Hearts still pounding, Link and Paya entered the quiet town of Kakariko Village. The fiends of the night began to surface from the ground, but Link was able to navigate around them if there were any in the way. They made it back to the village safely, though Paya's heart felt as if it couldn't take much more. She held onto links waist as they road through the valley and into town. The moist air of an Autumn night felt cool on her face as the horse galloped into the village.

"Woah..." Link said to calm his horse, Epona. She steadied from running and came to a stop at the fence overlooking town. She burred as Link dismounted. Paya now realising just how cold it had gotten as his body warmth left her grip. His boots stomped into the mud from jumping down. He turned and grabbed Paya by the hand and guided her to the ground wherever there was grass for her to walk on.

"Thank you, Master Link..." She smiled shyly.
"Master Link?" His head tilted in confusion.
"Y-yes... It's what I had always called you?" Paya responded, worried that maybe he had never been paying attention to what she said up until this point.
"Don't you think that we are beyond formalities?" He asked her, head still tilted.
"So your saying...?" She wasn't sure but she wanted him to confirm.
"Call me Link. Unless you would prefer-"
"No, no! It's okay..." Paya interrupted. "I - I DO want to... But..." She looked away in embarrassment, her face flush and feeling hot. "... I WANT to be the girl you want me to be. But I just get so nervous." She looked incredibly shy at this point.

Link took her hand and slowly began to walk through town.
"You don't need to change yourself for me, or anyone else. I like you for the way you are."
Hearing this she stopped and stared into his eyes; they had reached the bottom of her house's stairs. Standing outside, the guards shifted positions to give the two of them more privacy. They were alone again. She held his hands tighter, and he turned to her front. She stared at the ground to hide her face since her hands were occupied.
"Paya..." Link gently called out to her.
"Yes?" She replied.

"I fell in love with you because you are who you are..." Payas heart skipped a beat, and she whimpered as she blushed deeply. Link held her hands up to his lips and kissed them gently.
"Goodnight, fair Maiden." Poking fun at the 'show' from earlier with the guards.
"You know... It wasn't my idea..." She still couldn't look up, her hair falling in front of her face. Link Let go of her hands and took a step back. Her head shot up, feeling lonely that he wasn't holding her anymore. She looked into his deep blue eyes and they both smiled lovingly at each other.
"Thank you for escorting me, my dear knight." She stuttered back, and curtsied, taking her silky dress into her hands and lifting her dress slightly. Link bowed back and smiled. She made her way back up the stairs into the building waving at link as she left his vision.

She entered the room and was greeted by Impa. "So how did your night go?"
"Eek!" She jumped not expecting her to be awake. "M-my night was good..."
"Your escort treated you well?" She grinned.
"Y-yes. I had fun. Thank you for helping me before." Impa stood humbly. Impa waved her down and told her that it was okay.
"It's a big day tomorrow... you need your rest" Impa told her. Remembering that tomorrow was the day Link would meet with Ganon and attempt to free Hyrule. Paya's head hung low as she thanked her grandmother and left the room to go to sleep.

…

Hyrule castle was enveloped in the darkness... growing stronger, darker by the second, until all life surrounding it has been swallowed. At the centre of it all was the formless horror, Calamity Ganon. His form churned and stirred in unsettling ways as it spread and consumed the castle. Zelda was not able to hold him back any longer, tired, and weak her power collapsed. His bounds to Hyrule castle had been severed. Now he was able to destroy the land of Hyrule. He tore the trees from the ground and gripped at the animals and wildlife. Draining the life and shredding everything in his path. Smashing cities and burning forests. He had won. The world was dead.

…

Paya snapped awake. Sweating and shivering. She grasped the bed sheets as she scrambled her brain trying to piece together what just happened. She clutched herself in gratitude that she was still alive. She felt like crying in fear and relief that the world wasn't at its end yet, but it soon it may be. She jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs, paying no heed that she remained in her night-clothes. She ran out the front door and saw that the sky had set into a deep crimson colour, similar to that of blood. The air was stagnant and uncomfortable, and ash began to rain down from the sky. This has to be a dream... at least that's what she told herself. Impa, her grandmother joined her outside.

"The time has come..." She told her granddaughter.
"Grandmother... Where is Master Link!?" Her expression was painted with pure fear and worry.
"He has already left... He saw me off this morning and told me not to wake you." Hearing this Paya felt hopeless. She felt betrayed and hurt.
"Paya..." Impa requested the young girl's attention again. "Don't hate him." Impa's words were shaky as she begged her granddaughter not to feel that way.
"Grandmother..." Paya didn't know how to respond. Impa held her granddaughters' hand and looked towards the village, which was now empty. Everyone ran inside and is waiting out the storm. Guards position themselves at the outskirts of town along with and men and women alike. Those strong enough to fight, to repel against any monsters that attempt to enter through Ganon's rage.

"When he said goodbye; I could see his heart was breaking. He has a duty to fulfil and letting go is sadly what he had to do to fulfil it..." Paya's hands were trembling. "He said that you gave him hope." Paya looked down at her grandmother in surprise.
"Paya, his duty for the past one hundred years was to see to Ganon's destruction. He fought countless battles to keep everyone safe... But the one battle he couldn't face was saying goodbye to you. Instead, he wanted to say, 'I will see you later'." this caught Paya by surprise as she began to wipe tears away from her face.
"I know he cares grandmother... Please Mast- no- Link... Save Hyrule and get back here safely."

"HOLD THE LINE!" A voice cracked through the wind. "HOLD THE LINE! DON'T LET A SINGLE ONE THROUGH!" Dorian commanded the guards of the Village. Passers-by and other people scrambled into the town, clutching their young as the guards repelled the beasts attempting to enter the city. "Argh!" One of the guards cried as a club struck him.
Dorian rushed in and sliced the Bokoblin down. Protecting his comrade.
"Get back! Leave this to us!" He yelled to the man on the ground. Other soldiers rushed forward and grabbed him and dragged him to safety. Paya left her grandmothers side and instructed the guards to take the man, and any other injured to their lodgings, as it was the most secure building in the Village. The guards respectfully nodded and carried the man to the hall with Paya en-tow.

The ground began to shake and crack as the form of Gannon began to shift into the dark beast. A viscous boar the size of a city. Its skin was dark and twisted, purple flames bellowed out of his back. Link rode across the field on his noble horse, Bow of Light in hand.
He knocked one of his light arrows, their quantity was sparce, but this gift from the princess will be more than enough… Please just hold on a little longer, Princess…
The groove of the arrow clicked into place, resting as intended on the string of the golden bow.
Taking a strained breath, feeling the toll of his long journey, Links fatigue was at its precipice.
But he came too far to give up now.

He shot an arrow, trusting it will strike true.
Then another, and another.
Each hitting their mark with impeccable accuracy.
Zelda's hand guided Link's shots, directing the arrows to Ganon's weakest points.
"Gannon was born out of a dark past. He is a pure embodiment of the ancient evil that is reborn time and time again... Ganon had rejected his reincarnations and has assumed his pure, enraged form. Link... The memories of your past that have been torn from you may be forever lost. But your courage need not be remembered..."

"For it is never forgotten."

The sky grew dark, the only light coming from Ganon's wicked flames on his back, and the bow glinting in Link's trembling hands. Ganon was weak and desperate. The Divine Beasts had sapped his power. He had reigned for so long that he grew exhausted. Link vaulted off the back of Epona, taking the bow in his hand and drawing it. Thinking back on the memories that he had made while on his journey. The people he had become a family to. The towns he helped... the girl he fell in love with. His memories my never return.
But the memories he can make now are far more important.

With this, he let the final arrow go, breaking Ganon and forcing his beast form to become docile. Zelda was finally free. She descended onto the battlefield, her bare feet sinking into the grass, and her silky hair blew gracefully in the wind as her and Ganon's eyes locked. So much hatred and malice in his stare. His body shifting again, turning formless as it tore through the sky, in a final attempt to kill the princess, he rushed at her with all he had. Zelda raised a hand, and with the full power of the Triforce, vanquished him to an eternity of solitude.

...

The day had turned to evening… and again… and once more. Two days had passed since Ganon was vanquished. The golden sun of a free Hyrule began to set. Deep into the fall now, almost at the turn of winter, the leaves off the trees had all but dwindled to amber and red fragments sprinkled onto the dirt. Some remained clinging to the trees with all the life they had left. Slowly they showered over the land painting the landscape in their beautiful shades.
The clattering of hooves of a horse filled the valley leading to the quiet Kakariko Village. On its back was a man and a woman. Both with sandy blond hair and pointed ears. Hylian's from the great kingdom of Hyrule. Zelda, the Princess of this land. And her appointed knight, Link. Whom over the previous weeks had earned the title; 'the Hero of the Wild'. Ganon - the scourge of Hyrule - had fallen. After 100 years the kingdom was free of his reign, and the control he bared over the monsters he spawned through his abilities.

"Hmmm..." The princess began to speak, Link shifted his head to look back at her while still keeping his eyes fixated on the road ahead. He manoeuvred his horse calmly as Zelda sat on Epona's rear while staring contently into the Sheikah slate.
"This will be a night to remember. I'm Just sure of it. Many of the surrounding lands greatest warriors and many other townsfolk from all over Hyrule will be in attendance tonight..." Zelda continued. She held the Sheikah Slate in her hands flipping through the photos that Link had been capturing throughout his journey.

"I recall collecting some of these photographs... these were the places that I saw as close to my heart... Do you recall them?" She asked him. Link nodded his head towards her, still keeping his ears perked up for what else she had to say.
"I see you had frequented Kakariko Village a lot, care to tell me why?" Her voice was that of sarcasm. Link knew she was teasing him, but he couldn't help but to blush.

"Oh right, you must have come here for guidance from Impa." She concluded.
Link nodded his head again keeping full attention on the pathway, slightly relieved she thought that way. Zelda sat there, on the back of Epona, staring at the Sheikah Slate, at the photo Link took before he set out to retrieve the Master Sword. He was sitting on the stairs with a girl from the village, posing for the camera as the girl leaned in close. They were both smiling so genuinely, so warmly. Zelda had never seen that side of Link before.
"... But maybe there was SOMEBODY else?" She followed up with her claim from before. Link began to blush again as he slowed Epona.

Music filled the air, getting louder as the two approached. The town was bright with colours and lights of lanterns and fireflies. People from the five different kingdoms were gathered all around, exchanging pleasantries, eating, and dancing.
Link and Zelda dismounted the horse at the top of the town and began to walk their way into the crowd to meet with the elder. Zelda was just as quiet as Link as he seemed to avoid her question. Although she was only joking, she felt as if he was ashamed to open up to her.
Regardless, this is the Link she had come to know well. She knew he would prefer to keep his problems to himself. In the picture he looked so happy. She smiled to herself with joy because to her; that's all that mattered.

Zelda remained with him through his journey. She could not see all Link saw, but their souls were connected. She sometimes would find a 'glimmor' a moment in the darkess she was surrounded by for years where she could almost reach out and touch it. She would use these to speak to Link while he found himself in his greatest moments of turmoil.
This connection between the two was one that could nt be explained in words, but required to be felt in the truest sense of the word.
Not a connection of love, or anything of the sort. But companionship, of trust.
Zelda and Link trusted each other completely. And words could not describe the relief both of them felt as they were now reunited.

As Link and Zelda walked through the crowd. They began to cheer and celebrate. Chanting the names of the two heroes that saved the land of Hyrule and put an end to the 100-year war against Ganon. They slowly made their way to the Elders lodge. The guards let the two of them in and then blocked the way so the crowd would stay out. After several seconds they went back to their own business. Zelda opened the door and was greeted by seeing her dear old friend, Impa.

"Zelda, my dear... You haven't aged a day" She joked.
"Oh Impa..." Zelda's eyes welled up with tears. "I... I'm sorry..." She began to apologise, she fell to her knees and bowed to her old friend as she sobbed.
"Impa stood from her place and walked towards the princess and rested her hand on Zelda's back.
"Now, my dear. What are you apologising for?" She too began to become choked up.
"I... I don't know. I- I just... The other champions... Because of me..." Her speech was hard to hear through her crying, but her words were sincere, and heart filled.

"The ground is no place for a hero such as yourself." Impa said as she took Zelda's hands in hers. "The others gave their lives because they trusted you. They knew the risks and they followed you to the end. People like them should be remembered for the heroes they were."
Impa's words were inspiring, and just what Zelda needed to hear. Zelda took her old friend's hand and stood up as she was before.

At that moment, footsteps were heard coming down the staircase.
Soft, delicate ones that made Links heart skip a beat. A short girl with long white hair falling down to her lower back entered the room, grabbing her locks in handfuls.
"Grandmother do you know where my hair-ties are, Master Link is going to be here any minute and I want to impr- AHH!" She exclaimed as she saw the Princess of Hyrule standing in front of her.
"P-p-princess Zelda!" She bowed deeply. "I-I-I'm so sorry, I wish I was prepared earlier but I-"
Zelda shifted forward and rested her hand on Payas shoulder.
"Haha, it is perfectly alright. Take it from me, I know what it's like to be late... one-hundred years late" Link knew that she bared a heavy heart for not being able to save her family or anyone else that perished in the great calamity. Her powers were evading her until it was too late.

Paya peaked over Zelda's shoulder and saw none other than Link standing before her. His presence was immaculate in her eyes, her face began to tingle in embarrassment as she felt ashamed in not being prepared and allowing Link to see her in such a state.
Keeping a happy smile, the Princess told Paya to come with her. Zelda took Paya by the hand and lead her up the stairs.

Link stood silently as the two girls moved from the main hall of the house. Left alone, link and Impa stood before one another and took a few moments to exchange pleasantries while awaiting the princess' and Paya's return. As Paya was dragged away, she looked to her hero for any kind of help he could provide.
Link gave a coy smile and waved the girl down as their vision between each other was broke by the bulkhead of the staircase. Entering Paya's room, Zelda took a second to take in the new scenery as she assured the girl from Kakariko Village not to worry herself. Scanning the room, Zelda felt strangely at peace. It had been far too long since she had experienced a woman's living quarters, let alone one that was not from the royal family. Zelda turned to the white-haired girl and beckoned her to sit close. Paya sheepishly approached Zelda and sat in front of her with her back turned. Zelda began to work on her hair, delicately weaving it and tying it with her back turned.

"I was always told to sit still as everyone else groomed me, but I learned some things and taught myself. It's quite interesting, really… what you can learn from watching and listening." She went on talking. The way she spoke was brisk but understandable.
"Princess, you really don't need to-" Paya was cut short, her voice lacking the authority that the princess was able to muster.
"Nonsense, your name is Paya, correct? Link has told me quite a bit about you" Zelda continued to weave her hair with single minded intent.
"He- He has?" Paya thought to herself. Not knowing what to think she parted her lips to ask the princess to elaborate. But was once again cut short by Zelda's voice.
"Your hair is exceptionally soft. I'm sure your grandmother taught you all kinds of methods of taking care of yourself".
Paya nodded and felt a bit flushed with happiness hearing such a genuine compliment, especially one from a princess and hero of Hyrule. "Yes, she is an amazing, wise woman... I take much inspiration from her." Zelda felt as peace once again. Knowing that Impa was once her greatest advisor, and a fantastic fighter and warrior for the Kingdom of Hyrule. She had now found a family, and raised them as a loving mother, and grandmother. Zelda contemplated, working through Payas hair, what else Impa had done? Did she find love? Was she a good parent? These were questions for another time.

Zelda blushed and smiled gently. Hearing her say that made her proud in her old mentor, and friend.
"And her sister?" She asked.
"Oh, Great Aunt Purah? Of course... Grandmother and her relationship is... Interesting. But I always respected her work."
"Wonderful, will she be joining us?"
"No, well... Maybe. Due to circumstances, she may not come after all." Paya was vague. But understandably so, she couldn't just tell every person who asked how Purah's physical age has reversed to that of a 6-year-old.

"Aaaand there!" Zelda took a step back as she giggled, admiring her handiwork. The silky white hair of the young girl had been tied neatly above her head, in an almost half-traditional / half-cute look. Her hair greatly complimenting the dress she was wearing, the same as last time but with several alterations made to it. A cute pink scarf and a beautiful broach clipped to her clothing chest.
"I think you're ready for a rendezvous with your Knight" Zelda teased.
Paya flared up again, remembering he was just downstairs.
"H-he's your night…" Paya pouted after being teased.
"Haha... Don't worry yourself. He's all yours tonight" Zelda begged with a grin. Paya tilted her head at Zelda's strange reaction.
"In the time that I've spent with you, I can tell how genuine you are. When we spoke just now, I could see that you forgot your fear. When you see him tonight, just be yourself. I guarantee that he would really appreciate that."

"P-princess..." Paya bowed with respect. "Thank you..." She said as her head hung low.
"No need to thank me..." Zelda giggled. "Actually, there is something you can do for me?"
"Yes! Absolutely!" She stood upright and ready for the princess' request.
"I need a change of clothes... may I borrow one? These clothes aren't- Ehem, Suitable for partying." Zelda rubbed her nose in embarrassment.
"You want to use MY clothes?" Paya was surprised, and completely shocked to the core. "Of course, you can! Anything you want, you may use!" She offered.
"Oh, is that so?" Zelda rubbed her chin, "Perhaps I can look in this diary then?" She teases.
"A-ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Several more moments of silence passed downstairs before footsteps were once again heard coming down the staircase. Zelda descended the flight of stairs elegantly, closely followed behind by the beautiful, white haired shrine maiden. She looked up from her feet shyly and made eye contact with Link, her hero, and the saviour of Hyrule. Even though she had talked to him countless times before she still retracted and blushed deeply, covering her face with her hands. Link took a step forward and grabbed her hands, pulling them down to hold them away from her face. Their fingers entwined.

"Don't dress up if you're just going to hide away all night..." Link said softly as she looked into his eyes. She wrapped her arms around him and began to cry, all her memories flooding back from earlier. Her fear that they would never see each other again, that Hyrule would never be the same again. That, perhaps, he would return a different man. She began to plead with Link to stay, telling him how worried she was through her sobs. Link smiled gently and stroked her head, running his fingers through her hair to calm her.

"Now, Now, Paya. It's rude to cry in front of our guests... Why don't you take Link here on a tour of the festival while he gets his barings?" Impa requested. Paya wiped away her tears as she nodded to her grandmother.
"You're right, Grandmother. It's a time for celebration after all."
She smiled and turned. She thanked her grandmother and Zelda and began to walk out the door, Link followed closely behind.

They stepped out into the chilled air of the night. The sun had already set and the village was alive with lights from the lanterns, and fires set up to prepare food from all over the kingdoms of Hyrule. Stalls that the townsfolk had set up littered the narrow pathways of the small town. The towns clothiers were standing at their shop, taking advantage of the people walking past as new potential customers, beckoning them to come try out their clothes.
Link and Paya stood overlooking the Village. They didn't say anything yet, but it wasn't awkward. The silence between them was nice, as they had a mutual understanding of all they had to do to achieve the peace they were now looking at. Link shifted to his side, closer to Paya and reached down to grab her hand. She was surprised by this but didn't pull away, instead tightening her grip as they stood watching the joy the townspeople were experiencing.

"Shall we go?" Paya asked Link, the Hylian boy standing next to her. She gently rested her head on his shoulder as she blushed slightly.
"Of course." Link said taking a step forward down onto the steps, keeping his hand locked with hers as they descended into the party. Payas dress was still so elegant, it flowed like water as it rolled down the stairs.
Paya linked her arm around Links as they strolled into the village. Her sweet, soft hair swayed from side to side as they shifted through the crowd. She wasn't sure that she was comfortable crossing arms with Link, but some girls around town told her that it's an effective way of sticking close to someone. It made her feel safe, and her hero's arm was warm. she pulled it closer to her chest as they sifted through the crowds. Plenty of people were stopping to congratulate Link on his triumph, patting him on the back and calling out his name, offering him beverages and delicacies to their native lands.

"OH LINK!" A clear voice of a young man called out behind them. Turning around the two of them were able to make out his features better. A tall Zora, masculine and standing proud with royal ornaments attached to himself as clothing. It was Prince Sidon! Standing next to him was another familiar face. A Rito, a tall bird like creature, white feathers, and an intense look in his eye. His bow was by his side resting on the ground. It was Teba, the one who helped link take back control of Van Medoh. The two of them were standing together, obviously in discussion before Link had walked past.

"Link, it is great to see you again!" The prince ran up and patted him on the shoulder. You never told me that you had friends in high places... Excuse the pun" He laughed while turning his attention to Teba. Teba stood straight, he looked down towards the young Hylian and smiled
"It's nice that you made it back from your journey. Quelling the divine beasts must not have been an easy task." Link scratched the back of his head coyly.
"I was here to represent the Rito and extend my gratitude to a warrior such as yourself Link. I have met many other champions of the other villages, like my friend here. When he told me you had also assisted him in protecting his kingdom..." He began to become choked up. His words were sincere and heartfelt.

Paya then took a step forward and attempted to introduce herself. Her fear of men was still present, but she was miles more confident than she was before.
"W-welcome to our village. My name is P-Paya..." She bowed lowly.
"Fantastic! I am Sidon! Prince of the Zora." He bowed to her too.
"The name's Teba" The Rito stepped forward too "In any case, Sidon and I are making arrangements to travel the world together." Link and Paya gasped in surprise. Sidon simply laughed and patted Links shoulder.
"As the prince of the Zora, I had a duty to uphold to my people. AND WHAT BETTER WAY THAN TO TRAVEL THE LAND BEYOND HYRULE!" He excitedly exclaimed as he clenched his fist with joy.
"Either way..." Teba stepped forward, his large stature and prim white feathers showing a stern elegance. "... This will not come for some time yet. With all said and done, and the scourge of Hyrule now gone, we all have our worth to do. But it's good to have a dream, right?"
He was right. Link had the feeling their work had only just begun, but perhaps tonight he an leave all that out of his mind, and focus on himself, and the beautiful Sheikah girl stood beside him.
"Thank you for your hospitality. We won't keep you for much longer, we understand that you are busy... tonight of all nights, you will be meeting a lot of people." Teba pulled Sidon back a few steps. Following Teba's lead, Sidon nodded his head. "That's right, please enjoy your night Link, and you too Miss Paya. I hope we have more time to catch up later."