Thankfully, Rosi and Moll proved far easier to talk to about leaving than many of the other families Liesl and Zelda had encountered. Most likely because they were already in the process of going, but still, the two seemed to realize the danger even before being told what happened at the castle. Not all of it, of course. Some details were left out in the retelling for obvious reasons. Still, Zelda passed along enough that anyone else who heard the story second-hand should really think twice before deciding to stay behind. Maybe that was the key? To have other families and neighbors be the ones to encourage people? They also seemed easier to speak with in general, at least after the initial shock wore off from meeting the princess of the kingdom. 

As Zelda and Rosi conversed and checked on the Eno and Ehel, Liesl and Moll got to work collecting the fallen items around the cart after they all pitched in to right it. It was hard work gathering the various crates and bags, and the lack of sleep and poor food left Liesl feeling weak. However, being able to help someone like this? That filled her with a different kind of energy, ensuring her arms and legs kept going no matter how exhausted she felt.

“Right, well…I think that’s all of it,” Moll said before clapping his hands to remove some of the dirt and debris that had gathered.

“Where are you two headed?” Rosi cut in now that they had joined her and Zelda once more.

Liesl and Zelda shared a brief look, and ultimately it was Zelda who turned back with a smile. “We’re following the river,” she said in a tone that wasn’t hostile but didn’t exactly invite more questions. A skill no doubt practiced by her royal upbringing and constant exposure to countless inquiries from those she’d rather not speak with

“Oh? So are we. Well, at least until we need to cross and turn west. We’re going to Hafeth.”

“My brother lives there,” Moll said by way of explanation.

Of course, Liesl couldn’t help but wonder if Hafeth was even far enough from the danger they had witnessed. It was a couple of days’ ride from the castle by horse; however, she doubted the evil that had arrived would limit itself to the large, stone walls. Especially when reports of monsters and attacks had been coming in from the edges of the kingdom for weeks. Would they start moving in now? And what about the attackers left behind?

No longer being in the castle was frustrating for a whole host of reasons, but especially vexing was the fact that she and Zelda no longer had access to information that would tell them what was going on elsewhere. Now it felt like their world had shrunk to what they could see with their own eyes and learn from those they met on the road.

“Well, if we’re going in the same direction for a little bit, you’re both welcome to ride with us,” Rosi said before nodding toward the wagon. “There’s some room, and I doubt the horses would struggle to add two extra bodies.”

“We don’t want to be a burden,” Zelda said, and Liesl nodded in agreement, even if the idea of not having to walk for a day sounded wonderful. But this family had been through enough, and they could do just fine on their own two legs.

“No, no. You will be no such thing! We’re not going to let the Princess walk if there is anything we can do about it. And if it helps ease your mind, it is surely safer traveling with you two than on our own.”

Smart woman. The first part of her argument wouldn’t have moved the calculus even an inch. However, the last bit? Knowing they could still help and protect even one family? That was enough to sway Liesl, and she knew it would be enough for Zelda, too.

“Alright, alright,” Zelda said with a placating hand gesture. “You’re a tough negotiator, Rosi. We’ll ride with you for a little while.”

“I find it’s easier to just do what she says,” Moll said with the first hint of laughter Liesl had heard all day. Especially once his wife reached out and smacked him playfully on the arm.

“Besides all that,” Rosi continued. “We’ll be aiming for an inn tonight. And I don’t mean to be rude, your highness, but you look like you could use some time in a bed.”

“No, you’re quite right,” Zelda admitted before looking down and running her hands over her clothing, failing to smooth wrinkles or brush off dirt. “I’m afraid we could also use a bath and a proper meal.”

Ugh, Liesl didn’t even want to think about how bad she smelled right now. Thankfully, her nose had long learned to ignore it, and she knew she’d feel like a proper Hylian with even the use of a washbasin.

“Well, thank you both for your offer. I believe we’ll take you up on it.”

“Wonderful!”

With Moll upfront and Rosi and her children loaded behind him in the wagon, Liesl and Zelda finally hopped aboard. However, instead of following Rosi, they sat toward the back to look out over the road they had left behind. While it was partly to watch for trouble trying to sneak up behind them, the two sat close so their bodies touched from shoulder to hip and knee. And with a sigh, Zelda eventually leaned over to rest her head on Liesl’s shoulder, finally letting herself rest after a tense start to the day.

“We did something good, didn’t we?” Zelda asked without looking over. Her voice was low, as if she didn’t want the others to hear her question. One that was actually a little surprising! Of course, they had!

Liesl turned her head and even knit her eyebrows together before nudging Zelda’s head with her own. “You did the most wonderful thing, so be proud of yourself. I know I’m proud of you.” A deep, contented hum sounded in her throat, and if they weren’t in front of this family, Liesl may have followed the compliment with a kiss on Zelda’s head. For now, she settled with reaching across her lap and taking the princess’s hand to give it a gentle squeeze.

“Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you, though.”

Well, Liesl didn’t know how true that statement was, but she wasn’t going to argue. Had her touch really been so valuable? Her presence? “We make a great team.”

“We do.” Zelda followed her agreement by interlacing their fingers and gently stroking Liesl’s thumb with her own.

Not only were their displays of affection limited by the presence of others, but so too was the discussion on what should be done after their night at the inn. They’d surely separate from Rosi and Moll and continue to follow the river as it turned in a more northerly direction. Hopefully, they could purchase some supplies upon arrival, too. Food, obviously. A tent would also go a long way, and Goddesses knew Zelda had the funds for it.

The two fell into a comfortable silence thereafter, the creak of the wheels and the conversation of the family the only things that filled their ears. And with no signs of danger following, Liesl eventually shifted them to sit with their backs to one side of the wagon’s wall so Zelda could lie in the crook of her arm. And with that comfortable warmth seeping into her person, it was only a matter of time until they both dozed off.

“We’re here,” Rosi said with a gentle shake of Liesl’s shoulder, bringing her from her slumber. It took a moment for her to remember where she was, and her eyes immediately flicked from Rosi to find Zelda. Who was still sleeping peacefully, cuddled against her. Goddesses, the sight of her like that never failed to make Liesl’s heart clench.

Rosi gave her a knowing little smile before offering one last squeeze of her arm, leaving Liesl to wake the princess with heated cheeks. Did the other woman suspect?

Liesl gently roused Zelda, who looked like she was coming back from the dead. “Good nap?” Liesl asked with more than a bit of amusement tinting her words.

“You’re one to talk,” Zelda scoffed before straightening and doing her best to rub sleep from her eyes. “You fell asleep first, you know.”

“Well, I was comfortable.”

“You looked it. So much so that I figured I may as well join you.”

“Hard to argue with that. I’m afraid I could use a lot more, though. And not in the back of a cart.” Even if she had slept far better than she otherwise might’ve thought, resting on a mattress would still be much more preferable. Whatever they had at this inn surely wouldn’t be as comfortable as their beds back home, but they would be better than nothing.

Speaking of the inn, Liesl cast her gaze over it after disembarking and helping Zelda down. It was a small thing, only two stories that couldn’t have housed too many rooms. The ones that lined the main highways were bigger naturally, but all they needed was a single room to stay in for the night. One with a door that locked. This place appeared to be old, too, with vines creeping up the outer stones and moss creeping over the tiled roof.

“Well, we’re going to get the kids settled,” Rosi said as she stepped up once more, stealing their attention.

“Do you need any more help?” Zelda asked before stretching to bring her limbs back to life.

“Oh no, you two have done more than enough for us. Please, go in and get some rest and sleep.”

Zelda looked as though she wanted to argue, but instead offered a small smile and nod before stepping off toward the door. “Very well. And this isn’t goodbye, we’ll see you before we leave tomorrow. Alright?”

“As you wish, princess. We’ll see you then.”

After Zelda turned to go, Rosi reached out and clasped Liesl’s arm, stopping her before she could follow. “You two make a cute couple,” she whispered before bringing a finger up to cover her lips in a hush motion.

Of course, Liesl looked stunned that she had figured it out so easily and quickly gazed at Zelda before looking back. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. And judging by your reaction, that’s how you like to keep it.”

Was it? No, not really. Liesl wanted to find the nearest high point wherever she went and shout her love for the princess from the top of it. However, it wasn’t the time, and not just because of the attack. If the King’s reaction was anything to go by, that would be a difficult conversation wherever they went.

“Thank you,” Liesl finally said as the tension in her shoulders relaxed. “We appreciate that.”

“However, there’s something I ask in return.”

Oh? Well, that was surprising. But Liesl figured she had nothing to lose by inquiring. “What’s that?”

“Take care of her,” Rosi said before turning and looking at where Zelda stopped at the door, now curious where her bodyguard was. “Our princess has a good heart and I think she’ll want to help everyone she sees.”

And as if to confirm it, a warm (but small) smile kicked up on Zelda’s lips as she brought up a hand to wave Liesl forward.

“Yes, she does,” Liesl nodded. “And don’t worry. I’ll be with her no matter where she goes or what she does.”

“Perfect. Now, get some rest, Hero. I think you’re going to need it.”

With a nod of agreement and even a little chuckle, Liesl stepped off and headed right to that woman with a big heart. A big heart that would cause them to stop at every farm, help each cart that was turned over, and Goddesses, they were probably going to run toward any sounds of trouble, weren’t they? And you know what? After today, that didn’t seem so bad. When Liesl finally joined her, the two headed inside the inn to find it…quiet. So quiet that the young woman standing behind the desk had to straighten suddenly at their arrival.

“Oh, hello!” A few quick motions of her hand smoothed over the simple blue dress she wore before they eventually clasped in front of her. “Welcome to the Bouncing Blupee!”

Zelda smiled at the greeting as she came up, but then thought better of it and turned to Liesl instead. Huh, she had never been to an inn, had she? Not that Liesl had spent a lot of time in them either, aside from the few times in her youth when she traveled with her parents.

“Hello,” Liesl greeted before coming to a stop and placing her hands up on the counter. “We would like a room for the evening.”

“Oh, we’ve got plenty.” The answer was accompanied by a laugh that was filled with just enough sarcasm for both guests to catch. “Been quiet the past few days, ever since…whatever happened at the castle. Well, beyond one or two people riding through to tell us something was wrong.”

Something was wrong, indeed. A great many things! Liesl and Zelda shared a look, and the princess cleared her throat before nodding in agreement. “There has been an attack,” she began, looking back at the girl. “We aren’t sure what the result has been, but it was bad the night we left.”

“You were there!?”

“We were in the city, yes,” Liesl confirmed before Zelda had a chance to reveal who she was, either on purpose or by accident.

“That’s scary! I’m glad you made it out okay. Were there monsters? Who was attacking? Did you have to fight anyone?”

The questions came fast and furious, and each one felt like they sapped more and more strength from Liesl until Zelda finally brought a hand up to stem the tide. “I don’t mean to be rude, Miss…?”

“Itin.”

“Miss Itin. My friend and I have been traveling for some time and are very tired.”

“Oh, of course! I’m so sorry. We have a few rooms available if–”

“One will be fine,” Liesl interjected without hesitation. As if she were letting Zelda out of her sight now.

Itin blinked for a second but ultimately shrugged, then turned and reached for a key with the number “3” hanging from a wooden tag. “Well, here you are. Just head up the stairs, and it’s the last room on the left. I can also send up some food?”

“Yes, please. And something to bathe with?”

“I can have a basin brought up, yes.”

“This may seem an odd question,” Zelda started again before gesturing over herself. “But do you have any old clothing we could buy? I’m afraid this is all we have with us.”

Itin hummed as she looked between them and then back at herself, sizing them up. “I might have an old shirt or two. Of course, if you don’t mind something a little bigger, there are probably a few things lying around from my parents or my older brothers.”

“Whatever you have is fine.”

“We can also…uh, wash what you’re wearing? Just so it’s fresh.”

“That would be perfect, thank you.” Goddesses knew their clothes needed it just as bad as they did. Especially after today, helping with the overturned cart.

“Okay, I’ll have that all up soon.”

With a nod and a smile of appreciation, Liesl turned and led Zelda to the stairs and up them to the aforementioned room. It sounded as though at least one of the others was occupied as they went past, but she didn’t stop to ponder it. One of the other rooms would soon be full of Rosi, Moll, and their children, and then it would certainly feel more lively in the little inn.

The door came open with a click of the lock, and the inside was as sparsely decorated as Liesl expected. The bed was a fraction of the size of even hers back at the castle, and besides a truck at the foot of it, there was only a table with chairs to decorate the interior. There wasn’t even a fireplace to warm the room. That would be the primary responsibility of the large hearth downstairs. No matter, that’s what holding each other tight was for.

Which is exactly what Zelda did as soon as that door shut behind them. She stepped right up, wrapped her hands around Liesl, and pulled her into the tightest hug she had since they made it out of the castle. One that was far too weak despite the effort she put into the hug. “We’re safe,” she whispered into Liesl’s ear.

However, all she could do was wrap an arm around her waist and bring a single hand up to the back of Zelda’s head to stroke it gently. Yes, they were safe for tonight. Tomorrow night? Who knew. But that was still many hours off, and for now, Liesl let herself revel in the momentary serenity.