Epilogue: Going Home

When they made it to the Gerudo encampment, they were greeted with cheers. Nabooru came out with a beaming smile on her face, glad to see that Link was safe. But her smile soon turned sour as she looked upon Zak, while she did not draw her blades, now her hands were resting on their hilts.

"What is he doing here?" She snarled.

"It's okay," Link said quickly to assume Nabooru would not attack him.

"He nearly killed me, and that's okay?" Nabooru said angrily.

"He was possessed by shadow; he was not fully in control of himself." Link started explaining in his brother's defense.

"It is okay Link…" Zak said. "She is right. It is my fault for her being hurt."

Zak then bows and kneels before Nabooru.

"Please forgive me. I am truly sorry for what I did."

Nabooru was surprised at the statement, for she remembered the creature who sadistically enjoyed stabbing her. She did not sense the same malice from the man kneeling in front of her as she did from the creature.

"I forgive you; you do not appear to be the same as the one who attacked me." Nabooru said slowly, still puzzled by the situation.

Nabooru helps Zak up from his kneeling position.

"So you were successful Link I see." Nabooru starts, as she smiles once again. "Have your memories returned?"

Nabooru saw how Link beamed and snuck a look at Zelda before he spoke. She saw love in his eyes when they looked at each other. She knew the answer before he spoke.

"Yes, finally they have." Link says happily as he pulls Zelda closer, placing his forehead against Zelda's for a brief moment. "And I will never lose them again."

"That is wonderful news! Will you be staying for a celebration amongst our people? They will be overjoyed to know that you are safe Zelda, and that Link has returned from the outskirt lands." Nabooru said honestly, hoping that they would be able to give Link and his love a brief respite before they journey home.

Link paused before answering, for he wanted to get back home as soon as possible, they all had been through a lot. They have not even gotten to telling each other everything that had all happened while they were apart. From the little that Zelda had said about her time captured, she did not get much sleep or nourishment. He looked toward his love.

"What do you think my Princess, shall we stay here a night or shall we continue further toward home?" He asked, willing to do whatever it was she wished.

She thought for a moment before saying, "We would love to stay the night Nabooru."

She did not want to offend the desert ruler, for now the tensions between Hylians and Gerudo had ceased, there still was much mistrust between the two. She knew that Nabooru is a great ruler, a sage, and a good friend of Link. They would be safe and she cherished the thought of a nice warm bed after all the time in the dark cave and the perilous wasteland afterwards.

"Then tonight we shall feast!"

The festivities had commenced and there was a wonderful feast. They all enjoyed the food and company. The conversation was left to light topics, for while Nabooru and the Gerudo were curious about all the events that transpired, it would be improper to bring up unpleasant events at such a celebration. Many of the Gerudo were curious about Zak, the man clad in black with blades like the Gerudo's, but Nabooru told them to not discuss them at the feast. Nabooru hoped that eventually the whole story would be told to her, but she did not expect such disclosure. She might never really know what happened. But it was not her concern; she was glad that everything had turned out for her friend.

She looked in his direction and saw how his eyes twinkled with happiness, and he had a big grin on his face. She then looked toward his brother, she saw that he seemed more hesitant with all the hustle and bustle, but he still seemed to be enjoying himself, and saw a small smile appear on his face from time to time. She then turned her attention toward Zelda to see how she was faring. She seemed quite tired; she was smiling and joining in the merriment, but she seemed to lean toward Link, resting slightly on his shoulder. Zelda noticed Nabooru's gaze, and sat up and gestured back, that she needed to discuss something with her. Zelda excused herself momentarily and made her way to one of the tents.

"I will go and check on the guards, and make sure your beds are prepared." Nabooru tells Link as she leaves beyond the tents, then doubles back to the tent Zelda went in.

"Nabooru." Zelda says as she comes in the tent. "Please sit down."

As Nabooru sits she asks, "What is it Princess Zelda, what did you need to discuss with me?"

"Link told me how you helped him on his search for his memories and finding me." Zelda said.

"Of course I did, I was not going to let him roam off all alone with no idea of who he was. If Ruto had gotten a hold of him… who knows what would have happened."

Zelda shuttered at the thought. "It is best not to think about that. But I am indebted to you Nabooru, you helped Link and you graciously held festivities in our honor. Is there anything I can do for you or your people to repay your kindness?"

Nabooru shakes her head as she spoke, "There is no need. Just make Link happy and rule your kingdom well."

"You are very gracious Nabooru." She said happily, but she had a very tired expression.

"It was my pleasure to help Link. Is it time for you to retire Princess? You have been through a lot." She said concerned for she seemed almost ready to faint, though she had seemed fine a couple of minutes ago.

Zelda had originally planned on saying that she was not tired, but when she tried to get up, she just felt like sinking into the bed.

"Yes… I do believe it is time for me to retire for the night, please extend my gratitude to your people for putting on a wondrous feast in our honor."

"Of course Princess. Sleep well." Nabooru said softly as she exits the tent.

When Nabooru comes back to the festivities she announces that the Princess is retiring for the night and told them of her enjoyment of the feast.

Nabooru saw the worry all over Link's face. She placed her hand on his shoulder and said.

"She is just tired, but if you wish to retire for the night as well you can if it makes you feel better being by her side."

Link looks up at his friends and gives an appreciative smile.

"Thank you for understanding Nabooru. I really owe you for helping me out. I will have to repay you somehow someday." He said, unknowingly echoing the words his love said a few minutes previous.

"No need my friend, you have done so much for us, it was the least I could do." Nabooru told him.

As Link retired for the night, Zak silently slinked off to his own tent for the night.

She still was puzzled by Link's brother, there was much mystery surrounding him. But she had other things to think about as she wrapped up the festivities and made rounds to make sure her Gerudo Guards were keeping on their toes before retiring for the night herself.

The next day was filled with goodbyes as Nabooru saw the trio off after giving them provisions. Nabooru knew the next time she would see him would be at his wedding, where she had to accept that Link was tied to the Princess heart, mind, and soul.

They had made it to Kokiri village, for Link knew that Saria would want to know that Zak was safe. Zak seemed to get more and more nervous as they got closer. He did not know how Saria would react to him now. While Link had recounted his trip to save Zelda, he still was unsure how Saria would react. Upon their entrance, there was shock from the Kokiri when they saw Zak. Some glared at him, remembering what he did to Link. Some were upset with him for leaving Saria. And others were just too surprised to tell if they were excited or unhappy that he had come back.

Suddenly Saria came rushing up to them.

"Link!" She said beaming at seeing Link ok; she quickly saw the two next to her.

"Princess Zelda," She says as she bows. "It is an honor."

"As it is for me as well Saria." Zelda says dipping her head. She had always heard so much about Link's childhood friend.

Saria smiles back at the princess, and then turns her attention toward Zak.

"Zak!" She says excitedly, unable to contain her excitement and rushes over and hugs him.

Zak was not expecting this, but hugged her back, still unsure of how to react to being near her again. He was glad that she was happy to see him.

"Saria, it is good to see you again." He said with a nervous smile on his face.

She looks into his eyes with a mix of emotions hiding within them.

"I was not sure if I would ever see you again… and what happened to you? Your eyes… their different." She was surprised by his eyes no longer holding dark and evil intent in them, they reminded her of one of the first times she saw him, all weary over the death of their parents and the long travel to Kokiri Village.

"The shadow is gone, thanks to Link and Zelda." Zak said smiling as his gaze shifted to his brother for a moment. He knew that even though he tried resisting the shadow, without his brother, the shadow would have overtaken his body. Zelda helped him realize that he did not really want to kill his brother like the shadow had wanted him to.

Saria turned to the others, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness.

"Thank you so much Link… and you Zelda, I am truly sorry that you had to be captured for Zak to be free, but I thank you for helping Zak even after he had captured you. You truly are a wonderful woman like Link says."

"I am just glad that I could help him be free." She says as she smiles, remembering his somber song he played on his violin. She had seen it in his pack of things, and hoped that he would continue making wonderful musical pieces with it.

"Come and stay awhile, everyone here will want to know what has happened." Saria commented, hoping that Zak would stay here with her, and that she would be able to spend a little more time with Link before he left with Zelda.

"Do you want to stay here for a bit my love?" Link asked Zelda, not wanting to stay if she wanted to get home, for she had been away from home long enough.

"We can stay for a bit, I want to see where you grew up after all." She said smiling, unable to hide her excitement of seeing the tree house where Link grew up.

"Okay, okay." Link said smiling back, leading her toward his old house leaving Saria and Zak by themselves.

"So what are you going to do now Zak? Will you stay here… with me?" Saria asked hopefully.

"I uh, do not know… I had not really thought about it. I do not think I really belong anywhere…" he said nervously.

Saria shook her head, "You belong here, with me. Here you can be away from the world, but be with me…"

Zak looked at Saria, seeing in her eyes, she truly wanted to be with him. He did not quite understand why she was so insistent, why she wanted to be with him so badly. While he did stand up to the Shadow, he still did not think that he could go back to a "normal" life. How could he forget the past and the bad things he has done? But the more he thought about it, if there ever was a place where could forget, or forgive himself for what he had done, it would surely be with Saria's kind soul. She always saw the best in him even when he was shrouded in shadow.

"Okay, I will stay." He says smiling, hoping that the future will hold happiness for them both.

Saria hugged him tightly all excited and relieved that he would stay with her.

When Link had finally led Zelda to his former house, she was awed by it. She had imagined so many things when he had described his house, but nothing in her imagination was quite like the house in front of her. As she made her way inside, it seemed small and cozy, and she could see Link's touches to the room. Mostly simple and functional, but there was one picture that stood out, it was of her from the time when she had first met Link. She smiled, for she knew that he had a crush on her for a long time… but she did not realize exactly how long.

"My knight, when were going to tell me about this picture you have had of me?" She said in her fake serious voice with a pretend grim expression.

"My princess…" Link started playing along. "I had not expected that you would find out about my crush on you when I first met you. You were quite out of a reach of a humble boy from the forest. For only people who distinguish themselves can earn rank of knight to be near you. I did wish to become a knight once I learned this, so I could be near you." Link admitted with a slight blush across his face.

Zelda kissed him.

"You are so very cute when you blush, you know that Link?" She said smiling wide.

Link blushed more at that comment, causing Zelda to giggle at Link's cuteness.

After a while Zelda and Link found their way back to where Saria and Zak were. Upon listening to Zak's assertion that he would be staying with Saria, Link smiled. Knowing that Saria would definitely be happy and that Zak would feel more comfortable here with Saria than with him in Hyrule Castle. Link wanted to get back home, so shortly afterwards they took their leave, saying goodbye to Saria and Zak.

Saria hugged him tightly.

"Please feel free to stop by anytime Link. We definitely will miss you!"

"Keep in touch with us brother." He said as they hugged briefly as well.

"Do not worry, we will definitely stop by!" Link said smiling.

As Link helped Zelda on Epona, he looked back at the quaint little forest village. He would miss this place…

"Shall we head out my Love?" Zelda whispered in his ear.

With that he was brought out of reminiscence, he would miss his old home, but he knew that his new home would be full of new memories with his Zelda.

He smiled, "Yes we shall. Hold on my Princess."

"Hyah!" Link shouted, Epona instantly started galloping away.

Zelda awakens from a dream, stretching as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Sunlight glistened in from her bedchamber window. She walked over opening it, breathing in the fresh air. It was good to be home. The Castle had celebrated her return the day after returning back, for she just wanted to sleep once she finally got home. She had urged her love, her personal knight to get some sleep as well, but he refused. He stayed at her door that whole night, not wanting anything to happen to her. After she had woken up, she had sent him straight to bed, for she knew he was tired.

Today had been two weeks since they had returned home. Link had started becoming less paranoid about losing her with that time, though he still seemed on edge, he did not stand guard on her room every night. She liked that, that meant she had been able to spend the day with him, while she had to attend to some matters of state, she still was allowed some alone time with her beloved Link. With all that had happened during the time that they were apart from each other, it was a lot to take in, some things still did not quite really make sense, but she knew they would in time.

She was excited to meet with him today, for their wedding was fast approaching. She quickly got dressed and went off to find him.

Link was off in a relatively hidden part of the castle. This had always been his spot to come and think. He was playing Zelda's Lullaby on his Ocarina while he was thinking. There were so many new memories of his childhood he had never had before. They seemed foreign yet familiar to him. It still was hard to believe all that had happened to Zelda, Zak and him… How they all managed to make it out safe and sound. He was grateful that they did. He did not know what he would have done if Zelda had not made it. He thought of all his friends, how his memories of them were wiped clean, but slowly came back. Friendships are hard to erase from one's mind. He now remembered why he felt the way he did when Nabooru was injured and healing.

The bomb incident… He had been trying to impress Zelda with the power of the bombs. He showed how they worked and whatnot. After he had showed her how to use them, she wanted to try. He cautiously let her. She ended up holding the bomb for too long. Link had told her to throw it as far away from her as she could. She accidentally flung it towards Link. The bomb had exploded in his face. She had managed to get him to a healer, but she was quite worried during it. When he had finally come to after the explosion, she fussed over him, sorry for what she had done. After that she promised to let Link handle the bombs from then on.

He chuckled. Zelda was so wise at times, yet so silly at others. He was glad he had her.

All of a sudden as if his thoughts had called her, he felt a pair of arms squeeze him tightly as Zelda hugged him from behind.

Zelda kissed his cheek saying, "I finally found you!"

He snuck a kiss then said. "Mmmhmmm! Did you just follow the music?"

"Once I was able to hear it I did. I should have known that you would be in your thinking spot." She said smiling.

"How did my Princess sleep?" Link asked as he turned around, pulling her close making her blush in the process.

"Very well. I had a dream about you!" She said happily.

"Oh really? And what happened in this dream with me?" He said insanely curious.

"I cannot tell you…" She said blushing more. "At least not till we are married…"

Link blushed crazily and smiled widely as he could only imagine what she had dreamed about.

"Oh I see!" He said as he passionately kissed her. After their kissing had subsided he spoke again.

"I then cannot wait until we are married in a few days and I can know!" He said with a devilish grin.

Zelda giggled and pulled him close again, giving him a quick nom on the ear.

He laughed too, for now she was just tempting him. But he could wait a few days more.

They walked away from his thinking spot, both thinking of how glad they were that they had each other and both eagerly awaiting their wedding.