eternal.

“Castle Town?” It had been quite some time since Urbosa had been able to make the journey to Central Hyrule. In the nearly ten years since the Queen’s passing and with the older the Princess became, her visits became few and far between. Zelda was a young adult now, and as such, didn’t require as much time or care from a practically adoptive mother figure anymore. Urbosa’s biological daughter, however, was still young enough to need at least some of her mother’s care and guidance.

So many duties and responsibilities kept her right here in the Gerudo Desert.

“Did she happen to mention if anything was amiss? It’s just that…it isn’t like her to not make such a request in person.”

How they had both managed to temporarily escape the business of their lives remained a mystery and felt like a miracle. Not only that, but for a few days as well! Urbosa could hardly believe it.

The Gerudo was up late, as usual, enjoying the peace and quiet the stable offered while most of its patrons slept. The stars were bright and visible with not a cloud in the sky while the gentlest of breezes blew through the area. A perfect night.

Made even more perfect once her companion decided to join her.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, the only noise being the occasional crackle from the campfire, that is… until her friend decided to break the silence with a request.

There was the smallest of pause as Urbosa’s emerald eyes cut over to the other, corners of her mouth slowly upturning into a smile. Her hand was offered, waiting to feel Calista’s smaller one in her own before pulling them both to stand, moving away from the fire and drawing Calista in close.

Closer than was probably required.

“Would you like fast…or slow?”

This wasn’t an opportunity Urbosa was willing to let go to waste.

       Dainty fingers twined with Urbosa’s own as Calista allowed herself to be pulled to a standing position. There was a gentle intake of breath as the proximity between them began to close-- has her heartbeat always been so loud? Her heart felt as though it would beat right out of her chest in that very moment. Oh, how she hoped Urbosa would not notice. 

       A bright smile would grace her lips, & Calista could feel the warmth as cheeks gained a faint hue of crimson. The mood was  not  set to dance in stride with a fast pace. No... that’s not what she was after on that seemingly perfect night. 

      “ What kind of question is that? You should know that I would prefer slow. ”      & with that, Calista began to move. Gentle as the breeze that brushed against them, she started to sway, smile remaining ever present as she led the Gerudo in their dance. The fluid movements came easy to the Princess, having attended countless formal gatherings at the palace. 

       This time was different.

        “Depends on what end you’re on,” Link teased back with a lighthearted chuckle. 

        Though that was all he needed to hear before swiftly getting to work. He set the bundle of wood he held near him before brandishing his sword and unleashing a few precise cuts on the nearest tree. A few precise hits to the trunk and the tree came tumbling down. Squirrels in the area scampered off leaving some of their treasure trove of nuts scattered about. 

        “This is good practice,” Link huffed, rolling his arm back.

PRIMARY.

SECONDARY.

AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

    “Thank you, Impa, but I can continue.” 

    She had to, no matter how insistently the sun tried to beat upon her head, capturing the light of her hair and using it to trap layers of heat. Zelda’s legs pushed through the sand until her calves burned. Vaguely, she recalled when the Duke of Falkirk once offered to gift her a rare pair of sand boots in exchange for a private dinner together, which she declined. Now, however, she was somewhat regretting that particular decision. 

    “How is the Sheikah Slate? Is the map functioning yet?” 

       Impa could only hold her breath, forcing back the lingering sigh that threatened to spill out. Their journey together was proving to be more arduous than she’d anticipated & if the Sheikah was reeling, she could only imagine how the Princess felt after so long. Yet they’d press on, Impa falling back a step & ever vigilant of their surroundings. It was her  DUTY  to protect the Princess at all costs & with great pride, she would see it through. 

       Bright rays of moonlight illuminated the night, along with the fading glow of the dwindling campfire. Solemn gaze remained transfixed on low embers-- to be traveling with Urbosa felt like a dream. To be settling in for the night at one of the many stables that decorated their path to the Zora’s Domain, it felt surreal to the Princess. 

        Sneaking out to watch what remained of the campfire whilst her guard - Dimitri - slumbered blissfully in one of the beds was far too easy. Though Dimitri was getting up there in age, Calista knew her safety was assured with Urbosa so close to her side. If only it could stay that way.. But alas, once their trip would come to an end, they’d return to their respective towns & their duties.