Hateno 

The small cemetery in Hateno Village is quiet, the usual lively atmosphere subdued in respect for the fallen. The village's few residents gather around the freshly dug graves, their faces solemn. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, and the overcast sky hints at the shared sorrow of those in attendance.

Link and Aryll stand at the forefront, facing the two caskets that hold their parents. Aryll is crying openly, her sobs the only sound breaking the silence. Link stands beside her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, providing what comfort he can. He feels the weight of his grief pressing down on him, but he clings to Leona's hand, drawing strength from her presence.

Leona stands close to Link, her expression a mix of sorrow and support. She gently squeezes his hand, reminding him that he is not alone. Link glances at her, finding a glimmer of solace in her steadfast gaze.

At the edge of the small gathering, Zelda stands with her arms crossed, her expression cold and distant. She doesn't engage with anyone, her eyes fixed on the caskets but not betraying any emotion. Link notices her presence but doesn't approach, the rift between them still too wide.

The village elder steps forward, his voice breaking the silence. "Today, we gather to honor Patrick and Kathrine, who were taken from us too soon. They were beloved members of our community, known for their kindness and strength. Their loss leaves a void that cannot be filled."

Aryll's sobs grow louder, and Link pulls her closer, feeling his own eyes sting with unshed tears. He takes a deep breath, trying to stay strong for his sister.

The elder continues, "Patrick and Kathrine will be remembered for their unwavering dedication to their family and their courage in the face of danger. Their legacy lives on in their children, Link and Aryll, who embody their spirit and strength."

Link's grip tightens on Leona's hand as he feels a rush of emotions. Memories of his parents flood his mind—his father's reassuring presence, his mother's gentle smile. He looks down at Aryll, who is clutching his side, her small frame shaking with grief.

The elder steps back, signaling the end of the ceremony. One by one, the villagers come forward to pay their respects, placing flowers on the graves. Link and Aryll step up last, each holding a single flower. They place them gently on the caskets, their final goodbye.

As the villagers begin to disperse, Zelda turns and walks away without a word. Link watches her go, feeling a pang of bitterness. He doesn't understand her coldness, her apparent lack of compassion. But now is not the time to dwell on that.

Link turns back to Aryll and Leona. Aryll looks up at him, her eyes red and puffy. "What do we do now, Link?" she asks, her voice trembling.

Link takes a deep breath, "We head back to the Castle, keep on living," he looks at Leona and squeezes her hand again "Together."

"I can't go back." Aryll says, "I can't rebuild the house and live in it like they never did" tears form in her eyes again.

Link's heart aches seeing his sister in tears again, "What will you do then?"

Aryll is wiping her tears and looking at the ground.

Link kneels on front of her, releasing Leona's hand. "How about you go and live in Kakariko, you are there most of the time anyways, I'm sure Impa or Purah will take you in. There you can focus and work and keep on living."

Link sees Leona hesitant to say something, she doesn't know if she is in the position to say something, he nods at her reassuring her that it's okay.

"Take your time to grieve Aryll" Aryll looks at Leona "Everybody grieves differently and maybe for Link, he needs to go back to work to distract himself but maybe it's different for you. If you want to stay here for a while I'm sure that is okay but there are other ways to grieve as well, you can travel for example."

Aryll thinks about what she has been told and says that she will go for a while, to Kakariko at first, trying to figure out what to do now. When she is gone and Link and Leona are left alone, Lnk flings his arms around Leona, tears falling from his eyes again.

"I love you, you are such a great person. Thank you so much."

She doesn't respond but just hugs him back. 

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Link and Leona have been back at the Castle for about a week now, but Link doesn't have a place to stay anymore. Now, he sleeps at Leona's house, meeting her parents. They are often gone, but he has had the chance to meet them. They are nice people, though they haven't had the time to properly get to know each other.

Link is summoned by the King for an important meeting. After getting out of bed and getting ready, he is greeted by Leona in the living room.

"Good morning, sweetheart. I hope you've slept well."

Link just nods and grabs his sword, swiftly giving Leona a kiss before leaving. What could the King want? Maybe a new personal guard for him, since his father is gone now. He figures that he will find out once he arrives there.

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Link arrives in the King's audience chamber and, to his surprise, the Princess is also there. She doesn't seem to be in a good mood. She tries to hide it, but he can see that she is annoyed and very upset about something.

"Hello, Link. Thank you for coming here so quickly."

Link bows and looks at the King, waiting for what he will say next.

"Well, as you know, the danger around Hyrule is greater than ever. While I would like for you to be my new personal guard, there is someone even more important to Hyrule's future than me."

Link already knows what the King will say next, but he is not sure if he will like what is coming.

"My daughter. I want you to be her personal knight." The King sees that Link is at a loss for words and unsure of what to say. "Of course, you aren't forced to decide now, but even if I send 100 men to escort Zelda, she would still be safer with you. So, I want you to ensure her safety. There is no one I can trust more."

Link sees Zelda flinch.

"So please, take your time and consider this."

And Link does, but not alone. He goes home to Leona because he is unsure of what to do. Of course, he wants the Princess to be safe because she needs to be alive when the Calamity strikes. But being around her all the time would not just be physically exhausting—he wouldn't see Leona as much anymore, and he still feels like the Princess despises him.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I need to know, how do you feel about Link's relationship with Leona?

I would be very thankful for some feedback.