The Princess of Hyrule stood with an expression of amazement and wonder, gawking at the mysterious stone walls around them. Watching her, Link couldn't help but smile.

The knight inched closer to the royal, lifting their shared torch up to the wall between them, illuminating various strange carvings and hieroglyphics. He hadn't the slightest clue what any of it meant, but if it made his girlfriend happy, he was happy. He secretly adored her bright smile, which she graced him with much more often since the Calamity's defeat two years ago. His chest fluttered each time he bore witness to her beauty, which Link viewed as anything she did.

Zelda turned towards her companion, beaming. "Link, this is an amazing discovery! I must tell Purah about this once we return to the surface!" She retrieved a small rectangular object from the pack on her backside. Lifting it up to the wall, a large snap was heard, echoing throughout the small chamber.

She returned the object to her pack, clearly satisfied.

Since the Calamity's defeat, Hyrule has gone underground. A widespread, newfound interest in what lies beneath the earth swept over the land, leading to much digging and expedition trails. Their own expedition was heralded by Purah herself.

"Let us be off, Link! This is all quite exciting and I must find out the source to it all!" As the princess turned in haste, she tripped mid-step from her foot, causing the royal to tumble to the ground with a yelp, the rectangular device clattering out her pack beside her.

Link immediately rushed to the fallen princess, carefully placing the torch beside himself and looked her over, observing for any wounds.

Zelda woke with a groan, her eyes fluttering open, clouded by disorientation. She noticed Link by her side and took his hand offer, who sat her upright.

"Well, clearly my excitement about our discovery made me careless." She said with a breath, smiling his way. "Thank you, Link. I know I can always count on you."

Link's features finally lightened at the princess's unharmed state. He shifted his position to a kneel before her, performing a gesture with his hands, his way of communicating.

I think we should take a rest here.

Even though it's been some time since the Great Calamity, Link still found it hard within himself to speak. The massive burden of being Hyrule's Hero has lightened off his shoulders, shifting to a role with less pressure, yet Link felt uncomfortable verbalizing. At this point, it became second nature to sign to communicate, teaching Zelda his preferred language. Link opted only to verbalize if he really had to, which didn't present itself too often.

Zelda smiled and nodded, "I think that's a great idea."

Link helped her up on her feet, returning the rectangular slate back in her hands. He then stepped a few feet away, rustling through his bag and tossed out a bundle of wood and some flint. With a great swing, the wood crackled with light, making Link flush with heat.

The Hylian knight settled down to the floor with Zelda joining him. A few silent moments passed between them, before Link felt a heavy pressure on his left shoulder. Glancing over, he spotted the princess affectionately laying her head on his shoulder. Link smiled, lacing his fingers between her own.

Thinking back, Link could almost hardly believe he was now dating the Hyrulean princess. They had a rough start, not even friends for most of their time together one hundred years ago, despite being together daily. He remembered her cold glare, her biting words. He was filled with sadness at the time, confused why she was so rude to him. But he never let it show, having to be strong.

Over time though, she started to warm up to him. She surprised him one day by actually calling him by his name for the first time, followed by a much warmer demeanor. She started to be more receptive to him being around her and started asking him for advice. Soon enough she was smiling around him and crying in his arms, which made his heart shatter. She even helped save his life in his final moments during the Calamity. He was sure he was going to die, terrified on the inside, but he took his last breath her way, just relieved that she was alive and okay.

Now, it's different. She isn't a princess and he isn't a hero. Now they're equals. Just two Hylians on adventures together, exploring and restoring the world around themselves.

They sat for a while, listening to the fire pop and crackle around them.

"I love you." Zelda said aloud, abruptly breaking the silence.

Link's eyes widened in shock, not believing his ears. They've been dating for the last six months, with Zelda opting to take it slow. Link didn't mind, understanding that she has a lot on her plate. Their relationship has been subtle, with hints of affection showing here and there, but the restoration of Hyrule has taken priority, not leaving much room for their relationship to grow. The tiny gestures and words between them meant a lot more to him when it didn't come everyday.

Link gently squeezed her hand in response, returning the gesture. His heart hammered in his chest, her words echoing in his mind as happiness bloomed within.

Soft breathing gently tousled his hair, and Link realized Zelda fell asleep. He smiled, unclasping his cloak around his shoulders and throwing it over her own for a makeshift blanket. Tucking his knees to his chest, Link let sleep claim him as well, with the determination to protect his dear princess burning stronger than ever as they traversed this new world together.