Hey all! I want to let you all know that I have been updating the previous parts of the story, stuff like spelling errors and rewriting certain parts, though it doesn't seem to update. Apparently the problem is with the website and we just need to wait it out aha.

Though this has been intended to be the final part, though i am considering writing more. If you would like to see more please be sure to let me know! I want to thank you all for all your support! You are all really great!

But enjoy the final (maybe) chapter of Legend of Zelda - Knight and Maiden of the Wild. Please relax and have fun.

Chapter 4 - Two entwined souls.

The piercing light stung the eyes of the young Hylian. He closed them again to shelter himself from the blinding morning sun. He attempted to wake up again every few seconds, until eventually he was able to open his eyes enough to see the room clearly. The room was as it was several hours ago when he woke up, the morning light dazzled in through the window, the flowers of the townsfolk wishing him well were left. The only thing that was missing... was the sensation of his hand being engulfed by the warmth of Paya.

Link arose from his place, slumping over as he rubbed his eyes from the excessive sleep he has had. His head felt heavy and congested, though he figured that taking a short walk would clear it up. His injuries ached as he slowly slid out of bed, resting his feet on the cold floorboards. He hadn't really had a chance to remove his boots for a prolonged time since his journeys beginning. They were sore and tender while not relying on his soles for comfort. He slowly stood, his trousers were the only thing that remained on his body. He looked around the room and found his clothing folded neatly on a small dresser beside Paya's bed. His equipment was laid against the wall, waiting for its owner to bare it again. Though, Link was not interested... He understood the savarity of his wounds, and although he wished to vanquish the darkness from Hyrule Castle; he knew that straining himself will just be putting himself in grave danger.

The young man fitted his clothing back on over the top of his bandaged body. His shirt fell softly over his frame. He gritted his teeth as he slid himself through the undershirt, the sleeves were troublesome, but he pushed through the pain. Next he put on his Champions Tunic. the lose fit of the shirt slid onto his body with ease. Now that he was dressed, the pain didn't feel so uncomfortable. He felt warm and secure in his usual clothing. He dragged his feet weakly across the floor, to the entrance of the bedroom. He slid the doors open with strain, his wounds still fighting against him as his muscles ached still from the days he has spent unconscious.

As he walked down the stairs, the residents of the home turned to look up the stairs at the Hylian boy resting his hand on the wall, staggering down the stairs slowly. Paya was the first to react, putting down her cleaning cloth to assist Link down the rest of the way. She cautioned him to be careful as he made his commute into the main room of the building, luckily the guardian did not inflict any major structural damage to the building.
"My... Up and about to soon?" Impa asked him with a chuckle. "That Mipha's Grace must surely be doing wonders for your recovery"
"Ugh..." Link strained his voice as he continued into the main hall. "Sure doesn't feel like it" He joked.
"100 years of sleep and you chose to sleep for another 3 days as we rebuild the town" Impa shook her head in a disappointed, although jest-full manor.
"Was.. Everyone -"
"Yes, yes. Everyone is fine here. Some similar injuries to yours, but everyone is alive and well." Impa confirmed.
Link let out a large sigh of relief as his knees felt weak. A huge concern of his had been lifted off his shoulders.

"But what caused the guardian to attack the village so suddenly?" Paya spoke up. "There were always some Guardians roaming through the towns south gate... Why would they come now, after all this time?" Paya hung her head low as she clutched to Links side. "Perhaps I wasn't doing enou-"
"You know full well that you did everything you could for this town, granddaughter" Impa reassured her. "Though... it IS strange..." Impa rubbed her chin as she pondered possible outcomes and circumstances that have changed recently.
"Ganons on his... last.. legs" Link spoke, short on breath. "He's desperate..."
"Our young hero here makes a good point." Impa agrees "The 4 guardians have been restored, and are now draining Ganons power, keeping him at bay. But that doesn't stop the guardians from doing his bidding. Before they were just used to patrol... But now, he is desperate to stop Link in any way he can, sending Gardians to destroy any town they can in serch of him." The air was heavy and everyone's head hung low.
"But you two should not worry about that for now. Link has received plenty of injuries, and needs time to recover. And you Paya, have been running yourself ragged these previous 3 days. You two need to go and do something enjoyable." Paya blushed heavily at Impas suggestion, knowing she only said it because she was aware of Payas feelings.

Link nodded his head and continued on to leave the room as he does. Once again, taking everything as an order instead of a suggestion. Paya followed closely behind him and the two were soon standing outside, alone on the porch. The scent of fresh timber was present in the air. Link rested his elbows on the railing as he watched the towns slow reconstruction. He felt regret that he was not here to help sooner, but there was not much he could do considering the circumstances. The Master Sword was the thing that saved them from the attack of the Guardian, and Link understood that fact.
"Umm" Payas voice broke the silence. Link turned and the girl was standing with her hands together, her feet were also tucked in close. She shyly looked away and blushed deeply, almost being able to hide the red symbol on her forehead and nose. "G-g-grandmother told us to spend some time to enjoy ourselves... I was thinking..." She hesitates.

Link turns and looks her in the eyes intently. He moves close so that their bodies are mere inches away from one another. She looks up into his eyes and blushes deeper.
"M-Master Link... You're so close..." She was slightly panicking as she stammered out her next few words. "B-but it's okay... because it's you..." She clenched her hands closer together.
An old habit returned and she covered her face with her hands, hiding it from the young man standing before her. He reached out and gently pulled her hands down, exposing her face, slowly letting go of her hands as they returned to her side. He smiled so warmly that she felt confident, so confident in herself and sure of what she wanted to say.

"Master L-Link... Can we spend our time in each others company tonight?"

There was a pause... a long pause...

"... WHAT DID I JUST SAY?!" Paya screamed under her breath. sheltering her face as she began to panic. "I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT I ACTUALLY ASKED HIM TO SPEND TIME WITH ME, HE WAS JUST LOOKING INTO MY EYES SO WARMLY THAT I COULDN'T HELP BUT TO ASK SOMETHING FOOLISH. I CAN'T BELIEVE MYSELF. PAYA YOU TRULY ARE -" Her mind was racing and a thousand thaughts entered her head at once.
"Paya..?" Links voice rang out into her ears.
"Yes, May i help you, Master Link!?" She said, uncharacteristically formally.
"I would Love to spend time with you" He smiled again as he accepted her invitation.
Paya's face beamed, she was so over delighted as she thanked Link for his time and consideration. "Thank you, Master Link! I'm very excited... Uhmm, I'm sorry, i don't really know what to do now..." She admitted.
"I will come back around at sunset to pick you up. Okay?" Link took charge of the situation.
"O-Okay, at twilight..." She nervously stammered again.
Link confidently smiled and turned a heel. He walked down the stairs as he waved goodbye to her. He seems to be doing better now he has had a chance to stretch out and receive some fresh air. Paya yelled out in a panic
"M-Master Link! Are you sure that your okay?" Worried he may injure himself again. Link turned and nodded happily.
"I'm fine!" He replied with a smile "I just want to get freshened up" Link joked.
Paya didn't like this, but he has been through worse before... Maybe. She thought to herself that as long as he stays in the village he should be okay, besides he has already made a great recovery up until this point in time.

Paya's heart was still pounding, worrying about sundown, and her date with her hero.
"Oh- Ohh noo" She rubbed her head in frustrated thought. "Is this a date? I never asked him!" She panicked "I've heard when people enjoy each others company, they spend time together in activities called 'dates'" She takes a second to breath as she paces quickly around on the porch.
"I mean... I just never taught that I would ever try out one! This is so far out of my realm of expertise" She looked down to the people of the village.

"I need help..." She said quietly to herself.
She walked to the town considering who to ask for help, she noticed that Dorian was walking nearby. With what happened the other night she figured she could trust him.
"Dorian, I need to ask you something..." She approached him.
"Yes, Miss Paya?" He asked
"You see... I'm hanging out with someone tonight... And i don't know what to do...?" She nervously explained as her heart pounded.
"Oh! If that's the case, Id go to the overlook on the north side of town!" He recommended.
"Really? That sounds nice!" Paya excitedly agreed.
"Pffft, excuse me, but that would also be the town cemetery" Pikango, the painter chimed in. I would recommend going out of town and going to see the beautiful majesty of the Dueling Peaks Mountain"
Paya was confused, but thanked him for his input.
"Are we discussing places to go out with people?" Cado ran over "Cause I know where to go, i have plenty of places I used to visit as i collected my prised Cucoos!"
Slowly more and more people began to join in, until almost the whole town was sharing stories of where that have ventured to, and places that they used to spend time with friends.
Paya slipped out back of the group and snuck away back to her home.

Tired, and a feeling s little defeated, Paya returns home. The floorboards creaked as she stepped through the entrance and closes the door behind her slowly. She sighs audibly.
"I was just looking for some advice..." her voice was full of disappointment.
"Paya, I encouraged you to have some time to enjoy yourself... But you look more fatigued than ever." Impas voice was concerned as she looked at her granddaughter.
Paya slumped and sat on the floor "I'm sorry Grandmother... Me and Link-" She stopped herself, and chose to select her words more cautiously. "I want to do something for myself... I... I just want to look pretty." She tucked her head into her hands.
Impa smiled gently and chuckled "My dear, you already are... I'm sure he feels the same too"
Paya blushed trying to deny her grandmothers thoughts "Grandmother! W-what are you-?"
"Its obvious you want to impress him. I'm certain he sees you for the real you" Impas' words were vague but fully intentional. Payas face was still blushing deeply, she asked what her grandmother meant.
"Do you not see the way he listens to you? How he looks at you like your the only one in the room?" Impa implied. "I'm sure he left today so you wouldn't need to shoulder the burden of looking after him." Paya turned around and looked out the window after her grandmothers words.
"Though, a young woman like you needs help sometimes, so please allow me... Talk to the clothier in town, and give them this note." Impa passes her granddaughter folded parchment. Paya reached out and graciously accepted the note.
"Grandmother? What is this?" She asked as she stared at the note in her hand.
Impa just smiled and lowered her head, as if to say 'This conversation is over'. Paya blushed and tucked the note under her arm and walked outside to go to the clothier across the way.

Paya cautiously slid the door of the shop open and crept in. The two shop keepers, Lasli and Claree, greeted her with a smile "I... I was meant to give you this letter its from Impa." She shyly said.
"OH! IT'S TIME!" Claree screamed. Lasli ran in with an excited expression on her face.
"Your grandmother told us about this moment! And told us to prepare for the day that you meet YOUR 'Prince Charming'" Lasli explained.
The shop keepers shifted all their stock to the side to make room for the young girl to stand and placed a mirror in front of her. Paya was standing there a little concerned.
"Uh-mm" Payas voice was shaking.
Claree emerged from the back of the store with several robes and cloths in her hands.
"OKAAAAAYYYY LET'S GET TO WORK!" The woman yelled excitedly "NOW LETS GET THESE CLOTHES OFF!" The lady waited for Paya to disrobe. Paya was incredibly nervous but she didn't see a way out of this...

Night began to fall over the town of Kakariko Village, the beautiful sunset enveloped the land of Hyrule as the Fall leaves fell onto the lush grass. The rain and storms recently luckly held off for tonight. Nearby Link was sitting nearby with Epona, resting for the night to come. One of the guards came around earlier and retrieved Links equipment for him.
Link looked up to the sky and realised the time and decided to go and meet with Paya.
As Link returned to the house he approached the staircase. The guards stopped him and told him to step back "State your name and your business here. Link nervously chuckled not knowing if it was a joke.
"You are about to be given counsel with the shrine maiden of this village" The guard spoke loudly and clearly. "Sir knight, treat her as your kin, and ensure she returns safely. But above all, enjoy yourselves." The guards stepped to the side as the door of the lodge opened. A beautiful white haired girl stood at the top of the stairs. She doned traditional white robes from the Sheikah Tribe. Long and white with red trimmings. She had a beautiful red sash with floral patterns tied around her waist. Small, modest bracelets of silver were fitted around her wrists, and some rings, perhaps gifted from Impa on her delicate hands. As she stood there, her and her heroes eyes met. She still kept the traditional Sheikah Symbol on her face, though it was evident that she spent a lot of time ensuring her face looked as good as possible. Her eyes were accentuated and her complexion seemed much fairer than usual. The symbol was clean as if she painted it very recently. Link considered for a second what she would look like without it, though it was difficult as she has had it there since they met several weeks ago.

Link blushed, almost as much as Paya. The young Maiden stood before him and graciously walked down the stairs, hardly being confident enough to look him in the eyes. Her long dress carrest the staircase as it gradually flowed from step to step.
Link reached for her silently, offering his hand for her to take as she approached.
"Master L-Link." Paya stuttered. "I have b-been waiting for you..." She said as she reached her hand out to meet the Hylian boys.
Their hands met, Payas hands were smooth and soft. They were also very warm from her blushing so heavily. Link felt the same. His hands were firm and warm, Paya liked it and her grip tightened as she stood on the grass.
Link nodded to the guards as they smiled back and wished them well.

Link and her walked slowly to the outskirts of town. They were walking hand in hand as they exchanged idle conversation. Epona followed behind closely.
"I truly cant believe this is happening..." Paya admitted.
"Having second thoughts?" Link joked
"No! N-not at all!" She gripped his hand tighter and pulled him close. "Umm- Sorry" She retracted in embarrassment.
"Ahh.. I'm... Sorry" She gripped her chest and looked away. "I'm so embarrassed. I never thought i would have a chance to spend time with someone like you." She admitted.
Link gripped her hand again and continued walking through the village and Paya followed him closely.

"Epona is so sweet" Paya said trying to make conversation.
"Have you ever ridden a horse?" He asked her
"No, I haven't..." She told him. "I always heard about them in the stories. But I've never really had a chance to be around them."
Link chuckled and offered for her to try it with Epona.
"N-no that's okay!" She steps back "Besides... You're hurt, and it's almost nightfall so there's certain to be monsters."
"I suppose we don't have much time then..." Link laughed. He gripped her waist. Paya exclaimed in surprise and began to laugh as Link lifted her onto Eponas back.
"Hahaha Master Link! What are you...?"
Link jumped up with her and saddled up in front of her. He told her to hold on as he clicked his tongue. She gripped his waste as they rode Epona out of town.

Payas eyes were closed as she gripped Links waist with her arms. Slowly she peaked out and witnessed the beauty of what its like to be an adventurer. As they rode out of town, Epone galloped through the valley leading out of the village. She watched in awe as Epona effortlessly ran along the dusty trail, weaving in and out of rocks and other small obsticals petruding onto the path. The evening sky was so peaceful as they entered the clearing outside of the town. There she saw the amber rays of the setting sun, beaming down on the land, the fields of West Necluda. She rarely had a chance to leave the village, this was a momentous occasion for her.
"Wow..! Link! This is-" She looked up to notice Link, the man she respected so much looking back to her with those brave eyes of his. She smiled at him, feeling safe, she didn't look away. "This is amazing" She concluded her sentence.
Link smiled and encouraging Epona to run faster. They passed and array of wildlife on their journey; Wildlife such as horses and foxes ran freely through the meadows. The stream nearby with flowing water, howling as it brushed against the rocks. Paya rested her head on Links back as he continued to conduct Epona through the fields.

They soon arrived at their location. They entered the bottom of a large canyon to the East of Payas home village, the Cliffs of Quince. Paya admired the cliffs majesty. The formation of rocks creating large pillars that connected the overhanging rock face to the ground below. Paya ran over to the small river flowing between them and the cliffs and crouched down, her dress laying elegantly on the hard rocks underfoot. The sun had almost gone down by this point, although there didn't seem to be any monsters nearby. Even if there were, Link was confident enough in his abilities despite his injuries. Sunset fireflies began to emerge from the surrounding forest and trees, creating a unique and peaceful atmosphere.
"Link..." Paya turned and looked at the young man over her shoulder, and looking softly at the fireflies graciously soaring through the air. "Do you- do you think that one day..." Her voice once again trailed off. Link took a step forward and gave his undivided attention to her.
Paya shook her head and giggled, she was trying to be open with him, but her shyness kept slipping through "... Do you think that when Ganon falls... Moments like this would be normal?"
Link approached her and stood nearby. He grinned and nodded his head.
"Of course." He said. "I think happiness is something everybody should have. I consider myself lucky that i get to see the world."
Paya grins and smiles back, taking a step forward, closer to Link.
"Do you think, one day, when this is over we... Can..." She stops again, realising how close she is to him.

They were standing mere inches away from each other. She was lost in his eyes, her full attention was on him. She couldn't help but to move closer to him. Her eyes began to close as she blushed deeply. Link took her hand and also stepped closer, their bodies now touching. Link began to blush as he looked at her, he was so amazed by how beautiful she looked. His heart beat hard as she continued to perk her lips. Link smiled gently and leaned forward. He gripped her waist with one hand and rested his other under her chin. She Blushed deeply as Link pressed his lips against hers.

The heat from Links body was making Paya feel as if her mind was going blank, she couldn't believe the man of her dreams was now holding her in his arms as he shows her what it means to really care about someone. She recalled the feeling of how she felt when she saw Link in pain, how much she wanted to scream and cry, but she knew that in that moment she needed to be more than she was the days leading up to Links arrival in her town.
Their kiss broke for some moments.

"I really... really love you Link."
Link and her laughed softly and shared a tender hug.
"I feel like we should get you home" Link offered. Paya looked disappointed and a little sad.
"I want to spend more time with you..." She stared at the ground as she played with her hair.
"Then let's spend more time together" Link mounted Epona and extended a hand down to her. "There's a great cooking pot in the Village, I could show you a thing or two." He laughed.
She smiled and took his hand as he pulled her onto the horse and they rode off towards the village.