Zelda: Love of the Wild

Link, still soaked and covered in grime, took off his boots before venturing into the castle, hoping to avoid soiling the pristine floors. Barefoot and disheveled, and his hair sticking out in every direction, he unexpectedly ran into Paya, who rushed up to him with concern evident in her voice.

"Oh, Link! What happened to you?" Paya exclaimed, her worry apparent.

Link shrugged nonchalantly, attempting to downplay the situation. "Nothing to worry about. There was a monster near Hyrule field, but I took care of it."

"A monster?" Zelda's unmistakable, angelic voice reached his ears, and Link cringed inwardly. He had hoped to avoid her, both due to his unkempt appearance and the knowledge he had recently discovered about her possible engagement. Zelda stepped out from behind him, her face etched with concern.

Link explains what happened. Curiosity getting the better of her, Zelda inquired, "I see. So, you've never encountered this beast before?"

"No," Link responded simply.

"This must be related to the Yiga, then," Zelda surmised, her mind racing with thoughts and possibilities.

"Are you hurt?" Zelda expresses general concern, looking Link up and down, making him feel uncomfortable. Unsettled by her scrutiny, Link responded with a monotone voice and a blank expression, "I'm fine. I just need to clean up."

Zelda couldn't help but notice his tense body language and the lack of warmth in his eyes. She wanted to ask if he was truly alright, but decided he might simply be fatigued. Reluctantly, she let him go, understanding his need to clean. "Of course. I'll leave you to it."