Restoration

Chapter Four: Stay

Zelda’s POV:

Link was gorging on the food that was laid out for us, still a glutton as ever I see. I can’t help but chuckle when I see his face light up when he has another bowl of rice. Paya really went all out, making all sorts of different types of food for us. Rice, eggs, soups, fruit, and all kinds of meats. While Link enjoys all of the food, I relish in a simple cup of tea that Paya made for me and a serving of fruit. Oh how I’ve waited for this moment…it really is the simple things you miss when entrapped in a magical prison for 100 years. Who would have thought? Link looks over to me, he looks so happy, but slightly embarrassed for his over indulgence. I giggle, he has no reason to be this way, I notice a grain of rice on the corner of his mouth, I take my thumb and gently wipe it off his face. I’m not sure why, but he quickly looked away, but I do see his ears turning a bright red. Not much has changed since I’ve been gone…but…what am I supposed to do now? I look down at my tea and see my reflection and all I see is a failure…lucky enough to be alive. Impa suddenly speaks up, “Princess, Link, when you’re ready, please meet with me downstairs,” I am still confused as to what Impa could possibly want to speak about. Link looks over to me, I guess he’s just as confused as well. Impa has always been the serious type, but her advice is always sound. I finish my cup of tea and stand up, helping Paya clean up, Link quickly scarfs his last serving and joins in. 

We both walk down the steep stairs, Paya following suit, we see Impa waiting for us, she looks focused, she takes notice of our entrance and gestures for us to sit down. I sit down on a conveniently placed cushion and Link sits beside me, Paya takes her grandma's side, nervous as ever. The silence makes me nervous, 

“Impa, what is this about?” I ask. 

“Princess, now that the Calamity has been thwarted…what do you plan on doing?” I was afraid she was going to ask me this. What can I do? 

“To be quite honest…I–I’m not sure,”

“That is alright,” well that was something I wasn’t expecting. 

“I know that I have much to do…but…I don’t know where to start,” I admit. Impa begins to cackle, “Princess, Hyrule will not rebuild itself overnight, give yourself as much time as you need…” she says calmly. I am relieved to hear her words, but that feeling is soon thwarted when she looks at me with a serious look in her eye. 

“However…Hyrule has also not had a ruler in over 100 years…” that statement hit me like a ton of bricks, she continues. 

“If you are planning on rebuilding Hyrule to its glory, the Sheikah will always remain loyal to the royal family…but…” Impa says cryptically, I look up to her, what more does she have to say?

“It’s the other kingdoms and settlements that bring me concern, many of the once united regions have remained thankfully peaceful, it may be possible some think they no longer see a need for a new leader…or see you as a royal at all,”

I hadn’t even thought about this, rebuilding Hyrule is going to take more than just pure manpower. Of course I’m going to have to rebuild the people's trust as well…especially the leaders of each settlement, I’m going to have to win it all back, as well as my royal title, which I can no longer say I have. But do I really want it…? I look down at my hands that are laying in my lap, “I–I suppose you’re right,” the silence in the room is deafening, 

“You can look at it two ways Princess…” Two? I look over to Paya hoping she could give me slightly a hint at what her grandma could be talking about, but she stands firm, surprisingly serious. 

“First, it is merely an obstacle that you will have to work for, earning the people of Hyrule's trust…it’s not an easy task, let alone finding the power as well, however…it is doable, within time of course…” she says confidently, patting her lap with assurance in her words. I give her a small grin, I appreciate her confidence,