The rest of the day went perfectly fine.

They found a nice spot for Zelda to finish up recording all about the monsters they had encountered last night, and she got to watch Link practice some of his skills and she smiled as she did so. His path mirrored Larkin's perfectly and while she felt bad for thinking Larkin's path wouldn't have brought him here, she knew she couldn't due to the fact Link was destined for greatness.

Link knew what was expected of him. The Great Deku Tree explained how he was to finish what the Hero of the Skies had begun from the moment he took down his own villain; Ganon's ancestor. It was lost to time as to who it was, but deep down, Link felt like he already knew the demon's ancestor and would be facing the very same one soon enough, and he could only hope they would be ready for that moment when they both struck at once— as one.

He also wanted to make sure he had enough time to confess his feelings to Zelda.

If there was one wish he had, it was to have something with Zelda, to have a real relationship with her. He wanted to be the one who managed to score a relationship with the princess. But there was a fear that he wouldn't be able to have that if things went wrong for them.

As Zelda finished up the last drawing, Link slumped down next to her and watched as she finished the markings of the beast. She was really good at drawing. Julia had truly taught her daughter and passed down her talent well. It would never be forgotten if Zelda was here. Deep down, Link wanted to know how to draw but his talents laid elsewhere considering his parents' talents. It was more likely he knew how to use a sword than to draw perfectly like his friend because of Larkin's abilities to use one, not to mention how to care for a steed because of Dovina's talents. Link was a perfect mixture, which meant he knew how to do both— drawing was something he would never be able to touch upon without practice.

But even then, it would be unlikely he continued to draw even if he was learning how to do so.

"You're going to be an artist when you reach adulthood," Link said as he watched her. If she heard him, she didn't give him an answer as she finished up the last few details of the picture.

"I'm already a scholar."

Yes, she was a scholar and a damn good one at that. She could pick and place battle plans like a pro and outdid some of the knights and guards when they were expected to follow her around. The only one who saw through her escape routes was Link because she had taught him them when they were kids, when Julia was still around.

"Yes, you're a scholar. You're a wonderful scholar," Link agreed with a nod of his head. Zelda smiled softly. "But you're also an artist."

"If my father knew that, he would lose his head to know about it."

"Let him then."

"Tell me," Zelda hummed as she locked gazes with him. "Where do your talents lay even though you're a wonderful swordsman? There must be another place where you excel when many cannot."

Link's eyes widened slightly before shrugging. He had no idea where his talents laid other than the swordsmanship. "I dunno. Maybe music."

Zelda smiled again and Link's heart skipped a beat when he saw her eyes sparkle with interest. He would play a tune when he found a flute or a harp— he knew she wanted to hear him play a tune or two.

And he would. By Hyalia's Grace, he would play her a tune.

"You should play sometime," she said casually. Her eyes trailed back to the page before flipping over a few to an empty one. "Let me draw you as a bard."

Link laughed as he rolled his eyes, shaking his head. He would rather prefer being drawn as a handsome swordsman but he wouldn't complain until he saw her drawing him as what she imagined him to look like and he swallowed when he realized the Master Sword was drawn onto his back with a flute in his hand.

"You're really good," he breathed out. "Are those the start of the Twilight Era clothes?"

"Yes. They are."

It was what you would expect a farmer to wear back then. One that would attend animals, and it was more moderned to their style nowadays. But it still kept up the feeling of the old era that once wrapped Hyrule around its finger.

"I really like that look on me."

Immediately, Zelda's smile grew as she worked on the detailed features of the upper body's clothing. Wrappings that belonged to bandages around his midsection, showing a bit with the way the tank-top like shirt was left opened. In reality, it would be like a fancier set of the old farmers outfits. She remembered reading that people from the long-gone village of Ordon wore those type of clothes.

In truth, it fit Link perfectly. It was almost like he was made for them. With that in mind, it gave her even more reasons to believe he was the Hero of Twilight reborn instead of the Hero of the Skies.

For some reason, though, her heart sped up too.

It was dumb, she thought. Why was her heart racing like this? Link suited the look, yes, but she never once thought she would actually think he looked handsome in this. He would look good in anything, and it was just himself to pull off anything he wore— everyone had come to terms with that. So, why did her heart immediately decide to speed up like she was in love with him?

"He doesn't like Mipha, nor any other girls, because a certain blond Commander has his eyes. I do believe she leads us, Champions." Urbosa had said while they were with her, and she also stated how he looked at her like her father looked at her mother.

"You're oblivious to this, but that boy likes you, little bird. I can see it within his eyes each time he looks at you— it's the same way Julia and Rhoam looked at each other while she was alive and I can guarantee you, it wouldn't have changed if she was alive to this day."

Zelda breathed a few shallow breaths as she focused on finishing the work of art, making sure to get everything how she imagined it. "I would imagine you would also have this," she said as she drew in the Triforce on his hand. The Triforce of Courage, the piece every hero had been born with.

"I wish I could've been born with that mark," Link laughed slightly. "But I think that's outdated with the way it didn't appear on me. I think it just looks at our heart to decide what role is placed where and to whom."

That was fine with her, but the moment she was born into the royal family, the role had been hers— especially when she was given her name.

"I think you're right."

Link smiled brightly as he flashed his winning smirk. Zelda's heart fluttered softly and she swallowed. "Of course I am."

With a roll of her eyes, Zelda focused back on the drawing, hoping her heart would slow down eventually and would be back to normal. But Urbosa's words kept echoing in her mind about what Link felt for her.

…

It wasn't long before they were off on the road again, Link was leading them this time as they traveled, passing by Shrines Zelda would insist on stopping to see if they could figure out more and to see if they could somehow activate it with the Sheikah Slate, but everything they tried, it wasn't failing and the pair was stumped on how to open them up before it was ultimately decided to leave them alone for the time being. They would open when they wanted to— when the Slates were updated enough to open the Shrines.

So, they continued on the pathway.

Then it began to rain heavily and the horses gave off their sounds of complaining, rushing to find some shelter, without giving their riders much of a choice where they would end up.

In the end, the horses brought them to a quiet place with a tall tree giving much needed space to keep the rain from falling onto them. While the horses took place, laying down to keep themselves from getting wet, Zelda sat upon a rock as Link legend against the bark, looking up at the sky, breathing in the scent the rain brought with it each time it decided to pour down on them.

He really loved the smell of rain.

"I think I might train," he said, taking out the blade from his back and Zelda gave him a look— one that could be matched with the one of disapproval but he shrugged it off.

"You'll ruin the blade," she said.

Link shook his head, waving it off like it was nonsense. "No, I won't. You'll see, I'll stay underneath the tree the best I can. A little rain won't hurt this ancient blade— it survived the roughest and toughest of storms."

He had a point and she couldn't bark at him for that. As she watched, she couldn't help but smile softly as he swung the blade like a pro— as if he had been dealing with the powerful item for all his life even though he had only recently acquired it months ago. He was still a natural with any type of weapon that came his way.

Link's path truly mirrored Larkin's.

But what if he chose a different path than what he had? Zelda bite her lip, thinking what could have happened if Link hadn't even considered becoming a knight like his father. What difficulties that could lay for the Champions then if they didn't have Link with them today.

If someone else had taken his place.

What would have happened then?

"I doubt this will let up anytime soon…" Zelda said, referring to the storm and Link nodded, agreeing. "Your path seems to mirror your father's. You've dedicated yourself to becoming a knight, as well. Your commitment to the training necessary to fulfill your goal is really quite admirable."

Link glanced over his shoulder, shrugging. "I was taught to never give up on my dreams. To always fulfil them, no matter how stupid or unrealistic they were. I took the advice to heart."

"I see now why you would be the chosen one. What if… One day… You realized that you just weren't meant to be a fighter?" Zelda asked, voice being so soft that Link barely heard her. But he managed and nearly stopped to give her a confused look. She didn't even look at him. "Yet the only thing people ever said… was that you were born into a family of the royal guard, and so no matter what you thought, you had to become a knight."

Link stiffened. "Zelda?"

She ignored him as she continued on, "If that was the only thing that you were ever told… I wonder, then… would you have chosen a different path?"

"Zelda," Link repeated, voice stronger and firm as he approached, placing the sword away as he sat next to her, eyes full of sympathy as he realized what she was saying. He had a feeling he wouldn't like the answer to his next question. "What did King Rhoam tell you when you were growing up after Lady Julia's death?"

Zelda sucked in a shaky breath. "That I was meant to become the queen— that was my destiny and I had to become the queen. I shouldn't waste my time becoming a scholar when I had a Kingdom to rule in the future."

Link didn't know what to say to make her believe she didn't have to follow what King Rhoam said. He knew to some degree that was her ultimate destiny as the heir of Hyrule, but he also knew she wanted nothing more than to be a scholar. But who said she couldn't do both? There had to be some rulers in Hyrule's history that weren't just the King or Queen, they had to be something else while they managed to control the Kingdom wonderfully as the history said.

Yes, some rulers weren't kind, but they managed to give Hyrule a huge success in their time.

If there was ever a time he was cursing his origins, it was now. He didn't know how to help his friend, the girl he loved, and he felt awful for not knowing how to help her out. Something inside was begging to find the answer but he didn't know what to do because… well, because he didn't know what it was like.

With a heavy breath, Link slowly moved to his arm around her shoulders, bringing her in close as he rubbed her arm comfortingly as she laid her head on his own shoulder.

This would have to do for now.

"You don't have to listen to him," he managed to say after a moment. "He's not always going to know what's best for you. Be what you want to be in life."

Zelda gave him a look. She couldn't disobey her father anymore than she already had, could she? King Rhoam wouldn't allow her to even think about finishing the 'scholar' aspect of her life because he would drive it out of her head until she only thought about being the leader Hyrule needed in this era, the next leader of the Kingdom that stood for centuries.

She didn't believe she could. Her father would certainly lose his head and go berserk over the fact she was going to keep up being a scholar along with ruling the entire Kingdom.

"I can't," she whispered out. "My father wouldn't allow it."

Link frowned. "Never mind what your father wants! It's up to you. You're the only one in charge of what you'll become. Ignore whatever he said, Zelda. Okay? It's solely up to you."

"But he's…"

"— not in charge of what you become," Link finished, ignoring what she might've been leaning towards saying.

He didn't want King Rhoam to control what she did or what she became. In the end, she was in charge of her own life and no matter what happened, King Rhoam would never have a say in what she would do with it because he wasn't the one with this massive burden on his shoulders like she did. When he did, then he could speak about what she could and couldn't become.

Zelda didn't know what to say and she knew she didn't trust her voice, swallowing deeply as she nodded, trusting in Link's words. If she didn't trust him, that was fine, but she knew in some sense he was right.

"You're right," she breathed deeply, calming herself down. "I shouldn't let him get to me. He can't control me like I'm some sort of puppet."

Link nodded. "Exactly! You're his daughter, not someone he can control. He should be supportive of you instead of saying you shouldn't be what you truly want to be in life."

"I just wish he could see that."

He knew King Rhoam didn't see eye-to-eye with his daughter but to know Zelda wished the king could see how he was blind to what his daughter truly wished for? That must hurt being his friend; he couldn't imagine what it could do to someone to know your parents didn't approve of your life choices.

Shyly, Link grabbed her hand with his other hand, gripping it tightly as he brought it up to his lips, giving it a soft kiss.

"He will," he said reassuringly. "He'll see it eventually."

"I have doubt about that," she laughed.

Link frowned but fought it off as he replaced the frown with a smile. "One day, you'll see it. If not, I'll make him."

"You'll be risking exile," Zelda laughed, rolling her eyes. "I rather not see you running away from the guards and knights are you leave the Kingdom for good. I also doubt Larkin and Dovina will be happy to know their son has been exiled for attempting to correct their King's way of seeing things."

"Yeah, well, the people won't take the exile of the Master Sword's wielder lightly," he winked, and she knew he had a point. No one would take it lightly and they would act out of pure anger at King Rhoam for his decision. "Besides, I'd just talk to him about taking your feelings into account."

Zelda laughed as she looked up into his eyes, and Link's heart pounded again. He swallowed as he felt the urge to kiss her softly but held back, shaking his head inwardly— it wouldn't be a good idea to risk their friendship right now and who knew how Zelda could react to this. But still, it would've been nice to finally kiss her gently but he would wait until he felt confident she wouldn't get mad at him.

The pair stayed like that for a while before they realized the rain had finally stopped and when they did notice, they pulled away from each other, blushing furiously.

Thankfully no one saw them.

"So, uh," Link coughed, shifting the blade, "— where do you want to go now?"

"Anywhere," Zelda said.

He nodded, standing up, holding out his hand. "Let's go then. Find a place to camp for the night. Maybe you could draw some more."

"Yes," she said, moving to climb onto Storm, who stood as soon as she heard her master moving towards her. "I'll draw some more."

Unknowingly, both of their hearts skipped a beat at the same time.

…

It didn't take them long to find somewhere with their skills being sharp. Once again, monsters attacked, but Link took care of them. This time they were new monsters and Zelda wasted no time in drawing them, writing down everything they knew so far before caring for Link's wounds. Afterwards, Link watched her finish up the picture of him in the Ordon clothing and he smiled brightly.

He really did enjoy and love the drawing of him.

She was much more talented than she would give herself credit for and he couldn't wait until she woke up to see her talent. Maybe once this was over, he would give her a drawing book so she could draw to her heart's content while she brushed King Rhoam's comments off.

The Champions would have to see Zelda's talent as well.

"You should show the Champions your skills," Link stated as he cooked dinner that night. Just like he promised, he was cooking the frog for himself.

Zelda glanced up and shyly looked away. "Why? They wouldn't be amazed by much."

Link laughed as he put a bit more salt into the soup he was cooking. "Not amazed? They'll be jealous of it! I'll pay so much money to see Revali's reaction to this talent and see how someone's better than him."

"You're mean," she said, sticking out her tongue.

"Maybe," Link laughed as he dished the soup up into the bowl for her, placing it down next to her before moving to start on the frog for himself. "But he's more mean to me than I am to him."

Zelda couldn't help but laugh. It was true, whether she wanted to admit it or not; Revali was a bit more mean to Link than Link was to him. But in the end, both knew it was just Revali's way of getting along with the Hylian Champion, because it was clear the Rito loved him like a brother.

The Champions had become each other's families after all.