#chief paya

[dollieclipsa]

Soft baby is growing up🥹

[iswearongod]

My current design for a Yiga Clan version of Paya! I’ll work on Purah next!

[gyrrakavian]

Anyone else shipping Paya and Tauro?

[angryskeletonnoises]

Chief Paya,

I honestly know nothing about digital art and this is my first completed piece 🤷 I could probably go in and touch of up the line work but I lazy

[radiosummons]

Paya adapting to her new role as the chief of Sheikah just feels right. So fucking proud of her and I'm so happy everyone is supporting her :3

[sword-is-bored]

Remember me?

(Hello! I wrote this as a start of a sequel to my Fic A Breath of You

Link and (Y/n) are married <3)

"I'll be back before you know it." Link smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. I sighed and pulled him in for a hug. Finding it hard to feel any of him through the armor. He hugged back, holding me close. Our embrace was intimate and warm. I always got anxious when he left for the castle. I knew it was his duty, and it's been years. But... I still fear. I can't shake the anxious feeling within my heart. "I know." I murmured and looked up at him. He wore a gentle expression as I pulled myself off of him. He held out his hand, and I placed mine within it my ring glinting in the soft light. "As long as you wear this ring, I will always come back to you. Always." He promised. I nodded, a sad sigh escaping my lips

Link placed a finger under my chin, gently tilting my face up to look in his eyes. They were filled with love and kindness. He pulled me in, giving me a soft kiss. "Before you know it, (Y/n). Zelda wanted to see what's under the Castle. It shouldn't be anything but research, alright?" He whispered. I nodded, feeling his hands leave me. "Why don't you visit Impa? I heard she's giving the title of Chief to Paya. Go congratulate her. Support her, you know? Take Sky on a trip. So you don't have to be alone here. If I take longer than a day, I'll meet you back here. Alright, love?" He opened the door, tilting his head. I sighed and turned, looking at my traveling stuff hung up. "Yeah. I guess. I haven't seen Impa in a while." I mumbled.

Link gave a wink as he exited the door. "That's my girl. Go see them. I'll see you there, or here. Okay? Before you know it." He repeated and slowly shut the door. I sighed and listened to the sounds of him grabbing his horse, Malo, and taking him to ride away to the castle. I stood in our house, the sounds of emptiness filling me with dread. I sighed and walked up the stairs. I sat in our bed and laid back, already missing him. He was right. I should go see Impa. And Paya.

After another moment I pulled myself out of bed and gathered my traveling gear. I pulled on my things, taking Link's hood and wrapping it around myself. He wore it when tending to the animals so I could smell him on it. I smiled, grabbing my satchel and a weapon. And a bow, and I stole some arrows from Link's stash.

Technically since we were married now, it's my stash too.

I laughed at my own little joke. I turned and looked at myself in the mirror. Wow. I haven't worn this stuff since... the events. Since Link and I first moved in. We built our house to be cozy, and warm. A couch, a table and chairs. Our bed upstairs, with a vanity and some more things scattered here and there. For our wedding gift Link had a print of him and I painted in our wedding outfits. Flowers and white and he looked dazzling in the royal guard uniform. I loved it. Our horses were even in the picture behind us.

I turned to the door, opening it and looking left. Sky was happily munching on grass in the field beside our house. "You." I called out, finding her looking up at me tiredly. "We're going on an adventure." I smiled, pulling the door shut and walking over. She seemed to stare at what I was wearing and slowly walked away from me. "That's... you asshole. Get back here. Lazy whore." I muttered, walking behind the house to the shed. I opened the door, finding her reigns and saddle. I pulled them off their place, finding the saddle especially dusty. I brushed it off, walking over to Sky. She eyed me suspiciously, I smiled holding up the supplies. "I hope you're not too fat to wear this. Hylia knows all you do is sit and eat. I thought you used to be wild."

Sky snorted, turning to walk away again. "Don't you dare." I muttered, pulling out the reigns. I reached out and gently tugged at her halter. "I understand you haven't walked more than a few steps a day," That was a lie I took her out on rides weekly. "But, today you are looking pretty. We're going to see Impa." I said, reaching up to pull off the halter. I took the bit of her bridle and coaxed it into her mouth. Sky watched me with a glare, stubbornly going along with this. I smiled and gave her a pat. "I will give you all the apples we find. As soon as you start behaving." I hummed, putting the rest of the bridle on.

I gently tugged, making sure everything was secure. Sky, however, swung her head a bit faster than I expected when I tugged. I grunted and pulled back, so she didn't head but me. "You will be meat if you don't stop acting up." I muttered, tying her reigns to the fence. She snorted at me, as I placed the saddle pad on. I threw her saddle on top, reaching under her and pulling the straps tight. I continued to make sure she was travel ready and gave her reassuring pats. After the uncomfortable stuff was done, I untied her reigns and tossed them over her head. "That's my pretty girl, look at you." I whispered, petting her happily. Sky was not impressed, but I don't think there was much for her to complain about. I placed my foot in the stirrups and pulled myself up on her back. I situated myself on the saddle, patting her softly. "Good girl. Thank you." I said softly, steering her reigns towards the gate. We pushed out, and began making our way to Kakariko.

"(Y/n)!" Paya cheered, as I stepped through the doors of Impa's house. I giggled feeling her squeeze me into a tight hug. I gently wrapped my arms around her and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Paya, I heard Impa was giving you title of chief. Congratulations dear! You're going to do amazing." She grinned and blushed embarrassed. "Oh, yeah. That's what she says." She mumbled and backed away. I turned to my old friend and smiled. "Impa!" She opened her arms and I gave her a hug. "(Y/n), it's so good to see you. How are you? How's Link?" She asked, taking my hands. "Oh, I'm well. Link is too. He's on his way to the castle to help Zelda and her research."

Impa's eyes searched mine for a moment before relaxing. "Alright. I see why you're here now. Come, my dear. Let's go out and wander the town. Paya, you're in charge." Impa called. Paya squeaked out, scrambling for something. I laughed softly as the old woman led me outside. "You've prepped her for being leader so soon?" I asked softly. "Oh, yes. I'm old. I'm tired, and I don't want to lead anymore. I wish to relax and do what I want. You've been able to, so why don't I?" I laughed softly, allowing her to lead me around town. We spoke to the other townsfolk, everyone greeting me with a smile and open arms. I've gotten more hugs in the past years than I ever did. It's nice.

We toured around some more, Impa making conversation with everyone we met. I watched and night drew near. We returned to her home and sat in the living room. I undressed from my armor, leaving only a shirt I stole from Link and some comfy pants to rest in. This was heaven. Life was great. "Have you two been planning for children?" Impa asked after a long night of conversation. "Honestly," I murmured, leaning back on my hands. "I don't know. I've brought it up to Link, and we've been... you know." I blushed. "I think he wants to make sure Hyrule is completely safe before he wants to bring children into the world. I respect that. I would like some children though. Hopefully once he's done examining the castle, everything will be perfect." I said. Impa laughed and shook her head. "Of course. I understand. A warrior simply wants his children to grow up with peace. How noble of him. You're still young." She said, using quotation marks around that word.

I hummed in agreement. "Yeah, I worry though." I said softly. "He has night terrors. Stress and trauma from everything he's been through. I've woken up to him screaming, and fighting the blankets. By the time I get him to calm down he's wide awake. Sometimes I'll wake up and find him standing in the living room with the master sword in hand. I know everything's still effected him, but I hope it begins to dwindle soon. I think he's coping with it better, though." I thought back to the first night I found him like that.

I woke up to his spot cold. I crawled out of bed, and he was marching downstairs. Like he was in a trance of some sort. "Link?" I had whispered, reaching out to tap his shoulder. His hand snapped up, grabbing my wrist. His eyes locked with mine and he seemed to break. Tears ran down his face and fear swirled in his eyes. I held him as he shook, crying into my shoulder.

"I worry if we have children, he'll be even more stressed. So I hope this will put him at ease." Impa nodded her head solemnly. "Yes. It's hard watching someone go through the after effects of a great ordeal. You're doing the best you can to support him. I know it." I smiled and nodded to myself. Link knows I've went through this as well. After reading my journal he took a long, long look at me. I was worried he'd be upset but instead he pulled me in to a hug and cried with me. Apologizing for everything I'd been through, and what I was put through.

"(Y/n), there's a huge herd of horses behind Kakariko. Would you like to go see them tomorrow? There's a beautiful stallion within them, and I think he'd really catch your eye." Impa suggested. I smiled, being pulled out of my sad thoughts. "Absolutely. I'd love to." With that, Impa helped me get my things together for bed and we slept. The silent house creaked in the night, but it seemed to lull me to sleep.

"Woah." I whispered, standing atop the hill of Kakariko. The city below me as I watched the herd of horses grazing. I smiled, standing tall and feeling the wind wrap around me. Suddenly, I heard soft whispers. I turned around, finding the Great Fairy fountain glittering. It seemed to beckon me. I wandered over, climbing up the petals and resting myself on the pad. Slowly, the fairy emerged. Cotera took a long look at me as she exited the fountain. "Why hello dear, why are you here?" She hummed, a sing song voice. I smiled and shrugged. "It's a beautiful place to relax, you've made it quite the home." I complimented. She let out a soft laugh, and it sounded almost sad. "Yes, well, I'm moving."

"Moving?" I asked abruptly, blinking quickly. She nodded slowly. "I sense a great evil. It's coming." She whispered fearfully. "Run child, save yourself." I shook my head, my eyes widening. "No." I cried out softly. "No, please you can't say that. Hyrule is at peace." He hands reached out and pushed me, suddenly I felt the ground rumble beneath me. Within a moment her bloom vanished, as did the rest of the fairies. I was falling, and the ground began to lift from beneath me. I screamed, tilting back with nothing to hold onto me. Suddenly I was caught between the sky and the ground. I watched as it lifted up, leaving me. Falling. One last scream escaped from my mouth.

"Link!"

Impa was close behind (Y/n), but not enough. She felt the rumbles and heard her scream. She climbed up the mountain as fast as she could. There, she found a darkness as the ground lifted. On the edge was (Y/n), laying crumbled on the ground. Unconscious. She ran over, pulling her away from the darkness. "Somebody help!" She screamed, her voice echoing through the hills. (Y/n)'s arm was the wrong way, obviously broken from trying to catch herself. She had blood oozing from the back of her head. "(Y/n), wake up." Impa whispered, shaking her body. Paya and a few other villagers had rushed to them. They saw (Y/n) and Impa, taking (Y/n) and helping Impa down the hill.

They laid her on a medical bed as they wrapped her arm and her head wound. She seemed to be breathing fine, but whatever happened knocked her out cold. "Grandma, what happened?" Paya asked softly. "(Y/n) was watching the horses, and then it looked like she went to visit the Great Fairy. I wasn't far behind, but then the ground began to rise and," Impa sucked in a breath. "I heard her scream. I've... never heard her scream like that." She whispered fearfully. "We have to find Link. We have to let him know (Y/n)'s been injured." Her arm was broken, and they thought some of her ribs might've as well. Her head... oh goddess her head. They worried. (Y/n) rested peacefully and Impa watched over her, with baited breath. A letter for Link was sent out to Purah, where Impa was informed Link and Zelda were missing.

"Link, your wife needs you." Impa whispered, holding (Y/n)'s good hand. (Y/n) woke up in the night, gasping for water. She was given it and immediately fell back into a slumber. Her eyes rolling back and her body slumping. After another day, she awoke. Confusion danced in her eyes, and she squinted around.

—

-

—

"Where am I?" I breathed out, my eyes fluttering as they adjusted to the sights around me. My chest hurt, my arm hurt and my head was hammering. I groaned, closing my eyes tightly. It felt like someone was taking a stick and slamming it into my skull. "(Y/n), you're awake." An old woman sitting beside my bed squeezed my shoulder. I looked at her, tilting my head. "You're in my house." The woman whispered. I looked at her with wide eyes, nodding slowly. "(Y/n)? You look pale." I leaned back, sucking in a breath. The urge to vomit was strong, but I knew I could hold it back. I was fine.

"Can... can I have something to write with?" I asked softly. "Of course. Are you sure you're feeling okay?" I nodded slowly. "Yes. I am." I clenched my right hand, feeling tingling building it's way up my wrist. "Goddess, what did I do to this hand?" I asked. The woman was searching for something for me, and came back with a book and a pen. "Did you injure it during your fall as well? We couldn't find anything broken. Just your nerve damage." I blinked, staring at my hand. A ring sat on my finger. "I... I'm... married? I have nerve damage? I fell?" I whispered to myself.

Where was I?

Who was that?

When... when did I get married?

She placed the book and pen in my lap. I nodded a thanks, taking it and using my bad arm to hold open the page. "(Y/n)?" The woman whispered. I refused to look at her. Shame washed through me. "I'm sorry... I don't know who you are." I said quietly. The woman seemed to still. "I see." She squeaked. She watched me for a moment before patting my arm. "It's alright, dear. Rest. We'll talk later." I nodded and stared down at the pages of the book. Empty. Blank.

Dear Journal,

Who am I?

"Paya." Impa hissed, grabbing her granddaughter's arm. "We need to talk." Paya turned to Impa. "What is it?" She asked softly. "Go inside and introduce yourself to (Y/n). She'll be less scared with someone who she thinks is her age." Impa urged. Paya made a face. "What are you talking about?" She asked. Impa shook her head, her grip tightening on Paya's arm. "Do what I say, now. As your grandmother, listen to me." Paya swallowed before opening the door to Impa's home, finding (Y/n) staring at the book in her lap.

—

-

—

"Hello there. I heard your name is (Y/n). I'm Paya, the leader of this village you're in. Kakariko." I stared at the girl who wandered in. She may be a bit younger than me, but she was comforting. "Oh. Okay." I murmured. "It's nice to meet you." Paya smiled softly and looked at my journal. "What are you writing there?" I looked at it and sighed. "I need to get my feelings out somehow. I... don't know anyone who I can talk to about my feelings. Am... do you know me?" I whispered. Paya looked at me carefully. "Maybe." She murmured. "Why?" I sighed and looked down at my journal. "I wake up, shirtless and wrapped in bandages. A strange woman beside me holding my hand, and a ring on my finger. My head is pounding, it hurts to sit up and... I can't remember anything. My head hurts so bad." I whispered.

Paya sat beside me, looking into my eyes. "I know a friend who went through something similar. That woman is Impa. She's my grandmother. She's a very kind and gentle woman, who helps anyone in need. We found you and figure you'd fallen. Taken a big hit too. We have a friend who would be more than willing to help you with your memory loss. He's suffered through it as well, and he's the kindest and most genuine man I know. He'll take you around Hyrule with him. It'll be an adventure. Does that sound like something you'd want?" Paya asked softly. I thought for a moment, slowly nodding. "I think I'd like that. What's his name?" I asked. "Link. His name is Link."

—

-

—

"She doesn't remember anything. Or anyone." Paya said shakily, stepping out of the house. She slowly broke down into tears in front of Impa. "Grandma, what are we going to do? How are we going to tell Link?" Paya whispered. Impa held her granddaughter, pain flowed through her. She began to cry as well, holding Paya close. "My dear... I don't know." She whispered. "I don't... know."

—

-

—

"Linky!" Purah gasped, seeing the man again for the first time. Link stood in front of her, his arm was different and he looked disheveled. She helped him, and before she set him out on the task of the four villages. "Your wife..." She whispered softly. "(Y/n).. there's been an accident." Link snapped his head to Purah.

"What?"

[cloudninetonine]

Hey so as you guys know I've been playing Tears

So I finally decided to write something for it!

WARNING TO EVERYONE, MAJOR TEARS OF THE KINGDOMS SPOILERS DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED!!!

“I need to reach my friend!”

The world that was once Wild’s Hyrule had changed- drastically. Not anymore did the guardians lay dormant, nor did the Sheikah towers stand tall- the Divine Beasts had been laid to rest and while the lands stayed the same, the skies seemed to become home to more than the native Islander hawk.

Changed for better or for worse, you didn’t quite know. The growling patches of gloom circling chasms to a world beneath the surface wasn’t really all that fun to you- nor were the claws of concentrated evil that crept up from nowhere to try and snatch you without a second thought. But to see how Hyrule seemed to prosper with more life. The settlement by the castle was bigger now, a fort that stood proud to the floating pinnacle that was Hyrule castle and with more warriors seasoned to fight for the place that was their home.

Purah was amazed to see you again and you didn’t know how to feel about being smaller than her now.

Felt wrong in the more comedic sense.

All across the land you had come to find new people, make new friends! Tulin had grown so much! As had Riju! Sidon’s finacée, Yona her name, was a beautiful and cute manta ray! (Never in your life had you been jealous about both partners of a relationship that badly) Paya was now chief! Yunobo had a beard! And you had met the most amazing Rito reporter named Penn! A man who had named your new best friend in these trying times.

And trying times they were- you had no idea how you were keeping up with Wild. A little older now, an inch or two taller with a stronger build and more of an mature edge to him- well, that’s what you thought when you first woke up here in Lookout Landing, a teary eyed Wild looking down at you before he near crushed you underneath his weight, Flora just as teared and happily embracing you once you were finally stood.

You had no idea what happened, not how you got here nor where the rest of the Chain were- but you were glad you at least had the Champion by your side.

Sometimes.

This time was one of those times you were ready to toss him.

“If you connect that fucking rocket to that baby’s backpack I will shove a bomb flower down your throat.” Rauru’s hand was glowing with power, frozen along with the Zonai rocket it was lifting as you stood just a few paces away. “I mean it, Link, if you send them flying we’re duking it out.”

You looked so intimidating with the Glide suit, you just knew it. (Oh internal dialogue, how sarcastic you could be)

The korok shook, little sniffles catching your ears as they gazed at the device just inches away from being glued to the material of their rucksack before sighing in relief as the rocket was dropped with a heavy thud just beside them, Wild turning with an ‘oh-so-innocent’ smile. 

“They need to reach their friend-” He pointed a thumb behind him, “A few hills over- I was just helping.”

You frowned “I don’t know what happened while you were away but you’ve become more sadistic.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You never do.” Both sharing a look, you shook your head. “Hand them over to me, I’ll get them to their buddy.”

Wild’s hand fell to his hip, watching you waddle over excitedly as he side stepped, your hands out in a grabby motion as the small forest child threw their little stubby hands up with an excited “Guide!” that made your heart soar as you hauled them into the air with a similar excited “Forest baby!”

“You know we still need to get to Rito village- it’ll get dark by the time we arrive if we do this.”

“Don’t care, forest babies come first.”

He smirked, “Koroks are older than you.”

“Your mum.”

“Very mature.”

“Who are you, Twilight?” A pang went through your heart. “Ah, no, sorry that was rude-”

Wild’s face had curled in a more comedic way when you turned to look at him, sour and betrayed in the way the skin folded. “Am I really turning into him?”

Pausing, you looked him up and down- “I mean…you kinda do remind me of him right now.”

Wild raised a brow; you grinned. “You remember when Wolfie fell into that bush?”

When you burst into laughter he rolled his eyes, letting out a “hardy-har” while the korok still wiggled happily in the confines of your arms, it’s bag now over your shoulder to relieve some of the weight. (You focused on the spirit and missed the way the Champion desperately pawed at the sticks in his flowing hair)

“I’m not going with you this time- we’ve already lost a lot of hours.” Crossing his arms, the blonde continued. “If you go I’ll head towards the village.”

You shurgged. “Alright, I’ll see you there.”

The Champion narrowed his eyes. “I’m serious, (Name).”

“I’m sure you are.”

“...I don’t like your tone.”

Clearing your throat, you raised it an octave. “I’m sure you are!”

Wild did not laugh when you did.

If there was one thing you knew about the Champion it was that he was attached to your side. Stuck stronger than the fuse of the Zonai magic, the blonde followed you around like a Hylian retriever followed those that held food towards them. If you strayed too far, he would get you, if you paused mid journey, he paused, there was so many occasion that something had caught your eye mid ride on one of the many vehicles he had created and the man would slow down to let you go study it- lest you hop off, something you had almost done once when he refused to stop.

You really did appreciate all he did, you knew he had a lot on his mind, but with all that was happening didn’t you both deserve to have some moments not caught up the drama of the end of the fucking world???

“I’ll see you in a little bit!” Daylight was falling and it would be harder to find the campfire smoke in the night. “Keep the bed in the inn warm for me, pretty boy!”

And thus began your hike. Your little companion happily chattering your ear off as you walked away from the hero, hearing his heavy sigh and impatient foot tapping loose volume the further and further you got.

You had made it past the first hill, Wild’s form out of your sight as you glanced back when the sound out wheels caught your attention. The korok let out a noise of confusion at the strange noise but you merely spared a giggle, standing aside as the beam cycle (minus the beam) slowed to a stop beside you- your hero refusing to look your way as he waited.

“Get on.”

“Aren’t you gonna ask me on a date first?”

He grunted and you gave him the grace to leave him be, being careful balancing the korok in your grasp as you hopped onto the odd bike and wrapped an arm around the man’s waist, another still holding the forest spirit tight. 

“You ready?”

“Aye, aye, captain.”

You missed the small smile that grew on his face, the Zonai devices lighting up with its phantom green glow as the hero started the machine back up and headed towards the direction of the smoke. Without a second thought, you gently kissed his nape, unable to reach his cheek and nuzzled into his back with a relaxed hum.

Wild straightened proudly.

“You still have sticks in your hair.”

“Don’t ruin this for me.”

[only-gooberstins]

Since you asked for TotK character requests... How about a Chief Paya?

I've shockingly never drawn Paya before! hers a little experimental painting of her.. perhaps i will do more in the future. Thank you for the request!

[pinkalmondcake]

It's been a while

Totk Link x reader (requested)

Masterlist

My art café

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Just finished this request now from my wattpad! I hope you enjoy this one and that the person who requested from wattpad enjoys this one too there! ^.^

And thank you so much for 80 followers my sweetlings!! Words cannot describe how much it means to me and that you've all been enjoying my content! It makes me so happy sowjaowj 🥹💖

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warnings: fluff, comfort, cute

‧͙⁺-ˋˏit's been a whileˎˊ˚⁺‧͙

2k+ words

The sounds of chatter filled the quietness of the village that's held between the comfort of its towering mountains as I found myself standing beside chief Paya of the Kakariko Village.

Her hazel eyes gleamed in curiosity and wander at the ring ruin that lay between the peaks of the towering, rocky hills - her whitened hair billowing in the slight breeze that slithered between the adjacent slopes, "It's a wonder how much objects appeared from nowhere...as though they were here all along but were hidden from plain sight." Her words were soft as though she were lost in thought, before she turned to me with a smile, "I'm sorry for dragging you out here so early in the morning, y/n, but I couldn't contain the excitement and fear. But I worry for Master Link...this copy of Zelda should be impossible. Perhaps that Zelda is the Demon King in disguise...a terrifying thought."

I slightly frowned at that, feeling my fingers tighten themselves around the journal I held to my chest before glancing down at the sketches and notes that I made for Dr. Calip - my eyes narrowing, "Perhaps it is the Demon King, but if he were as strong as he was back then...then he would've done a lot more harm than spread rumours around Hyrule in the disguise of our Princess. But Chief Paya if I may..."

I turned to her with a smile upon my face as I tilted my head, watching her eyes blink curiously at me, "I believe that Link will stop whatever is happening. I believe in him. And now, for the Zonai ruins...perhaps they were always here and we just couldn't see them, as you said", my smile brightened at the thought of the Zonai technology while I turned to face Tauro and Dr. Calip murmured away beneath the shadow of the ruins as they made their way up the built passageway, "the Zonai technology is far more complicated than that of the Sheikah or perhaps the Sheikah themselves were inspired by the Zonai long ago and their magic."

Paya hummed in thought before she closed her eyes with a smile spreading across her lips, "I believe Master Link can defeat him. And perhaps our lineage goes back further than we though...", her voice trailed off at the sound of a horse neighing, causing our eyes to stare at the steed slow down to a trot - my smile widening into a grin at the sight of the rider who comes towards us.

"Link!"

I tried my best to contain my excitement at the sight of him dismounting his deep, brown steed, my eyes finding themselves staring at his new found champions tunic that graces his figure in a way his tunic of memories never could - my eyes softening at the way he gave us a warm nod and small smile, his own crystalline eyes staring at me for a second longer before turning to greet Paya, "Chief Paya, I bring news from Dragonhead Island."

My lips parted in excitement and interest as he continued, "it lead me to the depths in the end, where I eventually found the fifth sage", his eyes glanced down at the material of his arm as he raised it, admiring the rings that adorned his new-found fingers before slightly frowning at the site...my own fingers subconsciously reaching out to his, placing his palm against my own, "Extraordinary...", I whispered, "I have seen your arm from close but never this close before..."

My eyes widened as I quickly and gently placed his arm down with my free hand, my other hand closely holding my journal to my chest - my eyes staring at Paya with an apology beaming through my irises, "Sorry...I got a little carried away", I mumbled in embarrassment, my eyes staring at Link with a slight nod and small smile, "I'll leave you two to discuss how to approach the next step."

"There are no more steps to take, we've already climbed the last one, Chief Paya."

I stared at him, searching his blue eyes in hope it hasn't come to the...ending yet, "The final..." Paya bowed her head at him, "I suppose it is...have you spoken to my Purah?" Link nodded, "I have", his eyes quickly staring into my own before darting back to Paya who sighs with a smile, "I see...I'll give you two some time." Link gave her a nod as she turned around, his left hand intertwining with my own, allowing the warmth of his skin to pulse against my own, "Come with me...y/n", his voice was the quietest I've heard in a long time - my heart quickening in the apprehension for the meaning of this all.

"Link...", I whispered before nodding, "okay."

Quietly, he led me towards the Goddess statue where leaves of every colour lay scattered around it and the little pool that ripples from the soft breeze that sways across our skin, and with that, he sat down to face the cleaned statue made from the finest of stone - his fingers tugging down onto my own in hopes I'd sit down with him.

I could only playfully roll my eyes with a huff as I lowered myself down beside him, his fingers never once leaving my own while his eyes closed with a smile, feeling the way the awakening sun kissed his skin, "Thank you... it's been a while though, hasn't it?", he whispered into the breath of the atmosphere around us, "I...missed you." My cheeks could only redden as my journal rests in my lap - my fingers tightening around his own, "I missed you too."

"Good."

I rolled my eyes at him while his own slightly opened with a small smirk gracing his moistened lips before I huffed, "Actually, I'll take that back. I didn't miss you." He scoffed, shaking his head as his sandy-golden hair splashed itself against his forehead - my eyes softening at the sight of his childlike attitude that he's kept hidden for so long.

A sight that warms my heart in a way I never thought it could.

I could only inwardly sigh in content, allowing my head to rest against his shoulder before fiddling with his fingers in mine, "It has been a while, you've been so busy at the Lookout Landing while Princess Zelda was aiding in building the school...both your hearts are far too pure yet you both carry the burdens that was bestowed upon you...I wish there was a way fo ease the pain that's been there for longer than a hundred years", I delicately whispered, afraid that I'd shatter the peacefulness that envelopes us like a warm blanket upon a winter's evening...a thought that made me smile in a sad-like nostalgia.

His fingers tightened themselves around my own, his other hand resting upon them both as his body relaxed into the warmth I offered - his breathing quiet and soft, "But you already do...you always have." He sighed, placing his head against my own while my other hand began to fiddle and twirl around the odd rings that adorned his new fingers, my eyes closing at the sensation while he continued, "...And I wouldn't change it for the world." I felt my lip slightly quiver at the vulnerability of his voice and heart, "I wouldn't change it either..." Link chuckled at that, "I know. And be careful not to play with the sage's rings too much now, wouldn't want to upset their powers do you?"

I could feel him practically grin against me. "Yeah, yeah, I won't", I playfully scoffed before snuggling into the skin of his neck, "I'm trying my best to contain my excitement about their powers and how they fit into the rings but I don't want to bother you with my questions when we only have so much time together." Link shook his head, separating himself from me before turning to smile at me, "It's through sacred stones, a place holder made to contain their power but how it works...I'm not exactly too sure as the arm itself contains some sort of power that I can feel."

His bright, blue eyes found themselves staring down at the tangled fingers of our hands before slightly frowning, "but I can summon the sages' power at my own, allowing their abilities to aid me against powerful enemies though I'm still used to the whole ordeal." He shook his head, turning to me with a grin, "and I haven't used them much seeing I'm strong enough." He proudly lifted his chin at that, puffing out his chest in enthusiasm as I laughed, trying to hide my face in his shoulder before shaking my own head at that, "Of course you are. The strongest of them all", I teasingly smirked at that...my eyes trailing up towards the orange painted sky, feeling the way time itself seems to slow down whenever I'm in the comfort of his presence...a soft smile making its way across my lips, "What else do you know of the Zonai...if you don't mind me asking?"

He hummed in thought, his fingers leaving my own, only for his arm to wrap around my shoulders to pull me into the softness of his comfort, "Many things, but once this is all over...we can go check out the Faron region and I'll show you the Zonai ruins there and the peculiar outfit I had obtained from it - if you're interested of course." I could hear the playfulness drip into the silkiness of his voice, allowing my excitement bubble up, "Really? You would...you would take me there?"

I quickly sat up, removing myself from his grasp as my eyes and smile widened - my hands grabbing onto his own and shaking them in happiness, "Thank you, thank you! Oh Hylia, I can't wait!" And with that, I wrapped my arms around him as tightly as I could while he chuckled with a small nod, "Yes...I'd like to and when I was there with Tauro and Dr. Calip, all I could think about was you and how you'd react to such a sight." His voice was above a whisper, his eyes hooded in an emotion I couldn't exactly describe or pin point, my head tilting as my blush could only deepen, "Thank you, Link...this really means a lot me", I shyly mumbled before delicately pressing a kiss to his own reddening apple of his cheeks.

"I, uhm, you're welcome...?", he spoke as though he were in a daze, his fingers coming up to brush the spot on his cheek where my lips had graced his skin - a playful chuckle slipping past my mouth, "I'm sorry, I couldn't contain myself..." He turned to me with a hazy look spilling across his face while a lazy smile spread across his face, "It's fine...I, uhm, I liked it and if you want...we...we could consider that our first date? If you want to of course because I, er", his voice trailed off as his eyes wondered off to glance around the village - avoiding my own while doing so.

My own cheeks darkened, my eyes widening at the slight confession he just placed upon me, his fingers tightening themselves around me - his ears slightly drooping at the silence that now spilled between us, but before he could say anything else, I placed a quick kiss upon his nose, only to sit back while bashfully nodding in eagerness, "Yes! Yes...I'd like that...a lot." I grinned at him while his eyes were half-lidded and a smile spread upon his lips, "Great. A date it is...our first date." I chuckled, "Yes...so you better come back in one piece."

"I will...for you I will do anything."

My breath hitched, "...And I will do anything for you too."

"Good", he whispered, before leaning in, his lips now gently brushing against my own, "It really has been a while..."

[sunnytobio]

nintendo really went out of their way to eliminate all other link pairings so you KNOW that zelink is canon without confirming it. mipha? DEAD! sidon? ENGAGED! paya? CHIEF! AND TAURO?! zelink deniers found dead in a ditch

[winkle-pickers]

I’m so late: paya

PAPAYAAAAAA 😭

God I just love her lol. I love her and Impa's "GRANDMA YOU'RE EMBARRASSING ME" dynamic in BOTW, and I love their "OK kiddo you're in charge now" "WHAT?????" dynamic in TOTK. I like her even more retroactively in BOTW now that I've gotten to know her post-timeskip. She's SO cool!! I teared up a little the first time I got to Kakariko in TOTK and saw her with her chief hat on!! So fucking proud!! It's the growth, man!!

Also I think it's such a neat little thing that they gave her a little parallel but contrasting storyline to Princess Zelda - young women who take their leadership responsibilities seriously, but are also big nerds at heart who just want to look at old rocks in the dirt. And it's really kind of sweet and sad that whereas for Zelda it was this huge thing that defined her entire childhood, for Paya it's like "ugh grandma is nagging me about this AGAAAIIINNN" which shows how secure she is in both Impa and herself.

P.S. Very, very funny that Impa was giving Paya shit for being too into the Zonai ruins because CLEARLY THAT RUNS IN THE FAMILY YOU CRAZY OLD HOT AIR BALLOON ENTHUSIAST, WHERE DID YOU THINK THAT CAME FROM. Even funnier that the fandom lost their shit over Tauro but canonically Paya doesn't really seem to care that much about him, she's more into the actual ruins and he's just kind of a beefy walking dictionary to her. Bless.

[7th-sage-illustrations]

My rendition of Paya 🤍 💙❤️Chief of Kakariko Village

[link-is-a-dork]

Paya

Chief of Kakariko Village

[totkdaily]

Day 41: Trouble in Kakariko Village

At dawn, I head out again from Dueling Peaks Stable. It's a gorgeous morning.

As I ride up the hill I see Naydra flying almost out of the sunrise over the hills towards the peaks. Stunning. 

I check the secluded area past the rocks up the hill for old times' sake - there used to be a monster camp there. But now it looks like this is where the Stable Trotters' Beetz is camped.

It's a beautiful outlook here, to be fair.

He's trying to summon bees. He wants honey to make Mastro some honey crepes to cheer him up. He needs three combs of courser bee honey - apparently there's a chasm near Kakariko Village and bees nearby - so why's he camped here, so far from the village? Oh. It's scary. Fair enough. I give him some of my honey and let him know the Stable Trotters are actually just down the hill. 

In the pass between the hills, Addison again! How many signs can one guy build? 

There are ruins right by the village entrance. Letty and Totsuna are investigating. They point to one down the hill, which apparently the Princess has forbidden entrance to. I sense shenanigans. Letty and Totsuna want to be part of the Zonai Survey Team, and they think pinching parts of the ruins for personal study is the way to go about it. 

Garshon is riding out of town, and says we met at New Serenne Stable. He got sick of his brother's arguing about swords and beasts - ah, I remember! - and went off to explore caves and ruins himself. He's got a good memory for faces - it must be nearly a month since I saw him.  

At the top of the village, Lasli is worried about her grandmother - and Claree, who runs the clothing shop. I remember her - I hope I have enough gems to trade for some sneaking clothes. Lasli's grandmother got too close to the Gloom and is sick.

The only thing she can eat is porridge made of hylian rice, fresh milk and wild greens - and Lasli needs a porridge that will cure gloom sickness. I have the sundelion I think will do the trick, but no rice and milk.

I'll come back. There used to be a grocery shop at the bottom of the hill.

Ruins have fallen on the house opposite the clothing shop. Wasn't that Dorian and his daughters' house? I hope they're alright!

Part of the ruin is being used as some kind of workshop - Wortsworth is here, from Lookout Landing. He's translated the tablet that landed at Lookout Landing - it reads:

"Once held in honor as 'hochmayde' (handmaid?) to King Rauru and Queen Sonia, thereafter to his sister and to Princess Zelda. Here on this great stone and twelve more 'withalle make y endite min time' with the royal family. So might 'heore' remembrance preserve for the sake of him on whom our hope rests."

The author says she wrote 13 stone tablets in total about the Royal family. I wonder if more of them will mention Zelda? Wortsworth reckons she's a chambermaid of some kind. 

Wortsworth thinks Zelda's mention proves the name is as old as Hyrule - which is, I suppose, technically true. He'll reward me for pictures of any other stone tablets - though the translation will be reward enough for me. 

I visit the clothing shop. 5000 rupees for the stealth chest guard?? I may not have enough gems after all. How can they be so much more expensive? 

Claree is Lasli's older sister - ah. They want the money for their grandmother's treatment. That's fair enough, but I can't afford it. I might be able to gather the ingredients they need, though.

I just need to register the shrine here, and then I can nip back to Lookout Landing for the supplies I need. 

I visit the Goddess statue for stamina first. Koko is selling ring garlands in the square - very sweet. She's grown since I saw her last.

Then I head to the Chief's House. Impa's away looking for geoglyphs, so who's running things here? 

Dorian's guarding the Chief's House. He says Paya is in charge? Well, it's Lady Paya now. But the last time I saw her she could barely speak to anyone.

Dorian has been assisting her, for which I'm glad. But he says all she thinks about is the ring ruins. He asks me to speak to her, to try to remind her of her other duties. 

I squelch through the rain to meet her - she's talking with Tauro. She doesn't seem confident in being chief… I suppose she had no choice when Impa left. 

I have to tell her that the Princess is still missing. But Paya says she's seen her? Immediately after the Upheaval? She confirms what Letty and Totsuna said - the Princess has forbidden anyone to investigate one of the five ring ruins.

I can't imagine Zelda forbidding research. And it just doesn't make sense. Surely this is the imposter's work? She left suddenly once she'd delivered the instruction, which is a pattern I'm beginning to recognise from the imposter. 

Paya and Tauro agree it doesn't make sense, but they say that the Princess must have had a reason, so we still can't go up there - annoying. 

Calip of the Survey Team is guarding the ruins and won't let me even walk beneath them - does that mean people can't even visit the graves that lie beyond? That's unreasonable.

I think of Koko and her sister, and their mother's grave. Paya has to see sense. 

In the Chief's House, I find a journal of anonymous worries. Someone only finds comfort sleeping on the stone slabs in the ring ruins - weird. Lasli wants to know how to cure Gloom sickness - I know why. Monsters have appeared at one of the ring ruins out west - Drenja from the Zonai Survey Team needs help. Trissa can't find where the cuccos are laying, so the stores and the village are running low. Cottla - sorry, Not Cottla - has found a secret base for her and her mother - presumably because she's not allowed to visit her mother's grave. 

A litany of concerns and worries. All ignored. How could Impa abandon these people? How could Paya not see that they need her?

I find Purah's diary under Paya's bed - what's it doing there? She says she's hiding volumes of her diary around - she must have begun this before the Upheaval, I can't imagine she'd bother now. She writes that there's one in her own room. One at the Hateno Lab. One here. Where's the fourth? 

Paya's Diary of a Chief is on the desk, so I read that too. She writes of the swiftness with which Impa made her chief and left her to it. Dorian was concerned but said nothing to stop it. She documents the Upheaval, the fall of the ring ruins and the opening of the chasm. It was after that that Impa left. She had been reading a book with eleven symbols - are there that many geoglyphs? Or is this something else?

She says the Zelda who visited was "like a doll of herself… the same outside, but no spirit within." The description chills me. Others have said that they've seen a cold, emotionless Zelda. Surely this is the imposter. The Princess I know has always been warmth personified.

Paya believes the village has been reinvigorated by the ring ruins, research and tourism. How can I make her see the truth? Her people need her.

I head back outside. Letty and Totsuna are sheltering from the rain in the inn. The guy behind the counter, Dai, briefly tries to charge me 10,000 rupees for a bed - but quickly reveals he doesn’t work here. The owner left to make up the Survey Team’s beds and hasn't come back. There’s four camp tents around the village, so he could be anywhere. If I see a sleepy guy, Dai asks me to send him back to the inn to take over. Fine.

Outside, I meet Bugut. He’s come to see the ring ruins, and specifically the stone slabs with writing on, but he’s deathly afraid of heights. I’ll get him some photos. 

The weather clears at dusk. Trissa, in the produce store, says the old guys who stock it are busy driving off monsters - is this related to the call for help from the Zonai Survey Team I read in the Chief’s House? Probably - she says to head west to find them. 

I climb the hill to start heading to the shrine, finally, and find the Southern Ring Ruin Research Camp - complete with journal by Cori. They’ve found sundelions here and are cultivating them in the plum orchard. They’ve also found a Device Dispenser, which baffles them but is very useful for me. 

I take the scaffolding up the hill for a better gliding point to the shrine - and of course, by that point I might as well go and check out the ring ruins. Tauro’s left some translation notes from this ring: 

“There were (those) known as sages...who protect(ed the kingdom) of Hyrule from the Demon King together (with) King (Rauru).”

Nothing new there. But I do wonder if the others contain any new information. 

I glide down to the shrine, and spend the rest of the night solving it.

[angryskeletonnoises]

'I'm so happy I get to see you again!'

Just a doodle. I might mess with it some more.

[angry-trashcan]

For Her

Part 1

3.6K words

Her hand was cold on his arm. He felt her tighten her grip slightly as the old woman in front of them spoke. The crowd at the bottom of the steps was excitedly listening to her, waiting in anticipation for the news. With every word the old woman spoke the young woman seemed to shake a bit more nervously. Link looked over to meet her gaze.

“It will be alright.” He whispered quietly. Though this did nothing to calm her nerves.

“And that is why, today, I will be passing on leadership of the village to my granddaughter, Paya. I believe that you all will be in safe and welcoming hands with her guidance.” The old woman, Impa, announced to the crowd. With this news the crowd broke out in all sorts of cries. Some happy, some not so much.

“Along with my granddaughter as chief, I hope that you accept her new husband, the hero Link, as a faithful companion to her and this village!” The crowds cheers turned clearer as Impa stepped aside, allowing Paya and Link to walk forward.

This scene reminded him of something long past, though it was with another.

Paya was dawned in traditional Sheikah attire, with her new chief hat upon her head. Link had on a royal guards uniform that had been remade to have the Sheikah eye on the front of it, the master sword securely on his back. The newlywed couple stood at the top of the stairs, arms linked together looking down at the crowd of villagers. Her shaking never stopped, and he never offered another reassuring word.

It had been two years since he had awoken in the shrine of resurrection. Two years since he freed the divine beasts. Two years since he brought an end to the calamity. Two years since Princess Zelda fell.

When he slayed the beast in Hyrule field and Zelda emerged from it, she was weak, covered in wounds. The battle was fierce on her body. Though her spirit had held, her body had not.

He caught her as she fell, lowering her to the ground.

“You’ll be okay! It’s going to be okay! We will get you to the shrine!” He cried out, holding her head gently as he started to call his horse over.

“Link,” Zelda whispered quitley, “I, I will not make it that far. But we have done it. You have done it.”

“No! It’s going to be okay!” He started to pick her up to put her on the horse, only causing her to cry out in pain.

“Link, please listen to me.”

He stopped trying to move her and listened to her soft tone. Her words were broken and slow.

“The kingdom, is now safe thanks to you. You, you have saved everyone.” Tears rolled from her eyes, or were they his? He did not know.

“Link, I will always watch over you.”

Those were the princess’s last words as color faded from her eyes. He yelled out, trying to bring her back, trying to bring attention to them. He carried her to the shrine of resurrection. But there was no hope, it was too late.

The princess was dead.

Link and Paya’s marriage was a way of securing relations. Paya needed to wed in order to bear a child to be chief one day. Link’s mother was Sheikah. Along with him being the hero of the Gods, it seemed to be a perfect match. Paya was, of course, infatuated with the swordsman. So it was relatively easy to get her to agree to it. Link didn’t seem to have much to say on the matter, he agreed if it would secure the village’s safety.

“Link?” Paya’s voice snapped him out of his thought. He looked up at her from the other side of the table. “What do you think about what I asked?”

He had no idea what she had just asked, “I think whatever you decide on is perfect.”

She sighed, sinking into her chair. She knew he wasn’t listening but chose to ignore it. “The ceremony was nice today. What did you think?”

He smiled slightly at that, “I agree. It was nice. The village seemed to welcome you and the change.”

“And you of course.”

His smile fell a bit but did not fade away. He really did have a soft spot for Paya. She was a very sweet woman in his eyes. Dare he say he felt love for her. But not in the same way she did for him. And certainly not in the same way he loved the late princess.

“I should get to bed, I have an early morning tomorrow.” Paya rose from her seat and walked past him, stopping only to place a cold hand on his shoulder and squeeze lightly. “Join me when you get tired.” She continued on up the stairs to their shared bedroom.

He sat back in his chair, exhaling and running a hand through his hair. He always wore it down around the house. He looked around the large room. His eyes fell onto the tapestry that predicted the calamity. To Link, it felt like only three years since he traveled with Zelda. Though the years showed on Impa’s face as proof. He decided to take a walk around the village.

It was late as he walked, the town was asleep, only torches lighting the way. He found his way to the Goddess statue. Playing his luck, he walked up to the statue in the pond, got onto his knees, folded his hands, and prayed.

She didn’t answer. She never did these days.

The weeks passed with the same routine. Paya would awake early and Link would already be gone. He wouldn’t return until late, after she had finished her meetings and consultations for the day. They would eat dinner and speak quietly about their days and then go to bed.

Until one night, Link walked up the tall steps to the chief’s home, their home. It was late, later than Paya usually had meetings. Just as he began to open the large door, he heard speaking inside.

“I do believe it would be best, chief. We will assemble a group to go with you. We will leave the day after tomorrow.”

“Yes, I do understand. It is just so sudden. I have not been to Hateno village since I was a child.” Paya stated back to whoever she was speaking with.

This caught Link’s attention, and he made the sudden decision to enter the house.

“Oh! Master Link! I did not know you were here!” Dorian announces.

“No worries, I heard Hateno so I came in. That is my home village so I am interested in what is happening.” Link stated, walking to stand near Paya’s seat in the middle of the room.

Dorian nodded, “The chief must travel there in two days’ time for a ceremony. The mayor of the village has requested her to do so. But you need not worry, we are assembling a group of a least ten warriors to guide her.”

Link raised his hand, signaling him to stop. “No need. I will escort her myself.” Paya’s eyes widened at this. Dorian scoffed.

“Master Link, while I do understand, we have customs that must be-“

“Dorian, I am, was, the princess of Hyrule’s personal guard. I believe I can escort my wife on a day’s trip.” The words caught on his tongue as he said them.

“It’s decided.” Paya spoke up, red in the face. “He will escort me. You are dismissed.”

Dorian simply bowed and exited, too flabbergasted to say another word. Once the door closed behind him Paya let out a breath.

“Thank you, I- I was having a hard time with that.”

Link nodded. “I’ll, I’ll always be here to support you.”

The rest of the night carried on as usual. They had their dinner together in quiet conversation and went to bed.

Two days later they left for Hateno. They left early morning with the sunrise on large horses. Link had the sword on his back. They rode in relative silence for a few hours before she spoke up.

“You seem to know this path well. When did you leave Hateno?”

He thought for a moment. “I lived there until I was eight. Then I moved to castle town when I became, I knight.”

“You, you became I knight at eight years old?” She was shocked. He simply nodded. “Did your parents support that?”

He stared ahead before answering. “My mother had already passed at that point and my father was a knight himself, so to him it seemed like the only path for me. My sister was just happy to move to a big city.”

This was the first she had heard of his family at all, especially a sister, she decided not to push it. “What if one day you realized you just weren’t meant to be a fighter?”

His eyes shot over to her, she was staring ahead at the road. The memory of that day in the rain came flooding back to him. He could feel the rain on his skin, the way she was watching him from behind. “We should hurry. We don’t want to be late to the welcoming committee.”

The rode the rest of the way in quiet, even as they went through Fort Hateno, she didn’t say anything. She knew this is where it happened.

A group of people met them at the village gates with banners and streamers. Children and adults alike excited to get a look at the village chief. Paya was first embarrassed then overjoyed at this welcoming. They dismounted their horses and she began speaking with the children as they gave her flowers. Link stayed close behind her, making sure not to lose her in the crowd. As they followed the walkway through the village, they came across a house that was a bit bigger than the rest. Someone in the crowd let them know that it was the mayors residence. Link knocked on the door before it was opened by a taller man, allowing them to enter and escape the crowd.

Paya spoke with the mayor for some time about the ceremony and what would take place during it. Link simply stood in the doorway only half listening. He picked up that it would be tomorrow and that there would be plenty of food and they would have their own table. And that they would be staying in Hateno tech lab with Purah. Wonderful, Link thought.

The day grew late by the time they finished their meeting. They made their way up the hill to the tech lab. There Link once again knocked on the door to be greeted by someone who did not look like Purah.

“Linky, it is far too late to have my precious niece out. Get inside right now!” The woman exclaimed, grabbing Paya’s arm and pulling her inside.

Link grabbed the woman’s arm, stopping her. “Who are you?!” He stood between the two women, pulling her arm off of Paya’s.

The woman looked confused before realization fell across it, she began laughing. “Oh! I- I haven’t seen you since- since I aged myself up more!” She laughed some more. “It is me! It’s Purah!” She posed, putting her hand in front of her face, “Check it!” Yeah, it certainly was.

Link let go of her arm, moving out from between them. Paya seemed just as confused. The last time she saw her aunt she was a toddler sized adult making demands. “Aunt Purah, thank you for having us here while we are in town. I hope it isn’t an inconvenience.” Paya bowed slightly to Purah, who raised an eyebrow.

“Who you bowing to, kid? The only one you bow to is the royal family and I don’t see any of them around anymore.” Purah’s word came out before she thought. Both of their eyes shot to Link who simply looked ahead.

“Let’s get inside. Where should I put our bags?” He asked, not looking at her.

She took them inside and showed them to a small room they would be staying in while in town those few days. Once settled in, Paya quickly fell asleep. It seemed like the traveling got to her. Link instead checked to make sure the window was locked securely before going outside for some fresh air. He sat on the edge of the hill, looking out at the village below. The memories kept flooding back. The way her hands were so cold as he held them in the field that day. The way she said his name. The way she knew what was on his mind. The way their lips felt against each other. And for the first time since that day, he cried. He pulled his legs up to his chest and cried into his knees like a kid. He was there in that position for a while before he heard someone coming up behind him. He quickly wiped his face and resumed looking out at the town.

“It’s a dark night to be out here alone.” Purah said to him. He simply nodded. She sighed. “I miss her too, ya know.”

There was silence as she sat down next to him. “Do you blame yourself for what happened? Because you shouldn’t. There’s nothing you could have done differently.” The silence grew louder. “Link, I wish I could go back in time and change it all too. I wish the old tales were true. I wish we could do something, but unfortunately time travel is out of the picture. Zelda is at peace now; she’s watching over you and would want you to be happy. So maybe you should try to be.”

“Hylia won’t answer me.”

She fell quiet, “What?”

“Hylia won’t answer my prayers. She won’t speak to me. That means I’ve done something wrong.”

“Link, I don’t-“

“I’m her chosen hero. That’s exactly what it means. I’ve always been able to talk to her before. But since that day, since her link to the world was broken.” He exhaled heavily.

She thought for a moment, “Do you think Hylia has left us since her human form has died?”

“I believe it’s a possibility.”

Purah sat back onto her hands. “There are stories, legends of a hero long past who could travel through time.”

Link looked over at her for the first time.

“These are old legends, but the master sword was the key to the power. I will look into it more and give you all that I can find before you leave back to Kakariko.” Purah’s eyes met his.

“I need her back, Purah.”

“I know.”

The ceremony came and went as planned. Paya was ecstatic with the gifts from the children and taught them all how to draw the Shiekah eye. Link smiled watching her though his mind was in a different place. The would leave in the morning, how much had Purah found in only one day?

They entered the lab and Paya was all smiles, holding a basket of flowers and fruits from the children. She started to call out for Purah when she noticed the state of the lab. There was books and notes and scribbles of the master sword everywhere. She set the basket down next to the door and walked towards the desk in the middle of the room, examining some of the notes.

“What- what is all of this?” She whispered to herself. Link was beside himself. Paya was going to catch on.

“We probably shouldn’t mess with her research stuff.” He reassured her, picking up her basket and walking to her. “Let’s get to bed. It’s been a long day and we have to leave early.”

She walked with him to their room, still glancing at the papers. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Purah found him that night in the same spot outside.

“I did it.” She stated firmly.

“What do I need to do?”

“You need to not hurt her, first off.” She was defensive. Of course she was, Paya was her niece.

“If I do this right, no one will even remember this reality that she’s gone, except me.” He sighed.

She sighed with him at the realization. “You don’t have to do this alone.”

“But I do.”

She was quiet for a minute. “In the legend. The hero took the sword to the temple of time and put it into the pedestal there. When he turned it, it reversed time. However, there is no pedestal at the temple of time now. So, I made one.”

He looked up at her with shock in his face.

“When you insert it, turn it clockwise and it will send you back one hundred and two years and six months. That’s six months before the calamity. That’s all I could give you to fix this. But that’s six months to save her.” Purah looked out passed the village towards the castle. “There cannot be two of you in the same time. So, the moment you enter that time, the other you will be erased so its only you. If you come back to this time for any reason, he will come back. Does that make sense?”

Link nodded.

“Where were you at that time? Six months before the calamity?”

He thought for a moment, “Training on the Great Plateau, actually. Away from Zelda and the other champions for a bit.”

“Perfect. I won’t remember any of this, of course, so if something goes wrong during the time travel you are on your own.”

Link stood to meet her height. “Purah, I won’t let you down. I promise you, I will save her.”

“I know you will.”

The journey back to Kakariko was fast. They were greeted by the quiet villagers before retiring home for the night.

They fell into their old routine of a quite dinner. Except this time, they went to bed together. Once he knew she was asleep, he got up out of the bed. And quietly opened the chest across the room. Inside was his champion’s tunic, some traveling boots and bags and a bow and quiver of arrows. He put them all on, tying his hair up as he was done. He grabbed the master sword it’s spot on the wall. As he began to walk to the door, he heard a voice.

“Where are you going.?” Paya sat up in the bed, covering her chest with the blanket.

He closed his eyes tightly, cursing Hylia, not turning to look at her. “Sidon asked me to come visit him and come fishing. I may be gone a week.”

“Why can’t you wait until morning? It’s a dark night.”

“I know, but it’s a long journey.” He still didn’t dare look. He was a bad liar.

She sighed, “Okay, well. I’ll see you when you return. Take care and send him my regards.”

“I will.” He continued out the door.

“I love you.”

He stopped for a moment. “I love you too.”

                The temple of time was more decayed than he remembered it being. He made his way into the main chamber. The roof almost completely gone, foliage overtaking most all of it. He stood in front of the Goddess statue. And one last time, tried to pray. He got on his knees, clasped his hands together, and prayed.

                Goddess Hylia, please hear my words. I know I have done wrong, and I am unsure if I am on the right path to fix it. But I am here and I am going to attempt it. Please let this journey be successful. Please keep Paya safe in this time while I am away.

                She did not answer.

                He put the pedestal that Purah made onto the ground in front of the statue. He slowly drew out the master sword, readying putting it in. He looked around one last time. The decayed temple, the broken pots, the destroyed castle in the distance, the wedding ring he left sitting on the foot of the statue for safe keeping.

                He plunged the sword into the stone, turning it clockwise like Purah instructed. There was a flash, then he saw it all, he watched as the temple was put back together in the blink of an eye, he watched guardians crawl across the land, he saw bokoblins call the building their home, he saw the castle being absorbed in a glowing light. And then, everything was new. Everything was perfect. He slowly drew the sword from the stone and put it onto his back. Walking to the entrance of the temple. He opened the large doors to see the castle in the distance. Castle town booming in front of it. In front of him Soldiers were training and sparing. Laughing when one would fall to the ground. He couldn’t take it all in fast enough.

“Link! Get over here! You think you’re special or something?! You get here late and get to leave tomorrow! You gotta get some sparring in!” A general yelled over at him after noticing him up on the steps.

He nodded going down the steps towards the man. “And I already told you! You ain’t allowed to use that sword! Take it off and leave it here. When you gonna start listenin’ boy?!”

Link was still trying to take it all in. He actually did it. He went back. He could save her. He once again looked at the castle. She was there. If he was leaving tomorrow that means he would see her tomorrow. Zelda, his Zelda.

Next Part

(A/N Thanks for reading! Hope yall enjoyed! Theres gonna be more parts in the future!)