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tumblingdowntheway2019 · 6 months

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Master List Here!!

Ao3 Version Here!!

Yoooooo!! Chapter Two (2) of 'To Cherish These Moments." This was inspired by art drawn by @hyrulerbnb, an awesome artist I recommend checking out!!

A bit of a trigger warning due to what Rhoam will be saying in flashbacks. He's a right jerk in this chapter and it's why I'm saying now.

Other than that, enjoy the read and have an awesome day!!

💪😎💕

Word count - Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-Three. (7223).

To Cherish These Moments - Chapter Two (2) - Hearty Soup.

If you were to tell Zelda a hundred (100) years ago that she would have been given the opportunity to freely arrange a picnic for her friends and fellow Champions/Sages, she would have told you that you're mistaken and her father would never allow anything so trivial as a picnic.

No, when meals were prepared for those of high status, fellow royalty, elders, nobles, sirs, and ladies, no matter their age of being granted responsibility for their people, they would just have to sit there, shut up, and only talk politics and regional topics. There was no such thing as idle chitchat at the dinner table. No catching up, no banter, no nothing. It had been like that ever since the Queen, unfortunately, passed away.

There was to be no help in understanding the powers of a goddess that flow in her vein. How the people of Hyrule would come to respect her, but she shouldn't let that get to her head, as the true power is the love of those closest to her. But it was all just empty words in the end. Zelda was thrust into the training her mother had promised to help her with, alone and struggling.

She would never forget how she spent hours upon hours studying all she could—the detailed accounts of the queen's of the past, the accounts of previous Zelda's, and their struggles against a great evil. How the Heroes of Courage wielded the sword that sealed the darkness assisted in their fights. They all made it seem so easy. From what she understood, they weren't forced to spend all day praying to the Goddess, Hylia, at the springs to the point of blackout exhaustion. They were able to unlock their powers fairly quickly due to their freedom to explore and build relationships with the people they met.

Zelda often wondered to herself if she was cursed to have unlocked her powers so late, when everyone she truly cared for died to ensure she had fulfilled her "sworn duty to the kingdom," as her father made sure she remembered. He was long gone now, but oftentimes she heard his harsh reminders of her duty.

--------

"You are the one (1) people look to for protection, Zelda!" King Rhoam was scolding her. "You have no time to waste hovering over a cooking pot. What do you expect to happen? That the Calamity would just happily saunter over to stop for a hearty soup?! Ludicrous."

Hearty soup, that's right. It was something Urbosa had taught them to make, or rather, at that point in time, was still teaching them to. Rhoam couldn't handle the quick temper of Urbosa when it came to her protectiveness of them. Purah had quoted exactly what Urbosa told them to say should Rhoam ever try to discourage it.

She was only ten (10) years old at the time. Purah had invited her over to the kitchen area to check out a new cooking skill they'd learned when Rhoam happened to have passed by and caught them. Purah, ever the rebel a thirteen (13) year old could be as she stood between the King and the Princess, tried to defend her, saying that they only wanted to show off what they learned and it wasn't a big deal to share skills. It could be beneficial to everyone to know at least one (1) fact and skill from different subjects after all.

"Out of respect for your father being my head researcher in the castle, I shall leave him to deal with your punishment himself." Rhoam replied coldly. "Until then, I-"

"Will be allowing them to continue to learn what I have been teaching them." Boomed a confident voice. "The Queen of Hyrule, may Hylia bless her soul, did not get the chance to. I intend to keep the promise I made to her about teaching Zelda some necessary skills."

There, standing confidently with her hands on her hips in the archway, was Chief Urbosa of the Gerudo. The second mother of Zelda, although it was never declared out loud as such. Hiding behind her leg was little Impa, the younger sister of Purah and the same age as Zelda. They hadn't realized she had snuck off until Urbosa's arrival.

"Chieftan Urbosa, you know as well as I do that the day of calamity will soon be upon us. These skills are unnecessary." He tried to defend himself.

"I do, as well as everyone else in this castle, King Rhoam." Urbosa countered. "Zelda is still a child; to have her exert herself to such an extent would mean causing the most harm to her before Calamity would ever get the chance to do so itself."

The king froze. Zelda didn't know whether he truly realized the truth in her words or not, but it worked. Without another word but a defeated and annoyed look on his face, King Rhoam leaves the room. Once his footsteps were out of earshot, Impa scurried back over to the comfort of her sister's side.

"Great job, Sis!" Purah praised her as she held her little sister's hands and excitedly jumped a little. "Even I didn't hear you leave, you'll make a great fighter amongst the Shiekah yet!"

"Little Warrior certainly took me by surprise as well." Urbosa was praised as she placed a hand on the little Shiekah's head. "I'm relieved to have you on our side; the way you snuck up on me would have meant my defeat."

"Ya hear that! You could have beat the Queen of Lightning herself!!" Purah was even more proud of Impa. The shy girl was only able to quietly laugh in response, even if it was just at her sister's goofy behaviour.

Urbosa used this opportunity to turn to Zelda. "Little Bird. Are you okay?"

Zelda, having grown used to her father's reactions, just nodded as she looked at her guardian. She was unable to defend her best friends against him. Why are they still with her? Even after he had just scolded her again too,

"It's ok not to be. To show that you are upset about a situation shows strength to acknowledge the wrongs of what happened. It shows your compassion to people around you.

"But he told Purah off." Zelda blurts it out. She didn't know how to word it any better than that. "All she was doing was just showing me how she was able to make the hearty soup, and she got told off for it."

"Hey now, Zel. I'm ok, see?" Purah was now in front of her, holding her hands. "I get told off all the time; your jerk dad is no different."

"To be fair, Eccentric Genius, your experiments do go haywire more often than not." Urbosa gently reminded the teenager. "Explosions and lab equipment are not a good combination."

"I'm just finding out ways to not to do those things. Then that means that they won't do it because they know the consequences." Purah replied with her "Check It!" pose. "You never know until you try!"

Impa just shook her head with a defeated smile, already resigned to probably having to fix her sister's chaos in the future when she qualifies to join the Royal Advisors.

"I'm still sorry." Zelda apologises. "It's not fair that you all should get in trouble because I am neglecting my duties."

At that, the Gerudo Chief and Shiekah children look between each other and the young princess. A hand places itself on her shoulder, and she looks up to see the warm smile.

"Why don't we continue where we left off then, shall we?" She gently nudges the young girls toward the cooking pot. "I am happy to see that you all seem to have made a good batch here."

"Purah added Monster Extract to it." Impa finally chimes in. "She got it from a strange guy in a hot air balloon."

"........What?" Urbosa was, excuse the pun, shocked. "Uuhh. It's different, I suppose? But I don't think that's going to make it as appetizing as it appears."

"Oh yeah? Just watch!" Before anyone could stop her, Purah had gotten a spoonful of the monster soup and eaten it. The normally pale Shiekah girl was quickly going green as she tried not to gag. "Guh. S-see. Delicious. I could go for another bite right now."

Zelda began to laugh, trusting Purah to always try and bring a smile to her face, even at her own risk. "Why don't you have it?"

Purah, trying not to gag, tried to excuse the reason for not being able to stop herself from eating it all up should she do that. Impa facepalmed as Urbosa placed a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter.

"Why don't we just make another batch for ourselves then?'

The girls, well, mainly Impa and Zelda, as Purah curled up on the nearby bench, did just that. Despite the sour mood just minutes ago, it was all washed away and replaced by a warm, comforting feeling.

--------

"Now, what do you think should be added to stop sickness?" A warm voice asked.

Zelda opened her eyes and found herself outside. She was in a little veranda nearby a garden. Hearty radishes, rice, endura carrots, and all kinds of food and herbs were growing here. She turns to the woman standing beside her, who was patiently waiting for an answer.

"I'm sorry. I didn't catch your question." She replied sheepishly.

"Do not worry, dear. It seems you were a world away just now. Do you wish to speak about it?" Queen Sonia asked, gently stirring the soup at a low heat.

"I was just reminiscing about my childhood." She began, hearing an "oh?" from Sonia. "I was learning to make this very soup under the guidance of a dear friend of mine."

Sonia continued to stir. Rather than a judgmental look at how Zelda had distracted herself from the task at hand, she instead gave her a knowing look. She didn't push her to continue, allowing Zelda to gather her thoughts on what she was willing to share with the Queen.

"When they were children, she and my mother learned how to make this soup. It didn't always go according to plan, but eventually they perfected their own unique version of it. The Gerudo believe this soup helps them attract the attention of the Voe of their interest." Zelda gives a soft chuckle.

"A tradition that lives on, then!" Sonia happily laughs. "I learned from Naboris how to make this very soup for Rauru after we first met." Sonia looks at the cooking pot, her smile growing. "Though when it came to giving it to him, I seem to have neglected care as I picked up the bad batch in my haste."

"Let me guess, this batch had Monster Extract, and it made him sick?" The princess laughed. When given a surprised look as confirmation, she added "Another dear friend thought it wise to do just that. It's safe to say she spent the next hour trying not to throw up after one (1) bite."

"That lines up with Rauru's reaction as well. Except he tried to continue eating it so as not to offend me." Looking towards the clouds above, she added, "The look of relief he had when I told him it wasn't mine and to not finish it. Never before had I moved so fast to get my batch."

They both laughed at their shared memory of the misfortune of a loved one. Sonia added in a Mighty Thistle.

"A herb with medicinal properties It can be used to allow those that consume to gain more strength." Zelda then says sheepishly. "I assume this is the answer to the question I had missed."

Sonia's smile grew slightly as she nodded. It didn't take long before the soup was ready and a bowl was handed to her.

That's right, Zelda felt unwell that morning. She thought she had been doing well to hide it so as not to get scolded for slacking her duties no matter what time period she was in, but was caught by Sonia's eagle-eyed observation at breakfast this morning.

'Just chew on some herbs and get back to training.' She can hear her father order.

There was no gentle coaxing to sleep it off that day or to take it easy; it was just buck up and get on with it.

It was why she and the sisters were in the kitchen that day; Impa had told Purah, who stopped her studying right there and then, to help her and cheer her up. Pangs of regret crawled their way up in her gut when they had all gotten into trouble, but the sisters never held it against her. If anything, it caused Purah to continue pushing her luck in secret.

But her ancestors were not her father. The moment the King of that era also took notice, he immediately began asking if there was anything to help her feel comfortable. If she required some more water for her sore throat or more sleep for her drowsiness, along with an extra blanket for the chill, Mineru also insisted that she could survive without Zelda for that day; she could also use that chance to read a book she's been neglecting.

"We started constructing the Golem together; it would be rude of me to continue it without you." Mineru had insisted.

And this was how Zelda got here, a bowl of hearty soup in hand, with a blanket over her shoulders and her loving ancestor at her side, ready to give seconds should Zelda want some more and not judge her like she was being greedy.

It was times like this where she just wished to stay at that very moment. To stay in the past before all went wrong.

--------

Zelda grounded herself. She looked around, and here she was. In the present day, At her home in Hateno Village. The Demon King of Calamity, Ganondorf, had been slain thanks to the Hero of Hyrule and the Sages.

She had observed how under the weather her friends had been and decided the hearty soup was the perfect meal to have for the picnic. The Mighty Thistle was just perfect to help them perk up and regain their strength. Each Sage had been effected by the Gloom at one (1) point or another before peace had returned to the Land of Hyrule; this mixed in with some Sundelions, just like Sonia had taught her, would do the trick.

Beside her on a makeshift table, boxes filled with various ChuChu jellies had a different purpose.

The Orange ChuChu would keep the soup and the cooked meats and fish warm without the loss of the juiciness that Zelda had taken a few attempts to keep thanks to Rhondson's tips and tricks from having to cook for the whole of Tarrey Town for celebrations.

The White ChuChu Jellies kept the other fish and meats frozen and the vegetables and mushrooms cool for when they had skewers later on.

The blue ones were so they could cool down, and maybe she can throw them at Link when she hears what silly little things he did on his adventures.

Currently, he is doing his latest task in the Hebra Mountains. Teba had been wanting help teaching the latest flock of Trainee Rito Warriors archery skills and how even a Hylian, a species without wings, is able to do it, as well as how to work together with fellow warriors, like Link and Teba did when reclaiming Divine Beast Vah Medoh.

Saki, Teba's wife and mother of The Sage of Wind Tulin, had been working on new clothing for the travellers who assisted them during the Snowstorm Crisis, so Riju decided to accompany Link on his visit there to assist along with Gerudo Tailors to assess what materials may be needed, such as rubies and felts. They are also updating their information so they can set up a system for how often certain materials can be transported and traded.

Zelda remembered how confused she was when she first had to figure out the item exchanges possible for each region, so she was proud when the young girl seemed to have had a handle on things fairly quickly when Zelda visited Gerudo Town not long after the end of the calamity. It was simple; they saw what items were needed and could arrange who would meet where and the number of guards needed for the path they would take.

If Zelda was being honest, she was glad that Hyrule had been able to establish trading routes and methods during her hundred (100) years of holding Calamity Ganon back. She never really liked the stress of having to run back and forth with so much information that needed to be remembered. Her father didn't really approve of everyone meeting in the middle as frequently as she suggested. So she had to be the middleman.

There were many duties of a princess she was glad to not be thrust back into or needed to do at all. All her life, she wanted to be a scholar. To be able to teach people the history of Hyrule and many various topics. Essential, as an understanding mind can be stronger than any warrior. Words can resolve better than a battle. Well, sometimes. Being sent back to the era of Hyrule's founding gave her a brutal reminder that her father had been right on many things as well. This new generation gave her a chance to find a middle ground, and with no war between any of the races, her scholar career finally lifted off. She didn't have to be the princess all the time, at least.

It was most likely due to the fact that now that it had been a couple of months since the Demon Kings defeat, Link and her companions were still hesitant to leave her side. Before, a century (100) ago, she would have scolded the overbearing guards. She did so with Link many times, something that was regretted ever since he saved her from the Yiga Clan in the harsh sands of the Gerudo Desert. No hesitation. Her friends, no, her family, had no hesitation in protecting her. Back then and even now, she just has to work a little harder to show how much she truly appreciated it. She can't make the same mistakes.

Voices brought Zelda out of her jumbled thoughts. Oh right, Buliara was stationed nearby; she wasn't a fan of the cold, nevermind the snow. Riju appointed her guardian to be Zelda's temporary guardian for the time being. Totally not, because she would be causing some chaos with Link and Tulin and didn't want to get into too much trouble for it yet. Right now, Buliara is protecting a friend, not a princess. She had not long returned to her time. They just wanted to be sure she'd be safe when Link wasn't around.

Behind her, Buliara was talking with Karin, one (1) of Zelda's students at the Hateno School and daughter of the Mayor, who originally came after Zelda promised that she could help cook the meals. It wasn't the original plan; Buliara was patrolling around the school grounds, and when the children asked about it, Zelda took it as an opportunity to bring her in and give more lessons about Gerudo culture and compare it to the traditions of the past now that she got to see and experience them firsthand. It actually amazed Zelda to hear how soft the hardened warrior's tone can be. Then again, she did help raise Riju.

During their walk home, Karin was told that Hearty Soup was going to be on the menu for the picnic, but it caused the Scholar to wonder if she still had the knack to make it again after the Imprisoning War and being a literal dragon for thousands of years. Karin eagerly said that she remembered making it with her grandmother and would be happy to help refresh her culinary skills. When most of it was done, Karin was allowed to wander around; this was how she ended up outside with the guard and, by complete surprise, an unexpected guest.

*One (1) and a half hour ago.*

"Sarqso again for the lesson, Captain Buliara!" Karin had been dancing around them since leaving the school. "It was so cool to learn that the Gerudo can make jewellery so easily!"

"It is now a problem, Vevhi. It was a pleasure to help."

Karin then stopped right in front of them, causing both the older women to stop as well.

"Hey! I'm not a Vevhi; I'm nearly 13, so I'm grown up!" The child tried to scold. Key word being tried as she leaned forward with her hands on her hips as she put on a pout.

The façade didn't last as they all began to laugh.

"Your Gerudo language is near the spot on Karin. How did you learn it? As far as I'm aware, no Gerudo has lived here before."Zelda inquired.

"You're right! My mother and father have a friend who's from Gerudo Town. I believe she was a travelling merchant at the time when they met at one (1) of the stables on their way to Rito Village, long before I was born. We get to meet up every so often, and she's been teaching me Gerudo since I was young!" Again, with her hands on her hips, she puffs out her chest proudly. "So don't think I don't know when you're calling me a baby!"

Another round of laughter before continuing on their way.

"May I ask? Why is Buliara allowed to walk beside you, Miss Zelda? I always thought guards always had to be behind or in front of you.

Zelda was surprised at the question. Simply because she knew she had never taught the children the understanding of royal etiquette yet. Buliara, most likely out of habit around other royals, was made to stand behind Zelda before she was stopped. Zelda placed a hand on Buliara's arm with an assuring smile.

Hand still on the captain's arm, she answered, "You are correct. For the protection of royal members of the family or nobles, a guard would typically be behind or in front of them. However," Zelda took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I learned that during times like the calamity or the upheaval, rank didn't matter much in a crisis. Yes, ranks are needed for giving orders in battle, but I have learned that, besides that, I am no greater than the people of Hyrule. I live to serve you all and assure you that you are all taken care of. You have all done an amazing job without me, but you also welcomed me home and allowed me to teach you all, as was my dream, just as much as you all taught me. You have all cared for me just as much as I have cared for you. Therefore, I am no greater than you all. I will gladly walk beside those who have stood by my side after all this time. We all fought the same battles after all."

When Zelda opened her eyes again, she could have sworn she saw stars in the young girl's eyes in admiration. A warm hand covered her own, and she saw that Buliara was giving her a motherly smile. It was unusual for the hardened captain to show this much expression, but those closest to her got to see her for who she really was. It was why she was respected so much back home.

With a silent nod, they continued their trek. It wasn't long before Zelda noticed an unusual shape at the bridge that separates them from her home. Cautiously, with Buliara leading the way, they approach the strange, dark mass. It was making an unusual sound. It was then, when they got close enough, that they saw a...

"A flipper?" Karin asks quietly. All were confused.

This was when the mass caught onto their approach and rolled over, hopping into the air in excitement as it dragged or hopped towards them as it barks out happily.

"Patricia?!" Buliara exclaimed. "You were with Chieftan Riju; is everything okay?"

The Sand Seal, now happily leaning against the Hateno Child for more hugs and scratches, turned slightly to reveal three (3) rolled-up letters tied to her harness. One (1) was red, another was teal, and the last was a light shade of blue.

Sitting at the stumps outside the house now and around the cooking pot, Zelda and Buliara read the letters that were addressed to them. Buliara read the red letter first, red being the main colour of the Gerudo. As confirmed when seeing who it was from, In neat and nearly cursive writing, the letter read:

"Dear Buliara and Zelda,

We have safely arrived at Rito Village and confirmed the stocks needed for trading in the coming weeks. They are requesting a small amount of rubies required for clothing that will be used against the cold. They accidentally requested too many clothing materials in their previous order, so they would like to make more in case the need arises.

In return, the Gerudo will be receiving various arrows and fish for our markets. I feel it is necessary to also have the jewellers make some elemental resistance jewellery as a gesture of thanks for the many types of arrows provided.

Should you receive a letter from Link and Tulin, let it be known that I, on my pride as a Gerudo, won that snow surfing race with no issue what so ever. It's no different from seal surfing—just no seal.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, however, Patricia has been sent to deliver these letters, and I request that you please take care of her for me until my return tomorrow. I also apologize to Buliara for the extended wait.

If Young Karin is there, I have some brushes and ribbons in the stable next to Zelda's house. Patricia would love it if you would brush her again.

Kind regards,

Chief Makeela Riju."

How odd for that last part to be added in. However, Karin was excited at the idea of getting to brush Patrica again. Karin had initially been afraid of the Sand Seal, but they quickly grew a bond when the Chief allowed her to do such a simple task. Karin understood what the red bow meant to Riju, so she took extra care of it when cleaning it and tying it back in with the other ribbons.

On to the teal letter: bluey green, which is the perfect mix for Link and Tulin's known colours. Green represents Link for his courage status, like his ancestors before him, and the main colour is baby blueish grey for Tulin for his wind element.

Looking at the contents of this letter, it was clear who wrote what. Link seemed to have almost print-like writing, while Tulin wrote in all capitals just so they could be told apart here. Zelda read out:

"Hello Zelda,

As you may have read in another letter, we have safely arrived in Rito Village. Chief Riju and I had come across Tulin about halfway into our journey, and we all travelled the rest of the way together. His flying skills have been coming along very nicely; they remind me of Revali as he grows. I'm sure he would be proud of Tulin. Bird Brain, as he may have been, never stopped encouraging his fellow Rito when it came to them honing their skills. Even if it did boost his ego, as you may remember.

Training the new recruits went well; they even had a few Hylian and Zora come train too, and they learned to work together. I may have to request some new paragliders; I can't have the Rito carry them around all the time.

Chief Riju and I then proceeded to have a snowboard race. It was close, but I had won, though Tulin didn't seem sure when he was flying from above.

Yours truly,

Link.

P.S. Buliara, please don't get mad that I won this race; it's not my fault that Riju fell off her shield."

Next to the extra message was a drawn-out stick figure with Link's hair, laughing at a pair of stick figure legs sticking out of a snow pile with a shield beside it, it seems.

The bottom half of the paper was Tulin's letter.

"HEY ZELDA!

TRAINING HAS BEEN GOING REALLY WELL HERE. I'M NOT AS GOOD AS LINK YET, BUT HE SAID IF I KEEP IT UP, I COULD BE LIKE THE GREAT REVALI IN NO TIME, AND HE WOULD BE PROUD OF ME! I HOPE TO LIVE UP TO HIS LEGACY IN MY DUTIES AS A SAGE, LIKE HE DID AS A CHAMPION.

ALSO, FUNNY STORY, LINK, AND RIJU CHALLENGED EACH OTHER TO A SNOW-SURFING RACE. THEY WERE REALLY CLOSE, BUT I THINK IT ENDED IN A TIE? I COULDN'T SEE BECAUSE THEY KICKED UP SO MUCH SNOW. BUT NOW MOM WOULDN'T LET THEM LEAVE THE HUT AND IS MAKING THEM HEARTY SOUP WITH WARM SAFFLINA. I THINK THEY CAUGHT A COLD OR SOMETHING.

ALSO, WE GOT TO MEET A REALLY NICE ZORA TOO. SHE HELPED US GET HOME FAST TOO. I DIDN'T NEED HELP BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO NOT GET COVERED IN SNOW. BUT I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE SOUP!

ALSO, TO BULIARA, MOM SAYS THAT RIJU WILL NEED TO STAY HERE UNTIL TOMORROW INSTEAD OF WARPING HOME LIKE PLANNED. THE SNOW MAY HAVE GIVEN HER A START OF COLD, WHICH IS WHY THE WARM SAFFLINA IS ADDED TO DINNER TODAY. RIJU WOULDN'T GET IT IF SHE HAS IT QUICK ENOUGH, BUT SHE WANTS TO BE SURE.

SEE YOU SOON,

TULIN."

Buliara and Zelda facepalmed; they have a gut feeling for what the last letter may contain. Those three (3) always end up in chaotic situations when not on duty. Not so much Riju, but she's been known to be the mastermind of a few incidents and pranks against Link and Tulin when no one was around. The Gerudo were known to get a cold pretty quickly if they weren't properly prepared for the cold climates due to the fact they lived in the scorching heat. Now even more curious, the three (3) Vai looked at the blue letter, the elemental colour for water. The handwriting was even more cursive than Riju's but legible for Karin to read.

"Greeting Princess Zelda and Captain Buliara.

I feel it is necessary to write to you about what may have happened to Chief Riju, Sir Link, and Young Tulin.

Myself and my guards were travelling to Rito village to speak to the Elder about possible Zora trading. I was travelling by swimming in the rivers and happened to have witnessed the Chief and Sir Link racing down the mountainscapes. It was very impressive, especially since I have heard of the Gerudo skills in sand seal surfing.

However, it seemed that it went awry when they misjudged a turn, and they both must have hit a rock because they were both rolling down the rest of the way, thankfully not far but far enough that they somehow caught Young Tulin and became a sort of snowball on their way down. The best way I can describe it is as a total wipeout.

I have provided healing to all three (3), and they thankfully only had minor injuries. However, they do seem to not be developing a cold. Between my healing abilities and Mrs. Saki's soup, they should be as right as rain in the morning. Unfortunately, I had no other means of getting these letters to you other than teleporting Patricia to Hateno Village. The young chief did say that she was getting angsty in this cold climate.

Enclosed are some wildberries as my way of saying thanks to Patricia for her help.

Wishing you well,

Queen Yona."

"Awww, then that means Patricia fell asleep while waiting for us. Isn't that right, girl?" She was scratching Patricia with both hands until she rolled over for belly scratches. "Did we make you wait? I'm sorry, cuteest sand seal ever."

When Karin gave the berries to Patricia, the seal happily gobbled them up and gave a few barks.

"The items you require are to the left of where the Chief said they would be. The -! No, Patricia, I am not adding that pun in. Sneaky Seal." Buliara translated before nearly slipping up. "This seal and her puns, I swear."

"I'm sorry you have to put up with me for another night, Buliara. I honestly don't mind sleeping on the floor; it must be uncomfortable sleeping on a chair or some blankets all night." Zelda apologises.

"Nonsense! We warriors have grown accustomed to being able to sleep in various conditions. I will not allow you to sleep on the floor of all places just for my comfort." Buliara assures, her sword point slightly hitting off the dirt in protest of the idea.

Zelda failed to convince her. So while Buliara was reminding Karin of different brushing techniques for Patricia, she was able to get the innkeepers attention to request more pillows and blankets.

*END OF FLASHBACK.*

Zelda listened in on their conversation as she debated whether another Hearty Radish was needed.

"So your hair isn't hard to brush too? What if you get sand in it?"

"We use special blends to keep our hair soft; daily brushing helps as well. Sand is no match for frequent care. The same goes for our beloved Sand Seals."

"Is it true that Patricia is psychic?"

"Clairvoyant, yes." Buliara gently corrects her. "When offered fruit, Patricia can offer words of advice or even coordinates. Like what I translated when you gave her wildberries."

"With seal puns!" Karin happily added.

"With seal puns." Buliara parroted with a mockingly tired tone.

"Will Miss Riju be okay? Having a cold is not fun." Zelda's heart melted at the child's concern. She was always a kind-hearted soul.

"Lady Riju will be just fine. Like you read out, some soup and herbs, and she'll be right as rain by morning. Though that won't stop me from making her do extra training when we get home for the careless action. Link and Tulin also!"

"Isn't she your boss?"

"Not when training, she's not."

Zelda had to hunch over slightly and make it look like she was grabbing an herb in order to cover her laughter. It was almost easy to forget that it was Buliara who became Riju's mother figure after the passing of the late Chief. That alone can grant her more authority when needed. The mention of training brought up another question.

"Isn't that sword heavy? It's way taller than me!

A hearty laugh. "I wasn't able to before, but now wielding it gives no challenge to me."

Karin must have been wanting to see how heavy it is herself, because a moment later Zelda heard, "So heavy!" Then a surprised "Whoa!" accompanied it.

Zelda placed the lid over the pot as she grabbed a towel to wipe her hands before turning around. It made her chuckle when she saw the difference between the Hylian child and a Gerudo warrior as Karin sat comfortably on one (1) shoulder and trusted Claymore over the other. Zelda was reminded of when her father had done the same with her. One (1) morning, she awoke from a nightmare and waddled her way to her parents chambers. Her mother was sitting in the bed laughing as her father placed her on his shoulder and aimed his claymore out the window, proclaiming that no evil will get by them so long as they are around.

How terrifying that it was one eighty (180) when her mother passed.

"Dinner is just about ready." Zelda starts, clapping her hands together. It was more so to help snap herself out of her thoughts. "Karin, would you like to join us? You will have to let your parents know if you want to.

It was a definite 'YES!' as Zelda watched Karin practically beg to get down so she can run like a Kleese out of Hell towards her house to let her parents know. It wouldn't take her long, so Zelda took this as an opportunity to check the picnic supplies in the house.

"That must be the tenth (10th) time you have checked them, Zelda." The captain observed. "They won't be going anywhere prematurely if I can help it."

"I just worry that this isn't enough for them." She admits. "Everyone has been working so hard to help bring peace and order to Hyrule. I don't want to make them feel like I don't appreciate it. Especially when I made them work on all that paperwork a few days ago."

Zelda had spent the better part of yesterday making sure the foods that needed overnight cooking and steaming were as perfect as they could be. Even waking up in the middle of the night to rotate them as needed, the lack of need for sleep was still evident from her time as the Light Dragon.

Buliara, who had been sitting at the stairs on cushions with a blanket over her shoulders as she checked the condition of her blade in case it's in need of a clean or repair, offered many a time to do the tasks herself. But Zelda insisted that she could do it—just go to sleep for a little bit, at least.

The Scholar is convinced the Captain was more so meditating; instead, despite having her eyes closed and breath evened out, she never actually laid down to sleep. The blade was still gripped tightly. The Yiga incidents, the calamity, and the phenomenon must have made this a growing habit that stuck over the years. How many more are like this? To have their peace suddenly disrupted once again just as they were finally getting somewhere with their lives.

Once again, she was brought out of her thoughts by young Karin's return, a large bag of fruits for Patricia in hand. She got extra cuddles from the happy sand seal for her kind gesture. There weren't really many predictions or visions from the Sand Seal, other than seal puns that the Captain refuses to translate unless given the puppy dog eyes from the Mayor's Daughter and Sand Seal. It was so peaceful; they all enjoyed their soup, confirming that it will be perfect for everyone tomorrow.

Zelda kept notes on all the measurements she used. She knows she'll need double the number of ingredients for it to feed everyone, but that's no problem. Until it was.

"Oh no! I'm all out of hearty radishes!" She exclaimed. "I thought I had more in storage."

She just about died inside. Everything was going so well, and now the main meal is not going to happen. Her father's voice in the back of her mind about poor planning took over once again. Chastising her for her lack of planning over something simple ingredient management. Before she could fully fall into the worst habit of freezing in place when panicking, Karin saved the day.

"I heard Mrs. Rhondson say that Tarrey Town started selling them when she was talking to my dad in a meeting last week. You could get some there!"

"Oh Karin, you little life saver, you." Zelda couldn't help but hug the girl in gratitude, getting giggles and a hug in return. "I shall warp there now. Would you be so kind as to keep watch over the rest of the stuff until I return? I won't be long."

"Will do, Miss Zelda. But what about Patricia?"

Patricia was hopping her way toward Zelda when the town was mentioned, quite eagerly as well. "She will accompany me to town. From what I recall, Rhondson used to care for Patricia before becoming a tailor. You wish to see her again, yes?" With a few barks of happiness and confirmation, Zelda added "Then it's settled. Karin, you're in charge of making sure Buliara gets a nap. Patricia can accompany me to Tarrey Town. There are some new books on my bookshelf if you wish to read or borrow in the meantime."

"Are you sure, Zelda? I am tasked with guarding you after all." Buliara questioned, surprised at the sudden task for the child.

"Patricia is also battle-hardened and guards Riju as well, yes? I saw you yawning while we ate, so please get some shut-eye. The shrine is right next to town, so it'll be a short walk there, and I will warp right back." Zelda countered. It was true; she knew how warriors would hide their tiredness through certain actions.

Link would stretch a little as he adjusted the hold on his weapons and shield. His head would tilt forward slightly as he tried to keep his eyes open. When sitting, he would place his head on folded arms that rested on the knees of pulled-up legs. Buliara had similar actions. Like previously mentioned, she sat cross-legged as if she were meditating. Despite Hateno being warm during the day at this time of year, Buliara had her blanket still over her shoulders when she was guarded in the house. Tiredness making her slightly colder and Hateno having cooler temperatures than the Gerudo Desert made it more evident, like how Riju was wrapped in a blanket before Zelda dismissed them all a few days ago at Lookout Landing.

"Without proper rest, you won't be able to function. There's always a solution to your problems; just remain calm, and they will make themselves known." She heard both Sonia and Urbosa say it, drowning out her father's voice.

She left for Tarrey Town and returned less than an hour later, plenty of hearty radishes in the box in her hands and laughing as she spoke to Patricia about having a funny story to tell at the picnic now. Karin met her at the entrance to tell her that she'd need to be quiet now. When she entered the house, she saw why.

There, on all the cushions and wrapped up in the blankets, Buliara was quietly snoring away. Claymore lay within arms reach of her. Finally relaxed after months of tension and work.

Zelda turns her head toward Karin and Patricia. "It looks like the extra bedding and Hearty Soup worked."

They smiled, and Karin got to give Patricia a few more scratches before returning home for the evening. When all was settled and set to go, it was time to try and sleep. She gave Patricia a Hearty Radish, who quietly barks after gobbling it up.

"Those closest to your heart will always have you in theirs. You're doing great." Buliara translated out of sheer instinct in her sleep.

Zelda was shocked, and with the feeling of tension she tried to push back all day had lifted off her shoulders. Looking at the Sand Seal and not realizing that she was shedding tears of relief and happiness, she crouched down and gave Patricia a tight hug, the Sand Seal snuggling up against her in return.

"Thank you."

They both got some peaceful sleep that night.

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