Summary: Astra unites with the Master Sword from the Lost Woods.

It was late in the evening at Hyrule Castle when the meeting with Zelda, Purah, and Astra ended, and they walked together to the living quarters. As a friend and trusted advisor, Purah always stayed in one of the family bedrooms whenever she visited. And it made even more sense for Astra to do so as well. So Purah said goodnight first and went to her room as Astra and Zelda continued walking down the hallway.

"You said this was your room?" said Zelda as they reached the empty bedroom two doors down from her own room.

"Yes, my older sister had the one between yours and this one," said Astra.

"Would you prefer this room or the one next to mine?"

"The one next to yours," said Astra. "I will never forget my past, but I want to move forward now. Also, I can protect you better if I'm closer."

"That's true. I guess I keep forgetting your other side," said Zelda with a smile. "Of course, you can have the room next to mine."

Zelda stopped to speak to one of the guards on duty and asked them to request the housekeeping staff have the room next to hers made up.

"Please join me in my room until yours is ready," said Zelda. "It won't take long. And while I think of it, let me inform my chief of staff, Myra, that I will need to take another day off tomorrow, after all. I hadn't planned on such an eventful day."

Zelda went to her desk and composed a short note, which she then gave to one of the guards in the hallway to slip under Myra's door. That allowed Astra to glance around the room in the meantime. There was the usual collection of bedroom furniture, as well as a desk and a large bookcase. She noticed a wedding picture on the end table by the bed and some paintings of scenic Hyrule locations on the walls.

Then, on the far wall, a picture she recognized caught Astra's eye, and she approached it. It was the picture of Zelda, Link, and the Champions that Purah took after the Champions Inauguration ceremony with King Rhoam over 125 years ago. Link had the same picture hanging in his Mikau Lake house, for it portrayed one of the pre-calamity events that overlapped both timelines. Of course, the picture was more poignant in this timeline, as Zelda was the only one in the picture still alive here.

"Yes, I imagine you would have seen that picture too, and it's a miracle it survived," said Zelda, coming to Astra's side. "I still remember it, how keen Mipha was to have a picture with Link. It used to hang on a wall in his house in Hateno Village, but I moved it here after he left. It helps me to better remember all of them. I suppose it should go back to Link's house when I'm gone. Oh, Link's house is a small museum now, by the way."

"I should like to visit his old house sometime, and yes, my father cherishes that picture," said Astra. "He would say it was a happy moment of togetherness."

"Yes, Daruk certainly brought us together," laughed Zelda. "Most of us laughed, but Mipha was breathless, and Revali fit to be plucked over his perceived loss of dignity. He made some remark about Daruk being big but having never grown up."

Zelda paused as she looked at the picture and sighed, then spoke up again.

"Speaking of the past, I noticed something in our meeting, a topic you glossed over a bit," said Zelda. "I also saw you glance at Dr. Purah as if to see if she noticed."

"Yes?"

"When we were speaking about your father, you described Link as a man in his early forties, which is what he would be if he were still here," said Zelda. "But based upon the dates you mentioned earlier in the conversation, that you left in the year 58, Link would be closer to sixty years old by then."

Astra smiled.

"Yes, I was careless juxtaposing those facts," said Astra. "My father cautioned me about saying too much too soon in front of Dr. Purah. Knowing her obsession with research, he worried she would become distracted from the task at hand. But as for the apparent date discrepancy, Dr. Purah improved the anti-aging rune she experimented with on herself, and it worked for my father. He and Mipha found the missing ingredient needed to stabilize the anti-aging process in a land to the north of here. Oh, and it worked for you too, by the way. You were only 36 when I left."

"Indeed! I see," said Zelda.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"The room you requested is ready now, Your Majesty," said one of the staff.

"Thank you, Lana, and I'm sorry to disturb you and the other staff so late," said Zelda.

"It's not so late and was no trouble at all, Your Majesty," said Lana as she bowed and left.

"You must be tired after traveling since this morning," said Zelda. "Let me see you to your room, and I hope you find it comfortable."

They walked back down the hall, and the room was identical to her older sister's room in shape and position, save some masonry had clearly been restored after the castle's partial destruction.

"It's perfect, thank you," said Astra.

"Goodnight, then," said Zelda as they embraced. "Sleep as late as you like. I'll arrange for a buffet meal in our family dining room, so it will be ready whenever you are."

Zelda left, and Astra undressed, then yawned as she settled into bed. Thinking over her meeting with Zelda, she had been surprised at how interested Zelda was in Link's well-being, how many questions she asked about him, and how pleased she was to learn he was well. She guessed that she and Link must have grown close during the four years after they defeated the Calamity. Then Astra yawned again, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.

Meanwhile, after seeing Astra to her room, Zelda returned to her own room, then sat up in bed reading Link's manuscript, the chapters he had titled Desert Sorcery. It was bizarre, to say the least, to read about yourself living through events that never happened as far as you could tell. Parts of the story made her angry that an evil creature would play with their lives in such a heartless way. But parts of it also made her cry. In the end, it did help her to better understand that somehow Astra was truly her and Link's daughter.

As Zelda put the manuscript down on the end table and lay down to sleep, she tried to imagine Astra's perspective, to understand how she must feel now. She smiled for a moment at the irony. For she had first learned how important it was to consider someone else's feelings back when she and Link first began to grow close, and she stopped thinking only of herself. In any case, Astra had just turned seventeen, barely entered the world of adulthood. Zelda remembered when she turned seventeen. She could hardly forget it, for her world had ended that day. And after Link was taken to the shrine, she had never felt more alone. She realized she and Astra had that in common, for Astra must also feel very alone after her seventeenth birthday, with everyone here a stranger to her. But Zelda would do her best not to let her feel alone. Then Zelda took her recent customary last look at their wedding picture and prayed her husband was resting in peace. And as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, she realized her relationship with Astra worked both ways - for she was alone too.

It was mid-morning when Zelda awoke, and as she dressed, she thought about what to do about Astra. Should Astra's identity be kept secret? Or should it be announced to Hyrule? Announcing it so soon after the funeral seemed strange, but so did keeping it a secret. And if it was a secret, whom could she trust to share it with? She trusted Myra, of course, and Colonel Lorton, the head of Castle security. But could such a thing really be kept secret for long?

She decided she would seek Purah's advice. For many years, Zelda had relied upon Impa as her advisor, but Impa was gone now, and only Purah was left. Purah was more the eccentric scientist type but the next best alternative, and she had the benefit of knowing everything. But whatever they decided, they could not afford to lose Astra, and Zelda's track record of losing everyone close to her was not encouraging. Though her faith in the Goddess sustained her, sometimes she felt cursed for all the tragedy in her life.

It turned out Purah and Astra were also late risers that morning.

"I hope you slept well, Astra," said Zelda as she joined them for a late breakfast. "I don't think you sleep at all, Dr. Purah, so I won't even bother to ask you."

"I do sleep when I'm away from work," laughed Purah, who was known for keeping late hours when busy with research.

"Thank you for having the room by yours made up for me," said Astra. "It felt more like home."

"I'm glad it did, for I want this to be your home," said Zelda. "We planned to use that room for our firstborn."

Purah and Astra were both quiet.

"Anyway, I pumped you with questions about you and Link last night, and you did most of the talking, Astra," said Zelda. "So today it will be my turn. I will tell you all I can about the kingdom as it is now and interrupt me at any time. Then we need to decide what to do next."

"Thank you," said Astra. "But I feel I should acquire the sword that seals the darkness next. I sense it calling to me, and I even brought a scabbard for it."

"That makes sense, and I suppose we can talk instead as we travel," said Zelda. "But we also need to decide whom to share your secret with."

"I think as few people as possible for now," said Purah. "It is to our advantage that our enemies remain unaware of who Astra is."

"That is how I feel as well," said Zelda. "You do not mind impersonating a Sheikah for now, Astra?"

"Not at all," said Astra. "I just need to improve my horsemanship."

"Now we need an excuse for a trip to the Lost Woods," said Zelda as she thought for a moment. "I know. I will pay a surprise inspection of the Military Training Camp by the Woodland Tower and say you are accompanying me to see if introducing some Sheikah technology would help. Since it is a surprise inspection, there is no need to inform anyone in advance."

"Are you sure it is wise for you to travel, Zelda, after what just happened?" said Purah. "I can accompany Astra alone. I know the secret of the woods."

"We will bring some guards. But I want to stay close to my daughter, and I wouldn't miss this moment for the world," said Zelda as she smiled at Astra.

"And I can protect my mother, Dr. Purah," said Astra.

Zelda rose and spoke to one of the guards outside the room, then returned to the table.

"Let's all eat up, as this meal will likely be our lunch as well," said Zelda.

After finishing breakfast, they all stood to leave.

At Royal Guards headquarters, Captain Shawn received some new orders, then made his way to the barracks lounge where a number of soldiers were relaxing.

"I need three volunteers at once to join me on a day trip with Her Majesty," said Shawn.

"Was nobody assigned in advance, Sir?"

"It's apparently a last-minute decision," said Shawn. "Three volunteers, or I pick them myself."

Three guards volunteered, and a few minutes later, the four Royal Guards joined Zelda, Astra, and Purah at the Castle entrance.

"Captain Shawn at your service, Your Majesty," said Shawn as he presented himself. "May I ask our destination, as we like to scout ahead when necessary?"

"The Military Training Camp," said Zelda. "We can stop at the Woodland Stable on the way to rest our horses."

"Very good, Your Majesty," said Shawn.

They all mounted their horses, and the weather was partly cloudy but mild, not a bad day for riding.

"Ride alongside me, Astra, so we can talk," said Zelda. "I have a lot to tell you."

They urged their horses forward and made their way toward Hyrule Forest Park.

Meanwhile, Master Kohga, head of the Yiga Clan, was meeting with his leadership staff over a lunch of Mighty Bananas. He was the next Master Kohga, and he took over when his predecessor died in combat with Link some 25 years ago now.

"Any luck recruiting, Rohga?" Kohga asked. "We could use more help."

"Some, Master," said Rohga. "Our success eliminating Zelda's husband made us more feared and earned us more respect, made us look more likely to prevail in the end. We swayed a few minds by threatening to kill their families. Now we need to test each recruit's loyalty with a kill assignment, of course, then finish their training."

"Good!" said Kohga. "And look for recruits among those who have access to Hyrule Castle. I'd like to see Zelda eliminated too."

"We have some of our people training to become guards," said Rohga. "Eventually, they will earn their way into a position of trust."

"Also good!" said Kohga. "Does anyone else have anything to report? It's almost time for my nap, and I find napping helps to keep my magic strong. Yes, Drash, you have something to say?"

"Yes, Master Kohga. A spy in Kakariko Village reported that the Sheikah scientist Purah traveled there yesterday with another Sheikah, possibly her new assistant. They met with Paya, then left in the direction of Hyrule Castle."

"Purah? Can't we get rid of that old coot?" exclaimed Kohga. "She's been a thorn in the organization's side for well over a hundred years now!"

"We've tried, Master, but it's not so easy," said Drash. "She's very clever! We tried to ambush her at her lab once, but the building was sealed with ancient technology, and we couldn't get inside. Also, recall that, despite her true age, she resides in the body of an active thirty-year-old now."

"Well, keep trying!" said Kohga. "And get the word out to find out who her new assistant is. Maybe we can get to Purah through them. Purah and Zelda are the last of those still alive who worked to seal our Lord Ganon away, and they deserve to pay for it with their lives. Now, I really must nap."

The meeting disbanded, and the word was sent out to learn about Purah's new assistant.

Meanwhile, as Astra, Zelda, Purah, and the four guards rode through Hyrule Forest Park, Astra felt very familiar with the area, as she had come here many times with family. The thick trees were full of green leaves that swayed in the gentle breeze, and Pink Herons could be seen foraging for food. The only differences she noticed were some reconstruction work on a fountain along the way and perhaps fewer trees than she remembered.

As they rode, Zelda spoke almost continually about Hyrule and what had been done since the Calamity. It was clear she was quite proud of all the work they had accomplished. And yet, it was also clear she realized there was still much more to do.

"Of course, some destroyed locations we decided not to rebuild and just cleared away the rubble," said Zelda. "For example, places where the owner left no descendants or there was no longer any interest in living there. You'll see an example of one such place up ahead, the Rauru Settlement."

As they reached the end of the park and approached the Helmhead Bridge, you could make out Death Mountain in the distance between some small peaks to the right, and closer by the tall Woodland Tower glowed blue. They followed the road as it turned to the east and soon arrived at the Woodland Stable, where they dismounted and had their horses watered.

"Are you feeling okay, Astra?" Zelda asked as they waited. "I hope I am not boring you with too much detail about Hyrule."

"No, not at all," said Astra. "The more I know about this Hyrule, the better. It's my home now."

When they were ready, they mounted their horses and made their way to the Training Camp. Major Fulton, the camp commander, was naturally quite surprised at Zelda's arrival. Zelda introduced Dr. Purah and then Astra as Purah's assistant.

"I think you will find everything in order, Your Majesty," said Fulton. "We run things by the book here. And we have a fine group of trainees this month."

The major accompanied Zelda and the others as she inspected the camp. It took about an hour, and then Zelda prepared to leave.

"Thank you, Major. Everything seems quite in order," said Zelda. "I shall inform your superior."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said a pleased Major Fulton.

Then, as they left the camp, Zelda spoke to Captain Shawn.

"Captain, we have some business in the woods a short way to the north, and you cannot accompany us. I suggest you and your men wait for us at the Woodland Stable."

"Your Majesty, my orders are to not leave your side," said Shawn.

"I understand, and I relieve you of those orders, Captain," said Zelda. "Where I am going, you and your men cannot follow, and it is only a brief ride. I will be safe there and will meet you back at the stable soon."

"Very well, Your Majesty, if that is your command," said Shawn.

Shawn signaled his men to return to the stable while Astra, Zelda, and Purah continued riding north. The trees had changed from oak to pine, and you could see the occasional Mountain Buck and Deer along with smaller animals among the trees on either side of the road. Zelda and the others rode quietly now until they reached the small stone archway that marked the entrance to the Lost Woods.

"I can stay with the horses here," said Purah. "I know they can get spooked inside the Lost Woods."

"Yes, that's what I would recommend," said Zelda. "Come, Astra, you and I will continue from here by foot."

Zelda took Astra's hand as they began their journey. The air was thick with fog or mist as they made their way from lit marker to lit marker, following the direction of the wind. The trees looked as ominous as ever. Some seemed to stare with open mouths as if eager to swallow up a wayward traveler, and others with mouths sealed shut as if they already had. The feeling of dread was palpable, and only the very brave or foolhardy would dare to enter here.

After several twists and turns in the fog, the air cleared, and they made their way into the Korok Forest. A short walk from there brought them to their destination.

"There it is," said Zelda finally as they emerged into the clearing where the Master Sword stood in a stone pedestal.

They stopped for a moment to take in the scene, for this was a sacred place. Three Silent Princess flowers moved gently in the afternoon breeze, and the sun glinted off the exposed part of the blade. Then they both glanced up as a deep voice spoke.

"Well, well, well," said the Deku Tree. "This is a fine meeting! I am very sorry for your loss, Majesty, and hope you will feel able to grace us with your smile once again someday soon."

"Thank you," said Zelda.

"And Princess, welcome!" said the Deku Tree. "I was told to expect you, but not how very much you look like the one before you. However, I sense the resemblance goes far deeper and well beyond mere appearance. Now, if you are ready and feel worthy, Princess, draw the sword you came for."

Astra approached the sword, said a silent prayer to Hylia, then gripped the hilt with both hands and pulled. Slowly but surely, the sword rose from the pedestal until it was finally free. Then Astra raised it triumphantly in the air, and its blade shone a brilliant white, gleaming brighter than the sun in the late afternoon. Astra then lowered the sword to her lips and kissed it reverently. Then, finally, she swished it in the air three times and sheathed it over her back in the scabbard she had brought.

"The deed is done," said the Deku Tree somberly. "The sacred sword of the Goddess has chosen you, Princess. You and the sword are bound together. Go now with my blessing, and farewell, until we meet again."

"Until we meet again," said Astra.

Then Zelda reached out and embraced Astra.

"You wear that sword as well as your father," said Zelda.

"I pray I shall wield it as well as him, too," said Astra.

"Let's be off then," said Zelda as they ended their hug.

They reversed their path out of the Lost Woods, eventually reaching Purah at the entrance, who was minding their horses.

"I can see all went well," said Purah as she noticed the sword on Astra's back.

They mounted their horses and began making the trip back toward the Woodland Stable.

However, their earlier actions had not gone unnoticed at the Military Training Camp, and not everyone training there was who they seemed. One trainee noticed that Zelda had sent her guards away, and he thought ambushing the Queen of Hyrule would be an excellent way to advance in the organization. He chose an opportune moment, ducked behind a building out of sight, then with an incantation and a waving of hands, he invoked the dark magic the Yiga Clan used to transport themselves.

When Zelda, Astra, and Purah turned past a bend in the road, they were startled to see a traveler standing there. This road was seldom traveled, so a traveler's presence was at once suspicious.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I seem to be lost," said the traveler.

"Yes, where were you going?" said Zelda.

"It's not so much where I am going, Your Majesty," said the traveler. "But it's where you are going. And that is to meet your ancestors! For Master Kohga!"

With that, the traveler cast aside his disguise, revealing himself to be a Yiga Clan warrior, and rushed at Zelda with a vicious sickle-shaped weapon.

But what happened next was hard to describe later, for it happened so quickly that it seemed like a blur. Astra jumped off her horse and, in the same motion, drew her sword. Then she slashed their enemy so rapidly that time seemed to stand still. The Yiga Clan warrior vanished in a puff of smoke with a horrible cry, never more to be seen. For once Ganon had been defeated, there was no longer any regeneration through his malice.

"Are you okay, Mother?" said Astra as she sheathed the sword, and both Purah and Zelda stared at her with open mouths.

"I'm fine," said Zelda, recovering her composure. "But I have never seen such magnificent swordsmanship! If I can even say that I saw it, for it was all just a blur of movement."

"I have trained hard, Mother," said Astra. "I'm glad it shows."

They rode on to the stable, met up with the guards, and it was evening by the time they returned to Hyrule Castle for a late dinner.

At the Military Training Camp roll call that night, one recruit was noted as missing, and that information was included in a report. It would take a little longer before the Yiga Clan learned that one of its soldiers had vanished.