The courage to find me - The fate of us: Part I

Epilogue - No more timetravels, please

POV Link

"Calm down, Link," says Purah beside me. "It won't be convenient if you faint now."

I try to control my breathing. Despite the cool day, I'm sweating cold. I look around, worried, because they're taking too long. I understand that the climb up to Tuft Mountain isn't the easiest, but they're on horseback. They should have arrived by now, shouldn't they?

"Look, they're coming. I can hear the horses trotting," announces Paya.

I feel relief only to be replaced by nervousness the next second. I try to lose myself in memories to distract myself during these excruciating minutes of waiting.

Fighting guardians was easy. Recovering my memories after a century-long coma, no problem. Destroying the demons of the Divine Beasts? Piece of cake. Annihilating Ganon and ending the Calamity? Just ask, and I'll do it again.

None of those tasks tested my courage as much as asking Zelda to marry me. Especially considering she was cold and distant with me those days. But after hearing the theories from the other Links... I knew I couldn't wait any longer. The ring had been burning a hole in my pocket for months, even before the day at the last Spring, but there was never a perfect opportunity. So, I decided to stop looking for the ideal moment and simply follow my heart.

And when she said yes... oh, when she said yes. I've never been happier than at that moment. Except for... well, right now. I see her and Impa finishing their climb up the mountain and dismounting their horses. Zelda is wearing her old ceremonial white tunic, as there wasn't time to prepare a new outfit for her.

When we returned to Hateno after leaving the Forgotten Temple, we gathered with Impa and Purah to share what we had discovered and announce our engagement. They received the news of our union with euphoria but were concerned about the timing. During the two weeks we were away on the journey to Hebra, cases of people infected with the toxic smoke had risen at an alarming rate.

"I don't think it's the ideal time for a royal wedding, dears," said Purah. "The people won't take it well."

Zelda responded firmly.

"No problem, Purah. We don't need to do something grand, nor announce it to the world. We'll have a small ceremony, just us."

So, within a few days, we planned everything. I would wear my blue uniform, and she would wear her ceremonial tunic. For the location, we chose the top of Tuft Mountain, where there is a heart-shaped pond—and where we used to often go for... picnics. We invited only our closest friends: Purah, Impa, Paya, Tauro, Riju (and Buliara in tow), and Sidon.

The date was set for the earliest possible. Zelda and I wanted to formalize our union before embarking on our next mission to the depths of Hyrule Castle, where we would investigate the toxic smoke and try to confirm the Links' theory that the mortal incarnation of Demise is there. Such a journey involves risks, and, despite not wanting to think about the worst-case scenario, we didn't want to miss the chance to get married. All of these decisions happened just ten days ago.

The Master Sword is back with me. After leaving Hebra, we stopped by the Lost Woods to retrieve it. It had remained there for the past years, recovering from the battle against Ganon. Upon receiving the divine light from the forest, the sword's blade regained its strength, and we believe that, having spent so much time there (through countless iterations of the Links, my coma period, and now in recent years), it's strong enough to annihilate Demise. Zelda believes that her powers, amplified by the Triforce's energy, will be able to purge his demonic energy from the blade; but we chose to attempt this only if we find the man's body in question.

Tomorrow, we embark on this new journey, so I decide to savor every second of today. I see Zelda approaching me arm in arm with Impa, who will officiate our marriage. She stops in front of me, and I admire her familiar face. In her hair is a Silent Princess. I reach out to caress her cheek, and she leans her head into my palm.

"Well, I think we can begin," says Impa. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Princess Zelda of Hyrule and the Royal Soldier and Champion of Hyrule, Link."

I see that Impa is emotional, and her eyes are full of tears. She gives us a smile.

"I'm so happy to witness this day. It's a gift of hope after such difficult years," Impa continues. "May your life together be filled with joy and companionship until your last day."

Then, we say our vows. Zelda promises to love me, take care of me, be my companion, and says she will never try to make me eat the frogs she finds again. I promise to love her, protect her, and always rescue her, no matter how deep the pit she falls into. And, of course, to always cook her favorite dishes.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," says Impa, now unable to hold back the tears. "You may kiss the bride."

And, without worrying about having an audience, I hold Zelda and kiss her passionately.

- - -

We are at the top of the staircase that leads down to the depths of the Castle. Zelda is holding the Purah Pad, ready to use its camera to document what we discover. I light the torches that will illuminate our journey. My heart is anxious about what we will find today, but I know it doesn't matter as long as we're together.

"Hey," I say, catching her attention. She smiles when she hears my voice and takes her eyes off the Purah Pad for a few seconds. "I love you," I declare, unable to hide the smile in my voice.

"I love you too," she replies happily. "I'm glad I can share this existence with you."

"I agree. No more time travels, right? We've had enough for a lifetime," I joke.

And so we begin our descent into the hidden chambers of Hyrule Castle.