Returning to Hateno Village after rescuing Princess Zelda was a breath of fresh air for Link. There was no other way to describe his relief at the tranquility that prevailed over everything in the sleepy little town. Here, there was little expectation for him to slay monsters or venture out for every minor errand that someone deemed "necessary" for the prosperity of Hyrule. He could simply be "Link." If he chose, he could assist with menial tasks if he had free time and inclination, but the weight of expectation was far lessened, especially given his new companion.

The Princess of Hyrule was welcomed to the village with open arms. Once the initial awe of her presence was over, the people returned to their daily routines, and the couple were left to settle in as they saw fit. Zelda especially couldn't help but express her gratitude to Link over and over for offering her a place to call home while slow work on the restoration of the castle and surrounding town began.

Yet even still, Link couldn't deny the truth in front of him: Zelda was becoming restless outside of the research she was assisting Purah with. She would never admit it. Not when there was so much to be done, or so she reasoned when they sat at the table one morning for breakfast.

"It never ends. The search for an explanation for how the malice was able to take on the form of the blights that cost us the lives of the four Champions. To study all the changes to the topography over the last century, and the sudden appearance of the Guardian towers and shrines. And the efforts for restoration at the castle. If it weren't for the technology of the Sheikah Slate, we'd be unable to live in your beautiful home here in Hateno." Zelda rested the side of her head on her hand. "I swear to Hylia, all of this is a blessing and a curse."

"Live in our home," Link gently corrected. "Do I need to put your name on the sign out front to prove it?"

Zelda giggled and lovingly shook her head. "No- well, perhaps it is necessary, though I'm rather loath to admit it. I seem to have quite a difficult time remembering that."

"You don't have trouble remembering you're mine though, and that's what matters more." Link leaned over for a gentle kiss.

"I could never forget, Link."

"Good."

Zelda was the one to break off the second kiss before it could become more heated. "I'm afraid I have more pressing matters at hand today that won't allow me a leisurely morning with you here."

"And what would that be, Princess?" he asked curiously.

"I have some observations that I wished to share with Reede and seek his counsel regarding an idea I had for the future. You're welcome to join me, however, the meeting may last some time," Zelda warned him.

Link was on his feet, clearing away the breakfast dishes. "If it's all the same to you, I'll stay here and take care of some chores we've been neglecting such as the laundry, and cutting the grass around the house."

"Are you going to use the Master Sword like the Links of eld and search for rupees in the shorn vegetation?" Zelda teased with a smile from her seat at the table. "If you do, I shall have to request a portion of all that you collect, as taxation to be used towards procuring a new dress for the Princess."

Link snorted loudly. "I think if I use the Master Sword for something like that, Fi will have something to say to me. She doesn't often speak through the blade, but I think that might raise her ire enough to warrant a scolding such as she offers. And Princess, if you want a new dress, you need only ask, and I'll commission one from your choice of Claree or Rhondson." He walked around the table to put away the remainder of the fruit and fresh bread, but paused long enough to press a kiss on her forehead. "Do you have a design in mind for this one?"

"Not at all. It was mostly a joke," she protested. "You've given me more than enough, Link."

"There's no such thing," he countered while going to the sink to wash up the dirty plates and utensils. "A princess deserves to be spoiled like the royalty she is."

"My knight already spoils and pampers me in more ways than I ever deserve though," Zelda pointed out. "I want for nothing."

"Except more time with me, I would hope." Link glanced over his shoulder at her. "I'm not sure when you're seeing Reede but you'll want to wear something other than a thin nightdress. That's for my eyes only, Princess."

Zelda flushed deeply. "O-of course! I wouldn't dream of setting foot outside for any sort of meeting if I was less than properly clothed. A princess has to retain at least a modicum of propriety when attending to her subjects."

"And you have definitely accomplished that and more, Princess. But don't let me stop you from your meeting. I'll be eager to hear about it when you return."

"You're the best, Link. Thank you." She came up behind him to give him a tight hug and kiss on the cheek. "I'll try not to take too long."

The blond Champion flushed and gave a nod before whistling as he finished the dishes. Keeping the house clean wasn't difficult but it gave him something to keep his hands busy when restlessness kicked in. Dishes, caring for Epona, and washing the laundry took up the majority of the morning. He was hanging the now-clean washing up on the line when Zelda jogged back up to the house, her face shining in excitement.

"Link, Link! It went wonderfully! We will be opening a school here in Hateno Village!"

His blue eyes widened in surprise as he reached to grab another tunic from the basket of wet clothes. "A school? What prompted this?"

"Well, I noticed the number of children who call Hateno home is rather large compared to Kakariko or the other regions. I recalled then that this is one of the most populated villages in Hyrule. But when I conversed with a couple of them, even the older ones nearing teen years have only a rudimentary knowledge of Hyrule's history, basic math, and reading. Their education came from their parents, who in turn have been taught by their elders or are self-taught by the literature they've read. What better reason do we need to open a school?!" Zelda was nearly bouncing up and down while hugging her notebook against her chest. "We have so many preparations to make it a reality, but the plan is in place so we can begin work on it immediately!

"I can't think of any more reasons needed. Is that what the meeting was about this morning?"

"Yes." Zelda set her notebook down on the fence railing and grabbed another shirt from the basket to hang up. "Initially, it was just with Reede to obtain permission and secure the best location to place the building. Then we approached Symin in hopes that he would assist with the instruction for the students, providing Purah is able to allow him to balance both teaching and his research. Both agreed without much discussion."

"That's promising," Link observed. He grabbed the second-to-last garment and hung it next to Zelda. "What about the construction itself?"

"That's the final piece of the puzzle. I am intending to speak to Bolson about his company building it."

"You do know he's retiring, right? He doesn't plan on continuing since Hudson has proven himself to be more than capable of maintaining the integrity of the company." Link grabbed his underwear from the bottom of the basket and clipped it on the end of the line. "I'm not sure when that's supposed to take effect."

"I'll speak to him at once. He's been spending a good deal of time at the tavern in the evenings if I'm not mistaken. We can make our way over there later today. Oh, Link, I'm so excited about this!" Zelda threw her arms around his neck in a tight hug.

Link laughed and hugged her back. "I'm glad that you've found a project to take pride in. What can I do to help serve you, Princess?"

"Be yourself. Be here when I need you, of course, though that's never an issue for you. I may have you assist in the building. Oh, or gathering tomes for lesson plans! We can't forget the furniture. Or the schedule."

Zelda was pacing now, rereading her notes while chewing on her lower lip. She didn't notice how close she was getting to the edge of the pond Link had recently added several small fish into for decorative purposes. Her foot slipped on the edge, and she let out a faint cry of surprise while she clutched her notebook to her chest and braced for impact.

She need not have worried though, because Link had foreseen the potential accident and was there to catch her before she could fall backwards into the water. "Easy there, Princess. Perhaps it's better to move inside before continuing your planning?"

Zelda's face flushed to a deep shade of crimson while he helped her straighten. "Oh, Goddess! Your pants, Link! They're–"

"Just a little wet. I've had worse. Remember who you're talking to. I'm dripping with good looks." His eyes danced with mirth while he climbed out of the pond. It was only waist-deep, hardly cause for concern. "Besides, you're not the only one who's had numerous 'undignified dunkings' in their lifetime. I can count a dozen times at least just off the top of my head during my ventures across Hyrule. They'll dry out quickly enough in the sun."

Zelda looked away in embarrassment while he removed the offending wet garment and hung it on the line to dry on the far end of the clean laundry. "Even still, I do apologize for my lack of attention."

Link gave her a hug from behind, then turned her to face him. "Zel. Please don't apologize for everything. It's a habit you need to break. Accidents happen, and this was minor to say the least. I'll go inside and find a new pair of pants to wear, and it'll be perfectly fine. It's only in front of the house. Need I remind you about the time I ran across Hyrule Field in nothing but my boxer briefs during pouring rain because some bokoblins stole my clothes?"

A giggle escaped from her and she buried her face into his chest. "I still can't believe you did that."

"Ask Beedle. He remembers, and he'll still tease me about it now and then. Especially when it storms." Link chuckled as well and tipped her chin up to look at him. "Don't think twice about it, Princess. You're too hard on yourself. Just relax and be yourself. Starting with taking a seat under the tree by the cooking pot. I'm going upstairs for a minute, but I'll be right back to start some lunch."

"You're too good to me, Link." Zelda pressed a light kiss to his lips. "Thank you."

"Stop thanking me, and do what I've asked. And that's an order," he playfully scolded. "Even the Princess of Hyrule occasionally has to be given instructions on what to do from the people who love her."

"As you wish." Zelda laughed and dropped into a half curtsy before walking over to the tree.

The blond Champion was still chuckling to himself when he went up into the loft for dark brown pants from the dresser. Living life in his childhood home with his girlfriend, the Princess of Hyrule, was never boring. But he wouldn't have it any other way. This new project would be good for her, and he was excited to see it take shape.


As much as she was loath to admit it, Zelda had finally met her match. She had come upon a situation for which she was wholly unprepared. All the knowledge in her books and her mind from years of private tutoring were no match for the attention span of a dozen children in varying ages from five to twelve. Symin was able to teach for three days of the week, leaving two completely up to her. And after a month, Zelda had reached her wits' end.

At first the lessons went well. She was able to offer instruction and assignments appropriate for the children for a few hours a day with a break in the middle to allow them to stretch their legs and play outside as usual. But the longer it went on, the more Zelda struggled to remain confident and maintain order with the students. The children sensed the difference in her demeanor and took advantage of it. First it was the younger ones becoming restless and not wanting to remain focused. Then the elders tried to quiet them, only for the entire class to devolve into mild chaos. When it happened for the third day in a row, Zelda sent them outside with an unusual sharpness that had several of the students looking at her in curiosity.

But once the room was empty, Zelda sank back into her seat, buried her face in her hands and wept. The Princess of Hyrule, reduced to a blubbering mess because of a room full of children. What would her parents think of her now? What would the people of Hyrule think if they saw her in such a state?

She was so lost in her emotions she neglected to hear the soft footfalls that entered the room, nor was she aware of the presence of another person until a warm arm wrapped around her shoulders. Zelda startled, her eyes flying open to see the concerned face of her boyfriend who stooped beside her chair.

"What's wrong, Zel?" he asked softly.

"I can't do it, Link." She allowed herself to be pulled in tightly against his chest while she cried. "I can't do it. I'm not equipped to be a teacher! I can research and study. I love cultivating things in my garden. I'm proficient with leading political discourses and establishing plans, then setting them into motion. But being in a classroom full of students who are relying on me for their education? I wasn't prepared for this!"

"Shhhh. Easy, Princess. I'm here. Take a deep breath," Link soothed while he ran his fingers through her hair to calm her down. "What's going on with the kids?"

"I can't keep their attention like I'm supposed to! They don't want to focus on their studies, and as soon as one or two of them cease to pay attention, the others try to help get them on task, but it doesn't work. Then within moments, there's chaos and I've lost order in the room. Symin is unaware of this difficulty. He has a grown daughter of his own and he's taught before! It's natural for him to be able to handle situations like these. I simply flounder and fail. The children will be better off if I seek a replacement instructor." Zelda sniffed. She fumbled for her handkerchief and pulled it out to dry her eyes and blow her nose. "Know of anyone around here?"

"I'm looking at a perfectly talented teacher right now."

Zelda blinked at him. Link was never one to lie to her, nor was he prone to overly flowery compliments or fancy words. He meant what he said, but that didn't always mean it was easy to comprehend. "Why do you say that?"

"Because, Princess, you don't have the classroom experience but you're willing to share all that you know. All you need is a little practice in how kids work. How many breaks do you give? How do you section off the portions of the day?" He asked curiously. "Does it vary day by day or is it consistent?"

"I've kept a consistent schedule. They're with me from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. We have a ten minute break in the morning for water and stretches, then about a half hour at midday for a small meal and time for them to play. They're utilizing that right now. Then another hour or two when they come back, though at this point, I'm not sure I want to attempt more lessons this afternoon." Zelda sighed and stared at her hands in her lap. "I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong."

"You're not doing anything 'wrong', Princess. The children of varying ages have different needs, that's all." Link rolled to his feet and offered her a hand. "What do you have the older ones doing?"

Zelda stood and led him to the window where they could watch the children running around outside. "They have the more complex lessons and assist their younger siblings. Their patience is far greater than the others, which I find is an amazing blessing from Hylia. I wouldn't have made it as long as I have without them. Even still, it's not enough for me to continue… I cannot allow such a burden to remain on their shoulders simply because I'm not fit for the role I have bestowed on myself."

"You're overthinking again," he whispered in her ear while wrapping a hand around her waist. His gaze followed hers to the young students. "They wouldn't be here if they didn't want to be. To my knowledge, their parents encourage them to learn. They don't force it."

"No, I couldn't stand having to force children to learn. Certainly not with those who have no prior experience with such things. All but the youngest know how to read thanks to their parents. And that alone is yet another blessing." She tensed up, hugging her arms around herself. "But inevitably they're going to ask for progress from their children and then they'll find that I'm a sham and will certainly–"

"Princess, take a deep breath, please," Link requested, grasping her shoulders when Zelda felt herself beginning to hyperventilate. "Come sit on the porch for a few minutes, and I'll handle the kids."

She gave a slight nod and let him guide her outside. The light breeze that greeted her and ruffled her hair immediately had her breathing easier. She sank down onto the bench against the wall and filled her lungs with the refreshing, crisp air blowing in off Mount Lanayru.

On the grass fifty paces away, Link wrestled with the youngest boys, a set of twins belonging to a family down the hill far enough to not be considered within the village itself. The twins whooped and hollered when Link let them knock him to the ground with a dramatic grunt.

A smile crossed her face while she watched them. He was so good with children. Well, with most things he encountered, for that matter. But it stirred her heart to see him laughing and playing with children of varying ages. He was going to make a wonderful husband and father.

Link gathered the children around and had them all seated around him in short order. While she couldn't hear what he was saying, his animated gestures and body language quickly made his storytelling theatrics clear. The longer she observed, the more Zelda came to a realization. Without speaking to her directly, Link was guiding her. When he arrived at the school, she could guarantee he wasn't prepared to share a story with her students. Or to help ease her mind during a mental breakdown. Yet he adapted. He allowed changes around him but it didn't get under his skin.

Zelda softly exhaled. Perhaps she had been overthinking and allowing her emotions to take over rather than analyzing the situation from another perspective. The children attending the school enjoyed it: that much was evident from their return day after day. Yet in the end, they were still children and unaccustomed to having such lengthy amounts of time indoor within nothing but their studies. Her experiences were the exception to the norm. So why was she subjecting young students to a similar form of education that she loathed?

Her eyes widened as the realization took hold. It was not her inadequacy as an instructor that facilitated the circumstances, but rather a lack of perspective on her part to recognize what the children needed. And if the fits of giggles over Link's dramatic retelling of facing off against fearsome monsters were anything to go by? Relaxing and remembering what they found amusing was just as important as what they learned from their books and lessons. She wasn't able to sit in on the days when Symin taught due to the nature of her schedule, however, she had not taken the time to discuss his schedule.

Zelda let out a sigh and dropped her head. It was difficult to not focus on her failings, particularly when they were plentiful. But opportunities for growth abounded when she took the time to analyze the issues from all perspectives. In order to do that, she had to get her thoughts sorted out first.

Her head came up and she went back inside long enough to grab a notebook and a pencil so she could scribble down her thoughts and plans for changes in her procedures.

"Princess Zelda? Will you come play with us too?" Narah, one of the brunette little girls from the group, reached a hand out towards her. "Link said you would like it if we included you."

Zelda's head came up from her notes, and she looked from the shining brown eyes of the girl to the encouraging smile of her Hero still seated with the other students. She closed her notebook and set it on the bench beside her then took the small, offered hand.

"Yay! C'mon. He said he was going to play a game of pretend with us!"

Zelda allowed herself to be tugged over to join the group. She sat across from Link and shared a wordless smile and a promise for conversation later. Time was ignored while the children took turns being creatures and monsters from across Hyrule. After a bit, she sent them out in pairs to search for mushrooms, herbs, or medicinal flowers for usage in the next day's lessons.

Link shifted to sit next to her. "Well, Princess? How are you feeling now?"

"I have a better understanding of what the needs for the children and myself are. A change of perspective was important, and I wouldn't have achieved that without you. Thank you, Link."

The Champion chuckled and leaned over to give her a kiss. "Anytime, Princess. So, what are you going to do now?"

"Focus on the fact that these are children, and they have different interests in scholarly pursuits than I have. Not to mention, I shouldn't be subjecting them to a torment similar to my days trapped within the castle. I fear I was at risk of becoming the same as the tutors I grew to loathe with every fiber of my being." Zelda shifted to hug her legs. "Additional time outdoors, and taking the instruction less seriously will be the first steps. It will encourage better responses from the children, and brighten spirits, including my own."

Link wrapped his arm around her shoulder and guided her head to rest on his shoulder. "It wasn't your intention to mimic your tutors, and now that you recognize it, then you have the chance to make things the way you want them to be. Kids are resilient, if I was any indication. Besides, they love you. Not that I blame them. I can't help loving you either."

Zelda blushed and buried her head against his chest. "I love you too, Link. I'm going to do my best to fulfill my role as a teacher as long as Hylia permits me to."

"Then I'll continue to encourage you from my place by your side. That's a promise, Princess."

She snuggled against his chest while listening to the exciting babble and cheers from the children in the edge of the woods nearby. The peace that came from having Link with her, as well as hope for the future with her skills. She was able to learn something new thanks to having him with her. And through his instructions, she in turn would have something new to teach the next generation. There were always lessons to glean from the people around her. And so long as she kept those lessons and the people granting them close at hand, then the future of Hyrule would be in good hands. That was the prayer that passed from her lips to Hylia's ears.