Hey everyone!
I am back, and I wanted to thank everyone for your amazing support.
I wanted to finally take this time to wrap up this story in a satisfying way. I hope you truely enjoy this!

Most importantly: I have been making an effort to remaster this story and republish it for first time and return readers alike. I will be able to touch up any moments that I feel needed more work, attention, or time to develop. As well as give the story some more room to breathe and feel more natural to read. Also allowing myself to provide a total overhaul on my spelling and grammar errors while I'm at it. These changes have already been achieved and uploaded.
Perhaps before reading this part, it may be a great idea to re-introduce yourself to the story (For return readers)

And lastly, I want to thank everyone who has posted any reviews on my little story. It means more to me than you realise. It's been fun to reminisce, that a little tale I began writing for fun seemed to touch and resonate with so many awesome and like-minded people. After 33k words written out, it has felt a lot like a journey of my own.

Wishing you all the best, Stay warm this Holiday Season!
Best regards – Logy

Paya and Link both paused for a moment, Link seemed confident in his motions, he took paya by the hand and entered a resting position in anticipation of the music that is to follow. Paya Pivoted on the spot, her dress swirling in place and floating up with some loose grass blades and pine needles strewn amongst the ground. Paya did her best to exude the confidence she was assuredly lacking yet Link just gave her a brief smile. She struggled to keep her eyes on Link. She cast her eyes to the floor and fidgeted with her garments. Link picked up on her behaviours and quietly enquired to her.
"I, uhh. Don't know how to dance". Paya admitted with a defeated chuckle. Link took the initiative and fetched a lone Silent Princess flower from his waist band. It had been there the whole time, but Paya seemed a little too nervous to notice.
He adorned her dress with the flower, fixing it slightly above her hip. The Silent Princess glowed radiantly in the moonlight and accentuated perfectly against her pale dress.
"… Then follow my lead". He spoke softly and squeezed her delicate fingers and intertwined them with his.
She breathed heavily, nervous that she may disappoint him. Link felt the same way. His pulse quickened as he realised that he would have to guide her. A jovial melody began to emit from the stage, and the Hylian knight took Paya by surprise by how direct his movements were, although not difficult to imitate.

Kass continued playing his accordion, a small band comprised of three other members following his lead. Kass usually performed as a solo act, but he was equally in his element playing in a group.
A song a little slower, but it had a rhythm that pushed and pulled. Link outstretched his hand and Paya pivoted, she felt sluggish and tense. But by the time she had met eyes with Link again, she was laughing with complete joy and sincerity. The Hylian boy found new resolve and began to pick up his own tempo a little. His moves were deliberate and exaggerated, as a way for the Sheikah girl to watch and learn, then attempt to replicate. It took a few moments, but she had begun to find her rhythm. Feeling confident, she reached for her partner and swayed her dress back and forth, kicking up more debris from the ground. Link met her eyes and gripped her hand. They rolled sideways and wrapped each other's hands around their waists. Panting heavily, they smirked to each other, feeling totally comfortable and confident.

Paya knew at this exact moment, that her and Links fates were to be intertwined. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head to her shoulder. His chin rested on her frame as she hugged him tightly.
"Link…" She whispered. "Will you…" She hardly had to finish. Link felt as if he knew what she would ask before she could find the words to say it.
It was beyond a request, especially not one that could be expressed in one question. She wanted him to stay with her, to be her partner, to see her through this brave new world that he had created. To live in each other's company and raise a family together. But did Link really get this?
They stood for a while, ignoring everyone else dancing together in the circle as their world seemed to dim around them once more. To and frow they swayed. Slowly.

This was their moment, perhaps all that occurred recently had caused them to become a little too caught up in other matters. But now was Payas chance to push for the love she once believed was unobtainable. She became lighter on her feet as these strong emotions overcame her and overflowed her heart. The young Hylian knight guided her steps, the way she moved it became almost automatic while she put all her trust into him. The song continued for another 2 minutes, Payas confidence steadily growing to match Links, she tripped several times and stood on Link's feet, but he did not seem to mind.

As the song began to fade and he crowd surrounding the dancers began to cheer and encourage for the next melody to be played, Paya looked to link and smiled bashfully. She interlocked her fingers with link even firmer and dragged him away, pushing past the crowd of townsfolk from all kinds of races and creeds as effectively as her body would allow.
It wasn't long before they were once again within the quiet solitude of the house, passing by Impa and Zelda on the way inside. The Princess and her old Advisor, and great warrior in her own right, Impa, had been watching atop the patio just out the front door. Zelda flashed a quick smile at the two of them as she continued to watch the dance and talk with her old friend.

The hefty door clunked close behind them. And Paya Playfully laughed and spun on the spot. Almost about to burst into a monologue of how aloft the dancing had made her feel. But she was grounded by Link standing before her. The large space the entrance room provided seemed to give her and the Knight of the Wild the same idea. They approached each other, wordlessly, and entwined again. Swaying back and forth as the faint echoes reverberated through the mortar walls. They shared a dance all to themselves, without the world watching, without the weight of expectations, without the responsibility to keep their homeland safe. They spent those next few minutes slowly stepping back and forth locked in an embrace.

Without so much as meeting eyes, they pulled their heads up and towards each other, taking a shaky breath before planting a kiss on each other's lips for the second time ever. It was warm, and intoxicating, just as it had been all those weeks ago. Or was it merely days? Paya was not concerned about the details. Her lips were sweet, subtle, and soft. Still tasting of the sweet herbal tea, she had drank several minutes prior. Her breath was steady but laboured from the dance just moments ago. The Hylian reached up and gripped the bow of her neck and pulled her closer and released his hold as they broke their kiss. She panted, hovering an inch away from the other. Link considered kissing her once again but decided against it.
He opened his eyes, and suddenly the worlds senses seemed to float back to him. Paya grinned in a way link had never witnessed before. A look of contentment in her eyes.

The party continued late into the night. Link and Paya attempted to see as many townsfolk as they could, floating around the party like leaves in the wind.
Before long, the excitement faded, and those who came from far and wide began to wind down. Tents and portable shelters were placed around town and the townsfolk began to retire inside one by one.
Link was found sitting by the community cooking pot, surrounded by some sleepy Goron's. They had almost destroyed the pot by tossing rocks inside and attempting to cook them at temperatures much higher than this Sheikah made utility was intended for. The few remaining Goron were sleepily talking amongst each other and dozing off. Link felt a tap on his shoulder and was pleasantly reunited with Paya who slipped away to purchase a few snacks from an open concession stand.

The two of them huddled together around the fire, that was now exposed to the chilled night air. They sat shoulder to shoulder, listening to the slow hum of Kass continuing to play his instrument well into the evening.
Paya offered Link some of the snacks she bought, and he happily obliged her in tasting a few. They shared laughs for a long time. The Hylian night rested his hands on his knees, and turned to his side, away from Paya and fetched a little paper item down beside him. Paya looked on inquisitively.
"Is that…?" She asked. Link nodded, unfolding his own lantern. The same as Paya released before containing her wish.
Looking to the night sky, the stars looked just like those lanterns, although not as dazzling. She reminisced on how she felt on that moment.

Link gestured to her. Inviting her to write a wish alongside him. She shook her head in protest.
"I-I can't write your wish… you need to think of one for yourself, right?" She stated. Reluctant to humour the idea. Link pondered for several seconds, the crackle of the fire playing in his pointed ears.
"I figure we both want the same thing, right? If we both write it, maybe it will come true for the both of us?" He smiled tenderly.
Paya raised an eyebrow cautiously and grabbed a half of the charcoal Link was holding out to her. Link wrote on the parchment, hunched over his knee, he scrawled out; "A life with Paya"
The Sheikah girls heart skipped a beat and she blushed deeper than she may have ever blushed before.
With trembling hands, she took the parchment from her lover, and wrote underneath in her most delicate handwriting; "A life with Link"

By the time she had finished, she couldn't look away from the scrolled page. Two distinct writing styles, but both similar. Their calligraphy looked beautiful. Two wishes to be shared, attempting the same goal. Paya smiled to herself.
Link took some time setting up the lantern and held it tightly as Paya tied the page to the string.
When she was sure it was secure, she reached and gripped the lantern with one of her hands and held the hand of Link with her other. The two of them counted to three slowly and let the paper lantern to drift away in the wind.
Up it floated, into the sky. The flicker of the fire growing dimmer as it left their sight.

Link once again saw Paya home. It was late, or perhaps Early. The sun threatened to rise on the horizon. On the steps, the two parted ways as they had done several times before, but this time there was no sting in their hearts for the next time they may meet. For they knew it would only be after a few short hours of rest.
Paya graciously parted from links side and closed the door behind her with a wave.
Link decided to head back to the firepit and rest for the time, as he had done plenty of times prior.
He curled up, resting his cheek on his knees. And clutched the Master sword tight in his arms. He felt safe with it so close. It exuded a warmth that he couldn't experience from any other blade.
But that warmth was overshadowed by something… a tender texture draped over his shoulder, and a soft impact fell upon his cheek.
By the time he could open his eyes, the Sheikah girl was already running up her staircase.
Confused, Link began to piece together what happened looking at the blanket resting on his back. He smiled to himself and tried once more to sleep.

The following day, Paya and Link were once again at each other's side. This time cleaning Impa's lodge after the long night behind them. A patter of feet descended the stairs, the princess slowly swaying groggily from side to side. It was almost noon by this point, regardless, the princess looked as if she could sleep for a few more hours.
"Good morning" She sheepishly rubbed her eyes with the tips of her fingers. Paya greeted her with a bow, and so did Link.
Zelda's hair was a mess, she must have tussled a bit in her sleep, the Sheikah girl couldn't help but to point it out.
"Ah, yes…" Zelda blushed looking to the wall. "Hair this long does get a little difficult to maintain." She admitted frankly.
Behind the 3 of them, Impa sat in her usual spot. She took the opportunity to beckon out to the three of them.

"I trust you all had a good night?" She inquired.
"Yes grandmother, very much so." Paya Beamed.
"Good, good…" Impa's speech drifted for a moment/ "There is something I would Like to talk to you about…" just then the main door swung open. Stood in the opening was a Sheikah guard. He bowed and stood to the side. He invited someone in. The silhouette cast in the morning sunlight was unmistakable. It was Sidon. Followed closely by Teba.
Link chuckled and ran over giving the both of them a firm handshake. He then realised that stood behind the two of them was a young Goron. Yunobo, hunched in his spot, his body language did not portray confidence. Yet, seeing Link seemed to relax him and he ran over and gave the young Hylian a big hug.
"Link! Goddess' above, it's great to see you!" How have you been? You weren't hurt in that fight, were you?" He inquired, looking over links body.
Link gasped for air slightly, the Goron's body was firm and unrelenting, and enough to knock the wind out of Link. Yunobo seemed relieved that Link was not injured.

"Now you are here, I wanted to first relay that there is one that is missing. Riju, the Chief of the Gerudo's was unable to make it on short notice. But she sends her regard for everyone here today." Impa spoke.
"Impa? Please tell us… why are we all here?" Zelda asked cautiously.
Impa stood in place looking around the room for a few seconds before continuing…
"Princess, I intend to gather a covenant, a commune. My intention is to gather a representative of all races amongst the kingdom of Hyrule, as the Champions once did for the fight against calamity Ganon. We will work together and unite this fractured land once again.

Such a statement was a shock, admittedly. But just want Zelda needed to hear to bolster her steadfast resolve.
"Impa, I don't know what to say… Thank you" Zelda spoke. Her voice trembled a little.
The older Sheikah nodded deeply, understanding what this would mean to the princess, but worry remained in her face.
"For now, I have chosen those who have been of great service to the Hero of our time, and assisted in the quelling of the Great Beasts. Princess of Hyrule; Zelda. Hylian Champion; Link… The new Rito Champion; Teba… The new Goron Champion; Yunobu… The new Zora Champion; Prince Sidon… And the new Gerudo Champion; Riju" Impa paced around the room at a steady rhythm.
"It is a shame Riju could not join us today. However, this may be most opportune."
All stood in anticipation, Paya reached down slowly and gripped Links hand in hers, he reciprocated her display of affection and intertwined his fingers in hers.

"My only concern remains with the princess. The winter has finally upon us, and Zelda's condition may fluctuate during the cold months, and I wish for her to make a full recovery. I advise she does not strain herself with such matters for the time being. I ask that… until the coming of the spring, all are to return to their homeland and tend to your people. The Princess will remain here in Kakariko Village and rest."
Zelda perked up at that and spun on her heals slightly to face her old friend with cautious disposition.

"Impa, please, I am more than okay. It will take a few short days and I will be right as rain. My power has not seen the end of its uses yet, and I wish to be of service -" She demanded with a huff.
"I understand, and should you recover, we may reconsider. However, at the moment, our priority lays with you." She shook her head in concern before continuing "For the time being, and until Her Majesty makes a full, unhindered recovery, please dedicate yourselves to the betterment of your own homelands." She reiterated.
Everyone stood before her nodded their heads and exchanged some words between themselves. Alas, the objective was made clear, and nobody was going to attempt to reconvince Impa.

Link nodded in stern compliance. However, Zelda seemed a little more reserved on the matter, and Paya was the first to realise, or at least show concern for the Princesses reaction. Zelda bit her lip softly and played with the tips of her hair, remnants of doubt in herself creeping back to her.
Through misty eyes, she requested to retire for the night.
"Actually, I still feel rather tired. Perhaps it would be best that I get some… rest." She deflated at that. Paya reached out her hand slightly but retracted as the princess turned on her heel.
"Princess, uhm, please allow me to prepare your bed." Paya offered to see the princess back to her bed.
"Thank you, Paya." Zelda said, nodding her head over her shoulder and the two of them walked up the staircase. Paya locking eyes with Link before she disappeared over the staircase void above.

"She really hasn't changed at all, has she?" Impa spoke curtly.
"Hmm?" Link tilted his head towards the disheartened Impa.
"That Princess of ours." She continued "I worry for her… But she feels as if she has something to prove. Cannot she see all around her people, her subjects are only trying to help her?"
Impa fell silent, deep in contemplation. She then continued. "I would see the way her and her father conversed. And I'm positive you recall as well? Please, continue to look after her."
This tie Link nodded, but in true understanding and acceptance for what she was saying. Promising his old friend that he would carry out her wish. For now… Link gathered that the two girls may be speaking to each other of what just occurred. Link dedicated himself to helping the remaining townsfolk pack up the last of their belongings before they left the village. Links pulse thumped slowly in his chest. Anxiety building on the Princesses behalf.