Practically dragging the princess around, the two went off through the village, waving at the Sheikah that took note of them, whether old or young. Eventually, after seeing all they could on the pathways themselves, Celessa ended up taking Zelda off the pathways and through the houses themselves. As they stepped through the natural grassy paths, Celessa looked over at the princess, who actually seemed a bit lost as her eyes started to inspect the buildings and decorations they were walking past.

"Pretty cool village, isn't it?" she asked cheerfully. "For a village in the mountains like Hateno, it feels a lot different."

"It is beautiful," Zelda said, still looking around at the scenery. "I've always admired the architecture of Kakariko. It's so unique. Even with the snowfall, you can still see some greenery. It's truly amazing… Can you believe Mellie's plum trees are still alive, even during a winter such as this? Her soil must be incredibly rich."

"Mellie loves her plums. She thinks her life is bound with theirs," Celessa giggled as they walked back around and toward the main pathway. "Looks like we made it back to the general store and inn. Did you know the clerk at the general store used to be married to Cado?"

"The man who guards Impa's house with Dorian?" Zelda asked as they walked past the buildings and back toward the large staircase. "I believe I heard Impa say something about him having enough free time to travel with her one day. I guess that would explain why… What made them separate?"

"From what I've heard, an obsession with cucco's," Celessa said. Noticing Zelda's confused glance, she added, "that's just what I've heard… and occasionally seen."

"Interesting… Well, on that note, I believe it's time we head out," Zelda said, deciding best to move on from the strange topic. "I'm still unsure of how to convince Paya, but we must get a move on."

"It's amazing how you can jump straight back into your work. It's almost like you were just waiting for the fun to stop," Celessa pouted.

"What else is there to do? We already went to the shops and bought everything we need," Zelda said sternly. "Kakarkio is still a small town. It doesn't take long to see all it has to offer."

"I mean… Yeah," Celessa admitted with a disappointed sigh. "If you're satisfied, then I guess all we can do is get a move on. I still think you could loosen up a bit more though…"

"I'll loosen up at the festival when the time comes," Zelda stated. The two walked in silence for a moment before she noticed the mischievous grin and glare Celessa was giving her. "Celessa!"

"You're the one who said it," the pilgrim joyfully teased.

"Yes, but you know full well that is not what I—"

"Stop right there!" a voice suddenly shouted at them.

The two women stopped in surprise, only a few steps short of their destination. Both of them looked over to see a shorter man holding a hand out, a signal for them to stop. He was an interesting fellow older looking due to the wrinkles starting to appear in his facial features. He was dressed in traditional Sheikah apparel, but they looked worn, with patches on the pants of his knees along with his top missing a sleeve, something that revealed an artistic mark on his arm. Even his straw hat looked old as it was starting to come apart at its ends. His hair was as white as the many Sheikah in the village, though interestingly it had been tied up into a curiously sharp bun, one that matched the paintbrush he had in his free hand.

"For just a few minutes, please… Don't step any closer," the man requested.

He wasn't even looking at them. Though his tattooed arm was outstretched toward the woman, his other arm was raised in front of him, supposedly holding the paintbrush up to the elevated home of Kakariko's elder. With one eye closed, he looked up at the house, using the paintbrush's tip to align his vision.

"I'm sorry, but what is it you're doing?" Zelda asked. Surprised by her bluntness, Celessa gave her a look, one that Zelda quickly caught on to. "Not in a rude way! I'm actually curious as to what he's working on there."

She gestured toward the easel and canvas that sat before the older man, whose eyes lit up at the sound of her words.

"You're curious, are you?" he asked excitedly without taking his eyes off the tip of his brush. The hand that was signaling them to stop was now waving for them to come closer. "Come here then! Come, come, come— oh, but go around! Don't walk in front."

Still intrigued, the two friends walked around the area the energetic old man was guarding before they found themselves standing next to him. The man, however, signed for Zelda to lean in a little closer.

"Come on, lean in, get close," he said.

Though the request seemed a bit odd, she leaned in closer to him.

"How are you supposed to see it from there? Get closer, girl, closer!"

Frowning, Zelda looked back at Celessa, who simply shrugged at the silent question. Reluctantly, Zelda leaned in even more, right up until she and the old man's cheeks were almost touching.

"Now… What do you see?" the man asked.

"Um… the paintbrush?" Zelda questioned. The man cheekily clicked his tongue at this.

"The paintbrush is only there to help guide the eye," he said. "What do you see beyond the brush?"

"I–it's Impa's residence… The elder of Kakariko," Zelda answered, still very confused. The old man nodded.

"It is," he confirmed, "but, do you know what I see?"

"Not quite—"

"I see a canvas of natural beauty," the man answered. "What I see is the perfect angle in which the light of the sun, in only a few moments, will douse this finely crafted building, the waterfalls it's built against, and the mountains that act as the backdrop, in a glorious glow of late morning gold. What I see is a painting, ready to be put to my own canvas."

"You're an artist!" Zelda said, putting the pieces together.

"I am," the old man said. "I'm an artist who travels the world, wishing only to discover the breathtaking beauties of the world, and right now, with those two guards not at their posts, I can finally get the sight I wish for. I'll burn it into my mind… If I miss it, I won't get a second look."

Oh, that's why he didn't want us to walk in front of the building, Zelda thought as the artist continued to hold his brush up toward the building. He's afraid he won't get a second look without anyone ruining his view. But, if that's the case…

Zelda leaned away from the old man as her hand reached down toward her belt.

"Here it comes…" the artist said, watching as the light shining down on the building began to adjust. "And… there!"

Suddenly, a click went off behind him. Though the sound seemed to intrigue him as he jolted slightly from surprise, his focus remained intact as he stared at the sight.

"And now, the perfect lighting has passed," he said after a few moments. "Though I wish I could see it again, its beauty has been ingrained into my mind as reference for—"

"Here you are," Zelda spoke up. "Will this help as a reference?"

She held out her hand, revealing the ancient slate that had been sitting on her hip since dawn. The artist looked down at the illuminated screen. His eyes brightened.

"Now would you look at that," the artist said, snatching the slate away from her hands. He held up the slate to the view he was watching before, similar to how he had held his brush up. "It's the same view! It's smaller, and the colors aren't exact, but as a reference, this will keep the memory fresh. If you'll give me just a moment…"

He stared at the slate for a few moments before nodding. Placing the slate on the ground in a way that he could quickly glance at it if needed, he reached down toward the side of the easel in front of him, where a large paint-splattered backpack sat. Pulling a second brush from the bag and a bucket of paint, he strapped the paint to his side and readied both the brushes in his hands.

"I would stand back if I were you," the artist said. "Fear not. I won't allow a drop of paint to land on your treasure down there. Now…"

As Zelda backed up, the old man stared at the blank canvas, and after only a brief pause, his arms began to flail around. Tiny specks of paint flew around with each mark he made with his brushes, but it all seemed calculated. It was impressive how fast his thin arms were moving; in fact, Zelda swore all she could see was a blur. She looked over at Celessa, though she seemed purely entranced by the man's painting speed. Almost as quickly as he began, he stopped and stepped back, revealing a finished painting.

"Beautiful," the artist murmured to himself. "What do you think?"

"That was incredible!" Celessa cheered. "It looks amazing! How did you do that so fast?"

"Years of practice and passion," the artist said with a bow. "I'd have to say, this is one of my best works thanks to this little thing. It allowed me to remember even the tiniest of details."

Bending down from his bow, the old man took the Sheikah Slate into his hands. After a moment of pause, his brow furrowed as he began twisting the artifact around in his hands.

"In fact… I've seen this before," he said. "The mark of the Sheikah, all of the marks of wear are all in the same places… yes, this is the same special device a fellow traveler used to help me once!"

"You know Link?" Celessa asked, though Zelda looked far less surprised.

"I sure do," the artist said. "We met here in this very village. It must be the will of the goddess that we too have met. It's a pleasure to meet you both. You may call me Pikango."

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Pikango," Zelda said with a slight bow. "This is my friend Celessa, and I'm—"

"Wait a moment," Pikango said suddenly. With two brushes in his hand (having moved on over to the other to pick up the slate) he held them up the same way he did with the elder's home. "Golden hair… Green eyes… Knows Link, and has the Sheikah Slate… Why, you must be Princess Zelda."

"You know me?" Zelda asked as the artist held the slate out for her to take back. "Did Link tell you about me?"

"As a matter of fact, he did not," Pikango answered. "It was Lady Impa who passed down the stories to the Sheikah Tribe. The tale of the Princess and the hero, destined to return, though one would be before the other."

"You're… You're a Sheikah?" Celessa asked.

"I sure am," the artist said. "I know I'm not as traditional as most others, but I am indeed a Sheikah."

"But, you said you travel the world," Zelda chimed in. "From what I've gathered, the Sheikah here don't tend to do that. Only Impa seems to have that desire."

"That's because Lady Impa is the only one here with passion," Pikango grunted. "The rest of my kind refuse to leave the safety of the village. Not me though. The world called my name, and after pleading with Lady Impa, she allowed me to travel the world at my leisure, despite the dangers. Unfortunately, I've been gone for so long, no one seems to remember me! I'm treated as an outsider myself, not that I regret my decision. I only come every now and again when my passion guides me here."

"That's quite the story," Zelda said. "But, if you wish not to be considered an outsider, you could just speak to Impa herself, could you not? I'm sure she'd remind those here of who you are."

"I wish it were that simple, but because I'm considered an outcast, those foolish guards won't let me see her," Pikango sighed. "Still, it's not much of a concern. There was a time I did need her, and that was to find the Fairy Fountain that had moved in many decades ago, but after seeing the picture Link gave me, it wasn't much to look at after all. In fact, I'll probably leave here today now that my inspiration has been properly put to canvas."

"I see," Zelda said with a smile. "Well, it was very nice to meet you and see your passion in full effect, Pikango. We should be heading off as well. Shall we go, Celessa?"

"Yeah! Yeah, we should!" Celessa said excitedly, something that intrigued Zelda. She was much more inclined to leave than before. Despite the sudden change, the princess smiled and nodded.

"Right then, goodbye, Pikango," Zelda said with another bow.

After receiving a bow in return from the artist, the two walked away and began heading up the staircase.

"That was nice, " Zelda began to say as they walked up. "It's been a while since I've taken a picture with the Sheikah Slate. I've missed taking—"

"Oh shoot," Celessa suddenly said, causing the two to stop halfway up the steps.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" Zelda asked.

"It looks like I dropped something," Celessa said with a giggle. "Sorry! Here, why don't you go try and convince Paya to come with us? I'll catch up shortly, okay?"

"O–okay?" Zelda responded, though Celessa had already taken off back down the stairs.

Though she was even more confused than before, Zelda watched her for a moment before deciding to finish her trek up to the elder's house. As she disappeared through the double doors, her traveling companion quickly found herself back at the artist's side, who seemed to be looking around to ensure he didn't have any inspiration left in Kakariko.

"Excuse me! Pikango!" Celessa called as she came to a stop next to him.

"Well, hello there, Celessa. I didn't expect to see you again so soon," the artist chuckled.

"Yes, I actually had to get away from Zelda for a moment to ask you something," she said excitedly. "You like painting things right?"

"Only that which calls my passion," Pikango said. "I'm glad you like my art, but I don't usually do commissions if that's what you're implying—"

"What if it's a person?" Celessa cut in. "Or, more accurately, two people?"

"People are basic," Pikango said. "Painting people with fake smiles, or setting up a picture… That isn't natural beauty. I'm sorry, but painting that isn't striking up my inspiration."

"Okay, okay, but," Celessa said cheekily. "What if it's of two very not basic people, in such a naturally beautiful place? Maybe in a place like… Lurelin? Maybe a picture of them just having fun? Without them even realizing they're being painted? That would make it natural, wouldn't it?"

"I'm not sure what two people could possibly—" Pikango began, though he suddenly stopped.

He looked at Celessa before looking back at the elder's home Zelda had disappeared through. Suddenly, he looked back at Celessa, who had a grin of understanding. After a pause, his eyes suddenly brightened.

"Okay, you've intrigued my inspiration," he said. "Go on and tell me what this idea of yours is."

Celessa beamed.

...

"Impa?" Zelda called as she stepped through the doors. "Is everything alright in here?"

"Princess," Impa answered tiredly. "Welcome back. I'd like to believe everything is alright, though it seems we're still hashing out the details."

From on top of her pillows, the elder looked disapprovingly at the now three Sheikah in front of her. Of course, Paya was still there, who looked more shaken than Zelda had ever seen her. She looked between the two men standing at each of her sides, one of which being the father Zelda had spoken to earlier, and the other she could only guess was Cado.

"With all due respect, Lady Impa, I truly don't believe Lady Paya is ready to leave," Dorian said sternly with his arms folded. "She doesn't want to go. It wouldn't be wise to send someone so adamant about staying on a quest such as this."

"Are you saying my granddaughter isn't able to handle herself?" Impa asked.

"She is saying she can't handle herself," Dorian rebutted.

"I think it would be good for her," Cado jumped in. "She can't stay coddled forever…"

"I– I– I'm not coddled…" Paya said in a hardly audible tone. "I jus– just don't think I'm rea— ready for such growth… I belong here…"

"And there you have it," Dorian said.

"Dorian, I'm not simply sending her on this journey simply to push you out of her box, though that's definitely a factor," Impa said. "If you knew—"

"I'm not the fool I used to be," Dorian claimed. "I know your ways, Lady Impa. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have the family and home I do now. But, because I know, I see what you're trying to do."

The guard narrowed his eyes.

"She's not the one, Lady Impa. I strongly suggest someone else."

"Wai– wait, what are we—?" Paya began to ask, but Impa cut in while keeping her gaze firmly on the guard.

"I have been the head of this village for over a century now," Impa said with a slightly furrowed brow. "I know my people, and I'm old enough to have enough wisdom to see the hearts of those before me. You are an example of that, Dorian. I have made my choice, and I hope you stand by it. I believe you'll come around when you see it for yourself."

"Maybe, but that's still not considering her current desire to decline."

The two stared at each other as both Cado and Paya looked between the elder and guardsmen, confused as to what the underlying of their words meant. Zelda, though, knew exactly what the two were referring to. Looking over at the shaken and confused woman, she couldn't help but sympathize with Dorian's concerns. Paya was extremely soft-spoken, and that was when her words would come out at all. She was hesitant, fearful, wishing only to stay in the background. To see her in Impa's place was almost impossible, and yet, she still wanted to support her.

She couldn't help but see herself in Paya. Zelda never wanted to be the one gifted with the blood of the goddess. She never had a desire to take over the kingdom. Sure, that's what she knew she was destined for, but it was only thanks to those around her did she only now start to believe that she could truly handle the responsibility. Paya was possibly the same, and Zelda wanted to have faith in her old friend's granddaughter.

The same way Link had faith in her for the last century.

Still, believing in her could only go so far. Actually convincing her to expand her horizon was another wall to climb. Zelda stood quietly at the doors, silently thinking as the group of Sheikah continued to discuss, before finally, she spoke up.

"Paya," she said, causing everyone to stop and look at her.

"Ye– ye– yes?" Paya finally answered after realizing the princess was speaking to her. "Wha– what is it, Princess?"

"Why don't we get some fresh air?" Zelda asked kindly. "Will you join me?"

From her pillows, the village elder grinned.

"Eh…? O–oh… Um… N–now?" Paya squeaked out. When Zelda nodded, the timid granddaughter looked around at the other Sheikah in the room. When she saw her grandmother wave a hand in permission, she turned back to the princess. "Ye– Yes… That would be n–nice…"

Looking relieved to escape the stressful situation she was in, she quickly hurried to the other end of the room where Zelda stood. Opening the doors for her, Zelda allowed Paya to step outside before glancing back at the group behind her. Catching Impa's gaze, she smiled, then followed after the young Sheikah woman onto the balcony. Closing the doors behind her, she found Paya standing on the balcony's edge, looking out over the wooden railings as she breathed all the air she had been holding in during the discussion.

"Are you feeling a bit better?" Zelda asked as she moved to stand by her side.

"Yes, thank you," Paya answered. "I was… starting to get a little overwhelmed. I–I'm sorry you had to see me in such a state."

"Please, don't overthink it. I understand," Zelda assured her. "More than you would probably think, actually."

"Rea– Really?" Paya asked self-consciously.

"I promise you. The way they sound, it's similar to my father and others discussing our situation back a hundred years ago. They weren't very enjoyable either," Zelda chuckled, something that made Paya smile slightly. "Trust me, I do understand."

"Tha– thank you. That does make me feel better," Paya admitted."U–um… Hm…"

Silence grew between the two as they stood beside each other, staring out into the mountainous village.

"Are you afraid?" Zelda suddenly asked, deciding it was best not to beat around the bush. This caught Paya off guard.

"Hu–hu–huh?" she managed to stammer out.

"Are you afraid? Of leaving Kakariko, I mean," Zelda clarified.

"I–I um… N–no, I'm not… afraid, i–it's just… Well…" Paya stumbled around as her cheeks furiously blushed.

"I know you're worried about your grandmother," Zelda spoke kindly after another few awkward moments of Paya's stammering passed, "but, I know the person Impa is. She handled most of the responsibilities in the castle back then, and I'm sure running a village isn't much easier. She'd be just fine without you here, and I'm also sure you know that just as well as I do."

Nervously frowning, the red-faced Paya glanced over at the princess, who returned her gaze with a soft smile.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of," Zelda said quietly. "Nothing at all."

Hesitating, Paya looked down at the wooden balcony floor.

"I… I've never left the village," she said in almost a whisper. "Not many have. In fact, I don't know anyone from here who has left Kakariko other than my grandmother and possibly Dorian. When she became elder, she made the dangers outside the mountains clear; she made the dangers of the Calamity clear. I–I don't believe her intention was to scare us from leaving, and I know she has no fear of leaving herself, b–but…"

Closing her eyes, her frown grew somber.

"I–I–I'm not like my grandmother," she said. "I'm not like Link, or you, or even your friend, Lady Celessa. I'm not strong, or b–brave, or even that useful… I'd only slow you down, and that would be if I could even bring myself to step outside the village at all. I'm sorry."

"T–those are some harsh words to put on yourself," Zelda replied, taken aback by the sudden insight into Paya's feelings. "I'd disagree in believing you to be useless. You do a lot around the home to help Impa, and help around here in Kakariko, wouldn't you agree—?"

"We owned a relic once," Paya suddenly cut in, something that took Zelda even more by surprise. "It was considered an heirloom in my family. That's what my grandmother told me. Eventually… it became my responsibility to watch over it."

Though she was listening attentively, Zelda couldn't help but wonder where the relic had come from. She had never seen Impa with a relic before, and the only sort of relics she had heard about were those of Sheikah origin. Still, as much as that fascinated her, she also wondered what the purpose of this considerably random story was.

"One day… a few months after Master Link's arrival, I started hearing… voices," Paya said, starting to slightly blush again. She glanced over at Zelda once more, but noticing the lack of judgment in her features she continued. "They told me that the heirloom's destiny was upon us. I knew it had something to do with Master Link's efforts, so I researched the ancient texts my grandmother owns. After some time, a–and a fair bit of testing with my people's help, I realized that its true purpose was for Master Link, the chosen hero, to offer it to the sacred grounds in the forest, where the blessing of antiquity was said to be held."

She managed to figure that out on her own? Zelda thought to herself. That's impressive! Paya… She has the heart of a researcher.

"Then, doesn't that prove my—?" the princess began to say, but Paya's face fell as she continued as if she were unable to hear Zelda's words through the memory she was reliving.

"One evening, before I could tell Master Link of my findings," she said, returning to her hushed whisper. "The relic was stolen from us."

Zelda's face suddenly fell.

"I–I–It happened l–late at night," Paya said. Her stammer returned as she closed her eyes and furrowed her brow in discomfort. "Som… Someone broke into our home and s–s–stole the relic right from out of its place. It… It… it was taken by the… the Y–Yiga Clan…"

"The Yiga…?" Zelda repeated quietly. "Paya, I… I'm sorry. That must've been terrifying."

"I—It was," Paya said. "But, that isn't what bothers me. I g–got over that fairly quickly. What bothers me is that, in the moment, when it happened, I couldn't do anything. No… I couldn't bring myself to do anything. I was so shaken I could barely stand. My grandmother, who stayed just as strong as ever, requested Master Link to stay by my side for the night, which he did. It's something I'll forever be grateful for. But…"

Again, Paya met Zelda's eyes, revealing the sadness beneath them.

"The fact remains that I… I couldn't protect the heirloom, and when something happened, I didn't do anything but waste Master Link's time. It was a miracle he was able to get it back. I was so happy to hear that he was able to access the shrine with it, but… but I failed my part due to my fears and nerves. I failed to protect the most important piece of my family's history, and then I couldn't even stand to do more to help. I left everything to Master Link."

Wiping away a few tears, she turned away from the princess.

"I'm not like my grandmother, Princess. I'm not strong like she is," she said dolefully. "I'm good for cleaning and praying. I can do good here around the village, and I'll do my best because I love my people. I want to do my best, but I'm not made for the world outside the mountains— for the fears that lay outside of them. I'd… I'd only get in your way. I'm sorry."

Zelda stood quietly for a moment, taking in the story she had just heard. It was heartbreaking to hear someone so kind speak so low of themselves. To think that she had gone through so much, and all she was trying to do was her best.

"You sound an awful lot like me," she suddenly spoke up, something that made Paya look back at her.

"Li… Like you?" the Sheikah asked surprised. "Absolutely not, Princess. You're the one who kept the Calamity at bay for a hundred years!"

"That may be true, but even compared to me back then, you sound a lot more useful than I was," Zelda chuckled with a light flush of her cheeks. With a light smile, she looked out into the snowy mountains that surrounded the village. "You said you could clean and pray. You're already doing better than me, even from way back then. Before, praying wasn't working, so much so that I'd say I wasn't doing it right. Even by today's standards, I only learned how to properly clean a few months ago while working a small job at an inn."

"Rea– Really?" Paya asked in surprise, only realizing a moment later how that sounded. "No–No–Not to sound rude! I just… I always thought… Um…"

"That I'd be perfect? I wish I was, but I'm far from that," Zelda said. "I get scared. I've not only frozen in my tracks, but even fell trying to run away from the Yiga Clan once. Even after I was released from the castle after a century, I ended up causing a load of problems for Link. I felt incredibly useless… and even now I still somewhat do. I understand how you feel."

Paya's eyes grew wide at Zelda's words. She brought her hands together and placed them on her chest, before looking down at her feet.

"I–I appreciate that, b–but still…" she stammered. "You've been out there in the world. I just don't think I'm strong enough…"

"You're definitely strong enough to try," Zelda said, giving her a kind glance. "Remember how I said I tried to run from the Yiga? That's not the only time I ran away. I ran away from them, from my responsibilities. I even ran from Link once… Actually, I ran from him a few times. You though… as scared as you were, you stayed. You stayed and supported Link and everyone else during that terrifying endeavor. You're brave, Paya."

"I… I… Uh…" Paya mumbled. "You… You say all that, but it's quite hard to believe, especially now that I've met you. You're the one that… That Master Link fell in love with after all."

"I… Well… That's one way of looking at it, yes," Zelda said, now blushing furiously. At this, Paya blushed and covered her face.

"I–I–I'm sorry…" she said in a muffled tone from behind her palms.

After clearing her throat in order to collect herself, Zelda giggled slightly before taking a calming breath.

"It's because of Link that I've been able to grow and come this far," she said warmly. Meeting Paya's eyes, she continued. "I know what it's like to have failed a task, one specifically for you that failed. I know how it feels to be told that there was nothing you could do, and yet that guilt lingers on. Regardless, he still believed. He believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself, even through our darkest times, no matter what. And now… I believe in you."

Paya stared back into Zelda's eyes with a surprising amount of intensity. It was as if she were trying to decipher whether or not the princess's irises were full of truth or not. After a few moments, Paya looked back down at her feet.

"Do you really think a Sheikah like me can leave the village?" she asked in that now familiar hushed voice. "I… I'd be the first besides my grandmother, wouldn't I?"

"Actually, you wouldn't," Zelda said. Confused, Paya looked back up, only to find the princess gesturing over the rail. "Look down there. Do you see that man standing in front of your home? The one who Celessa— for some reason is still— talking to?"

"The… The outsider?" Paya asked. Zelda nodded.

"He's a Sheikah, just like the rest of you. His name is Pikango," Zelda said. "He left the village a really long time ago in order to follow his… artistic passion. He's been gone so long that no one here, except maybe your grandmother, remembers him. He's been gone so long, because he loves the beauty of the world, so much that he couldn't bear staying in this one place."

Paya stared down at the old Sheikah down below.

"I… I have… always wondered what the rest of the world… was like…" Paya managed to say. "I–I just always believed it was out of reach for me…"

"It's not," Zelda said. "Even without us, the world is always open to you."

"I… Um…" Paya stammered. "D–do you… really think I'll be useful to you?"

"Without a doubt," Zelda answered immediately. At this, Paya stood quietly for a moment, staring down at the artistic Sheikah below before taking a very large, shaky breath.

"Alr… Alright…" she said in almost a whisper. "I… I'll go. I'll g–go with you i–if you believe I'll rea…. really be helpful."

She looked over to see Zelda nodding in confirmation. With another deep breath, Paya stood up straight, and after putting a hand to her chest to calm herself, she turned and headed back through the double doors and into her home. With Zelda following behind her, the two walked through the aisle of pillows that sat on the floor toward the front, where the two guards and the elder had stopped talking the moment they heard the door open.

"G–Grandmother," Paya said in a slightly stronger voice than before. Impa raised a curious eyebrow. "I… I'll go. I… I want to go."

"I see…" Impa said, giving a cheeky glance over in Zelda's direction. "Then I suggest you go upstairs and pack. Knowing this princess, she'll have wanted to leave an hour ago."

"Huh? Oh! R–right!" Paya squealed, realizing only now she had been holding up the plans. Hurrying away, Paya disappeared up the stairs to her room.

"Don't be modest! That Sheikah Slate of theirs has quite a lot of space to hold items with," Impa called out before chuckling.

"Are you sure this is the best course of action, Lady Impa?" Dorian asked.

"I don't believe it's up for discussion any longer," Impa said with a grin. "The girl wants to go. It's as simple as that now."

"I see," Dorian said with a nod, accepting defeat. "I'll trust your words, Lady Impa. I do hope you're correct regarding our earlier discussion."

"I believe you'll be surprised. You are dismissed," Impa said, raising a hand in dismissal to Cado and Dorian.

Placing a hand on their chests, they bowed before giving a similar bow to Zelda. With that, the two Sheikah guards walked out of the building, leaving Zelda and Impa alone in the main room.

"So… What did you say to convince her?" Impa asked.

"Just that I believe in her," Zelda answered with a smile. "That is all."

"I see… That, my dear Princess, is the reason I believe our future kingdom is in good hands," the elder said. "To see a person's character and appeal to their brightest parts. That is a special ability you may possess."

"You say that, but I've made incorrect judgments before," Zelda said. "There was a purple-haired woman I judged far too harshly back in Hateno. I'm just trying to do better as of now."

"Well, I never said you were perfect, Princess," Impa laughed. "You still can be as stubborn as a mule when you put your mind to it."

"Impa!"

The elder continued to laugh before giving Zelda a kind look.

"While Paya and your friend are still preparing to leave, I actually have something for you, my dear."

"Something for me?" Zelda asked.

Reaching a handout, the old Sheikah pointed a hand down at her Sheikah Slate and gestured for her to give it up. Though confused, Zelda took the slate from her hip and placed it in the small, elderly hand. Brightening the screen with a tap, Impa swiped through the screen before tapping on an icon. In a flash of blue lights, an article of clothing appeared in her hands.

"I couldn't help but bring myself to check these last night after you made your decision," she said. Folding the clothing up, she held them out for Zelda to take. "They took quite a beating these last few months as you journeyed with Link through his trials with the monks of the past. I believe these will now serve you well once more."

"My traveling gear," Zelda said, taking the light blue and white clothing from Impa's hands. "They look brand new! Did you take the time to do this last night? That's so quick! Did you sleep at all?"

"You aren't the only one gifted in the art of sewing," Impa chuckled. "I believe, wearing these, you'll look the part of a princess much more, wouldn't you agree?"

Looking from the clothes up to Impa's old eyes. Zelda smiled.

"I do. Thank you, Impa."

...

"Sorry! Sorry!" Celessa called as she burst through the house's large double doors. "I got a little held up talking to Pikango and— Oh! Look at you!"

The pilgrim stopped in the middle of the room to find Zelda adjusting to the new outfit she wore. It was a slim-fitting outfit, where the top was colored in bright blues and whites that were accented with gold lining, with a pair of form-fitting black pants and intricately put-together brown boots.

"Do you like them?" Impa asked from the top of her pillow stack. "I know how much you love our history, dear Celessa. These are the clothes our princess wore during her travel times back a hundred years ago, and even a few months before her arrival in Hateno."

"Really?" Celessa asked in awe as she stepped closer to Zelda. "These clothes are a hundred years old? It's incredible they've held up so well… the fabrics must be so high quality! No doubt a set fit for someone with royal blood…"

"They are my favorite pair of clothes," Zelda giggled. "I haven't been able to wear them since I was working at the inn, along with not needing to go anywhere this past winter."

"Was the black cloak always a part of the set?" Celessa asked, taking a look at the cloak Zelda had around her shoulders.

"This is a new edition actually," Zelda said, looking back at the new article of clothing. "I figured it would still be a bit chilly, so I thought why not put it on? Does it look out of place?"

"No, not at all!" Celessa said, waving her hands in front of her. "I thought it was just part of the set, but the fabrics didn't match."

"You were able to tell?" Zelda asked surprised. Celessa grinned.

"I may have a strong interest in history, but I do love a good fashion set," she said.

"Right, that's why you keep wearing those shorts, even in the snow," Zelda teased something that made Celessa frown.

"I look good in these," she said. "I swear, I wish fashion was more of a staple in these times. Things must've been much fancier back then."

"I can't say they weren't, but I find enjoyment in this era's simplicity if I'm being honest," Zelda said, but Celessa shook her head.

"For someone who can sew as well as you, that's a crime to say," she said. "Just wait, when the kingdom starts to take shape, someone is going to see how dull we are compared to before, and when that day comes—"

"I–I'm sorry!" a voice called from up the stairs. "I–I'm come–coming down now!"

Everyone turned to see Impa's granddaughter hurrying down the stairs with only a few things in her hands.

"Are you sure that's all you need?" Zelda asked, looking at the few items Paya held.

"I–I don't need much," she replied before nervously looking at her grandmother. "I… I don't need much, do I?"

"Us Sheikah were known for traveling light back in the day," Impa answered. "Besides, with that Sheikah Slate, you'll be able to stock up on what you'll need when you need it, and traveling won't be much of an issue. Worry not."

"Still, even with how essay our travels will be…" Zelda spoke up. "A single change of clothes, a few garments, and… is that a diary?"

"Y… Yes, it is…" Paya said, now blushing furiously. "I–is it bad that I still write in one?"

"It's not," Zelda giggled. "But, I'd recommend not forgetting it's in the slate. Link has a… nasty habit of reading these."

"Ah?" Paya exclaimed. "Do… Do you think he went through mine already?"

"If he's stayed here before… Most certainly," Zelda said, but the moment she saw Paya's face fill with fear, she did her best to retract her statement. "I– I mean, maybe not! If he didn't know you well at the time, then… You may have been spared…. Possibly…"

"I–I'll make sure not to forget it when we return…" Paya said in a whisper, still blushing furiously.

Taking the clothes and diary from the Sheikah, Zelda tapped on the slate and watched as the items turned into a string of blue lights before vanishing. Though they were gone, she couldn't help but wonder what it was Paya was afraid of Link seeing in her journal that would make her react as such. Still, choosing that reaction was on par with Paya's usual outbursts, she continued without much thought.

"Alright, then," she said. "Is that everything? Are we ready to begin our journey?"

"I'm good to go," Celessa said, prompting Zelda to look her way.

"What was it you dropped earlier?" she asked. Celessa raised an eyebrow.

"Huh?"

"That thing you dropped," Zelda repeated. "You said you dropped something and had to go find it. I can put it in the slate so it doesn't get lost again if you'd like. You ended up getting stuck with Pikango for much longer than you must've anticipated looking for it."

"Oh! Uh…!" Celessa hesitated, remembering what she had told Zelda earlier. "Don't worry about it. I've got everything figured out."

"Um… if you say so," Zelda replied curiously before turning to Paya. "What about you? Are you set?"

"I… I believe I am," Paya said in a quiet voice. Still looking a bit nervous, she turned to her grandmother. "I… I believe I'll be off now, Grandmother."

"Do take care of yourself," Impa replied with a warm smile as she looked down upon her granddaughter. "Don't cause too much trouble for the princess here. And, you—"

She looked at Zelda, who met her eyes in acknowledgment.

"Do take care of my granddaughter."

Zelda smiled.

"I will. I promise," she answered as Paya mumbled practically inaudibly that she wasn't a child. "Alright then, Celesa?"

Nodding in confirmation, Celessa stepped forward and placed a hand on Zelda's shoulder. Assuring she was secure, Zelda then turned to Paya and held a hand out.

"Are you ready?"

Hesitating for a moment, Paya looked between Zelda's hand and her grandmother's eyes. It was only when Impa gave her a nod did she reach out and lightly place her hand into Zelda's palm.

"Well then," Zelda said, looking up at Impa. "We'll be off."

"I'll make sure Dorian takes your horses to the stable," Impa said. "He's been outside the village before, so just go to the nearest stable if you need them."

"Thank you, Impa," Zelda said.

Holding Paya's hand in hers, and the slate in her other, she held the ancient device out to Celessa and met her eyes.

"Will you do the honors?" she asked.

Celessa's eyes grew wide before a cheeky grin grew on her face.

"Absolutely," she answered, before raising her free hand.

Glancing down at the slate for just a moment to choose a blue icon, she quickly tapped, causing the three to glow a bright blue. Turning into a river of blue strings, the three vanished, leaving the elder alone in her home.

"Good luck," the elder said. "To all three of you."

...

The three reformed almost as quickly as they disappeared. The moment they formed, Paya stumbled before regaining her balance. Immediately she could feel something was different. The air was more humid, and her nose filled with a light salty scent. While not much warmer, the brightness of the sun was almost blinding to her, forcing her to squint her eyes. Her ears filled with the large crashing of water, along with the light breeze that blew around them. The only thing that could pull the Sheikah out of her disorientation was the sound of Zelda's confused voice.

"Celessa, where are we? I don't see a village around here…"

"That's because Lurelin is a little bit of a walk down the beach from here," Celessa answered.

"What?" Zelda exclaimed. "But there was a shrine right next to there, right? Where did you take us?"

"To a shrine nearby," Celessa said with a cheeky laugh. "Don't worry, it's like a five or six-minute walk away."

"Okay, but why here?" Zelda asked. "And why are you taking your boots off?"

"Because, princess," Celessa said excitedly. "Knowing you, you would have gone right into the village and started investigating how to run this festival idea, when instead, you should enjoy your first visit to the beach!"

The… beach? Paya thought.

Forcing her eyes open, the sunlight blinded her for a few more moments until finally, her vision adjusted. Her eyes grew wide as the sight became clear to her. Gone were the familiar mountains and village she had seen for so long. No longer was there snow covering a ground full of thick grass, nor was there any straw-roofed building to be seen. Instead, there was a bright blue sky, with a bright sun beaming down upon them. The solid ground she had known was gone, replaced with loose, golden sand, and the thick woodland-style trees were now tall, wavy palm trees that towered above her. What took her breath away most though, was the endless sea of sparkling water that splashed against the coast.

This was the sea.

"Welcome to Palmorae Beach!" Celessa cheered as Paya could now see her sitting in the sand, taking off and throwing her boots away to reveal her bare legs and feet. "Come on, Princess! Get those boots off and come join me in the water!"

"Celessa, we're supposed to be focusing on our task," Zelda said disapprovingly. "We really don't have time for this—"

"Princess, you had a rough night didn't you?" Celessa asked suddenly as she pushed herself up from the sand.

"I did," Zelda answered, remembering what little of the tough dream she could recall, "but I told you I'm—"

"I know you say you're fine, and I'm sure it's not that bad in the grand scheme of things," Celessa cut in. "But, wouldn't it be better to make sure it doesn't get to a point where it's not?"

"I…" Zelda began, but she didn't have an answer. "Sure, but…"

Celessa grinned.

"Exactly," she said cheekily. "It's your first time at the beach! Look around!"

Listening to Celessa's request, Zelda looked around at the sandy beaches they stood in. She could feel the cool air brushing against her cheek and through her hair. Even the colors were more vibrant than anything she had seen this past winter.

"Relax, and have a good time," Celessa urged her with a smile. "I know there are things to do, but that doesn't mean you need to be anxious about them. We will get everything done, and I'm sure we can do that in a month while also taking a few moments to breathe. Besides—"

Celessa leaned in closer to Zelda's ear.

"—do you think Paya would survive being thrown into a new place and then also having to talk to new people far different from her?" she asked in a hushed whisper. "Look at her—"

Both turned to see the Sheikah woman they had brought along still standing on the shrine's platform, staring in awe at the sights before her. She stood in place, completely in shock, only jolting when a seagull would fly above her.

"Come on, she's completely entranced," Celessa said. "Give her time to adjust."

"That… would be for the best," Zelda said, allowing Celessa's words to sink in. "You're right."

"Good!" Celessa suddenly said loudly as she jumped away. "Trust me: we need this. We both almost died a little bit ago, so loosen up, kick those boots off, and come on! The water's waiting!"

Before Zelda could ask for her to wait, the pilgrim ran off in a fit of laughter toward the ocean.

"Celessa, wait! How could you convince me to stay and then leave without me?" Zelda shouted as she too now began removing one of her boots. Just as she managed to pull one of them off, she heard her friend shout from the water.

"Ah! It's freezing!" she called.

As she pulled her second boot off, she watched as Celessa danced in the waters, trying her best to hold out until her feet adjusted to the temperature. This though, seemed to be taking much longer than Zelda thought she had the patience for.

"You know, it is still the winter season!" she called to Celessa from the sand. "I don't believe the water will warm up! Maybe I'll just stand here and enjoy the sand!"

"Oh, no you won't!" Celessa called back.

Dancing on her toes until she was out of the water, she dashed back before taking Zelda by the hands.

"You're coming into this torture with me," she said with an evil grin as she pulled Zelda toward the water.

"Wait, Celessa! Really, I don't really want to— Cold!" Zelda shouted as her feet splashed in the water. "This water is freezing!"

"It is!" Celessa laughed as she pulled Zelda further into the water. From her soles to eventually her ankles, Zelda was forced into the ocean waters.

"Celessa!" Zelda whined, but soon a smile began to form on her face as the two began screaming and running around in the water, now both trying to escape the cold without actually trying to leave for the shore.

"Paya! Come join us!" Celessa suddenly shouted, waving her arms around in the air. This caused Paya to snap back to reality at the call of her name. "Come on! Get those sandal things off and join us in the water!"

"Hu–huh?" Paya exclaimed, realizing what the two were doing. "O-oh, no, I couldn't possibly—"

"Come on, are you really gonna let the Princess fight the cold herself?" Celessa teased. "Get over here!"

"I… Uh... I mean…" Paya stammered before looking down at her feet. "I… I guess I could… try…. It does look enjoyable…"

"If you're saying anything, I can't hear you!" Celessa shouted over the waves. "If you're coming, say it louder!"

"Uh… Um… I–I'm coming!" Paya said in a louder voice, but Celessa only laughed.

"You can do better than that!" she cheered. "Princess, cheer her on."

"You want me to shout like you?" Zelda asked. Unsurprisingly, Celessa shook her head. Knowing full well she wouldn't be able to escape Celessa's antics, Zelda gave a giggling sigh before cupping her hands over her mouth. "Paya! Do your best!"

"Come on, Paya! Say it loud and proud!"

"You can do it!"

"I… I… I'm coming!" Paya shouted as loud as her small voice could. Receiving a cheer from the other two she blushed furiously.

"If you are, then what are you waiting for?" Celessa shouted back. "Get over here!"

"Ye–Yes! Coming!" Paya attempted to shout again, now shakily taking off the sandals and navy socks she had on.

Once they were off, she hurried over to the waters before stopping just before the waves could hit her. Lifting a leg slightly up, she allowed her toes to slightly touch the waves before shivering.

"It– It is cold!" she said.

"Do I need to come pull you in?" Celessa said evilly, to which Zelda gave her a look.

"Celessa, you just told me about not shocking her! Don't you dare—"

Unfortunately, Celessa had already taken off, causing Paya to yell and run away back onto shore.

"Celessa, stop it! Come back here!" Zelda shouted, chasing after her pilgrim friend.

The three continued to scream and run around for hours.