Chapter Text
Cal was kneeling on a pillow in a shrine carved into the mountains around Death Mountain,a small stream of water flowing through which provided cool air to keep the shrine at a comfortable temperature. The shrine was, somehow surprising to Cal, still a dedication to Hylia, specifically constructed for marriage. Her hands were cupped and outstretched, which caught the tiny flow of water so that it fell into her hands before falling to make the stream that passed them. She was carved to wear not the simple dress and shawl he had seen most other statues depict her in, but in a kimono with a traditional Sheikah headdress. It was a more elaborate version to the one that Impa wore kneeling beside him.
Cal was also dressed in traditional Sheikah clothes, though not the skintight outfits he thought of when Impa told him he would be wearing Sheikah attire. It was the full kimonos he had seen being sold at a single shop in Kakariko. They robes had a lot of layers, but he wasn’t as hot as he thought he would be. Not as hot as he thought Impa must have been, who had even more layers than he did.
Everyone here was wearing formal Sheikah clothes, his and Impa’s being the most elaborate. Mellin was the only other one to be wearing more elaborate robes as the officiant of the ceremony.
But it was hard to focus on any of their clothes, really, or even what anyone but Impa was doing - even Mellin. Since some unexpected guests, to Cal, had joined them at the wedding. Cal had expected himself, Arn, and Sophia (who had also dressed in formal, traditional Sheikah clothes they wore respectfully and appropriately) to be the only other Hylians in attendance. But there were two other ones that he didn’t expect…
Queen Zelda and her husband, King Daphnes.
The Royal pair had been escorted in by the ten other Sheikah that were guests of the ceremony. Cal had been too stunned to speak to them, even as they came up to where he and Impa sat just before the shrine and bowed to them, like the other guests had. Both royals were in Sheikah clothes that, surprisingly, didn’t outshine their own outfits. The only thing that gave away their royal stature were the hairpins they wore - the only guests to wear anything in their hair other than himself, Impa, and Mellin.
Cal had never seen the royal couple this close, but Queen Zelda smiled warmly at Impa, taking her hand after they bowed. The two seemed close, which surprised Cal. Not that Impa hadn’t told him the exact relationship between her and the queen, but that she was so close to her - especially after everything she told him about Tomotoshi.
“But then they respectfully took their own seats with Arn and Sophia being just as star struck to be guests at the same event the king and queen were. But luckily, the three remaining Hylians kept their cool as the ceremony began.
Mellin was kneeling on a pillow in front of them as well, on a small dais above them at the foot of the shrine. Behind them knelt their guests on their own pillows, though there were less than fifteen people in the cave, which looked as if it could hold one hundred. Mellin was conducting a tea ceremony in silence. The entire cave was silent save the sounds of the water flowing around them.
Mellin poured a single cup of tea, placing it before Cal with a nod. “Calvin Tulas,” He finally said, his voice quiet, but it carried in the silence of the cave. “You are to be joined to Impa. You are to be a man who loves a shadow. Do you accept this responsibility?”
“I do,” Cal said, his voice also quiet but easily heard.
“Drink from the cup.” Mellin commanded Cal, passing him the cup of tea. “And speak your words of commitment to Impa. Tell her how you will live your life with her, despite the fact that her oath supercedes her love.”
Cal took the cup and turned to look at Impa. “I know your oath will be your priority over everything in your life, including me. And I want you to know I will never forget that and I will still love you no matter what happens and no matter what you do. I will always be by your side and always protect your secrets even under threat of harm. I love you, Impa, and I always will.” He raised the cup to her and then took a sip of the tea before placing it back down.
Mellin passed the tea to Impa with a nod. “Impa. Drink from the tea as well, and speak your own words of commitment to Calvin.”
Impa took the tea and turned to face Cal. “Calvin…” she said in a clear voice. “While I will always have my duty to the crown and my clan, it is a great privilege of mine to be able to love you as I can. I will keep you in my heart always, no matter what I may be called to do and no matter what life will bring. I love you, Calvin Tulas, and I always will.” With that, she drank the rest of the tea and gave the cup back to Mellin.
Mellin nodded, adding some pigments and herbs to the cup and stirring things up. “Calvin. Impa. Extend your hands.” Both of them did as they were asked, and Mellin pricked their thumbs, letting a drop of blood fall into the mixture. “The paints are mixed.” He said, stirring them once more.
Mellin took hold of the paints, pressing his thumb into the paint before pressing it to Cal’s forehead. “You are marked as an honorary Sheikah, Calvin Tulas.” He said, adding an eye design around the thumbprint on Cal’s forehead and adding a teardrop. “You are under our protection now, and for all time.” He slowly made his way to Arn and Sophia, repeating the process for them as well.
“And you, Arn and Sophia Hateno. You and yours are family to us, as you are family to Calvin. You are welcome in our village, and we will assist you in the future.” Mellin bowed to the pair respectfully. “May your lives be long and fruitful.” He made several quick hand gestures, causing the paint to flash and vanish from each of them. “We will know you now, and we will know your children.”
Arn and Sophia looked at each other with wide eyes, though they seemed excited as Mellin came back to the shrine. Cal looked over at Impa and reached over, taking her hand and squeezing it. Impa smiled in return, squeezing it back before taking her hand back as Mellin returned to the shrine.
“Turn to face your guests,” Mellin told them as he grabbed a brazier of incense. Impa and Cal turned around as Mellin took the brazier on a chain and swirled the smoke around the pair. “To you all as witnesses, I declare Calvin Tulas bonded with Impa, making him a part of the Sheikah clan and the two wed.” He placed the brazier back down before the statue of Hylia. The smoke swirled around the statue and then it gave a soft white glow before going dark again. Mellin nodded and clapped his hands, bowing to the statue, as did all the other Sheikah with the royals, Calvin, Arn, and Sophia clumsily following after. “So witnessed, too, by our Lady Hylia.” He said.
And then, the ceremony was over.
“Congratulations, Impa, Cal.” Queen Zelda said, walking up to Cal with a bow. “It was a beautiful ceremony. I’m very happy for you both.”
“T-thank you, your majesty,” Cal said quickly, bowing to Zelda quickly. “It’s an honor to have you in attendance.”
“It was an honor.” King Daphnes said with a light smile. “Impa has been a trusted part of our family. Attending her wedding is the least we could do.”
“Yes, I know she is supposed to be an aloof, shadow body guard, but Impa has been around me for, gosh, I think my entire life,” Queen Zelda said with a thoughtful smile. “I was so pleased to hear that she found someone to love and decided to get married. Even more pleased she invited me to the ceremony.” She smiled at Cal. “And to meet her blushing groom, of course.”
Impa smiled at Queen Zelda. “I’m only about as old as you are, My Queen. You make me sound like an old woman.”
Queen Zelda giggled. “Yes, I suppose I did. Ironic, given that I think I’m actually a year older than you.” She smiled at Impa. “But that just means you’re my oldest friend.”
“And I will always be your friend, My Queen, even when we are both in our dotage.” Impa replied, her eyes soft. “Perhaps we can sit around and argue whose grandchildren are cuter.”
Queen Zelda giggled. “I will have princes and princesses to contend with, so you will have a challenge on your hands to outdo me!”
“And my grandchildren will be shadowing your grandchildren.” Impa teased back with a smile. “Perhaps they will grow to resemble one another.”
“Perhaps a pair might even fall in love,” Queen Zelda teased. “And then you and I can be sisters!” she said with a cheerful laugh.
“That would be wonderful - especially since they would no longer face ostracism for their relationship.” Impa nodded. “To have the royal family and the Sheikah Clan celebrated at once would be an honor beyond compare.”
“I could say the same,” Queen Zelda said with a smile. She reached down and took Impa’s hand again, giving it a squeeze. “As much as I would love to keep talking… I know others wish to speak to you, so Daphnes and I will take our leave. Congratulations again, Impa.” She turned and took Cal’s hand afterwards, giving it a squeeze as well. “Congratulations, Calvin. I hope we can speak more in the future.”
“My Lady.” Cal said, bowing deeply. “Thank you. To have you and King Daphnes at my wedding is an honor beyond compare.”
“It was our pleasure,” Queen Zelda said with a smile. “And there is no need for bowing - I have told Impa long ago not to bow and I do not expect her husband to bow either.”
“I apologize, but I am a mere Lieutenant. Not to bow to my Queen would be an offense.” Cal replied. “Just ask Captain Hateno - I still don’t even call him by his given name.”
Queen Zelda chuckled. “Oh, very well. I suppose I have time to convince you to just call me ‘Zelda’ or ‘Adeya’, when I have my own daughter.” She bowed to the pair again. “At any rate, we are needed back at the Castle. It was as honor, you two,” she said before she turned and the Sheikah escorted the pair away.
Cal watched as the pair left before laughing incredulously. “I’m gonna tell this story to our kids…” He said with a laugh. “The King and Queen came to our wedding… she even knew my name!”
“Of course she did - I have talked to her quite a bit about you,” Impa said with a chuckle.
“Hopefully you said good things.” Cal said with a chuckle. “Like how I jump every time you scare me.”
“I did include things like that,” Impa said with a chuckle. “And how you are a good man she should consider promoting.”
“Which brings me into the equation.” Arn said, walking up to Cal. “You can’t call me Captain Hateno anymore.” He grinned at Cal as he pulled him into a hug. “For one thing, I got a promotion to General, and for another thing, I retired.”
“At the same time?” Cal asked in confusion as Arn and Sophia gave them a small bow. He laughed. “Are you finally going out to that little place you’ve been eying out by the forest?”
“Yep. Got the promotion for a better pension.” Arn said, kissing Sophia on the cheek. “We’re gonna settle down, have a mess of kids, and enjoy the rest of our lives.”
“You deserve it… Arn,” Cal said with a laugh. “Wow, okay, that is going to take some getting used to.”
Arn grinned happily. “Finally got it! Oh, man, it feels good to just be Arn again!”
“Don’t tempt me or I’ll start calling you ‘general’ on principle,” Cal said with a laugh. “But I wish you two well. Going to meet us for the reception in Kakariko?”
“You know it!” Arn laughed. “And you better get started on having that kid, because Sophie and I are gonna be racing you!”
“You might have gotten a wife before me, but you won’t have a kid,” Cal said confidently. He glanced at Impa, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. Cal looked back at Arn with a victorious smile. “We’re already expecting!” he said triumphantly.
Arn raised an eyebrow. “When did you find out? She’s flat as all get out - I have more of a gut than her!”
“I have been pregnant for two weeks.” Impa replied simply. “We conceived seventeen days ago, to be precise, at nine forty nine PM.”
“That… might be a bit more information than they needed…” Cal said, embarrassed.
Arn groaned in defeat while Sophia beamed, taking Impa’s hands in hers. “Oh, congratulations! I know it’s still early, but that’s so exciting! I hope to have my own little one soon!”
“I’m sure they will be a delight for you.” Impa said with a bow. “I am looking forward to greeting my child as well.”
“I see I have been defeated in having a child before you,” Arn said with a laugh, shaking his head. “Ah well - I suppose that makes us even, then.” He shook Cal’s hand. “Congrats, soldier - for all of it.”
“Thanks, Cap– Arn.” Cal smiled. “I hope our kids can be friends - make sure to bring them to meet us, okay?”
“Our child may well serve the Royal Family.” Impa reminded Cal with a smile. “It would be nice if our child, Arn’s child, and a future princess could all grow up together, wouldn’t it?”
“That would be amazing!” Sophia said happily. “All of us could grow as closer friends while our children made lifelong friends!”
Cal laughed softly. “That would be a dream come true…” He said with a smile. “Some days, I almost expect to wake up to find all this has been a wonderful dream…”
“Cal. Wake up.” Impa said firmly, shaking Cal awake. “Wake up, I said!” She repeated, groaning slightly. “Why did I marry a man who could sleep through Death Mountain erupting?”
Cal bolted upright with a half snort, half choking on the drool in his mouth. He cleared his throat and looked over at Impa, blinking. “Wazzat? Wassup?” he asked groggily, trying to gather himself.
“The baby’s coming!” Impa hissed, wincing once again. “I need you to go get the midwife and her assistants!” She groaned once more, holding her stomach. “And hurry, please!”
Suddenly Cal was completely awake. He was up and had his pants on record time before he ran out the door, not even putting his boots on as he ran though the sleeping, snow covered Kakariko village. Impa lived on the outskirts in a hidden home above the village. The path was long, but Cal ran the entire way and made it to the healer’s home in record time, throwing open the door with a loud bang.
A woman that was reading on the other side of the room jumped as he ran in. “Goodness!” she said, standing up as she took in Cal. “Cal, what–?”
“Baby,” Cal gasped out around his heavy breathing. “Coming… now!”
The midwife ran to her tools, gathering them in a matter of moments. “I’ll be there! Go get water on the stove!” She yelled, pausing only to slap a few of her assistants awake. She grabbed a random pair of shoes and threw them to Cal. “Go, Cal! But put those shoes on first!”
Cal got the shoes on - which were a little small, but he didn’t care - only halfway and ran back home. By the time Cal got back, the healer was set up, her assistants were disinfecting their hands, and Impa was already doing rhythmic breathing. “Sorry it took me!” Cal gasped out, severely winded. “I’ll get the water on!”
“Wait!” Impa said around her breathing. “They… have it…” she said, looking at him. “You… stay…”
Cal was by Impa’s side out of the way of the midwives immediately, taking one of her hands. “Here,” he told her, even as he struggled to breathe and started to shiver from the cold.
“Blanket.” One of the assistants said, draping a blanket across Cal’s shoulders.
“Fire.” Another said, idly tossing a small explosive into the fireplace, igniting the logs.
Impa squeezed Cal’s hand tightly as he wrapped himself in the blanket as best he could. She looked up at Cal as the midwives moved around them. “You’re… still… here…” she said, her tone slightly amazed.
“Still shocks you, huh?” Cal asked, kissing her hand. “I told you I wasn’t going to leave you.”
“Got fat… got emotional…” Impa muttered, grabbing onto Cal’s hand with her other hand as well. “Yelled at you a few times…”
“You’ve been working hard on this baby - it’s to be expected,” Cal said with the same smile, holding her hands with both of his as well. “I’ll take getting yelled at a few times if it means I get to be a dad.”
“You’re such a good man, Cal…” Impa said, wincing again. “I hope… I hope it’s a girl…”
“Yeah?” Cal asked, keeping calm even as he knew she was in pain. “Hoping for little Paya or Chara?”
Impa looked at Cal, smiling as best she could. “Either… as long as they have you for a father, they’ll be incredible…”
“And for you as a mother,” Cal said, kissing Impa’s cheek. “You’ll show them how to be dutiful and loyal like I could only dream.”
“Mmm…” Impa paused to breathe for a short time, “No… you’ll teach them so much better than me…” She groaned as the midwife gave her some tea. “All the children we have together…”
“The multitudes,” Cal said with a laugh. “Since you’ll be in the prime for having babies for… what? The next thirty or forty years?”
Impa chuckled quietly. “It’s an… advantage to living so long…” She said with a smile. “We’re in our prime all the way up to our seventies or eighties…”
“One baby will be old enough to start thinking about being their own person and then we can make a new one, if that’s what you want,” Cal said with a chuckle, leaning over and giving her a kiss on the forehead again.
“Mmm…” Impa smiled quietly. “You could be a dad again in your sixties, even…” She laughed quietly, looking into Cal’s eyes. “When most men are retiring, you’d be a new father…”
“There’s nothing I’d love more,” Cal told her happily. “I always wanted to be a father. And if I could spend my retirement doing that? Sounds perfect.”
“The tea will kick in soon.” The midwife said. “She’s been in active labor for about an hour - this will speed up the process.” She looked up at Cal. “She’ll be in pain and there will be blood.”
“I can handle it,” Cal said confidentially, squeezing Impa’s hand. “She wants me here, so that’s where I’m going to be.”
“Very well.” The midwife replied. ‘Hot towels.”
“Hot towels.” An assistant repeated, handing one over to the midwife.
“Suture kit.” the other said, handing the midwife that as well.
The process was long and bloody, just as the midwife warned. Impa didn’t cry out like Cal knew women did in childbirth. But even as upsetting as it was to see her bloodied and abused as the midwife and her assistants worked… thirteen hours later, it was all over and Impa was sweaty and semi conscious, but holding a tiny crying baby in her arms. The baby was just as much of a mess as Impa was, covered in blood and fluids Cal didn’t want to think about.
But Impa couldn’t be happier as she beamed down at the baby. The midwife took the baby to clean her as an assistant came over to clean Impa. Cal assisted with that, cleaning up her face and chest then carrying her over to another bed - one that was clean. Impa kept her eyes on the baby, who had red eyes and a shock of white hair on her head. A Sheikah girl.
Impa smiled weakly at the baby as the assistants got her comfortable. Cal tried to step back, but Impa pulled him back to her, encouraging him to get into the bed with her. Cal flipped over and settled between her and the wall as the midwife returned with the baby, now wrapped securely in a blanket.
“A healthy baby girl,” the midwife told Impa as she handed the baby to her. “Congratulations, Impa. You two seem to have made it with no complications.”
“Paya.” Cal said, holding out his finger, which the baby grabbed with all her strength. “Hey there. I’m your papa.”
Paya took this news well, ignoring Cal entirely and nursing. Cal laughed as he watched her gently running his thumb over her soft fingers. “Well, food is important, so I’ll worry about introductions later,” he told her with a bright smile.
“At least you know where you stand.” Impa laughed softly, gently stroking Paya’s hair as she ate. “Look, Cal - her ears wiggle as she drinks.”
“Like a kitten! That’s so cute!” Cal said happily.
“She’s so sweet, so innocent, so…” Impa paused, blinking in confusion as tears began rolling down her cheeks. “I’m crying. Why?”
“You created new life,” Cal said as he gently wiped Impa’s cheeks. “You have a child… a family now… I think you’re happy, Impa…” he said with a watery laugh as he started to cry himself. “We’re a family!” he told her with as much excitement as he could while being quiet.
“We are!” Impa laughed quietly. “Oh, Paya… I hope your life is filled with joy.”
“And that your life is filled with triple the friends we have,” Cal agreed, kissing Impa and then Paya’s head. “And we already love you so much.”
Cal had a few perfect years before the first tragedy hit. He was in their new home in Castle Town feeding Paya when Impa appeared into the room, looking serious. Cal turned to welcome her home when his face dropped at her expression. He made sure Paya had her food before he got up and hugged Impa. “What happened?” he asked her quietly.
“You should sit, Cal.” Impa said, ushering Cal over to his chair. “I have… some sad news for you.” She sat across from Cal taking his hands. “Arn Hateno, Sophia Hateno, and their child are… missing. Presumed dead.”
Cal felt his heart drop as his expression turned horrified. “What…?” he whispered.
“There… was a battle that broke out on Bourne lands,” Impa explained quietly. “Surely you heard…?”
“The… the one people are calling the last battle of the Unification war?” Cal asked, his mind still reeling.
“Yes…” Impa told him quietly, holding his hands tightly still. “We were unable to locate their bodies, but…” She shook her head. “That in and of itself says much.” She squeezed Cal’s hands. “We tracked Arn and Sophia, who split up. We lost Arn’s trail, but Sophia’s… the tracks led to the Lost Woods.”
“And no one returns from the Lost Woods…” Cal said quietly. “Goddesses… she was probably running with their child…” He found his hands shaking as he felt a dream - that the Hateno’s child would get to be friends with Paya and the princess - die inside of him. “Captain Hateno… Arn…” He pressed Impa’s hands to his forehead as he began to cry.
Impa gently pulled Cal into her arms as he sobbed. He practically tried to crawl into her lap, but the chair wouldn’t have it, so Impa moved them gently to the ground, still holding them. Cal cried for a long time and it was only when Paya began to be fussy that Impa gently led Cal to their bed, laying him in it to take care of Paya.
Once Paya was settled, Impa found Cal exactly where she left him. She crawled into bed around him, pulling him to her chest. He clung to her, still sobbing quietly. “I… I can’t believe…” Cal was trying to say, crying harder. “Why… why…” he whispered, knowing there was no answer.
“Cal, I’m so sorry…” Impa said, gently rubbing his back. “I know Captain Hateno was important to you…” She sighed softly, rubbing his back some more. “I swear, we will search for them as much as we can.”
“I… if you couldn’t find Arn… he’s gone…” Cal said around his shaky, sob filled voice. “And the Lost Woods are a death trap. She… they’re not coming back out.”
Impa pressed a kiss to Cal’s head. She knew this was true - the chances of Arn, Sophia, and their baby Link being alive were basically zero - but she didn’t want to say so. Not right now - even if Cal seemed to realize it.
“Din’s fury… I really hope what was left of the dissonants are gone…” Cal said, his body going tense as she saw grief and anger war in him. He held Impa tighter to him. “Queen Irene was supposed to have put an end to this war years ago… and now…” he started to shake. “And now… The Hatenos are…”
“I know, Cal…” Impa whispered. “It’s just as much the Sheikah’s fault as anyone else’s… they stayed so low to the ground they even escaped our information network.” She rested her head against Cal’s own, not wanting to tell him that Mellin had been banished from Kakariko for his failure to root out the insurgents during his tenure. “We… we will live with that shame. I will live with that shame.”
Cal held onto Impa tightly again, so tight she was almost uncomfortable, but she didn’t say anything. After a long moment he finally loosened his grip on her, though he kept her in his arms. “I… did the people that started all this… are they gone?” he asked quietly.
Impa nodded. “They are. Queen Zelda… she wanted to offer amnesty, but they refused, to a man.” She shut her eyes. “They are all dead.”
“Good… it’s what they deserve…” Cal said angrily. There was more vitriol in his voice than she had ever heard before, though she couldn’t say she was surprised. She was, if she was honest with herself, just happy that he was not angry at her.
“I’m sorry, Cal.” Impa said, once again. “I’m so, so sorry…”
Cal cried himself to sleep and then didn’t get out of bed for a few days. Impa took care of Paya and tried to convince him to eat as much as she could. He started moving again, but a week after the battle… more news came and Arn’s body was found. Cal took this news better, of course, as he already knew his friend was gone. But still… he cried himself to sleep in Impa’s arms again that night.
A few days later, Cal stood in his army best as he and his fellow soldiers sent Arn off. It felt so strange for Cal to be the next of kin, since this should have gone to Sophia… but even she was gone, and they didn’t even have a body to bury. But Cal managed to make it through the funeral with his head held high, though his cheeks were constantly wet. But… when he came home, holding Paya close… he did not cry himself to sleep again.
“It was…” Impa frowned slightly, bowing her head, “The ceremony showed just how well loved Arn and Sophia were.” She shook her head. “I had never seen King Daphnes cry before today.”
“It did…” Cal said, holding Paya to his chest, rocking her back and forth as she slept, his eyes distant. “Arn was a good man and I know I’m never going to stop missing him.” he kissed Paya’s head. “But…” the ghost of a smile passed his lips. “I know Arn would want me to be happy and remember him telling me his wild tales over too much ale. Not… not lowering his casket.” He nuzzled Paya’s hair. “I… I wish his kid had made it… I know Link was the most important thing to him.”
“I…” Impa took a deep breath. “Our beliefs are not the same, Cal, but… I believe that he and Sophia and Link have all become part of the shadows now. They are themselves, but they are each other as well. They have no more secrets, no more pain, only comforting darkness in which they may rest.” She closed her eyes, whispering a quiet prayer. “May they rest in and with each other.”
“So long as they’re together, that’s all that matters…” Cal said quietly. He looked over to Impa and reached out, taking her hand in his. “I’ll be able to follow you into the shadows when I’m gone, right? I’ll be able to wait for you there?”
“I pray that is the case, Cal.” Impa said, running her hand along Cal’s cheek. “If I could not see you after my death, I would know that I was being punished, not rewarded.”
“I can’t imagine that Hylia or the gods would be that cruel to either of us…” Cal said with a sad smile, pressing his face into her hand and kissing her palm. “I cherish every second of us being together… and I know it won’t be enough. Forever would barely do…” he gave her a sad smile. “So I’ll have to stay by your side when we both meet our own final rest.”
“We can agree on that, then…” Impa sighed quietly. “Cal? Can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course…” Cal told her, moving his hand up to hold hers.
“I… have failed as a Sheikah, Cal.” Impa said, squeezing Cal’s hand. “I swore an oath that my loyalty to the royal family was above all others… but it is not. Not anymore.” She closed her eyes, letting a single tear fall. “If they commanded me to kill you or Paya… I would deny them.”
“Would you like to know my thoughts on that?” Cal asked, looking up at Impa compassionately.
“You are ashamed of me, I am sure.” Impa sighed.
“Nope - not even slightly,” Cal said with a small chuckle. “And my thoughts are that if you told Queen Zelda that, she’d say she understood or might even be proud of you for making us a higher priority.”
“I cannot imagine a scenario in which that would be true, but…” Impa smiled to herself, “It’s a nice fantasy, at least.”
“Maybe you should ask her,” Cal offered as he kissed her palm. “You two are close - I think she’d be truthful with you.”
Impa shook her head fiercely. “No. Never. Zelda must never, ever know. I will carry this shame to my grave.”
“Whatever you say, Impa…” Cal said with a sigh. “Can… can we put Paya to bed? I… I’d really like to hold you…” he said, his voice shaky and his eyes going distant again.
“Of course.” Impa said, taking Paya and walking off. She barely got out of eyesight before dropping her head and sobbing. Cal, you may hurt badly now, but one day, you will realize this pain is a blessing. She thought. You are lucky - you’re allowed to be a person.
Six months later, Cal was feeling almost normal again, even gaining a promotion for himself to Captain, when their life changed again. But this was much happier news, as Queen Zelda announced to Hyrule the news it had all been waiting for since she and King Daphnes took the throne. News to help take the minds off many people in the wake of the final battle of the Unification War.
Queen Zelda was with child.
Queen Zelda sat happily in her parlor with her hands over her pregnant belly. To the naked eye, she was alone, but she had tea set for two in front of her. She hummed happily as she poured more honey into her tea and ate the many many snacks that were around her. “Mm!” she said happily as she ate a small tea sandwich. “I wonder if I will still like pickles this much when I am no longer pregnant..” she speculated happily. “Though you would know about how cravings work better than I, right?” she asked the apparently empty room.
“I had… relatively few cravings,” Impa said, stepping out of the shadows with a bow, “But my tastes did change. I developed a peculiar fondness for cucumber and cottage cheese sandwiches.” She chuckled to herself. “I am surprised Cal did not leave me for that.”
“Well, Cal loves you more than life itself and almost as much as he loves Paya,” Zelda said with a giggle. “Sit, sit - I wanted to talk to you about the new Zelda that will be showing up in a few weeks!”
“I am excited, I must admit.” Impa said with a small smile, taking the offered seat. “I swear to guard her with my life, and I will serve as her nursemaid to the utmost of my abilities, if you so wish.”
Zelda gave a small gasp, but it quickly turned into a laugh. “That is my wish! Ah, but I shouldn’t be surprised that you were able to read my mind and would know exactly why I wanted to talk to you today.”
“I make it my business to know the goings-on and anticipate any and all possibilities.” Impa replied with a chuckle. “And, I must admit… I desire to honor Arn Hateno’s wish as best I can. He wanted our children to be friends.”
“Yes, and I would love for Paya to know and grow up with my Zelda…” Zelda said, resting her hand on her belly again with a fond smile. “And I want to make sure she is protected by the best…” she looked up at Paya. “I know it’s awful for me to ask you to play nursemaid when you have your own little one… but I know you’ll keep my little Amari safe, no matter what.”
“It would actually be much easier for me, since I have Paya.” Impa said with a small laugh. “I am already learning to handle children, I can get them on the same feeding schedules, and even serve as a wet nurse if you desire.” She bowed slightly. “I am, as always, your right hand, My Queen.”
“I don’t think being a wet nurse is necessary, but thank you,” Queen Zelda said with a smile. “And, truth be told, it’s a king’s duty to raise the child, so I am sure you will not be needed too much, as Daphnes will be looking after her mostly.”
“I understand, but I wished to offer regardless.” Impa said, bowing once more. “I…” She took a deep breath. “My Queen, may I speak to you as a friend, and not a servant, just for the moment?”
“Aw, I was already speaking to you mostly as a friend, but yes, please, I would appreciate that,” Queen Zelda said, drinking more of her tea.
Impa cleared her throat lightly. “Zelda. My Queen. My friend.” She took a deep breath once more. “I feel like I failed Captain Hateno and Cal. I am the Grandmaster of the Sheikah, and yet my father claimed responsibility for failing to anticipate the insurgent’s attack. The responsibility - and the punishment - should have been mine.”
Queen Zelda calmly finished her tea, sighing in contentment before putting the cup back down. She smiled gently at Impa. “No,” she said happily with the same content smile.
Impa’s face went blank. “I’m… sorry?” She said, utterly flummoxed.
“I have long since told you that, as Queen of Hyrule, I will not interfere with the affairs of the other people that call Hyrule home,” Queen Zelda said serenely. “And as such, I said nothing when your people and clan decided that Mellin should be punished for not finding those that led the attack that marked the final battle of the Unification War.” Her smile remained unchanged, but as her eyes turned to Impa, she saw a hard glint inside of them. “But I did not agree with your choices. Mellin served me and my mother with the utmost dedication. But he is mortal, not god, and could not see what was invisible. And as such, I certainly do not agree that the responsibility for what occurred should fall on you.”
Impa bowed her head all the same. “I… also have a confession, Zelda. One that fills me with so much shame, but… as your friend, I must confess it to you.”
Queen Zelda tilted her head at Impa. “Yes? What might that be?”
Impa sighed deeply. “My oath to you and Daphnes… it has faltered. I should - I must - favor your lives and your whims above all others, but…” She shivered quietly, standing, only to kneel and press her head to the ground. “While I would obey most any command you gave me, while I would give my life in an instant should you but ask… not Cal. Not Paya. I am shamed, beyond all measure, but… I could not take their lives. I could not hurt them. Not even if you commanded it. To me, Cal and Paya… they occupy the place in my soul where you and King Daphnes should rightfully stand.” She took a deep breath. “I await my punishment.”
Queen Zelda was quiet for a moment before Impa heard her shift. “Impa?” she asked calmly. “Would you please stand and kneel before me, so I can reach you? With your head up, please.”
Impa rose to her feet, wondering if Queen Zelda had deemed to smite her right then and there. She moved to be just in front of Queen Zelda, her head bowed, even as she wanted to press it to the floor again. Queen Zelda placed her hands on Impa’s shoulders gently and Impa braced for the power of Hylia that was surely about to destroy her…
And instead, she felt Queen Zelda lean down to give her a soft kiss to the top of the head. “There… I would have done so from where you were on the floor, but I can’t crouch down like that with this belly of mine,” she said with a chuckle.
Impa stayed kneeling, her mind running completely wild. “I… forgive me, My Queen, but I don’t understand.”
“Your punishment is to be my friend and love Cal and Paya as much as you do,” Queen Zelda said with a small laugh. “You are commanded to continue to live your life as you have, though without any guilt, if you could.”
“I…” Impa dared to look up at Zelda. “Z-Zelda…?”
Queen Zelda took the opportunity to cradle Impa’s face when she looked up, smiling down at Impa kindly. “There’s your pretty face!” she said happily.
“Zelda, I don’t understand.” Impa said, her face creased with concern. “I have committed the most unforgivable sin a Sheikah can possibly commit - I hold others above my charge. My loyalty is not absolute. I am…” I’ve been a person. Impa thought, though she dared not speak it. “I am… a failure as a Sheikah, and as such, I have no worth to you.”
“You are worthy to me, Impa,” Queen Zelda told her gently. “I never wanted your people to be so blindly and utterly devoted to the crown as it is.” She smiled as if she could see down to Impa’s soul. “I want you to be people, Impa - not shadows that have no wills or wants of your own. I appreciate your dedication, but I hope you can lead your people into a new life where you live it rather than live for the crown.”
“Zelda…” Impa bowed her head once more. “I would… I… words cannot express my gratitude. Know that… behind Cal and Paya, you stand proud in my heart, regardless of my oath.”
“And that’s enough,” Queen Zelda said, running her hand through Impa’s hair affectionately. “I want you to be happy with your family, Impa. I’m happy to hear you love them more than me.”
“You are…” Impa took Zelda’s hand, kissing her knuckles. “I do not deserve to serve you or to count you as my friend… but I am thankful beyond words that I do, Zelda.”
“I am the lucky one to have you as such a devoted friend, Impa,” Queen Zelda said with a chuckle. “Now, how about we finish our tea?”
Queen Zelda bore her child with success and presented Hyrule to its crown princess, Zelda Amari. Paya was introduced to the young princess quickly and Impa was her dedicated nursemaid and guardian, using every opportunity she could to have Paya and Zelda together. And as both Impa and Cal were happily able to watch Paya and Amari begin to develop a friendship…
Queen Zelda became ill.
It was not concerning at first. She became tired quickly and needed more rest than before. And then she began to become gaunt and wouldn’t eat. She became weaker and weaker… and then they found the cancer inside her.
Impa was one of the few that were told about Queen Zelda’s dire condition. At this time. Princess Amari was only four and already knew something was wrong with her mother. Amari was much more interested in being with her mother than playing with Paya, which upset Paya, unable to understand what was happening.
“Mama, does Ama hate me?” Paya asked quietly as Impa walked home with her one evening. “She doesn’t like to play with me anymore…”
“No, Paya… Ama is… she’s very worried about her mommy, and so she wants to spend a lot of time with her.” Impa said, squeezing Paya’s hand softly. “She’s being a good, caring daughter. That’s all.”
“Oh yeah, Queen Zel-la is always really tired, isn’t she?” Paya asked, becoming thoughtful. “Is that why King Daphni is always at court instead?”
“Mm-hm.” Impa nodded, giving Paya a quiet smile. “King Daphnes is filling in for Queen Zelda while she’s… tired.” Her face fell ever so slightly - she knew her friend was dying, slowly and painfully, but she couldn’t say so. Not to Paya.
“Okay…” Paya said, both soothed, but also thoughtful. She looked up at Impa with her big red eyes. “Mama…? Is Queen Zel-la going to be okay?” she asked quietly.
Impa frowned softly, crouching down to be eye level with Paya. And just as she didn’t want to tell this to her little girl, upon being asked directly, she found that she couldn’t lie - and so it all came spilling out. “No. She isn’t, Paya.” She said, squeezing her daughter’s shoulder. “You must not tell anyone, Amari most of all, but… Queen Zelda is dying. She will be gone soon - and that is why Amari is spending as much time with her mother as she can… because soon she will have no time left.”
Paya was quiet for a long moment, thinking over Impa’s words. She then hugged Impa’s neck tightly. “Mama? Do… do I have lots of time with you and Daddy?”
“I… hope so, Paya. If I have any say in it, you do. But that is the way of life, Paya - sometimes bad things happen and all you can do is survive.”
“Okay…” Paya said softly and Impa heard her voice shake. “Mama…? I…” she sniffled. “I think I’m really sad…” she said as she started to quietly cry into Impa’s shoulder.
“So am I, Paya. So am I.” Impa nodded. “Queen Zelda is one of my best friends, and I will miss her terribly.” She picked up Paya gently. “Come. We will go home, and your father will tell you about his best friend, Arn Hateno.” She smiled lightly at her daughter. “Just because someone dies does not mean they are truly gone, Paya - we will show that to you.”
“Okay…” Paya said as she nuzzled her face in Impa’s neck.
Impa carried Paya back to their home, the two of them not speaking as Paya sniffled occasionally, but mostly was lost in thought. When they arrived, Cal was home, cooking, and recognized the mood instantly. With a short explanation of what Paya needed, but not why, Cal regaled Paya with tales of Arn Hateno, getting Paya laughing in no time. Cal glanced at Impa often, but of course, she gave nothing away.
But when Paya was settled for the night and Cal and Impa were settled into their bed, Cal looked at Impa seriously, holding her close. “Zelda is in a really bad way, isn’t she?” he asked softly.
“She is.” Impa said simply. “Each day she lives is one that is unexpected.” She lay back, staring up at the ceiling. “The cancer was caught too late and had spread throughout her body. It is… an awful way to die.” She kept her face stoic, never breaking her gaze from the ceiling.
Cal leaned back and cradled her face, gently having her look at him. “Impa… you’re allowed to feel that with me, you know. Don’t hold it in - it will only hurt you.”
“I know…” Impa sighed, her face softening. “I… I love her like a sister, Cal, and I have protected her for so long… and in the end, she will die from a disease. The one thing I could not shield her from.” She closed her eyes, her lower lip quivering slightly. “Cal, could you hold me? I believe I am about to cry.”
Cal’s arms were already around her, cradling Impa to his chest before she could even ask. “I’m here for you, Impa…” he told her gently, kissing her forehead softly. “Please… you know you’re safe with me. You’re so strong, but I can protect you while you cry, I promise.”
Impa needed no further encouragement, clinging to Cal as she broke down, sobbing in his arms. Nothing would change the fact that Queen Zelda was dying, and nothing would change the grief that she felt, but at least she wouldn’t face it alone. Cal’s arms were warm and strong, exactly what she needed, as she felt herself fall to pieces.
Queen Zelda Adeya’s funeral was a long affair as the entire kingdom mourned her passing. But Queen Zelda, now only being called Adeya, as Zelda Amari was now the only living royal Zelda, was never one for huge crowds and events. So while Hyrule was invited to view a closed casket with her likeness carved atop it, a much more private and subdued ceremony was held in the Royal mausoleum with only a handful of guests - King Daphnes, Princess Zelda, Impa, and her family.
A marble monument bearing Adeya’s final poem stood at the foot of the matching marble casket that was open, showing Adeya’s gaunt form. King Daphnes stood on one side while Princess Zelda stood on the other, both of them holding Adeya’s skeletal hands. Impa stood behind Zelda as she stared at her mother’s face, silently crying. Impa was impressed with how brave Zelda was being. At four years old, already she had so much weight on her shoulders… weight she bore with dignity beyond her years.
Daphnes cried even more than Zelda as he looked at Adeya’s face, though most of his tears were lost in his beard. He held her hand gently, tenderly, as he did in her final moments. And while he seemed calm, Impa could see how he almost wished to crawl into the stone slab with her.
There were no words spoken, no sounds made other than the occasional sniff or sob. It was a long moment later that could have been a few minutes or even a few hours when Zelda moved first. She put her mother’s hand on Adeya’s chest before crawling up as much as she could and giving Adeya a gentle kiss. “Goodbye, Mama…” she said quietly. “I’ll miss you…”
With that, Zelda moved away and walked over to Impa, leaving Daphnes alone with Adeya. He took another long moment before he mirrored Zelda’s actions, placing Adeya’s hand on her chest and kissing her cheek. Though he also moved to give her a final kiss on the lips. “Goodbye, Adeya…” he whispered to her. “I will always only love you.”
Daphnes stepped back away from Adeya and walked over to Zelda, taking her hand from Impa. Zelda clung to Daphnes as they watched Cal maneuver the lever that moved Adeya into her casket, lowering her down and sealing her in. No one spoke as Cal removed the restraints and ropes, sealing Adeya into her tomb. Once Cal was done, he took his place at Impa’s side one more.
The silence stretched on again until Zelda sniffed and began to cry quietly. Daphnes leaned down and gently took Zelda into his arms, holding her close and kissing her cheek. He turned to leave but paused as he passed Impa.
“Impa…” Daphnes said quietly, pulling out a letter addressed to her in Adeya’s hand. “Adeya… wrote this for you, as well as a small message,” he said with a sad smile. “She wants you to take some time to yourself. Give yourself at least a few weeks before you return to us. Amar—” Daphnes caught himself, though he looked pained. He cleared his throat quietly. “Zelda… and I will be fine without you for a little while.”
Impa nodded firmly. “If that is your command, My King, I will obey without question.” She said, keeping her face stoic.
“No commands, Impa, please…” Daphnes said quietly. “We both know Adeya would want you to think about yourself and your family right now - not us.”
“In that case… may I ask what you both want?” Impa said, letting her walls drop just a little. “Do you truly wish for me to step back for a time?”
“Not forever, but I know you take pride in your work and do you think you can do your best right now after we just laid her to rest?” Daphnes asked.
“I…” Impa shook her head. “I could not.” She knelt down to look Zelda in the eye. “Zelda… Amari. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel right now. I promise you, though - I will always work to support you, and my family will always be here for you. Whether it is Paya, Cal, or me, you can talk to us any time you need us.”
Zelda nodded and then released Daphnes to hug Impa tightly. “I miss Mama… will miss you, too… but want Paya to have her mommy… Let Paya have her mama as long as she wants.”
Impa hugged Zelda as tightly as she dared. “You are… such a good girl, Zelda. You’re brave and wise beyond your years.” She pressed a soft kiss to Zelda’s forehead. “I will… spend some time with Cal and Paya, but again - if you want to visit us, we will welcome you with open arms.” She smiled gently at Zelda before standing up, holding the letter. “King Daphnes. Would you like to read this letter with Cal and I, so we can share in Ze– Adeya’s last words to me together?”
“I helped Adeya pen the letter, Impa, but thank you,” Daphnes said with a sad smile as he picked Zelda up. “I’m going to take A— Zelda back to the castle so she can rest.” He placed a comforting hand on Impa’s shoulder. “You can come visit us too, if you’d like, Impa. Not as a Sheikah guard, but as Adeya’s friend, if you wish.”
“Thank you, King Daphnes.” Impa nodded. “Though it may be impertinent… may I offer you a hug?”
Daphnes smiled kindly at Impa and pulled her unit a hug. Impa held onto him tightly, just as he did for her. Zelda, still in Daphnes’ arms, also hugged Impa gently. They stayed in that embrace for a long moment before Impa finally pulled away, quickly drying the tears on her face. She then dried Zelda’s face as Daphnes cleared his own. He gave Impa a sad smile. “Be well, Impa. We will see you again when you are ready,” he said.
“I will see you both soon, King Daphnes, Princess Zelda.” Impa said with a nod. “Thank you, and my condolences.” She took a deep breath before giving them both a firm bow. “I will forever be there for you both.” She watched as the royals left before leaving the mausoleum herself, and managed to avoid reading the letter until she and Cal managed to get home.
“Cal, I will need you to hold me.” Impa said as she carefully opened the letter. “I do not trust myself with my emotions at this moment.”
Cal gently pulled Impa to his chest, sitting down in the bed as he held her tight, looking over her shoulder at the letter. He kissed her jaw gently. “I’ve got you, Impa…” he promised her quietly.
Impa took one small breath as she fully opened the leader and the two began to read.
“Impa…” the letter began.
I write this to you knowing these will be my last words to my oldest friend. I wish so much that we could have been able to grow old and have those arguments on whose grandchildren were cuter. But the goddesses have called me away and I will be wrapped in Hylia’s embrace soon. But I have a few things I want you to always remember, even as my soul departs. That I will always be with you and the ones I love, as the breeze that cools you on a hot day, the flowers that first bloom after spring, the sound of the birds singing… that will be me and I will watch over you all. And I will watch our children and grandchildren grow until you return to the shadows and we may argue about our adorable families then.
But while I am not with you in body… remember that you are my oldest and best friend. And that the time we shared is among the highest ones I treasure. And I treasure you not as my Sheikah shadow, but as the person you have allowed yourself to be. And my prayer for you, Impa, is that you will allow yourself to still be that person, even after I am gone.
Farewell words too often part
And cleave with sorrow to aching hearts.
With a final wave, all disappears
Beneath the hush of silent tears
Why can't sorrow be so kind
As to hide away and stay confined?
And leave us only thoughts of bliss,
Of joyful things to reminisce.
So focus not on sorrows born
Where happy times are now forlorn,
But instead on joy and merriment
And delight all felt without relent.
And with all the love to fill our hearts,
Sorrow and pain then soon departs.
And although goodbyes are bittersweet.
We can no longer feel incomplete.
Goodbye, Impa… you are the loving sister I had always wanted as a child. I love you.
Zelda Adeya
Impa closed the letter, carefully folding it and returning it to the envelope before storing it in a small, locked drawer. “That is just like her…” She said quietly, smiling to herself. “Thinking of others at the end of her life, and always, always the poet.” She hung her head for a few moments, taking several slow breaths. “Cal. Paya is still being cared for, yes?”
“Yes - Anji has her right now,” Cal told her quietly, quickly wiping his own eyes. “It’s just us right now.”
“Good. I do not wish to have her see me like this.” Impa said, pulling Cal into a tight hug and instantly sobbing.
Cal held Impa tightly as she cried and cried and cried. The only time he released her was for a short instant to get her food and water, taking her in his arms as she drank and then cried again. Impa slept in short bursts between her tears and it was not until late into the night that both she and Cal fell asleep, exhausted. But even in her dreams, Impa wept.
Impa did not return to service for two full weeks, though she did visit Daphnes and Zelda several times. They gradually began to work past their grief together, knowing that while they would miss Adeya forever, they could at least find solace in their friendship and their shared memories of this remarkable woman.
Impa would remember Zelda Adeya for the rest of her life, and in doing so, Zelda Adeya would never truly die.