As the two got dressed and walked back to Kakariko, they kept their distance. The fact that they had slept together the previous night and had now just seen each other naked and almost kissed and done Hylia known what else. They glanced at each other a few times, but averted their eyes shortly after. Finally, before the awkwardness reached critical mass, Link sighed and apologized.

"I'm sorry for, you know…that."

Paya blushed. She was certainly taken by surprise by Link bursting in nude, and they both almost got caught up in the moment before they were ready. It's not that she didn't want to., but not now. She was afraid. She was unprepared, and she didn't want to risk losing a man she cared for by moving too fast. Besides, what would the town say? She started to sweat a little, but exhaled.

"I-it's alright, Master Link. I trust you. I know you wouldn't be so crass."

Not that she hadn't had dreams like that, but she didn't feel comfortable disclosing those, at least not yet. She would write about them in her diary (and get a lock for it, just in case).

Link had thought for a while, then spoke again.

"Hey, Paya. I know you have your duties, but if you are free, would you like to go somewhere? I want to show you a few places nearby, if you're interested."

Paya could not possibly shirk her duties. She had less to do now that Ganon was vanquished, and the heirloom she had been guarding for so long had finally served its purpose, yet she still had responsibilities. Also, as much as it sounded nice, she was a bit anxious about venturing outside Kakariko. This village had been all she knew, save for one or two times she had ventured to Hateno in youth with her parents, Hylia bless them. Still, it was an enticing offer, especially given who had made it.

"Oh no, I couldn't possibly. I belong here. I must do my duties, for my grandmother, and our ancestors."

Link nodded. "I understand. The offer still stands though. Plus, you should have less to do now with Ganon dead and the heirloom in its pedestal."

Paya knew this and considered it. She honestly would jump at the chance to spend time with Link, but she was still nervous about it. She smiled and bowed.

"Thank you, Link."

Link bowed back to the white-haired maiden with the crimson eyes.\, prompting a relaxed giggle from her, which made him quite happy.

"You're welcome, Madame Paya."

They eventually made it back to Impa's house, only to find that there was a visitor, and a distinguished one at that. Princess Zelda's white horse was reigned next to Epona. Link had written in his letter that he would meet her in Hateno in a few days, but it seemed that she wasn't exactly patient. Either that, or she had finished up where he left her and she was eager to proceed, so she found it more pragmatic to meet Link in Kakariko. The latter was right on the rupees, as Link had expected.

Paya and Link were surprised, though Link was a bit worried he would get an earful, or the cold shoulder. Link could tell Zelda had feelings for him. The Princess and the hero had a bond that was hard put into words, but he did not feel a romantic connection to her in the way she had hoped. Link could face countless monsters, Yiga clan members, and killer robots, but breaking a friend's heart made him uncomfortable. He loved her dearly. They were bound by fate. However, that love was not the same love he had for Mipha, and now Paya. He felt guilty about this, even if he shouldn't.

"Mas….um, Link. Is everything alright?" Paya questioned. She noticed the look of concern on his face. She respected Link as the chosen hero and a dear friend, as well as the man she had fallen for. She also respected Princess Zelda greatly, as the legendary reincarnation of the Goddess herself, as well as Hyrule's rightful ruler (should they continue to have a monarchy in the reconstruction.) So, if there were to be some falling out between Link and Zelda because of her, she would feel a burden of guilt over her burgeoning relationship with the chosen hero.

Link and Paya looked at each other and walked in, holding hands, not just to affirm what they had just forged last night, but to provide comfort to each other's unease, even if it was over something as trivial in the long run as angst.

Thy walked in to see Zelda catching up with Impa and discussing plans with Impa. She seemed to have blueprints for a windmill, like the ones in Hateno, as well as an entire journal that seemed to be separate from the Princess' personal diary. She had several of these, filled with data, hypotheses, and sketches. Link surmised that there was one journal for each region of Hyrule, especially given how hefty this one seemed to be. He managed to hear a few words from the Princess as she sipped her tea and spoke to her old friend.

"So, as you can see, Lady Impa, a Windmill would help provide additional power and provide a cultural connection to the past…There you two are. So glad you could join us." She finished her tea before continuing.

"I appreciate the letter, Link, though I was hoping next time, we could travel toget…her" Zelda turned to look at Link and Paya as they held hands. Her heart sank, not that she hadn't suspected something. Her and Link had visited Kakariko at least once after the defeat of Ganon. She also knew of the deep relationship Link and Mipha had shared before everything went to pot. Still, she couldn't help feeling like a Lynel had aimed for her heart and let loose. It wasn't helped by her noticing that they both seemed to have wet hair, or at least partially damp. That wasn't a 100% confirmation of anything, she knew. However, it was enough.

"The materials are with Lady Impa. I trust you will read them well, if you aren't too busy."

She walked coldly out of the house and walked off towards the outskirts of town, leaving her horse behind, Link was ready to head off and say something. However, Impa stopped him.

"Give her some space, Link. She needs it right now."

Link looked towards where the Princess had wandered off. He didn't like this. However, he knew Impa was right. He needed space several times during his quest, and even before the incident with the Divine beasts and Calamity Ganon's hostile takeover. He could understand. He still wasn't fond of it, but it wasn't his place to just stumble in and make things worse. Besides, if Zelda could spend a century fighting off Ganon, all alone, while still looking like she was a teenager, she would be able to handle herself against some rogue bokoblins or wild animals. His eyes glassed over in thought before feeling a hand on his shoulder.

"Link…I will go talk to her."