The Sacred Promise - Legend of Zelda Romance Fan Fiction

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 20: His Wish For Her​

Summary:​

The two ride the road to Hateno Village. Link speaks of his hope, and much more besides.

Together on horseback once again, Link and Zelda rode their horses at a steady pace on the main road. Zelda was more than content to take in the sights of the wild as best she could, taking note of places she might explore later in the days and weeks to come. Link lingered to her left and just a little bit behind, keeping his eyes on her as they journeyed on. The day would be clear with nary a cloud in the sky, and it seemed to Zelda that the comforting warmth of the sun was matched by the feeling within her.

As noon approached, Zelda finally looked backward to observe Link and thought to speak. “Are you well, Link? You seem to be very lost in thought.”

Link stirred, seeming almost startled. “Oh – yes, I’m fine. It’s fine. I was just – I’m fine.”

Zelda contemplated him for a moment. “Link,” she said, “Can it be that you were nervous to answer?”

A short pause passed before Link’s response. “Was I that obvious?”

“Well, I imagine the sight and sound of you would have been normal to most. But your language made it plain that you stopped short just then.”

Link considered his answer carefully. “I was thinking about what I said to you yesterday, about trying even harder to speak. I was trying to decide on something to tell you today.” He fell silent again.

“I’m glad.” Zelda grinned. “Is this to be your way of returning the favor for last night’s story, sir knight?”

“In a way, maybe. But what I want to say is…serious.” Link’s expression seemed to be neutral as usual, but Zelda believed she had caught something in his voice. “I see. This matter has been troubling you since we passed through Fort Hateno yesterday,” Zelda said with confidence.

Link had a start of surprise. “You could tell?”

“It was a good guess,” said Zelda. “You made extra effort to talk to me and asked about my story because you hoped to take my mind off of hard memories, isn’t that so?”
Link’s wonder grew yet greater. “How did you know?”

Zelda’s smile grew greater as a sudden surge of inspiration drove her reply. “Well, I suppose that I’ve just learned what you’re like, that’s all. Nothing complicated!”

Link allowed a faint smile. “My own words from yesterday. You remembered.”

“Naturally!”

Link seemed almost nervous for a moment, as one trying to decide on a difficult choice. With effort, he forced out a reply and smiled a little more. “We…we seem like quite the pair now, don’t we?” Zelda’s face took on a look of pure delight. “You remembered from that moment near Riverside Stable, for your part! Wonderful, Link!”

“I could never forget any of it. Back then, how you looked – I mean, the way that you were was…” Link trailed off and fell silent.

Zelda found herself feeling warmer and thought she was blushing, just a bit. But her satisfaction was tempered by a conviction that at this moment, Link had more on his mind than simple embarrassment. He surely truly is troubled by something. But what, what could it be?

Zelda spoke. “Link, you can take however much time you need to say what you wish but try not to worry about having all the right words. ‘Just trying can be enough to start’, remember?”

Link nodded a little. “I…I just…I want you to know. I think I need you to know something before we get to the town.” He paused.

“Take your time,” Zelda said gently.

Link pressed on. “Before, I never really apologized or explained about how I was with Dorian at first back at Kakariko Village.”

“I can guess at your reasons. They were understandable, there is no need for apology.”

“Either way, I still want to explain.”

“Then please go on, Link.”

Link nodded a little bit. “It was just that…very soon after I started to remember things after waking up, I thought that I wanted you to always be near others. Hearing any idea about hiding you away made me angry because you were – you were alone there, for so long.”

No details were needed for understanding. “Calamity Ganon,” Zelda said simply, looking forward and down a bit.

For what felt like a very long time, Link said nothing. Eventually, Zelda looked back at him, and a sense of concern struck her at once. For Link was staring straight ahead, and for the first time in Zelda’s life, she saw what seemed to be a vacant look in his eyes.

“Link?”

Link said nothing.

Her worry grew. “Link!”

Pure surprise snapped Link out of it. “W-what? What is it, princess?”

“That was going to be my question,” Zelda said, completely ignoring the use of “princess” instead of her name this time. “Are you truly well, Link?”

“I’m all right,” said Link. “Of course I’m all right, I – I’ll be all right. I’m sorry.”

“It is nothing to apologize for. But something was on your mind, can you try to explain?”

Link exerted his effort. “The truth is…the truth is, when I tried talking at Fort Hateno, I did it for me too.” Link fell silent again. “There is more,” Zelda finally said quietly. Link nodded a little bit in silence. “Take your time,” said Zelda once again.

Her encouragement was successful, and Link found himself continuing. “Sometimes...sometimes, after most of my memory was back, there was something I thought about more often than anything else.” He paused to gather his will and found himself focusing on her green eyes. He found that it helped, just as he was always used to. With a deep breath, Link went on. “The moment we were separated. I can remember my last thought being about how much I didn’t want to leave you alone. I remember what I felt when I knew I couldn’t stay awake.” He ceased and greatly tightened his grasp upon the reins on his horse, and she noticed. “You don’t have to say any more Link, not if you don’t want to. I am sorry, I have put you through something hard.”

“That’s not true, it’s not your fault!” For a moment, Zelda was genuinely startled, for Link’s words were sudden and louder than normal. He subsided and went on, now completely returned to his usual calm self. “I chose to say it, it’s part of everything.” Link paused to prepare and gather his thoughts once again, and Zelda wondered to look upon him. At first he was so earnest and – and almost desperate, too, if I didn’t know any better. And yet, I have told him sorry other times with no such reaction. Why, why was that time different?

“So…so that’s my reason.” Link’s voice ended her train of thought, and Zelda’s full attention returned to him at once. “When you said you wanted to go to Hateno Village, I was so happy. I think that if I could have a wish granted now, I think it would be to always get to watch you smiling for someone else. I'm happy every time I see that. So…so that’s why.” He paused to gather his courage. “If there’s anything I can do to make life better after we get there, I hope you’ll tell me. If it’s to make you happy like you’ve been before, I would do anything. I think I can believe that I can do anything now, as long as it’s for that.”

Zelda beamed at him as a warm feeling surged in her heart yet again. “If I may say so, Link, that was quite beautiful.”

Link shook his head. “I only tried to tell the truth, Zelda.” His tone was somber.

But Zelda allowed herself a very faint and fond laugh. “What’s your point, sir knight?” Link said nothing, maintaining his usual inscrutable expression.

“I’m glad, Link,” Zelda finally said. “What you said truly was very sweet. And whenever you try to open up like that for me, it truly does make me happy.”

Link slowly turned his head to face her again. “But - but it was hard. I needed your help, too. It feels like it isn’t enough. I should be better for you than this.” He wondered to hear himself speak, for a moment it almost felt as if some other will had compelled the words to be spoken. Fool! You carry her burdens, she doesn't carry yours! What are you doing, troubling her with thoughts like those?

But Zelda only smiled again. “But you are better, Link. You are wonderful just as you were long ago, and yet different too.”

Suddenly, Link felt a totally unexpected tinge of anxiousness in his heart. Though he did not show it, he was surprised to find that it troubled him greatly. Link looked at her. “Is…is that true? You really think I’ve changed?”

“Yes Link,” Zelda answered warmly. You have become so much more expressive than before. You are more comfortable speaking thoughts to others too, I have seen it. You are changed from how it used to be when we met; I promise you that.”

Link said nothing for a long moment. Finally, he spoke. “Then…am I unfamiliar, compared to before? To as I was at Fort Hateno?”

Zelda seemed surprised and confused by the question. “Not unfamiliar, simply different. It is true for me as well. We are so young, after all. It is only natural for our experiences to change us, don’t you think?”

Link said nothing for a long time. Finally, Zelda began to feel a vague sense of worry again. “Is everything all right, Link?”

As hoped, Zelda’s question drove Link out of silence. He looked at her meaningfully. “You’re so kind, Zelda. You really are. You always really were.” He looked back out to the horizon and her gaze followed, and at last they could see it. There was Hateno Village, in sight upon a great sloping hill far away.
Link clenched his right fist.

That’s right. She’s the wise one, so just believe her. After we get there, it's going to be fine. If she can be like this and be happy with things like this, then it’s fine. Nothing is wrong with me that won’t be forgotten.

Link found himself letting out a great sigh.

“What is it, Link?” Zelda asked.

“It’s wrong. I’ve been wrong. This is supposed to be a happy day, and I’m just – I don’t know why I’ve been talking like this. I’ve troubled you, I’m sorry.”

Zelda shook her head. “Not at all. As I have said, I am glad for us to speak as we have. I don’t think there is anything to be sorry for, Link.”

But Link said nothing and only continued to look forward. But…it’s because you don’t know everything. It’s still so hard, you don’t understand. Just then, Link thought he could feel it. The faintest memory of a feeling in his arms, the burning feeling he’d felt in the great forest during his mistaken attempt to pull the Master Sword.

He heard her cheerful voice, now sounding just a bit coy as well. “Besides, the day is still young! I mean to cheer you up, and I find that I am having a certain thought!”

Link was fully returned to the moment, giving Zelda his full attention. “What is it, Zelda?”

She pointed at him with purpose. “I’ll bet that you can’t beat me there, Link!”

Link was stunned. “…beat you there?”

Zelda was beaming brightly now. “Hateno Village! We will not simply arrive, I say we will race there! I challenge you to keep up with me, sir knight!”

Link found himself suppressing a laugh, despite his regrets for the morning and despite himself. “With – with all due respect, you’re…are you really suggesting you’re better at horsemanship than me?”

“And if I were, who is to say that I would be wrong? It is the way of things for students to surpass their teachers, history has shown it to be so many times!”

Link marveled at her. “This isn’t like you, Zelda. What’s gotten into you?”

“Everything!”, Zelda declared. “Our goal is in sight, and so now it will be Hilda the Hylian going to that town! And I will have you know that I will have no care in this world except to live free, knowing only the simple pleasures of life and the weight of no burdens at all! Winning or losing doesn’t matter! For Hilda the feel of the wind in her hair, the thrill of the race, and the company of the truest companion is reason enough for all of it! And there is one more thing, too!”

Silence fell, and as Zelda kept her gaze upon Link she saw his face finally breaking into a grin. There we are! There is at least one victory for Hilda today, Link!

“Link!”, Zelda exclaimed.

“What is it, Zelda?”

“I will have you know that you were supposed to ask what the ‘one more thing’ is!”

Link’s grin grew greater. “Then please tell me, Zelda. What else is there?”

Zelda assumed what she thought to be the most thoroughly mischievous expression possible. “It so happens that Hilda has a head start!” With that, she spurred her black horse forward, and shot off like the wind toward the open field ahead.

“What the-!” Link was totally shocked as he spoke to no one. “She’s…she’s cheating?”

Indeed, it wasn’t like her at all was it? Link could hear her laughter echoing, now.

“…heh. Amazing. Truly amazing.”

To his wonder, Link felt it and heard it. Laughter, coming from him. Laughter unbidden and, for the moment, impossible to stop. A joyful feeling welled in his heart.

He spurred his mount to follow at once. “Come on, my friend! Let’s show her what haste really is!”

Link’s pride in his ability was not without reason. As the distance between the two began to gradually close Link felt a comforting thrill within, and no trace of anything dark lived in him at this moment. Just as Zelda had declared, the experience itself was indeed the point.

Yes, this was enough. It was being done with her, and so it was enough.

As the distance closed yet more, Link thought that Zelda’s laughter grew louder. “Follow me!”, she cried, “Follow me again! Follow me just as you always have, and will again!”

Link’s joyful feeling grew. In this moment, no shadow could hope to lurk or endure. That’s right, this is really what I wanted. Protecting this now, that’s all I need!

“Hey 'Hilda!'”, Link cried out. “You should be more careful about what you ask for!”

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 21: The Arrival​

Summary:​

The two arrive at Hateno Village. Zelda makes an impression and settles an argument.

“Man, it is dead around here lately.”

“Oh, give it a rest, Manny. I heard you the first time.”

It was a sunny day at Hateno Village, and at the front gate of the town two men were having a chat – such as it was. Thadd the farmer was a tall and slender fellow outfitted for business, with a pitchfork in his hand and straw hat upon his head to block the sunlight. He was taking his usual afternoon shift for guard duty – such as it was. As usual, Thadd had been content to imagine the next visitor and contemplate what was best for dinner. But for once there was a most unwelcome distraction in the rotund form of Manny, the town’s self-appointed “people watcher”.

Manny sighed. “But it’s true!”, the young man whined. “Not a single traveling merchant so far today, or yesterday. No tourists, no couriers with letters or new books to read, no traveling adventurers, nothing! Just wide-open space to watch, as far as the eye can see!”

“In other words, it’s a perfectly peaceful day. That suits me just fine.”

“So everyone says, every day. It’s a day with nothing, and nothing makes it boring. Nothing exciting ever happens around here.”

Thadd sighed and turned to Manny, resigned to the reality that their encounter would not end without some conversation. “Well then, if you’re bored enough to complain to me, maybe you can keep busy by trying out a full day’s hard work.”

“Hey, I do my part around here like everybody else! I help with the crops sometimes!”

Thadd’s eyes squinted at him a bit. “Yeah, you’re motivated to help when it means there’s a single girl to spend time with. Kids notice things and women talk, you know. Don’t think for a minute that everybody isn’t catching on.”

“N-no, th-that’s all just a coincidence! And anyway,” Manny huffed, “it’s not like farming is the only work in this town. Loitering is a perfectly valid profession, I’m actually a lot like you!”

Thadd stared in disbelief. “Yeah, no. We are nothing alike.”

“Sure, we are! You’re the town watch for the outside, and I watch the inside for the beauties – well, for suspicious visitors, I mean! Thanks to us, women and kids have nothing to fear from any outsider. When you stop to think about it, everybody should be grateful!”

Just then an echo of female laughter could be heard from afar, but no thought was paid to it as Thadd shot back. “Watching out for ‘suspicious visitors’ to protect everyone, huh? Like who, you were just complaining that unusual things don’t come to town!”

“There now, you see?!”, Manny said triumphantly. “It’s working!”

Thadd touched his right temple and winced as he resolved to move on. “All right, that’ll do. The point is you should be nothing except thankful for what we’ve got, understand? Everybody knows this job is as good as a well-earned break and thank goodness for that!”

“Uh…Thadd?”, Manny said. With his back turned Thadd wasn’t seeing it, but over his shoulder, Manny could see saw two horses in the wild fast approaching the town. Out in front was a horse of midnight black, and a chestnut-colored steed not too far behind.

Thadd was far too invested in his lecture to take heed. “Just think about it, would ya? Nobody here wants for anything, it’s so safe here that most folk don’t lock their doors half the time. The only worries mothers have about their kids is whether they overhear their gossip and whether they get to bed on time!”

Manny tried to cut in. “Dude, Thadd, there’s-“

“Don’t interrupt, this is important! When everything we need is already right here, who needs excitement or anything from out there? If there’s a better place to raise a family in Eastern Hyrule, I sure don’t know what it is! I say that if there’s one great blessing this village has, it’s the truth that nothing strange or unusual comes through that gate!”

Manny had no chance for a response. At once there was the loud whinny of a horse, and then a black blur blew straight past the two men and came to a stop just outside the town’s market square.

“HUH?” Thadd cried out. “Why of all the – hey, HEY! What’re you playing at there, stranger-“

“Whoa, whoa!” There was a neighing sound and Thadd and Manny whirled around to see someone they knew. Link was there, steadying his horse and dismounting at the town gate.

“’Whoa’ is right!”, Manny cried. “Link, you’re actually back!”

“Of course,” said Link.

Thadd stared in disbelief. “’Of course,' he says! No one’s seen you for – no, wait, I’ve got my job!” He turned away and marched with purpose. “All right,” he called out, “Hold up, stranger! I’ve got a thing or two to tell you about how a visitor should...oh.”

At the sound of Thadd’s voice the rider had turned about to face him, and now Zelda’s face was in plain sight as she dismounted to set foot in Hateno Village for the first time. With her trip complete she casually removed her Hylian Hood and traveler’s cloak, and her long golden hair was in plain sight as she approached.

Manny scurried to the right side of the pathway to get an unobstructed look, and his eyes went wide open with wonder. “Best. Day. Ever,” he whispered. “Almost as good as Prima…”

“She’s with me,” Link said simply, as he came up to them from behind. “It’s fine.”

Manny reeled a bit in amazement. “Wwwhhhhhaaaaat…?” Even as he did, Zelda’s cheerful voice rang out to address Thadd. “My apologies if I startled you, sir! I was simply much too excited to finally see this wonderful little town, all for myself!”

Manny suppressed an amused snicker. “It’s just Thadd, ‘sir’ isn’t-“ but a sharp look from Link silenced him immediately.

“Oh, ah, well,” Thadd mumbled, as he recovered from the sight in front of him. “Well, no harm done, it’s not as if you galloped through the heart of town. As a watchman I’m just supposed to account for every visitor, that’s all. So uh, if you don’t mind-“

Zelda clapped her hands together delightfully. “Ah, so you are like a guard for the entire town! How wonderful, Mr. Thadd! You may call me Hilda, but I am no visitor. I am living here starting today!”

Manny reeled again. “Wwwhhhhhaaaaat…?” This time, he’d drawn Zelda’s attention. “Is something wrong, my good fellow?”

“U-u-uh, no, no no. Nice to meet you. I-I’m Manny and I uh, watch things for the town too.”
“Ha!”, Thadd scoffed.

Manny hastened to talk over him. “S-so, I know Link and stuff and uh…” Manny nervously looked away and toward Link a little bit. “S-so, if you came here with him then…you’re going to his house?”

“Indeed I am!”, Zelda declared, but Link cut in. “No. Your house.” Zelda looked at him and smiled warmly as Thadd and Manny looked back and forth between them. “No…way…”, Manny barely whispered. Zelda cleared her throat a little bit as he did so. “So then,” she said cheerfully, “You must know a great deal about this town if you are a guard! Tell me about Hateno Village!”

“Oh!”, Thadd said with a start. “I don’t usually get asked that. Uh, well, let’s see. This is a town of greenery and farms and dyes, mostly – hm, can a place be a village AND a town? Well, anyway. The vegetables taste good, the air smells good. Travelers tend to spend their money here, so that’s good! Yeah! The village folk welcome THAT with open arms!”

Silence hung in the air for a moment. Link’s face was inscrutable as usual, but Zelda was smiling kindly as though she were satisfied.

“Dude,” said Manny with a wince.

“What?”, answered Thadd. “It was all true!”

Manny sighed. “See, this was my whole point-“

“Now don’t you start that again,” Thadd snapped.

“But you make it sound so boring!” Manny plucked up his courage and tried his best to look at Zelda. “Actually, this place can be interesting sometimes really, if I do say so myself-“

Thadd scoffed. “You most certainly don’t, according to five minutes ago!”

“Well, she wasn’t here five minutes ago!” Manny’s face blanched at once. “Uh well, I mean the place is more exciting when we get visitors from the outside - visitors like you. Visitors are good!”

“Pay him no mind,” Thadd said with some annoyance. “I assure you we are quite peaceful and ordinary here, and that’s how we like it and that's how it should be! You will find that this is a fine place for anyone to live in.”

Manny groaned. “No, no! Don’t listen to him, I am – we are interesting when you get to know us, really! And uh, sometimes it could be considered exciting, I could show you around if you want-“

“It’s no use,” Link cut in, drawing everyone’s attention. “Uh…what’s not?”, Manny tried to ask innocently, but he only earned a silent stare in return. “Oh, give it a rest,” Thadd snapped, finally at the end of his patience.

Manny flinched. “O-oh yeah? We-well – Link, my man, you’re an adventurer, so back me up! You must wish for something exciting to happen every day, right?!”

“Not really,” Link said flatly.

Manny was totally stunned. “Huh?! Why not?”

“I fight for normal days,” said Link.

Manny wore a thoroughly confused expression. “Man, no offense, but you really are weird sometimes.”
Link said nothing.

Manny grunted in frustration. “Well fine you two, excuse me for wanting a little excitement. What’s so wrong with wanting something unusual?”

“Like I said-“, Thadd began, but then there was an intervention.

“Just a moment!”, Zelda exclaimed. “Consider things this way, gentlemen: if every day were to be exciting instead of normal, then eventually the exciting days would come to seem normal and not exciting at all. In such a situation, what used to be normal would then start to seem interesting and going back to that could be exciting. Then after that you’d find yourself wanting what was once exciting as your new normal, and you’d just keep going through it over and over without satisfaction!”

Thadd and Manny were dumbstruck and wore expressions that were very nearly pained, as they strove to work out what they had just heard. Manny managed something first. “Uh, well…yeah, that was good, I think. Very good, yeah. So uh…what’re you saying? Who’s right?”

Zelda smiled broadly. “It is not a matter of right or wrong, I have just come to think that there is a time and a place for everything. Whether a day can be seen as exciting or normal, I say there is likely at least one good thing in each day to be thankful for. It is so much better for each person to try at finding each day’s wonderful thing than to wish for a different day that is not here, don’t you think?” With that, Zelda’s smile faded. “After all,” Zelda then said quietly, “once a day is gone it will not return, no matter what we wish.”

Manny and Thadd wondered at the sudden change in her and didn’t answer, but Link led his horse forward to come to Zelda’s side and managed a smile for her. “Nice race,” he said. Zelda met Link's gaze and her smile returned, just as he'd hoped for. “You too," said Zelda. "We will make it even next time.”

“Let’s go,” Link answered. “That was nice, but I’m betting that today’s best thing is still to come.” He began to walk forward and right into the town square, in the direction of the wooden bridge that would lead to home. Zelda followed close behind but soon turned back a little bit. “It was a pleasure to meet you!”, she cried. "I hope you both find your good thing today!"

Once the two were out of earshot, Thadd scratched his head thoughtfully and spoke. “Hm, well, there goes our 'good thing' I'd say. A fine and pleasant girl, very polite. This was unexpected. People will talk, no doubt about that. I think Link is speaking a bit more, too.”

“If you say so,” Manny answered. He smiled. “There now, you see? Something unusual can be good for fellows like us, sometimes. If I didn't have Prima, I'd be jealous.”

“Oh really?”, Thadd said nonchalantly, choosing to not assert that Manny didn't really "have" anyone. “She agreed more with me, you know. What’s so strange about that?”

Manny sighed. “Geez, you’re hopeless.”

 

[GWOtaku]

Chapter 22: A New Home, A First Friend​

Summary:​

Zelda thrills to contemplate her new home - and what it could mean. The two discover an unexpected visitor.

With the front gate of Hateno Village left behind, Link and Zelda led their horses toward town and Link’s home. As they did so Zelda looked all around her with unceasing curiosity, eager to savor the moment and take in everything that she could. There were little shops and the inn deep into the heart of town, how nice it would be to explore them all and start meeting people. They turned right to make their way up the town’s hills, and the sight of Myahm Agana Shrine caught Zelda’s attention to their left - how curious, that such a special landmark should exist in a place like this and be treated as though it were unremarkable.

High and far beyond the shrine in the distance, Zelda noticed a pillar of smoke from a chimney. She came to a halt to observe. The source was a shack of a house and a far more impressive tower at the very top of the village’s great hills, comprising the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab and the home of Zelda’s friend Purah. Naturally Zelda had heard all about its location before, but even so she squinted her eyes as if to try at examining it. Very soon, she let loose a gasp of delighted surprise.

Zelda pointed excitedly. “There, at Purah’s place, is that really – it is! A telescope, a real telescope, and such a large one too! Back then there was only talk of building such a grand device at the castle! Oh, tell me that it still works!”

“It does,” said Link with a knowing smile. “Good eye. I know you’ll like it, I stole a look at night sometimes.”

“I will love it! Just think, a real chance to study the stars! And there is a certain romance in the simple act of admiring their beauty too, don’t you think?”

“Maybe, but one doesn’t need a telescope for that. Just good company, like at Kakariko Village.”

Zelda found herself covering her mouth to suppress a giggle and she looked to the ground, feeling unable to look at him or manage an answer.

It sunk in for him. “Princ-Zelda, what I meant to say was –“

“I get it, Link. That time is already a fond memory for me as well!”

“Ah. Well, good. It’s good you understand.”

“Yes. It was good, this is good. Very, very good.” An awkward silence fell. Zelda managed to look back at him, and Link found that he couldn’t endure the affectionate nature of her look for long. Now it was his turn to look away toward the direction of the lab, and he cleared his throat a little bit. “Well, it gets better. A big part of the Hyrule Compendium is preserved up there, too.”

Zelda’s face lit up anew. “Ah, so you have made good use of the Sheikah Slate! How wonderful! That could be a real boon to my studies, you know! My goodness Link, why did you not mention such a thing or the telescope earlier? I would have wanted to visit this town for those alone!”

Link felt a wave of embarrassment and smiled faintly. “Well, I uh…I suppose the truth is that I wanted to see you surprised and happy, just like this.” Zelda looked as delighted as she felt, but she was surprised to see Link looking strangely downcast even as she smiled better for him. “I hope you think it’s enough,” said Link. “I did what I could with it while I could.”

Zelda furrowed her brow. “You did what you could, while you could? What do you mean?”

“I’d hoped to have something done about it before it came up, but…well, the slate was damaged in the final battle. I still have it with me, but I don’t know if they can fix the device or salvage the data. I hope so, I recorded things I’d hoped you’d get to see. I’m sorry.”

Zelda wondered to look at him. “Link, what in the world are you apologizing to me for?”

“The slate was important to you and your studies and you trusted me with it, and now it’s broken. It would be just to be angry or disappointed with me, Zelda.”

Zelda was roused at once. “Angry, Link? Disappointed?! How is it possible that you could consider such a thing, after everything that’s happened?”

Link said nothing.

Zelda took a moment to consider a different approach before speaking again. “Tell me, Link. What were you doing when the Sheikah Slate was broken?”

“I was fighting to set you free.”

“And now I am here, together with you. I had the Sheikah Slate left for you to help you to remember our bond and to find your way back to me. You did exactly that after awakening from your long slumber, and now the Great Calamity is gone. Do you consider any of that less important than the device?”

“No!”, Link exclaimed adamantly.

“Of course not. Well, there you have it.” Zelda smiled fondly for him. “I will have you know that on occasion, Link, you can be a very silly fellow.”

Link looked at her gratefully. “Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, Zelda.”

“You are welcome. Well, let’s get to home. The sooner we are settled there, the sooner we can visit the lab and see Purah!”

The two continued onward side by side. Looking upon her hero, Zelda thought that he now wore a contemplative expression. “Link, I mean it. It may have been precious but whatever the case may be with the Sheikah Slate in the end, I know it has served its true purpose. Don’t worry about it for even a moment, all right?”

“I won’t, you’re right. Sorry about that.”

Zelda smiled. “'Don’t be sorry, don’t be sad. As long as I know you understand, that’s all I need.'”

Link returned her smile. “You remember that time too, huh?”

“The day my loyal knight sampled a frog’s slime and an untested elixir, believing it would both protect me and make me happy? Oh yes, I should think so.” She looked ahead again. “Sorry about that. That entire matter truly was rather silly, wasn’t it?”

“Not to me,” said Link.

Zelda laughed a little – only a little. “Yes, I can understand that. There is yet another reason I am always thankful for you, Link.”

Link said nothing.

***​

As Link and Zelda continued on a wood bridge reaching across a little canyon of the town came into sight, and several small buildings composed of modular cube-shaped rooms could be seen on both sides of its beginning just past Myahm Agana Shrine. The sight of them was not what Princess Zelda had expected, for such simple and functional designs had not been in the time of her father’s reign a century ago.

As she considered the area, Zelda felt puzzled. “Link, shouldn’t we stable the horses near the inn before you show me which of these houses is ours? There won’t be space for them and most of our things here, I don’t think.” Link looked backward toward Zelda, and even as he did Zelda was suddenly apprehensive about how her words might be taken. “O-oh, not that what you earned isn’t wonderful of course,” Zelda hastened to add. “It will be nice and cozy to live here and it’s ours, and that is all well enough!”

But Link allowed himself a small grin. “These are only model homes for Bolson Construction. None of this is where you’re living.”

“None of it? But where are we going, then?”

Link pointed to the bridge, and Zelda’s eyes followed. Soon, she let out a little gasp. “You mean – there? All of that? Truly, Link?”

Link said nothing, but his faint smile and the look Zelda caught in his blue eyes told her what she needed to know. Zelda found herself releasing the reins of her black horse and taking one slow step after another toward the bridge, with her hands clasped together in front of her and her eyes fixated on the house beyond. “I tried to imagine what this would be like, but…”

Link understood. “I'm glad."

At that moment, those simple words had more power to enchant Zelda than any magic spell. Without another word she sprinted across the bridge, eager for a better look. Link took the reins of both their horses before starting to follow. He shut his eyes, feeling equally solemn and satisfied. It wasn’t for nothing. I’ll make up for it all, no matter what.

On the other side of the bridge, Zelda slowed her pace and began to examine. Here before her was a one-story house with a tan exterior and angled wooden rooftops of brown shingles, distinguished by a little chimney tower. Link had said that the home was old and Zelda could see that it was so, for parts of the outside walls were decayed and revealing sturdy walls wrought of stone. The front entrance was illuminated by a burning lantern and shielded by an awning above, and to the left a humble little sign had been left declaring the place as “Link’s House.” Further beyond that was a great and thick tree in the yard and a traditional cooking pot not far away, as though the spot were prepared for camping. To the right of the door was a fence reaching around to the house’s right side, and within that boundary was a charming sloping little hill wrought of stone and Earth. There was an awning on the side of the house to offer shade for the spot, and Zelda could already envision the comfort of spending entire afternoons there as if it were a front porch to enjoy the clean air and the company of a good book – or his company. Or maybe it could even be both and he would show interest in her topic of the day as he so often had in the past, and every time would be an opportunity to grow closer.

The maiden couldn’t help but release a giggle at the thought.

Zelda made her way around to the right side of the house to get a better look at it, and soon enough she saw that the place was even outfitted with a stable big enough to support two horses. Zelda smiled broadly. No wonder he wasn't concerned. My goodness, is there anything that wasn’t thought of for this place?

“Like what you see?” Link had caught up to approach her from behind.

“I am charmed already. I cannot believe this could have been torn down in the name of ‘progress’!” Zelda turned her eyes outward from town, toward the valleys and mountains beyond in the wild. “There is a remarkable view here as well, don’t you think?”

“The view is beautiful,” Link answered solemnly. “Take time to enjoy looking, I’ll stable the horses before we go inside.” With that, he turned away.

Unseen by him, Zelda wore a coy smile. I wonder if your eyes were really for the horizon just then, Sir Link!

As Link went about attending to the horses, Zelda thought to walk very slowly along the edge of the little pond and apple tree just beyond their stable. She threw her arms wide open as she did so, taking in the sights. To her right were rolling hills leading down into the valleys below, where she saw goats and foxes roaming. Hateno Tower stood tall and proud on the horizon, the sole technological marvel looming amid the region’s mountains. Down below the tower was a makeshift camp, and Zelda recognized it as one of many abodes of monsters now abandoned in token of the victory that had been won. With her heart content, Zelda now looked left, and she realized that beyond the domain of their home was a worn path winding high into what was Ebon Mountain. It was possible for a grown person to simply walk into the heart of the mountainside, and now Zelda truly felt her spirit soar. There was yet another great place to explore in days to come, convenient to her very own backyard!

Hateno Village wasn’t so simple as a community of Hylians, was it? No, surely it wasn’t. This was a place that was in and of the wild, a place where people lived in harmony with the land as much as each other. How could any resident here be so silly as to judge it “boring” or even “normal”? As a lonely princess Zelda had longed for true connection with her people so often, even as she felt so convinced that she was only free to truly thrive in the wild just like the Silent Princess flower. She had confided such things to her knight often in days long ago, and now here they were. Thanks to him they were reunited and together in a place where maybe, just maybe, a girl could have it both ways as much as that was possible.

In that moment, Zelda felt able to believe that her heart was full. She focused only on the feel of the breeze and the sun’s warm glow as she continued to walk along the pond, and now her thoughts turned to what she might do and say later for her companion to show gratitude when the moment seemed right.

How wonderful this house is, how thoughtful it truly was, how charming it must be indoors too! Maybe he already understands if he went this far for this home and tried so hard to tell me of this place, even though it was so awkward. And if that’s true, maybe now is when I can find the will and the words to give him the message as perfectly as I wish.

Before she knew it, Zelda found herself recalling the moment of her reunion with Link on Hyrule Field in detail. That intense look in Link’s blue eyes with his face so intimately near, the warmth of his forehead pressed against her brow, his breath upon her neck, the gentle touch of his strong hands on her face. The intense sense of anticipation she’d felt for she knew not what, just before her knight and closest friend had praised her bravery and sworn to never leave as if making such a promise was the most natural thing in the world to do.

How wonderful it could be if Link were to be with her that very same way all over again. Maybe she could just ask him to repeat it, surely Link wouldn’t consider that too strange. No, most likely her dutiful companion would simply follow her exact instructions and be sweet as he said yet again that anything was fine if it made her smile. She blushed at the thought.

Maybe if we are just like that again I can say it, and then maybe anything could happen next.

Sure, why not? Time and again in days long ago some manner of caring touch from Link had comforted Zelda in her lowest moments, her moments of spiritual doubt and self-loathing and intense fear that their unspoken agreement kept secret. Couldn’t his simple touch give her the courage to speak what she wished in a blessed time, then? Maybe that was the only thing missing that she needed now for her message. The only way to find that out would be for her to try an experiment, wasn’t that so?

Zelda put her left hand to her chest to better feel her thumping heartbeat.

Yes, a simple request spoken innocently could make it happen. But this time it would all be better, because she’d have a plan to make it perfect. Like before they would be intimately near and he would hold her face, but this time she would hold his face in turn. As she said what she wanted to she’d do her best to show him the same tenderness that she’d make sure to thank him for, and this time he might be moved to praise so much more than her bravery and endurance. And then she would let herself become lost in those deep blue eyes of his, secure in the knowledge that the one she admired most completely understood her. And then he would close in slowly but confidently, until finally...

“O-oh!”

Just then, the sharp and surprised exclamation of a small voice brought Zelda’s daydream to a swift end. Zelda was sure it belonged to a Hylian child, just as she was certain that the voice had seemed sorrowful as well. Zelda looked all about, and then she was sure that what she’d heard was no trick of the mind. Link was alert and mindful nearby their stabled horses, aware of the very same sound. The two looked at each other and there was no need for words; Link moved to make his way toward the back side of the house with Zelda following close behind. Sure enough, they soon saw it. There next to the storage shed at the back side of the house, hidden from any who would have approached from only the front, a little girl of fair complexion with fluffy brown hair and deep brown eyes was crouching. But her face and eyes were swollen, and it was plain to them that she had been crying out of sight for some time before their arrival. It was just as obvious that the child had made a doomed attempt to hide after discovering company in a place she’d thought safely deserted.

“Karin.” Link spoke the child’s name, acknowledging her presence and informing his companion in a simple stroke. The little girl flinched slightly. “Mi-mister Link. I’m sorry, I know it’s bad to intrude. Please don’t te-tell.” But Link only shook his head and crouched, and he did his best to smile as he outstretched his right hand. “It’s okay. Come meet her.” Zelda took her cue to emerge from behind and follow Link’s example beside him, wearing her best smile. “Hello little one,” she said kindly. “May I have the pleasure of shaking your hand?” Karin rose and drew near in answer, and then after only slight hesitation the child took Zelda’s right hand with her own. “Nice to meet you,” said Zelda. “You may call me Hilda, and I am – well, I know Mr. Link very well.”

“I’m K-Karin. Nice to m-meet you.” The little girl sniffed and rubbed her eyes a bit with her left arm, seeming to be cheering up a little bit.

“Thank you, Karin. But please tell us, why were you crying on such a beautiful day as this?”

The girl sniffed. “I couldn’t help it. No matter how hard I try, they don’t believe me.”

“Who doesn’t?”

“Everyone older, even mommy and daddy and some other kids now too! But I saw her, I know I did!”

“Saw who? I would like to hear all about it.”

“Everybody says that only an old man and woman work at the lab high up on the hill, but I saw a little girl outside there once! But when I try to tell anyone they always say I’m being silly, that I just imagined or dreamed it. The boys believed me so they watched the lab for a long time to get a peek, but they haven’t seen anything. So now they’re starting to think I made it up too! I wish we could get closer to see her and see it all too, but everybody says we’re not allowed to go to the lab without an adult. But no one will go with me because they don’t believe me, or they say they’re too busy!”

“I see,” said Zelda gently. Goodness. I’d heard that Purah had become rather reclusive, but this is ridiculous! Is there no one here who understands what a blessing it is for the lab to be here, now?

Karin pressed on. “I didn’t imagine it and I didn’t lie, I’m a good girl! But adults don’t really listen to kids. It’s not fair!”

“That must be so hard, I’m sorry you’re upset. Well, I believe you.”

Karin looked at Zelda with a mix of genuine surprise and gratitude. “You…you do?”

Zelda smiled. “Of course I do. In fact Karin, I hope that you can help me. You see I am new here and I don’t know this village yet, and I need someone to become my very first new friend. Would you like that?”

Now Karin looked at Zelda with wonder. “You want me? Really, Miss Hilda?!”

“I really do, and I have just the thing. If you would like to come with me and Mr. Link and tell me about your home, we can go to the lab together and see the truth!”

Karin’s face brightened tremendously. “Yes, I’d really like that Miss Hilda! Thank you, I can’t wait!”

Zelda stood up. “Well then, let’s make you feel better!” Link rose as well, and as the two looked at each other Zelda looked apologetic. “Link, I’m sorry, I know we just arrived. I truly look forward to seeing more.”

“Don’t be sorry for something you want,” answered Link. “If it will make you happy then it’s fine, we were going to see Purah today anyway. We’ll have plenty of time to be together at home tonight.”

Zelda didn’t answer. Before he had a chance to reflect on the matter, Link felt a tug upon his leg and he looked down to see Karin. “Hey, Mister Link, will you have to go away again soon? Can you stay here with Miss Hilda forever?"

Link instantly felt nervous and tensed up. “Well, I - I don’t think I’ll need to go away for a long time. And I hope – I know she’ll be happy here too, for a long time. We’ll see, okay?” He self-consciously looked back at Zelda, but as he did the maiden avoided his gaze by looking down and left to the ground with an embarrassed smile. Link suddenly felt anxious. Hold on, am I sounding like I’m trying to-

“Okay!”, Little Karin exclaimed. “I’m happy, Mister Link! It’s fun when you can play with us and you’re both so nice!”

“Y-yeah. That’s good.” Link looked back at Zelda. “Hey-“

But Zelda swiftly cut in. “Say Karin, would you like to ride on his shoulders? I bet he’ll carry you if you ask nicely!”

Karin jumped up and down with giddy delight. “Oh, could I please Mr. Link?! I’ll be very good!”

“Sure you can,” Link heard himself say. He knelt, and Zelda moved to help the child climb aboard his back as Link firmly gripped Karin’s little legs hanging over his shoulders.

“All right, there we are!”, Zelda said. “Let’s go exploring!”

“Hooray!”, Karin cried. “This will be so much fun, I can’t wait to tell everyone!”

And so it was that Link and Zelda made their way back across the bridge and toward the heart of Hateno Village side by side, with the village’s happiest and smallest appointed tour guide in tow.

Link willed himself to glance to his left to look at Zelda. “Hey, just before-“

“I understand Link,” Zelda interrupted. “You do not need to explain!” Just then, Zelda thought that she could feel her spirits rising as she was sure they hadn’t since the night of the pair’s wild dancing at Kakariko Village.

Link said nothing. “I understand”? What's that mean, what is she thinking? But soon enough, a matter of greater interest to Link commanded his attention.

“Wow!”, Karin cried, “I can see so far! I wish you could ride like this too, Miss Hilda!”

“Well now,” said Zelda, “A little me carried by Mr. Link! Such a thing would be quite a funny sight to see, wouldn’t it?” The maiden and the child shared laughter, and Link contemplated how strange and wonderful the world could be as he closed his eyes to focus on the sound. Because of their unexpected companion, Zelda had yet to enter her new home. And yet on the account of this child, Link had conviction that it was neither premature nor mistaken to privately whisper the sentiment now living in his heart.

“Welcome home, Zelda.”