That night, Zelda and Link set up camp in her old bedroom. It was unusable and run down in its current condition, however they could still rest there until the next day.

Seeing her old room made sadness wash over her. Nearly everything had been destroyed and there was rubble everywhere. The thought of everything just sitting there, wasting away for a century made her heart feel heavy. This was what was left for her. When she'd seen her old diary, somehow intact and sitting open on a desk, she embarrassedly grabbed it, shoving into a bookcase when Link was not looking.

The two of them ate a few hastily made meat skewers and wild vegetables, and when the stars covered the dark sky they went to sleep. The princess still stayed close to her knight, her back to his front as he draped his arm across her; the two of them fitting together like pieces of a puzzle.

However, she could not shake that heartache that wore her down; his fingers felt cold when they skimmed across her waist. After all that they had been though, how could he possibly consider a future in which they broke apart? She knew that she would do anything in the world to be with him, no matter how terrifying.

When he had fallen asleep, Zelda carefully freed herself from his arms, standing up whilst taking great care to be quiet. She crept over to the exit, making her way to her old study once outside. She carefully walked in, laying eyes on all of her beloved things that had been ruined.

To her surprise, she caught sight of a Silent Princess sprouting from the debris, illuminated by its own faint glow. She knelt down, intrigued by the miraculousness of the situation. Out of all of the places, the rare flower was growing right in her own study. A flower that could not even be grown by the most skilled individuals in the land had somehow appeared.

It was a sign of hope. Despite all of the unlikelihood, all of the odds against it, the Silent Princess was there, rising from the ashes of a horrible tragedy.

Strangely overcome by the beauty of it and the message she interpreted, the princess shed a few tears.

After a few moments, she turned at the sound of quiet footsteps padding toward her study. The princess met eyes with Link, quickly trying to hide her own tear stained cheeks. However, he'd already noticed, like he always did. He leaned against the railing, observing the twinkling stars in the night sky.

"I spoke with him-- the king." Her breath caught. He had talked with her father? "It was before I had left the Great Plateau, before I'd known anything about my past. He told me what had happened, and he made it very clear that I had one objective-- to go and save you. That was what he wanted. I know that he is so proud of all that you have done." He paused, looking back to her. "And all of the things he said to you in the past... he didn't mean to be so harsh. He was just under an immense amount of pressure."

"Oh.." She replied, staring at her hands as they sat in her lap.

"Well-- I mean of course it was never okay for him to say all of that... but he loved you." She nodded.

"Thank you, Link."

He sat down beside her, having nothing left to say. The knight took her hand in his, attempting to ease whatever grief she was experiencing. At the familiar feeling of his calloused fingers, though, she felt another wave of sadness wash over her.

When she looked at him sitting next to her, she felt a deep ache in her heart. All she wanted was him. She was sure that he was the only absolute she needed in her chaotic life. They had already given each other all that they had to offer. Why was it so hard for him to be sure?

She looked away, sharply exhaling as he watched her with a concerned frown.

"Are you upset with me?" Link questioned. She didn't know what she wanted to say to him, so she chose not to reply at all, sitting idly and staring straight ahead. "I'm sorry..." He began. "You can tell me, you know."

She remained silent for a little while.

"I want to be with you forever. I can't stand the thought of our lives unfolding any other way... Why don't you want the same?"

He could feel his heart breaking as she asked him that question.

"That's not true.." He replied, "I am afraid that I will never be good enough. I wasn't born into royalty... I could hardly even speak before I met you." He paused, lowering his voice until it was nearly a whisper. "I'm afraid."

She gingerly leaned her head against his shoulder, relaxing at the familiar feeling she was met with.

"I should not be scaring you with these matters. We can wait to worry about it. There is plenty of time until that is to be dealt with" She seemed to be less upset, but he could still hear a hint of disappointment in her voice.

"I'm sorry." He held the small of her back. "I love you." The knight placed a sweet kiss on her forehead and she felt at ease. She knew his words were true and his heart was in the right place. She was sure that he loved her just as much as she loved him. And if she had to wait a bit longer for him to be ready, she would be okay.

~

The next morning, the two of them decided that it was time to notify the kingdom of the princess's return to the throne. They also agreed that it would be wise to select four new Champions to pilot the Beasts, and Link already knew who he would choose.

It wasn't much use to stay at the castle if nobody knew and they had no means to defend it.

Though, their first stop was Hateno Village. There was much to be done, and the pair needed a quicker way to travel together. A few weeks ago, Zelda and Purah had been discussing a two-person fast travel feature for the slate that she was still developing. It was surely finished, so that would be their first goal.

They mounted their horses and began their trip while the sun was still climbing up over the horizon.

It was later in the evening when the pair finally arrived in Hateno Village. They were greeted by the residents, whom they had befriended during their stay. Exhausted from a day of traveling, Link and Zelda deemed it best to retire to his house for the evening.

She smiled sadly upon entering. It was so quiet and calm and lovely in his house. She had been happiest when living here, with him. Her castle was nothing but cold and lifeless, and she did not look forward to returning.

It was no wonder that Link was hesitant to marry into such a mess.

Zelda forced herself to push any thoughts about the future away. It was not for her to worry about yet. For now, she just needed to enjoy being with him.

The pair took the night to enjoy their time to themselves and the peacefulness that seemed to reside in the village.

The next morning, they first approached Bolson and Karson in their usual spots and informed them that it was time to start the castle restorations. They complied, happy to help out.

Then, Link and Zelda headed up to the ancient tech lab, where they were greeted with Purah. Upon entering, she smiled and waved at them.

"Hello Princess!" She took a moment to bow, "and hi, Linky!"

"Good morning, Purah!" Zelda chirped, quickly approaching with the Sheikah Slate.

"Link and I have some very important work to do, so we stopped by to see about the two-person teleportation upgrade you've been working on."

"Oh, yes!" The princess's eyes lit up. "I can get that all set up for you, just go out it on the Guidance Stone over there." Zelda complied, then readily watched.

"Now give me a snap!"

Both Link and Zelda said, "snap", his rendition having a bit more emphasis. She gave him a questioning look and he raised his hands. "I had to do this every time I wanted an upgrade." He explained.

"All done!" Purah announced, and the princess reclaimed the Slate.

"Thank you so very much!" She said gratefully, "I would love nothing more than to stay and talk about how it works, but I am afraid there is too much to be done."

"It's no problem. See ya later!" Link and Zelda left, waving as they walked though the door.

"Now then," she turned to Link, "where shall we go first?" He thought about it, but she spoke up sooner. "I believe it would be wise to visit Gerudo Town, as I would like to call a meeting at the castle and Riju would have the longest journey." He nodded.

She opened the map on the device, quickly finding the shrine next to the city of the Gerudo.

"Are you ready?" She asked, to which he nodded again. She tapped the point, and they were seamlessly transported into the desert.

The two of them donned their Gerudo outfits, preparing for the heat.

"I fear that going back to Vah Naboris may be danergrous after our last experience there, but we must give her a new pilot." She stated.

"I'll make sure that you and the chief are safe this time." He responded.

The pair entered the city, despite the hesitant guards. However, they had to obey the Princess's orders, and letting Link in was one favor she asked of them.

They reached the throne room, requesting an audience with the chief. A few moments later, they were in front of the girl as she looked upon them from her throne.

"Sav'aaq." She greeted them, "What brings you back to our city so soon?" The princess cleared her throat.

"I am ready to begin the restoration of Hyrule. The task is daunting, and I will need the support of the entire kingdom. I need the aid of you and your people in reinstating a functioning government."

"Which will mean...?"

"I will need taxes to be collected, laws to be enforced, things like that." Riju thought for a moment.

"And how will this help my people?"

"I aim to put everything I have into fixing all of the mistakes of past rulers, and to making life better for my people. I intend to create a stronger military to protect everyone. If there is anything else that you need, I will see to it." The chief nodded.

"If my support will help you with that, then I shall offer it."

"Thank you very much. I appreciate it more than you could imagine." Zelda curtsied. "There is one more request I would like to make."

"What is it?"

"Hyrule is certainly much less dangerous now that Calamity Ganon is gone, but there will always be threats to our safety, as you know."

The chief nodded.

"I am interested in appointing you as the new Gerudo Champion of Hyrule, and I would like for you to pilot Vah Naboris as well."

Riju's face lit up, and Buliara also finally spoke.

"Your Highness, she is still only a child. Is this the wisest choice for someone so young and important?"

"Link and I have discussed it and we have decided that she is talented enough and she is also a terrific leader. We choose her, and she may accept or deny."

Buliara's mouth hung open, but she no longer spoke.

"I would be honored, Princess."

"Thank you. Your efforts mean the world to me. Now, we should go induct you as pilot of Vah Naboris. I predict that you will find it much easier than expected."

~

After explaining all of the parts and controls, Riju was comfortable with the machine and Zelda was ready to appoint the new Champion.

"Link tells me you showed impressive skill as you allowed him to board Naboris."

The Gerudo girl grinned.

"It's true," Link chimed in as he stood watch, "she will make for an excellent pilot."

Zelda officially appointed Riju as the Gerudo Champion and pilot of Vah Naboris, and then their work was done.

"There will be a meeting held in one week's time. I am gathering the new Champions at Hyrule Castle and your presence is expected." Zelda informed her.

"I will see you then. Thank you for the honor, and thank you for your dedication to helping our people."

"It is not a problem. I thank you for your aid." The two girls smiled, waving good-bye to each other. Link and Zelda turned and left, ready to go more work. They had time for one more stop that evening.

"Where to next?" He asked as she opened up the Slate.

~

A/N enjoy