Archive of Our Own ^beta

Zelda sent the summons to Ordon Village expecting no reply. Why would he respond? Or if he did, why would he send anything other than a polite, no thank you? Indeed, there had been no answer, no letter back. She had prepared for her journey alone, planning all of the necessary accommodations and supplies to go forward by herself. 

So she was quite shocked when, with no warning, Link showed up at the castle at the crack of dawn.

“I beg your pardon?” she said to the messenger.

“S-Sir Link,” he responded nervously. “He has just entered through the castle’s front gates, your Majesty.”

Zelda blinked. Slowly, she rose from her seat as her mind began to process what she had been told. Link? Here? Truly? Her stomach fluttered. Why hadn’t he sent anything?

“I’ll greet him in the sanctum,” she said, her voice distant and unsure even to herself.

And that was how she entered her throne room, still confused and adjusting the diadem on her forehead. Link was already there--it took all of her lessons on decorum and etiquette to make it to her throne instead of simply standing there to gawk at him. It was just the two of them and the guard stationed outside, who wouldn’t peer in. She made it to her throne, but didn’t sit. Instead she drank in the sight of him. It had been several months since they had last seen each other, but he had hardly changed. He was dressed in a very familiar green tunic (most likely, she guessed, because they were the nicest traveling clothes that he owned) with a few additions here and there that reminded her of what was more typical of Ordonian textiles. He seemed tanner than usual, but the rest of him was the same. He still had shaggy hair and a friendly, handsome face. 

“Link,” she said, her voice betraying her relief. Was it improper, how happy she was to see him?

“Your Grace.” He smiled at her before kneeling. And like that, any illusion of estrangement between them caused by their distance evaporated in her mind. They were friends. It was foolish of her to think that bond might have changed after a period of time apart.

“Oh, do away with the formalities,” Zelda said, waving her hand. “The hero of Hyrule has no reason to bow to me. I must admit my surprise to see you here, I wasn’t expecting you.”

As he rose, he raised an eyebrow. “You weren’t? But…you sent a letter. Royal seal and everything. Your Majesty.”

“Yes, but--” An idea suddenly occurred to her. “Link, you didn’t send a response. Surely you didn’t just…mount Epona and come straight here.”

His sheepish face told her indeed that was exactly what had happened.

They stared at each other for a long second, before Zelda had to cover her mouth with one gloved hand and they both started to laugh.

“In the future, I’ll send something ahead,” Link promised in between chuckles, and Zelda nodded and felt herself smile at the promise of a next time. 

“I’m very relieved you’re here regardless,” she said, after she had recovered herself. She started down from her throne, descending the small staircase that left her elevated, and further away, from Link. “As you may have read in my letter, things are a bit tense.”

Link nodded. No doubt he had passed by the Eldin region on his way here, and noticed the lack of Goron merchants in Castle Town as he made his way to her gates. The month without their business had been difficult and was already starting to strain some of her resources.The Gorons were a proud people and they had evacuated at once when they’d been informed of the perceived slight on their tribe that Zelda was being blamed for. It needed to be rectified at once, but that was why she needed Link.

“I hear you’re the only person who can stop a rolling Goron dead in their tracks,” she said, coming up to him. She smiled and tilted her head, a bit teasing. “Is that still true?”

One corner of Link’s mouth curled upward. He nodded. Even though she had heard tales of it, part of her still refused to believe that Link had such strength--it was a superhuman feat. The Gorons had knocked every party she had sent before now off of the rocky ledges of Death Mountain. Luckily nobody had died yet, but she wasn’t going to continue to take that risk. If Link could stop them, then maybe they could finally make it far enough to access Death Mountain and return what had been stolen from them. 

(She had heard many tales of his impressive feats of strength, and they were on her mind more than she liked to admit.)

“The Gorons refuse to listen to reason,” she explained. “It’s become clear that the only way to end this misunderstanding is to rectify it. I intend to return the ruby to them myself and explain that I did not have it stolen, which is what they seem to believe.”

Link frowned. “Won’t that be a bit dangerous?”

Zelda raised an eyebrow. “That’s why I’ll have you.”

Unlike Ashei and the rest of her guards, Link knew better than to argue. If there was one person who knew better than to underestimate her, it was Link. She liked that about him quite a bit.

“When would you like to leave?” he asked. “I’m ready to travel now.”

“Wonderful,” Zelda clasped her hands together. Link’s presence here was a blessing. It did so much to soothe her nerves. “I can be ready within the hour. The quicker we resolve this issue, the better.”

Link quickly nodded. “I’ll wait for your summons.”

He moved to turn, but before he could step away, her hand shot out to grab at his arm. Link froze, looked down at where her hand wrapped around his bicep before traveling up to her face. Zelda was acting on an impulse, but she hadn’t wanted him to go just yet.

“Thank you for coming,” she said, bowing slightly in gratitude. “Really, Link. I’m so glad that you’re here. You were under no obligation. I’ve missed your company.”

His grin slowly turned roguish. “Like I could ignore you . ‘Course I came.”

With a scoff, she shoved his shoulder and they parted ways then to prepare for the journey to Death Mountain. Link had left Epona outside of town, so he went to retrieve her and bring her into the castle stables. Zelda started to make her way to her quarters to change into more suitable travel clothing, but Ashei intercepted her soon after.

“Your Highness,” Ashei greeted, bowing.

“Captain,” Zelda acknowledged, returning the courtesy. Ashei started to walk with her.

“You have something to share?” Zelda prompted. It was not unlike Ashei to seek out private counsel with her about matters to do with her protection. 

“With all due respect,” Ashei held the door to her quarters open for Zelda to pass through before following her inside. “Are you sure going alone is a wise idea?”

Zelda eyed her as she approached the long mirror situated on one side of her room. “Come now, Ashei. We’ve discussed this. Help me?”

Though it was not her job, they were friends, and Ashei nodded. She came behind Zelda and started to untie the back of her dress. The two of them had already had countless conversations about how adequately protected she would be with only Link by her side. As if he hadn’t singlehandedly (well, she and Midna had helped) defeated the largest threat their realm had ever known. And she wasn’t herself completely helpless either. What other protection would she need? 

“It’s not that I don’t think you’re capable,” Ashei said quietly. Her face was tight with concentration as she undid the laces that held her bodice together. “You are. It’s more to do with distraction. If the hero of Hyrule were anyone but Link, I wouldn’t question you.”

Zelda was glad Ashei was not looking at her face. She could see in her reflection how red her cheeks were already becoming.

“You mean to say you’re worried because I’ll be distracted by him?” She worked at removing her gloves, the ornamental armor, necklaces, boots and the decorative banner at her waistline. There was no reason to bother with the crown, it would stay on anyway. The bodice came loose, and she shucked it off onto a chair. Next came the skirts. 

“Well, that. But it’s not you I’m really worried about, yeah?” Ashei was already there with clothing more suited for travel--a simple long-sleeved blouse underneath a long, plum-colored overcoat with gold accents climbing up the front fasteners. It fell down to her knees in length and draped over the saddle nicely. She thought it looked the closest to what she would normally wear as queenly attire. She also had dark leather gloves and beige riding pants. Her boots were sitting in the corner. 

Ashei caught her eye in the mirror with a deadpan look. “Link’s going to be distracted by you. ”

Zelda scoffed immediately. 

“You’re very beautiful, not to mention extremely intelligent, competent and kind. Do you think it’s a stretch to say a man might want to romance you?”

The very thought caused hairs to rise across Zelda’s arms. “Ashei! Link isn’t…”

“Link is just a man,” Ashei reminded her. “A very good man, yeah, but just a man. I heard you two flirting just a moment ago. Let me accompany you both.”

Ashei silently pleaded with her as she held the riding jacket up for Zelda to slip into. 

“Who will lead the castle guard in my absence?” Zelda asked. She knew that there was nobody else of a high enough rank. A large hole in Ashei’s proposition. “It’s only to Eldin, Ashei. Not a long journey. It will be alright.”

She stepped into her riding boots, pulling them up as Ashei harrumphed behind her. She was backed into a corner. There was no way for Zelda to go visit the Gorons in a way that was completely guaranteed safe, and Zelda knew that. Actually, out of all of her plans, she figured that going with Link was the safest option available to her. Ashei was exaggerating out of worry, that was all. She was upset that she couldn’t come and guarantee Zelda’s protection herself.

Zelda politely but firmly denied Ashei’s request to change her plan. When she was ready, she went to the treasury to retrieve the ruby (where it was being securely held in their treasury under careful watch). As soon as the accusations to her throne being involved in the theft had reached her, she had put people to work to find the real thieves. It was, as she was aware, three Hylian thieves. They had been put under trial and imprisoned according to the severity of their crimes. The Goron ruby had been found in one of their pouches, yet to be pawned off. Zelda hoped that with proper documentation and sincerity, the Gorons would listen to her and their good relations would not be further tarnished. 

Once she had the ruby safely secured in a pouch at her waist, she made her way to the armory and equipped herself with her bow, quiver, and rapier. She then went to get her stallion in the stables. She was surprised as she entered to hear the voice of not only Auru, but Link as well. They were around the corner, out of sight. She stopped for a moment to listen.

“Master Link, you must understand,” Auru was saying, “You must be vigilant. It is not only me who worries…”

Zelda fought the urge to roll her eyes. Had Ashei tasked Auru with intercepting Link for the exact same conversation? She started to step out, intent on chastising Auru for being overprotective, but then came Link’s voice.

“Auru, you know me,” Zelda stopped once again, pressing herself against the wood of the horse pen. The steed inside knickered softly. “There is nobody who values her safety more.”

Zelda’s heart skipped a beat. Auru sighed. “Yes, I agree. But especially if you both were to somehow stray off the road, you know how she enjoys exploring and meeting her subjects--and it’s been very long since the both of you were together. If you were to wander too far, Master Link, I shudder to think about what could happen. She is the future of our country, as you know. Don’t get distracted.” 

Link’s voice was nothing but patient. “You have my personal guarantee.”

There was a series of soft sounds and shuffling. Zelda peeked over the corner to see Auru’s back to her, his hand clapped on Link’s shoulder, who was holding the reins to Epona in one fist. The chestnut mare was docile and quiet at his side. Link’s eyes flicked to her the second he clocked movement--like a wolf spotting a darting hare. Any sharpness disappeared the second he recognized her, instead his gaze became warm.

“Your Highness,” Link said, side stepping Auru, who whirled around. He was too collected a man to be visibly flustered, but she could tell she had surprised him still. Zelda nodded to the both of them.

“I couldn’t help but overhear,” she said apologetically, stepping completely out of cover.

Auru bowed to her. “Apologies. I’ll take my leave.”

He glanced once more at Link, who nodded to him, before setting off. And then she and Link were alone.

“My,” Zelda said, approaching Epona. Her voice became more of a croon as she pet Epona’s soft nose. There were tiny braids intertwined in her mane. “You’ve been well taken care of, haven’t you girl?”

Epona blinked her dark eyes and snorted. Zelda grinned. It was hard to know Link and not know his fine steed. She had ridden on Epona’s back in the midst of battle, and even then it had been one of the smoothest rides she’d ever had, even in comparison to the royal stallions.

She patted Epona’s neck and looked back to Link. To her surprise, his attention was not on his horse but cast downward, towards her legs. She followed his gaze curiously, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

“Is something the matter?” said Zelda, twirling her ankle. Maybe there was something on her boot?

That shook Link out of whatever daze he’d briefly been in. He wet his lips as he looked back to her and smiled.

“No, sorry. Didn’t know you had riding clothes. Never seen ‘em.”

Zelda almost scoffed. Of course she did! Was that what he was caught up about?

“There was no time to change clothes before defeating Ganondorf,” she said. Proper riding gear definitely shouldn’t be a foreign concept to him. Ashei’s warning flashed in her head--but surely the fact that she was in pants wasn’t distracting. “I’m sure you’ll agree that this is more suitable for horseback than a gown. Let’s find my mount.”

Link hummed in agreement and followed wordlessly behind. 

As they walked through the rows of horse stalls, Zelda’s mind wandered back to Auru’s conversation with Link. 

“What were you and Auru discussing before my interruption?” She asked, keeping her tone light.

“You,” Link said matter-of-factly. The honesty was abrupt and refreshing. Zelda was so used to talking around things with nobles, officials and diplomats until she could make out the complete shape of the unspoken truth. But, as he had just reminded her, Link was never like that.

“My protection,” she guessed.

Link nodded. “Your potential for distraction too.”

She had to laugh. Link looked a bit confused as she covered her mouth to stifle a bout of giggling.

“ My distraction,” she said, “Oh, that’s rich. I was just myself given a pep talk about your distraction.”

She was amused by the expression on Link’s face; it was the closest she had ever seen him to looking offended. 

“I’m glad we both find this equally ridiculous,” she said. They finally reached the right stall, home to a large dark stallion she called Harkin. He had already been outfitted for travel, so she took the reins and led him out of the stall. Link was studying the horse closely. His eyes flicked back to Epona, as if for comparison. Epona was a bit stockier, more of a work-horse build than Harkin. Harkin was tall and imposing, with a tightly braided mane studded with metallic beads. He was a royal stallion and looked the part, but Epona was definitely the stronger and more experienced of the two. Zelda thought wryly of how their horses weren’t a terribly inaccurate reflection of their riders.

“Good horse,” Link said. They walked out of the stable and Zelda motioned for the guards to open the gate. 

The castle had a side gate that allowed for cavalry to have immediate access to the expanses of Hyrule Field, instead of having to fight through the cobbled streets and chaotic foot traffic of Castle Town. Link held the reins for her as she hooked her foot into the stirrup. He then mounted Epona like it was as easy as breathing, and they were off.

It was a one-day trip to Eldin even if they went at a relaxed pace. There was no immediate danger, so Zelda saw no reason to rush and strain her horse with hard riding. Though the economy suffered without the Goron tribe’s valuable trade, it was not a quest with a time limit. Today they would be riding to Kakariko Village, then they’d spend the night there at an inn before heading on foot up to the mountain the next morning. It was a simple journey and one well-traveled. 

Link settled next to her on the path, one hand on the rein and the other resting on the saddle pommel. His posture was relaxed, and the sunlight made his hair look gold. The clop of horse hooves on the dirt was the only sound besides the whispers of wind and leaves shaking. It was peaceful. Zelda took a large breath of fresh air in her lungs and closed her eyes for a moment. When was the last time that she had left her castle? When was the last time she had stepped outside of the town? It had been months, maybe, since she had visited anywhere else. There was so much that kept her busy within the stone walls of her keep. 

The two of them had been on the road for most of the morning, edging into the afternoon when Link suddenly startled, and began to dig around in one of the many saddle pockets attached to Epona. He pulled out a small box and turned in his seat towards Zelda.

“For you,” he said, stretching across the space between their horses. “Ilia says hello. I almost forgot.”

Zelda plucked the box from his hands. It was kept together with twine, her full name and title written in swirly script. Link continued to dig around in the saddlebags as she delicately undid the knot.

From the box she pulled out a finely made leather bridle.

“Oh, it’s beautiful,” she said, rubbing the texture of it with her thumb. It was wonderfully soft and flexible, the clasps made from shining bronze. “Ilia made this?”

“On behalf of the village,” he said with pride. “Ilia didn’t think it proper for me to show up without a gift for you from them. She made it by hand with a little help from our metalsmith. Epona was a very helpful model.” 

He patted the mare’s neck. Zelda held the bridle up one more time to take a proper look at it. She was touched. Ordon was not technically a province of Hyrule and the citizens of Ordon Village, save for Link, were not Hylian. That they sought to give her anything was unexpected and completely unnecessary--she could only conclude that they did it out of respect for her, and because of their genuine kindness. Link had come from such good people. It was no wonder why she liked him so very much.

Link finished rummaging around and pulled out another box, shaped more like a basket, with a pleased grin. This one was wrapped in paper. He shook it lightly at her as they continued down the sun-dappled path.

“I made food too,” he said.

Zelda had her own food from the palace securely tucked away in her saddlebags, meat pastries and dried fruits, but in that moment it was completely forgotten. Her stomach rumbled.

“Oh, let’s eat,” she decided. She pulled on Harkin’s reins and pointed off the road to where a large tree offered some shade. Link nodded and followed her off the path. Behind the tree they were delighted to find a small creek, and left their horses there to drink while they set up their lunch. Zelda spread out a thick quilt on the grass as Link unbundled the food he’d brought to share with her. Goat cheese, bread, a thick gourd stew, herbed jerky. Her eyebrows rose further with every new item he unveiled. She sat down beside him, smoothing out her coat and removing her riding gloves. The wind blew Link’s hair across his face, asymmetrical, as he bent over to fish everything out of his food basket. She couldn’t hold herself back from fixing it, grazing her fingertips across his forehead.

“You made this all yourself?” she said. “For us?”

Link could only nod, suddenly bashful. 

She set about breaking the bread and spreading the cheese on top of them while Link pushed himself up to bring their horses under the shade of the tree. She had made a pleasing spread of Link’s food for them both by the time he returned. He stuffed his mouth to the brim, eating eagerly and with little appreciative hums. She couldn’t quite match his pace or enthusiasm, but she let him know how delicious it really was and how much she truly appreciated it. The goat cheese really was some of the creamiest she’d ever had; would it be possible to set up a small trading agreement with Ordon to have this stocked in Castle Town? It was not often that she was treated to Ordonian delicacies.

“I learned this soup recipe from friends in Snowpeak,” Link commented, licking excess soup off of his thumb. With her encouragement, he launched into a story of his adventures there. Sledding on a giant shard of ice, trudging through snow banks with Ashei, nearly sliding off of icy cliff sides. Zelda sat there and listened, pecking at the rest of the food. The warm yellow sun on her face felt sublime. She leaned back on the blanket until her back met the ground and her face was tilted upward to the sky. 

She closed her eyes and took a large breath in, feeling a weight loosen in her shoulders.

“...Zelda?” Link said quietly, interrupting himself. A shadow passed over her face. Zelda opened one eye and was met by the curious face of Link above her. He tilted his head like a puppy. She was overtaken by a large feeling of fondness in her chest. He did not use formalities when they were alone. She didn’t know if it was easy for him to forget, or a conscious choice, but she loved it all the same. 

“I’m just relaxing,” she said.

Link adjusted his legs, and then patted his thigh. “Here. Cushion.”

Zelda’s cheeks went pink, but she followed his direction and moved her head to sit on the soft rise of his thigh. It was better than the ground, but Zelda felt as if she could feel the eyes of Ashei looking down on her--not disapproving, necessarily, but certainly saying I told you so.  

Yes, okay. Maybe she had. With Link’s pulse on her ear, it was hard to deny her own feelings. 

They rested for only a bit longer; it was too tempting to nap in the afternoon sun but they had business to attend to. So instead, she accepted Link’s hand up and went to her horse. This time as she swung one leg over the saddle, she didn’t miss how Link’s eye got snagged, following the arc of its movement. 

They rode on. They passed many travelers on the main roads, several of whom only recognized her or Link after they had already passed them. They came upon a covered wagon as well; too wide to pass without straying off of the road. Link and Zelda were forced to slow their canter to a trot as they came upon the back, an unlit lantern swinging with every bump. A small girl peeked from behind the wagon cover at them, unabashedly curious. Link raised a hand to wave, and she tentatively waved back. When she looked at Zelda, her jaw dropped and she ducked from sight. 

“Someone’s shy,” Zelda said, feeling a bit embarrassed. Was it her crown? Had she overdone it on the royal insignias? Was she too intimidating? She looked over to get Link’s opinion, but paused when she saw his frown. Not in an unhappy way, but in a manner that told her he was thinking. His eyes were affixed to a distant point. He reached for his bow. 

“Coming up on a canyon,” he said. “Narrow road. Bulblins.”

Zelda could guess at what that could mean. Flaming arrows and high vantage points were a common Bulblin tactic to raid any unfortunate traveler’s wealth and wares. 

“I’ll confer with whoever is driving and see if they’d like our company,” Zelda offered, already spurring her horse to pass the carriage.

A man with a bushy mustache was driving, and as she came up on his flank he quickly took his hat off. As she came nearer, she could see rows of empty milk bottles clinking as the carriage rattled onwards. The merchant blinked hard at her, as if he couldn’t believe that she was really in front of him.

“Good afternoon,” she said with a dip of her head. “My partner and I are traveling along this same road. It’s come to our attention that the canyon ahead might be harboring some hostile bulblins. Would you like to travel together?” She patted her bow and her quiver, close by and easily accessible.

The merchant’s thick eyebrows rose as he appraised the weapon, as well as the fineness of her clothing and the shine of her horse’s ornaments. If he recognized her, he didn’t give any clear sign. As far as she knew, they had never met before.  

“Well then,” he finally said. “I’d be grateful. I have my daughter in the back.”

“Yes, I believe my companion is being entertained by her.” Zelda peered back. The little girl was still near the back of the carriage, protected against the sun and outsiders, except she was now leaning out a bit to hold a conversation with Link. Zelda wasn’t surprised by that development; children adored him.

She watched as the child spread their arms wide and exclaimed something. Link smiled wide and laughed. 

As they rode onward, Zelda coaxed the wagon driver into telling her more about his life as a milkman. She learned about his route, his lifestyle, and the struggles that came with it. They were almost always on the road since they couldn’t afford someone else to make deliveries, and the daughter was too young to leave all alone at their small cow ranch, and her poor mother was long dead. Zelda found herself sympathizing very much, thinking about her own circumstances.

“She’s very fortunate to have you looking after her,” she told the father. She dug out from one of the saddlebags a wax copy of her Royal Seal, and a small purse of rupees. “If you ever need to go on extended business and need a place for you both to stay, feel free to show the people of Castle Town this insignia and it should get you a room in the castle.”

The man took it with wide eyes. “E--excuse me? You’re--” But he did not get to finish his sentence. As they had been talking, the wagon and their two horses had entered the canyon, orange rock rising slowly around them until it towered up above. A Bulblin cry interrupted what the milkman was about to say, and a flaming arrow whistled through the air. Luckily, it missed the wagon. Glancing back, she saw Link at full alert on Epona with his bow drawn, taking steady aim at something behind their party. She got her own bow out from behind her and quickly drew it. As soon as she spotted a spurting flame ignite, she stood on her stirrups and drew the bowstring back to her chin. One arrow was all it took to snuff it out.

The milkman snapped his reins and urged his horse on faster. As more pinpricks of fire appeared, she aimed and struck them. Arrows on both sides of the canyon streaked through the air. Zelda ducked and weaved. Link barked at the child to stay covered inside the wagon. Harkin was smooth and remained calm even as more projectiles were shot their way. There were quite a few Bulblins to hit. She would have to restock on arrows as soon as they reached Kakariko. Her bowstring thrummed like an instrument. She knew without looking that Link had her back taken care of

It was all going well until she shot a Bulblin above too close. It crashed down from his perch in the cliffs, right into the covered wagon’s tarp. There was a terrible ripping sound as it broke through the canvas and the young girl inside screamed. 

Zelda unhooked her feet from the stirrups without a second thought and leapt from Harkin onto the wagon. The canvas was marked with a large, jagged hole. She climbed through it and saw the little girl pinned underneath the monster, pale with terror. The horrid thing was dazed but still alive. Zelda’s boots scattered rolling milk bottles as she balanced on the rickety wagon. Link’s clawshot was only a blur as it darted out and embedded itself into the bulblin’s hide. He grunted with effort as the hook retracted and the bulblin was pulled off of the girl. Zelda pulled her up and away. She wiped the girl’s tears with the pads of her thumbs and turned her away from Link before she could see any more.

“Shh,” she said, “it’s alright, you’re alright. Are you hurt?”

The little girl shook her head as Link dragged the bulblin out of the wagon cart behind her. Zelda saw the glint of his sword in her peripheral. 

“Come along to your father.” She murmured more comforting nothings in the girl’s ear to distract her from the bulblin’s death throes. The little girl then crawled up next to her father, whom she clung to like a bur. A quick scan revealed no more waiting enemies in the dark, and Kakariko’s watchpost just visible above the cliff sides. Zelda sighed with relief. Harkin, who was such a good horse, had kept pace with the wagon the entire time. He knickered at her when she emerged from the broken cover of the wagon. The milkman stuttered his thanks, one hand white-knuckled and gripping the reins and the other clutching his daughter. As they slowed, Zelda fit her foot into the stirrup again and returned to her own saddle. 

She maneuvered her horse back behind the wagon and next to Link. His eyes were scoping the cliffs until she came next to him, and then she suddenly found herself subjected to the full concentration of his focus. Sometimes it was too easy to forget that Link was an extraordinary fighter. She saw the puppy more often than the wolf these days. 

He edged Epona closer, until their feet were almost touching. He was slightly out of breath and a bit disheveled as he looked at her. Zelda was surprised that she found it as attractive as she did.

“I’m alright,” she said, as he scanned her head-to-toe. Link’s shoulders lost some tension as he confirmed a lack of injury. She didn’t expect to see him injured, of course, but was still equally comforted to see that he was untouched. Though there were specks of what she suspected to be monster blood freckling his face. 

“Bulblins are awful shots,” he muttered. Zelda covered her mouth with a hand as she snorted. She pushed his shoulder, but he was too solid to really knock back. 

“Not like you, sharpshooter.” He continued to smile at her, all winded, and Zelda had to fight the urge to kiss him right then. Emerging from such an adrenaline rush left her in a strange high, and she felt as if she could do just about anything. All of the training she had put herself through in archery and horseback combat at that precise moment felt like it had been worth it, just to hear him say that. She couldn’t keep a small, pleased smile off of her face.

They made it to Kakariko Village and ensured that the milk trader and his daughter had a place to stay before tending to themselves. Link was almost immediately swarmed by friendly faces. Zelda took the opportunity to raise her hood and slip away to the spring to let the horses have a drink. The spring was clear and sparkling in the early evening light. Zelda couldn’t resist the urge to wade in. The spring was slightly outside of the town’s borders, and there weren’t any people around. She shed her riding jacket, her belt, and her crown before stepping into the waters. Shin deep, she felt something within her resonate with the spring’s energy. A warm feeling spread through her veins like Eldin itself was folding its wings of light around her form. 

Hello, she thought, closing her eyes. Thank you for receiving me. She stood in the spring, palms outstretched and at peace. The light spirit was there with her, even if it wasn’t making itself known. She prayed for the family they had accompanied here, for the village, for her kingdom, and for a number of other things. She prayed until her legs were sore from standing and her eyes felt glued shut. When she turned back to wade out, the sun had settled orange on the horizon and Link was there. 

He was sitting with his back against Epona, spinning a reed absentmindedly between his fingers and watching. There was still blood speckled across his cheek. She waded back to the shore.

“Did I keep you waiting long?” she asked as she rifled through her things on Harkin’s back. Link shook his head no. She produced a clean rag from his many pockets, then wetted it. 

“Come here,” she beckoned, gesturing with her finger for him to come next to her at the edge of the spring.

Link inched closer, following her gesture until she stopped him with a hand to his chest. 

“Sit,” she said. He sat. Delicately, Zelda began to dab at the dried blood across his skin. 

“Thank you for helping that family,” Link said. “I saw what you gave to the father.”

“Oh,” Zelda brushed the comment aside and avoided Link’s gaze, even though she knew he was looking at her. It had felt like a small gesture, in comparison to the resources that she had to give. “That wasn’t very...I don’t have much on me. I could have given them more.”

“Saving their lives was pretty damn good,” Link protested. “I saw how many Bulblins you shot down. More than me.”

Zelda’s rag dropped from his face as she gave him a deadpan look. “That isn’t true.”

Link was only able to hold her eye for one moment before he smiled guiltily. “Okay, but you were close .”

“Ha ha,” she said tonelessly. “Stay still.”

The blood was messy, and every time she thought she had cleaned the worst of it, she spotted another small splatter on his neck, or the pointed tip of his ear. She delicately directed his face to a better angle so that she could get certain spots, and he followed where her fingers guided him.

“You were amazing though,” Link said quietly. They locked eyes even as she nudged his face away from hers. “You didn’t see the way that the kiddo stared at you when you weren’t looking. Pretty sure you’re her hero.”

“Link,” she protested. She was just wiping his neck with the rag in a facsimile of cleaning now. There was no more blood. 

“She was telling me how pretty and awesome she thought you were.”

“That’s sweet.”

“And I agreed with her. You know, I really like this,” he turned to look at her. “With you. Traveling.”

Zelda lifted the cool rag from his face. They were close enough that their breath mingled together. She dabbed a clean section of the rag to her own face, to cool her own cheeks. Although the journey had not been without a slight hiccup, she had greatly enjoyed it. The Bulblin action and the peaceful outdoors were welcome breaks from the monotony of monarchdom. If she didn’t love her kingdom as much as she did, it would be tempting to leave the desk work and holy obligations behind for a life of anonymity on the road.

“I do too,” she agreed with a sigh. “I wish journeys like this were more frequent.”

“Well,” Link’s eyes were coy. “I could always steal the Goron ruby.”

She fixed him with a look. “ Link. You will not. ”

“I could.”

“But you won’t.”

“Who’d stop me?” Link looked at her and started to grin like an imp. Did he learn that from Midna, or was it something that they’d always had in common?

“I would!” she replied, throwing her rag at him. His shoulders shook with silent laughter, even as the rag clung to his face in a very foolish manner. “You’re a Hylian. I’m your queen!”

“Ah, that you are,” Link said from beneath the rag. “Guess you’re right.”

“I’m always right,” Zelda sniffed, plucking the rag from Link’s face. She was for a moment worried she might have sounded too haughty, but underneath the cloth he was still smiling like an idiot. He looked so unabashedly pleased that she found any annoyance with him quickly melting away. She couldn’t help it, he had a smile that would melt even the coldest of hearts. She turned away instead, looking through all of the belongings she had left ashore and making sure they were all properly accounted for. The ruby was still safely secured, shining dully even through the protective padding inside its satchel. She fastened her riding jacket and buckled her belt again.

“I don’t suppose you’ve talked to the inn yet?” she questioned as she was finishing up.

“Yes. Luda runs it now.” His brow furrowed. “Lots of child business owners in this town.”

She had sent a message ahead a few days ago with Link’s letter in order to secure a bed in the Elde Inn. She felt bad because, under the assumption Link was not to join her, she had only requested one bed. But as they set off to the inn, Link assured her he didn’t mind finding an empty extra for the night. 

“I used to sleep on the ground,” he said, as if that made it any better.

As the two of them left the spring, she couldn’t help but notice how empty the streets were. Usually, she knew there were Goron street vendors who liked to sell various wares to travelers and townspeople. Some also helped to construct and upkeep Kakariko Village’s guideposts on the cliff sides. But there was not a single Goron in sight. Just Hylian civilians and the occasional stray cat. 

They were greeted outside the inn by Luda as she swept the entryway. She was a girl who looked to be somewhere in her teen years. There was a soft, yet mature look in her eye. As Luda bowed to her, Zelda returned the gesture and was led inside.

Link whistled, casting his eyes around the space. The inn was warm, filled with friendly firelight. The first floor had the check-in desk, a bar, and a dining area. It smelled like someone was roasting meat. There was only one other patron, a partially-balding man with a white shirt who was drinking quietly at the bar and looking over some papers. Zelda herself had funded the Kakariko restoration efforts, and she was pleased to see that renovation seemed to have gone smoothly.

“Here is your key, your Highness,” said Luda, dropping it into Zelda’s palms. She handed Link a copy of the key as well. “The private room is yours. I will take care of your horses.”

Zelda was left alone with Link to ascend the stairs to the second floor, which partially overlooked the first. Through an open doorway was a large room filled with beds clustered together, with privacy curtains drawn between them. The space was humble but homey, and on the other end was a door that their keys fit into. The room was just enough space for a bed, a small mantle, a table and a wardrobe. One window looked out into the canyon. Link busied himself with organizing their belongings on the small table at the foot of the bed. It was a quaint little room with its own charm. The quilt on the bed was woven with little horses and windmills. It looked cozy, so she sat herself on the mattress and reached for it. But as she extended her arm, she winced.

Link’s eyes were on her in a moment. “Zelda?”

Zelda rubbed at her shoulder. “A bit sore, that’s all it is. Most likely from the Bulblin attack. I’d purchase some Hot Springwater to soothe it, but....”

“Hmm.” Link pursed his lips. “Hold on.”

He swiftly exited the room before Zelda could ask after whatever it was he was about to do. How very like him , she thought with a roll of her eyes. Although it was only nearing dinner time, Zelda stripped off her jacket and began to change into a softer nightdress. She was not yet hungry, thanks to Link’s large lunch. If she did grow peckish she would simply get dressed again or pester Link into grabbing her an apple or some sort of snack.

Link returned soon with a soft knock as she was pulling the nightgown over her head. 

“Follow me,” Link said as she opened the door. Zelda looked down at herself. In these clothes? Though it was long, it was a light material and still left her shoulders and arms bare. It wouldn’t be proper to walk around in public. But with Link looking at her like that, expectant and a bit excited, she quickly found her resolve weakening. She wanted to follow him. Today’s taste of adventure left her wanting even more. Even if it was just for today.

“Where?” she asked.

“Not far. It’s a surprise.” He winked at her, and she couldn’t say no. She grabbed the quilt from the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders. As Link took her hand, she was infinitely grateful that the second floor of the inn was completely free of curious eyes. He brought her to a back room that had nothing inside but a few barrels, a broom and a ladder leading upward.

“Are people really allowed up there?” Zelda asked him, hesitant.

Link shrugged, grabbing onto a rung and pulling himself up. “I’ve run around up there and never gotten in trouble.” 

He pushed the door to the roof open as he reached the ceiling, letting a cool rush of air in. The sky was approaching dusk. Link climbed through and onto the roof, poking his head through the opening to look down at her.

“You coming?” 

Zelda sighed and started up the ladder. Although she didn’t need it, Link reached down to haul her out when she was within his reach. He shut the door again when she was out, latching it shut so that it was flat against the roof again. The face of the rock was so flush with the hotel that it took Link only a step to cross onto a portion that was gently sloped upward, like a path. There was no threat of falling. Zelda could hardly see the ground as she hiked up her skirt to follow. Further up, stairs were built into the rocky surface as well. Scaffolds on the other side of the canyon clung to the wall like vines, leading up to the watchpost that overlooked the village. But that was on the other side, so where was Link guiding her now?

Link jogged a few paces ahead of her to make sure the coast was clear before he motioned for her to follow him up the stairs. As she ascended, a picture came into focus that made her gasp. Link was there, arms wide and grinning like he owned the place. It was a small, somewhat enclosed area hollowed out of yellow canyon rock. Behind him was a large pond in the ground that was filled with steaming, azure waters. 

“Ta da,” he said, shaking his hands in an attempt to add pizzazz.

“A Hot Spring?” she said incredulously, looking at Link. “Up here?”

“Yup,” Link nodded. “It’s helped me out a couple times with sore muscles. Usually some Gorons like it here but I guess they’re gone too.”

It would make sense. From up here, she could see the peak of Death Mountain overtaking the rocky horizon. They were not far at all from all that volcanic activity. A cool breeze blew past, making her shiver in her thin gown. Nothing would feel better than a nice long soak in that water. It looked divine. 

“Thank you,” she said to Link. Truthfully, she was very touched. “It was very thoughtful of you to think of this.” 

“Yeah, ‘course,” he said. She tossed the quilt aside and rubbed at her shoulders. Link quickly cast his eyes skyward. He placed his hands on his hips and tried in vain to look very interested in the stars. Zelda repressed a snort of laughter.

“Are you not going to join me?” she asked, easing herself into the water. The temperature was amazing, she couldn’t help but sigh. White fabric ballooned around her legs as she sat. She laid her head against the natural curve of the rock and eyed him. Even though decorum demanded she act in certain proper ways, she always seemed to toss it out the window when it came to Link. And they were alone. He didn’t have to look away from her like that, if he didn’t want to. 

“Link,” she said, making a decision. For the next few minutes she was just going to be Zelda. Propriety be damned. He glanced down at her and she gestured for him to join her.

Maybe he’d come to the same conclusion, because it didn’t take any more convincing for him to come to the edge of the water. Off came his boots, his various belts and straps, his sword sheath, the green tunic and the chainmail underneath. He splashed into the hot spring in his trousers and undershirt.

“Feels good?” he asked, jerking his head out towards her shoulder. He settled next to her in the spring.

“Yes,” she said, taking a deep breath. The steam scented the air with a wonderful mineral smell, something like fresh rain. While the Eldin Spring just down the way was holy, this was healing. It had a completely different sort of effect. 

“I used to come here all the time,” Link said, spreading his limbs out under the water until their legs brushed. “Deep in the Goron mines, I got burnt up pretty bad. Soaking here was the only thing that helped.”

“I’m sorry that you got so hurt,” Zelda said. She cupped the water in her hands and thought of her subjects. There were people all over Hyrule who used this water to ease their aches and pains. 

“Ah, it was my own fault. I think I stepped on lava a few times. I’m fine now.” He laughed at her stricken expression. “I was a lot dumber back then. This water was really nice.”

“It’s very potent. If the Gorons don’t start exporting it again, we’d lose a powerful medicinal ingredient.” She started to chew on her lip.

“Hey, we’ll figure it out.” Link nudged her with his shoulder. “The Gorons are headstrong, but they’re not unreasonable. I just have to get you in there and it’ll all work out. No worries.”

He was correct. The Gorons were not typically grudge-keepers. Zelda let the water loosen the tension that had seeped into her bones. What did she have to worry about with him at her side, anyway? She had faced far more troubling dangers and came out alright. This expedition was really nothing in comparison. Looking up, she wondered how this trip would have gone without Link. She couldn’t really picture it. Functionally he was necessary to her goal, yes, but who else would have had a picnic with her under a tree? Who else would have let her use them as a cushion? Who else would have made friends with the milk merchant’s daughter? Who else would have shown her a secret hot spring on top of their hotel, for Hylia’s sake? The parts of today that she would remember were all due to Link. 

Zelda realized that she was already breaking her promise to herself. No more thoughts of the kingdom, she thought. You can afford to take the crown off for one day. The sky was just beyond sunset by now, melting from plum-indigo to a shining amber on the horizon. Somewhere above the clouds was a floating civilization that she had never seen. She found Link’s hand underwater. 

“Tell me about the city in the sky,” she said as she grasped it. Link quickly interlocked their fingers. He wasn’t shy or unsure about it, and there was comfort in that. “What was it like?”

“Well, it’s home to a whole bunch of weird chicken people,” Link began. He started to recount his time there and the strange things he saw. Advanced technology, head-scratching puzzles, the Oocca civilization that Shad was so obsessed with. It wasn’t the first time he had told her about his airborne fight against an enormous, armored flying beast, but every time it wrung her stomach into knots. By the time he was done she had interwoven their arms together too, and rested her head against his shoulder. She was very happy that he was alive.

“You’re one of the most insane men I’ve ever met,” she said when he was done with his story. “It seems you always have more to tell me when I ask you for stories.”

“One of? Not number one?” Link said, faking a pout as he turned his head.

She splashed his face with hot water. “Don’t get arrogant. Your tongue has become much bolder.”

“I can show you a bold tongue,” Link replied. Zelda paused in the middle of splashing him again, taken aback by the statement for a moment. 

Then she dunked his face into the spring.

“Ptuh! Hey!” Link sputtered, failing to blink the water out of his eyes. Blindly he reached for her, grabbing onto her torso. 

“Let go!” she said, but he was already returning the favor and pushing her under as well. The sensation wasn’t unpleasant, but she still kicked water at him as retribution. When she had sat herself upright, her hair was a heavy sopping curtain above her eyes. Link was hooting with laughter.

“You have some nerve!” she said, parting her dripping hair. Link was similarly drenched. His hair stuck to his forehead in messy strands. Yet the fabric of his clothes clung to his body like its very existence hinged upon emphasizing his subtle musculature. She was looking, and he probably knew that she was looking.

“You started it,” Link said. He stood and shook his hair out like a dog. “The Queen of Hyrule picked a fight with me. What an honor.”

Zelda shielded her face from the droplets flung from his hair and prodded him with her foot. “I’ll have you hung for your disrespect.”

Link snatched her bare ankle before it could retreat. “No you won’t. ”

She narrowed her eyes. “I could.”

He kept that infuriating smile affixed. “Sure. But you won’t.”

Before she could slip from his grasp he pulled her through the water. She squeaked, head submerging once again as her hands slipped from under her. Her hair once again blocked most of her vision in a dark sheet as she got her legs underneath her again. She sat there for a moment, feeling a bit like a sopping wet rat and coming to terms with the fact that she was soaking in a Hot Spring dressed in the only bedclothes she had packed. At least her shoulder felt better.

“It’s going to be freezing when we get out,” Zelda realized. If she sounded pouty, she didn’t care very much. The remainder of the night would be spent in front of the fireplace, covered in whatever furs and extra quilts the inn had to spare. “Oh, it’s going to be such a pain to warm back up.”

Goosebumps raced up her arms as Link splashed towards her. If they stayed out much longer, the night chill was going to get its grip on them, but she didn’t want to leave the warm waters for the chilly reality. 

Then Link parted the veil of hair that had fallen across her face, and Zelda was nose-to-nose with him. His two hands went in to frame her jaw. His touch was a fire licking her skin. His thumbs rubbed against her cheeks. 

He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. Or perhaps she leaned in--either way, they met somewhere in the middle. Zelda’s arms quickly snaked around his neck, fingers curling into his dampened hair. Link was warm. She found herself clinging to him even as their faces pulled away from each other.

“Better?” he murmured. Zelda could tell her cheeks were starting to blotch pink as heat rose to them. Yet she still shivered when his hand slid to her waist. What a sight they would be--thank the Goddess that Ashei wasn’t here to see this.

She pulled him in for another kiss. And after that, another. Now that they were touching, she didn’t want to pull away. Link didn’t either. He kissed her mouth, her cheeks, her clavicle. It was easy to forget about anything else. Perhaps Auru and Ashei had been right after all to insinuate they were easily distracted.

Without her realizing, it had become dark. The moon shone its light down on them when they finally gave it a rest, winded and completely disheveled. The two of them stuck to each other as they hurriedly made their way back to the inn’s rooftop entrance. The quilt was thrown onto her shoulders and Link swiped all of his shucked clothing to drop down the hole as Zelda hurriedly wrung out her nightgown. They kept their footsteps light so as not to wake anyone downstairs. It was a relief to return to the hotel room, where a fireplace could be lit and more furs and blankets awaited them. And she could brush her lips against Link’s jaw after closing the door. 

Link prodded the fire as Zelda changed into his sleepshirt. They had decided to split the dry clothes between the two of them--shirt for her, trousers for him. She dug her way into the blanket mound and started to braid her hair. Link didn’t leave to go sleep in another bed. 

She held her arms out for him as he came back to the bed. His hair was framed in gold by the firelight and it painted such a handsome, rustic picture. That moment felt like they were just two simple townsfolk from Kakariko Village, living their lives and falling in love. As she clasped his hands she kissed a knuckle. Link settled next to her under the furs and quilts, and she rubbed his hands between hers to make them warmer. They laid together in silence. She had begun to drift to sleep when that silence was finally broken.

“Zelda,” Link whispered after a while. He rolled to his side to look at her.

“Mm?” Zelda blinked sleepily. 

“When you return to the castle…will you see me again?”

Zelda snuggled in closer, until she could rest her forehead on his. “Will you come see me again?”

“Course I will.”

“Then I shall see you,” she asserted. “Silly question.”

Link wrapped an arm around her and hummed. “Can we do more of this?”

She was too content, comfortable and warm to think about it too hard. All she recognized at present was that she was happy--even tomorrow morning’s audience with the Gorons seemed very far away. What mattered now was this man that was with her under the safety and warmth of the quilt. She nodded and pressed one more kiss against his skin, right on his forehead. 

“I’ll make sure of it,” she said, even as her eyes drifted to a close. Now that she had him, she wasn't about to let him go anywhere.