The grand day, alas! I felt these past three years had gone by within the blink of an eye.
Four years since peace's return to Hyrule. A lot of work had been made and accomplished to re-establish the kingdom to its former glory. And now that all had been done, I had been left in awe to see how our world was greater than the one we had a century ago. Seeing our people more united than ever seemed like a heavenly dream; except it wasn't. It was reality. Our reality.
Castle Town had been restored to an even larger area. It had quickly became a beacon to the hyrulean economy. Trades flourished across the lands and between the different tribes. The city's energy had been beaming with optimism and strength since its reestablishment.
Hyrule was great, strong, proud... and beautiful! And with those tasks finally at their conclusions, one remained; the most crucial and important one of all.
Without taking my sealed years in account, today marked my 21st anniversary; the year of my coronation. Today was the day I would take my rightful place in the kingdom as Queen of Hyrule.
But also... on this same day, it was the day of our wedding.
...
"So..." my words came out timidly as I turned to them. "How do I look?"
Paya and Lady Impa had a sense of divine wonder in their eyes. It was as if the goddess Hylia herself stood in her holy grandeur in front of them. Lady Impa smiled at me like the utmost accomplishment of her long life has been met. As for Paya, tears of happiness were shed as she saw how seemingly beautiful I was wearing her alluring work of fashion.
"See for yourself, Princess." Lady Impa told me directing me to the tall mirror behind her.
I walked towards the tall glass. The shock took me aback. Was that really me? I barely recognized the person in front of me. Paya had been enthusiastic and very adamant on preparing me for the day of my wedding. I now understood the reason.
While everyone else had been enthusiastic with passion on the preparations in Castle Town and at the Sacred Grounds, she had personally fashioned my gown from a single thread to the speechless work of art it had become.
A sleeveless dress on which silent princesses had been embroidered from the skirt's foot swirling all the way up to the bust as they circled the hyrulean royal crest finely sewed. My hair was sumptuously long and mildly curly. The earrings shaped as well as the royal symbol shined warmly. The same was noticeable on the golden knitting embellishing my bridal gloves.
My eyes shined brighter as water beads started forming. Paya looked at me worried. Before she could wonder about my coming tears, I held her tightly in my arms. Pouring for countless days and nights all of her efforts in this gift for me; they had led to this. There was just no way I could ever live long enough to be able to thank her for all of this.
"I take it you like it?" Paya asked as her arms held me in return. I nodded my head that rested on her shoulder. How could I not like it? I loved it!
"Paya," we wiped both of our tears. "How could I not love this wonderful craft of yours? You've done so much for me! I could live for all eternity, I wouldn't never be able to return a gift as such to you."
"Zelda," she said happily, wiping another tear. "Your reaction alone was more than enough."
Paya. Ever since my return from the battle against the calamity, she has been more than good to me. And as these few years went on, this generous and beautiful woman had become someone I could proudly call family. Blood or not, she was my sister.
Lady Impa's cane knocked on the stony floor of Hyrule Castle's dressing room. Paya and I stared at her. As usual, her warm expression welcomed me with unconditional love and assurance.
"Princess," she said. "Your husband-to-be awaits you."
A sudden heat warmed my heart. I was in no need of a mirror to guess the shade of my face. As tradition dictated it, the bride and the groom must be apart for seven days before the day of their union. I was in dire eagerness to see him. More than that, I was ready to call him my husband and to spend my life's remainder at his side.
"I know," I answered Lady Impa. "And I am ready."
...
I had wanted the ceremony to be held at a place open to all, but that also had a blessed and historical meaning. After further thoughts, the Sacred Grounds was the obvious choice. The area had been dressed with flowers of all sorts. The banners wore softened and cherishing colors of blue, green, red, white and gold; they all shimmered elegantly. Nevertheless, nothing was as phenomenal as the total of present guests. This wedding meant a great deal of significance to the people of Hyrule, that I knew. I was moved by the large gathering that took place on this day. Hylian, Zora, Goron, Rito, Sheikah, Gerudo; all mingling together, the blood of our Hyrule was here.
Hidden in a tent from everyone's sight, I took a shy glimpse at everyone gathered. I saw my beautiful knight, Link. He stood at the altar in front of the priest. He was adorning the same emerald garments of the hero of time from head to toe. But its design was clad with golden strands and jewellery, giving him a princely stature than the one of a knight. He kept tapping his foot's end on the ground and looked around him towards all corners, despite the great crowd facing him. I could tell his impatience of seeing me was reaching its limits. He was some tens of feet from me, yet my whole body craved to hold him so dearly.
"Are you ready, Zelda?" One of my escorts to the aisle entered the tent from the back entry. Her eyes became wide. A soft and long whistling sound escaped her lips. "My, my... I'm starting to envy Link's place. You look divine!"
I had always thought that the beauty that I could define as divine would be Riju's. She had become a great and strong leader for her people. But seeing her as grown and accomplished, I felt the same instance in her that Lady Urbosa had. But more than that, she, too, had become someone as close as a sister.
"Wow! Princess!" arrived my other escort, smiling his signature fanged smile and greeting me with a thumbs-up. "Link is the luckiest incredible guy in Hyrule! You are stunning!"
Prince Sidon; cheerful as ever. Every time I looked at him, I could always see a glimpse of his late sister, Lady Mipha. I was happy of the brotherly bond that Link and I had developed with him. I used to feel saddened in his company due to the lost of his sister, but with wise words he had told me that she would want the memories of hers to inspire me, and not to bring me sorrow. Since then, my smile would always appear when reminiscing her.
While Lady Impa and Paya left the tent to be seated, I gazed in the tall mirror one last time to see the woman who I've become. So many ups and downs that she had gone through, but with her family, friends and the one that her heart cherished the most, she had conquered all and stood stronger than ever. She became more compassionate and wiser. But most of all, she was ready to lead by example for the betterment of her kingdom and its people.
"Well," I turned to my escorts beaming cheerfully. "Let us go!"
...
Lovely musical notes from harps being played in unison followed by other instruments garnished the air announcing my arrival. This song; it was the same lullaby I used to hear as a child before my sleep. My mother always played it with her harp. Such a touching and soothing melody.
I started walking the long velvet aisle, accompanied with my escorts: Prince Sidon and Riju. Countless pairs of eyes with wonder and awe rested upon me, all breathless of the beauty walking passed them. But as I came closer to the altar, there was the one gaze I longed for the most.
Riju and Prince Sidon led me just in front of my destination. I climbed the few stairs to face the man as he welcomed my hands in his. Being closer to him, I realized that he was more than just beautiful in his attire, he was... flawless! We stared at each other with overwhelming joy and love. Our week without each other had left its remarkable effect on us.
"Hey, you." I whispered gleefully as a tear slid from my left eye. "Did you miss me?"
As if on cue, his right eye shed a tear as he nodded, still moved by my presence. Oh, I missed him!
The audience seated and the priest started his ceremonial recital. We meant no disrespect to his wise words, but Link and I were already lost in our own sphere. There was not a single instant that our eyes wavered from each other. We were inside of our own little cocoon.
"The rings, please?" The priest's request snapped us back to reality. His silver-bearded face looked puzzled as if he had asked more than once.
I took out a golden ring from my corset, he from his pocket. We slid our sacred jewels to each other's left ring finger. They beamed to the sunlight.
Link carried our ringed hands as the priest wrapped them delicately with a silky red ribbon. In an era long before this one, newlyweds used to do this ritual before telling a lovely oath together. Stumbling on this old, yet romantic custom from a history book, I wanted to recreate such a beautiful tradition; so did Link.
I looked at Link's eyes, he gazed into mine. Taking a deep breath, we recited our unified vow:
To my Sun, to my Moon,
From the days, and more nights,
By dark's veil or light's bless,
Through it all, I'll be your might,
May time's realm scatter me,
Should twilight adrift me deep,
Or fate sends me skyward,
My love will never sleep,
As of today and all tomorrows,
By flesh, by soul and by heart,
You are mine, and I am yours,
Together and bonded, never apart.
We knelt on the stone ground of the altar and closed our eyes. The priest approached us with the royal crowns of Hyrule. They were shapes like full-span wings. One carried a beautiful sapphire stone; the priest rested this one on my head. The other wore a sparkling jewel of jade, meant to be worn by Link.
"You may rise," the priest said smiling warmly as he untied our hands from the red ribbon. Our hands didn't loose time to rest back in each other's. "By the power invested in me, and in the name of the goddesses of wisdom, power and courage, I now declare you husband and wife... and King and Queen of Hyrule."
Link looked puzzled as the priest needed to declare one last line. I couldn't help giggling at his innocent face. The priest was embarrassed by his forgetfulness.
"Oh, where is my mind nowadays!" He said apologizing to us. He looked at Link, nodding to his new king. "You may now kiss the bride, your Highness."
A wave of long-awaited happiness washed over our faces. My husband and I closed the only distance between us. We sealed our love with the most passionate kiss we ever shared until this day. The crowd rose up with the loudest of cheering, celebrating our union. Flower petals flew everywhere, many wishes of happiness erupted in the air and music returned to nourish it. As we walked back onto the aisle, Link carried me in his arms, both laughing of joy and now bonded through love for the rest of our lives. By the three goddesses, this day was a true divine blessing!
...
The long and marvelously festive reception that took place in the central square of Castle Town was... well... if the planners wanted to create a celebration for a kingdom-size group of guests, they had flawlessly succeeded.
Music and songs describing our battle against the calamity were sung, food and ale of all kinds coming from all over Hyrule decorated the tables; even many styles of cooked rocks for Gorons. Yonubo's appetite was definitely served as he had several helpings. Teba, the Rito warrior who helped Link in his quest, enjoyed himself to a point he took perhaps a few brews too much. His wife had to care after him, but it was good to see him pleased. Sidon was very popular with the ladies. That popularity suddenly went skyward went he accidentally caught the bouquet. But his confidence of steel didn't waver to handle the situation at hand. Perhaps he would be the next to find love and be wed. There were many gifts offered by everyone who came. Yet the Gerudo were the ones that truthfully exaggerated. From weaponry through volumes of books about being a strong spouse (those were certainly from Ashai) to even fragrances and potions saved for "intimate moments" as they've described. Though Riju advised me to use them tonight, I found it wise to perhaps not follow through.
Our wedding was more than a majestic success; the reception followed its path perfectly as well. I would always cherish Paya's wedding dress, but I was glad to rest in my nightgown. Laid down on the grand bed in our royal chambers, I flipped through the pictures of today's events on the Sheikah slate, smiling peacefully.
The moon was beautiful. It kissed us with its celestial glow. Even if I enjoyed this splendid view, we wanted our intimacy to our eyes only. Link, dressed in lighter clothing as well, closed the balcony and pulled the velour curtains. It was just the two of us now.
Link, my husband, my love. Seeing him embedded by the fireplace's glimmer, his hair free, his sky-colored eyes and his caring and gentle smile, my heart melted once again.
While he lied down next to me, I put down the Sheikah slate away. I deemed that I had enough pictures for the day, and a lifetime. I slid myself on his chest to find his warmth. His arms held me closely against him. His heartbeat was a lullaby to my ears and his heat was an enticing cover. Link kissed my forehead delicately. My eyes rose to his and I returned the favor to his lips, kissing him deeply.
Our eyes stared at each other as if time was frozen. The shine of the fireplace's flames danced in our pupils, as well as something else. Something raw and passionate.
We shared a long kiss anew. There was a ardent desire moving his will; and mine responded to his likewise.
Never breaking contact, I lied down and welcomed my love into my arms. My hands swam through his hair of dark gold, while his warm touch blazed my whole being lovingly.
The night was young. One more celebration was left.
...
Link had talked about it for a long time. After further thinking, he finally took his decision, as hard as it was. And today, here we were, in Korok Forest, saying goodbye to an old friend.
We stood in front of the Great Deku Tree. He congratulated us for our wedding that was already some weeks old. The Koroks cheered around for us. We welcomed their glee, but Link's expression seemed oblivious to them at the moment.
"The sword of Evil's Bane," the Great Deku Tree said, "is a blade that safeguards light against the thickest veils of darkness. But in times of peace, it is meant to also have its warrior's rest."
Link nodded to his wise words.
"But," he continued, "it could also find its peace at your side, hero of Hyrule. If you wished it so, the blade could be kept by your safe hands."
Link held the blade in his hands. He seemed lost in its silvery reflection, but a sudden and serene smile appeared on him. He looked back at the Deku Tree. This one's voice hummed in acknowledgement.
We approached the altar and held the sword together at its pommel. At the same rhythm, we pushed the blade back in its slot. A thin coat of light rose and wrapped the sword.
His fingers rested on the sword's pommel. He told me that during his journey to save me that the blade was his greatest companion. He couldn't understand exactly how, but he felt as if someone was walking by his side constantly when carrying the Evil's Bane. He couldn't hear its voice like I once did, but he didn't need to; he knew that the sword's spirit was always watching over him.
And now, he was saying goodbye to this old friend. But his smile didn't hide any sadness or sorrow. He was grateful and felt proud and privileged to have been its wielder. I laced my fingers to his free hand and gave it a light squeeze to reassure him. He returned it and smiled at me.
"I am certain in my soul that you have taken the right decision," the Deku Tree said. "King and Queen of Hyrule, may your rule be virtuous, compassionate, brave and wise."
We nodded to him and bid farewell to the folks of Korok Forest, and to an old and irreplaceable friend.
Our royal stead galloped steadily on the road to home. Due to my current condition, I thought I would be feeling a nauseous sentiment building at my throat. Thankfully I didn't. Perhaps it was thanks to my beloved. Throughout the entire route on horseback, not once did he stop rubbing my stomach. Ever since I had told him, his care towards me had soared incredibly. But I didn't mind. That was just the kind of man he was, and I wouldn't desire it any differently.
A united kingdom and lovely people inhabiting it, a new age of long-lasting peace, a family to love and support unconditionally, but most of all, a loving husband to spend my life with; everything we fought for had finally happened. It was now our duty to stand, defend and protect it all. For peace and prosperity.
But for now...
"So," I said with enthusiasm as Link hummed cluelessly. I unfolded a long sheet of paper almost instantly. "Would you like to hear my name suggestions for sons and daughters?"
My spontaneity was welcomed with his humble laugh. We both started scrolling through the list of my making as we entered our home's open gates.
THE END.