Chapter 15: Peace Returns At Last
disclaimer: Zelda and all characters of the game are property of Nintendo. In no way do I expect to get paid for this.
The soldiers of Hyrule marched into the city gates of Hyrule Castle, shimmering with victory. Gorlois, Ivan, and Darunia rode in front and they were all greeted with cheers from the townsfolk. Link and his followers approached the city gates as the last of the soldiers entered the city.
The lords and generals of Hyrule entered the throne room of the castle. The royal attendants and advisors gave their applause to the brave leaders and King Daphnes Nohansen shook the hands of the three lords of Hyrule, giving his thanks for their valor. Link and his three companions entered the throne room with the Seven Sages. Daphnes held his beloved daughter, Zelda, in a loving embrace, crying with joy over her safe return. Sahashra and Impa approached Daphnes and Zelda and told him of Link's success. Link shook the hand of Gorlois and they spoke to each other about their battles. Mikau was caught off guard as Princess Ruto of the Zora ran up to him and kissed him. Darunia gave his congratulations to his son Darmani.
Everybody stopped their chatter as Daphnes called out Link's name. The mighty hero approached the throne and kneeled to the King of Hyrule. "Rise, Hero of Legend. Against all odds, you have destroyed the Evil King and brought peace to Hyrule. There are no words that can express the gratitude we owe you. How can we ever repay you?"
Link had one thing on his mind, and one thing only. "Let me go home."
Daphnes smiled at the young knight. "No one deserves it more than you. I must ask one more thing of you."
Link closed his eyes and awaited the King's request. "I want you to take the place of Lord Gorlois as the ruler of Lake Hylia." Link opened his eyes widely in shock. "Lord Gorlois has proved to be quite a leader, and he is to become my highest ranking general of my soldiers. What say you?"
Link looked at Gorlois and saw the man smiling at him. Link turned his gaze to Daphnes. "I will take the place of Lord Gorlois as ruler of Lake Hylia."
"Excellent, Link of Hylia. Now go home, Hero. Home, where you belong." Link bowed to the King and met with his friends.
"Thank you, my friends. I would rather fight along side you than any army of Hyrule."
"Just don't be a stranger to Goron Mountain, brother," said a smiling Darmani.
"You will always have allies with the Shiekah. We will see you again," said Sahashra as she fought the tears that flooded her eyes.
Mikau put his hand on Link's shoulder and said, "What ever journeys you embark on, we will always be at your side."
Link hugged his friends one at a time and left the throne room, looking back one last time as he said his good-byes to his faithful companions.
Two days later, Link and Epona arrived at Lake Hylia. Link wore his hero's attire and carried the Master Sword at his left side. The soldiers of Lake Hylia followed him to the village and made way to their homes. Link and Epona reached the corral of Lon Lon Ranch and gazed upon the many farmers and stable boys. Among them was the ranch owner, Talon, harvesting crops next to his house.
Talon took notice to Link and looked upon his red-headed daughter, Malon. "Someone is here to see you, lass."
"Who is it, Papa?" Talon pointed at the distant traveler with a rusty colored mare next to him. Malon's eyes widened and a bright smile spread across her face. She ran as fast as she could to Link as he spread his arms outward to hold her.
Malon approached him and slapped him hard across his face, causing him to flinch. "You are late!"
Link kept the smile on his face as he turned his head back to Malon. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a much needed kiss, one that he happily returned. Talon watched the young couple from a small distance and smiled. He was happy for them and he knew he would take care of her. They remained in the embrace for a long time, for they missed each other dearly and never wanted to let go.
Later that night, Link and Malon sat on a large rock by the lake and gazed upon the stars. They held each other close and spoke to each other softly.
"Did Epona serve you well," asked Malon.
"She was swift and brave in our travels. I would not have survived without her."
Malon rested her head on Link's shoulder. "I am grateful for your safe return. I was afraid that you would not come back for me. Your Zora friend was very kind to me when he made his visit here."
Link thought about his three companions and the adventures they shared together. He knew that he would not have made it as far as he did without them. Malon gave out a relaxed sigh as she snuggled into his embrace.
"It feels good to finally be home," said Link as he looked out at the lake.
"I love you, Link." He kissed her forehead and whispered into her ear.
"I love you, Malon. You and no other." They remained on the large rock for a good portion of the night, enjoying the blissful star filled sky.
Five years later, Link and his faithful companions approached the pedestal of the Master Sword in the heart of the Lost Woods. They wore the same armor and clothing they had in the great war of Hyrule. Link had grown a full facial beard and his hair was much shorter. Malon was waiting for him back home with their son, Bowen. Darmani grew out a beard of his own, reaching to the middle of his chest. The death of Darunia two years ago claimed him King of Goron Mountain, and his new wife watched over the Goron miners and their five sons while he was away. Sahashra never married and became Impa's most trusted advisor in Kakariko Village. Her dark brown hair now reached the top of her shoulders and she no longer wore her mask. Mikau married Princess Ruto and they were blessed with two sons, Tijo and Japas, and their daughter, Lulu. He didn't change much in his older appearance, with the exception of a large red cloak added to his attire, claiming him the hier to the throne of Zora's Domain.
Link's old sword still remained in the soil in front of the holy pedestal. Vines and small vegetaion grew around its edges and handle. Link drew out the Master Sword and approached the pedestal. He then drove the holy blade into the stone and light shinned from the three pendants resting upon the stone. The Blade of Evil's Bane then changed its color to a dark shade of grey and became part of the stone pedestal once again. The three companions took the three pendants from the stone and placed the glowing necklaces around their necks. Darmani held the Pendant of Power, Sahashra held the Pendant of Courage, and Mikau held the Pendant of Wisdom. Their tasks complete, Link and his friends left the Lost Woods and went their separate ways, returning the pendants to their resting place and living out their days in peace and enloying Hyrule's age of union and prosperity.
'Who can say what lies ahead for the future? We can only hope that Hyrule's union will last throughout the ages. Some believe that such peace is not meant to last, but I say it isn't so. The Battle of Mt. Avarice changed my life forever. I live on and remember those who fought and died for Hyrule's union. They believed in such peace and fought for it as I do now. For as long as I live, I will always remember the name Link of Hylia. He risked his life to give the people of Hyrule something thought to be impossible to obtain, and I intend to keep that peace intact. His actions will be written down in history, and his bloodline will live on in the years to come. I remain loyal to this land and will fight to keep the peace given to us by the Hero of Legend. I know that one day, evil will return to the land of Hyrule, and I will be ready. I must be strong and defend this country with my life. Until that day arrives, I will spend my days in the castle, tending to the needs of my country and telling my story of legend to those who loose all hope in their time of need.'
-Princess Zelda Nohansen of Hyrule
The End