Summary: Young Link spends time with Princess Zelda as her new personal guardian and accompanies her to Mount Lanayru.

It was morning in Hyrule Castle, and the royal family had just sat down to breakfast together. Queen Zelda felt it was important whenever possible for the family to have at least one meal together each day, and it often turned out to be breakfast, though sometimes dinner as well. Their daughter almost always had lunch with friends.

Zelda looked over at her daughter. She was just a few days shy of seventeen now, the Hyrule age of adulthood. She and Rudin had raised her the best they knew how, and she felt they had been a success. Her daughter had all the makings of a future leader. She was intelligent and caring, understanding of others. And she was learning how to make difficult decisions. But Zelda had also wanted her daughter to have a more carefree life than she had. So, she had pushed her to grow up, but not as hard as her father had pushed her, not at the expense of having some fun and doing the things she liked.

Young Link had messaged Princess Zelda the night before that he was honored to accept the position as her guard, and she couldn't wait to share the news with her parents. She was looking forward to having someone close to her age and whom she knew to accompany her on trips away from the castle. The guards currently assigned to her were quite competent, of course, and did their job well. There was nothing to complain about them. But they were always older than her and very formal and professional as was expected of them. Conversation with her guards was minimal since she was also expected to maintain a professional demeanor with them. And so it made her trips less exciting. It would be much more fun having Link keep her company. He was her age and someone she could talk freely with about anything. And now he was old enough and skilled enough to be her guard.

"Mother, Father, I have some good news!" said Princess Zelda after everyone wished each other good morning but before they began to eat. "Link messaged me that he is delighted to accept my offer, I mean our offer, to be my guard."

"I can see how excited you are," said Queen Zelda. "You didn't pressure him in any way I hope? You made it clear that this assignment is completely voluntary?"

"Yes, Mother, I worded the message very carefully," said Princess Zelda. "I can show it to you if you like."

"No, that won't be necessary," said Queen Zelda. "I suspect his father would have urged him to accept the position no matter how you worded the offer."

"I imagine it will be nicer for you to have someone you know with you, sweetheart," said Rudin. "And there is no doubt he can protect you. He has shown himself to be a highly skilled swordsman, and no slouch when it comes to a fist fight either."

"Yes, thanks for reminding me, dear," said Queen Zelda to Rudin. "You know I had to extend a formal apology to Queen Faray for that incident, three members of my army indirectly attacking the person next in line as her domain's queen if Faray is unable to do so. And I can understand how she feels. It would be the way I would feel if three Zora knights knocked you down, Zelda. I gather Faray was going to forbid her sister Tila from coming here again, but Tila threatened to renounce her citizenship and immigrate to King Dorephan's domain. In the end, they compromised by having two Zora guards accompany Tila instead of one. Faray said Tila visits here almost every weekend, and I assume it is to see Link. Speaking of which, what are the next steps regarding Link?"

"Well, Mother, I think Link should become a member of the Royal Guards now," said Princess Zelda.

"Yes, that makes sense," said Queen Zelda. "You should inform the Captain of the Royal Guards about his transfer."

"I will, Mother. And I think a promotion for Link is called for as well," said Princess Zelda.

"You do like him, don't you?" laughed Queen Zelda. "Well, it would be normal for a personal guard of a member of the royal family to be at least a lieutenant. We could offer Link that rank, don't you agree, Rudin?"

"Yes, I think that's fine," said Rudin. "No one will feel slighted. Link earned recognition by winning the swordsmanship competition."

"I know my father made Link's father a captain when he assigned him to guard me, but times were different then," said Zelda. "I was fussing about having him assigned to me, not happy at all. My father didn't want to give me an excuse to reject him because his rank wasn't high enough. Is there anything else, sweetheart?"

"No, thank you, Mother," said Princess Zelda. "I just want Link to feel comfortable doing this for me and to make sure he gets what he deserves."

Link arrived at the castle a few days later and went to his old unit to collect his things and say goodbye. He had received a message to report to a Captain Lardon of the Royal Guards at the castle, which he did next.

"Welcome, Lieutenant Link, and congratulations on becoming a member of our force," said Lardon. "Let me go over a few things and then show you to your quarters. Her Highness asked that I do this personally, but I don't mind. I like to meet the new people in our group."

"Thank you, Sir," said Link. "I am excited to get started."

"As you know you have been assigned as Princess Zelda's guard, so that will be your full-time duty," said Lardon. "But you need to keep us informed of where you are, which your Tab should do automatically. So be sure you have it with you. We will install a special secure rune on your Tab tonight for communication with the Royal Family or us. It will be pushed to your device automatically, so there is no need for you to do anything. Also, we have backup guards available should you be away or ill for example. Is all that clear?"

"Yes, perfectly Sir," said Link.

"Now, let me show you to your room," said Lardon. "Your new uniform is already in the closet there. I am told you are staying in the same room your father used to stay in when he guarded Her Majesty."

Lardon led him to a small but comfortable room near the lower level. If you looked out the window, straight ahead you could see the red sandstone cliffs that formed the plateau northeast of the Gerudo desert. And if you looked up and to your right, you could see the stone pathway between Princess Zelda's study and her room. Then Lardon left him with instructions to meet Her Highness tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock by the main entrance. He had the rest of the day to himself.

A storm was brewing, and shortly after Lardon left a steady downpour began accompanied with enormous flashes of lightning and peals of thunder. He felt glad to be inside.

Link looked around the room. It was furnished with a bed, dresser, desk with a lamp, and a small closet. Link opened the drawers and looked in the closet. Except for his new uniform, they were all empty of course, as he expected. He put away his things and then sat on the bed.

The rain blew against the small window, and Link let his thoughts wander. It was funny. He didn't like to be thought of as the same as his father. But now he tried to imagine what it must have been like to be his father back then. What had his father done when he was here in this room?

He must have returned here whenever a trip with Zelda ended, then put away his things just as he had done. His father's famous Champion tunic must have hung in that closet. And perhaps his father sat at that very desk and recorded his thoughts in his journal. His father might well have spent some difficult nights here, maybe even sleepless nights thinking of his responsibilities. And perhaps even thinking of Mom for that matter. He knew some of what had happened in his father's first timeline. Had his father remembered how much Mom had loved him while he stayed here? Did he think of her, miss her, when he was all alone here at night? Or had those memories and feelings come later after he moved to his house in Hateno Village? That was the thing about Hyrule Castle, thought Link. There were so much history and memories bound up with it as if ghosts of times past lingered everywhere.

Anyway, he should let Tila know how he was doing. He knew she was excited for him, that he was a member of the Royal Guards now. And she had told him she had argued with her sister Faray, but it was all settled now, and she would still be able to visit him. It was funny. The more he followed in his father's footsteps, the more Tila seemed pleased with herself, that she had been right about him all along somehow.

Next morning Link put on his new uniform, ate breakfast and then reported for duty as ordered.

"Your Highness," said Link when the time arrived and he met Zelda. "I am reporting for duty."

Princess Zelda was wearing her riding outfit. She had her long blonde hair braided nicely, and her bluish-green eyes looked soft and gentle. She had inherited her mother's smile, and it made her look happy and beautiful when she showed it.

"Link, good morning and welcome!" said Princess Zelda as she smiled at him. "We finally get to spend time together again. Come, ride with me to Lake Kolomo and back. It's a getting reacquainted trip, and I like to ride in the morning if possible before starting work."

"Whatever you wish, Your Highness," said Link.

They walked together past the castle entrance. Princess Zelda had already made arrangements since a stable hand had brought Princess Zelda's horse along with one of the army horses for Link.

"My horse's name is 'Gale,'" said Zelda as she petted her horse and gave it some carrots. The horse was a pure white color and wore the insignia of the royal family. "I named him that because I think he rides like the wind. Here, I brought you some extra carrots for your horse. I know you didn't expect to go riding."

"It is a beautiful horse, Your Highness," said Link taking the carrots from Zelda and feeding his horse. "I hope I can keep up with you."

"We won't ride too fast," laughed Zelda.

They mounted their horses and were on their way. Lake Kolomo was about 30 kilometers from the castle as the crow flies, but longer by road. They trotted their horses along the road that passed Mabe Village, then picked up the pace slightly.

"Do you ride horses often?" said Zelda. "And once we are alone, please feel free to call me by name."

"No," said Link. "I am more excited about riding motorized vehicles as we did together that summer. I did learn to ride horses, though. My father sometimes took me riding when he visited his horse, Epona, at the stable. And I don't mind horseback riding. I just don't do it."

The weather was pleasant, and the part of the road reserved for horse travel was in excellent condition.

"I am delighted you accepted the position," said Zelda. "I feel much more comfortable talking with you than I could with the other guards."

"And I enjoy your company as well, Zelda," said Link. "Thank you for offering it to me."

"Mother and I assumed you kept your enlistment a secret to avoid getting special treatment," said Zelda. "But you deserve special treatment, Link. You should have told us."

"I wanted to earn my place," said Link. "I was very concerned about living off my father's reputation."

"Mother and I realized that," said Zelda. "But you have skills of your own, Link, and you don't need to feel that way anymore."

"Speaking of things, what do I do each day now, Zelda?" said Link. "Do I report to you somewhere each day?"

"I will message you using our secure rune whenever I need you for anything special, so you need to be nearby," said Zelda. "I try to go out for an hour each morning before I start work, weather permitting. You can meet me at 9 in the morning each day where we met today. I will tell you in advance of any long trips. They assigned you a bedroom at the castle, right? It comes with being my guard."

"Yes, they showed me my room when I reported for duty," said Link as their two horses kept pace with each other. "Thank you. It's very comfortable. They told me it's the same room my father used to stay in when he guarded your mother."

"Really? I didn't know that. Speaking of long trips, my birthday is in three days, and I need to visit the Spring of Wisdom atop Mount Lanayru," said Zelda. "We can journey to Hateno Village the day before and spend the night there. Then we can start up the mountain right after breakfast the next day. And don't forget to bring warm clothing."

"Very good," said Link. "Do I make reservations for us at the inn?"

"No, silly," laughed Zelda. "That's already taken care of. You're my knight, not my travel assistant."

When they reached Lake Kolomo, they dismounted to rest their horses and let them graze. Zelda and Link walked along the shore together.

"Oh!" said Zelda. "You must think me very selfish! I meant to tell you that unless I have something special I need to do, you will have weekends off."

"Thank you," said Link. "I was going to ask you about that. I usually have company on weekends, but of course, my duty to you comes first. If I have more than a couple of days off, I generally try to go home and see my parents. Is that still acceptable?"

"Yes, of course," said Zelda as they walked along the edge of the small lake.

They walked silently for a few moments, enjoying the beautiful weather and the view of the water.

"I know who your weekend visitor is, Link," said Zelda finally. "Her name appeared in the report on your fight. I gather you two are close?"

"Yes, we are," said Link. "We attended dances and concerts back home, and have been seeing each other for a while now."

"It is amazing how things seem to be working out," said Zelda. "People would say like father like son, but I know you hate to hear that. In any case, I guess it is understandable you would be very comfortable with Zoras, having been raised in their Domain and with a Zora parent and siblings."

"Of course I feel comfortable, Zelda," said Link. "They have been part of my entire life. My mother is the most caring and affectionate mother you could ever ask for. For a time I thought perhaps she wished I was a Zora. But my brother told me she spent more time with me than any of my siblings because Hylian babies are less self-reliant at an early age and I needed her more. He said when I was a baby, and she held me in her arms, anyone could see the love in her eyes and the happiness in her smile. She was glad I was a Hylian like my Dad. And my brother and sisters looked out for me growing up, and fully accepted me as one of the family. My life in the Domain has been wonderful, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. And Tila has always been very nice to me even before I grew up."

"I'm glad to hear you have such happy memories of your family growing up," said Zelda.

"And what about you, Zelda?" said Link. "I imagine you have happy family memories as well."

"I do," said Zelda. "My parents are both loving parents and took the best care of me. But it's different for me, Link. We talked about it a little when you were here taking that class with me. My life is more solitary and more purposeful. I am the only one in Hyrule who is not free to choose their career. Mine was assigned at birth. I have no brothers or sisters to be close to. I didn't attend a school; I had private tutors. I received an excellent education but never had the experience of being in a class with other students, interacting with them. Mother always said that with privilege comes responsibility, that I am expected to learn everything I need to take her place someday. So, my career is to prepare myself for the day my mother dies. Would you like living like that? But ask anyone, and they would say they envy me, living the life of a princess."

"But you have interests, hobbies, things like that, right?" said Link.

"Yes, of course," said Zelda. "And I am not unhappy. Unlike my mother who is interested in science, I am more interested in literature and art. And I have friends, so my life isn't all work. But we should probably start heading back."

The next day was uneventful, and the day after that Princess Zelda and Link began their journey to Hateno Village.

"Another thing I like about having you with me is we can speak of things not widely known," said Zelda as they made their way across Hyrule Field. "My mother shared most of your father's journal with me. She told me she wanted me to learn the price of failing to stay vigilant and abandoning technology. I know you learned of it as well."

"Yes, some of it. I was thinking about my father's journal when I was first in my room," said Link. "But you may well know more of it than me. My father never liked to speak of it. When we were younger and asked him about any of it, he would say it never happened anymore, so we shouldn't care. When we got a little older, he would sometimes mention an incident if he thought there was a lesson to learn from it."

They were approaching Fort Hateno now. The area looked perfectly normal as nothing unusual had happened here anymore.

"Mother told me that it was around here that her other self discovered her sealing power," said Zelda. "She took me here when I was still a little girl and went over what Link had told her. She wanted to impress on me how important learning that power was, and thought visiting someplace would imprint it on my mind. Tomorrow I will finally be ready."

They stopped at Ash Swamp and dismounted, then stretched their legs. It was another place of memories. He knew from what his father told him that the Zelda of that timeline had saved his life here, that he almost died in this spot. That was a heavy thought for one of his offspring! After a few more minutes they mounted their horses and rode on.

By the time they reached Hateno Village, it was late. They grabbed a quick dinner and then retired for the night at the Great Ton Pu Inn.

Next morning Link woke up first and waited for Zelda, then greeted her when she was ready.

"Good morning! And happy birthday, Princess!" said Link. "I'm sorry you have to spend your birthday way out here in a remote village."

"Thank you, but I fear this is a day of work for both of us," said Zelda.

Today's destination was the Spring of Wisdom atop Mount Lanayru. Princess Zelda had turned seventeen today, and The Spring of Wisdom was the last step in her training.

After breakfast, it was time to head for the mountain top. It would take all morning to reach the summit, and were happy to have warm clothing for the journey.

The road to the summit was a lonely one and seldom traveled. It was free now of the dangerous Lizalfos that used to lurk there and waylay unwary travelers, but there were still Ice Chuchus, and Ice Keese that could appear unexpectedly, and Link needed to stay alert. White Pigeons fluttered away upon their approach, surprised to see travelers in this remote place, and Blue Chillshrooms grew here and there along the edge of the path. As they neared a turn in the road, a pair of Ice Chuchus jumped out, but Link dispatched both of them with arrows before they could get too close.

"We should stay close, Princess," said Link gesturing to Zelda. "I mean, physically while we climb here."

"I know what you mean," laughed Zelda. "We're already close otherwise, aren't we?"

Eventually, they reached the shrine, and the statue of Hylia perched atop the small altar adorned with Nayru's symbol seemed to glow from a distance.