Zelda stood with her back against the closed door as she looked at the morning sky. It was bright pink, which was also the shade of her face at the moment. Seeing Link without his shirt, it...Zelda didn't think it was awkward... it was just embarrassing and it made her cheeks redden as she thought about it more. She shook her head. She didn't like thinking about Link that way, but she knew that, well...

She loved him.

She wanted more than anything to tell him but she was always busy and she wanted what she called, "a moment." She hoped that since work was slowing down, that moment would be soon.

She shook her head again. If she wanted to get back early then she'd need to get done fast. She went to the side of the house where Epona and her white horse Leighton were. She took Leighton out and patted Epona goodbye. She loved riding on her horse. She loved looking at the world around her. It gave her even more joy to think that she was helping rebuild it.

She passed people on morning walks and people working outside and waved to them all. They all knew who she was and she embraced that. Her daily ride also took her through Kakariko Village. She always knew that Dorian and Cado would wave to her on her way by. Sometimes Paya would be outside as well and, on occasion, stop and talk to her. Paya had become one of Zelda's best friends. She found her slight awkwardness charming and enjoyed the conversations they shared. Today she was sitting on the steps to her house and enthusiastically waved as Zelda trotted by. She returned with a wave of her own.

She also passed through the Wetland Stable by the Hylia River. She waved at Beedle who was just waking up from his rest and waved back as he wiped the sleep from his eyes.

Zelda continued riding until she hit the new Hyrule Castle Town. Every time she came here she was in awe. It looked as if nothing had happened all those years ago. Hudson and his party had really outdone themselves. She trotted down the main path toward the castle. Bolson and Karson were at the main gate.

"Princess!" They cheered together. They quickly rushed to her horse and helped her off. They then tied Leighton to the main gate of the castle.

"How are you princess?" Bolson asked as they began to walk towards the castle.

She smiled at the cheery pair. "I'm well, thank you. How are things progressing today?"

"Well, let me tell you," answered a voice from up the road. It had come from Hudson, who was walking in their direction.

"Hudson," greeted the princess as she shook the man's hand. Hudson had turned out to be a great friend to Zelda. He seemed to always know what she wanted to do with her plans.

"As I said yesterday, we're nearing the month left mark," continued Hudson as they walked up the cobblestone path. "I think you've told us everything you want. The colors, the tapestries, the plumbing that I know you were so adamant about... oh! That one new room is also close to completion as well."

"Excellent." Zelda was beaming as she looked around. Everywhere she looked she saw people working. Most of them were Hylians, but there were some Gorons that were carrying boulders and stone as well as Rito flying supplies up to the tall towers.

"And you're sure this will be done in a month?" She questioned.

"Well, the town for sure will be completed. The Temple of Time as you already know is nearly done. The castle might take a little longer but not by much. Two months at the latest," Hudson concluded.

"It's all so beautiful," Karson said awestruck.

"It really is," Zelda agreed. "I'll be inside, probably in the dining hall if you need me." She waved the three men goodbye and walked into the castle.

—————

Link laid in his bed for another half hour after Zelda had left. He eventually brought himself to stand up and get dressed. He threw on his champion's tunic and boots over his trousers and went outside. He grabbed two red apples off of a tree and went to the side of the house. Epona started to move around the little stable with excitement when she saw what was in his hand. He threw her one of the apples and caught it perfectly in her mouth. He patted her as he took a bite of his own. He then placed his forehead on the side of her face and rubbed her mane.

"I'll be back later, girl."

Link walked back into the house to grab the Sheikah Slate and master sword. He needed to talk to someone. And not the descendants. The champion's descendants were fun to talk to, don't get him wrong, but there was one person Link knew who would always listen to him.

—————

Rito Village was starting to come alive under the sunrise that brought in a new day. Vah Medoh stood perched on the stone tower, keeping watch over the village. The stores were opening, the children were running up and down the steps, and the music began to swell.

A Rito stood at the perch next to where the shrine used to stand to practice his music. He would sometimes teach his kids or any others who wished to learn, but today it was just him. His music flew all around the rock pillar that the village was built on. If anyone wasn't awake already, his music would peacefully bring them back to reality soon.

There was no doubt that this bird was skilled. In fact, he was amazing. The music seemed to flow through his body down to his wings and out through his accordion. The song he played was a slow and thoughtful one. One that built and built until it overflowed with a melody that seemed to mimic the wild they lived in.

Once he was finished with his song, he heard a rustling of a paraglider in the sky behind him. Then, the thud of two feet hitting the ground. He didn't need to turn around to know who that person was.

"Link," he said, still facing out.

"Hi Kass."

Kass

——————

Rito Minstrel

Kass turned around and hugged his hylian friend.

"How are you, friend?" Kass asked in their embrace.

"I'm very well," Link replied as he stepped away.

"Very well? Huh. It's usually just 'well' or 'ok.' What happened?"

Link went to sit on the ledge, letting his feet dangle over the edge, "Zelda says that she won't be needed at the castle as often."

Kass joined him on the ledge. He placed his accordion to the side. "Really? That's very good. You two can finally be like you were so long ago."

Link nodded.

Kass looked over to the young hero. "I know I've asked you this before, multiple times, but what exactly are your feelings towards the princess?"

Link ran a hand through his hair and stopped at the top of his head. "Right now?" He scratched. "We're friends. I haven't really seen her but... I know we're still good."

Kass nodded and sighed.

"But," Link added as he put his hand down, "I've told you about those... feelings that I get sometimes."

"Yes," Kass chuckled. "And the petals."

"And the pedals," Link repeated.

They were both quiet for a while. Maybe they were deep in thought, maybe they just didn't know what to say.

"Link," Kass finally said, "Do you remember the song I used to play for you here at night?"

Link took a long breath and nodded.

At the same time, they recited a line from his teacher's song:

"The princess's love for her fallen knight awakens her power."

And within the castle the Calamity is forced to cower."

"I know," Link said, "but that's just a song, right? Your teacher wrote it, and he loved the princess, right?"

Kass chucked. "If that's what you want to think."

The calm wind blew Link's hair and Kass' feathers. They could hear the children playing in the village behind them.

"Hey, why don't you go help her now? At the castle?" Kass asked.

"She's always so busy when I try to see her," Link said disappointingly. "It'll probably be the same today."

Kass' face formed a confused expression. "Link, that's stupid," He stated bluntly.

Link looked at Kass. "What?"

"I think you're just scared that things won't be the same as they were before. Link, go help out at the castle. Please."

Link thought about this for a second.

"The work will get done faster with more people," Kass added.

Link looked ahead of him, then at his friend. A smile grew over his face.

"You know what? You're right, Kass." Link stood up. "I've gotta go." He pulled out his Sheikah Slate and tapped on the Central Tower.

"Link?"

He looked up.

Kass stood and smiled.

"May the light illuminate your path."