some rest. I'm sure you'll find the beds will suit you well."
"Yeah, I'm sure they will," Link said kindly. "Thank you."
With that, the stablemaster leaned down, putting the rupee under the desk with the rest of them. As he did so, Link adjusted his pouch before looking back at the moon rising above his head.
I'm sure the bed would be better if you were here, Zelda.