Chapter 26 - Astra Gets a Scolding

Summary: Astra's solo mission to the Thyphlo Ruins upsets Zelda and earns Astra a rare rebuke. Afterward, Astra takes some time off to express her gratitude to someone who offered her help on the first day of her arrival.

It was evening at Hyrule Castle, and the residence area was quiet save for the occasional sound of a security guard making the rounds. All the bedrooms were dark, save for Zelda's. And that was because Zelda wasn't sleeping but sitting in bed, rereading the extract from Link's journal that Astra had given her.

Zelda was most interested in the journal within the journal: the parts Link had written before he knew what really happened. Link's writing was hardly that of a romantic novelist. However, there were still some sweet parts, including his marriage proposal to her at Sanidin Park, their honeymoon, and then the first few years of family life with their lovely daughter Astra. Link had begun writing about Astra on the very day of her birth, 125–10–01.

A Star Brightens Our Lives

A beautiful star shone upon our lives today, one in the heavens and one here in Hyrule. The sky was lit today by a strange new star so bright you could even see it in the daytime. The Sheikah scientists who study such things said it might be a star that burst into temporary brilliance. But here in Hyrule today, I became the father of a beautiful little girl. Zelda and I are thrilled! Of course, our daughter must be named Zelda, as that is the Royal Family tradition. But I will call her Astra. I believe that the star above us is a good omen for her, a sign that our daughter's life will be happy. I dearly hope so. I know mine is now. I couldn't be happier!

There was much more about their family life after that, of course, covering their years together. There were separate chapters as Astra turned one, two, three, and then four. It was late by the time Zelda reached Link's last chapter, the one that began with Astra's fourth birthday.

Chapter 4 - Four Years Old

Zelda and I held hands and shook our heads as we passed another year in our daughter's life. Why must time go by so quickly?

We planned a party at dinner for Astra but had agreed to do whatever she wanted during the day. She chose a picnic at Hyrule Forest Park in the morning, have lunch there, then go sailing with me on our small sailboat in the afternoon. Of course, we agreed. We both wanted to make this day special for her.

The picnic was fun as Astra chased after squirrels, and later, we played hide and seek. Zelda helped her find me hiding behind a large bush, and she laughed with delight when she did. She is so cute! We got her a larger toy sailboat when she turned three, and she likes to sail it when we picnic at a place with water, like the Sacred Grounds. Other times she pretends she and I are sailing in it.

Zelda wiped away a tear as she put down the journal. However written, it was still a sweet story, a love story, really, with romance and a happy family being together. It was the tale of a life that might have been had things happened differently - had the Temple of Time failed to work. And though in the end, it hadn't happened, save for Goddess Hylia's saving of Astra, it still touched her heart. Zelda came away from her reading with an even deeper love for Astra. She finally lay down, closed her eyes, and slept.

The following morning, Zelda awoke to the sound of her cat meowing at the foot of the bed.

"Good morning, Mia. I overslept, didn't I?" said Zelda as she got out of bed, petted Mia twice, and then opened the bedroom door for her. "Off you go to breakfast!"

Mia meowed once more, then scampered out the door and down the hall, making her way to the kitchen where one of the staff would feed her. Mia was a friendly cat and would graciously allow anyone she passed on her route to pet her unless she was rushing off to a meal. She knew her way between the kitchen, Zelda's office, and her bedroom. And though she was free to wander anywhere, she was in the habit of ending up in Zelda's office during the day and her bedroom at night.

Anyway, having slept late, Zelda barely had time to wash up and dress before there was a knock on her bedroom door, which she promptly answered.

"Good morning, Your Majesty," said Myra as she delivered the morning reports Zelda would typically read at or before breakfast. Zelda used to split the reports with her husband, but now she needed to deal with all of them herself.

"Good morning, Myra, and thank you."

"It looks like a beautiful sunny day out today, Your Majesty."

"That's wonderful, Myra. And I know the weather report is your way of telling me not to bury myself in work and get out to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air," laughed Zelda. "I promise to try. Is there anything especially urgent in today's reports that I should give attention to first?"

"Nothing critical, Your Majesty," said Myra. "However, one matter of concern is mentioned in the security incident report I placed on top. Perhaps you should read that first."

"Very well, thank you, Myra. I'll do that right away," said Zelda.

"Your Majesty," said Myra as she bowed and left.

Zelda picked up the report and began to read.

Hyrule Castle Security Incident Report

Date(Y-M-D): 142–10–25

Time: 02:17

Reporting Officer: Captain Hawkins, Royal Guard

Nature of Incident: Unprotected Castle Resident

Subject(s) Involved: Astra

Summary of Incident: Royal residence occupant Astra was discovered passing through the library after returning from the dock area and, presumably, from outside the castle, at the above noted time. Since Astra has been designated as under Royal Guard protection, such unaccompanied travel outside the castle at night violates current security protocols (specifically Hyrule Castle Security Order 142.7) and requires a mandatory incident report. The reporting officer safely escorted Astra to her bedroom at 02:33 without further incident.

Recommendations:

1. Investigate how the subject eluded guards assigned to secure the royal residence.

2. Recommend subject be reminded of castle security protocols and the importance of following them for the subject's own safety.

Signed:

Reporting Officer: Captain Hawkins

Royal Residence Security Commander: Major Fulton

Copy to Colonel Lorton, Royal Guard Commander

Zelda began feeling sick to her stomach after reading this. She knew what Astra returning from the docks in the middle of the night meant, and it wasn't from taking a moonlight boat ride around the castle. Astra must have used the Sheikah Slate to travel to the Thyphlo Ruins and had returned by way of the shrine overlooking the docks.

Her thoughts filled at once with fears of what might have happened. The Yiga Clan could have detected Astra's presence and surrounded her or taken her unawares, killing her as they did her husband. Then, once again, her life would be shattered by losing someone she loved. And aside from her personal loss, with no one left to carry on the Goddess's bloodline, Hyrule's future would be doomed. There would be no future Princess to oppose Ganon's eventual return.

Zelda sat down and held her head in her hands. How could Astra do such a thing? Her first inclination was to wake Astra at once, but then she thought it better to let her rest. So, instead, Zelda made her way to the private dining room, where she was expected by now.

When Astra arrived for breakfast a short time later, Zelda waited for her to close the door, then stood up and got right to the point.

"I saw a security incident report this morning about your behavior last night, Astra. You used the Sheikah Slate to sneak off to the Thyphlo Ruins, didn't you?"

"Yes, and I learned…." said Astra.

"That was so utterly reckless of you, Astra! I cannot believe you would wander off alone into the very heart of danger, risking injury or worse! Did I not say I wished you to wait before attempting anything like that?"

"Yes, but I thought…."

"Are you my daughter, Astra? Am I your mother?"

"Yes," said Astra as she lowered her head.

"And besides that, am I not also the ruler of Hyrule?"

"Yes, that too."

"Then don't you think you should respect my wishes when I tell you something?"

"Yes, but I …."

"No, but's!" exclaimed Zelda as her face grew flush. "Don't give me any but's!"

Zelda was silent as she paced back and forth, taking deep breaths and trying to control herself.

"Why would you do such a thing, Astra? Holy Hylia, you remind me so much of your father, both good and bad! He would also throw caution to the wind and recklessly endanger himself. I still remember a time he and I were traveling together in the Eldin Region. Instead of sneaking past a horde of monsters, including Lynels, he felt compelled to fight all of them single-handedly, suffering a head wound in the process. I spoke to him then about the danger of being reckless, but I doubt he took anything I said to heart. However, I need you to listen to me and take this to heart: do not take unnecessary risks."

Astra realized her mother was right. She was still used to a Hyrule with an older sister to preserve the bloodline of the Goddess. But here in this timeline, she was all that was left. So she needed to be more cautious.

Zelda stopped pacing, took another deep breath to help regain her composure, then spoke in a gentler tone.

"You're my daughter, Astra, and Hyrule's future. I, we, can't afford to lose you. You cannot take chances like that!"

"You're right, Mother. I'm sorry," said Astra. "My zeal for destroying the Yiga Clan clouded my judgment. I should have discussed my intentions with you first and sought your permission."

"Sought it and got it."

"Yes," said Astra.

Zelda took another deep breath, then reached out for Astra.

"Come here," said Zelda, and they embraced, holding each other tightly. "It's not that I don't believe you can take care of yourself. You clearly can, and so could your father. But everyone has limitations, and you could have fallen into a trap or faced more foes at once than you could handle. I'm sure you can understand how, after all that's happened to me, I'm frightened to death of losing anyone else I love. And yes, I love you."

"I love you, too, Mother," said Astra as they held each other close. "Forgive me for adding to your worries."

They held each other for another moment, then Zelda spoke.

"I forgive you. Now, let's sit down, have breakfast, which is more like breakfast and lunch combined, given the hour, and tell me everything that happened and what you learned."

"I learned quite a bit, in fact," said Astra. "I discovered the entrance to the Yiga Clan hideout and how to access it."

Astra explained all that happened as they ate breakfast together and even showed Zelda the location on the Sheikah Slate's map where she had marked the entrance to the hideout, a spot toward the eastern end of the Thyphlo Ruins area with a raised platform between two pillars containing a Luminous Stone each.

"I must admit that's excellent work," said Zelda. "And now that you confirmed our suspicions that the Yiga Clan's hideout is in the Thyphlo Ruins, we can begin to make some more specific plans."

"What do you have in mind?"

"For one thing, I'm hoping Paya's husband can find an excuse to visit the Yiga Clan hideout and get us more information about its layout and the number of warriors there. For another, I think Zora's Domain should announce plans for some additional construction and begin acquiring Luminous Stones."

"Additional construction at Zora's Domain?"

"Not really," said Zelda. "That's just an excuse to avoid arousing suspicion. But it's logical because their domain is built using Luminous Stones. So when we're ready, and we've collected enough Luminous Stones, the Rito will drop the stones from the sky and light up a path for us through the Thyphlo Ruins to their hideout."

"Clever," said Astra.

"Speaking of plans, do you have any today?"

"I think I will get in some combat practice this afternoon at a Major Test of Strength Shrine. Then I would like to use the Sheikah Slate to travel to Hateno Village. There is someone there whose kindness I would like to repay. Then I would like to spend the night with Dr. Purah at her lab. With your permission, of course, Mother."

"Don't worry, you're too old to be sent to the corner for disobedience," laughed Zelda. "That's fine. Just be careful."

After their late breakfast, Astra made a brief stop at the castle bakery, then used the Sheikah Slate to travel to tiny Tenoko Island and visit the shrine there.

Some shrines still periodically regenerated tests of strength, acting automatically, though the monk who once occupied the shrine was long gone. Astra completed the test of strength without incident then took a moment to admire the view.

Gentle waves from the green Necluda Sea rolled onto shore, where two crabs searched for food. The steady offshore breeze rustled the fronds of the lone palm tree there, making a clicking sound. To the East was a small rock outcropping where a Korok once hid. Most, if not all, Koroks had apparently returned to the Korok Forest by now and rejoined Hestu, their fun teasing him over - at least for now. To the south stood Eventide Island, a location still shunned by local fishers for its past evil reputation. It had been inhabited once long ago, but only some stone ruins remained. In the other directions, you could make out tall stone cliffs from Cape Cales to the southwest, past Ebon Mountain with Lover's Pond near the peak, all the way to Mapla Point on the northeast. Hyrule had so many beautiful locations, and they could be different each time you visited them, depending on the weather and time of day.

After spending a short time relaxing and admiring the view, Astra used the Sheikah Slate to return to the castle, freshen up, then stop at the bakery to pick up the Royal Fruitcake she had ordered earlier. It was almost sunset by the time Astra used the Sheikah Slate to travel to the Hateno Village shrine and walked down the path into the village proper. She took a moment to convert her sword, shield, and bow into ancient energy by storing them in the Sheikah Slate, then waited. And it wasn't long before she saw the person she was waiting for.

"Well, hello again, Miss," said the farmer whom she had first met upon her arrival. "I haven't seen you in a few weeks. Is everything well?"

"Yes, fine, thank you," said Astra. "I was wondering if your offer of dinner with your family still stands? I brought a Royal Fruitcake for dessert. You can take it home with you either way."

"Yes, of course, Miss, we always have extra food and love having guests," said the farmer. "And that's mighty fine of you. A Royal Fruitcake is a real treat! Our house is just up the hill here. May I ask your name, Miss?"

"People call me Astra."

"Pleased to meet you, Astra. I am Hanlon, my wife is Violet, and we have a daughter named Emily who is almost seven, and a five-year-old son named Rand."

Hanlon led the way to their house and introduced everyone.

"Please make yourself at home, Astra," said Violet.

"I do hope I am not intruding," said Astra.

"No, not at all, just the opposite. I always cook extra food, and we enjoy having visitors for dinner. It's rather quiet living here in Hateno, and Hanlon and I appreciate the chance to meet new people and learn about other parts of Hyrule. And besides that, our children love they won't have dinner leftovers for tomorrow's lunch."

"Yay! No leftovers!" both children shouted.

"Now, mind your manners, you two," said Hanlon. "How did I tell you we should treat our guests?"

"Like royalty!" both children said together.

"Exactly," said Hanlon.

"They're both adorable," laughed Astra, then she turned to them. "Do you both go to school?"

"Yes, Miss Astra," said Emily. "It's my second year, but Rand just started this year, right, Rand?"

"Right," said Rand. "But I would rather just learn to farm."

"You can farm if you want to when you're older," said Harlon. "But education will give you choices in life. Isn't that so, Astra?"

"Yes, education is very important, as your father said."

"And you're doing well at school, Rand, so keep it up," said Violet.

"Can I help with dinner in some way?" Astra asked.

"No, please just sit down, Astra. The children will help set the table, and I'll help serve the food," said Hanlon.

After serving the meal and sitting at the table, everyone bowed their heads as Hanlon said a brief prayer to Hylia.

"May the Goddess bless this meal, and may she protect Her Royal Majesty and her loyal subjects from evil."

"Now, please help yourself, Astra," said Violet. "I'll have to make sure the children eat enough because I know they're saving room for that delicious-looking Royal Fruitcake you brought."

"I can't believe we're having real Royal Fruitcake! Our guest is treating us like royalty now, Mom!" laughed Emily.

"As you should be treated," said Astra. "Royalty's duty is to protect everyone and give people a chance to live their lives in peace. All her Majesty's subjects are worthy of being treated with respect."

"Well said," said Harlon. "We know Her Majesty has always worked hard to better our lives. We only wish her own life wasn't filled with so much sadness. If only we could be rid of that evil Yiga Clan!"

"Yes, that would make life here much safer and happier," said Astra. "I am sure Her Majesty is working on how to accomplish that."

The meal was a tasty lamb stew including Endura Shrooms and Hylian Rice and was quite nourishing.

"Delicious!" said Astra. "May I ask how things are here in Hateno Village?"

That led to a conversation about farming, including the amount of rainfall, the soil conditions, the safety of transporting goods to market, and so on.

"What about you, Astra?" asked Violet finally. "What brings you to Hateno Village? We don't get many visitors here, to be honest."

"I like to visit many places in Hyrule and am interested in how people there are living," said Astra. "But I also have some roots here. My father lived here before I was born, and I know Dr. Purah at the Hateno Ancient Tech lab."

Violet was about to ask a follow-up question, but the children had just finished their stew then, and they both spoke up at once.

"Fruitcake! Fruitcake!" cried both children, and then they giggled.

"Forgive their enthusiasm, Astra, but we never have such a fine dessert," said Violet. "Sometimes, if I have the energy, I might bake an apple pie or make a pudding. But this is very special - the same dessert they say Her Majesty enjoyed since she was a Princess. Do you believe that's really true?"

"I'm sure it is," said Astra. "And I hope you enjoy it, too. I appreciate the kindness your husband showed me when I first arrived here alone after coming from far away. A Royal Fruitcake was the least I could do to thank you, and I will remember your hospitality."

They all enjoyed a piece of fruitcake, but afterward, Astra noticed both children yawning.

"I can see it's getting late," said Astra. "I know farmers keep early hours."

"Yes, the children are getting tired," said Violet. "I better get them off to bed. Speaking of which, do you have someplace to stay, Astra?"

"Yes, I'm going up the hill to visit Dr. Purah at the lab," said Astra. "She has a room I can stay in. Thank you again, and I enjoyed meeting all of you."

"Do you want me to accompany you to the lab?" said Hanlon. "It's dark out and a long walk alone."

"Thank you, I'll be fine," said Astra with a smile. "It would be a long walk back home alone for you if you did, and your fine family would worry. Thank you for a lovely time and a nice dinner. Perhaps when I get more settled in, I can invite your family to have dinner with me at my home. Until next time, then. Goodnight."

"Until next time," said Hanlon. "Goodnight."

Astra left and looked out at the village. The shops were closed at this hour, and the streets were quiet. Farmers were indeed early to bed and early to rise. Astra ducked behind a tree, activated the Sheikah Slate, and materialized at the travel gate outside Purah's lab. She knocked on the door and saw Purah peer out the window, then open the door for her.

"Hello! This is a surprise!" said Purah as she welcomed Astra inside and locked the door behind her.

"I'm happy you didn't yell at me to go away this time," laughed Astra.

"No, I've grown more sociable lately," laughed Purah. "I was just about to have some tea. Have you eaten yet?"

"Yes, I just ate, thanks."

"Then join me for some tea. We can sit and discuss what's new and what's old. You're staying the night, of course? The room is always available."

"Yes, I'd like that," said Astra, as she found some room to sit down. "I think I have some of my father's wanderlust in me and can't stay too long in the same place. And since I received the Sheikah Slate, I find travel much easier."

Astra looked forward to another exciting conversation as Purah handed her a hot cup of tea. She blew gently on the tea before taking a sip.

"Mm, delicious," said Astra. "I found our enemy's hideout, by the way, and I can't wait to take them on. But I know we need to be patient and prepare a coordinated attack."

"Tell me what you found out," said Purah.

Astra described her journey to the Thyphlo Ruins and what she had discovered, after which she took another sip of tea.

"Very interesting," said Purah. "We suspected the Yiga Clan moved their hideout there. I've also been thinking about this. When we attack their spies across Hyrule, we should use Ancient Arrows. It will destroy them with no chance for them to teleport away before death."

"Excellent idea," said Astra. "But somehow, I see it coming down to my battling their leader, which will be more personal. And when the time comes for us to do this, I want our victory to be complete."

Purah took a sip of tea and smiled.

"Your father would be very proud of you," said Purah.

"I know he is," said Astra. "He's not dead, you know. He's just somewhere we can't reach, living in a Hyrule with those he loves and enjoying its more advanced technology."

"Yes, all very true," said Purah after swallowing another sip of tea. "But speaking of technology, can you share a bit more about that device you carry? A Tab, I think you said you called it?"

"I guess a little more information can't hurt now," laughed Astra as she pulled out her Tab. "Let me show you a couple of things."