Watching as the two star-crossed lovers departed, Sidon remained standing there in his own thoughts. Teba, his newfound friend and ally approached from behind Sidon and began to speak in a hushed tone.
"Sidon, you said that your sister, the late Lady Mipha once beloved a man by the name of 'Link'. Could that really be…" He slumped down into himself as he waited for Sidon to answer him.
"Yes, that is him." Sidon perked up and stood tall as a proud Zora. "The very same Link from 100 years ago." Sidon posed again. His strong demeanour was strangely comforting to those around him. Especially to the other Zora that had travelled to Kakariko village. Teba took a second to collect himself, his usually quiet and stern personality commanded a level of respect and anticipation to what he would say next.

"Your sister must have been very brave. I can see why she would have thought of link as a respectable partner."
"HAHAHA" Sidon laughed with all his passion. "Yes, absolutely! I'm sure that he would have made a fine King one day." Sidon rested his hands on his hip and stared off to the moon.
A symbol of great importance to Sidon. The way it pulls and pushes the tide has become a symbol of who his sister used to be. She used to be so graceful and seemed to be able to control and conduct it to her very whim.
"She fought alongside of him. She… gave her life in the name of her people. I could not be prouder of her. I love her so much and miss her every day." He clenched his fist by his side. "I see now how important her sacrifice was. And now… a part of her lives on within him".

Shortly after their encounter with the Zora prince and the new Rito Pride, Teba. The festivities had settled down quite some time later. It was now the early hours of the morning. Link and Paya shifted through the forest up the top of town. Paya was giggling as Link told her stories of what he had faced on the roads to get to the divine beasts. Recounting how he had to conceal himself as a woman to enter the Gerudo Town.

"Hehe, I'm sorry, but I can't imagine how you would look as a girl." Paya Laughed.
Link blushed and rubbed his nose. "Oh, is that so? Why is that?" He asked her as they sat by a tree overlooking the Village. Nudging his shoulder into hers softly, she stumbled slightly, tipping over as link gripped her hand tightly to assist her in regaining her balance. She giggled and rebalanced herself again as they both laughed.
"Because you're really..." She stopped and looked around with an embarrassed look on her face. She took a deep breath in and sighed. "Your kind of... Really..."
Link leaned in as he waited for her answer.
"Handsome." She confessed and blushed deeply. Through his travels, compliments like that were not exactly rare for Link to hear. But the way those sweet words rolled off her delicate tongue and soft lips, Link could not help but to feel timid towards her. He rubbed his nose gently as he stared off towards the village. The lights glinting in the distance as music and laughter filled the once quiet settlement, Paya's home.

"Thank you, Paya…" He rested his hand on her knee as she leaned into him, resting her upper body against his as they watched the party unfolding down below. The wind gently caressed their bodies as they sat there, the beautiful locks of her hair blew around gently as her head rested against the man she loved.
"So, What now?" She asked Link, continuing to stare into the distance. She dreaded his answer, that he may just leave and never return now that his duty is complete. She knew he craved adventure, but she would not be able to stop him if he were to leave. Link looked down at Paya as a sombre expression covered her face. "I... I want to stay" he said. Payas head shot up in joy and surprise. "R- Really? You mean it?" She cheerfully asked him. Link smiled and nodded his head.
"Of course. But..." She stopped and looked to the sky. "I don't belong anywhere. My duty was to the royal family, but that part of me is gone now... So, what can I do?" He pulled Paya closer, firmly holding her as he continued to look away. "I want to stay here. I love this town, and the people in it..." Link locked eyes with Paya, her eyes watching him intently, he saw the sparkle of the stars above in her gaze.

"But most of all..." He leaned in slowly. The girl timidly responded by leaning over too. "I love..." Their lips met, again Paya began to blush deeply as she felt the heat from links body. She could feel him, gently pushing himself into her. She wrapped her arms around the back of his head. Link rested his hands on her waist. The kiss was warm, delicate. It was just as special as their first one... Maybe even more so. Payas heart was pounding in her chest as she was intoxicated by how passionate Link was with her.

"I thought I would find you up here" A voice broke the silence, that of a young woman. Breaking away from their kiss they turned to see the person in question. It was Zelda. She stood there with a coy smile on her face.
"I'm sorry I don't mean to intrude; I will come back later." Zelda graciously begins to turn away.
At this moment, it became abundantly clear how beautiful the Princess of Hyrule really was. Her perfect golden locks parted magnificently down her shoulders and swayed elegantly down her back. She adorned several royal ornaments that belonged to her family, her house, her kingdom, and her family. Her features were exemplified by her deep blue dress resting effortlessly on her body. Her eyes sparkled under the starlit night. Zelda locked her hands behind her back playfully as she spun around. Showing the world her true splendour.

"N-no, it is quite okay, Princess!" Paya called out to her. "Please sit with us..." Paya was blushing deeply as she said this. Zelda chuckled and accepted her invitation. She walked over and sat on the ground by Paya's side. Zelda seemed tired, which as understandable. She had done much over the previous decades, she had a little time to rest before the festival began, it perhaps was not enough. Link suggested she lay down and rest for the night.

"Please, Link." She scoffed "I went 100 years without rest, what is one more night?" Zelda chuckled to herself. Paya joined in, covering her mouth as she giggled softly. Link remained silent and returned his eyes to the bonfire in the middle of the town. Zelda's gaze locked onto the hero's sombre expression, and for what felt like several moments, she remained fixated on his eyes. Something was not right with him. He seemed to be at war with himself. He subtly gripped his shirt and buried his jaw into his arms that laid crossed on his knees.

The moment was progressed by a yawn from Paya. Link instinctively shot his head up and looked at her with a concerned expression. She apologized for alerting him and smirked.
"I suppose parties aren't exactly my kind of past time, hehe…" Paya waved Link down, gesturing for him to be calm and she was alright. Her smile remained big, overemphasizing her joy.
Zelda jumped at the opportunity, and patted Paya on the back suddenly.
"Miss Paya." Zelda beckoned.
"Hm?" her eyes lit up in response, still not used to her idol speaking to her, let alone referring to her by 'miss'.

"I have noticed that since you are tired, perhaps you would like to accompany me in retrieving a drink for us all. Stretching your legs may do you some good." Zelda spoke softly but with purpose. Her eyes met Links for a moment as he raised an eyebrow at the princess's request.

"Should I-" Link spoke but was immediately reprimanded by Zelda.
"I think myself and Paya here will be quite all right getting a drink. Don't you think so too?" Zelda's stood up and dusted herself off and helped Paya stand.
"We will await for your company down there in a moment." Link stood upon hearing this.
"But first, you are to…" the princesses eyes wandered for a moment. "-to… find ten Silent Princesses!" She demanded.
Zelda hastily gripped Paya's hand and began to walk off towards the village. Paya looked surprised and worried as she was practically torn from Link's presence. He waved slowly, collecting his thoughts as the girls disappeared below the hill. Link understood the princess had torn Paya away for the purpose of talking with her in private. He sighed, and his eyes dropped to his side. Link raised his arm and scratched the back of his head in thought, parting his sandy blond hair between his fingers as he stayed put for the time being.

Back in the heart of the village, the townsfolk from all inhabitants of the United Kingdom of Hyrule applauded and sang as they saw the beautiful princess walk past. None forgetting what she had sacrificed for them. One man caught Paya's attention, Dorian. Who stood silent, with a smirk on his face, slowly clapping his hands towards her. He was so proud of the woman she had grown into. He loved her as the daughter he never had. And because of her help, her courage and wit, he could live a life of peace under a new rule. Paya approached him with a tear welling up. Dorian did not need to say anything. He placed his palm on her tender cheek and wiped her eye with his thumb. They both smiled and embraced.

"Thank you for everything you do for this community, Paya." Her heartbeat, almost to the rhythm of the music, she looked at him and shook her head.
"I didn't-" She was cut off by him.
"Nonsense, tonight we celebrate the heroes of our glorious kingdom. So, tonight I raise my glass to you… Without your help, I may have lost more than I already have…" Paya lowered her head and embraced him again. He did not need to say it. She knew who he was talking about… his late wife.
"You remind me of her, you know?" Dorian spoke, becoming choked up on his words. Paya's gaze shot up and met his.
"I loved her more than anything else. She had a strong sense of community, and trust for her friends and family. You have shown me that a part of her lives on in you. Perhaps it resides in all of us."
Paya steps back and grips Dorian's hands as a display affection, and she bowed slightly as their hands parted. Paya ran and re-joined with the Princess.

A warm greeting from the vendor put a smile on the girls face as they approached. The princess waved and asked for some tea for her and Paya. The vendor smiled and nodded and turned around to fetch their beverage. He placed two teacups in front of them and began to pour them a drink. The steady stream of warm tea falling into the cup, the steam rising from the rim. A simple scent bursting with complex flavours wafted through the breeze as the girls retrieved their drinks from the counter. The vendor refused payment, although Zelda protested, settling for leaving more than enough rupies in the tip jar while his back was turned.

Zelda began to sip her drink and a warmth swept over her face. She smiled and sighed as she began to relax. Her posture loosened up and she encouraged her companion to do the same. The Princess then began to speak.
"Now, Miss Paya."
Paya shot up to attendance and asked the princess what she wanted.
"I wanted to ask about you" Zelda reached out and brushed Payas hair from her Sheikah symbol imprinted on her forehead.
"M-me?" Paya enquired while retracting her head slightly in response to the princess's touch.
"Yes. You" Zenda re-joined her fingers around the mug of tea. The heat on her hands nullifying the chill of the brisk Autumn night air. "I wish to know what your goal is"

This request seemed a bit forward and took Paya by surprise. She wasn't entirely sure what the Princess was referring to. She remained stammered for a few seconds before Zelda elaborated.
"… Your future, where do you see yourself in the next year?"
Paya hung her head for a few moments. She took some time to think that she never really considered it before. Princess Zelda explained her intention for asking further.
"All things considered, over the past several months, so much has changed. It really makes you consider the possibilities for the future." Zelda extended her hand towards the bonfire in the centre of town. Her gaze transfixed on the dancing flames.
"- Several weeks ago I was still locked to him. Holding him back, but sooner than expected…" She fell silent again.

"Princess?" The Sheikah girl stepped forward in concern.
"Heh… All I'm saying is that I'm glad to be back!" Zelda smiled brightly, her hair falling weightlessly over her shoulder.
"Now, about that question…" Zelda pressed her new friend. Playfully gripping Paya's free hand in her own.
"W-well…" Paya began to speak. "More than anything, I want what's best for my people." Zelda lowered her head ever so slightly and smiled. She expected Paya to answer with something like that. The princess returned her grip to her teacup, becoming reunited with the warmth it provided.

Zelda parted her lips for a few seconds before she began to speak and inhaled slowly before she spoke.
"I really understand. I want…" She paused and shook her head, "I NEED to return the Kingdom of Hyrule to its former glory." Paya silently listened, unbreaking her eye contact to the Princess.
"Returning to this land was a shock, I barely recognised it compared to its previous state." Paya sipped her tea again, while in deep contemplation. She could barely even conceive what the princess had been through, and the unease she must be feeling returning to a land she doesn't know as he own.

"That's why I held on, that's why for the past 100 years, I never let Ganon slip from my grasp. I had a responsibility to uphold." She concluded. Silence filled the air for several long moments before she Hylian Princess spoke one again. "But there is something else. That is my goal. But what I would like is slightly different"
Paya perked up in surprise, waiting to hear what she said next.
"I want to sit in my garden once again." Zelda smirked as she gazed into the fire. "I used to sit outside when things got too stressful, you wouldn't believe the beauty the Royal Garden held." Paya smiled hearing Zelda reminisce so fondly.

"You see, what you want can be selfish. And far away from your goal. But it could also be a portion of it. I want my garden back, yes. But I promise that it will be the last thing I restore from this kingdom. That way, I will hold myself accountable to achieve my goal first" Such was Zelda's burden as a princess.
Paya was stumped. She had no idea what she could say. She thought for a long while before conversing.
"I've always wanted a home of my own…" She mumbled softly. Zelda smiled as she knew Paya had thought of what she wanted for herself.

"I want to have a home I can say belongs to me. A part of me will always live here, with my people. But I want to see the wonders the world holds." She recounted her date with Link several nights prior. Seeing the wondrous rock formations, she could hardly fathom the astonishing sights the world will offer.
"I want a house with a fireplace, and a warm bed. And I want to take a guardian deity with me and create a shrine for it so I can still provide my support for my people the best way I know how, Having the deities spread over the whole land" She was talking almost in a trance. She daydreamed of the days ahead that she wished to achieve. Zelda smiled and blushed in admiration of Payas dream.

"Well, now's your chance to put it in writing" Zelda's eyes fixed on something behind Paya. Not knowing what the princess was looking at, the white haired Sheikah girl spun around to see the town passing around what looked to be folded up… Lanterns?

After a few quiet moments, the girls received theirs. A small parchment attached with string, strapped to the lantern, along with a small block of charcoal and a candle. Zelda silently scribbled some characters on hers. In almost perfect script. She wrote her wish.
'I want to restore my garden'
Paya pressed the charcoal to her parchment firmly and began to write her own wish.
'A home to call ours' Paya closed her eyes and considered her life with the one she loved. A home to look after together with Link. But doubtful clouds swelled in her mind. Would Link ever WANT to settle? Sure, he has said so before. But there is so much that needs to be done for Hyrule. And with the Princess returning, would he ever consider living a quiet life?

Paya worked on unfolding her lantern and placing the candle in a small pouch inside it. Her wish fluttering in the night breeze as she lit the stem and held on while heat filled the bag of the lantern. Zelda had already finished, they stood waiting for each other person to complete theirs too.
Suddenly Kass, the Rito musician, standing proud with his accordian, began to softly play a melody. After a few seconds, all in attendance began to let their lanterns go. The dozens of wishes for how they wanted the kingdom to be restored. What they wished for the most slowly drifting into the night. Almost as if they were sending them directly to the Goddesses themselves.

Some began to pair off and begin to lock hands as they danced with each other. A circle was being formed in the centre of town for those who wish to celebrate. Zelda and Paya began to laugh from the joy they felt. Something caught Paya's attention, seeing a boy, a Hylian standing across from her. He was quietly watching the townsfolk from all around the kingdom, being united in this one moment. He too seemed to have his attention caught by something. And his eyes fell on Paya.

Eyes locked, Link stood across from the two girls who his fate has become so incredibly entwined with. His brow furrowed as he choked down a lump in his throat. He began to approach, weaving between the other couples that had already parted to dance. Link's feet glided past each person until he finally arrived at Paya's side. She smiled and looked towards her hero with all the compassion she could muster. Link returned the same feeling of tenderness and respect towards her. Paya became lost in his hair as it fluttered in the breeze. The young Hylian broke eye contact and directed his attention to her hand as he slowly raised his and began to speak.

"Miss Paya. It would be my greatest delight if you would take my hand for a dance." His eyes showed a strange emotion that Paya had never seen in someone before this point, let alone her Master Link.

A deep emotion of longing. She was not sure how she could sense it, but she knew that he was asking for more than just a dance. He wanted her to accept him for all that he is. She could feel his quiet loneliness and smiled in reassurance that he would never have to be alone again. She raised her hand and rested it in his. She intertwined her thumb with his and held it firmly. A delicate heat pulsed between their hands, the warmth that they had both longed for all this time was right here, in each other's company.

"It would be my pleasure to share this moment with you" She gripped her dress and lifted it slightly as Link guided her to the place, they would share this special moment together, as the world began to fade away around them.