The sky began to gradually lighten with the breaking of dawn, illuminating the shoreline and suffusing the land in a golden glow as the sun appeared to rise from the ocean beside Necluda. Though the morning was only just properly beginning, many of the villagers had already risen and were currently crowded around Lurelin's entrance. They looked on as their guests prepared to journey back to their own homes—the Rito stretching their wings, the Zora counting the extra fish they would be taking back to the Domain with them, Yunobo yawning as he tried to wake himself properly, and the Hylians saddling their horses or donning their armor—for all of the time they had allotted to spend in Lurelin Village had come to an end.
"It looks like we'll be the first to take our leave," Teba said as he looked around at the rest of the departing visitors.
"Well, we didn't come with much," Kass replied, ruffling his wings before spreading them out. "Just the bows and accordions on our backs."
"And me!" Tulin cheered. "I was also on my dad's back, and I'll be on it again so I can use my winds!"
"That is true, my dear Tulin! That you will be," Kass laughed, bringing his wings back in. "You're doing fine work for us."
The fledgling smiled brightly, prompting Teba to chuckle.
"You know, son, one day you'll have to make these flights on your own," he said.
"Yeah, but not today," Tulin said confidently. "I have wind training to do."
"It seems he already has a plan going forward," Kass said. Teba sighed.
"It seems so. I don't think he realizes how heavy he's getting," he remarked. "My back can't take much more of this."
"It sounds like you need to do some training, too!" Tulin said with a laugh.
"It seems as though you all are in good spirits," a kind and cheerful voice said.
The group of birdmen looked to see the princess and her knight approaching. No longer were they in their loose-fitting Lurelin outfits, for Zelda had changed back into her traveling gear, while Link had reoutfitted himself with a Hylian Tunic and the padding that went along with it. It took a second longer to notice the Sheikah following behind them. The bard of the Rito bowed slightly.
"We are indeed," he answered as he straightened once more. "It was a pleasure and an honor to spend time with you all these past few days."
"I'm happy you were able to join us, especially at the last minute," Zelda said. "I thank you for coming."
"And thanks for letting me borrow your accordion, Kass," Link chimed in. "I, uh…hope there wasn't sand or anything on or in it."
"You returned it to me in perfect condition," Kass said appreciatively.
"We should be the ones thanking you, truthfully," Teba said. "I don't usually have a reason to travel so far from Rito Village. This was a fantastic experience; one I'm happy to have been able to share with Tulin."
With a grin, he reached over his shoulder and patted his son on the head.
"It's good to expand one's horizons," he said. "I hope to show him more of Hyrule in the future. It was also nice to get some training alongside other talented individuals."
"Yeah, Prince Sidon and Yunobo were so cool!" Tulin flapped excitedly.
"Calm down, son," Teba admonished. "But, yes. Indeed they were."
"I believe I heard my name just now," the voice of the Zora prince declared as he approached, accompanied by Yunobo and Riju. "I hope I haven't missed anything important."
"Nothing but my son singing your praises," Teba replied. "Have you all come to see us off as well?"
"Well, of course," Sidon confirmed. "There wasn't a chance I'd let you fly off without bidding you farewell."
"Yeah! We're friends now, aren't we?" Yunobo asked. "We all even trained together!"
"You all did. I, unfortunately, was a little left out," Riju said disappointedly; however, with a shake of her head, a confident grin appeared on her face. "Next time, I'll join in on all the fun. That I can guarantee you."
"I look forward to it, Lady Riju," Teba said, placing a wing on his chest and bowing. "I've heard stories of the Gerudo Champion, Lady Urbosa, from a hundred years ago. Knowing you're her descendant, I expect to learn much from you in the future."
"If that's the case, consider it more of a repayment than anything," Riju nodded. "You've shown me great kindness during our time here, and shown me what a true warrior's spirit is like. You've also shown me just how long my road is, and I plan to start upon it soon as possible."
"You have a strong spirit for someone so young. Tulin could take a few notes from you," he said kindly. Ignoring Tulin's indignant "hey!", Teba turned to Sidon. "Speaking of champion descendants, it was an honor to meet you, as well. I hope we'll have a chance to meet again sometime soon."
"Of course. With reconstruction in the works, I'd happily say that's a distinct possibility," Sidon replied, proffering a hand. "May the river's current guide you, as we Zora would say."
"And we Rito would respond, "may the wind under your feathers carry you smoothly through the air on your travels," Teba replied, taking Sidon's hand with his wing. "Take care, Prince Sidon. You as well, Yunobo. I trust you'll keep training with that heavy sword there, just like I will be with this heavy bow."
"You got it! I'll make sure to get as good with this sword as the Great Daruk!" Yunobo said loudly, causing Teba to chuckle.
"That's the spirit. Alright, I think it's about time we leave. Saki will want us home by dinner, I'm sure," he said to Kass.
"I'm sure Amali feels the same way," the bard agreed. "Before we take our leave, dear Paya?"
"E-eh?" Paya asked, who had been standing quietly nearby watching the conversations unfold.
"Do tell your grandmother I said hello," he said, "and that her granddaughter is sure to follow in her confident footsteps."
"I… Yes, I will," Paya said, bowing to the Rito. "Thank you."
With a smiling beak, Kass turned back to Teba.
"Shall we be off?"
"We shall," Teba said, before turning to the rest of the group. "Be well. Until next time."
"Goodbye!" Tulin waved excitedly from behind his father.
As the rest waved and nodded in goodbye, they all took a few steps back to give the Rito enough room. Looking back, Teba nodded to his son, who grinned excitedly. Winds began to pick up around the three birdmen, and with a blast and a powerful flap of their wings, they soared high into the sky, seemingly growing smaller the higher they went before disappearing into the clouds. The gales continued to blow down on the ground for a moment, causing everyone's hair or fins to flutter before finally dying down.
"That being said, I believe it's time my people and I take our leave as well," Sidon said, turning back to the group. "We have a long way to swim in order to reach the Domain by evening."
"Are you sure you don't want me to use the Sheikah Slate?" Zelda asked. "I could transport you all there in a matter of seconds. It really wouldn't be any trouble."
"I appreciate the offer, Princess, I do; but it's rare for us Zora to come this far out," Sidon answered with a smile. "It'll be nice to swim through the Necluda waters, to travel alongside Hyrule's shore before jumping into the closest river toward the Domain. Laflat, Gruve, and Kodah all agree—the trip will be fun and adventurous."
"I get where he's coming from," Link shrugged. "It was nice being able to just travel around, admiring the scenery and stuff. It's relaxing."
"As long as you all are sure," Zelda finally caved. "Just be careful."
"You have no need to fret, Princess," Sidon said. He pointed to the trident on his back. "I have all the protection I need, now don't I?"
"I suppose that's true," Zelda giggled.
Humming confidently, he looked over to the other Zora near the rest of the crowd—who were all saying their goodbyes to the villagers—and waved for them. Bidding their last farewells, the Zora left the villagers and arrived at their prince's side.
"Our final farewells have been given," Kodah said.
"Saying 'final' implies we'll never see them again," Laflat chided. "We'll be seeing them again. If anything, we'll most likely see them more now that reconstruction has begun."
"Then that makes this more of a 'see you later' then, doesn't it?" Gruve asked cheerfully, holding a large sack of fish in his scaled arms.
"It was wonderful to be a part of this event, Princess," Kodah said. "Next time you and Linny stop by the Seabed Inn, you'd better take the discount I offer."
"You know I'll do my best not to," Zelda giggled.
"Hey, wait a moment!" a voice suddenly yelled from behind them. Everyone turned to see Celessa hurrying toward them. "I see what's happening! The Zora are about to leave, aren't they?"
"We're just about to, yes," Laflat answered as the pilgrim came to a stop next to Zelda.
"She wanted to make sure she got a proper goodbye from the prince," the voice of a certain reporter remarked as she reached Celessa's side. The pilgrim elbowed her in the arm.
"Is that so wrong? Sidon and I have bonded over our time here—all the Zora and I have," Celessa grumbled. While Traysi rolled her eyes, Sidon laughed.
"Right you are, Miss Celessa," he said happily. "You will be missed. I hope you'll visit the Domain sometime."
"I will," Celessa said, a light blush appearing on her cheeks.
"I extend the same offer to you, Miss Traysi," Sidon said, turning to the reporter. "I'm sure you'll wish to keep track of what's going on for your publication."
"You know I will," Traysi replied. With a nod, Sidon held out a hand.
"Then I pray to the goddess for an exciting partnership," he said. Grinning, the reporter took his hand. After a shake, he turned to the rest. "I believe it's our turn to make our departure. Are we ready?"
"I believe so," Laflat said, tapping on her clipboard. "Gruve has the remainder of the fish we caught in the sack he just tied to his back, so we should be all set."
"Perfect," Sidon nodded. "Well then—Celessa, Traysi, Lady Paya—until we meet again. Princess—"
He placed a hand on his chest and bowed slightly.
"—my people will be in your care from now on," he said before turning to Link. "And my dear friend—!"
Excitedly, he took Link's hand and gave it a large shake, one Link tried to match as best he could given his much smaller size.
"—I look forward to fighting by your side in the future," Sidon finished. "Until next time."
"Until next time," Link returned. With a nod, Sidon looked toward his fellow Zora.
"Let us be off!" he said excitedly.
In agreement, the Zora followed the prince away from the village entrance and toward the ocean. Noticing the large fishfolk taking their leave, the crowd began to clap and cheer, prompting the Zora to look back and wave goodbye. Splashing into the water, the Zora dove in one after the other, until eventually they were too far out at sea to be seen.
"I guess it's my turn now, huh?" Yunobo said, staring at the ocean Sidon had just disappeared into. With a wide smile, he turned back to face them all. "Thank you for inviting me, guys. I had a lot of fun!"
"It was great having you, Yunobo," Zelda said with a bow of her head. "I'm glad you had a good time."
"I sure did. I'll make sure to make you proud, Princess. I know you need a lot of stone, so I'll do what I can to get you as much as possible! Somehow…" Yunobo said thoughtfully. After a pause, he looked down at Link. "And I'll make sure to make you proud, too! I'll get the boss to finally teach me how to use the Boulder Breaker properly, that way we can spare for real next time!"
"We were sparring for real," Link chuckled, "but, I get what you mean. You'll convince him. I know you will. I expect a real challenge next time, okay?"
"You got it!" Yunobo said, pumping his fist before looking down at Riju. "I expect you to join us next time, too!"
"You expect me to join?" Riju asked.
"You said you were gonna train like crazy, right?" he asked. "We're in the same boat, so let's do our best together!"
He held out a large fist to her. Though the little Gerudo looked taken aback for a second, she smiled and returned his fist bump with her own. It took all her energy not to laugh at how much larger his fist was compared to hers. Pulling his burly arm away from her, he looked down at Celessa, Paya, and Traysi.
"It was nice to meet you all," he said. "I hope you'll visit Goron City again!"
"M-maybe when it cools down a little bit," Paya managed to say before bowing. "I wish you well on your journey home, Master Yunobo."
"Yeah, good luck!" Celessa said. "At least, that's what I'd like to say, but I think you have all the strength you need to protect yourself. You showed that when you saved us from that guardian."
"Aw, that was nothing," Yunobo said, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.
"Do you wish to travel alone, too?" Zelda asked. "My offer to use the Sheikah Slate is open to you as well."
"No thanks, Princess. I don't get very many chances to roll around like I did when getting here," Yunobo said. "Well, I'd better be on my way. I can't wait to see you all again!"
"See you later, Yunobo," Link said.
"Be well," Zelda added.
With a nod, the Goron took a few steps back before jumping into the air, curling into a rocky ball, and landing with a ground-shaking thud before rolling through the village entrance and up the road, gaining speed as he rolled. Rounding the bend, he disappeared.
"It sounds like everyone is in a traveling mood today," Link said with a small smile.
"It also sounds like they were inspired by someone," Zelda giggled. The knight raised an eyebrow.
"Who do you think that is?" he asked.
"I could only wonder who," Zelda teased.
"I wish I could travel across Hyrule and see new places," Riju suddenly chimed in. "But I'm obliged to accept your offer to be transported back home."
"Unfortunately, you are," Zelda replied. "What Buliara's reaction would be if we let you travel Hyrule alone is something I'd rather not ponder."
"I understand Buliara wants me to enjoy the last bit of freedom I have as a child, but I'm having a hard time finding that freedom," Riju fumed.
"It's more of a give-and-take really," Celessa said. "You gain some more freedoms the older you get, but even more crushing responsibilities that hinder you from doing them. But hey, you'll be able to travel around Hyrule!"
"Very helpful, Celessa," Zelda said, unimpressed with Celessa's attempt at comfort.
"If we're being honest with ourselves, what she said is true," Riju said, crossing her arms, "but, I already bear the weight of such responsibilities. Thankfully, it's a weight I feel I can hold a little easier now."
She glanced down at the golden hilt of the sword resting against her lower back before looking at Link, giving him a smile.
"You'd better remember our agreement," he said. "You learned nothing from me. I don't need Buliara tracking me down; I have enough enemies doing that as it is."
"I won't, I swear to you," Riju said with a nod of her head. "I know I must sound like everyone else, but I am grateful you all brought me here. I've enjoyed myself, and I hope to do something like this again in the near future. I hope you'll come to visit more often, now that reconstruction is happening, just as you will everyone else."
"Absolutely," Link said with a smile. He took a step forward and held a fist out, just as Yunobo did earlier. "Let's do this, alright?"
With a grin, Riju lifted her arm and pushed her knuckles against his own.
"Let's."
After a second, he took a step back, only for Traysi to take his place.
"So, am I allowed back into Gerudo Town now that everything is cleared up? I do still have some questions; I've only been holding back because of the festival—"
"Traysi!" Zelda scolded, but Riju giggled.
"I'll try and clear it with Buliara," she answered. "Though, don't count on me to convince her. If I do manage, you'd better not get thrown out again, for I won't be able to achieve such a miracle a second time."
"I'll accept that for now," Traysi said, returning to her original spot. "Good luck being chief and all."
"Yeah, goodbye!" Celessa waved, while Paya bowed. Riju smiled, giving a small wave in return before looking at Zelda.
"Alright. I'm ready when you are," she said.
"Right. Well then, I shall return shortly," Zelda said to the rest of the group.
"We'll be here," Link said, stepping up to her. Taking her by the waist, he planted a light kiss on her lips, one she happily accepted. "While you're gone, we'll make sure the horses are ready."
"Wonderful," Zelda replied, a light blush on her cheeks. Ignoring Celessa and Traysi's faces, she took a step back and took the Sheikah Slate from her hip. After tapping the screen open to the map, she held her hand out for Riju to take. "Back to the desert we go."
With a nod, Riju placed her hand into Zelda's and with a final tap of the screen, the two began to glow blue before turning into a cluster of blue light strings. As each of the strings flew up and disappeared into the sky, the group watched until each one was gone.
...
While Zelda was away, the rest of the Hylians returned to their duties, preparing for their own departure. Celessa and Paya prepared their horses while Link readied his own, adjusting the saddle belts and checking the supplies in her bags. Epona suddenly shook her mane.
"Do you have sand in your mane?" Link asked, buckling up one of the belts on her saddle. When the mare blew air from her nose, he chuckled. "I'll make sure to give you a nice long bath when we're home, I promise."
The horse grumbled.
"And I'll brush your coat."
She grumbled again.
"And I'll clean your hooves. How's that?" he asked. The horse nickered slightly. "Good. Hm… Maybe I've been spoiling you a little bit."
At this, the horse flicked her tail. Link nodded.
"Yeah, you're right. Who am I kidding?" he said. "There's no way I'm spoiling you."
"So, do you usually have full-fledged conversations with your horse?" the reporter's voice asked.
Looking over his shoulder, Link saw Traysi coming to a stop next to him.
"Do you not?" he asked, returning to his saddle preparation.
"Not usually, no," Traysi said. "Last time I checked, horses didn't speak."
"It sounds like you need to listen to them a little better," Link said.
"Are you… Are you being serious?" Traysi asked after staring at him for a second. "For a moment, I thought you were being sarcastic, but…"
Link paused and stared at her, his features expressionless. After another awkward silence, Traysi nodded.
"You saved me," she decided to continue, "from a Molduking back in the Gerudo Desert a few months ago."
"Oh yeah, I remember that," Link said, returning to his saddle work. "You're pretty brave, going out looking for something like that."
"Hey, you can say crazy," Traysi shrugged. "You wouldn't be wrong. It also wouldn't be rude, because you're crazy, too."
"You're…not wrong," Link said with a grin. "So, what about it?"
"You walked away before I could get my story," the reporter said. Link raised an eyebrow.
"Was your story not about the Molduking?" he asked.
"It was," Traysi said simply. "Then you showed up."
"Me?" Link asked. "What, you wanted to turn it into a story about how I defeated a Molduking?"
"Nope. After you saved me, you said you were off to fight something even bigger," Traysi recalled. "To beat the biggest of them all so that you could save someone, and then you walked away, just like that."
Traysi narrowed her eyes.
"My biggest story walked away, right in front of my eyes."
"You found my story interesting? You sound like Riju," Link chuckled. "What made you wait so long to come talk to me? I've been here for a few days now."
"For two very obvious reasons," Traysi replied. "You were either training with the others, or clinging to the princess's waist. Even when you weren't doing either of those, you were cooking for everyone. You're hard to pin down, and I'm sure if I'd tried to pull you away, the princess would have tracked me down and pulled you back."
"So now that she's gone, this is your perfect chance," Link pieced together. "You really think I'm all that interesting?"
"I do," Traysi said. "Just as interesting as Princess Zelda, if not even more so. Especially if you're the fabled Silent Knight, the hero chosen by The Sword That Seals the Darkness from a century ago."
"You doubt I am he?" Link asked.
"I don't see a legendary sword with you," Traysi replied, "though, it seems that's about to change. If you're who you claim to be, your story has the power to inspire people, just like the Princess's does. "
"How so?" Link asked. "I think Zelda's story is far more powerful than mine is."
"Both of your stories are two facets of the same rupee," Traysi said simply. "A story of a princess and her knight. A tale of loss and tragedy, but also one of connection and love. Two battles—one to give the hero time to heal, the other to save the princess from that battle."
"And what do you want to do with that tale?" Link asked.
"Spread it to others in Hyrule," Trraysi said. "It's always been my goal to bring the people of Hyrule together with my writing. First I did rumors, now I'm telling…whatever this all is, with the princess's plans and reconstruction… I can tell Princess Zelda's side of things alone and still succeed, but telling yours as well? Who wouldn't join the kingdom you two are rebuilding?"
"I guess that's true," Link said, finishing up Epona's saddle preparation. "I dunno what to tell you, though. What you see as an amazing story, I just see as my life."
"And what do you see your life as?" Traysi asked curiously.
Link finished the last buckle on the saddle before pausing, lost in thought. Giving a quiet hum, he looked out into the ocean, where the waves sparkled in the rays of the early-morning sun.
"It…feels like my life is one big trial," he said finally. "Always being tested in some way, every one different from the last. The Calamity Ganon, the Yiga, Maz Koshia…and now the Master Sword."
"It sounds like quite a burden to bear," Traysi said.
"It is, if I'm being honest, but that's not all there is to my life," Link said as a small smile appeared on his face. "I have my friends, my home, and Zelda. It's a hard one, but it's a happy one, too. With what I learn from the trials, I'll use it all to protect everyone around me. That's the life I've been given, and the life I love to live."
"Hm," Traysi said thoughtfully. "You and the princess, each with your own set of tribulations, yet close to—if not the same—outlooks on life. You two are unique, as…interesting as you both can be."
"Well, what can I say?" Link chuckled. "I guess, in our own ways, the two of us are also just a couple of trials. Do you really think that's inspirational?"
"Do I think it is?" Traysi repeated. She grinned. "I know it is. You just proved me right, Link. You are the greatest story, and the two of you definitely have the power to bring Hyrule back together."
"Actually, can I ask about that?" Link asked. "What makes you want to write to unite Hyrule? If you don't mind me asking a question this time around."
"Why, huh?" Traysi mused. "There aren't many ways to make your mark in life, especially in this era. But, words can last more than a lifetime, given how many people read them; but words should have a purpose. I wrote about the rumors of Hyrule because it connected people. Even if they were small; they meant something. Now they'll mean even more, since now things in Hyrule are about to get a lot more lively. I'll have far more interesting things to write about."
"Hey, the princess is back!" Celessa's voice could be heard.
Hearing this, both the reporter and knight turned toward the ocean, where Zelda was walking along the shore toward the entrance. Link raised an eyebrow.
"She teleported to the shrine on the beach all the way over there?" he asked. "What's wrong with the one right above us?"
"The one on the cliff?" Traysi asked sarcastically. Link's face remained impassive. "It's a cliff; she can't climb down that."
"I can," Link said simply. "I thought she could, too. I did teach her how to climb them."
"Okay, but even if she could—why would she do all that climbing when she can just walk for a few minutes?" Traysi asked.
"That just sounds like a waste of time. It's faster just to climb down," Link said before walking away to greet Zelda. The reporter stared at his retreating figure before shaking her head.
"You two really are a couple of trials in your own ways," she sighed before following him.
"Welcome back," Link said the moment Zelda reached them. "You took awhile. What did Buliara have to say?"
"She was fairly surprised to see Riju had Urbosa's weapons," Zelda explained. "But, she seemed proud of her. After that I had to recap what transpired over the past few days, explaining the festival and reconstruction plans."
"I guess Buliara approved?" Link asked hopefully. The princess nodded.
"She's curious to see what we do," Zelda said.
"Princess!" someone else called. Coming up to them now was the knight of Akkala.
"Hoz," Zelda said. "Are you heading out as well?"
"I am, and I'll be escorting these folks back to Akkala," he said, pointing his spear back toward the group behind him, who were guiding a horse and elegant cart.
"The Stable Trotters?" Zelda asked, watching as the small conductor of the group bounced toward them. "You all are heading back to Akkala?"
"To Tarrey Town, to be precise!" Maestro replied in his squeaky voice. "With you rebuilding the kingdom, we have much practice to do for the next events you'll hold! We may travel occasionally, but for now, we need to be where you can find us!"
"I appreciate that," Zelda giggled. "Are you leaving now?"
"Not quite yet," Hoz replied. "We still need to get their carriage—"
"Ehem!"
"—the Breezer prepared for the road," Hoz corrected.
"Are you going to be staying in Akkala as well?" Zelda asked the knight. Surprisingly, he shook his head.
"While I'll be giving these fine folk safe transportation, I actually was hoping you could tell me where to find you," he said. "You're going to start reconstruction soon, and I'd like to be of service, even if we start slow."
"Really? Are you certain?" Zelda asked. "I'm sure it's going to take much planning before things get moving."
"Even so, I wish to be there alongside you and Link," Hoz said. He placed his hand over his heart and bowed slightly. "If you'll allow me, of course."
"A-absolutely, yes," Zelda said. "If that's the case, then please, why don't you come to Hateno Village?"
"Hoz is coming to Hateno?" Celessa asked excitedly.
"I'm surprised you're so happy to hear that," Hoz replied.
"Of course I am; you're my buddy," Celessa said. "You listened to me talk about the princess for so many hours before I settled in Hateno. It'll be nice to have you there."
"Well then, I was going to accept heading to Hateno already, Princess, but it seems I have even more reason to go," Hoz said with a chuckle. "I will gladly head to your new home town."
"Wonderful," Zelda said with a bow of her own before turning to Maestro. "That means you know where to find us as well, if you ever wish to visit."
"What joy!" Maestro bounced. "Of course we'll visit!"
"Wonderful," Zelda giggled. "Well, I believe that's it… Except…"
With a hum, she looked around the crowd of people, furrowing her brow as she carefully scanned each and every person.
"Are you looking for me?" an old man's voice asked. Coming out of the crowd, with both Armes and Numar following him, was the elder.
Taking a step back, Maestro and Hoz allowed the three Lurelin villagers through.
"Elder Rozel," Zelda said with a smile. "Yes, I was. I wish to thank you for everything you've done for me and the rest of us. You had no reason at all to believe who I was, or to hold a festival, or even help prepare for it, and yet you did all of the above simply because you believed in me. I could never repay the debt I owe to you."
"Whatever debt you think you owe is already paid in my heart," Rozel said with a raspy chuckle. "And if you don't believe me, then any debt you think you owe will be repaid by doing your best to rebuild our lost kingdom."
"Surely there must be more that I could—" Zelda began, yet Rozel shook his head.
"You've brought so much life to Lurelin in the time you've been here," the elder said.
"Yeah, we got to meet people from the other races in Hyrule!" Armes added. "Now all of Hyrule will know where to get the best fish!"
"Lurelin has been stagnant for a while, and with your help, we feel revitalized," Numar continued. "If anything, I'd say we owe you."
"We believe in you, Princess Zelda," Rozel said, "and you as well, Link. You two are our future, and it's one we look forward to seeing."
"Elder Rozel… Armes… Numar…" Zelda said, moved by their words.
Suddenly, the crowd behind them began to cheer, the villagers all clapping or shouting words of encouragement. Unable to think of anything else, Zelda clasped her hands in front of her and bowed deeply.
"Thank you all," she said. "I'll do my best as the Princess of Hyrule for each and every one of you. I swear it."
Mimicking her, Link bowed as well, prompting Paya, Celessa, and Traysi to do the same.
"To Princess Zelda and her team!" Hoz shouted, raising his spear in the air.
"To Princess Zelda and her team!" the crowd repeated, still applauding enthusiastically. Finally, the group raised their heads.
"I think it's time," Link said, placing a hand on Zelda's shoulder. With a nod in agreement, she waved to all of Lurelin.
"Goodbye, and thank you again!" she said to the crowd.
As the people of Lurelin continued to clap and cheer, the princess, the pilgrim, the Sheikah, and the reporter all made their way to their horses. After climbing into their saddles, Zelda looked back at the still-cheering crowd, who were now yelling their farewells. With a final wave back, the group each tapped on their horses' sides with their heels, and began their trot down the road Yunobo had rolled through earlier.
"Are you sure we should ride all the way there instead of just using the slate?" Traysi asked, once the village was out of sight. "I know you decided this earlier, and everyone else who left took inspiration from the choice, but it seems like a waste of time to ride there."
"It's not a waste of time at all," Link said. "The actual travel is what makes a journey what it is. It won't hurt to see some sights and enjoy the wild while we head to Korok Forest," Link said calmly. "Isn't that right, Paya?"
"Y-yes!" Paya answered surprisingly loudly. "I wish to adventure a little bit more before I head back to my village."
"Yeah, Traysi, come on," Celessa chimed in. "Have some fun and enjoy the ride!"
"Hm," Traysi hummed. "What about you, Princess? You understand, right?"
"I do, but I understand their point as well," Zelda said cheerfully. "After the week we've had, I'd say we deserve to take it slow."
"Right, you want to spend as much time as possible with Link before he does his trial," Traysi sighed. "I should've realized. Well, another few days of travel, here we come."
A few days had passed since the traveling quintet had left Lurelin Village. They had ridden their horses through Faron, using the high-standing wooden bridges to pass over the large rivers and waterfalls, before exiting the forest to cross the much larger stone bridge, the Bridge of Hylia, which allowed them to enter Central Hyrule. Following the border of that region, using the rivers of the neighboring Lanayru Wetlands as their guide, they soon arrived at the border of Eldin, where the Woodland Stable awaited them. The moment they brought their horses to a stop in front of the stable's fence, Traysi sighed.
"It's about time," she grumbled as she slid off her horse. "I'm grateful Link let me borrow one of his spare horses, but I still think we should have used the Sheikah Slate."
"Oh, come now, Traysi, was the journey that bad?" Zelda asked, bringing her white stallion to a stop next to the reporter's own horse. "I thought it was fairly relaxing."
"It was, but it's amazing you all can ride for so long in those saddles," the reporter said, stretching her legs out while Paya and Celessa came to a top and climbed down from their own horses. "Even if we didn't use the slate, I'd have preferred to walk, or ride that Master Cycle thing. The ride on that was so smooth compared to an actual horse…"
"You'd still trust me enough to ride behind me after last time?" Zelda asked, climbing down from her horse as well.
"I said I'd rather ride it, not ride with you," Traysi corrected, now rubbing her lower back. "I'm still a little sore where I landed, depending on how I twist my torso."
"From what I heard, it sounded like you deserved it," Link said, walking beside Epona as he guided her by the reins. Before Traysi could respond, he whistled, calling for all the horses to follow him. "I'm gonna get these guys boarded, then I'll make dinner for tonight."
"Thank you, Link," Zelda said with a smile as her stallion walked away from her side. After returning it with one of his own, Link walked away, with the herd of horses following him.
"You two surely have been getting along well," Traysi said.
"Is there a reason we wouldn't be?" Zelda asked. "I'd expect Celessa to say that, seeing as she witnessed what happened in Hateno, but you've only seen us together at our best."
"Yeah, you're definitely at your best currently, aren't you?" Traysi asked with a single chuckle. The princess raised an eyebrow.
"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked.
"Princess, we all know," Traysi said simply. Zelda blinked.
"What?" she asked.
"We know," Traysi repeated. "Honestly, I'm surprised you could ride in that saddle for so long. Your thighs have to burn, rubbing against all that leather."
"I know that they burn," Celessa chimed in, who had been listening to their conversation. "I saw you adjust your seating so often, and you were rubbing your inner thighs every time we stopped at a stable."
Again, Zelda blinked.
"You know?" she asked, her expression blank.
Celessa and Traysi nodded. Even Paya turned away, her entire face burning red. Taking their nonverbal responses in, Zelda's cheeks matched the Sheikah's.
"You know? How? I don't believe we told anyone—"
"Princess, you both were drunk," Celessa giggled. "Link had to carry you to the bed while he was completely wasted! There's no way we could sleep through that ruckus!"
"And the innkeeper was pretty loud, too," Traysi added. "Some courtesy, speaking so loud when others are trying to sleep."
"I can't believe you all heard that…" Zelda whined.
"Honestly, I'm proud," Celessa said cheerfully. "Prima would be, too. This was the goal! We worked so hard for this! Honestly, we should have a drink in celebration, now that you found out we already know."
"I'm not sure I feel comfortable celebrating the fact I had my first in the sand while intoxicated," said a shamefaced Zelda, yet Celessa rolled her eyes.
"Oh come on! That sounds like an amazing first!" she said. "You had fun with the person you love—true fun! Besides, who's ever had a perfect first time?"
"Not many," Traysi confirmed immediately. Everyone looked at her.
"Traysi, do you have a story to tell?" Celessa asked with a mischievous grin. Immediately, Traysi looked at the stablemaster's desk.
"Hey look, the stablehands are taking our horses," she said. "That means Link is about to cook and I'm starving."
Before Celessa could say another word, the reporter walked off.
"Of course she ran off," the pilgrim fumed. "So, she'll ask all the questions for her articles, but the moment she's the one being interrogated, she runs for the hills!"
"I think the subject of said interrogations makes the difference, Celessa," Zelda said, followed by a sigh that was clearly an attempt to hide the laughter trying to escape her lips. "Why don't we join her and Link at the cooking pot?"
"Fine," Celessa answered defeatedly. "You two are so boring. I miss Prima."
"I do as well," Zelda agreed.
Together, they met Link at the cooking pot, taking seats at benches in order to enjoy the dishes the knight made for them. The moon was high above before one of them got to their feet. Once she was up, Traysi stretched.
"Well, I'm off to bed," she said. "I need to be properly rested for tomorrow."
"Honestly, I agree with her," Celessa said, standing as well. "I want to check the beds in the stable and see which one is the best."
"What a moral reason," Traysi scolded before sighing. "If you give me your rupees, I'll rent your beds so they're ready for you."
"Thank you, Traysi," Zelda replied, who was sitting next to Link on the same bench. Reaching down, she pulled a handful of rupees out from her pouch and held them up for the reporter to take.
"I'll take my leave as well," Paya said, getting to her own feet.
"Will you two be long?" Celessa asked as the Sheikah came to her side. "You wouldn't happen to be planning any late night activities, would you?"
"Good night, Celessa," Zelda said sternly.
With a sigh and shrug, the pilgrim turned and headed to the stables, followed by the other two, leaving the princess and knight on the bench alone in front of the cooking pot.
"So, they know we did it, huh?" Link chuckled, twisting his torso to watch the three walk away.
"Unfortunately," Zelda sighed. "I feel as though it'll be quite some time before they finally move on from teasing me about it."
"If they ever move on from it," Link laughed, turning back to face the cooking pot.
The two grew quiet, simply enjoying each other's company. Eventually, Zelda looked over, wishing to catch a glimpse of his eyes. This wasn't a challenge, for his azure irises were locked onto the flames burning brightly underneath the pot.
"Are you nervous about the trial ahead?" she asked.
"I wouldn't say I'm nervous," Link answered without pulling his gaze away from the fire. "More…curious. I wonder what the sword has in store for me. It's just like I told you a few nights ago: I feel different every time I come out of the trial—I feel better—and yet it feels like I lose the lesson itself. I know…know the answer, and that's helpful, but…what did I see?"
"Does what you saw matter if the end result is the same?" Zelda asked. "If you feel better, and you have the answer, then what would you say the problem is?"
"I…dunno," Link answered honestly. "I really couldn't tell you, and I doubt I'll ever know myself."
"Do you resent the sword?" Zelda asked. "For keeping something from you?"
"Nah," Link answered. "If anything, I owe her a lot. My frustration is more petty than serious."
"Hm. I understand," Zelda said with a gentle smile. "I felt the same way, remember?"
"Did you learn to live with it?" Link asked, finally looking away from the fire to meet her eyes. Zelda nodded.
"I did. You made it quite easy," she said.
Happily, she took Link's hand, opting to lean her body against his. Gently, she rested her head on his shoulder before adjusting her body to get comfortable.
"I'm going to miss you," she said quietly as she closed her eyes. "I just got you back, and now we have to say goodbye once more."
"I know," Link said guiltily. "I'll make sure to come back as soon as possible. Hopefully the floors won't take that long. It should be a few days, tops."
"I hope that's all it is," Zelda said. "I refuse to accept having another month away from you."
"I'm sure I won't be gone that long," Link chuckled. He gave her hand a squeeze and leaned his head against hers. "I'll come back well before that. I promise."
"You'd better," Zelda said.
The two sat on the bench for hours before eventually deciding to turn in for the night, choosing to sleep in the same bed knowing full well both Traysi and Celessa would comment on it the next morning.
The leaves creating the forest canopy above rustled as a breeze blew through the clearing, caressing the bark of the largest tree in the center. The giant tree took a deep breath before falling back into slumber, its branches swaying in response, causing the occasional pink leaf to flutter from the ends, drifting lazily down and landing near the purple-winged blade standing upright in its pedestal. The sword didn't react, keeping its silence as it awaited its master's return. It wasn't until a river of blue lights flew downward through the leafy canopy from above and circled around the pink leaves of the giant tree that the ancient weapon began to emit a faint glow.
"So, this is where you end up if you manage to get through the Lost Woods, huh?" Traysi asked as she stepped off the shrine's platform.
"Yeah, isn't it great?" Link responded, watching with a smile as Paya and Celessa looked around the forest in awe.
"It was, until I stepped in all this mud," Tryais complained, looking down to see the mess she had stepped in.
"There's a pond nearby, so it's a little wet on this side of the tree," Link said, stepping off the platform himself. He held up a hand to his princess, who had been standing behind him, and helped her down as well. "It's a forest, so you should've expected to get a little dirty."
"I don't mind getting dirty, I just wish I'd been told ahead of time before practically jumping down. It splashed onto my pants," Traysi grumbled.
"You know, you can be a little negative at times," Celessa said, as she landed in the mud with a splash.
"It's because she hasn't had a chance to sit down and write anything," Zelda giggled. "You're getting twitchy, aren't you?"
"I am," Traysi admitted with ease. "Can you even remember the last time I published a volume of the Rumor Mill? It's been far too long."
"Do you really plan to write what you've learned about the princess, her knight, and the reconstruction of Hyrule in the Rumor Mill?" Celessa asked. "Won't there be a lot of people that might accidentally see it as…you know…a rumor? You already wrote about the princess's return once and gave it two stars, right?"
"Now that you mention it, you're right. That may be a problem," Traysi hummed thoughtfully.
"That's only if people don't read the article properly, right?" Zelda asked. "I'd assume people would think critically with such important news."
"Your faith in people's due diligence is very optimistic, Princess," Traysi replied. "There are many people who would see that and simply assume it's a rumor without giving it a thorough read. People might even judge it by the title alone. Maybe it's time to start a new publication…"
"Putting that in her head seems to have calmed her down," Celessa said to Zelda. "While she gives that a thought, I want to see the rest of this forest!"
"There isn't much to see, to be honest," Link chuckled. "When we're in front of the sword, you'll be able to see just about everything. It's pretty, but it's small. If you do try to look around though, don't go too far, otherwise you'll be lost forever."
"F-f-forever?" Paya whimpered nervously, peering uneasily at the edge of the clearing, its border made up of thick trees.
"Well, they are called the 'Lost Woods'," Link said, placing his hands on his hips. "They do live up to the name. Come on; we should get moving, and watch out for the pond."
The group made their way around the tree, climbing over its large, protruding roots and avoiding the pond Link had warned them about. Eventually, they found themselves stepping onto a large, triangular platform, where The Sword That Seals the Darkness awaited them.
"So, this is the legendary Master Sword, huh?" Traysi asked curiously, stepping toward the sword. She bent down, inspecting the sparkling wings of the weapon's hilt. "It definitely looks special…"
Curiously, she reached out a hand toward the handle.
"I wouldn't do that—" Link attempted to warn her, yet the reporter wrapped her hand around the green-strapped handle.
Immediately, with a yelp, she jumped back, shaking her hand as if it had been burned.
"Haven't you heard the legends?" Celessa asked. "Only the hero can wield that sword properly! Unless you're Link, or Zelda since she has the blood of the goddess. No one else can touch it!"
"Which makes touching it the best way to determine if that really is the Master Sword," Traysi said, still shaking her hand as if she could flick the pain from her fingers.
"How did it feel?" Celessa asked, unable to contain herself.
"Weird. I only held it for a second, but it felt as though my own life was being drained," Traysi explained. "It really doesn't want to be touched by anyone other than The Hero, huh?"
"I guess that's where I come in," Link said, stepping forward, only to then pause as he furrowed his brow and looked around. Suddenly, he began to yell. "Hey, where are all of you little guys? Come on out!"
"Little guys?" Traysi questioned.
Without warning, Paya gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth, surprising both Celessa and the reporter.
What?" Traysi asked. "What's wrong? What is it?"
"Hey there, everyone," Link suddenly spoke to no one. He crouched down, as if there was someone there. "Pepp, it's good to see you. Yes, you too, Walton. I'm happy to see you all."
"Hello there," Zelda suddenly spoke to no one as well. While Link was looking down, Zelda looked up. "I'm glad to see your maracas are still working, Hestu. Yes, they sound lovely."
"Why were you all hiding?" Link asked. "Is it because of those three back there? There's no need to be afraid; they're friends of ours. I guess those of you who haven't left the forest would be a little spooked to see new faces so suddenly, huh?"
"Maybe we should have given them a warning before inviting our whole group here," Zelda wondered, to which Link responded with a nod in agreement.
"What is happening right now?" Traysi asked Celessa as they both watched as the princess and knight spoke to no one.
"I'm just as lost as you are," Celessa said, a little dumbfounded by the sight. "Do you know what's happening, Paya? Paya?"
The pilgrim had looked over to see Paya looking down at her own feet.
"H-h-hello…" she said nervously to no one. "A-a-are you a f-f-friend of Master Link? You all call him 'Mr. Hero?'"
"Paya too?" Traysi asked. "Okay, seriously, what is happening?"
"Oh… Oh, wait a moment!" Celessa suddenly said excitedly, shaking Traysi's arm to have her full attention. "Koroks! They're talking to Koroks!"
"Koroks?" Traysi repeated, now rubbing her arm.
"Yeah, those little forest dwellers you wrote about!" Celessa said. "Zelda told me they were real after I showed her your article about them!"
"They're real?" Traysi repeated. "But, why can they see them?"
"Perks of being the girl with the goddess blood and Link being the Master Sword's owner?" Celessa shrugged.
"Okay, but what about Paya?" Traysi asked, gesturing to the Sheikah who was still talking down to the ground.
"Uh… Well, the Sheikah have always been close to the goddess," Celessa said. "I guess they're more in tune with spiritual beings. Lady Impa spoke as though she could feel stuff all over Hyrule whenever I spoke to her."
"Oh, this isn't fair," Traysi fumed, folding her arms. "I wanna question spiritual beings."
"See, that's probably why we can't see them," Celessa replied.
"Who's there?" a booming voice suddenly asked.
The forest began to echo with the creaking of bark and rustling of leaves as the large pink-leaved tree began to move. Wide-eyed, Traysi and Celessa stepped back while Paya gasped in shock. The tree looked as though it had a face—and it was moving!—yawning as though waking up from a deep slumber.
"Is that you, Link?" the tree asked. "Ah, it seems we have a few more guests beyond even you two."
"Good morning, Great Deku Tree," Zelda said, bowing to the tree. "We apologize for waking you."
"Nonsense, Princess. It is good to see you once again in good health," the tree replied with a creaking smile. Shifting his tree-branch eyebrows, it appeared as though his attention was focused on the three others standing behind the princess and knight. "And who would these three you've brought to my forest happen to be?"
"The tree is talking," Traysi said, her eyes glued to the wooden face.
"Hey, we prepared for this," Celessa said quietly, nudging her in the arm. "We were told the tree was able to talk."
"Yeah, but we weren't told it could move," Traysi argued under her breath.
While the two Hylians bickered in shock, Paya lowered herself onto her knees and bowed.
"It is an honor to be in your presence, Great Deku Tree, Protector of the Forest," she said in an unusually calm voice. "I've heard much about you from my grandmother."
After looking down at her, Celessa and Traysi mimicked her actions. The tree hummed.
"I see… Your grandmother, you say? Hmmm… Ah, yes. I can sense Impa's bloodline coursing through your veins. Welcome to Korok Forest. What might your name be?"
"Paya, Great Deku Tree," Paya said with her head still lowered.
"Raise your head, Paya," the tree instructed. "You are welcome here, along with your friends, as long as you don't cause trouble."
"Thank you kindly," Paya said with a nod, gracefully getting to her feet. Again, the two other Hylians mimicked her, though with far less elegance.
"You know Impa?" Zelda asked the tree.
"I do," he answered. "The Sheikah would come by every few decades or so, asking for insight into your battle with the Calamity during the past hundred years. She would grow concerned, the more she heard your power was weakening, but never lost hope in either you, or the knight that would come to your aid."
"I see," Zelda said, smiling warmly.
"Now you have to acknowledge that Link is The Hero," Celessa said to the reporter.
"He didn't say Link was that knight," Traysi retorted quietly.
"Now, as to why you stand here before me… Link," the tree continued, "you have spent the last century of your life fighting against the ancient evil that plagues the land blessed to us by the three golden goddesses, succeeded in sealing the Calamity Ganon, and completed the trials given to you by the ancient Sheikah monks. Are you prepared to take the third and final trial that The Sword That Seals the Darkness has for you?"
"Oh, he definitely said that on purpose," Traysi said, folding her arms. "I didn't say it that loud. Can he hear us even if we speak quietly?"
"He's the Great Spirit of the forest," Paya replied. "I'm sure he hears all that happens, even if he pretends not to, asleep or awake."
While Traysi grumbled to herself, Link nodded in answer to the tree's question.
"I am," he said.
"Then, when you feel the moment is right, just as before, please take the sword by the handle," the Great Deku Tree said.
"Well, I guess that's my cue," Link said, turning his attention back to the rest of the group. "Time for me to go."
"I wish you luck on your trial, Master Link," Paya said with a bow. Lifting her head, she gave him a nervous, but heartwarming look. "Please return to us safely."
"Yeah, Link, you've got this," Celessa said, giving him a thumbs up. "We'll get a drink together when you succeed."
"You'd better make it back," Traysi said with her arms still folded. "I have a lot of questions for you."
"Right," Link chuckled. After giving them a nod in farewell, he looked to Zelda, who was standing next to him. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you even more," Zelda replied. "Remember your promise to come back soon."
"I remember," Link said, taking her by the waist.
Leaning down, he planted a kiss onto Zelda's lips, who had closed her eyes in expectation. They continued to press their lips together, despite Celessa's giggles from behind them, before finally pulling away.
"No, hey, we aren't talking about that," Link said to one of the invisible creatures.
"They asked me about that, too," Zelda said, her cheeks blushing. "I told them it was…far too soon to think about that right now."
"By Hylia, the Koroks are asking them about children," Celessa squealed quietly.
"What makes you think children?" Traysi asked. "They could've asked about marriage."
"No way, look at Zelda's face!" Celessa replied. "Even Link is blushing a bit. Paya, what did they ask about?"
"Um…Uh…" Paya squirmed, her face red as well. "They asked about…children."
"Ha!" Celessa said, clapping her hands together. "I knew it."
"Okay, it's really time for me to go," Link said suddenly.
Giving Zelda one last look, the two embraced each other tightly before she stepped back. Giving her a nod and a confident smile, he stepped forward toward the Master Sword.
"Alright," he said to the blade. "Let's do this. One last trial, a whole bunch of different floors."
He looked back, watching as the four in his group waved goodbye. Giving a simple wave of his own, he faced the sword, and with a deep breath, he grabbed the green-strapped handle. Immediately, the sword began to pulse with radiant light, growing brighter with each pulse. Suddenly, it shined bright, blinding those who were watching, forcing them to cover their eyes with their arms. Soon, the light faded, leaving just the sword in their wake.
"Well, there he goes," Celessa said, rubbing her eyes. "Do you believe now, Traysi?"
"Yeah… yeah, I believe," the reporter said while rubbing her own eyes.
Blinking, the group slowly regained their vision, their eyes watering in agitation from the dazzling light.
"Okay. I guess all there is to do now is head home to Hateno," Celessa sighed. "I hope Hoz is there. It'll be fun to drink at the inn with him and Teli there at the same time. I'm assuming we're just teleporting there, right, Princess?"
Zelda didn't respond. Raising an eyebrow, the pilgrim looked toward where the princess had been standing.
"Princess?" Celessa called again, looking around. The other two looked around with her. "Hello? Zelda?"
The princess was nowhere to be seen.