Link trotted down the mountain path on Epona, the memory of his snow-covered misadventures warming him against the chilly air. As Hateno Village came into view, the familiar sights of home made him feel even more at peace. The rolling fields, the distant laughter of children, and the soft glow of lanterns starting to light up the village paths all welcomed him back.
When he reached the stable and dismounted, Epona let out a small huff, as if to say she was happy to be home too. Link gave her a fond pat, rubbing her nose. "Thanks for getting us here, girl. I'll get you some carrots later," he promised before leading her to her stall.
As he approached the house, he saw Zelda standing on the porch, waiting with a soft smile. "I thought you'd be back earlier," she said, a teasing tone in her voice. "Did you end up taking the long way home?"
Link grinned and held up his shield, still lightly dusted with snow. "Had to try out a few slopes," he said, shrugging.
Zelda laughed, eyeing him with an amused shake of her head. "Let me guess—one or two of those 'slopes' tossed you head over heels?"
Link scratched the back of his neck, feigning innocence. "Only the first run," he admitted, unable to hide his grin.
The two of them walked into the cozy house they shared, with its familiar scents of wood and herbs. Zelda had been busy with a few small projects, and jars and scrolls were scattered over the table where she'd been studying some ancient texts earlier. Link wandered over to the fireplace, already set up with a crackling fire, its warmth inviting him to settle in.
After changing into a warm tunic, Link returned to find Zelda arranging food on the table, a simple but hearty meal. They ate quietly, sharing stories from the day, laughing and talking until the sun had long set.
As the firelight flickered, Zelda leaned back, glancing at Link. "Did you ever get tired out there?" she asked. "With all the running around you did, you'd think you'd need a good night's rest after all that!"
Link leaned back, chuckling as he rubbed his eyes. "You'd be surprised," he said. "I'm already planning another trip back up to those mountains tomorrow."
Zelda shook her head, though she couldn't hide her smile. "Just promise you'll be careful. I don't want to have to hike up there just to bring you back in one piece."
He nodded with a laugh, feeling a warmth in his heart at the thought of more peaceful days ahead, surrounded by those he cared for and the familiar rhythm of a world at peace.
Link rested his head back, eyes feeling heavy, the glow of the fire making him feel perfectly at home. Outside, the cool night air settled over Hateno Village, and in the silence, it felt like everything had finally come full circle.
As Link closed his eyes, his mind wandered back to those long, intense days filled with battles and uncertainty, the relentless pursuit of strength, and the countless miles traveled to bring peace back to Hyrule. Now, here he was, wrapped in the warmth of a quiet life he'd once thought he might never have again.
When he woke the next morning, he found Zelda already outside, examining their little garden with a focus as intense as her studies. She looked up when she noticed him, smiling. "You're finally up. Did all that shield surfing wear you out?"
Link laughed, shrugging. "It may have gotten me just a little," he admitted, stretching. "But it was worth it."
Zelda raised an eyebrow, amused. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. Though, if you're planning on heading back up there today, I have one request." She walked over and handed him a small pouch of herbs. "Could you gather some of these wildflowers on the slopes? They have healing properties I'd like to study."
