Chapter 20 - Astra Meets Kass

Summary: Astra joins Zelda at Hyrule Castle to meet with Rito Elder Kass. Later, Zelda gives Astra something useful.

"Ah, Rohga! You return with good news, I hope!" said Yiga Clan leader Kohga, as he rubbed his hands together and welcomed his chief of staff Rohga back to their hideout. "The ambush went well, I assume?"

"I'm afraid not, Master Kohga," said Rohga as he shook his head. "Our ambush failed."

"What!? With six of our best warriors!? We didn't lose anyone, I hope."

"No, we didn't lose anyone," said Rohga. "But the ambush never happened. Purah and her companion didn't travel past Trilby Valley, where we set our trap, but journeyed from Akkala back to Hateno Village by sea."

"By sea!? What, are they, Zoras now?" exclaimed Kohga.

"The one posing as Purah's assistant is apparently skilled at sailing on the open sea," said Rohga. "That took me by surprise, and I regret I never considered that possibility."

"Those two are going to give me nightmares!" said Kohga. "What were they doing in Akkala, anyway?"

"Meeting with Jerrin, the widow of that meddler Robbie, and their son Grantè," said Rohga. "Jerrin took over the research lab when her husband died and maintains a device there capable of producing special armor and weapons. Jerrin is a talented scientist, having first studied as Purah's assistant."

"Purah again! I'm so sick of hearing that name!" exclaimed Kohga. "But you've only told me who they met with, not why. Why are the two of them traveling all over Hyrule? What is the purpose of their trips?"

"We do not know yet," said Rohga. "Purah was never a frequent traveler, so their journeys must be because of her companion. I believe the key is to learn more about who her companion is. But people are wary of strangers these days, and so far, we could learn nothing from those who may have met Purah's companion. For that matter, those who met her companion may know little themselves. This person seems to have sprung out of nowhere."

"So, in any case, they're back in Hateno Village now?"

"No, we lost track of them when they traveled by sea. By the time they were next spotted, it was by one of our spies in Kakariko Village. The two of them were on their way to Hyrule Castle and should be there by now."

"So, what do we do next? We don't seem to be making much progress."

"All we can do is watch and wait for another opportunity," said Rohga. "This person posing as Purah's assistant is much more resourceful than I expected."

Meanwhile, Zelda, Astra, and Purah were meeting at midday with Rito Elder Kass at Hyrule Castle, Kass having flown directly there that morning.

"I'm sure you must be tired of hearing it, Astra, but you bring back some memories for me from a quarter-century ago. You remind me so much of your father, Link," said Kass.

"I gather you knew my father well?"

"Reasonably well. At least we spoke many times," said Kass. "Back then, I was a young traveling minstrel wandering around Hyrule. I wanted to fulfill a promise to my late teacher that I would sing about the ancient legends at each location I visited. I shared a song with Link whenever we ran into each other, which was more often than I expected. Link was quite a skilled traveler using a Rito-made paraglider to reach many hard to reach places. Anyway, Link would listen to my song, and he was smarter than me at uncovering the meanings hidden in the lyrics. They helped him discover some secret shrines. I also shared some songs with him I wrote about the late Champions, and he was very grateful, happy to learn more about each of them, especially Zora Champion, Mipha."

"Perhaps for Astra's benefit, you could just summarize what has changed with the Rito since Link left, Kass?" said Zelda.

"Certainly. Let me think for a moment. Kaneli was still our Elder back then when Link was still here, and Teba was our top warrior. Not much changed for a while after the Calamity was defeated. I was elected Elder after Kaneli passed, I think largely due to my extensive knowledge and familiarity with so much of Hyrule. Now Teba's son Tulin is arguably our best warrior, and Teba is our military commander. Of course, Link's name is still honored in our village for his bravery in appeasing Divine Beast Vah Medoh. If you get Teba in a talkative mood, he will tell you the entire story of how he and Link first met and battled Medoh together. Oh, and my five grown daughters still remember Link helping them with their rehearsal at Warbler's Nest when they were just fledglings."

"Thank you, that's nice to know," said Astra.

"Yes, Link was always willing to help others, no matter how large or small the task," said Zelda. "Anyway, the purpose of our meeting is to introduce Astra to you, Kass, and discuss what help we can expect from the Rito if we attempt an assault on the Yiga Clan."

"Well, we Rito will help in any way we can, of course," said Kass. "When it comes to combat, our archers are the finest in all of Hyrule and can support troops on the ground. And we can also spy on activity from the sky, as well as help keep the roads safe for travelers, at least during the daytime. However, as you know, our eyesight is rather poor in the dark. So our ability to help at night is limited. I suspect that may be one reason the Yiga Clan seems to operate out of the Thyphlo Ruins now. Is that not so?"

"We are pretty confident they operate from there now but could never confirm it, given the mysterious magic that covers that land in darkness," said Zelda. "The Gerudo have investigated their old hideout in the Gerudo Highlands and report it's been abandoned since Link defeated their leader."

"Yes, the Thyphlo Ruins is certainly a mystery and best avoided," said Purah. "Link said that from what he could see, the land there is full of ancient Zonai ruins. But it has never been fully explored."

"If I recall, there is a shrine in the midst of the Thyphlo Ruins my father likely completed," said Astra. "With your permission, Zelda, I could use your Sheikah Slate to travel there alone and investigate."

"Absolutely not, Astra! It is out of the question!" said Zelda with surprising warmth. "There is no way I would permit you to take such a risk!"

"It was just a suggestion, Zelda," said Purah, trying to calm the situation.

Kass was a bit surprised at first by Zelda's outburst and tone. It reminded him of some conversations between his wife Amali and their most unruly daughter, Kheel, back when Kheel was still growing up and had a habit of flying off on her own without permission. And he was equally surprised that Astra raised no objection and seemed to accept Zelda's remarks without question. But then he shrugged it off. He knew Zelda and Link had been close during their time together, and so perhaps Zelda felt protective toward Link's daughter. And he supposed Astra was just being deferential to the Queen of Hyrule.

"Are you planning any such assault against the Yiga Clan soon?" Kass asked, finally breaking an awkward silence.

"No, sadly. I fear we are by no means ready yet," said Zelda. "But I'm working on it. Oh, here's lunch."

They enjoyed an informal lunch together and discussed current events, after which Kass said he needed to return to Rito Village. They accompanied him to one of the balconies.

"You're welcome to visit us anytime, Astra," said Kass. "I'm sure Teba at least would enjoy meeting you. And if you have Link's archery skills, I know he would love to see those in action too. Perhaps you could also learn something new about your father from him."

"Thank you, I would enjoy doing that, and I'm sure my travels will take me there at some point," said Astra.

With that, Kass flew off, and they watched him disappear into the west. They then returned inside, and Zelda turned to Astra.

"Forgive me if I was overly abrupt with you about your suggestion to travel to the Thyphlo Ruins. I, well, I would worry and couldn't bear to see any harm come to you."

"It's fine," said Astra with a smile. "I don't mind when you act motherly."

Zelda laughed as she and Astra hugged.

"It was probably not a good idea, at least not yet," Astra continued. "Maybe there is still a pinch of my father's recklessness in me."

"A pinch of your father's recklessness is like a barrel of anyone else's!" laughed Zelda. "Link and I had several conversations about that character trait of his on our travels together. But I'm glad you're in agreement with me, Astra."

"Speaking of staying safe, Paya informed me via an encrypted message she learned from Pangha we narrowly missed a Yiga Clan ambush on our return from Akkala. It was fortunate we returned by sea. And they no longer believe you are truly my assistant, Astra," said Purah.

"In which case, it makes the most sense to no longer continue our ruse and for you to live here at the castle from now on, Astra," said Zelda. "I would feel much safer and more comfortable having you here."

"That's fine, and I understand," said Astra. "But at some point, we are going to need to know how to attack the Yiga Clan hideout, and I am uniquely qualified for a mission to investigate."

"There is some truth in what Astra says, Zelda, much as you might not like to hear it," said Purah.

"Can we not learn what we need about their hideout from Pangha?" Zelda asked.

"No, he is not familiar with their hideout and spends all his time in the field," said Purah. "They use him on stealth assignments, and there is no reason for him to visit their hideout."

"Well, as Astra said, we can discuss it further when the time comes," said Zelda. "Oh, here's Myra."

"Forgive the intrusion, Your Majesty, but you have a scheduled meeting with the Minister of Finance," said Myra. "Shall I change it?"

"No, please tell her I will meet with her in a moment," said Zelda.

Myra left, and then Zelda spoke

"Forgive me, another duty I am taking over from my husband," said Zelda. "Perhaps we can all have dinner together tonight? Or do you need to return to Hateno Village, Dr. Purah?"

"I can stay overnight," said Purah. "I would like to use the afternoon to research some items in your magnificent library."

"And I can tour Castle Town," said Astra. "I haven't had a chance to spend much time there, just a quick bite with Dr. Purah. And I'll be perfectly safe, Mother."

"Very well," sighed Zelda. "I guess I won't even ask if you wish some guards to accompany you. But please do keep safe, sweetheart. You're all I've got."

They embraced and kissed each other on the cheek. Then Purah headed off to the library while Astra made her way out of the main castle entrance to Castle Town.

The weather was pleasant, and there were quite a few shoppers. Astra observed again that there were more open stalls than closed in shops in this timeline. The various races had opened shops to sell items from their villages. Astra stopped to look at some Rito-made clothing that would be useful for colder climates like the Hebra Region or the desert at night and thought she might pick up a set before she headed back. Then she continued on to the food area, and one booth seemed quite popular with a line of customers. The sign over the booth read Sweets and Treats, and Astra moved closer for a better look at the selections, craning her neck. Then she suddenly heard someone speak to her.

"Hi, if you're undecided, I recommend the honey glazed mushrooms," said a voice to her left.

Astra turned to see a Hylian boy about her age with blond hair and green eyes dressed in a Hylian guard outfit.

"The honey-glazed mushrooms?" said Astra.

"Yes, but if you're unsure, you can taste one of mine first."

"Deal," laughed Astra.

The boy bought a dish of the mushrooms and held it out for her to take one.

"Oh, my name is Fallon, by the way."

"Astra," said Astra as she selected a mushroom and ate it. "You're right. It's tasty. And I love honey!"

"I'll have a dish as well," said Astra, turning to the merchant as she was next in line.

After paying and receiving the dish, Astra turned back to Fallon, and they both moved away from the stall to get out of the way.

"Thanks for the advice. Here, take one of my mushrooms, and we'll call it even," said Astra.

"Only if I can join you," said Fallon. "Otherwise, you will forever owe me a honey-glazed mushroom, and I won't be responsible if you go through life having sleepless nights over it."

"Well, I certainly wouldn't want that," laughed Astra. "I have enough other things on my mind. Fine, you can join me. Let's sit over here near the fountain."

They walked to the fountain and sat beside each other at the edge.

"Now, let's ease my conscience," laughed Astra as she offered a mushroom to Fallon, and he ate it.

"I think yours tastes better than mine," laughed Fallon after swallowing. "Sweeter."

Astra smiled.

"You're in the Hylian army, I see," said Astra.

"Yes, and I go on duty soon. I have the 4 to midnight shift, but we report an hour early to receive our orders and go over any incident reports."

"Do you like what you do?"

"Yes, I feel I'm helping people by keeping them safe," said Fallon. "Thieves sometimes target merchants right after they close up shop, knowing they're carrying the day's earnings. I patrol the area and help keep an eye on things to make sure they get home safely.

"I see," said Astra. "That's certainly important work. You patrol by yourself?"

"I guess you haven't seen us on duty here lately," said Fallon. "No, we always patrol in groups of three now. We get assigned different partners at random, too. The Captain says it's because of the Yiga Clan. They can apparently disguise themselves as soldiers, but keeping in groups of three makes it less likely a Yiga spy would reveal themself and try to cause anyone harm. The Yiga don't mind robbing merchants here either."

"Keeping in threes is wise," said Astra after swallowing another mushroom. "Perhaps someday we will have a safer way of paying that doesn't involve the exchange of physical Rupees, just keeping track of them. Then thieves won't have a reason to waylay merchants."

Fallon thought for a moment.

"I think I see what you mean, if it were possible," said Fallon. "That's clever. And then they wouldn't need so many soldiers like me here either, which would be a good thing. I could hopefully move on to what I really want to do someday - be accepted into the Royal Guard. But I know I have to be the best for such an opportunity."

"Well, keep working hard and good luck," said Astra as they both finished their mushrooms.

"I hope I can see you again, Astra," said Fallon as they both stood up. "I would really like to. Perhaps we could meet again here in town and chat? I enjoyed talking with you, but we spent all the time talking about me. I was hoping to learn more about you."

"It's been fun, and I'd like to see you again, too, Fallon," said Astra. "I'll look for you next time I'm in town. But don't take it personally if you don't see me - I have a lot to attend to at the moment and rarely get time to visit Castle Town."

"That's fine," said Fallon. "Someday is better than never. Until next time, then, Astra. And stay safe."

"You too, Fallon, until next time. And you stay safe too."

They smiled at each other, and Fallon left to go on duty. Astra sighed. Maybe someday she would have time to socialize. But not yet.

She wandered around town a bit more, then purchased the Rito outfit and returned to the castle, hanging the clothes in her room's closet. By then, it was time for dinner.

"I trust you both had productive afternoons," said Zelda.

"I found what I was looking for in the library," said Purah.

"And I spent a pleasant afternoon in Castle Town and picked up some cold-weather clothing," said Astra.

"I'll be heading back to my lab first thing tomorrow morning," said Purah. "But of course, let me know if I can be of assistance, and I can return at once."

The rest of dinner was uneventful, and they said goodbye to Purah before turning in.

"Thank you for all your help, Dr. Purah," said Astra. "You were every bit as much help as my father predicted."

"And I expect to be of more help as well," said Purah. "I'm working on something that may help us. But farewell for now. And goodnight."

Purah retired to her room, while Astra and Zelda continued walking to their rooms.

"Come to my room for a moment, Astra," said Zelda when they reached Astra's room.

After entering Zelda's room, her cat Mia came over to them, and they each petted her. Then Zelda opened a drawer and retrieved her Sheikah Slate.

"Here. It makes more sense for you to have this now," said Zelda, handing the Sheikah Slate to Astra. "It's the same one your father used, and I hope it will prove just as useful to you. Just promise me you won't do anything reckless."

"I promise," said Astra as she held the device. "I'm familiar with how this works. And thanks for your trust in me."

"Of course," said Zelda. "Goodnight, dear."

"Goodnight, Mother."

They embraced and kissed goodnight, and then Astra returned to her room.

As was her custom, Astra opened her window to look outside. She could see some Castle Town shops were just closing now, and she used the camera rune of the Sheikah Slate for a closer look. There was nothing special to see, but she took a picture anyway to test out its function. The picture turned out fine, so she closed the window and prepared to go to bed.

But as she looked at the Sheikah Slate before putting it away, she noticed quite a few other pictures were stored there. Some were clearly Zelda's taken before the Calamity since the views were of Hyrule before its destruction. And others must have been taken by her father during his travels one hundred years later, after he awoke from the shrine. Zelda must have taken still others after she and Link defeated the Calamity and even after Zelda married. When she wasn't so tired, she would carefully go through all of them. But for now, she put away the Sheikah Slate, said a prayer, and went to sleep.