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Chapter Text

One Hundred and Fifty Three Years After Ganondorf’s Coup

Sheikah longevity can be a blessing and a curse in equal measure. Where a Hylian’s lifespan averages around eighty to a hundred years, a Sheikah can double that. Perhaps that was why they stayed in isolated communities and rarely developed relationships with non-Sheikah - the loneliness of seeing your friends and loved ones grow old and pass on while you remain.

Impa had experienced this loneliness firsthand so much over her long life. Her father, her friends, even her princess and her children… They had all come and gone while Impa remained.

But now, as she lay in her bed, nearing the end of her life, surrounded by her family - her daughter and her numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren - there was one person Impa missed more than any other, a man who had only been in her life for a few short years, but who had changed her life forever.

The love of her life. Her husband, Cal Tulas.

Fifteen Years Before Ganondorf’s Coup 

The civil war was finally drawing to a close. Vast swaths of Hyrule were finally pacified and talks were already being held - it seemed that King Gustaf would go down in history as the king who ended two centuries of bloodshed.

Impa couldn’t be happier. She had come to know and respect the king and his family, even as she ensured that they remained safe by any means necessary. A Sheikah could not be squeamish, and while Gustaf didn’t use the Sheikah as weapons like his father had, they still had a responsibility to protect him and ensure his goals came to fruition. Sometimes that meant slipping a simple note to a council member, informing them of the evidence that they had against him. Sometimes that meant a kunai between the ribs.

What Gustaf didn’t know couldn’t hurt him, after all, and that might even be for the best - one could claim ignorance quite confidently if one was truly ignorant, after all. She shadowed the King throughout his day before taking her place outside his door. Her father, the Grandmaster, was given the greatest honor - that of guarding the King’s room. Impa, as always, would watch the halls. It was a dull mission, but she performed it without complaint… but today, something different happened.

One of the guards - a younger man, perhaps in his mid-twenties - stopped in his patrol, leaning against the wall for a moment. “Hey, Shiekah?” He said, speaking at a conversational level, even though he was alone to anyone that looked on. “You’re there, right? Are you allowed to talk to us?”

Impa glanced over at the guard. Chatty… that wasn’t always a good trait with a guard. She gave him no expression as she moved as close as she needed to him. “Is there something you need?” she asked bluntly.

“Need? Not really. I just wanted to know if you were allowed to talk to us.” The man said with a cocky smile. “We usually don’t even see you at all.”

“Yes, it is a bit of a surprise you saw me…” Impa said with a frown. She was either losing her edge or was highly distracted today. She had been awake for twenty four straight hours and that was highly frowned upon, but several Sheikah had been called back to Kakariko to welcome a babe and she had stayed back as the Grandmaster in training. 

“I usually see a blur every couple of hours. I figure you have shifts like we do so you can rest and relax.” The man said with a smile. “I mean, I hope you do. No one can be on all the time.”

“Of course we take shifts - we are only at our best for so long and the king needs us at our best,” Impa said immediately. 

“But now that I’ve got a good look at you, you’ve got bags under your eyes. You’ve been awake for a while, haven’t you?” The man asked, clearly happy to have caught a small detail. “Are you allowed to give your name?”

“That's a rather impertinent observation,” Impa said, slightly offended, her frown depending. “But you can know my name, if you must. I am Impa.”

“Cal.” Cal said, offering his hand. “Cal Tulas. Lieutenant in the Hylian army.”

Impa glanced at Cal’s hand, but didn’t take it. “Yes, if I remember correctly, you’re the one that was making a fuss about letting children access the courtyards.”

“Hey, you remember me!” Cal said with a laugh. “And I figured that if the noble families are gonna be cooped up in the castle all day, every day, at least the kids could have some time to play and climb some trees. You know, a chance to be kids.”

“An admirable view…” Impa said in a slightly aloof tone. It was an ideal that Sheikah did not share. They had to be trained young to become good at their jobs.

Cal pulled out a small canteen and a cup, pouring a hot liquid into it. “Coffee?” He asked, offering it to Impa. “It’s bitter as hell, but it keeps you awake.”

Impa glanced at the canteen before raising a hand to decline. Sheikah in her position only partook in drinks and foods they either prepared themselves or watched be prepared. 

“Fair enough.” Cal said, quaffing the drink. “More for me.” He looked over at the door as it swung open, revealing King Gustaf and an older soldier, perhaps in his thirties.

“You’ve served me well these last few years, Arn,” King Gustaf said, offering the soldier his hand, “And so you’ve more than earned your discharge. Are you sure you don’t want a place in Castle Town, though? The war may be ending, but there are still skirmishes…”

“I appreciate that, King Gustaf, but that’s exactly why I’d rather move out to the countryside to be with my wife,” Arn said with a smile, shaking King Gustaf’s hand. “It’s been an honor, but Sophia and I are discussing kids…”

“I’ll miss you… General Hateno.” King Gustaf said, putting some emphasis on the rank. “At least let me give you a promotion so you get a better pension, and, when you do have kids, I wouldn’t mind you dropping by. If Sonia and I have an heir by then, maybe they could even be friends.”

“I won’t say no to more rupees to help with the kids,” Arn said with a chuckle. “But hey, you can put me as any rank, so long as I can be with Sophia. And I know she would love to visit.”

Gustaf shook Arn’s hand firmly, nodding to Cal as he walked by, heading back to his room. “Wow, Captain Hateno finally retired…” Cal muttered. “Wonder who could ever take his place.” He turned back, only to see an empty space where Impa had been. “Oh. Well, talk to you later, I suppose…”

Two Weeks Later

“Impa.” Impa’s father, Mellin, said, sitting crosslegged in the middle of the meeting room. “Do you know why I have called you here?”

Impa frowned. She wasn’t sure, but the only thing she could think that she had done differently was talk to that lieutenant. Or been seen by him, rather. She sat crosslegged herself across from Mellin, shaking her head. “I don’t, Father…” she said softly.

“Grandmaster.” Mellin said simply. “When I speak to you in this manner, I am not your father. I am the Grandmaster.” He cracked an eye open, his steely gaze focused on Impa. “Your performance of late has been lacking. You are running yourself ragged, and because of that, you are getting sloppy. A sloppy Sheikah is a worthless Sheikah. You know this to be true.”  He leaned forward, frowning deeply. “How long have you been awake, Impa?”

Impa repressed a sigh, closing her eyes. There was absolutely no use lying. “This time? Twenty hours, Grandmaster.”

“Impa…” Mellin shook his head. “We operate on strict eight hour blocks. Eight to be active, eight to rest, and eight to sleep. Act well, learn well, sleep well. You are dedicated , and that is laudable, but you are putting your charge at risk.” He gestured at her, using his pipe as a pointer. “You are ordered to cease your activities for two weeks, Impa. If you must, consider it a reconnaissance and infiltration mission, but you are not to guard the King for that time. I will fill in for you in the meantime. Am I understood?” 

Impa couldn’t help her sigh this time. “If that is what you command…” she said, bowing her head. “I will… rest.”

“So it is spoken.” Mellin said firmly, clacking his pipe on the floor sharply. “You are dismissed, Impa.”

Impa got up and left the meeting room. They were in a private place in the castle and Impa - moving by instinct, not necessity - snuck out of the hidden meeting room and to the castle gardens. She found a private, hidden alcove and sat there, glaring at the grounds. Two week mandatory rest without her being able to do her job… It was frustrating, but Impa knew she could not fight her father on the matter.

She was only alone for a few moments before she noticed someone walking over to her. “Hey. Are you okay? You usually aren’t so… visible.” Cal said, standing at a respectable distance.

Impa looked at him and sighed, leaning up. “I am… on a forced vacation…” she said, doing her best not to sound so annoyed at the prospect.

“Oh, I see.” Cal said, leaning against a nearby tree. “You overworked yourself, then?” He asked softly. “I’ve known a few people like that during the war. Some of them had to be clocked upside the head and pulled back to the rear lines.” He gestured to the ground. “Do you mind if I sit with you?”

Impa raised an eyebrow but she gestured for him to go ahead. Cal sat down on the ground in front of her, Impa keeping her eyes on him constantly. “Aren’t you on duty?” she asked.

“My shift just ended.” Cal said with a soft smile. “I was on my way back to my quarters when I saw you.” He gave her a playful smile. “And I’m stubborn, so I wanted to take this chance to make friends.”

“I see… so your intentions are to be… friends…” Impa said carefully, eyeing Cal.

Cal nodded. “Yep. I’ve never known a Sheikah before, and you seem, well… nice.” He smiled at Impa as he pulled out his canteen again. “Coffee?”

Impa declined with a lifted hand. “You must excuse me, but I do not drink or eat anything I have not prepared by my own hands or seen it be prepared,” she explained.

“Fair enough.” Cal said, sipping the coffee. “You always have to be guarded - I get it.” He leaned back against the wall. “So how long have you been serving?”

“My whole life,” Impa said with a hint of pride in her voice. “The Sheikah live and die by the word of our king. We are raised into this life since we are able to talk and obey commands.”

“So… you don’t get a choice?” Cal asked. “You just…” He shook his head. “That’s a sad thought. What if you don’t like the person you’re assigned to guard?”

“We protect the royal family,” Impa said simply. “Whether we like them or not is an irrelevant sentiment.”

“Even if they’re tyrants?” Cal asked. “Like the king three hundred years ago?” He frowned deeply, trying to understand Impa’s perspective. “I chose to fight for Hyrule because I love the land and I wanted this awful war to end. I can’t really fathom not being given a choice…”

“We are the Sheikah - this is simply who we are,” Impa said dismissively. “We protect the blood of Hylia so that her blood may flow forever into Hyrule.”

Cal nodded quietly. “What about…” He paused, thinking for the best words. “How many Sheikah are there?”

Impa thought for a moment. “Our numbers are a guarded secret, but I suppose there is no harm in telling you…” she said carefully. After a second, she said “Perhaps two hundred.” simply. “Including pregnant women and children. We tend to have fifty active agents at any time.”

“Wow, that isn’t a whole lot,” Cal said evenly. “Are you all worried about your population at all?”

Impa shook her head. “Are you familiar with the Gerudo?” She asked. “The tribe of women who only have one male born to them every century?”

“I am,” Cal said with a chuckle. “Had one flirt with me once. I take it you Sheikah are like them? Your genetics are pretty strong so you make more Sheikah even with Hylians and humans?”

“Yes. A Sheikah and a Hylian who have four children will likely bear three Sheikah children and one Hylian.” Impa said simply. “And we live long lives. A Sheikah can bear children for eighty years or more.” She looked over at Cal. “Why are you so interested in us?”

“Well, if I can be honest, I’m not much interested in Sheikah specifically,” Cal said with a chuckle, his eyes on Impa. “Just one in particular.”

Impa rolled her eyes. “You don’t even know how old I am.” She said with a scoff. “If you’re looking for a ‘fling’, you’d be better off looking in Castle Town.”

“Yeah, I’m not looking for a fling,” Cal said with a chuckle. “I’m also not asking for anything from you except a conversation. I’d like to at least be friends, but that would be up to you.”

Impa thought for a long moment. “I will be here at noon tomorrow.” She said simply. “Bring your own food, because I’ll bring enough for myself alone. If you want to join me, I won’t deny you.”

“Sounds like a date!” Cal said with a bright and teasing smile.

“It’s lunch.” Impa said, standing up and brushing herself off. “I’m going to go get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow - noon sharp. Don’t be late.” With a poof of smoke, she vanished from sight, not even giving Cal a chance to respond.

“I won’t!” Cal called, heading back to his quarters with a smile on his face.

Three Days Later

“Lieutenant Tulas?” Impa asked as she took a bite of her food. “Why do you persist in sharing meals with me? Surely I cannot be that interesting to you, and I am most assuredly not good company.”

“What, can’t a guy have eccentric tastes?” Cal asked with a chuckle as he ate his sandwich. “I happen to think you’re very interesting and that you’re fine company.”

“Hmph. If you insist.” Impa said, idly sipping her drink. “What do you have today? I have Takoyaki with sweet onion and corn fillings, and Onigiri with pickled plums.”

“Uh…” Cal looked down at his food. “Sliced meats and cheeses between bread? I have some mustard on it, too.” he laughed. “Your lunch sounds much more appetizing than mine.”

Impa thought for a moment. “Would you trade half your sandwich for some of my food?” She asked simply. “That should be equitable.”

“Are you sure?” Cal said with an eager look. He laughed. “If I would’ve known you’d be willing to share I would’ve tried harder. But if you really want…”

“If you wanted me dead, you’ve had more than enough options to do so by now, and, quite frankly, you do not seem like the sort of man who could perform subterfuge.” Impa said, handing Cal some of her food. “So, as long as you trust that my food is untainted, I will do the same for you.”

“I meant more because I have a really boring sandwich compared to your nice lunch,” Cal said with a laugh, cutting his lunch in half and handing half of it to her. “But maybe I can make it up to you, if you’re willing,” he said with a smirk.

Impa took a quick look at the ingredients of the sandwich. “Hmm. Ham. Roast beef. Salami. Mustard. Pickles would go well with this.” She took a bite, chewing thoughtfully. “The bread is a bit chewy, but the flavor is actually quite rich.”

“Oh yeah?” Cal said with a smile. “I’ll have to tell the baker I get my bread from. She’ll be pleased to hear that someone else likes it.” He bit into one of the takoyaki, humming in pleasure. “Wow, these are really good.”

“I’m… pleased to hear that.” Impa said quietly. “I cook for nutritional value, not for taste, as a rule, but…” She fell silent. To tell the truth, she had worked hard on this meal in the hopes that Cal would want to try some, and she was quite happy that he had enjoyed it. Impa didn’t have many friends.

Alright, she didn’t have any friends. Other than Cal, she supposed.

“If this is you just cooking for nutrition then you’ve missed your calling as a chef,” Cal said with a chuckle. “Now I feel really bad for just having a sandwich to offer.”

“Don’t. I’ve never had something like this before.” Impa said, taking another bite of the sandwich. “It’s several plain ingredients that combine into a whole greater than the sum of its parts. I think it’s delicious.”

“Oh, then I’m glad you like it.” Cal said with a smile. “But still, if you’d indulge me, since I have such a simple lunch, can I make it up to you with…” he smirked at Impa. “Dinner tonight?”

Impa stopped cold, the sandwich halfway to her mouth. “Where and when.” She said. It wasn’t even a question, more a demand.

“There’s a little shop in Castle Town - it’s quiet and serves up these noodles they make in houses with delicious red and butter sauces,” Cal said with a smile, trying to contain his excitement. 

“Mario’s on tenth?” Impa asked. “I’ve surveilled it before.”

“Yes, but you like to keep things private, so we could go there, or…” Cal’s expression changed to something a little more hopeful, though relaxed, trying to convey with his face there were no expectations. “I could cook you something at my place.”

“Can you make carbonara?” Impa asked simply.

“I can, actually,” Cal said with a smile. “Won’t be as good as Mario’s, but he did teach me a few tricks.”

“Hm. I’ve never had it, but it looks quite good. What time?” Impa asked, finishing the half of the sandwich Cal had given her.

“Six for either location - just tell me if I need to make a stop at the market first or not,” Cal said with a chuckle, finishing off his onigiri.

“Six at your place then.” Impa said. “I know where you live.”

“I’m sure you do,” Cal said with a laugh, unphased. “I’ll see you at six tonight, Impa.”

Impa nodded, as the pair finished their food in companionable silence. Perhaps eating food someone else prepared wasn’t so bad…

Impa was at Cal’s at five thirty, having snuck in to observe him. He had already purchased all the items and she had watched him purchase noodles from Mario’s before buying the best of everything else at the market - including a bottle of wine, one Mario directed him to get after hearing Cal was making carbonara. Cal was currently getting everything ready, humming to himself as he prepared things, though he wasn’t cooking yet. She wondered why he was just getting everything laid out and not actually cooking. His stove was even still cold.

He’s being odd. Impa thought, carefully observing Cal. Carbonara should take some twenty minutes to cook with those ingredients, which means he should be getting ready now… She stayed hidden for another five minutes, just thinking things over without making a move. Observe and interpret. That was the way of the Sheikah.

Fifteen minutes before she was to arrive, Cal started to grab water and she watched him take it to a small corner with a drain and began to wash himself down quickly. He stripped out of his clothes and he cleaned himself thoroughly. He… really must have wanted to leave a good impression as he started to fuss about the dirt under his nails. Five minutes before six he was getting changed into some new, freshly laundered clothes, checking everything but still not cooking anything.

Impa frowned slightly. He hadn’t lost track of time, that much was clear. He’d been watching the clock and had made every effort to clean up and get things prepared for a nice evening. Why hadn’t he started cooking, then? She shook her head, making some quick hand signs to warp herself to the other side of the door. She’d find out soon enough - and while he would probably laugh off her appearing out of nowhere, it would be polite to knock.

Impa knocked and she heard shuffling from inside. A minute later, Cal opened the door, smiling at Impa, opening the door for her. “Hi there. I half expected you to just appear behind me,” he said with a laugh as she walked in and he shut the door behind her.

“Would you have preferred that?” Impa asked, standing at attention in Cal’s home. She knew the layout quite well at this point, of course, but she wasn’t going to take a seat without being invited. “I was under the impression that it’s more polite to knock and be invited in.”

“It is, but I’m sure you know my place better than I do at this point and I’m pretty sure a simple lock isn’t enough to stop you,” Cal said. He gestured to a chair at his small dining table. “Take a seat. I was waiting for you to arrive to get started. You like to see your food get cooked, right? Well, now that you’re here, I can go ahead and get started,” he said as he first showed her the pork belly and then began to chop it up.

Ah, that was why he’d been waiting. That was surprisingly thoughtful of him. Impa thought, taking a seat. He’s quite thoughtful in a lot of ways, actually.

“So this’ll take about twenty minutes to make - hope you’re okay with that,” he said with a smile as he lit his stone and got the chopped pork belly frying. He opened the wine and brought her a glass. “I… don’t know if you drink or not, so I hope you like wine. Mario told me to get one like this because it goes well with the carbonara.”

Impa sniffed the wine, nodding slightly. “White wine. Dry and floral. A good choice.” She smiled quietly as she sipped the glass. “And no poison. Always a plus.”

“Yeah, that’s one of my big aims when getting wine - to find one that isn’t poisoned,” Cal said with a chuckle, taking a sip of his own glass.

“I normally drink sake, which has a more umami sort of flavor, but these lighter wines are quite nice.” Impa said, taking another small sip. “I hope that Mario’s recommendation proves true.” She sat for a short time before speaking again. “I am twenty-three years old.”

“And I am twenty five,” Cal said easily as he cooked. “Does that make a difference anywhere?”

“No, but I realized that neither of us knew each other’s ages.” Impa replied with a shrug. “Isn’t that a common thing to know when you ask someone on a date?”

“Sure, we can also do our favorite color and flower, while we’re at it,” Cal said with a chuckle. He looked at Impa over his shoulder. “Purple and tulips, by the way,” he said with another chuckle.

Impa fixed him with a straight look. “Blue, and… also tulips.” She replied. “Though we do not tend to have much of an opportunity to pick flowers.”

“Well, you should be able to right now, since you’re on forced leave, right?” Cal asked as he continued to cook.

“I suppose I could.” Impa agreed. “And I haven’t found myself with much to do. I’ve mostly been eating and sleeping.” She hummed softly as she watched Cal cook. “You are a strange man, Lieutenant Tulas.”

“Why? Because I look on the simpler side of life?” Cal asked as he started to grate cheese. A lot of cheese. “You’re so serious all the time. I’d love to see you a bit more relaxed.”

“Most people find a Sheikah’s attitude… disconcerting. Off putting. Rude.” Impa said simply. “And that is likely by design. Most of the people we take as mates will fall for a person that doesn’t really exist and will not see them again after a one night stand… or they will be visited after giving birth and told - not requested - that they will surrender their child.”

“Ouch, seems really harsh,” Cal said as he dumped the large portion of cheese with the pork. “But I have to ask…” He looked over at Impa. “Is this the real you I see? You don’t seem to be putting up any kind of front, other than keeping everything close to the chest.”

“It’s as close as I allow anyone to get, yes.” Impa replied, idly tucking a lock of hair behind an ear. “We’re not raised to be especially personable, you see - a consequence of being spies, assassins, and evil witches who feast on the shadows.” She chuckled dryly to herself as she sipped her wine.

“Yeah?” Cal asked with a smirk. “And what do those shadows taste like?” He turned from his work to smirk at Impa. “I’m guessing… licorice?”

“Hopefully worse than that carbonara.” Impa replied with a matching smirk. “You really are a strange man… I mention all the superstitions about us, and you don’t let them bother you.”

“I don’t listen to rumors,” Cal said with a shrug. “I’d rather form my own opinion about a person or a people than to listen to wild speculation.”

“Hm.” Impa smiled lightly. “Might I ask what your impression of me is right now?” 

“Do you want the proper response or an unfiltered one?” Cal asked with a smirk.

“I never give you a filtered response, so I also expect honesty.” Impa replied simply. “If I annoy you, I want to know. If I offend you, I want to know.”

“Both would be honest but one would be a polite response rather than my raw thoughts,” Cal clarified. “I would never lie to you.”

“Well?” Impa asked, waving her hand in an idle circle. “What do you think of me, then?”

“Unfiltered then,” Cal said with a smirk. “Reserved, dutiful, responsible, fierce, hot as Din’s eyes themselves…”

Impa raised an eyebrow. “Hot?” She glanced down at her body, which was toned but otherwise unremarkable, at least to her eyes. “I’ve never been called ‘hot’ before.”

“I wasn’t actually kidding about the eccentric tastes thing I think I told you this afternoon,” Cal said with a chuckle. “I have a thing for women that look at me like they’re ready and willing to kill me.”

Impa smirked at Cal. “There’s a difference between ‘capable’ and ‘willing’, Lieutenant Tulas. I would actually be rather reluctant to kill you.”

“Aw, I knew you had a heart in there,” Cal said with his own smirk. “But I bet you could lay me out flat with no issue.”

“In a second.” Impa replied with a chuckle. “I can see five ways to subdue you non-lethally right now, and sixteen ways to subdue you lethally.” She took another sip of wine. “Also, the pork belly is burning.”

Cal spun around to see smoke rising from the skillet of cheese and pork he had forgotten about in his endeavor to flirt with Impa. The water with the pasta also chose that moment to boil over. Cal quickly got everything off the heat, draining the noodles - which were overcooked - and checking the meat and cheese. Pork and cheese were burnt to the pan and the cheese had turned more into something resembling chu jelly than anything edible. 

Cal turned to give Impa a sheepish glance. “So… Mario’s is still open for a few more hours…” he said in an embarrassed tone.

Impa thought for a moment. “What will we do after we eat, then?” She asked.

“Dunno, though I do have this bottle of wine I just opened,” Cal said, looking at the bottle. “We could maybe get a dish to go and then come back here, if you wanted. 

“I think that would be… nice.” Impa said with a smile. “It’s something normal people do, after all.”

“Yeah, it is,” Cal said with a wide smile. He offered his hand out to Impa. “C’mon. I’ll pay for dinner - since I burnt this one - and we’ll come back here with some good food.”

Impa smiled, taking Cal’s hand. Perhaps there was something to life other than working after all.

Dinner was more complicated but far more enjoyable than Impa expected. The carbonara was delicious and it did pair well with the wine. She got to see Mario cook the food herself after he yelled at Cal for a solid five minutes about messing up the dish. And then continued to yell at Cal even as he cooked their food. Impa had taken on the disguise to look nondescript, but Cal still convinced Mario to let Impa watch him cook their food. Though that might have been because Mario wanted to continue to yell at Cal and force him to make half the dish while Mario yelled.

It was… actually rather entertaining. Especially since Cal took it all in stride.

Cal sighed in contentment as he leaned back in his chair, sitting at his dining table. He smiled at Impa. “Mario loves to yell at me, but Hylia can that man cook.”

Impa couldn’t help but chuckle. “I think he was angrier at the way you pronounced carbonara than anything else. The way he rolled his r’s so elaborately…” She let herself giggle a little bit. “I must say, this has been a… fun time.”

“I’m glad,” Cal said with a charming smile. “I’m so glad you were willing to spend the evening with me. Even after I burnt the first meal,” he said with a laugh. “I know better now - I’ll stick to cooking and not flirting with the beautiful woman in my house instead.”

“First you say I’m hot, then you say I’m beautiful.” Impa said with a smile. “I know flattery when I hear it, Calvin Tulas.”

“Both things can be true, ya know,” Cal said easily. “If I was trying to flatter you, I’d be complimenting you toe to tip, but you might think I’m trying to seduce you if I did…” he said with that same playful smirk, but there was something in his eyes that said more than his lips did.

“If you wanted to have sex, you only needed to ask.” Impa said with a shrug. “I wouldn’t mind trying it, since I don’t have anything better to do.”

“That easy, huh?” Cal asked, raising one eyebrow. “I thought you weren’t interested in a fling? Or are you just someone that doesn’t believe the silly priests that try to control women’s bodies by saying having sex when you feel like it makes the goddesses cry?”

“I’m a Sheikah.” Impa said idly. “I have to be prepared for the possibility that I may have to seduce someone for the sake of a mission anyway. If I have the chance to learn with someone beforehand, I’d be a fool not to entertain the option.” She took a sip of wine, looking Cal over. “It doesn’t hurt that you’re quite handsome, though.”

Cal’s smile widened. “Well, if you need a practice partner, I will always be down to get naked with you,” he said with a chuckle. He stood up and offered his hand to her, grabbing his glass and the half empty wine bottle with the other. “I know you already know the way to my room, but… shall we?”

“You took to that quite easily.” Impa said as she sipped her wine. “And here I thought you wanted an emotional bond instead.”

“You can bond over sex,” Cal said easily, pouring himself a half glass of wine to sip with Impa. “Besides… that overwhelming sense of practicality and duty you have was probably serious about having sex just so you can procreate later.”

“It is.” Impa said. “I should have at least one child to ensure our numbers at least remain stable.” She took another sip of wine. “Lieutenant Tulas - can I call you Cal?”

“Please do,” Cal said easily, finishing off his glass. 

“Cal, then. Cal, once I am back from my vacation, you do realize it will be very difficult for you to see me, yes?” Impa asked. “I guard the king. Our first meeting was… a fortuitous happenstance, brought about by my fatigue.” She frowned slightly, sipping her wine. “As much as you may wish otherwise, you would likely not see me again unless you were a member of the Royal Guard.” She sighed quietly. “I would recommend that you put any thoughts about me aside. Think of me as a shadow.”

“You got forced into this little vacation because you overworked yourself, right?” Cal asked easily, sitting back down at the table. “That implies you don’t work all the time. You really can’t just talk with me when you’re not working?”

“I have responsibilities outside of work, too.” Impa said simply. “I have to train, to keep my house, to maintain my writings…”

Cal thought for a moment. “The Royal Guard exam is in a month.” He suggested. “If I were a Royal Guard member, we’d work in the same place, at the same time.”

Impa blinked a few times. “You’re… serious about this, aren’t you?” She asked, genuinely surprised. “This isn’t just a fling.”

Cal gave her a genuine smile. “Nope. I told you I wasn’t looking for just a fling either.”

Impa sighed softly. “My oath to the royal family must always come first, you know.” She said, “And sometimes I will have to do dangerous things, cruel things, things I could never tell you about. I could never be fully honest with you, even if I wished it.”

“I get it,” Cal said simply, that same smile on his face. “I did as much research as I could about Sheikah and you told me a lot about how you work, remember? But even after learning everything I have about you… I still invited you here, didn’t I? I ruined one of my good pans for you,” he said with a chuckle. 

“You ruined that pan yourself. I was an observer at best.” Impa shot back with a laugh. She reached her hand out and took Cal’s own. “Very well, then. I suppose… if nothing else… I owe you a second date, don’t I?”

“You don’t owe me anything, Impa,” Cal told her gently, standing up. “But… if you wanted to see me again… and maybe warm my bed up…” he said with a wink. “I’m open for you.”

Impa smiled lightly. “I’m not quite that easy, Cal.” She said, finishing her glass of wine. “But who knows where the future will lead us?” She leaned in, kissing his cheek. “I’ll be heading home. See you for lunch tomorrow?”

Cal smiled, accepting the kiss happily, but respectfully not making a move himself. “You bet, Impa. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

One Week Later

“Grandmaster.” Impa said, walking in and bowing to Mellin. “I have a request.”

Mellin turned to look at Impa curiously. “Yes?” he said with an air of sternness. “What is it?”

“I wish to request leave to conceive a child.” Impa said simply.

Mellin paused, then pulled a notebook from his pouch. He began flipping through the pages, looking at the ledger. “Hm… I was about to look for who would be willing or wanting to conceive again. Saioko returned to duty last month…” he looked over at Impa curiously. “You’re the right age…” he shrugged. “A strange move to take, Impa, but you have asked at the right time. I will grant your request.”

Impa bowed respectfully. “Thank you, Grandmaster. I have a candidate in mind already, and I will report when I believe things are ready.”

“Who you chose is up to you,” Mellin said easily. He put the book away and looked over at Impa. “However… Let us not talk business for a moment, shall we? But as father and daughter?”

Impa bowed again. “Very well, Father. What do you wish to speak about?”

“You have a candidate in mind?” Mellin said with a curious smile, raising an eyebrow. “I know you were talking with Lieutenant Tulas. Has the man… caught your interest?”

“He has.” Impa nodded. “He is… an interesting man. He listens to me when I talk, does not judge me for the circumstances of my birth or my duties, and… well…” She allowed herself a small smile. “He is a very kindhearted man as well.”

Mellin gave Impa a small smile. “Alright. Just remember - the royal family is the most important thing. I understand becoming… attached. And having attachments to others is not forbidden. But if King Gustaf tells you to kill him…” Mellin gave her a serious look. “You know what must be done.”

“I would kill him without a second thought.” Impa swore with a bow. “My loyalty is to the royal family, first and foremost. Ahead of friends, ahead of family. I am their shadow, the unblinking eye, and the knife in the darkness.”

“Good,” Mellin said, giving a nod. He gave her a softer smile after that. “Then be with him as you see fit. I never doubt your loyalties, Impa. You make me proud, you know that?”

Impa smiled, bowing with her hands clasped together. “Thank you, Father. I am proud to serve the Sheikah with all that I am.”

Mellin’s smile changed to a smirk. “And… if you wish… I can give you permission to bring Tulas to Karakiko…”

“I appreciate that, but he is to take the Royal Guard exam soon.” Impa replied with a chuckle. “He wants to continue seeing me whenever possible.”

“Then an amendment,” Mellin said with a chuckle. “You do not need to stay in Kakariko during your pregnancy.”

Impa bowed once more. “I thank you for that consideration, Father, but I suspect he will lose interest soon. The hot flame burns bright but short.”

“As you say, though I know with your mother, I felt… different about her than a Sheikah was supposed to,” Mellin said with a distant look in his eyes. “I wonder, if she had survived having you, if I might have…” he shook his head. “Bah. It doesn’t matter.” He nodded at Impa. “You are excused. Try to relax some more while you work on bringing a new Sheikah into this world.”

“Thank you, Father.” Impa said once more, vanishing in a puff of smoke.

Three weeks later 

Cal sighed as he came back into his tiny home after the Royal Guard exam. It was a brutal test and he had no idea how well he did. He prayed he was able to pass, but it was in that really intense colonel’s hands now. 

Cal barely had the door to his house closed before he started to strip down to nothing, leaving a trail of clothes as he made his way to his bed. He was stark naked as he reached his bed, ready to fall into it when the door behind him shut loudly.

“Still walking, hmm?” Impa asked, looking him over. “Congratulations.”

Cal squealed in a very high pitched tone as she spoke, grabbing the edge of a blanket and wrapping it around his hips. “Impa! Nayru’s grace, you could’ve said something!” he said, flustered and embarrassed. 

“Yes, I could have.” Impa said, pulling out a potion and offering it to Cal. “Care for this? It will help with the bruises and the aches.”

“Um… sure…” he said, looking down at the blanket awkwardly wrapped around him. “Do you… want me to put my pants on first?”

“If you prefer.” Impa said with a shrug. “I mostly came to congratulate you on your achievement.”

“Um… right…” he said awkwardly, looking over at the nearest garment. His shirt. He had shed his pants right after his shoes and they were on the other side of his house. 

Impa chuckled, idly kicking Cal’s pants off the floor and catching them. “I’ll offer you one, but not the other.” She said playfully. “Potion or pants. Your choice.”

Cal raised an eyebrow and, watching her reaction carefully, he released the blanket and walked over to her, naked once again. “Potion please…” he said with a careful smirk.

Impa handed the potion over with a grin. “I have to admit, I’m impressed, Cal. I didn’t think you’d actually try out for the Royal Guard. I’m embarrassed to say, I took it as bluster.” She walked over to an icebox, pulling out a bottle of champagne she’d hidden there earlier. “I don’t suppose you’d like to know how you did?”

“Do you know?” Cal asked as he quaffed the potion in one go. “Colonel TightAss seemed like the kind of man that would want to make his recruits sweat it out.”

“It’s pronounced Tie-tuss, actually, and yes, I do know how you did.” Impa chuckled. “I knew almost as soon as you staggered out of the test.”

“I know what I said,” Cal said with a smirk. “But if you know I wouldn’t mind knowing,” he said, coming over to her to accept a glass, completely unashamed of his nakedness.

“You passed.” Impa said, clinking their glasses together. “Everyone who gets through the whole gauntlet without surrendering or being rendered unconscious passes. They just tell you otherwise to make sure you give it your all.”

“Oh… well… amazing!” Cal said, downing the entire glass in one go. “Ah… sweet success,” he said with a laugh.

“Congratulations, Cal.” Impa said, kissing his cheek sweetly. “I’m proud of you.”

Cal leaned into the kiss just a little, but then pulled himself back. He smiled down at her. “Thanks, Impa. I’m glad you told me. I know that will let me sleep easier tonight. Especially, since…” he gave her a long smile. “That means I’ll be able to see you more, right? We can see each other a little more now that I’m a big fancy guard?”

Impa nodded. “Yes. When I return to my duties, I will be able to select the same shift as you.” Impa said with a soft smile. “If you still want to see me by then, anyway.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Cal asked easily, sitting on his bed. He patted the space next to him for her. “I’ve been seeing you every day since your forced vacation.”

“Feelings can change.” Impa said with a shrug.

“Yeah, they can get stronger,” Cal countered with a smile and shrug to match hers.

“You seem to be feeling better already.” Impa said with a laugh. “It’s good to see that the potion worked as intended - it’s meant for Sheikah physiology.”

“Yeah, I still kinda feel a bit of the sting, but I feel a bit hyper, like I’ve drank way too much coffee,” Cal said with a laugh. “I’ll probably crash hard later, but at least now I’m not drifting off so I can talk to you.”

Impa shifted over, placing a hand on Cal’s thigh. “That’s good, because I had an idea about how I could celebrate your success.” She glanced over at Cal. “And by that, I mean we could have sex.”

Cal’s eyebrows raised the same time a certain part of him twitched. It was actually comical, though Impa didn’t laugh. “Oh yeah? Well, I told you my bed was open to you any time.” He gently caressed her face.

“And, if I recall, I told you that I was not that easy.” Impa said, pulling Cal into a proper kiss, her lips parting to allow her tongue to dart into his mouth. “But you’ve proven to be a better man than I expected you to be in every way that matters.”

Cal opened his mouth eagerly, moving his tongue into Impa’s mouth as well. “Well… glad I could exceed your expectations.” He gave her a smirk. “Hopefully I can do that now, too…” he said as he kissed her fiercely again.

“There is something I should tell you, Cal.” Impa said, even as she shifted over on the bed to be more comfortable. “I have further intentions tonight, beyond merely celebrating your accomplishments.” She looked Cal in the eyes, making sure he could see how serious she was. “I intend to conceive a child with you.”

Cal stopped, staring at Impa for a long moment, blinking slowly. “Oh… okay…” He stopped again, thinking. “Are… you going to want me to never see the child?” he asked.

“I would not force you to if you did not want to.” Impa replied simply, “But I would… prefer that you be a part of their life.”

Cal smiled, then began to work Impa’s pants off. “I’d like that. So yeah, if you wanna have a kid with me tonight, that’s a really good way to immortalize this accomplishment,” he said with a chuckle.

Impa raised an eyebrow. “You continue to exceed my expectations, Cal…” She said quietly.

“I always wanted kids,” Cal said easily as he worked her pants off and then began to settle between her legs, kissing up her thigh.

“You understand that they will be raised as a Sheikah. They will be trained from a young age and raised in my culture.” Impa said, still not sure that Cal was taking this seriously.

“Yep.” Cal said easily, looking up at her. “Three Sheikah to one Hylian, right? So I guess we’ll need to have four kids and the fourth one can be raised Hylian, if they want.”

“It’s not a sure thing, you know…” Impa said, still a bit nervous.

“Let me ask you one thing, then, Impa…” Cal said, still kissing around her legs. “If we have a child and they really hate or aren’t good at being a protector like you have… your culture has other jobs for them, right? Other roles they can have in Kakariko?”

Impa nodded. “They can serve our people however they are able, yes.”

“Then that’s all I need to know,” Cal said easily. He smiled up at Impa. “I don’t need to have a Hylian child, Impa. There are plenty of other soldiers having kids that grow up in the culture I came from… yours is a bit more selective, and as long as you give them a choice, that’s all I care about.”

Impa bit her lower lip. “Cal…” She sighed quietly, “You… you know that my loyalty always has to lie with the Royal Family first and foremost. It has to exceed all others - even my family.”

“Yep.” Cal said, kissing up across her hips and above the white hair between her legs. “If the royal family tells you to kill me, will you do it quickly?” he asked. 

Impa swallowed heavily. “You would not feel pain.” She promised. “You wouldn’t even see it coming.”

Cal kissed up Impa’s body to kiss her lips again. “I know who you are, Impa. I know you can’t disobey the royals and you will have priorities over me, and over this kid you want us to have. I get it, I promise.” He gave her a smile. “Don’t mistake this smile for me being a fool. I listened to everything you’ve said, Impa.”

“I would never…” Impa said, kissing Cal fiercely. “I have one last question, Cal. How do you feel about me?”

“I want you really bad and I like you even more,” Cal told Impa instantly. “It’s a little weird to have a kid with someone before we fall in love, but I can work with it,” he said with a smirk.

“I can accept that.” Impa said, pulling Cal on top of her. “Then I will ask no more, Cal. Take what you want from me.”

Cal laughed, kissing down her again. “This is mutual, isn’t it? What I want is for us to have a good time before this buzz wears off and I pass out,” he said, moving back between her legs again. “And hopefully hear you scream my name.”

“Shiekah don’t scream.” Impa said simply with a grin. “Though I’d love to see you try.”

“Challenge accepted,” Cal said as his mouth connected to her sex.

Impa was aware that Cal had been with some women in the past, but there was no way to know his sexual prowess until she was having sex with him. And his tongue was eager and skilled, his movements slow and testing as he watched her carefully. And just like when he listened to her, he also paid attention when it came to pleasure. He adapted his movements as he watched her, picking up on her tells to bring her to pleasure even faster. 

Impa quickly worked her shirt off, grabbing one of her breasts as her hand tangled in Cal’s hair. She didn’t often… indulge herself in anything - food, drink, sleep, and especially not pleasure. But when she was able to take a moment to actually relax she found it easy not to fight Cal’s skilled mouth against her. She felt the tightening in her belly and the fire in her blood… something she had been familiar with in her younger, less disciplined days, but had not allowed herself to feel such exhilaration in years. It was only her will and endurance that did not send her over the edge in a matter of seconds.

“Mmm…” Impa groaned, pulling Cal’s hair as she did. “You’re… quite skilled, Cal…” She whispered, careful to not let her voice raise. She may be experiencing wonderful pleasure - and she might have needed this a lot more than she’d been letting on - but she wasn’t going to cry out. She was a Sheikah. They lived in the shadows, and they dined on silence. Impa had been trained to withstand torture without a sound, and she could withstand bliss as well.

Cal laughed against her skin, stopping his work to do so. Impa would have complained, but his fingers replaced his mouth, carefully wetting them on her before sliding inside, so he could lean up to talk. “And you are a skilled opponent…” he said with a smirk. “I’ve barely heard a moan from you… guess if I even want to hear a simple exclamation I’m going to have to work very hard, aren’t I?”

Impa sighed lightly. “You will have to work much, much harder…” She said softly, “But again, I would love to see you try…” She grabbed his hair a bit harder, pulling him forward.

“Oho!” Cal said as he brought his face down again. “A challenge! I do so love those…” he said with a cocky smirk before his mouth found her clitoris and began to suck and lick, still watching her as his fingers and mouth worked together on her sex.

Impa whined quietly as she hit her limit, wrapping her legs around Cal’s head as she reached her climax. She barely made a noise as she rode her pleasure out to its utmost before coming back down, sweating and winded… but still very, very quiet.

Cal got up and went to the pump in his kitchen to retrieve a bucket and a pitcher of water and two glasses. He washed his face off with the bucket before pouring them each a glass of water. He was downing his as he offered her one.

“Thank you.” Impa said, drinking the water gratefully. “I have… it has been a long while since I had the time or inclination to pleasure myself. You did… you did well.” She smiled at Cal, her expression half-lidded. “But you will not get me to scream.”

Cal climbed into bed with her, holding her to his chest with a smirk. “Yeah, I think I’ll have to adjust my expectations," he said with a chuckle. “I gave it my all just then and I barely got a soft whine out of you.”

“You should be proud. You got me to make a noise.” Impa said lightly. “I’ve been trained to withstand torture, Cal - it’s difficult to get me to make any noise.”

“Shoulda guessed,” Cal said with a chuckle, kissing across her cheek and down her neck. “You Sheikah are real tough. But even though I just got a small noise out of you, if you enjoyed it, that’s what really matters.”

“It was wonderful.” Impa said, shifting her waist slightly. “Are you ready to go further?”

“Oh I am absolutely ready…” Cal said with a smirk. “Well…” he looked down at himself and then back up to Impa. “I could use a little warming and then I’d be ready to try and make you moan again. I’ll settle for a normal volume one - that’s my new goal,” he said with a laugh.

Impa merely pushed her hips forward, taking Cal to the hilt in one swift motion with barely a wince. “Was that enough warmup for you? It was stiff enough to go in.”

Cal’s head rolled back and he moaned. They were still on their sides and he grabbed her, rolling them over so that Impa was above him. He put his hands on her hips as he adjusted them. “Hylia, Impa, a little warning?” he said with a laugh. “I’m already pretty excited from when I was between your legs…”

“If we gave warnings, we wouldn’t be nearly as effective.” Impa said simply. “I have the advantage now.” She gave Cal a slightly evil grin. “This is what you asked for, Cal.”

“Is this part of you taking me out no problem like we talked about?” Cal asked with a chuckle, one hand moving up to grab her breast, moving a thumb around her nipple. “I like it when a woman takes charge over me.”

“Very well.” Impa said, lifting herself up and dropping back down in a slow, but even rhythm. “Move your hands a bit more, please.”

Cal bit his lip to keep back from moaning. “Ng… yes ma’am,” he said, his eyes on her as his hands explored her body. Like before, he watched for what she liked and focused on what he saw made her feel the best.

Impa kept moving, slowly speeding up as she began chasing that fire in her belly. She had to admit - Cal was very skilled, moving his hands and his hips in concert with her and helping her chase that high. “Mmm…” She groaned quietly, a blush spreading across her face. “Faster, Cal…”

Cal bit his lip with a groan, following her command in an instant. And then his hands were on her head and he moved up to her and his lips found hers, kissing her deeply and in concert with the rest of his movements, moaning into her mouth, somehow encouraging her to the same.

Impa wanted to - Goddesses above, did she ever want to - but her training kept her from moaning. Instead, she gave Cal one slight favor, and she whispered in his ear. “You’re good, Cal. One of these days, you might actually hear me moan.” She smiled lightly as she felt him pass the point of no return.

“Shit, fuck, shit…!” Cal said as he grabbed Impa’s hips as his rhythm became erratic and he lost control. 

Cal was worried he was not outlasting Impa, but luckily for him, his last few thrusts were enough and the two of them reached the Sacred Realm together. Cal was still clinging to Impa, kissing her deeply as they fell back on the bed, breathing heavily. They were silent as they caught their breath and Cal smiled at Impa, holding her face. “Guess you won this round…” he said with a breathless laugh.

“Of course I did.” Impa said with a small grin. “But this was very nice…” She leaned in, kissing Cal sweetly. “Congratulations, Royal Guard Tulas…” She nuzzled against his chest with a smile. “I’d like to make another offer to you. I could stay with you tonight, if you’d prefer.”

“I’d really like that, honestly…” Cal said with a smile, wrapping his arms around her. “It’d be really nice to see you when I wake up tomorrow so I know this wasn’t all some elaborate dream of mine.”

“I would like that as well.” Impa said, allowing herself a smile. “Goodnight, Cal.”

“Goodnight, Impa…” Cal said with a long yawn. “I think I love you...” he mumbled as he held Impa tightly. 

Chapter Text

Over the next two months, Impa and Cal shared a bed regularly. Cal took on his responsibilities as a member of the Royal Guard, and Impa made very, very sure that she was pregnant. Cal got used to seeing Impa when he woke up, and seeing her when he got off of work. It was nice, having an emulation of a normal, domestic life.

Naturally, it couldn’t last.

“I am beginning to show.” Impa said one day as they lay together, her back against Cal’s chest as he ran his hand over her stomach. “Soon I will pass the point of most risk as I move into the second trimester.” She looked over at Cal cautiously. “You don’t need to stay with me if you do not want to, you know.”

“But I do want to stay with you,” Cal said with a smile. “I wanna be there for the kid, as much as I’m able. And I really don’t want to leave you.”

Impa hummed quietly. “If you say so.” She said. “I suppose now would be a good time to start thinking of names.” She shut her eyes, thinking over traditional Sheikah names. “Arata if the child presents male. Paya if it presents female.”

“I love both of them,” Cal said, nuzzling his face into Impa’s neck, his hand still on her middle. “They sound like good, strong names.”

Impa hummed quietly. “If, however, the child ends up Hylian…” She said, placing her hand over Cal’s own, “I would like you to suggest a name.”

“Ooo, okay, I can do that,” Cal said with a laugh. He hummed as he thought about it. “What about… Asher, if they’re a boy and Rowina if they’re a girl.”

“I like that.” Impa said, holding Cal’s hand tightly. “It is… unusual for a Sheikah to have a partner involved in their child’s life, you know. Typically the child is raised by their Sheikah parent and the community.” She sighed, shutting her eyes. “I believe this tradition is one worth shucking. I want you to be a part of their life.”

“I want to be part of their life, too,” Cal said, gently kissing Impa’s neck. “And I think it’s a good thing to have them raised by their community. So if we can… I’d like them to be raised by them and us, if that’s alright…”

Impa blinked a few times. “I am sorry, Cal.” She said softly. “I didn’t think you would want to be a part of their life. I continue underestimating you.”

“I get that a lot,” Cal said with a laugh. “A lot of people think I’m not paying attention or I’m just mean since I tend to be a lot more intense when I’m on duty.”

Impa rolled over to pull Cal into a deep kiss. “You are a good man, Cal. Hyrule is lucky to have you.” She sighed happily. “I made a good choice.”

Seven Months Later

“Tulas.” The voice came from behind Cal, mere minutes after his shift had ended. “Come with me.” A Sheikah man stepped out from the shadows, glaring at him. “The Grandmaster requests your presence.”

Cal nearly jumped at someone suddenly appearing behind him, but luckily Impa had been training him. He wasn’t surprised this was happening since Impa had told him who the Grandmaster was, so he nodded to the messenger. “Of course. Lead the way,” he said politely.

The Sheikah man nodded firmly, leading Cal through several twists and turns in the castle before slipping behind him and tying a blindfold around his eyes. “Security.” He said simply, before leading Cal through even more labyrinthine passages. He swore he could hear stone grinding against stone at several points, and his footsteps echoed as he walked. There were secret passages in the castle, apparently. After close to ten minutes, the blindfold was removed, and he found himself in front of an aged Sheikah man, a smoking pipe clutched in his hand.

“Calvin Tulas. Lieutenant in the Royal Guard. Three years service in the Hylian army. Born in Mabe Village to Alan and Maria Tulas. No major injuries on record, but a minor arm fracture at age seven from falling out of a tree.” The old man said, taking a drag off of his pipe. “Father of my nineteenth grandchild.” He gestured to a mat in front of him. “Sit.”

“Nineteenth?” Cal said, raising an eyebrow as he sat across from the old man. “I take it you have more than one child?”

“I have seven.” The old man said simply. “Impa is the only one who has survived the war. So far.”

“But they all had children before they went?” Cal asked, raising an eyebrow. “Or have you also lost eighteen grandchildren?”

“That is not for you to know.” The old man said simply.

“Ah, my apologies,” Cal said with an apologetic bow of his head. “Curiosity is a weakness of mine.”

The old man took another drag off his pipe. “I am Mellin, Grandmaster of the Sheikah. Impa is my heir.” He said, keeping his eyes locked on Cal. “She entered labor sixteen hours ago. I expect to hear news about the birth any moment now.”

“Ah, yeah, Impa told me when she felt the first contraction and left for Kakariko…” Cal said, shifting nervously. “I… wish I could’ve been there, but I understand I’m not even supposed to be this involved.”

“For some reason, she has decided that you are to be involved in the child’s life.” Mellin said, glaring at Cal. “This is within her rights as the parent, even though it is very unusual.” He leaned forward, his eyes fierce. “Tell me, Calvin Tulas. How do you feel about my daughter?”

“Oh, I love her,” Cal said in a simple, easy tone. Like asking if the sky was blue.

“I was afraid of that.” Mellin said, shaking his head.

“Ah, wrong answer, then?” Cal said with a chuckle. “Oh well - I knew better than to lie.”

“No. There is no wrong answer, Calvin Tulas.” Melin said, his posture relaxing a little bit. “But if you love her, that can cause complications.” He looked at Cal again, his eyes a bit softer. “You know she will not be able to devote herself to you fully.”

“I know about how you guys have a sworn oath to the king and the royal family,” Cal said. “And I get it - she’ll always have priorities over me. But the way I see it is that she has devoted herself to me fully, but what that looks like to you guys is different than Hylian definitions,” he said with a chuckle. “At least… that’s what it feels like. We haven’t talked about all this, but I got the feeling.”

Mellin raised an eyebrow. “You are an interesting man, Calvin Tulas.”

“That’s what they tell me,” Cal said with a chuckle.

Mellin took a drag on his pipe, staring at Cal. “Very well.” He said, after a long pause. “Take him to her. He has my blessing.”

The Sheikah that had led Cal to Mellin in the first point appeared behind him once again. “Follow me.” He said, leading him to a hidden door. “Impa and your child are over here.”

“Wait, they’re not in Kakariko?” Cal asked, rushing forward to look for his family.

“She completed the birth moments before I summoned you.” Mellin said. “She asked to be here so you could see them as soon as possible.” He shook his head. “She has become emotionally compromised, Calvin Tulas. You are now responsible for any repercussions that causes.”

“I understand,” Cal said, following the first Sheikah to a quiet room. His eyes were on the door. “Can… I see them now?”

The Sheikah merely nodded, opening the door, revealing Impa holding a small, swaddled baby to her breast. “Wash your hands before handling the babe.” The Sheikah said, gesturing to a basin of hot water off to the side.

Cal washed his hands and then walked over to Impa, kneeling beside the bed and taking her free hand. “Hey…” he said quietly, looking at the babe in her arms. “I’m glad to see you two made it…” He gently caressed the baby’s face, seeing their white hair, but not their red eyes, as their eyes were closed. “So… Arata or Paya?” he asked with a smile.

“Paya.” Impa said, smiling at their child. “Unless she decides otherwise as she grows up.” She looked up at Cal, and he got the distinct sense he was seeing her with all her walls down for the very first time. “We have a daughter, Cal.”

“And she’s beautiful,” Cal said, leaning up to kiss Impa’s cheek. “Even more beautiful than you, which I didn’t even think was possible,” he said with a chuckle. 

“Do you wish to join me in the bed?” Impa said with a smile.

Cal climbed into bed with the two, holding Impa gently to his chest, looking down at Paya. He smiled at Impa. “Does… this make us a family now?” he asked her.

Impa nodded. “I suppose it does.” She said quietly. “Little Paya…” She rubbed the baby’s head, smiling softly. “I hope your life will be more peaceful than mine.”

“And I hope you like us as parents…” Cal said, gently caressing Paya’s cheek. “I promise I’ll be the best dad I can be for you, little Paya.”

Paya’s little hand reached up and grabbed hold of Cal’s finger, squeezing it with all the strength her little hand could muster, even as she kept nursing. Cal felt like his life, in that moment, was complete. And no matter what happened next… he could face it and it was all worth it.

It had been fourteen good years for Cal and his family. Cal had changed in the near decade and a half since Paya was born. He had taken after Impa in many ways and had become more serious, more stern, and took his work far more seriously. He was able to spend a great deal of time with Impa for the first year of Paya’s life until King Gustaf and his queen, Sonia, had borne the next heir to Hyrule, Crown Princess Zelda Amari. Impa had become very busy after that, but she made time when she could. Though she was able to share a wish she had with Cal - that Paya and Zelda could be friends.

Impa, for her part, took after Cal as well - becoming less stern, less restrictive, more willing to let things slide even if they were technically against the rules. She was especially lenient when it came to the young princess, who often sought methods to escape her stuffy noble upbringing. Paya spent time with the princess whenever she could, and Cal had to chuckle - the Princess of Hyrule was rapidly becoming a tomboy.

Impa hadn’t been around when news of General Arn and his family’s deaths came, but she still saw Cal when she could, comforting him at the loss of a good man that Cal had looked up to. Arn’s family were assumed killed in what was proving to be the last battle of the civil war. The last holdouts had launched an attack on Mabe Village, and their little cottage had been completely leveled. No bodies had been found, but what little hope there was was fading - the hoofprints had led into the Lost Woods, and they all knew… nobody returned from the Lost Woods.

The years passed and Cal watched his little girl grow up into a fine young woman, watched him become even better at her job - which meant Cal only saw her when she wanted him to - and he moved through the Royal Guard ranks to eventually reach the rank of a captain. A ceremony that he was happy that Paya and Impa were able to attend.

And through those years, Cal’s love for Impa grew as well. She never said she loved him - not in words, at any rate. He whispered the words to her at night when she slept, asked for her to marry him several times over, but always she remained steadfast in her duty to the royal family, believing that marriage would be a compromise she could not allow herself. But he kept asking, in the hopes that one day she would say yes. It never bothered him when she said no. It had quickly turned into a game of Cal slipping the proposal in among other inquiries, hoping to catch her off guard and get a yes. It was a game he had yet to win - but he was nothing if not determined.

And they lived this good life for fourteen years. But everything must come to an end. And their end came in the form of Ganondorf’s coup.

It had been terrifying for Cal as he rallied his troops and defended the castle with everything they could. But it wasn’t enough. The castle fell, Hyrule beginning to crumble with it as a cataclysm began to swallow the kingdom he fought so hard to protect. Then Gustaf gave his life for his children, for Zelda, so that she might save their kingdom. He saw nobles, including the young Prince Daphnes, abscond to Labrynna and Holodrom as Hyrule collapsed, but he still stayed, fighting to protect what he loved.

Who he loved.

And in the end, Hyrule was lost. But Princess Zelda and a young boy she said was a hero remained. A boy Cal took under his wing, vowing to train him hard and make him a better warrior than the already skilled Cal could ever be. It hurt him to have to break the boy under his fists, but Hyrule needed Link to survive. And defeat an evil they had never faced before. 

And one day, as Link glared at Cal with steely determination in the midst of their training, he saw something he never expected to see in the young man’s face - Arn Hateno was staring back at him. Cal didn’t know how he hadn’t seen it before, but as the baby fat melted away from Link, Cal’s old friend and mentor emerged. Somehow, impossibly, Arn’s son had survived… and he was the Hero of Hyrule.

These were a terrible few years as a calamity raged outside the safehouse they were holed up in. And while this was not the life Cal wanted his daughter to live, this was not the fate he could have ever dreamed of Hyrule experiencing even in his wildest nightmares… there was light amongst the dark.

He was able to lay with Impa in his arms every night.

“I can’t believe it,” Cal said quietly as he held Impa. “Arn’s son survived… and he’s going to fight to save Hyrule alongside its princess…”

“Are you going to tell him?” Impa asked quietly. “The boy deserves to know who his parents were.”

“Yeah, I want to,” Cal said with a sigh. “You’re right, he deserves to know. And maybe he’ll enjoy some stories I could tell him of his parents. Some levity amongst the… everything.”

“I think he’d appreciate that. He really looks up to you, you know.” Impa said quietly. “He sees you as a father of sorts.”

“I know,” Cal said with a sigh. “I hate how hard I have to train him, but he doesn’t have the luxury of time or patience. Who knows how long we can stay here and if something happens tomorrow I have to make sure that he’ll be ready.” He looked up at Impa with a half smile. “And you know… if he does look at me like a father… and you’re the one that brought him here… I guess this is you giving me a Hylian child after all.”

“We’ll have time to keep trying, you know.” Impa said with a soft chuckle. “Sheikah can remain fertile for quite a while.”

“Mm… too bad everything is so horrible right now…” Cal teased, kissing down Impa’s throat. “I’d offer to make one right now if we weren’t in this blasted bunker…”

Impa chuckled quietly. “Did you know Link and Zelda are sharing a bed already?”

“Oh dear, they’ll be like us in no time…” Cal said in a teasing deadpan voice, still kissing her neck. “Then you’ll have to castrate the poor boy…”

“King Gustaf made me swear not to. Apparently the two are destined to be together by Hylia herself.” Impa chuckled. “Besides, I actually like the kid.”

“Ah, then I suppose you’ll have to give Zelda those potions you’re on,” Cal said with a chuckle on her skin, gently removing her clothes. “Should I have to worry about giving Link the sex talk? If it’s true what the fairy says and he was raised by a tree, he probably has no idea how procreation works.”

“He’s sixteen, Cal. I’m pretty sure he’s figured it out.” Impa giggled. “Besides, I gave Zelda The Talk already.” She pulled him on top of her, kissing him fiercely. “Cal? I’ve had some time to think, and… since I’m Grandmaster now… technically I can change the rules…”

“Yeah?” Cal asked as he kissed down her chest and she removed his clothes in return. “What are you thinking about changing?” he asked as he connected their lips again, his hands roaming her body.

“I’ll tell you after we beat Ganondorf…” Impa said, a teasing twinkle in her eyes. “But suffice it to say, a certain answer to a question you keep asking might be changing…”

Cal’s eyes lit up and he kissed Impa fiercely. “Ah… I look forward to it…” he said, biting her lip. “Now… how about I try something I’ve been working on for a while and get more than a quiet moan out of you…” he asked as he settled between Impa’s legs, placing his hand behind one of her knees and hooking it on his hip.

“I’m even more disciplined than I have been before…” Impa smirked lightly. “Every day, my powers only grow…”

“Ah, but I know your body so well after a decade of study,” Cal reminded her with a smirk, as he angled himself at her entrance. “I bet I can out please that hardened discipline of yours…”

Impa leaned up and kissed Cal softly. “I would love to see you try, Cal…” She said, like always. “And I would love to be proven wrong.”

Cal knew the way to maximize her pleasure and his best chance of drawing out any sounds from her was to go slowly. She expected the speed - she could outlast the speed. But the agonizing pleasure of his hips moving oh so slowly to hers, moving inside her with a determination that only came from years of pleasing her. Impa bit her lip, but didn’t make any sounds yet as he went as slowly as he could before finally sinking to the hilt, Cal’s lips everywhere they could reach. 

“Mmm, is that heavy breathing and a fast beating heart I feel?” Cal teased, one hand on her breast while his lips were at her throat. “And we’ve only begun…”

“You’re… quite skilled… Cal…” Impa sighed softly, one hand wrapped around Cal’s waist and her fingers digging into his back. “Oh, goddesses, how long has it been since we had a chance to do this?”

“A while…” Cal groaned as he moved at a slow pace that was more agony than pleasure, but he had a goal in mind. “Hylia, I almost forgot how good you feel…”

Impa whined quietly as she moved her hips along with Cal’s. “You feel amazing, Cal…” She whispered, biting her lower lip. “I’ve missed you so much…”

“I’ve missed you too…” Cal whispered back, kissing her deeply. “I… I admit that I’ve been secretly enjoying holding you every night. I know Hyrule is in darkness and everything is terrible, but…” he put his free hand up to Impa’s face, gazing at her lovingly. “I always want to be near you, Impa…”

Impa softly kissed Cal’s hand. “Not everything is terrible…” She said with a smile. “We’re both here… and Paya…”

“Yeah…” Cal said with a smile. “I am lucky enough to have my family with me in this darkness… a light in all this shadow…”

Impa bucked her hips against Cal, taking advantage of his momentary distraction, getting him to moan quietly. “Careful, Cal…” She said playfully. “I always take advantage of openings.”

Cal laughed around a moan and ran his hand that was on her breast down Impa’s torso to where their hips met, his fingers finding her clitoris and making Impa twitch beneath him as he stimulated that little nub. “Ah… and I don’t play fair…” he whispered in her ear, biting on the lobe. 

Impa gasped softly before pulling Cal into a deep kiss, moaning - quietly and softly - into his mouth as she did. She had to admit - he was really good. A thought that was punctuated by his hips snapping forward a few times before he sped up, setting them into a rhythm that hit her both deep and hard. He was always a quick study and when he knew she liked something he always stuck to it. And his experience with her was catching up as he ignited that fire in her belly.

Cal moaned into her mouth, his hand not between them roaming her body to everywhere she loved him to touch. He bit her lip, tugging on it, his teeth becoming rougher the longer they went on. And oh how she adored him being rough with his mouth. It pulled more quiet moans from her and Cal smirked against her lips. “Are the fires of pleasure burning you yet, my shadow?” he asked her softly.

Impa nodded. “They are…” She whispered quietly. “Oh goddesses, Cal…” She captured his lips again, clinging to him harder as she let a few tears trickle from her eyes. “So good…”

“Yeah, you are…” Cal said with a groan, speeding up again. He kissed her tears away. “Fuck, Impa… You drive me insane…”

Impa groaned quietly, redoubling her speed. “I must be insane too,” She said as quietly as she could, staring Cal in the eyes, “Because I was thinking that… after we survive this… we could have another child together.”

“Goddesses, I’d love that…” Cal said with a grunt. “Having Paya with you… It’s been one of my greatest joys…” he told her, kissing her deeply. “I… Din’s burning arms, I want to marry you… I want to have as many kids as you want…”

“I can’t believe you’ve stayed with me throughout all of this…” Impa muttered as she kissed Cal a bit more deeply. “But I think… I think you and Paya have kept me alive…” She bit her lower lip a bit harder. “Are you close?”

“I am hanging on by a thread…” Cal said in a strained voice. “And of course I’ll stay with you…” he said around his heavy breathing. “I…” he looked deeply into Impa’s eyes. “I love you,” he told her softly.

Impa wanted to say it back so badly. She loved Cal with all her heart and wanted nothing more than to stay with him in a Hyrule at peace, waking up every morning to his smiling face as they raised as many children together as possible… but she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Not now. “I know, Cal…” She said instead, kissing him firmly. “I know.”

Cal knew she couldn’t say it back, but that was alright. He knew that was what she wanted. And it was enough. He kissed Impa deeply as he sped then along, moaning loudly as he planted himself into her deeply and hit his limit, her name on his lips. Impa’s own limit was reached with slightly less fanfare, though she still moaned out quietly with him until they were both hot and sweaty, clinging together as they caught their breath together. 

Cal kissed Impa’s cheek. “It’s enough, Impa,” he promised her quietly. “You are always enough for me, Impa…”

Impa didn’t have a response for Cal this time, but she didn’t need one. She said everything she needed to with her next kiss. She was going to marry him - she had decided. Tradition be damned, she was going to marry him.

One Year Later

“He was nearly dead.” Cal said softly, sitting at the table with a drink in his hand. “Another inch one way or the other and Ganondorf would have killed him outright. Zelda’s shoulder was all torn up too…” He shook his head as he downed another stiff drink. “How can they get the Master Sword without instantly being set upon? Ganondorf was right there.”

Impa frowned deeply. “He’s had this long with complete control of Castle Town, but he hasn’t touched the Master Sword. Something’s keeping him from sensing it.” She hummed thoughtfully. “But he sensed the burst of divine magic when Zelda burned the malice away. Maybe he could be… tricked.”

Paya walked up to the table, sitting next to her parents. “Zelda’s able to bless objects. She mostly uses it to make weapons more durable, but if we have her bless an explosive, it might simulate the burst of light she can make.”

“Hm, risky, but it would work, if she could bless them enough,” Cal speculated, swirling his drink. “I would recommend several explosives blessed as powerfully as Zelda can manage.” He looked at Impa. “What do you think?”

Impa nodded. “Yes, that could work… but there is a downside. Whoever sets off that explosive is going to draw the attention of Ganondorf and his minions. It would almost certainly be a suicide mission.” She glanced at Cal. “And we don’t have very many people as is.”

“No, we don’t…” Cal said with a sigh, closing his eyes. He always knew where this was going. “Which of us do you want to set off the distraction?” He asked, resigned.

“It has to be me.” Impa said instantly. “I’m the only one who even has a chance of escape, especially if I take a contingent of other Sheikah with me.” She looked at Cal firmly. “We are the shadows, the hidden knives, the unblinking eyes of the Royal Family. We will give our lives for them if we must.”

“I know…” Cal said with a sigh, taking Impa’s hand and kissing it gently. “I have never interfered with your work and your duty and I’m not about to start. If anyone could survive this plan, it’s you, I know.”

“I’ll come back to you, Cal, I promise, but…” Impa looked over at Paya. “I want her to have at least one parent, just in case…” She took Paya’s hand. “How long do you think it will take Zelda to enchant the bombs?”

“A while.” Paya said, shaking her head. “She was hurt pretty badly, and there’s no way we’ll be able to pull her away from Link before he wakes up. Usually it takes her a month or so to bless a weapon, so…” She did some quick math. “A few months. Maybe a year, depending.”

“Then we have time to plan this operation down to the finest details.” Impa said, stretching out a map. “Let’s begin…”

One Year Later

Impa struggled against Ganondorf’s grip as he lifted her off the ground by her throat. Her left arm couldn’t move. Her second in command was lying dead against a tree, cut in half. The other Sheikah she’d brought were locked in combat with a number of monsters.

There was no escape. This was where she was going to die. At least she was going to die having accomplished her mission. She would carry that satisfaction with her as she melted into the shadows.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid woman…” Ganondorf snarled, squeezing Impa’s throat a bit more tightly. “What was the point of this demonstration? Did you honestly believe that I would be defeated by you and your pitiful band?” Impa struggled a bit more in his grip, trying to get a good angle to spit in his eye. “I don’t know how or why you created that burst, but you got my attention, and you will regret it.”

Impa grabbed Ganondorf’s wrist, holding herself up as much as she could. His arm was too long to kick him, but she could at least make it hard for him to kill her. But her vision was going red around the edges. She was going to die. She didn’t let anything show but righteous defiance as she felt her death nearing and thought of Cal.

I’m sorry, Cal, Paya… Impa thought, even as she fought. I love you so much… be good for your father, Paya.

There were monster shouts as the battle around them became more pitched. Impa prayed that meant her warriors were getting the upperhand on the monsters, that they could flee while Ganondorf paid attention to her. It’s what she owed them, the brave men and women that came with her to buy Zelda and Link the time they needed.

Impa’s vision started to go black. She thought of Cal hugging Paya, both of them smiling gently. I love you both so much… Impa thought. I’m sorry I never told you that, Cal.

Suddenly, Ganondorf stopped squeezing Impa’s neck as the tip of a sword blade sliced through his chest, jutting out where his heart should have been. Ganondorf looked puzzled and in his shock, loosened his grip on Impa. It was enough and she wrapped her legs around his arm, twisting her neck out of his grip and rolling away. She looked back up to Ganondorf to see who had saved her…

Only to see Cal’s snarling face glaring at the back of Ganondorf’s head.

“Run!” Cal cried to her, his eyes on Ganondorf. “I’ll hold him back!”

“Cal, no!” Impa yelled, scrambling away from Ganondorf as fast as she could. “You can’t hurt him without a sacred weapon!”

Ganondorf slowly turned, not even reacting as Cal yanked the sword out of his chest. “You should listen to her, little man.” Ganondorf said, holding out his hand as his gigantic sword formed out of malice. “I will win this battle. It is inevitable.”

“I don’t care if you win,” Cal said definitely, taking his stance across from Ganondorf. He turned to Impa. “Run! Tell Paya I love her! Just run and don’t look back!”

Impa was no fool. She knew if she ran she could live, and she could see Paya again… and if she stayed, the chances were high that both she and Cal would die. It was just logical… but she would hate herself for the choice she made that day all the same. “I love you, Cal!” She yelled, leaping into the treetops and making her escape.

 Cal smiled as he turned to face Ganondorf, who looked at him in contempt and annoyance. She said she loved me… it was all Cal really ever wanted. He thought of that day a decade and a half ago when Paya was just born, being held by Impa, who he held in his arms. It was a perfect moment now accented by hearing Impa say she loved him. 

And while Cal was only able to trade a few blows with Ganondorf, when the malice infected blade sank into his chest, he was still smiling. Impa told him she loved him. And she and Paya would live. 

“Satisfied?” Ganondorf asked, lifting Cal up with the sword. “You got to give your life for her. How disgustingly noble. She gets to live for another day.”

Blood poured from Cal’s lips as he gave Ganondorf a defiant smirk. “Yep. And you’ll kill me now… but you’ll never break my spirit or my love.” And with that and the blood in his mouth, Cal spat in Ganondorf’s eye.

Ganondorf snarled, wiping the blood from his eye. “I’m going to desecrate your corpse for that, you–”

Cal grinned like a fiend as he lifted up two small packages, each with a lit fuse. “Learned some tricks from her over the years…” He said, watching in delight as Ganondorf’s eyes went wide. I love you, Impa. I’ll see you soon.

The explosion of divine energy was visible for miles, starting as a round burst before shooting into the sky and piercing the clouds overhead, all without making a single sound. Moments later, the sound returned - a shockwave radiated outward, rattling the branches and blowing the leaves of the forest as the pressure wave continued moving.

But in the center, there was silence. Ganondorf had been blown back, burns over most of his body, one arm completely destroyed, and half his face blasted down to the skull. He lay still for several moments before his body jerked and sat up, malice flowing into him and rebuilding the damage the explosion had done, slowly but surely. He groaned angrily, barely able to move - he would be incapacitated for hours.

And still, across from him, saved by his own body, was the dead soldier that defied him, the one that allowed that disgusting Sheikah the ability to escape him. And he still smiled that mocking smile at Ganondorf, the one of a defiant, unbroken soul. One that was now far beyond Ganondorf’s reach.

It was on that day that Ganondorf tasted his first, and forever most bitter, defeat. It was that day that Calvin Tulas died saving Hyrule.

One Hundred and Fifty Three Years After Ganondorf’s Coup

Impa coughed weakly, feeling Paya squeeze her hand. “Paya?” She whispered, cracking an eye open to look at her beloved daughter. Paya was an old woman now herself, a grandmother several times over, and she’d been lucky enough to know what love felt like as well. Impa had made sure that Paya knew that love wasn’t a weakness, it wasn’t something to put aside for your duty, it was something to seek out. It made you stronger. “Paya, I need to know… do you blame me for your father…?”

“Never, not once,” Paya said quickly, taking Impa’s hand. “You and Dad fought so hard and I know that Dad sacrificed himself willingly. He wanted you to live, Mom, and you have.”

Impa nodded slowly. “Paya…” She whispered, and she knew- these would be her final words. “I want… to be buried next to him. In the safehouse. Like a…” She paused, coughing heavily before managing to continue. “Like a Hylian…”

“It will be done, Mama,” Paya said instantly, holding Impa’s hand tightly. “You two will be beside each other for eternity, I promise.”

Impa managed a weak smile. “I love you, Paya…” She whispered, her eyes closing for the last time as her head slumped to the side. “Cal…” 

Paya saw Impa beginning to drift away and leaned over to kiss her mother’s forehead gently. “I love you too, Mama.”

Impa sat up, looking around in confusion. She was surrounded by comforting shadows - not the kind that would terrify a child at night, but the kind that shields you from the sun in the summer, the kind that you seek out for comfort and privacy. The kind of shadows the Sheikah loved.

“Oh.” She said, “This is… where we go to rest.” She hung her head, thinking of everyone she’d lost over the years. Link. Zelda. Their children. Gustaf. Sonia.

Cal.

“I wonder…” She said, largely to herself. “Will they want to see me, after all this time?”

“Whoever you’re talking about, I know one person is happy to see you.”

Impa turned to see Cal standing just a little ways away, walking towards her. Impa jumped to her feet, as he gave her that warm smile she had loved so much. She was barely on her feet before she was running and Cal opened his arms to her, grabbing her and holding her tight as she literally jumped into his arms.

“Cal…” Impa said brokenly around tears.

“Impa…” Cal said with his own tears, burying his face in her shoulder. “I’ve missed you…”

“I’m so sorry, Cal…” Impa sobbed, “I wish I had married you…” She held up her arm, which still held the unity bracelet he’d tried to give to her so many times. “I wore it for the rest of my days…”

Cal held up his own arm to show the bracelet that she had crafted for him. She had left it at his tombstone, and yet… “Apparently it counts after death,” Cal said with a chuckle. “And it’s alright, Impa. I told you from the very first date that I knew what I was getting myself into. I was just happy I was able to hear you say you loved me before I passed.”

“I should have said it so many other times and so much sooner than I did…” Impa said, squeezing Cal to her chest. “I was a fool, Cal, and I was so, so lucky to have met you.”

“And I was so happy to have been given the chance to love you,” Cal told her. “And if you’re worried about not saying it before…” he pressed his forehead against hers. “Repeat after me,” he said, teasing her. “I love you…”

“I love you.” Impa said instantly. “And I always did. I loved you my whole life, and I never, ever took anyone else.”

“I hope you weren’t lonely…” Cal said, kissing her cheek. “I still wanted you to be happy… I know you Sheikah live long lives.”

“I had Paya… and our grandchildren…” Impa laughed softly as she sank into Cal’s embrace. “And our great-grandchildren… oh, Cal, you should see our family…”

“I will one day,” Cal said as he sank down into a wide chair that hadn’t been there a second ago, but was comfortable and warm as Cal held her close. “And I look forward to seeing them all. With you beside me, of course.” He gave Impa that same wide grin she remembered - the one that had made her heart flutter all those years ago. “But until then, how about you tell me about them? We have all the time in the world…”