Zelda and Link agreed that their next destination would be Rito Village. It was somewhat far, and they were also in need of a few Rito that could travel Hyrule and spread important news.

They arrived in the late afternoon, when the sun was still shining brightly from above. The still water below was visible, sparkling as the rays of light hit it. Green grass and flowers grew, yet there was a biting chill in the air. Perhaps it was due to the altitude and proximity to the harsh, freezing mountains of the Hebra region.

Zelda immediately hissed from the cold, her cheeks growing red as the air stung her skin. Link quickly opened up the inventory on the Slate, pulling out his Snowquill outfit.

"Wear this." He instructed. "It will help."

"What about you?" She questioned.

"I'll be fine," he shrugged, "we can stop and get you your own set over there."

They made their way over to the shop slowly.

"Last time we were here things were not so pleasant between us. I am glad we have since fixed that." She noted as he nodded his head in agreement.

The two of them entered the clothing shop, Link noticing that they had added a few new sets to their collection.

"Do you want these?" He inquired, motioning to an outfit.

"If it is not an issue." She replied, and he shook his head.

Link brought the clothes to the merchant, forking over the necessary amount of Rupees. He then handed them to Zelda and they promptly left to go change.

"You are shivering." She observed. "Hurry up and get these on."

After they were all set, they ascended the stairs to meet with a friend of Link's.

The white-feathered Rito had just come home from a day at the Flight Range when he was greeted by the princess and her knight.

"Hello, Teba." Link started.

"Link." He replied, a hint of a smile crawling upon his face. "And who is this you have brought?"

"She is Princess Zelda." He proudly announced, "she was here a while ago but perhaps you did not see."

"Oh," Teba paused, lowering himself on his knee. "My apologies."

Zelda smiled.

"There is no need to bow to me. It is a pleasure to meet you." She shook his hand after he was back on his feet. Link cleared his throat.

"We actually.. have something to ask of you."

The two of them proposed their idea to Teba, who seemed very hesitant to accept. He wasn't sure why they needed him specifically, or what good it would do for his village. However, he did not reject the idea. Instead, Link and Zelda dismissed themselves and gave the Rito warrior the rest of the night to think.

The two of them headed down to the inn and purchased a room for the night. By the time they were settled in, the sun was well on its way to dipping below the horizon, the evening sky painted with brilliant reds and oranges. The village was quiet, as the families had all gone into their homes as well. The cool air nipped at their noses and cheeks, but it didn't bother them.

They are some rice and vegetables that Link had thrown together in a nearby cooking pot, then put on their nightclothes. Zelda had begun to settle into the hammock that hung from the ceiling, but then she noticed her knight rolling a mat out onto the floor.

"Why don't you come here?" She asked, sitting up and swinging her legs around so her feet touched the wooden planks below.

"That wouldn't look very good for you. It's not worth the risk." He whispered back.

"It's dark. Nobody can even see. I just want to be close to you." She pressed on. When he didn't respond, she got up and sat next to him. "I suppose I will stay down here, then."

Link smiled, resting his hand on the small of her back.

"If that is what you wish." She leaned into him and kissed his lips, feeling his cold skin. He was silent for a moment. "What if Teba does not accept our offer?"

"He will." She replied, "he is your friend and I know he has faith in you after all you've done for his village. He simply seems a bit... stubborn." She sighed. "It will be alright."

They sat quietly for a moment, Zelda leaning into Link as closely as she could.

"When we send out the messengers tomorrow, shall we also ask them to inform the people of... our relationship?" She inquired.

"I suppose that is long overdue."

"I am ready to stop hiding it. This will be much easier." He grinned, squeezing her hand tightly.

~

The next morning, Zelda woke up on the floor, her back aching bit from sleeping on the wooden planks. However, she looked to her right to see Link still peacefully sleeping there, and she decided that it was worth it.

"Link." She whispered, gently shaking him until his eyes fluttered open. He smiled upon seeing her, and she leaned down and kissed him on the nose.

"Good morning" He greeted her.

"We've got some more negotiating to do." She stated. He sat up and stretched lazily.

The two of them donned their Snowquill clothes, then discussed their plans for the rest of the day. They would be finished in Rito Village soon, which gave them plenty of time to get to the fiery mountains of Eldin, where they would speak with Yunobo.

Zelda and Link climbed the stairs and met Teba at Revali's landing.

"Hello, Teba." The princess said with a smile on her face, "Have you made your decision yet?"

"Yes," The Rito warrior began, "I have chosen to accept your offer. I decided that I owe it to Link, so you can thank him." The princess looked at her knight, wearing a grin that told him that she was incredibly grateful.

"Thank you for your help. I promise that you will not be sorry." Teba nodded. "Link and I will meet you at the Divine Beast, and we can show you how to use it and officially induct you there."

As the Rito flew upwards, the two of them used the Travel Gate to quickly reach Vah Medoh. After a few moments, they saw Teba approach.

Link and Zelda quickly taught the new Champion all that he needed to know about the giant mechanical bird. Teba got the hang of it easily; he was observant and could pick it up in a short amount of time. Then, they performed quick ceremony to name him as the new champion of the Rito tribe. After they were all finished, the hero and princess headed off to speak with the Rito elder.

There they requested a number of Rito messengers. They explained that they needed to employ fast moving workers who could spread messages, collect taxes, and deliver mail, helping to unite the people. Kaneli supported their plan, assuring that he would send them out shortly. Zelda and Link had also scrawled out two messages that were to be told everywhere:

The Princess of Hyrule has returned and taken back her throne. The government will be functional again shortly, and is also looking for new employees and soldiers.

And secondly,

The Princess's appointed knight is now officially courting Her Majesty.

The tips of Zelda's ears turned red as she handed the messages over and hoped that Kaneli would not say anything. She was relieved at his silence.

Link and Zelda promptly left, going to gather their things. As they did so, the princess began to giggle.

"What is it?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Courting is such an understatement. That notice we are sending out is quite humorous." Link's lips twisted into a crooked grin.

"You're right." He chuckled.

Then, she pulled out the Slate, tapping on the shrine near Goron City.

~

They arrived in the city, where it was hot enough to see embers floating through the air. Link opened the inventory on the Sheikah Slate, putting on his Flamebreaker Armor and taking out a Fireproof Elixir, handing the potion to Zelda.

"Drink this," He instructed, "I would let you wear my outfit but frankly, I don't think you would want to." She laughed, looking at her knight in his ridiculous, bulky armor.

"You are quite right."

The two of them quickly located Yunobo, who was quite flustered upon seeing them. After they proposed their scheme to the young Goron, he grew even more nervous. However, he was also honored to be chosen and quite fond of Link, so he hesitantly accepted the position.

The three of them headed towards Vah Rudania, and taught Yunobo how to operate the machine. The Goron was a bit clumsier than the others had been, however he was optimistic and kept his head up. Link and Zelda assured him that he would get the hang of it in no time.

They quickly named him Champion, and with that their work was done. Yunobo was informed of the meeting that would be held at the end of the week, and then Link and Zelda were off to their next destination.

They arrived in Zora's Domain and Link immediately put on his Hylian tunic and trousers. The two of them found Prince Sidon wandering around the Domain, and they were greeted with his trademark grin. He gave the princess and knight a giant, strong hug and earnestly said hello to them.

"What brings you two here?" He excitedly asked.

"Link and I need your help." Zelda explained.

"I am sure I can be of aid! What do you need help with?" He questioned.

"It is time that we appoint new Champions of each race, and we have chosen you. You already know how to operate the Divine Beast, so it will all go over smoothly. Are you in?"

"Of course I am!" He cheered.

They promptly named Sidon as the new Zora Champion, which was all of the work they had to do in the Domain. By then, the sun had only just began to slip downwards toward the horizon.

"I suppose we can return to the castle, then." Zelda suggested.

"I think I have an idea that you may like more."

"Oh, really?"

Link nodded, opening up the map on the Slate. He tapped on a shrine, careful not to show the princess. The two of them were immediately transported to the Akkala region. All around them was a beautiful array of colors bathed in waning sunlight. To their right, there were glistening waterfalls flowing into a nearby lake. Zelda gasped.

"What a lovely surprise!" She marveled at their surroundings, "and what is that place?" She pointed to a circular area of land below. "I don't recall there ever being a town here!"

"That is because it is new. It's called Tarrey Town, and I helped to build it." Zelda beamed at him. "We can stay the night here, and in the morning speak with some people we may be able to employ at the castle."

"That sounds wonderful. But, how will we get there before dark?"

"We'll use my paraglider, of course." Zelda's eyes widened, and he noticed her change in expression. "Or, if you don't want to, we could just walk there."

But then the princess's look of fear transformed into a smirk.

"This will be more fun. Are you sure it can hold the both of us up, though?" She questioned, and Link paused.

"No, I guess I don't know that. But we could test it. How about we jump from that hill over there? It's not a very far fall."

The two of them stood atop the small hill.

"Here... just get onto my back and hold on tightly." Zelda did as instructed. Link got as much of a running start as he could while supporting another person, then pulled out the paraglider. To his relief, the two of them soared through the air for a few feet before hitting the grass.

"It works!" She exclaimed. "Let's go!"

Link stood at the edge, facing the town below. Just as she had before, Zelda held onto him, staring off of the edge.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes."

Then, he jumped, opening up the paraglider in midair. And just like that, they were soaring to Tarrey Town. Zelda shrieked in excitement as they sailed through the air, feeling the wind whip through her hair. Link laughed, realizing that she wasn't used to this like he was. He felt her arms and legs tighten around him as they neared their destination. He held on as they slowly floated down to the ground below. His feet hit the grass, and a moment later Zelda's did as well. She clapped her hands, laughing with enjoyment.

"That was thrilling!" She exclaimed, eliciting a grin from Link.

The two of them headed over to the inn to get a room for the night. Luckily, Link could stay there for free, since he had helped so much with the construction of the town. Kapson, the Zora who kept the inn, greeted him kindly. After a brief conversation with the innkeeper, Zelda and Link headed up the stairs and into their room.

"This room is certainly more... private than the rooms in Rito Village." Zelda noted, shutting the door behind her.

"Much warmer, too." Link added, thinking back to the rooms in the open air that they'd been in the previous evening.

"So... you helped to build this place?" She asked, taking her things and setting them on the floor.

"Well, sort of. Hudson-- who works for Bolson Construction, was in charge and he had me bring him bundles of wood and a few extra helping hands."

"Still... that is wonderful." She smiled, strolling over to the window. Looking below, she could see the centerpiece of the town: a pool of water with a pillar and a goddess statue seated in the middle. The lamp posts had been lit and they gave off dim light, soft halos glowing around the calm flames. A few residents were still out, ambling along under the stars. She turned back to Link.

"I love it here." She stated. He grinned as she absentmindedly took his hand, entangling her fingers with his.

After they settled in, the two of them ate a meal that the inn provided, then drowsily prepared themselves for bed.

When they laid down to rest, Zelda stayed close to Link. He lazily played with her hair and she let out a contented sigh. Looking into his blue eyes, she felt warm and happy. She buried her head into his chest and he wrapped an arm around her, savoring the warmth and softness of her skin.

As the two of them started to fall asleep, Zelda thought back to what she had said the other night. That they had plenty of time to worry about being married. While it was true that they could wait, she didn't want to. There was nothing she desired more than being officially bound to him. She was growing impatient with each day that he said nothing.

Was it fair to him? Or to either of them? She knew that she was scaring him with the idea of such an important role, but she couldn't quite comprehend why that stopped him from being as sure as she was. Sometimes, she felt tired of waiting for him.

However, as she looked up at his face, eyes closed as he slept peacefully, she knew that he was the only one for her, and she was his. If she gave him some more time, she had no doubt in her mind that he would choose to be with her.

~

A/N : I decided to update sooner because I feel really happy - thanks to ZelinkQueen for leaving such amazing feedback!! So yeah that's why I'm updating so soon ;) anyways there's only 2 chapters left so yeah there's that. But I am working on the plan for a new story that's going to be original (like another zelda au) so stay posted for that. Hopefully it's gonna be really cool I've filled pages going through the story and doing character sketches and I'm having a lot of fun! Anyways I really hope you enjoy !