Zelda and Impa were having a very heated discussion about restoration plans for Hyrule. It had certainly survived the Calamity, though not without casualties, but Zelda and Link both sought to rebuild in the wake of what happened, though not so much as to cause harm to the environment. The Princess herself had done several assessment reports. Link had tried to sit down and listed, but was rebuked by the Princess.

"Do you mind? We are having a conversation." She spat with a sort of cold venom in her voice. It took Link by surprise a bit, and even shocked herself.

She composed herself and looked at Link.

Zelda sighed before responding flatly. "I'm sorry. I know you are involved and have your role to play. Just…. Not now. I will call for you."

Link wouldn't admit it to her right now, given how she was rather cold towards him and Paya now for some reason, but he was proud of how intelligent and driven this young woman was. She was a true inspiration. She had her fated role to play but she had the will to carry out her destiny on her terms. She would not just drift on the breeze like a samara, but soar like an eagle. He would have to tell her that someday. For now, he looked at her then shifted his attention to Paya, walking over to the young Sheikah woman. She was rather silent, having been unable to even speak to Zelda.

"You did your best, Paya."

"I know, Ma…. I know, Link. I just wish I could have helped more." She stated with sadness. Link could relate.

"Yeah. I guess, she just needs some time to herself. I don't know what is weighing on her mind." The hero ruminated while brushing his bangs from his eyes.

"I do…. she is jealous." She stared ahead, then downward again

"I have not known the emotions I now feel until recently." She cast her gaze to the floor before focusing on Link again "But I can still tell somehow. She feels for you the way I do." Her face was flush, her eyes fluttering as if she were practicing giving butterfly kisses to the man next to her.

"Let's go for a walk." He offered, deciding that, while he should be privy to this information, it was best to leave Impa and Zelda to it right now. He would get the lowdown from Impa later.

She nodded and grabbed his hand gently.

"Y-yes. That would be lovely. Let's go." She smiled softly and they left the manor together.

Zelda turned around to see them leave together. The complicated emotions she felt started to bubble over, but luckily, Impa was there to bring her back to Earth.

"Focus, my dear. I know how you feel. Driving them away, then getting upset when they leave will get you nowhere. But for now, we have plans to discuss. Plans we will have to bring them up to speed on, especially Link. For now, take your time and we can formulate more strategies from here. I can get Link caught up for now if you're not ready to talk to him yet." Impa was very wise and insightful, though she could be rather blunt and funny when she needed to be. Her old friend's heartbreak was palpable, even if the young woman was at odds with herself over that. Zelda nodded and took out the plans she had, some in notebooks, others in the form of blueprints and posters. She liked to keep herself busy, especially when something weighed on her mind or heart (or both, as in this case.)

"Thank you, Lady Impa. I suppose you are right. I think we should focus on the plans for now. Let's continue." Zelda stated, pulling herself together.

Elsewhere. Link and Paya started walking around town, deciding mutually that some fresh air would do everyone some good. However, staying close by would be wise, in case either of them are needed. Link certainly did want to show Paya some new sights. He had some old campsites scattered around the land, especially in this surrounding area. Still, baby steps were important in any new relationship, so that could wait.

Paya looked at her surroundings, the cherry blossoms falling off the trees and drifting along the surface of the water. She really did love how beautiful her home village could be, from the flora and fauna to the architecture and the people here, whom she had known since childhood. She was awash in the shades and shapes of Kakariko, like those on old man Pikango's canvas. She was brought out of her surroundings by the warmth of Link's hand, which crept to hers, up her arm and straight to her heart, enveloping her whole body. Her heart skipped a beat and melted everything away like turpentine. The colors became muted as Link came into clearer focus, more radiant than ever before.

"You ok, Paya?" Link asked as she started to slow down and blush brighter.

Paya nodded quickly, trying to convince him while also doing her best to shake herself out of it. They were just starting out, even if she fell for him beforehand. Was she being ridiculous?

"I'm fine. Honestly." She blushed and hid her face. However, what she chose to hide her face happened to be Link's shoulder. When she came to this realization, she froze up again. Link noticed, ad started to blush himself, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand.

"Let's take a seat somewhere. There's a bench right over there." Link pointed to an area under a tree near the foot bridge that crossed a little pond.

The two young lovers sat on the bench and continued holding hands. It was peaceful and, even though there were people going about their business, Link and Paya felt like they had ample solitude. Paya rested her head on Link's shoulder. She didn't realize she was doing it until halfway through, but she didn't care right now. It felt nice. They weren't doing anything lewd or inappropriate. She was merely snuggling up to him. It just felt right in this moment. An arm around her shoulder and a peck on her forehead brought confirmation that Link agreed. This brought a smile to her face and she snuggled up closer to him. She wasn't worried about being weird right now. She wasn't worried about Zelda being mad at her. The only thing that mattered right now was this moment.

"I agree." Link whispered into her ear with a warm smile evident in his voice.

Paya lifted her head to look at him and their eyes met, sharing a conversation for several minutes that seemed more like a blissful eternity. Finally, their lips followed suit, though for just a few moments before they embraced and took a nap together on that bench as a lotus blossom drifted under the bridge. Many things were uncertain about the future, about how things would pan out. However, all that mattered now was that they had each other, and that was good enough. Two birds fluttered about in a nearby tree before flying off together.