FULL SUMMARY: In the years after the Calamity, Zelda has been assisting with the efforts to restore Hyrule to its former glory. Ever at her side is Link, her chosen knight who has become more dear to her than just a protector and friend. Together, the pair embark on an expedition to the last remaining area that has remained unexplored since her return, the place she has dreaded returning to since being freed from her century long imprisonment. (Set a month or so before the start of TotK.. Be ye warned - spicy times and spoilers await!)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks for checking out my new story! Just wanted to share some things: first, this story is complete. I will release a new chapter each weekend and I will add new tags with each upload! Second, this story takes place in the month or two leading up to the beginning of TotK. Tiny spoilers will be hinted at here and there throughout the other chapters, but there will be a major spoiler in the epilogue. Third, this was originally all porn, but oops - a plot happened! Sexy times will begin in Chapter 2. Finally, this is a cleaner edit of the story since this site doesn't allow for explicit content. If you want to read the original, you can find it on AO3 under the same title and with the same username (maybe some people get away with posting porn here, but I'm not chancing it). Chapters that have been edited will have an asterisk with the chapter title.

That's all for now! Enjoy! :)

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Title: Hyrule Castle Survey Team

Chapter 1: Hateno Bliss

Author: Sailor Song

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

"I've been putting it off for too long now," she called down from the loft one morning while he was making crepes. "I think I'm ready to go back."

He only passively acknowledged what she said as he focused on assembling their breakfast. Back? Back where? There wasn't a way to go back in time, as far as he was aware. The last place they had visited was Hateno Beach, and that was quite recently, so what could she possibly mean with this out of the blue statement?

Caught up in the meal prep and deep in his thoughts, he found himself startled when a pair of slender arms snaked around his middle, suddenly accompanied by a voice that asked, "Link, did you hear me?" He jumped and the bowl containing crepe batter went flying, splattering him from head to toe. He turned to see Zelda standing behind him, looking a little sheepish having come out mostly clean except for a bit of the mixture in her own hair. Now she was laughing at him. "Getting a little out of practice, aren't you, Hero?" she snickered.

This caused him to raise an eyebrow. "I was intently focused on making our breakfast," he explained. "Crepes are delicate." She continued laughing as he looked down at his tunic and pants to see how bad the damage was. "Think this is funny?" he asked and stretched out his arms to pull her into a hug.

"NO!" she shrieked, still laughing as she ran towards the door and threw it open. "I'm delicate too!"

He chased her out of the house and around the stables where both of their horses let out a snort to indicate they were hungry and that they wanted none of their masters' nonsense. He finally caught up to her in the field of wildflowers beside the pond. "Come 'ere," he said as he wrapped his arms around her, saturating her clothing - actually his clothing, since she was wearing his Champion's tunic - in the batter, and she giggled all the while. Her squirming caused her to lose her footing in the dewy grass, but he caught her with one arm as she fell, and he eased their descent to the ground with the other.

After all they had been through, these moments were the most precious to him. To be able to watch her laughing, carefree and without the burden of duty, brought him more happiness than he would ever be able to express. She had said something similar to him once as well, referencing the time before the Calamity and his days spent as a silent knight with serious, laser-like focus set on fulfilling their destined roles. Yes, judging by the current image of him straddling his princess in the grass during the early hours of morning, it was clear that things had changed quite a bit from that time long past.

Her giggles began to die down, but the smile remained as he brushed the batter smattered hair from her face. "Good morning," she whispered.

She kissed his thumb as he brushed it gently along her lips. Hungrily, he lifted her jaw and pressed his mouth against hers, his fingers entangling in her hair. Her soft hands moved across his arms and up into his hair, pulling out his hair band. As his hair fell free, bits of crepe batter dripped down on her face, causing her to burst into a fit of giggles again while they were connected, interrupting the moment.

"I'm sorry," she managed to finally get out and raised a batter-slicked hand as an explanation.

He smiled and pressed one last kiss on her forehead before pushing himself up and sitting next to her. "I guess breakfast is postponed." He pretended he was upset, but his face became very serious when he noticed a deepening red mark on her arm. Wordlessly, he took it gently in his hand to inspect the wound.

"I told you I was delicate," she lamented, which earned her a second eyebrow raise of the morning.

"You weren't saying that last night," he said, ducking out of the way just in time to avoid her swatting hand. Deftly, he scooped her up into his arms and headed towards the back of the house. Laughing triumphantly at catching her by surprise, he gloated, "Guess I'm not so out of practice after all."

In their bathhouse, he deposited some fire chuchu jellies to quickly heat the water. After helping her to undress and into the tub, he stripped down and joined her. The pair soaked in the warm bath, content to just hold each other and be together.

"About what I was saying before," she said, breaking the silence. "I think it's time I return to the castle. I keep putting it off and making excuses, but…"

He said nothing at first, only pulled her close to him to silently tell her he understood. The reconstruction efforts were well underway at Lookout Landing, and Hudson Construction Company was making great strides to supply the materials needed to start rebuilding Castle Town. Several requests had been made asking Zelda to do a walkthrough of the castle, but aside from a very quick visit five years ago to collect a couple of things, she had avoided returning and occasionally gave Link a list of items to pick up whenever he offered. He couldn't blame her either. Between her seventeen years of stifling upbringing and a century of being trapped inside with the monster, he could empathize with her avoidance and hadn't once pushed the topic with her. "Whenever you are ready, I'll be right there beside you."

They dried off and cleaned up their mess, making sure to drain the filthy bath water before heading back into the house to dress for the day. Zelda chose a simple blue Hateno dress and mentioned something about a fashion designer who would be coming to town soon. Link only half-listened to her update as he looked through his clothing for something to wear since his usual tunics and pants were all dirty thanks to their morning antics. Finally settling on something, he came down from the loft to join her.

And she was laughing at him, again. "What are you wearing?"

He looked down, incredulous that she found his outfit funny. He had thrown on part of his old Royal Guard gear, just without the extras of the overcoat, cords, boots, gloves, and beret. "It's the most comfortable thing I had that was clean," he said.

"What about your climbing gear?" she offered.

"Too many belts."

"Rito tunic?"

"Too warm."

"Barbarian armor?"

One side of his mouth raised in a smile. "You wish." And then he added, "That's only for very special occasions."

She smiled too.

"So, when do you want to make this journey to… you know?"

"I was thinking we might go next week," she said. "If I wait much longer, I might lose my nerve. Or is that too soon for you?"

He shook his head, causing his damp hair to stick to his face. His hair band was firmly wrapped around Zelda's wrist, which meant he would need to locate yet another one since she had developed a habit of stealing them. What she did with them, he had no idea. Not long after they defeated the Calamity, she had asked him to chop off her long blonde hair, declaring it was time for a new beginning. "I am at your disposal, princess," he said, giving a slight bow.

Over the years, she had seen enough of his joking around, using honorifics and customs that no one held him to, and now found it more amusing than irritating. "Very well, I will send a letter today to let Purah and the others know," she said as she headed for the door so she could work in her 'secret' room. She paused just before she turned the handle and looked back at him. "Link?"

"Hmm?" he said absently as he began tackling the kitchen clean up before he could attempt another breakfast. Maybe it was time for brunch instead?

"When we go, is it okay if it's just the two of us? Hoz is nice and all, and you know I love Purah, but…" Her thought trailed off, but he could fill in the rest. He had been with her as she dedicated monuments around Hyrule to honor the memory of those who had lost their lives during the Calamity. She would want the privacy to mourn and grieve without others watching her or assuring it wasn't her fault.

"If that's what you wish," he replied. The castle had been cleared of monsters and the malice had disappeared. The only real danger left to contend with was the crumbling infrastructure.

"Oh and, Link?" she added. "Will you wear that uniform when we go? And I mean the whole outfit." He looked at her, catching a twinkle in her eye before she turned and flitted out the door.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

One week later and back in his simple Hylian tunic, Link took one last look around the house before he closed it up for their trip.

"Everything will be fine," Zelda assured him. "I asked Clavia to look in on things while we're gone."

He gave a nod and collected the last of their travel gear from the bottom of the stairs. There was not really anything of value left here, not since the pair had visited the homes of the late Champions to pay their respects and return the special weapons of the warriors who helped them defeat the Calamity. Over time, Zelda had filled the place with more feminine touches, turning his bachelor pad into a real home.

"She thinks this is your house," he said, waving a hand around the room. "It's like I don't even exist when she stops by."

"That's because you never talk to her."

"How can I? She's always so excited to see you; it's impossible to get a word in." Then, affecting an effeminate voice, he mimicked the mayor's wife, "Oh, Princess Zelda, look at your beautiful, golden hair and how it glistens in the sunlight. Princess, you must teach me how to sew some time! Your stitch-work is perfect!"

"Stop!" she giggled with a smile.

He carried on, but this time, he said in his own voice, "Princess, you are so beautiful. Everything would have fallen apart without you." He finished by tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear.

She dismissed his words, but there was more truth to them than mere flattery. He had observed Zelda over these years and her passion to assist the people of Hyrule rebuild. Although he knew it began in guilt, over time, Zelda saw the resilience of her citizens and it seemed to breathe life and purpose into her. She pushed herself, working tirelessly to support efforts that would improve the lives for all of them.

He remained at her side, having chosen to renew the vow he made years ago to protect her with his life. In time, she had learned his staying was about more than duty; that he had come to learn about her feelings for him while he was recovering his memories that were lost to the Shrine of Resurrection. He had waited to address his own feelings for her because he knew had changed somewhat from the Link he was before, becoming less of a rigid and duty-focused soldier and more of the person he always was inside. He wanted to give her the time to get to know him again and to make sure she still felt that way about him before he reciprocated.

Satisfied that they were okay to leave, he shut the door tightly and changed the subject. "Maybe since you have fully taken over my house, I should just build a new one for myself. Hudson and Rhondson wrote to me that they'd give me a good deal."

He thought he'd earn a pouting look for making such a joke, but instead, he saw her smiling mischievously at him. "You think I wouldn't find you if you moved to a new house?"

"You're right," he said, scratching his chin. "Maybe I should think about building a yurt on Eventide Island instead." This time he did earn himself a playful nudge.

"Ugh, you! First order of business when I become queen will be to lock you in the dungeons so you can never get away from me."

"Is that a promise?" he asked with a wink. Without giving her a chance to respond, he leaned in for a quick kiss, all the while, grabbing her supplies before hurriedly walking to ready the horses.

After loading their supplies, he helped his lady up on her steed like the good little knight he was. Did his hand hold onto her thigh a bit longer than was actually necessary? Maybe. This prompted her to bend down and whisper, "You packed that uniform, right?"

He nodded. Goddesses yes, he thought. Whatever she was planning, he was all in for the ride.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Their travel plans included an overnight stop in Kakariko along the way. Impa had written that she had something important to discuss with Zelda, which provided Link with the chance to spend some time with Dorian's girls. Running around with Cottla caused them both to work up a hefty appetite, sending them to join Koko to start on an early supper. Upon exiting the main house, Zelda instantly located him by following the scent of the food, only to find Link and the girls laying on their backs in the grass and looking for recognizable shapes in clouds floating though the sky.

"Did you save me any food?" she asked with her hands on her hips.

Link used his arm to shield his eyes from the setting sun so he could look up at her. "'Fraid not," he shrugged and made a point to rub his stomach.

Before she could respond, Koko and Cottla started giggling. "He's just kidding, Miss Zelda! There's lots," Koko said, jumping up. "We all waited for you!"

Zelda lightly kicked his boot before following the girl, who kindly scooped her a bowl of meaty pumpkin stew that had been made with the local produce. She had once made a comment about his use of such ingredients in dishes being a sign of the deep respect he held for the residents as they traveled to each village. He didn't think it was all that significant, but it prompted her to say something about him being good with politics, although she never elaborated on the subject.

After they all enjoyed a meal together, Link and Zelda said goodnight to the girls, and hand-in-hand, the pair took an evening walk around the village, spending some time gazing at the flowering plum garden and stealing soft kisses before retiring to the inn for the night. Whenever they were away from the respite of their Hateno home, they chose to sleep in separate beds. Keeping the extent of their relationship private from the outside world was something they had both agreed to early on. Sure, some of their closest friends and advisors suspected, and two or three had gone so far as to ask one of them for details in private, but for the rest of Hyrule they were just the princess and her chosen knight. It was for Link's benefit, not Zelda's, as he had overheard her tell Impa a couple of years ago. Trappings and expectations came with being royalty, and Link already had his hands full with his efforts to rebuild Hyrule's military and the fortifications. If he was recognized as a royal, or even just her suitor, he might no longer be able to freely train the men and women under his command to their full potential since they might hold back out of fear of causing him harm.

There was yet another reason: Link tended to be more on edge when they were traveling, even here in Kakariko. He had told her everything about a Yiga infiltration that had happened years prior. Although Link was certain of Dorian's complete loyalty, he remained ever cautious that the clan might once again attempt to infiltrate this peaceful mountain village.

Getting comfortable on the floor next to her bed, he could feel fingers tousling his hair from above. "You should get some sleep," she whispered.

"I will."

"Liar," she accused, turning over and getting comfortable. "I expect you to keep your energy up," she said over her shoulder. "Or make some elixirs. I've got big plans for you."

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Her teasing only escalated after they had left the next day, and she insisted on stopping at Dueling Peaks Stable without telling him the reason why. Curiously, he watched as she boarded her own horse into their care and turned around to look at him.

"Am I expected to walk beside you the rest of the way to Lookout Landing, princess?" he asked with a quizzical brow raised.

"Surely not," she replied with a wave of her hand. "We will ride on your horse together. And before you concern yourself with my safety, I will ride in front so that you might keep watch on our final leg of the journey." She held out a hand, and he helped her up.

Better than her riding behind me, he thought as he imagined her hands gripping him tightly and then roaming his body like an octorok, her soft whispers in his ears, her breasts pressing against his back.

Oh, how mistaken he was. No sooner had they crossed the bridge from the stable did she enact her scheme.

"This saddle is so different from mine," she said as she wiggled around, repositioning herself. "I'm having trouble getting comfortable in it."

"Probably because it's a saddle for one," he muttered under his breath.

"Is it?" she hummed. "What if I scoot… and then… oh, there, that's much better," she uttered as she pressed her behind firmly against his groin, and he let out an involuntary moan. She didn't even have to move to spark an arousal; the horse's jostling as it trot down the path was doing all of the work for her. "That's not uncomfortable for you, is it?" she asked innocently.

"Not at all," he uttered as he desperately tried to fill his mind with something to distract him, finally settling on something military like mentally running through the footwork drills he wanted to teach the new recruits at Lookout Landing. It was working, at least somewhat, until his travel companion decided to ramp it up a level.

"It's very warm here," she lamented. "Are you warm?"

"We're in the shade," he said as he glanced up at the blue, sunless sky that peaked through the split in the mountain. Was he warm? Yes, but it had nothing to do with air temperature.

She ignored him and started unbuttoning her blouse. More squirming. "Oh, Link, is that a bokoblin horn in your pocket? Wait, no, it's too big to be that."

"Goddesses, she's going to kill me," he uttered under his breath as she reached back a hand and touched his sensitive bulge. "Zelda, is there a reason for all of this?"

"What? No!" she said innocently and turned as much as she could so she could face him.

But he wouldn't let it go. Something was up. Quietly, he asked, "Did I… did I forget something important again?"

It was then, with a small kiss on the cheek, she broke character from the game she had been playing. "I promise, I'll explain everything at the castle. Okay?"

"Okay," he said, relieved. "I'll be your willing victim."

"That's the spirit," she said happily as she turned. "Now, where was I? Oh, yes, that thing poking me. Surely that has to be an endura carrot."

He let out a sigh, but secretly had to admit that he was somewhat enjoying her playfulness and the mystery.

… … … … … … … … … … … … …

Managing to make it to Lookout Landing without exploding was a major test of strength to rival any Sheikah shrine he'd faced, but he had succeeded. A little worse for wear, he pulled himself together by splashing some cold water on his face, and then set off to work with Captain Hoz and his troop for the remaining hours of daylight. After training with them all, he had calmed down enough to attempt to face her again.

He located her in the lab, but both Purah and her apprentice Josha turned him away. "Hi Linky! Zelda's staying with me tonight and has already headed to bed. She wanted to make sure you both got a good night's sleep before tomorrow's expedition," Purah explained. "You can use the shelter for tonight."

Excellent, he thought as he nodded to her. At least he might actually get some sleep. Lookout Landing was secure enough that he trusted getting some shuteye, but he was certain that if they were together she would find a new and inventive way to keep him awake all night.

Bidding them a good night, he turned for the door when Purah stopped him. "Oh, by the way, the princess wanted you to hold onto the prototype for my invention for this evening. Said there was something important for you to study in order to prepare you for the expedition tomorrow."

He nodded and accepted it before once again bidding the pair good evening and heading out the door.

It wasn't until he was laying in bed that he remembered the Sheikah Sl…er… Purah Pad, and turned it on to figure out what she wanted him to look at. Instant regret washed over him. He nearly dropped it on his face. He had to check again, there was no way she…

Oh. Yes, she did. He swiped through image after image of scantily clad, semi-nude self photos she had taken with the new device. None of them fully revealed any of her sensual and erotic parts, but it was provocative enough for him to once more feel the tightening in his pants he'd experienced when they were on the horse together. With the number of people moving about in the shelter, he couldn't exactly take care of his growing desire.

Damn. So much for sleep.