[EDITING] The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 63 - Return Party

...and back into Cleff. The celebrations didn't stop there. All of Cleff had woken back up, and months of silence in the city were ready to be made up for.

While Link and the Sages never entirely lost their crowd, it did begin to waver as the audience in the Howling Caverns rejoined those who had been trapped in the city. Celebrations divided off into private spaces and drinking halls and the streets were filled with music for anyone still looking to reconnect with friends and family.

It was one of those drinking halls that the Sages escorted Link to. They only set him down from the tower carry as they approached the entry to the building, a rowdy crowd greeting them warmly, though few leaving their tables as they caught up with their own company.

Hira and Akebono boxed Link in to a seat at a table, Hira still taking the lead as he shouted out orders to a busy, but energetic barkeep. "The rest of the evenings on us!"

As Hira rattled off drink orders to the bartender, Akebono clapped Link on the shoulder on the other side. "Celebrate with us, Hero! We're got some catching up to do. What's your choice tonight?"

"Uh, some milk's fine," Link answered, not entirely sure what Akebono meant.

Akebono made a face before catching Hira's attention and passing on the order. Hira gave a thumbs up and returned to his shouting over the crowd.

"I owe you an enormous debt, Link," Akebono said, bringing the attention back to the table. Link leaned forward to rest on the edge, waiting as Akebono went on, "Ironic, the monster sent our way. Something immaterial for a rather physical element. And petrifying effects, in more than one way. I failed my first test as the leader of this group, and now I only get another chance because of you."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Ake," Hira cut in as he sat down on the bench again. "They caught us off guard, it won't happen again."

Akebono chuckled, his eyes pressing closed. When they opened again, Link caught the hard edge in Akebono's eyes, and in his tone. "No, they won't."

"That thing kept us divided, had to," Insen chimed in as well, scooting a little closer to Hira's other side. "It's the only way it could stop us, and we proved that tonight. Our set was fabulous, particularly with the improved stage design."

"Oh, you liked that?" Iwato asked, leaning in over the table as his face lit up. "My best work yet! Dazzling, enchanting evening under the diamond light sky. It's got a good ring to it."

"Better than Prismatic Pulse," Ryo mumbled into his cup, to which he got a soft rib from his brother before the two snickered to each other.

Cups were passed around the table as the conversation went on, friendly interpersonal dramas teasing each other. Link sat back and let the conversation wash over him, a weariness in him fading a little at the sign of the Sages able to enjoy this moment together again.

After he took a sip of his drink, he got brought back to the moment. He tried to cover spitting it back into the cup, but it clearly caught Hira's attention who leaned over confused.

"I think this milk's sour," Link whispered apologetically. Hira took a moment to think before tossing his head back to laugh, something that was echoed around the table in short order.

Despite not really knowing the joke, Link joined in before the Sages began to make him the center of the conversation, asking questions about his adventures and the places he'd been. Happy to have an excuse not to have the spoiled drink he'd been brought, Link offered stories readily. He talked about the people he'd met, the places he'd been, some of the more memorable monsters he'd fought, all stories that only excited the group further, particularly the twins.