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tumblingdowntheway2019 · 8 months ago

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Master List Here!!

A03 Version Here!!

Yoooooo!! Chapter Three (3) of 'To Cherish

These Moments." This was inspired by art

drawn by @hyrulerbnb, an awesome artist I

recommend checking out!!

Apologies for the VERY late update. I made a post about it but in short, I had a sudden block in creativity and no idea what happened. But I'm back and with the final chapter too!!

Other than that, enjoy the read and have an awesome day!!

💪😎💕

Word count - Six Thousand, One Hundred. (6100)

To Cherish These Moments - Chapter Three (3) - The Most Important Lesson.

"Ok, are we all set?" Zelda asked as she straightened out the huge blanket under the tree. "Is everything here?"

"Zeldaaaaaa." Tulin drags out her name, seemingly tired of hearing the same questions for the dozenth time this morning. "Everything will be fine; the plan is all set."

This morning, before Riju and Link had awoken, Tulin warped in to help Zelda and Buliara set up the area where the Sages would be having their picnic. With the extra Hearty Radishes, she was able to double the amount of Hearty Soup she could make. For the past few mornings, the people of Hateno Village have gifted her some extra food when they learned of her return, increasing the already huge amount she had in her storage.

She asked Buliara, who had been with the other region representatives an hour prior at the Landing to prepare for more paperwork, if they were busy or had eaten yet. Buliara confirmed they were not and had actually told them to hold off on breakfast for the time being, stating that there's a shortage on supplies at the Lookout. She even bribed the cooks ahead of time to do so, promising to help later on to prep dinner to make up for it.

That was something Zelda always loved about Hyrule and its people. It was the sense of community and familial ties, by blood or not, they had with each other. The cooks holding off breakfast and the extra foods brought in—some already cooked—meant she could invite the representatives too for the picnic. Perfect.

"I apologise. I sound like my father." She frowns. It was the last thing she wanted to do.

"I remember you saying he was a strict man. I cannot imagine that he didn't do anything without the consideration of Hyrule and its people, surely?" Buliara offers some comfort.

"I cannot disagree that Hyrule and its people were always at the forefront of his duties and mind. But most times, I felt like he used it as a sort of excuse to not listen to me. I know what he would have said if he knew that I was doing this." When her two (2) friends tilted their heads as a sign for her to continue, she did her best to mimic her father's deep voice and say it in an unamused voice. "Even if Ganondorf is gone for now, we can't just sit here and forget our duty as Sages." She then turns to them with a harsh stare, one (1) that she can perfectly mimic after seeing it far too many times than she cared to remember. "But I think none of you are aware of that."

"Damn Zelda. Chill." Tulin tried to reply back nonchalantly. The slightly raised feathers show that she had the intended effect that her father always looked for. She hated herself for it when she heard his voice confirm it.

"I apologise. That was just how he was. I vow I will never be like that with anyone. There are more options I am willing to explore than he had. Unlike him, I chose to study various topics and skills that I have found useful many a time."

She couldn't bring herself to continue with him being the main topic of the conversation, so she quickly changed it and was grateful for them catching on.

"Ok, once more for the plan." Zelda starts, mainly for herself, as she is steeling her nerves to pull it off. "I will return to the Landing. Tulin and Buliara are staying here to guard the food. Riju and Link should already have warped in by the time I get there. The others should already be there by now, and I will simply ask them to join me for a stroll."

Buliara and Tulin simply look at each other, the Rito giving the Gerudo a smile of excitement as the latter shrugs and smiles back. They've been hearing this all morning, though it's understandable why. It is something that has always had Zelda become a bundle of nerves, always making sure that her friends get nothing but the best of care and appreciation. The days passed by them so fast, gone in a blink of an eye. Now the remaining hour is crawling slower than a snail making its way towards Zora's Domain from Rito Village, with all the slippery slopes and climbing in between.

Zelda had already executed one (1) part of her plan the night prior. Due to the fact that the Shiekah were warping to Kakariko Village first thing in the morning, she managed to sneak into their rooms. Zelda thanked her luck that they were currently investigating a possible ruin that fell from the sky and were gone long enough to place extra boxes in their luggage. All labelled with their names. Their favourite desserts. Zelda already knew what her childhood friends favourites were; when she was still a child learning from Urbosa, she went out of her way to find Impa and Purah's father to ask.

The answer is Pumpkin Pie for Impa and Wildberry Crêpe for Purah. Josha would eat anything fruity, so a fruit pie would be perfect for her. The more difficult person to bake for was, surprisingly, Robbie. Despite him and Purah being joined at the hip before the Calamity, and even now, after finally reuniting after it, Zelda has never actually seen him eat anything sweet. She had to bite the bullet and ask his son, Granté (or Grantéson if you were to meet him in Tarrey Town), and found that his father's favourite dessert was simply Plain Crêpes. He would simply add anything to them if he had a craving for it. So for his box, Plain Crêpes with smaller boxes containing fruits and sweets along with a small container of honey.

With the hardest objective out of the way, now is the time to invite the others. Zelda carefully raises a hand, placing it where her hand aligns with the horizon in her line of sight.

"Uh, Zelda, what are you doing?" Tulin asks, confused as he watches Zelda join her pinkie and thumb together, and repeats once more. "Is the sun blinding you or something? You could just look away."

"What time did the sun start to rise this morning?" Zelda simply asks, with the answer being that it started at six a.m. (6 a.m./0600 hrs). She finally answered, "Link taught me this trick before the Calamity, and reminded me not too long ago about how one (1) could tell the time without the use of a clock. So long as you know what the width of your fingers represents—it could be five (5), ten (10) or fifteen (15) minutes for the sun to reach the top of the width from the horizon—then you should be able to tell how much time has past and what's left in the day."

"Eh?" Was all Tulin could reply with as he raised a wing to mimic Zelda. "Or you could just ask me; I have my Purah Pad right here."

"It's an old trick we learn in basic training," Buliara adds. "Warriors and travellers would use this method to estimate the time of day at that moment. It's actually an important skill to learn when in the wild. It's also used to figure out how much daylight is left in the day as well."

"My fingers represent ten (10) minutes. So it took eighteen (18) fingers from the horizon to reach the sun, which means three (3) hours have passed by, so it must be....nine am (9 a.m./0900 hrs)?" The Princess guessed, turning to Tulin as he took out the Purah Pad and all but jumped in excitement. "Judging by your reaction, I am correct!"

"How'd you do that?! I want to be able to do that too!!" He started flying around her, creating a small updraft that nearly messed up her hair. "Would I be able to do so as well? How would I be able to know how much sunlight is left if the sun is still rising?"

Zelda laughed; she was glad that something as simple as being able to tell what the time is out in the wild is something that people still want to learn.

"I will happily teach you while the Princess invites the others here. I promise you, it really is that simple." Buliara offers, relieving Zelda of the worry of possibly being rude by leaving him hanging for another day. "The day is still young, and I am confident that you will learn it quickly."

With that, Zelda took that as her cue to trek back to Lookout Landing. Rather than warping, she decided to just walk all the way back to give the young Rito the chance to learn a new skill. It didn't take too long—about thirty (30) minutes at most. She jumped when Link and Riju warped in front of the tower as she was passing by it.

"Link, Riju, good morning!" She greets them. "I believe your stay in Rito Village went well?"

"It never fails to amaze me at how the Rito are able to put up with the cold." Riju answers, shaking off the last of the cold as she adjusts the sleeve of the tunic she was gifted months prior after outgrowing her old set. "The soup was just delightful as well. Saki is an amazing cook!"

"Yeah, I always make a point of visiting them whenever I'm in the area." Link adds in. He raises his fists in front of him as he proclaims, "The soup is to die for. And the skewered Sizzlefin Trout. Man, I didn't know you could have that with some spicy peppers. The cold was nothing after I had that."

"Hopefully you had some BEFORE shield surfing down that mountain?" Zelda teased with a cheeky smile, revelling in the stunned expressions of her companions. "That's right, Patricia brought back Yona's letter too."

She laughed as the two (2) began to make excuses before arguing, in all good fun, about who won that race. But judging by the letter they received, it ended in a draw. It was nice to see her friends safe and well. She took the moment to observe what her friends were wearing.

Link wore his snow boots, Snowquill Trousers, Tunic of the Wild (as he dubs it after finding it in the Forgotten Temple during the Calamity), and his Hylian Hood. The tunic showed the minor scratches on his arm from when he fell.

Riju was wearing her full Snowquill Set, consisting of a pair of trousers, a tunic, and a headdress, along with snow boots. The only injury Zelda could see was a barely visible scratch on her cheek. She had four (4) new braids added to her usual hairstyle. Done all the same way, but each of them has a unique look to it as well. Zelda recognizes who did each of them, as they all had feathers at the end of them.

The two (2) near the front were done neatly and tightly. One (1) had a long, white feather with a black tip. Teba. The other has a long, all-hot pink feather, Saki.

The back two (2) were not as neat, but still tightly done and showed some level of skill behind them. A smaller, white and grey feather accompanied it, Tulin. It was done a few days ago, but Zelda was happy to see how well it's holding up.

The final braid was more well done, but not quite on the same level as Teba and Saki, a hawk feather neatly tied to the end, Link.

His was more unique because while the Rito clipped their feathers into the braids, Link used randomly found feathers. He carefully preserves them in order to give them to each of his companions whenever he does this Rito tradition.

The Champion fondly mentioned that he uses a feather of the bird he most associates with the person whose hair he's braiding. For Riju, he used a feather from a Peregrine Falcon. Majestic birds of prey known for their hunting skills, lightning-like speed, and the fact that the female Peregrine are known to be considerably larger than the males. Just like the Gerudo.

For Zelda, he used the feather of a Blue Jay. At first, she thought that it was because the royal family used the same shade of blue as their representative colour. She was shocked and blushed like mad when he added that it also represented the intelligence that accompanied beauty. She was blushing even now, remembering it.

She quickly pulled her thoughts back on track.

Tulin, despite having been pulled down with them, didn't sustain any injuries. His feathers prevented any risk of the cold affecting him as well. Zelda is thankful that neither of them seemed unwell, meaning they got to warmth quickly and the soup did its job.

Honestly, what is she going to do with them? A mental note was made to send some gifts to Saki and Yona as thanks for caring for her three (3) precious idiots. For now, the matter is at hand.

"Where's Queen Yona and Elder Teba anyway? Did they get here before you?"

"About an hour prior, yes." Riju answered. "I believe Queen Yona had mentioned that King Sidon and Muzu would also be here around now as well. She was going to meet them for breakfast before continuing with the paperwork."

"Unfortunately, there seems to be a shortage at the moment. Breakfast has been temporarily postponed." Zelda does her best to sound regretful. "I hope they aren't too hungry."

"Whaaat?!" Link groaned as he tilted backward, arms hanging from either side. "You gotta be kidding me."

"I told you it would have been better to have something back at the village." Riju elbowed his side playfully, dodging his swats of protest. "But nooo, you insisted we wait. Thank goodness I had that porridge this morning. Though I am hoping it won't be too long before they are cooking again, I didn't have much."

"Patricia is in the office. Karin asked me to pass along her message. 'Thanks for letting me brush Patricia. She was well behaved, as expected from the best Sand Seal in the world, and she has a load of pretty ribbons in too.'" Zelda relays. "Buliara is with Tulin on patrol at the moment. I was thinking that we would all have a stroll before we deal with more work. Wake up a little?"

"That does sound lovely." The Gerudo agreed. "Some fresh air before working does wonders. I'll see you at the office then."

With that, she leaves Link and Zelda at the tower's entrance, eager to meet with her best friend again as well as change back into her usual attire.

"Doesn't suspect a thing. You pulled that off like a pro, Zelda." Link proudly says, tilting to the side enough to be in front of her with his arms folded, a lopsided grin on his tilted face. "Who knew the Princess of Hyrule could fib so easily?"

"Oh, hush you, my heart is still beating fast from that alone." She'scolded' him, nudging him and causing him to hop back onto two (2) feet again. "Sidon told the same story, I hope?"

"Just like we practiced. But I wasn't lying when I said that I am not happy with the shortage of food here." He crosses his arms with a pout. "I could have sworn we brought some in the other day."

"We did. Buliara told the cooks to say that so the others wouldn't eat till we got to the spot." Zelda laughed at Link's betrayed face as she added with a raised brow and cheeky grin. "Must be part of your punishment for getting yourselves hurt yesterday while shield surfing."

The colour drains from his face, knowing the ruthless regime that awaited them, having now confirmed that Yona did indeed tell Zelda and Buliara everything that happened. Well, at least Riju and Tulin are going down with him. He never was one (1) to go down without dragging his opponents down with him after all.

They both proceeded to make their way into the office, and as Zelda suspected, the Shiekah were already gone. Sidon gave her his signature shining smile upon spotting her as they all greeted her. It seems everyone bought the story of a delayed breakfast but was eager for the morning walk. Muzu's protests must have died in his throat, because he noticed how quickly everyone was getting ready to enjoy their last bit of freedom of the day. Zelda nearly tripped when he smiled!! Retirement must be working its charm on the stubborn old Zora. He insisted on helping one (1) last time as a way to phase into it; who was she to say no?

With that, they finally began their trek. Stories were shared about times before and during the Upheaval. Yunobo tried to do his best "Jerk Yunobo" impression from Offrak and Slergo's description. The latter mimicked as best as they could, making the group laugh.

"So what did we learn from that?" Teba asked the Goron President in his fatherly way.

"Not to eat the strange rocks or wear strange masks without double checking first, goro." Yunobo sheepishly answers, scratching the back of his head. "To be fair, I really did think it was Zelda at the time!"

Zelda did her best to hide her guilt. Many of her friends here fell for Ganon's Puppet and she wasn't here to stop any of it.

"From now on, whenever I have to do any sort of item or order giving, I will give out a specific phrase or code word, different for all of you and will change on a daily basis if need be. Will that work out for everyone?"

They all agreed and added that the leaders of each region would be doing the same. It will make finding any impersonators a lot easier too, what with the Yiga lurking around more brazenly now. Though a simple banana would always do the trick.

"Riju would be difficult to mimic!" Sidon proclaims. "Lady Patricia here would be able to tell before she even entered the room."

The sand seal in question hops into the air in confirmation of it. Sticking her chest out and back fin hitting the ground with a mighty bark. It was common knowledge that she would easily headbutt her opponents through walls and would do it again without hesitation.

"Also the fact she can't stand the cold." Yona adds in. "No offense, Chief Riju."

"Just Riju is fine, your Majesty. We are here as friends, after all. And none taken." Riju laughed. "All it takes for me to confirm it's really you two (2) is your healing abilities and King Sidon's smile."

"Thank goodness. No lightning." Sidon sighs with relief, dramatically placing his hand over his chest. "And you can still just call me 'Sidon' like normal. We're not at our thrones after all, so there's no need for formalities here."

"Oh good, because now I can say this: if you take my Sizzlefin fish again, lightning will be the least of your worries." Riju warned, lightning glinting in her eyes.

"IT WAS ACCIDENTAL, I SWEAR!"

Riju couldn't help but drop her serious act to laugh at her fellow Sage's dismay. That laugh was soon cut short by the Zora King grabbing her leg and back before swiftly lifting her over his head with ease.

"There! I'm sure you'll make a satisfactory cover." He laughed.

"Jokes on you; that's only if I have the Thunder Helm. Regardless, I WILL take you down with me!" Riju declared, flailing her remaining limbs.

Sidon gave her his signature Shining Smile. "Then I'm afraid you're out of luck; I believe the Gerudo are taught to always protect their loved ones. Especially their husbands. Zora do the same, you know."

"I'm a healer, not a fighter. But if I must, I'll avenge you by taking down this little Electric Eel." Yona chimes in. "All I have to do is tell Buliara."

"No!! Please, no, I still haven't gotten to have a Noble Pursuit. The real Noble Pursuit not the kid version!!"

"A defeat with only one (1) sentence. You're most definitely a fearsome foe, my love." The Zora King applauded, allowing the young Chief to sit on his shoulder, she slumps onto his head in defeat.

"I may have to tell Buliara about you too, dear husband. Using a lady as a lightning shield Foreshame!!" The Zora Queen mockingly proclaimed. "Whatever will the children think when they see the king do such a thing."

Offrak and Slergo, who were rolling nearby, stopped with a look of utter awe and missed half the interaction as it was.

"The Gerudo are lightning-proof?!"

Thus begins a brief lesson on the Thunder Helm and no, the Gerudo aren't lightning proof.

The closer they got to the picnic spot, the more nervous Zelda was becoming. Did she pack enough food? Was the soup going to be to everyone's liking? Please let the Chu Chu Jellies be in one (1) piece and not destroy the food! A hand found its way to her wrist, looking up to find Link, ever her trusted companion and housemate, smiling warmly at her. They were leading the pack, so his hands were hidden.

'They are going to love this, Zel. Please do not worry.' He signs.

'I know. But this was Sidon's idea. Not mine.' Zelda signs back. 'I cannot take any of the credit here.'

'Yes, it was his idea.' Before Zelda could be upset, he adds. 'But you did all the cooking for us. Sidon and Tulin agree that you took on the most important task of this picnic. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us.'

'Thank you, Link.'

She truly meant it. Her friends were always able to open up and share opinions freely with each other. She wouldn't be shunned should something go wrong.

It was a beautiful day that was growing warmer by the minute, and Zelda didn't question if it was due to the sun rising higher into the air or the presence of her friends.

When they finally reached the spot, Zelda could not help but be nervous when they made noises of curiosity and confusion. Tulin, standing on Buliara's shoulder with one (1) talon as the other stuck out to the side, wings also to one (1) side as he does a presenting pose.

"Welcome all to our awesome picnic in the most awesome spot that was ever found!! We hope that you all enjoy your time here and enjoy the delicious food that awaits you." He calls out confidently as he adds a well-balanced one (1) legged bow at the end, his other just hanging off to the side as he stood too close to the shoulder edge, reminding Link and Zelda so much of Revali and his bravado when showing off his skills.

When Zelda slowly turned to see their reaction, she was relieved to see all eyes had stars in them. Their smiles at this pleasant event and their excitement at the site of the food displayed before them.

"Zelda, what's all this about, goro?" Yunobo couldn't help but ask as he giddily jumped in place a little.

"The presentation of the food is just outstanding." They were surprised to hear Muzu say. "The smell is just exquisite."

Zelda beamed with pride. Confirming that it was thanks to those involved in planning that she was able to pull it off, it was Sidon's idea while Tulin found the perfect spot.

"Buliara. I know I requested that you guard Zelda. But I suspect you also played a part in this?" Riju leaned forward with a loving smile at her guardian. "Fess up, what did you do?"

"Hehe, always the observant Vai, Lady Riju. I may or may not have told the cooks to hold off on cooking food until you all left." Buliara chuckles. "I will help with cooking dinner in return."

"I must say, the excuse of a food shortage was clever. I'm glad dear Sidon convinced us all to have a light breakfast and to stay." The Zora Queen praised.

Buliara lifts her arm up and nabbed the back of Tulin's vest as she made him face her, a mischievous grin as she replies, "That's just a part of the punishment I have in store for a certain trio. I expect them to enjoy today while they have the chance because in two (2) days, laps will be run with extra heavy rucksacks."

"We will have them up and ready first thing in the morning, then." Saki happily replies. "Better than having them clear the village of the snow, not much since the storm stopped."

Tulin gave Buliara a nervous laugh as Riju, placed back onto the ground by Sidon, and Link hid behind said Zora, Sidon proclaiming: "I'm not going to be part of that. Sorry Riju." He then proceeds to hide behind her instead, keeping her struggling form in place as a shield in mock fear.

"Well. I hope you all enjoy the meal. The main thing I'm excited for you all to try is the starter. Hearty Soup." Zelda announced. "I wanted to express my gratitude for so long. You have all done so much for our homes. Fought many battles and got many scars. I know it's not much; I wish it were more, but I hope that the meals I have prepared will show just that. There's plenty to be had for everyone, so please take as much as you want."

They all cheered, thanking Zelda with hugs, pats on the back, and handshakes as they all made their way to the food table. Zelda also made sure they praised Sidon and Tulin for the idea and location, as well as Link for ensuring it was safe. Link blushes, saying that he was only doing his duty as Hyrule's Champion and Zelda's bodyguard. She shushes him; he is now a hero and a member of everyone's family, even to the Gerudo, a super rare occurrence! So they too will make sure that they show how much they care for him in appreciation as such.

The afternoon went swimmingly. Tulin got to show off his new skill; his feathered fingers represent thirty (30) minutes. Offrak and Slergo used a tilted boulder to roll off of it as fast as they could and into the lake. When the group expressed concern about it, Yunobo confirmed that while Goron can't swim due to their anatomy and literally being half rock, they can actually hold their breath for a very, very long time. Days if need be, allowing them plenty of time to plan ways to navigate out of the water. Sidon and Yona made sure to have him give them common trading routes so the Zora could patrol the lakes and rivers just to be safe, much to the delight and relief of the Goron President. Muzu also had to be reminded that he was retired now, so he will have to start enjoying it and will continue to do so after the paperwork is finally over, as ordered by the new King and Queen of the Zora!!

Buliara sat cross-legged next to Riju, enjoying the tale from the Young Chief about her time in Rito Village, what she learned, and how she couldn't wait for the rematch with Link on shield surfing. She met a teacher Link met on his travels who was willing to teach her and Link properly not long after their incident. Riju accepted her punishment elegantly....Being Chief of the Gerudo meant nothing over her guardians authority at this point. Riju got to enjoy hearing about how Karin knew more about the Gerudo than she let on, knowing of the traveling merchant and how Patricia got to reunite with Rhondson. She can't wait to see her again too and tell her and Hudson of Maddison's great progress. Maybe she'll allow the young girl to accompany her. She did make a new rule to allow the Gerudo to leave town to visit their Voe relatives on a regular basis, something that greatly improved morale. It was something she never got to do, hence why she decided to implement it.

Riju was then nudged by Tulin to show off what he learned from Buliara. Riju joined him in guessing the current time. They then joined Link and Sidon for a mock battle for the Chu Jelly. Buliara won by sneaking it onto her plate, and she was on her final bite by the time they noticed. She relished the look on their faces when they realised they could have done the same thing.

Teba gave them a soft look, and Saki placed a comforting wing on his shoulder. Tulin sure was growing up fast, now with the responsibilities of being a Sage on top of it. But it was nice to see he wasn't alone on that journey. The Rito parents certainly weren't going to forget their struggles against Vah Medoh any time soon, but the comfort of not being alone in this story remains strong.

The morning and afternoon were amazing. It has been so long since Zelda has been able to freely laugh and joke around. With bellies full and energy restored to full capacity, Zelda decided that maybe work could wait another day. She herself admits that she is far too relaxed now to do anything. She was now destined to join those who had succumbed to a food coma under some shade or quietly talk amongst themselves.

"Something on your mind?"

"Link?!" Zelda squeaked out. "My apologies. Did you say something?"

"No, I just noticed that you look a little sad, is all." The Champion replied with a shrug. He looked towards the others before softly adding, "I miss them too, the moments before the Calamity."

Zelda hadn't noticed the silent tears running down her cheeks. She did her best to keep a smile, but she failed to realise her eyes were indeed the windows to her heart and soul's true feelings.

"How did you learn to accept it?" She asked quietly so as not to disturb the others by making it seem like she casually turned to look at the lake behind her. When Link looked at her, the Princess added, "How did you accept their passing? To accept that everyone is just....gone."

"I didn't. There are even days where I still don't." Link confesses. "When I had no memories after waking up in the Shrine of Resurrection, everything was new to me. The area, the people, the history.

Little did I know that I was actually right. Everything and everyone was new to me. When my memories came back during my mission, it just....hurt. So much. I would remember when Mipha would heal my wounds and us swimming at Zora's Domain. Daruk and I having a Rock Roast after racing down Death Mountain. Urbosa being the mother I had long needed and her advice. Heck, even Revali's cocky attitude and how we would just challenge each other on every mission with just a look in our eyes.

And that's the funny thing. After I freed Vah Medoh, Revali said something that stuck with me. He was worried about how he would be remembered. If his efforts were worth the sacrifices he made for Hyrule, we were the same age, and yet I got to see the fruits of those efforts."

Link to a moment to compose himself as he stares at the sparkles in the lake water. Zelda was stunned; this was the most he had ever spoken in such a long time. It was to relate to her in such a deep bond about their shared traumas. He had such a sad smile when he spoke again.

"That shrine. It was both a blessing and a curse. It saved me the pain that came from many painful memories, but it also robbed me of my most cherished ones. I had to...rebuild myself with baby steps. I felt to free when talking to new people and helping around Hyrule."

"Until I called you back for your forgotten mission." Zelda adds on in a whisper. "The moment I sensed your awakening, I called you back to a mission you were still too weak to do."

"You also allowed me that freedom. You allowed me to say my goodbyes."

"Huh?"

He was looking at her now. The same sad smile, but more.... relieved?

"I was able to free the other Champions spirits. I allowed them to fulfill their promises made to you. To their families and friends. To each other. They got to see that their people were still going strong. To know that their efforts were not in vain.

I got to renew those bonds with those still here and heal their hurt as well as my own. We got to say goodbye to them, Zelda.

What you're feeling now is how I felt. Awoken from such a long slumber from what you knew. To the people who cared about you, gone, just like that in an effort to stop a tyrant. Even as a dragon, you still fought. You never fully lost yourself because your spirit didn't allow that to happen. The love of those we lost and still have is your armour as you move forward.

We lost them, but we never lost their love. We got to say goodbye, even if it wasn't directly to them."

Zelda could hide the tears now, even if she wanted to. He was right. The Calamity, the full one hundred (100) years, she never felt truly alone. The Champions were with her despite having fallen within their respective Divine Beasts. Link's warmth grew as their bond grew after Calamity's defeat.

Rauru, Sonia, Mineru, and the Sages. They did exactly what Link described before her Draconification. Sonia's warmth and Rauru's confidence in her. The Sage's trust in her. Mineru has even gone far beyond time with Zelda within the Purah Pad. Determined to rejoin the fight one (1) last time. She confirmed before passing on that Sonia and Rauru were so proud of her, filling in the details when they reunited once more.

"You're right. In small ways, since this all began, we got to say our goodbyes and fulfill this long mission. This journey to grow as individuals, scars, warts, and all." The Royal Sage of Time turned to those behind her. All seemingly at peace with all that had happened during those long months since the castle rose into the air. "And now, we get to start anew on this chapter of our lives. Calamity. Ganondorf. He is gone. Hopefully for good, but if not, I know the people of Hyrule are safe in their capable hands."

They stood to join the group behind them. Zelda stops halfway to get a better look at everyone as Link takes notice a few steps ahead. With a growing smile, she says,

"After all that has happened, there is certainly something we should always remember to do during peaceful times."

"What's that?" Link asked with an understanding smile, knowing she came to the same conclusion he had come to years ago.

She closed her eyes. Memories of her happiest moments throughout her life appeared. Her friends—no, her family—protect her. The hearty meals she had with the Champions, the meals she had with her ancestors. Experiments she got to try with Mineru, lessons with Rauru and Sonia, learning about her fellow Sage's ancestors that she will pass onto. Just happy moments that outshine the growing shadow that Ganondorf brought upon them. Here she stands amongst the lights. Not the light of the goddess, but of the love and warmth of being surrounded by those who love her just as much as she loves them.

"That, despite everything Hyrule endured, no matter what, we must always remember to do one (1) thing."

Everyone heard her and turned to look at the princess, who happily finished her sentence in a warm, genuine tone.

"Nothing ever stays the same. Nothing, nor will anyone, be around forever. The past can't be changed; we've seen that now. The future can be, though. For now, all that matters is the present. What is the lesson we must remember from all of this?

Is to always cherish these moments."

#tears of the kingdom #loz tears of the kingdom #legend of zelda #legend of zelda tears of the kingdom #video games #link #zelda #totk riju #totk yunobo #totk sidon #totk tulin #teba totk #basically all main characters #lol too many tags 😂#loz fanfic #inspired by Hyrulerbnb's art.

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