The sky had darkened above the beaches of Lurelin, the tops of the clouds shadowed, the underbellies illuminated by the moon's luminous glow as it rose, causing the ocean and sand to sparkle. The only other light sources in the village were the torches, lighting up the pathways for the inhabitants.
Even at such a late hour and after all the festivities had passed, many guests and villagers were still enjoying themselves. While some headed back to their huts for the night, others had drinks in their hands, many were talking on benches, and some were even surrounding cooking pots as they tried to mimic the cooking tips Link had taught them earlier. As the villagers continued on with the slower pace of the evening, Zelda was preparing for the quieter hours herself.
She was no longer wearing her royal gown, which had been folded and laid on top of her rented bed. Her new outfit had been gifted to her by the locals of Lurelin–a breezy ensemble of colored wraps around her upper torso and a long, flowy skirt with a high, uneven slit running up the side and revealing a glimpse of her leg as she moved. It was a comfortable outfit, one that reminded her of the simple style she wore back in Hateno during the winter, only even more loose and relaxed.
With a warm smile, she placed her hands on her hips, inspecting her body in admiration of the clothing before turning and looking back down at the dress on the bed. Her smile widened a bit further as she sat on the bed, taking the dress into her arms again. Her eyes soon found the triangular gold-and-blue crest that was prominently centered under her breast when wearing the gown.
"Thank you, Impa," she said quietly to herself, bringing the dress to her chest to hug it. "You really gave me the courage I needed."
After a pause, she lowered the outfit to her lap and twisted to look back at the bed, where another shiny item rested on her pillow, its blue-and-silver accents sparkling wherever moonlight touched its surface. Zelda's smile vanished as she stared intently at the shield, another thought forming in her mind. The night wasn't over; at least, not for her. There were still a few things she wanted to do, but if she were being honest with herself, she hadn't exactly planned how to go about accomplishing them.
Still thinking, she looked down at the dress once more, the gold-and-blue triangles reflecting in her emerald eyes, before she took a deep breath. One thing at a time. The dress was a reminder of what she felt she had to do next, but that required a conversation with him first.
Zelda stood with a decisive nod, and after one last glance back at the shield, she departed from the inn and back into the village. The moment her bare feet touched the sand, she looked around, observing some of the townsfolk casually conversing as they walked by her while others sat on benches near the tall torches. Smiling at the sight, she walked down the village pathways, waving back at those who saw and greeted her, before eventually running into her pilgrim friend, who was sitting on one of the benches surrounding a cooking pot, along with a few other familiar faces.
"Princess!" Celessa greeted, her cheeks red and a drink in her hand. "You finished changing! Aw, you look so pretty!"
"I'm glad you think so. I'm grateful to the village for gifting them to me," Zelda said. "They fit just right."
"You look wonderful, Princess," Hoz the knight said, who was sitting next to Celessa. "A symbol of beauty both with your ceremonial gown and without."
"Thank you, Hoz," Zelda giggled with a light bow, still clutching her folded gown. "Forgive me, but do you know where Link went?"
"I think I saw him beside the ocean not too long ago," said Gruve the Zora, who pointed toward the shore. "He's probably still there."
"I see. Thank you—um, does anyone know where Paya is, as well?" Zelda asked. "I could use her help with something."
"Are you still working, Princess?" Celessa asked. "Come on, relax! Go grab Link and have a drink with us!"
"I wish I could, but there are still a few things I need to do tonight—things I couldn't do earlier," Zelda said.
She gave the pilgrim a look, one that took Celessa a second to understand, most likely due to the drink in her hands.
"Huh...? Oh!" she exclaimed once she finally put together what Zelda was getting at. "Right, the thing—the gifts. Paya is... Um..."
The pilgrim began looking around the beach, doing her best not to fall off the bench.
"I... I might've lost her," Celessa admitted.
"I think the last time I saw her, she was speaking to that bard," Gruve chimed in. "Maybe you'll find her if you find him—just a suggestion, of course."
"A welcome one. Thank you," Zelda said with a light bow. "I believe I hear Kass's accordion coming from somewhere in town. I should be able to find him fairly easily. Celessa, are you going to be alright?"
"Huh? What makes you ask?" Celessa asked, still off-balance from looking around.
"How many drinks have you had?" the princess asked.
"A few... Okay, a little more than a few, but that's to be expected!" Celessa cheered. "Lighten up, Princess! You need to remember to have fun yourself, you know. I hope you don't plan to stay this stiff the rest of the night."
"I'm not stiff! I'll have fun!" Zelda retorted. When Celessa snorted, the princess's cheeks flushed. "I mean— I meant— I will have fun—I know how to have a good time! There, that!"
"I believe in you, Princess," the pilgrim teased, the group around the pot chuckling at the two friends bickering. "Wholeheartedly."
"Well, I wholeheartedly believe you're having too much fun," Zelda fumed. "Maybe a few too many drinks? You can't even sit up straight."
"I had to drink extra due to a loss," Celessa explained theatrically, pointing a finger at Zelda's nose. "The loss...of a guest."
"A guest? Who did we lose?" Zelda asked, looking around the beach.
"They never even made it here," Celessa said, dramatically lowering her head. "Pikango... He was supposed to come and never showed..."
"Pikango? Pikango..." Zelda murmured thoughtfully. "Oh, the artist we met in Kakariko?"
"That's the one! I invited him in order to try and capture a painting of you and Link!" Celessa explained. "I gave him such a good idea, only for him not to show."
"You know, I've noticed you have a habit of planning events without telling me," Zelda said. "Like these drinks."
"These drinks prove my plans pay off," Celessa said with a grin. "When they work out, that is."
"Mhm," Zelda mused before huffing. "I'd best be off; I need to find Paya, then Link, but before I go though—"
Leaning down slightly, she gave Celessa the lightest touch on her shoulder, causing the pilgrim to lose the balance she had barely managed to maintain during their conversation. The pilgrim crashed into the sand, her empty drink mug falling along with her. Zelda giggled.
"That is for teasing me in front of our guests," the princess said. "I can't have all your plans go smoothly. See, I can have fun."
The group around the cooking pot gave a "Ooooh!" before roaring with laughter, with Celessa being the first one to crack up while now sitting in the sand.
"I'll get you back, Princess, just you wait," the pilgrim said merrily. "Go find your lover, before I figure out how to use my legs again!"
"Yes, yes," Zelda obeyed, still giggling. Before she walked away, she turned to Gruve and Hoz. "Please watch over my friend."
"She's in good care, Princess," Hoz said with a nod.
"I again ask, am I a child?" Celessa asked as Zelda walked off with a smile.
"Usually Prima's, but right now, mine," the princess called back.
"Hey! Prima considers both of us her children!"
Still giggling, Zelda walked through to the other side of Lurelin, passing more torches and benches, following the faint notes of the accordion that echoed along the pathways. Eventually, she found herself walking on the beach, the notes becoming louder as she approached the shoreline, where she finally located the bard. His talons were in the sand, the swash of the wave occasionally flowing over them, while he peacefully played his instrument and hummed along to his notes. Just as Gruve had said, there was Paya, sitting in the sand listening to his music.
As the princess walked up to them, both Kass and Paya looked over to see their visitor, the music slowing and quieting.
"My dear Princess! Wonderful to see you once more this fine evening," Kass greeted. "I see you've changed into something a bit more comfortable. You look fantastic."
"Thank you," Zelda said with a bow. "Sorry to interrupt your playing, but I was hoping I could borrow Paya."
She looked down at the sitting Sheikah.
"If you have a moment to spare, that is."
"O-of course!" Paya answered, quickly getting to her feet. After dusting the sand off of herself, she properly faced the princess and clasped her hands in front of her. "What may I assist you with?"
"I was hoping you could gather the Champions' descendants and Teba for me," Zelda requested. "I need to speak with them all."
"S-s-sure, but, why? If I may ask," Paya asked. "Are you doing something more for Link? Is this...about the shield?"
"It may lead into that, but...no," Zelda said, shaking her head. "This is actually for them. I need to discuss it with Link first, but I believe he'll agree with what I wish to do."
"I see," Paya said before bowing her head. "Where would you like them to meet you?"
"On the beach," the princess answered. "Tell them to give me some time before they arrive, just to ensure I have ample time to discuss things with Link."
"I understand," Paya said. "I'll send them your way."
The Sheikah began to walk off, only pausing at the call of her name.
"Paya," Zelda said, prompting Paya to turn back to her. "Thank you. Truly."
With a smile, Paya again bowed before disappearing into the darkness of the night, heading into the torch-lit village.
"I feel bad—getting in the way of her quiet moment like that," Zelda said, still staring in the direction Paya disappeared, yet Kass hummed melodically.
"I believe you have nothing to feel guilty over," he said, returning to his accordion's melody. "Dear Paya was speaking to me earlier, telling me of how she was happy to be of use."
"Did she?" Zelda asked, looking back at the large Rito. "I hope you aren't just saying that."
"Ah, Princess, I tell stories through songs, not fibs through words," Kass chuckled. "She's a hard worker, that one is. She wants nothing more than to do her part and help those where needed, whether it's something small or large, despite having such nerves."
"She's incredible like that," Zelda said with a smile. "I wish to be more like her. She'd make a fantastic leader."
"She's learned from those around her," Kass said. "Such as her grandmother and you, of course."
"Your words are kind," Zelda replied.
"Those words belong to Paya, not me," Kass remarked. "Tell me, Princess, what is it you wish to gather the representatives for? I'm quite curious as to your reasoning, if it isn't some special secret."
"I just wish to return a few items to them," Zelda said, now looking out over the ocean. "Of course, they aren't mine to give, but I'm sure Link will feel the same way once I explain my thoughts."
"Ah, of course," Kass said, nodding in understanding. "Your spirit is kind and honest, my dear Princess. That is why I, and everyone else, believe you will do just fine in the coming future."
"Thank you, Kass," Zelda said with a small bow of her head, hugging her royal dress tighter against her chest. "I believe I should be off now. I only have so long before the others arrive at the shore."
"Until we speak again," Kass said with a nod of his head. "Whether that be later this evening or tomorrow after dawn."
"Of course," Zelda giggled, giving the Rito a wave as she walked away.
She followed the shoreline, the ocean waves splashing over her ankles and the breeze tousling her short hair. Occasionally, she glanced back out over the ocean to marvel at the moon's reflection, or she looked in the opposite direction toward the village, trying to get a glimpse of what those between the huts were doing.
Before too long, a shadowy figure came into view, standing in the shallow water of the ocean. The closer she got, the clearer the person became. She could make out his long hair, still tied into a low ponytail, his gifted Lurelin-styled clothing that matched Zelda's, and the rectangular object in his hands, the front glowing and reflecting in his azure eyes. The princess smiled.
"I found you," she called out as she came to his side, the splashing of her feet in the water echoing around them. Link looked up from the slate, greeting her with a loving smile.
"Hey," he said, letting go of the slate with one hand to wrap his arm around Zelda as she came close, gently pulling her body against his.
"What are you doing here all alone?" Zelda asked with a smile of her own, trying not to show just how happy she was to have been pulled into his warmth. She hoped the darkness of the night would cover the glowing burn of her cheeks. "I had to track you down, you know. Were you planning to go somewhere with the Sheikah Slate?"
"No, not at all," Link chuckled, allowing the slate's screen to dim as he lowered it. "I was just checking the time."
"The time?" Zelda asked. "Are you waiting on something?"
"Kinda?" Link answered vaguely. "You'll see in about an hour."
"I'll see? What are you scheming?" Zelda asked, giving him a look, yet the knight simply shrugged.
"Not sure yet," Link said with a teasing grin. Zelda frowned.
"You're lying," she said, "I can see it in your eyes."
"To be completely honest, I'm only half lying," Link chuckled. Catching her gaze again, he added, "You'll see in an hour, I promise."
"Why an hour? That seems awfully specific," Zelda replied. The knight looked at her for a moment before giving a short hum.
"Huh... I thought there was a chance you might forget," he said, "but the fact you actually have is really impressive."
"Forgot what? What am I missing?" Zelda asked. "Is it something important?"
"It's pretty important," answered Link cheekily, "but, you'll just have to wait and see."
"I assume I'm not going to get an answer, as usual?" Zelda asked, huffing in disappointment. When Link gave her a smile in response, she sighed. "Alright then, I'll leave you to your plans. I suppose I'm not one to talk after the month I took to plan such a festival for you in secret, though I wouldn't say I deserve similar treatment."
"Don't say that," Link said sternly. "You aren't allowed. If anything, you deserve even more than you've given me."
"Is that what your plan is? Do you plan to give me something?" Zelda asked, to which her knight flinched. "You are!"
"Alright, no more questions," Link said, raising the hand that was on her hip. He placed it on top of her head and lightly pressed her face into his neck. "You're getting better at extracting information out of me."
"It's a good skill to have when it comes to you," Zelda giggled in a muffled voice. Pulling herself away from his neck, she held up the dress that was in her arms. "Could you put this in the slate for me?"
With a nod, Link took the dress and after a few taps of the screen, it vanished into the slate in a cluster of blue lights. Once it was gone, he looked back at her, his eyes fixed on her. Zelda felt her cheeks beginning to burn again.
"What is it?" she asked.
"Your outfit," Link said quietly. "I couldn't really see it in the darkness, but now that I'm really looking at it... You look beautiful."
"O-oh... Thank you," Zelda said. "You look wonderful in yours as well. It was...very kind of the villagers to give us these."
"Yeah," Link answered simply, his eyes still on her.
Their eyes met, until she soon noticed his begin to travel down to her body. It was only now that Zelda put together just how much more revealing this outfit was compared to her dress or travel gear. Averting her eyes, she brought a hand up and gripped the opposite arm.
"You...really like it?" she asked, her cheeks warming even more.
"I do," Link replied, once again giving a simple answer.
He took a step forward, the shallow water beneath his feet making the quietest splash, and put his hands on her waist. At his touch, Zelda looked up, meeting his eyes again for a split second before she felt their lips meet.
She had taken note of it earlier, the fact that Link was initiating such passion between them. He had become far more daring with her—taking a kiss when he wanted, holding her every chance he could get, and even looking at her with such intensity in his eyes. When did this happen? What had transpired in just a month that caused such a shift in his mentality? None of these questions in her mind were negative responses, but pure curiosity.
In actuality, she loved every moment he spent with her.
"L...Link," Zelda said with a gasp, pulling back from him. "We have to stop..."
"Hm?" Link hummed curiously. It was amazing how innocent his eyes could look after such acts. "Is something wrong? Do you...not like it?"
"It's absolutely not that," Zelda admitted, placing a hand on his chest. "It's just...we'll soon have company here on the beach. There's something I want to speak to you about, regarding the representatives from each race."
"The representatives? You mean Sidon, Riju, and the others?" Link asked. Zelda nodded.
"I asked Paya to send them here to find us," she continued. "There's a few things I wish to give them, or maybe return is the right word for some, but...I can only do that if you're in agreement. Would you hear me out?"
Link smiled softly.
"Always."
...
"What do you think it is the princess wishes to discuss?" the chief of the Gerudo asked, riding on top of the Zora prince's shoulder while she tried to locate the two Hylians they were supposed to meet with. "It's an odd request to meet with us so late. Wouldn't you agree?"
"If it were Link, it might be a little less surprising," Sidon chuckled, ensuring the little girl was seated securely on top of him. "However, for the princess to call at such an hour is quite curious; not that I mind. I can't imagine any of us mind a call from her?"
"Not at all," Teba said simply, following in the Zora's footsteps. "I see the benefit in meeting so late: less distractions and more peace. She's been swamped with responsibilities pertaining to this festival, so this is the perfect time to have a private talk with her guests."
"I hope it's nothing bad..." Yunobo said. "T-though, if it is, I'm sure all of us can help!"
"I appreciate your eagerness, Yunobo, but I'm sure it's nothing of the sort," Sidon said cheerily. "It would be even more of a shock to find something poor had happened after such a good time, wouldn't you agree?"
"That's true..." said the Goron thoughtfully, bringing a large hand to the back of his head before stumbling a bit in the sand. "Man, it's really hard to walk across this stuff... I'm surprised you can do it so often, Chief Riju."
"When you've been doing it your whole life, it gets fairly easy," Riju admitted. "Especially with our choice in footwear. It becomes a well-learned skill even at a young age. Speaking of young ages, where did Tulin go, Teba?"
"As if you aren't young in age yourself?" Teba laughed. "He's gone to bed. Usually he'll fight to stay awake, but it seems as though using his new power over gales since the early hours of the day drained him. I'm surprised he remained so energetic for so long after all that hard work."
"You must be proud of him," Sidon said. Teba nodded.
"I am," Teba said. "He's immature, but that's to be expected from such a young fledgling. I give him a hard time, but he works hard. My wife says I push him a little too hard, but in actuality, he expects nothing less these days. He wants to become a skilled archer, just like Master Revali and Link."
"Don't forget yourself," Riju added. "I'm sure the person he respects and looks up to most is you, Teba."
"I agree," Sidon said. "You're his father, and the one who took on a Divine Beast at Link's side, all without Champion blood or even leadership responsibilities—just the will to do what was right."
"Your words are kind," Teba chuckled. "Thank you."
"Hey, I think I see them!" Yunobo said, squinting his small eyes at a spot up ahead beside the ocean.
He pointed a large finger toward the two dark figures standing close together in the receding water. Trekking through the remaining sand between them, they arrived before Link and Zelda. Both of the Hylians gave them an expected look of greeting.
"I appreciate you all for joining us here so late in the evening," Zelda began with a light bow of her head. "I understand how inconvenient a time it must be for everyone."
"Not at all, Princess!" Sidon said with a sparkling grin. "Please believe me when I say all of us are happy to meet with you any time you require."
The small group gave their own individual words and nods in agreement. Zelda smiled gratefully.
"What is it you called us out here for?" Teba asked curiously. "I assume it isn't for anything trivial."
"Truth be told... You all may see it that way," Zelda admitted, "but, it's something worth doing here and now."
She glanced back at Link, who nodded and held the slate out to her in response. Taking it into her hands, the princess tapped on its surface, waking the device. As its blue light illuminated her skin and reflected in her eyes, she swiped through the different menus before landing on the specific inventory she was searching for.
"These were a gift from you all to Link," she said, looking up from the slate and back to the group, "all of them given in gratitude for having reclaimed control over your respective Divine Beasts. We believe you should now have them back."
After being tapped again, the slate's screen brightened as an army of blue lights erupted from it. The light strings flew toward the group, branching off into four different rivers before they coalesced into individual shapes. In Sidon's hands was the Lightscale Trident; in Riju's, the Scimitar of the Seven and the Daybreaker shield; Teba received the Great Eagle Bow; and finally, the Boulder Breaker went to Yunobo.
"Our ancestors' weapons," Riju said, inspecting the scimitar. "But, why?"
"We gave these to you as a thank you," Yunobo said, holding the Boulder Breaker close. "That way the Great Daruk and the others could still fight alongside you both in some way!"
"You're right," Link chimed in, "and I used them throughout my journey, right up until I faced Ganon. But...we won. We sealed Ganon, and that era of our adventure is over. So, Zelda suggested we return them to their rightful owners, and I agreed."
"But... We aren't Champions," Sidon said. "While it's nice to hold my sister's trident, these weapons were meant to be used by those who are special—"
"You are all special," Zelda cut in. "Each and every one of you."
"I didn't take on those Divine Beasts alone," Link said. "I wouldn't have gotten into any of them without you all, and taking on a beast like that is...crazy, to say the least."
"We're rebuilding a new kingdom," Zelda continued, "and that kingdom's prosperity lies not just with Link and myself, but with you all as well. You're all set to be the next leaders or protectors of your respective races. These weapons belong with you all."
Despite her words, the group still looked hesitant accepting such gifts.
"We won't force you," Link said, wrapping his arm around Zelda's back and placing his hand on her hip. "That's why Zelda wanted to offer them back to you now instead of earlier; that way you weren't put on the spot in front of a large crowd. I will say though, right now, those weapons were just mounted on display on a wall in my Hateno home. They're nice to remember our friends by, but...they deserve to be put to proper use. I may be good at using a lot of weapons, but the Master Sword is right for me. I'd rather these weapons were put to proper use as main weapons, like they once were. I want them with you all."
Finally, one of the group spoke up.
"I'll accept!" Yunbo said, surprising the rest. "If I take this weapon...then that means I'll be able to help you guys out even more! I'll make sure to live up to the Great Daruk's legacy!"
"Well, when it's put that way...how could I decline? I have a responsibility as the descendant of Lady Urbosa," Riju suddenly said from on top Sidon's shoulders, holding the sword and shield up with pride. "Just as she accepted being the pilot of Naboris, I accept being the owner of this sword, and shall wield it with pride."
"Whenever Buliara lets you," Link chuckled. Riju fumed.
"That's a given, of course..." she said, raising her chin high in an attempt to maintain her facade. Suddenly, the arm holding the sword began to shake while trying to hold it upright. "Oh... It's a little heavier than I expected..."
Giggling at Link and Riju's banter, Zelda turned to Teba, who still looked a little unsure.
"Teba?" she called gently.
The Rito warrior looked up at the call of his name, only needing her gaze in order to understand what she was asking.
"Master Revali was a legendary archer among not just the Rito, but all of Hyrule," he said. "We Rito don't have royalty, bosses, or chiefs. We're a proud race; but a simple one, all things considered. So, for Master Revali to become something so great..."
He looked the Great Eagle Bow up and down, even lightly plucking at its bowstring.
"Are you sure I am the right choice to wield this bow?"
"There's no better Rito—no, no better person—than you, Teba," Zelda said. At her side, Link nodded, giving Teba a knowing look, one only another warrior could understand.
"Then I'll make arrows fly with pride," Teba said. "And one day...maybe I can pass this down to Tulin, when he's ready."
"He may be ready sooner than you think. He's got talent," Riju said.
"Talent is one thing, but not everything," Teba said. "To be a warrior requires hard work and perseverance. To know your limits and then find a way to break them, or work with them."
"Woah, that's a smart way of looking at that!" Yunobo said, making Teba chuckle.
Finally, both Link and Zelda focused on Sidon, who was still staring expressionlessly at the shining trident in his webbed hands.
"Are you alright, Sidon?" Link asked.
"My sister..." he began after a brief pause. "You know how she felt about you; and while I understand the connection you two share, it...still felt right for this to be in your possession, Link."
"And I'm happy it was," Link said. "During my toughest moments, I would look at that trident, whether in the wild, or at home while it was on the wall. A part of me would know whether I was doing right or wrong, staying well or unwell when I looked at it."
Link gazed at the trident itself, its silver metal shining in the moonlight.
"The one thing Mipha wanted me to do was take care of myself," he said. "And... I think I can do that now. It's time for me to take a step forward, and that means being able to be okay without the trident and to trust in myself to stay well. I've gotten my use out of it, so now it should go back to you."
Sidon looked up from the trident in order to properly meet Link's eyes. The knight gave a simple, but kind nod. Finally, the Zora Prince closed his eyes and brought the trident close to his chest.
"Then...in honor of my sister, and to keep her memory strong, I shall keep this trident with me," he said. "I thank you, Link, and of course, you as well, Princess."
"I'm glad," Zelda said, "and with that, I believe that was all that was left."
"Huh?" Riju asked from Sidon's shoulders, now adjusting the scimitar in its sheath in order to hold it better. "Aren't you forgetting something, Princess?"
"Yeah! What about Link's gift?" Yunobo chimed in, prompting the knight to furrow his brow.
"Yunobo! There's a reason I left it vague!" Riju said quickly, to which the Goron flinched in guilt.
"Oops... I didn't think about it," he said apologetically, but Zelda simply shook her head.
"Not at all. Don't worry; I haven't forgotten, and honestly, I was struggling to find the proper time to bring it up," she replied, prompting Link to look at her.
"You have more to give me?" he asked. "After all you've already given? Zelda, I can't take anything else—"
"Remember how only ten minutes ago you let it slip that you had something for me," Zelda said, a sternness in her voice. "This is the same as that."
"I feel like this is a little different—"
"Well, I'm making it so that it's not," Zelda cut in. "If you have something special for me in less than an hour, then I have something for you as well. In fact..."
The princess faced him properly, her cheeks reddening slightly and her eyes increasingly sincere.
"It...may even be the perfect moment I've been waiting for," she said. "Will you grant me that? Please?"
"If I may," Sidon chimed in, prompting the knight to look over at him. "It's a challenge not to agree to those terms, wouldn't you say, Link?"
"Yeah, it is," admitted Link, before turning his attention back to Zelda with a smile. "Alright...a gift exchange it is."
Zelda returned his grin.
"Lovely."
The knight's hand caressed the Sheikah Slate hanging from his waist, his eyes checking the height of the moon every few minutes or so. It had been some time since they had given the representatives their weapons, the group now chatting amiably as they all sat on the sand. After checking the moon one last time, Link pulled the Sheikah Slate from his hip and tapped the screen, causing it to brighten. Swiping to the map, he looked down at the bottom left corner of the screen, where a few numbers were visible in bright blue.
Twenty minutes until midnight, Link thought to himself.
"Link?" Zelda asked, her shoulder leaning against his as they sat together in the sand. "Is everything alright? Is it almost time?"
"Yeah, it is," Link said, getting to his feet. "We need to start getting ready to leave now if we want to make it on time."
"Huh? What do you mean by 'get there?'" Zelda asked, watching him dust sand off of his legs. "We're leaving Lurelin?"
"We are, but only a few minutes away," Link said, grinning as he held his hand down to help her up. "No one will notice you're gone this late, right?"
"Most likely not, but where are we going?" Zelda asked, taking his proffered hand.
"You'll just have to wait and see," Link grunted, pulling the princess to her feet. "You kept me in suspense for a month setting this festival up. I think you can wait a few minutes to see what I have planned."
"I suppose I can't argue with that," Zelda giggled, though a look of curiosity remained in her eyes.
"Headed somewhere?" Teba asked from where the rest were seated.
"According to Link, we are," Zelda said, dusting sand off her own body.
"We'll be back," Link assured. "At some point tonight."
"You're starting to make this sound strangely ominous," Zelda said.
"Hm? Do you not trust me?" Link asked with a mischievous grin, yet the princess simply returned it with her own.
"Of course I trust you, otherwise I wouldn't be going," she said kindly, before turning to the group to give them a slight bow. "We're sorry to cut this evening's get-together short."
"Not at all, Princess," Sidon replied cheerfully. "Besides, it looks as though it would be best for some of us to be put to bed."
With a smile, he gestured over to where Riju sat in the sand, her eyes closed and her breathing heavy as she leaned against Yunobo seated beside her. Teba chuckled.
"Just like Tulin—always trying to show off," he said. "She could've said she was tired at any time."
"Yet didn't want to be seen as incompetent," Sidon said. "I know the feeling well."
Getting up, the Zora prince walked over to the Goron, scooping the little Gerudo chief off of Yunobo and into his arms before turning to Link and Zelda.
"We'll make sure this one is put to bed properly," he said. "You two have a wonderful rest of your night."
With smiles, Link waved while Zelda bowed, receiving the same from Yunobo, Teba, and Sidon before the three journeyed back to the village.
"It's wonderful to see them all getting along," Zelda said, watching as the group walked away. "It eases my mind, seeing all the races reconnect so smoothly. With those four leading each place, I believe we'll be even more united than we were a hundred years ago."
"It's all thanks to you," Link said.
"And you," Zelda corrected, giving him a loving look. "Now, where is it you plan to take me? Are we walking there?"
"No, we actually have to take Epona—it's not that far, really," Link insisted when Zelda gave him another curious look.
"I see... Then, if I may ask, may I meet you at the front of the village?" Zelda asked. "That's where Epona is, yes? I'd like to go get my gift for you."
"Yeah, that's fine. That actually works out," Link said with a nod. "I have to prep something too."
"That's perfect," Zelda said. "Then... See you in a few minutes?"
"I hope it's not much more than that," Link teased. "Don't disappear on me."
"I think I'm the one that should be afraid of that," Zelda teased back with a giggle. "Do you mind if I borrow the slate? I'd like to hide mine away, unless yours needs to be hidden as well—"
"No, it doesn't," Link said. "Or, well... I can pack it onto Epona's back. Here, take it."
He took the slate from his hip and held it out for Zelda to take. With the slate in Zelda's possession, she held it to her chest and smiled at him.
"Thank you," she said, her eyes filling with a yearning desire.
She took a step forward in the sand, closed her eyes, and lightly pressed her lips against his. They stayed locked together for a few seconds, listening to the gentle waves as they washed upon the beach, before she pulled away. Their eyes met, looking deep into each other's pupils, before Zelda took a breath, realizing she was supposed to be leaving.
With a blush on her cheeks, she placed a hand on Link's chest before walking away, his ears twitching at the soft crunch of the shifting sand as she followed the representatives' footsteps toward Lurelin Village. The knight couldn't help but keep his eyes on her as she walked, the sight of her skirt billowing, revealing much of her bare legs and feet, the way her hips swayed with each step, and the soft glow of the moonlight caressing her pale skin and golden hair. Suddenly, Link shook his head.
Focus, he thought, closing his eyes. Focus, focus, focus. Where's Kass?
His ears twitched again, listening for the faint sound of notes in the distance. Picking up on the music, he walked along the shoreline, his soles splashing in the salty ocean water. Soon, the Rito bard came into view, playing his accordion with his own talons in the sand. Upon his arrival, Kass's music slowed as he looked down at Link.
"It seems I'm still blessed with visitors, even this late in the evening," Kass said cheerfully. "A fine evening this is, isn't it, Link?"
"Yeah, it is," Link replied, placing his hands on his hips. "Um, Kass... It's, uh—"
"Midnight is upon us," the bard cut in, his smile still wide. He closed his eyes and took a breath of the ocean air. "Tomorrow is the first day of spring... The one hundred and first anniversary of the Calamity's reappearance. It's quite coincidental how the princess managed to hold such a momentous festival near such a day, even if not quite on it."
Opening his eyes, he looked up at the bright white moon above them.
"That works in your favor now, doesn't it? Knowing your plan, that is," he continued. "Our dear princess hasn't put it together, has she?"
"Nope; not that I can tell, at least," Link chuckled. "Zelda's so focused on everyone else, she's completely forgotten about herself."
"As expected from such a selfless woman," Kass said. With a musical hum, his accordion notes came to a stop. "I suppose you'll be needing this then, won't you?"
"As long as you're done with it for the night," Link said. "I hope I'm not cutting into your music time."
"While I usually play a little later into the night, I believe my energy is beginning to wane this evening," Kass assured him. "I did wake up very early and fly all the way here from Rito Village."
"I'm sure that would make anyone tired," Link sympathized. The Rito nodded.
"Are you sure you're ready?" the bard asked. "Do I need to show you how to play one more time?"
"I think I got it. I still feel pretty musical after the last trials the Master Sword put me through, for some reason," Link answered, "but, a refresher would be nice, just in case..."
"Absolutely, my dear friend," Kass said. "We shall ensure this song is engraved into your spirit. Let us begin."
...
The floorboards of the inn creaked as Zelda stepped inside, feeling every individual grain of sand that still clung to her soles. The inn was still dark, just as it was when she left it earlier that evening, with the only light visible being that of the narrow rays of moonlight shining through the wooden blinds covering the windows. Carefully, she crept through the inn, for it was so quiet, every soft groan of the floorboards echoed throughout the space. However, the further she traveled through the inn, the more another sound became clear.
It was the scratching of a quill.
"Traysi? Is that you writing so late in the evening?" Zelda asked very softly as she stepped near their beds, yet it wasn't the reporter who gasped in answer.
"Pr-Princess?" the quiet and shaky voice of Paya replied. "N-n-no, i-it's, uh... Me."
"Paya? What are you still doing up so late?" Zelda asked.
She looked around, noticing Celessa and Traysi, both slumped in their beds and deep in slumber with a strong scent of booze coming from them. Raising an eyebrow, she looked back at the Sheikah's bed, where she could see a small book in her lap, carefully angled so that its pages were illuminated by the moonlight. Keeping her voice low, Zelda continued.
"Are you writing in your journal?"
"I-I am... Um... please don't tell Master Link it's here with us..." Paya said bashfully, raising the diary up to cover her face. "I'd rather he d-d-doesn't read it again, if that's alright to say..."
"That's a very understandable reason," Zelda giggled quietly. "Your secret is safe with me."
"Th-th-thank you, Princess," Paya said. "U-um, what are you doing back at the inn? I assumed you'd be with Master Link; or that, if you were to come back, he'd be with you."
"Well, apparently, I wasn't the only one with a surprise to give," Zelda said. "He's taking me somewhere, even this late at night. I'm not exactly sure where to, or why it must be so late, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. It honestly sounds fun. Besides..."
She stepped over to her own bed, where the silver-and-blue shield still rested upon the sheets.
"This will be my chance to return this to him the proper way."
Zelda took the shield into her hands, and after giving it a confident look, she took the slate off her hip. In a flash, the shield turned into a river of blue lights, which flew up and flowed back down into the slate's screen.
"Alright then," she said, returning the slate to her side. "I'd best be off. You have a wonderful rest of your night, Paya."
With that, she turned toward the door whence she came, yet Paya's small voice called out to her again.
"Pr-Princess..."
With a quiet hum, Zelda turned back to look at her. The journal had been lowered, revealing Paya's large brown eyes.
"I wish you the best of luck."
At Paya's encouragement, Zelda smiled.
"Thank you," she said. "You have no idea how much I need it."
After giving Zelda a nod, Paya returned to her journal, the soft scratching of her quill against the pages quietly echoing once more. Turning, Zelda crept through the inn again and exited through the door. With the slate now holding her gift, she walked through the town again, noticing that there were far fewer people out than even an hour ago. It was very quiet, with just the chirping of crickets and the crackling of flames in the torches she passed.
Eventually, she reached the front entrance of the village, where she could make out the shadow of Link and his mare.
"Is it alright to come close?" Zelda asked, noticing Link was working on Epona's saddle. "Are you still hiding your surprise?"
"Nope. Just prepping the saddle for two again," Link said without looking back at her. "I'm guessing it's safe to look at you too, since you put yours in the slate?"
"You'd be correct," Zelda said, stepping closer to him. At her closeness, the mare shook her mane, prompting the princess to giggle. "Hello, Epona. It's been quite some time since I last saw you, hasn't it?"
The horse gave a deep hum as she lowered her snout and pressed it against Zelda's front.
"There, there," she said soothingly, rubbing her hand across the top of Epona's forehead. "I'm happy to see you again too. I apologize for not greeting you earlier."
The horse shook her white mane and whinnied, apparently accepting Zelda's apology. Link chuckled.
"She missed you," he said, stroking her coat. "She's just being a little shy about it."
"Aw, I missed you too, Epona, I promise," Zelda said. "The Master Cycle is an impressive creation, but it's not you."
Suddenly, Epona gently nickered in reply.
"See?" Link said. "Alright—"
Placing his foot in the stirrup, Link climbed into the saddle.
"There's someplace nearby I think you'd like to see," he said, preparing the reins. "I think you'll like it."
"A place?" Zelda asked.
"It's a small place, but... Well, you'll see it," Link said. Giving Zelda a smile, he held his hand down to her. "If you'd like to see it, that is."
Without a second thought, Zelda placed her palm into his.
"I'd love to."
Gripping her palm, Link gave her a gentle pull, helping her up into the saddle. With Zelda sitting in front of him, he lightly tugged the reins, turning Epona away from the village of Lurelin and toward the mountain path. Giving her a tap on the side with his heel, the mare began to trot up the road.
The two rode through the night, the wind blowing through their hair as they traveled. As Link guided the horse around the winding bends and up and down hills, Zelda watched the mountainous scenery, enjoying the feeling of Link's chest against her back. She could feel every tiny motion he made–pulling and adjusting the reins, tapping Epona's side with his heel, and even his calm breathing. Closing her eyes, Zelda leaned back even more, enjoying the sensations. Suddenly, she giggled.
"What's got you laughing like that?" Link asked from behind over the clopping of Epona's hooves.
"Nothing important," Zelda said with a cheerful hum. "I simply remember the time we rode like this after we sealed the Calamity."
"From Hyrule Field to Kakariko?" Link asked. Zelda nodded.
"I was so embarrassed to be leaning against you like this," she explained. "I was so afraid you'd notice how much I was enjoying it, and find me strange for it."
"And now?" Link asked.
"Now I can tell you how much I love it," Zelda answered, "and how much I love you."
"Really?" Link responded. "Then, would you like it more if I did this?"
Zelda felt one of his arms coiling around her waist. Opening her eyes, she looked down to find just one hand guiding Epona now, while he now held her tightly against him.
"This is even better," she said happily, causing Link to smile even more. Looking forward, noticing the large and dense forest of Faron coming into view, she asked, "how long will we be riding for? Are we heading deeper into Faron?"
"Not exactly," Link said. "Actually, we'll be turning right up here."
"Turning?" Zelda repeated, leaning forward to see down the road.
She squinted through the darkness, only seeing it once her eyes adjusted—a fork in the road that led away from the nearby forest. Still holding the reins with one hand, Link led the horse onto the new path, which took them through a pass between the mountains. After riding through the mountains for some time, the view of the beach returned. The path turned from dirt to sand, which kicked up as Epona galloped along the shoreline, the ocean waves echoing around them once more.
"The beach?" Zelda asked, yet Link smiled.
"Not exactly," he replied. "We have just a little bit of riding before we arrive."
After riding along the shoreline, another rocky landform came into view. It was smaller than any of the other mountains around—in fact, it looked more like a butte than anything else. Though they were getting close to its rocky walls, Link hadn't slown the mare down.
"We're getting close," Link said casually.
"Are we?" Zelda asked, the confusion in her voice clear.
"Yup," Link answered. "We're going right up the mountain."
Finally, Link slowed Epona down, tugging the reins slightly to align the horse with the mountainside. Suddenly, Zelda noticed they began to rise. It had been too dark to see before, but now she could see the natural escalating path that wrapped round the butte. They rode higher, until eventually, a wall blocked their path. With a final tug of the reins, Link brought the mare to a stop, just in front of the rocky wall.
"We're here," Link said, dropping the reins and removing his arm from around Zelda's waist.
"Really? This is it?" Zelda asked, watching as Link slid off the saddle.
"Yup. Well, kind of," he said, holding his hand up to her. "Are you able to climb in those clothes?"
"Of course. Lurelin clothing is fairly light and freeing, given they do so much manual labor," Zelda answered, allowing Link to help her down from the saddle. "I hope we don't have much climbing to do though, if I'm being honest."
"It's not much at all," Link assured Zelda as her feet hit the ground. "We just need to climb up this little wall here. Are you ready?"
Receiving a nod from his princess in reply, he guided her over to the wall, where he climbed up first. From the top, he held down his hand for her to take once more. Placing her palm in his, she climbed up the stone with his help. Reaching the top, she felt the softness of grass beneath her hands and knees. As she stood, she looked around at the sight before them.
Zelda stepped forward, her eyes widening at the sight. Small fireflies had appeared, their green lights pulsing, illuminating the grass and flowers that decorated the scenery. Though the flowers and the lights were gorgeous by themselves, what caught her eyes the most was the pond in the center. Its water was a mirror of reflections of the fireflies and the moon above, and while its shape was pretty, it was unusual.
"A heart?" asked an entranced Zelda as they walked forward. "I've never seen such a pond..."
"That's because this one is special," Link said softly, taking her hand to guide her. "Zelda, welcome to Lover's Pond."
"Lover's Pond?" Zelda repeated, her eyes still absorbing the view. "I've never heard of such a place."
"Really? It never came up when you were working in Lurelin?" Link asked as they stopped at the pond's edge. Letting go of Zelda's hand, he stepped behind her to place his hands on her waist. "They always brought it up during my visits."
"I haven't heard anything about it," Zelda said. "Though, I was busy during the festival's preparation. In fact, what I have for you actually took me away from everyone else for quite a while."
"Really?" Link asked, to which Zelda nodded.
"Mhm. To think you'd planned something, as well," she said. "And something like this... Have you been here before?"
"I have. It was before I saved you," Link answered. "Actually, I heard about this pond even before I visited Lurelin from an old Gerudo woman in the desert. I was told it was a pond where you would meet your true love. So, after hearing about it, I went and found it—even helped a couple get together here."
"That sounds lovely. I hope they remained a happy couple," Zelda said, though her brow slightly furrowed. She shifted slightly as she glanced back at him before asking, "If this is a place where you're supposed to find your true love, then what happened when you arrived?"
"Nothing," Link answered simply. "No one came."
"O-oh," Zelda said softly. "I...I apologize for bringing up a sad memory—"
"It wasn't sad at all," Link corrected. "I couldn't admit it to myself at the time, but...I was relieved."
"You were?" Zelda asked, surprised at his answer. Link nodded.
"By that point, I had heard Kass's song about your feelings," he continued, "and, I sort of tried to make sense of it all. I wondered if I felt the same way, even having forgotten so much. So, I came to the pond to see if my true love would arrive. No one arrived, and while it felt wrong at the time...it meant that maybe no one showed because that someone was in the castle waiting for me to arrive."
He chuckled, shifting so his arms were now wrapped around Zelda's body, hugging her from behind.
"Man, I felt so guilty about it back then."
"Why would you feel guilty about such a thing?" Zelda asked as she placed her arms over his and looked back at him again. "That sounds so sweet."
"Because you were the princess, and I was just your knight," Link said. "I couldn't remember how close we had actually become before the Calamity. I knew we were friends—good ones—but to be romantically involved with someone as amazing as you? That couldn't have been anything more than a dream."
He took a deep breath and tightened his hug around her body.
"To think that dream ended up coming true," he said softly, "and so did the Lover's Pond legend."
Zelda's eyes widened again.
"The pond's legend?" she asked. "But, we didn't meet at the pond—"
"We're meeting here right now, aren't we?" Link asked, meeting her eyes.
"Is that how it works?" Zelda asked.
"It is now," Link answered with a gentle smile. "I realized it after thinking back to this winter—no, since you were freed from the castle—that while fate brought us together to defeat Ganon, fate wouldn't help us romantically. We're still just people at the end of the day. We fight, we disagree, and we can get angry at each other. Fate can't help us with that. So—"
He released her from the hug he had wrapped her in, and walked around to face her. Reaching down, he took both of her hands into his own.
"—I'll make sure to make our own fate, to make sure we stay together," he said, because I love you. Not because fate or destiny decided it, not because of a prophecy, and not because you're a princess with goddess blood. I love you, Zelda."
"Link..." Zelda said quietly, her emerald eyes peering into his azure ones. "I...I don't know what to say... Thank you. I love you as well, so much, and nothing that ever happens between us could ever break us apart. Just as you love me for myself, I love you for you. I know I've made a few mistakes...a lot of mistakes—"
"We both did," Link chimed in.
"—but you are everything to me, and I want to grow not just by myself, but alongside you, as well," she finished.
Her grip on their clasped hands tightened as she looked down at their feet before taking a deep breath.
"This was a wonderful gift, Link," she said, meeting his eyes again. " Seeing this beautiful place, alone with you, and hearing your words... I love it. But, as you know, I have something for you as well..."
Pulling her hands away, she reached down and took the slate from her hip. Tapping the slate, the screen brightened, revealing the inventory menu.
"Admittedly, though very simplified, a lot of our...disagreements started because of me," she said, gripping the slate tighter. "I was being foolish, and selfish, and...I was very troublesome in the beginning."
"Hey, wait a moment, so was I—" Link tried to cut in, but Zelda raised a finger and gently pressed it to his lips.
"But you didn't put us in danger on the cliffside in Akkala that day, all those months ago, simply because I couldn't admit what my heart wanted openly," she continued. "Even if it was a while ago, I cost us our safety..and your favorite shield. That was something that never left my mind, and now it's something I've been given the opportunity to rectify."
She tapped on the screen which began to glow blue. One string of light flew from the slate, followed instantly by two more, then five, then a bundle of them, all flying up and then down. They started to collect, coalescing into a ball of blue, before it eventually took shape and formed the blue-and-silver shield. It was Link's turn to look surprised, his eyes reflecting the blue light of the slate's power before it dimmed.
With the shield now in her hands, she held it out to him.
"It's time that I returned this to you."
"The Hylian Shield?" Link asked, staring down at the red bird emblem and golden triangles on the front. "You found it?"
"I did," Zelda nodded. "I heard that fallen items from Akkala would often flow down into Lurelin's beaches, so...I went searching for it."
"Zelda," Link said. "You really went out to sea for me?"
"I was given the chance to find your shield, and I took it," she said. "Please, take it."
Link looked up, meeting her eyes as she smiled kindly at him. After a pause, as if trying to process the shield that was now in front of him, he slowly reached out and took it from her grasp.
"Paya cleaned it for you," Zelda said as Link looked down at the Hylian Shield's front, its smooth paint reflecting the moonlight. "It should be free of any sea grime."
"It feels just like before," Link said, securing the shield on his arm. "No other shield ever felt like this one did. Zelda..."
He looked up and gave Zelda one of the happiest smiles she had ever seen.
"Thank you."
"Absolutely. I'm glad I was able to finally return it to you," Zelda said before turning to face the pond. "Especially since you brought me to such a wonderful place. It would've felt wrong if I'd come here empty-handed."
"You wouldn't have been empty-handed, because you held a whole festival for me," Link chuckled. Suddenly, he held his free arm out to her. "Can I have the Slate to put this in?"
After being handed the slate, the shield disappeared back into the inventory, yet Link didn't immediately put the slate down. He stared at it for a moment before grinning.
"Perfect, one more minute," he said. Placing the slate onto his hip, he began to walk back toward the ledge where Epona was left. "Stay here."
"Where are you going?" Zelda asked, yet Link disappeared into the darkness.
She waited for a few seconds, looking out over the sparkling pond, until her pointed ears twitched at the crunching of grass behind her. Turning, she saw Link headed back to her with a large shadowy object in his hands.
"Link, what is that?" Zelda asked, squinting her eyes to try and get a better look at what he was carrying.
"My final gift to you," he said.
"You got me something else? This is starting to feel like a competition at this point," Zelda said, which made Link laugh.
"To be fair, I have a reason for this," he said. "A specific one."
He took the slate from his hip and handed it to her.
"Can you tell me what time it is?" he asked.
Raising a curious eyebrow, Zelda tapped the screen and looked down at the time.
"It's midnight," she said. Link grinned.
"Perfect. Let's hope I do this right..."
He sat in the grass beside her, facing the pond as he began working his hands. Suddenly, notes began to echo through the air, allowing Zelda to piece together what was in his hands.
"Kass's accordion," Zelda said as she took a seat in the grass next to him, listening to the notes that filled her ears, "and...my mother's lullaby? But, when did you learn?"
"Kass taught me how to play it a few days ago," Link answered, still playing the tune. "I guess you can put this under all those things I just kinda catch on to. For some reason I felt a little musical after the last set of trials the Master Sword put me through, and I figured I might be able to use that inspiration as a gift."
"But...why?" Zelda asked. "Why do so much for me?"
"I don't think you have any right to ask that," Link chuckled, but catching her eye, he grinned even more. "You still haven't put it together?"
"Put what together?"
Link grinned even brighter.
"There's a reason I wanted to do this right at midnight," he said over the soft lullaby, and it's because today is a special day."
He paused, as if giving Zelda a moment to try and piece together what was so special about the new day. Finally, Link clarified.
"Happy Birthday, Zelda."
"My...birthday?" Zelda asked slowly. She took a moment to herself before realizing what day it was. "It's the first day of spring..."
"The one hundred and first anniversary of the Calamity," Link said a little quickly, clearly wishing to state the obvious in order to quickly move past it, "and, your eighteenth birthday."
"But, is it really alright to celebrate my birthday when—?"
"It absolutely is," Link cut in. "It's still your birthday, no matter what happened over a hundred years ago, and you deserve to have a good one. You celebrated my birthday, so let me do the same for yours."
Though Zelda was hesitant, she noticed the look in his eyes, even as he continued playing. Finally, she gave in.
"You learned how to play my old lullaby just to play it for me here?" she asked.
"I couldn't come up with anything else—at least, not things I thought would really be meaningful to you," Link said, continuing to play the slow notes. "This song, though, is meaningful to you, and now I can play it for you whenever you want."
"Oh, Link," Zelda said, tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes. Scooting closer, she gently took his arm and leaned her body against him with her cheek resting on his shoulder. "I love it. It's the perfect gift."
"I'm glad it is," Link said, "and, if this isn't enough, I purchased a frog from Beedle while on the road. Maybe you can use it for your experiments—"
"Oh, you," she grumbled, only for her to giggle immediately afterward. "You love to tease me about that old frog, don't you?"
"I have to. It might as well be in Hyrule's new set of decrees," Link said, causing Zelda to giggle even more. "Hey, Zel... After this, do you want to sit on the beach together?"
"The beach? The one we rode past earlier?" Zelda asked.
"Yeah. I'd like to look out over the ocean with you," he said. "Just the two of us. If you aren't too tired, that is."
"I think I still have enough energy to press on, even if it's so late in the evening," Zelda said with a smile. "Maybe more than you'll expect."
At the sound of that, Link returned her grin, still playing the lullaby Kass had taught him.
He was late. Very late.
That girl had told him over a month ago when the festival would be; and yet, distractions came almost every step he took during his journey from Kakariko to Lurelin Village. Each and every time an attempt was made to make it to the shoreline village on time, a new sight was there to behold, one that needed to be captured onto a painting canvas. Whether it was a wonderful sunrise or sunset, a landscape where the time of day gave a new lighting, or a unique cloud in the sky, it all had to be captured.
With his easel in hand, he continued down the path, knowing he was finally getting close to his destination. Despite being late, he walked at a relaxing pace. He was sure the event had long finished, meaning the necessity to rush was absent. Still, it had been some time since he had visited the beaches of Lurelin, so the urge to go remained, and he was hoping the water would be inspirational.
Suddenly, he stopped. There was a fork in the road in front of him, one that led to the beach. His pointed ears twitched with excitement. Lurelin was pretty, but it had been touched by man—not that man-made beauty wasn't worth painting, but these beaches were natural beauty at its finest, especially under the moonlight.
"What's another late night of painting before reaching Lurelin?" the artist asked. "Well, I wouldn't be Pikango the Artist if I simply walked away, now would I?"
With a gleeful chuckle, he hurried down the pass, hoping the moon would be at the right angle, a possibility to catch its reflection in the ocean water. When he arrived at the beach though, he had found two others had already beaten him there. It was two smaller-than-average Hylians, both sitting in the sand together in front of the ocean, their figures and the water in front of them illuminated splendidly by the moonlight.
Creeping forward so as not to startle them, he looked closely, recognizing not only the golden-haired girl, but the young man as well.
"Well, would you look at that..." Pikango said to himself. "It's those two—the couple that girl told me about back in Kakariko— and they look so natural... Their smiles are so...genuine. This... This is true...natural...beauty. It is a scene that must be captured!"
As stealthily as he could, he set his large backpack in the sand and propped up his easel. Placing a canvas on its ledge, he twirled his paintbrush around.
"It seems as though you'll get your request, Miss Celessa," Pikango said under his breath. "Let us both hope these two don't move for some time..."
The moon slowly inched across the night sky, and thankfully for Pikango, the Hylian couple didn't move from their spot on the beach. After a short while, the artist lowered his brush, proud of his speed and technique. Putting his hands on his hips, he looked over the painting before nodding.
"Perfect," he said, before looking up at the two Hylians, who were now kissing. "It seems as though it's time for me to take my leave. Let's get to Lurelin and show this to that girl."
Proudly, he removed the painting, closed his easel, and picked up his backpack, leaving the two Hylians alone on the beach, where eventually—after Pikango had left—they soon became entangled in one another.