"We are in a world of modern fantasy. The great land of Hyrule has seen countless battles, the rising and falling of empires, and its rich history is laced with tales of heroes, knights and princesses alike. Starting as an island floating in the sky, to a new civilization on the land known as only the surface. Millenniums passed, as the people grew to form their own domains and identities as the diverse races of Hyrule. Led by the royal Hylians, aided by the wise Shiekah, with the ever-present Zora, Goron, Gerudo, and Rito. Together, they united against countless evil, from the battle against Demise to the great Calamity. Centuries passed since that last fallout between light and darkness. Hyrule took its technology and used it to further the progression of society instead of constant weaponization. Royal lineage turned to diplomatic governments, small towns were built into great cities, and rolling green fields faded into land with modern infrastructure. The height of mountains was challenged by steel buildings, and fights were now against politicians, economic competitors, and prejudice, instead of demonic lords. Cars replaced carriages, and receiving a letter was a special occasion compared to communication through a handheld device.

And yet, this stupid building can't even afford a damn clock that actually works!" the young Shiekah woman finished her dramatic rant with a slam of her fist against the counter.

Her sister laughed as she jumped over the counter instead of walking through the little swinging door, "You only lost 15 minutes of your day, relax."

Purah scowled, "You can just walk through the door normally. Showing off is completely unnecessary and you know it."

"Oh, I'm very aware", Impa smirked, "I just thought I'd poke at your nerves. But seriously, good old Enzo will replace that clock one day."

"He better. Think about the math. I've worked here for around seven years. Due to that clock giving me erroneous time frames, I lose 15 minutes a day. 365 days a year times seven equals 2,555 days. Excluding weekends, breaks, holidays, and sick days mean I've worked here for roughly two thousand days. Two thousand days multiplied by fifteen minutes equals 30,000 minutes of my life wasted. Wasted!"

"Truly a modern tragedy," Impa yawned as she leaned against the counter, the cool surface supporting her athletic frame, "And yet, you refuse to check the time on your phone instead."

"But that means getting up, walking to the backrooms, opening my locker, finding my phone, looking at the time, comprehension, then completing those steps in a reversed order," Purah whined as she spun around her spinning chair by the cash register.

"If you didn't go to great strides to avoid the slightest bit of physical exertion, I bet you would be able to jump over the counter."

"I hope you get hit by a car."

The Hylian finishing up the last of restocking the front shelves rubbed his temple as if it would stave off the headache he felt coming on. He found it so hard to believe these bickering Sheikah sisters were functioning adults. Mildly successful adults at that. Yet here they stood, arguing like children. He ran his hand through his dark blond hair and couldn't help but smile.

"You are just wasting more of your oh-so-precious time here talking about it you know," he offered with amusement clear in his voice.

Purah laughed, "Trying to get rid of us?"

He shrugged, "It's past quitting time. I'll let the others know if they don't already."

After taking a final look at the newly stacked bookshelf, he started to walk down the aisles in search of anyone else. The store was a modest size but was considered small in comparison to all the newer businesses that had been opening up lately. Aisles were stocked with antiques, various knick-knacks, items of ancient history, and books of legends almost forgotten. Paintings, maps of lands now gone, and different products that made great gifts that were never bland or boring. Enzo's shop had no consistency with what is sold, but that aspect kept in business. Despite being old and worn, when you walked in, you never knew what was still there, and what was newly added. One day the potion section might be replaced with books going into great detail about dungeons in Hyrule's history that once supposedly existed, or restored bracelets said to be found in foreign ruins. You never knew until you came to see for yourself.

The positive side of a smaller store was finding fellow employees quickly. The young Hylian found Rusl taking a final inventory as he paced the floor, going over a checklist as he fiddled with the pen.

"Hey, Rusl!"

"Hm?"

"It's your favorite time of the day."

"Closing time. Marvelous. Thanks, Link, I was just finished."

"Sure, Impa and Purah are on their way out, so I just need to find Pipit."

Rusl put his hand through his dirty blond hair, "He might be coming late from a delivery."

Suddenly the front door swung open, accompanied by the bell attached to it, signaling a rushed entrance.

"Hey guys! I was nervous I'd be locked out for running a bit behind, but it seems I'm right on time!" Pipit's blue eyes shining seemed to reflect his apparent pride in being 'right on time' even though it was only nearly twenty minutes past closing time, 7:20 p.m.

Link chuckled as he walked down the store to the employee's locker room. The light conversation that transpired between the three Hylian men came to a stop as they passed the flower stand that was empty and recently untouched.

Now of course, of all things in a general store and antique shop, why a flower stand to sell flowers and bouquets?

The shop owner, Enzo, had married a Sheikah woman named Ivy in his youth. She excelled in simple things, such as gardening, growing, preservation, and festive arrangements. Her interests lay in nature, unlike the majority of Sheikah people, who mainly focused on the more technical aspects of the world. The store had hit a bit of a low point with all the other businesses opening up. To lend her husband a hand, Ivy opened up a small flower stand in his shop. As out of place as it was, it did help the store and gave the elderly woman a place to do what she loved close to the people she cared for.

Even though it was a totally random aspect, it did add more to the unexpected flair Enzo's shop always seemed to offer. Also, no one had the heart, nor the courage, to tell the old Sheikah lady no. When she got the idea, no one dared to object to her lending a hand.

Ivy's well-crafted arrangements and bouquets hit off harder than anyone expected. Unfortunately, her days in the store started to falter. Her health had taken a sad turn and she became much weaker and tired. Today was one of those days when she just couldn't make it, and it took a clear toll on Enzo's spirit. Hence the small moment of somber silence as they passed her flower stand.

Pipit gave the booth a long gaze and spoke to no one in particular, "Hylia, I hope she gets better soon. Or at least starts to regain some strength. I kinda miss her."

Link and Rusl turned around and mumbled their agreements and well wishes, careful to not be overheard by Enzo if he was nearby. The topic seemed to upset him more than ever.

"I feel the worst for Enzo though," Link said in an almost whisper, "do you think he blames himself for her failing health?"

"Why would he blame himself?" Rusl asked him just as quietly.

"Well, you know what happens when a Sheikah marries someone who isn't Sheikah."

When Pipit understood, his eyes widened, "Wait, you think it's because-"

"Are you three just finishing? The store looks clean, thank you for all your hard work today. I've yet to run into Purah and Impa, I'm sure they will be leaving soon though."

Their conversation abruptly ended as they turned to face Enzo. He was Hylian and in his early sixties. Once brown hair was fading into gray, and a once athletic build was replaced by a shorter, more shriveled version of his former self. Nonetheless, his same compassionate smile and bright green eyes never left him, and his welcoming energy didn't seem to be going away anytime soon.

Rusl spoke up first, "Yes sir, we were just grabbing our things then heading out."

"If you are leaving now, I don't mind locking up tonight," Link quickly volunteered, "I don't mind at all."

Enzo smiled brightly at the prospect of getting home sooner, "Oh, would you? That would be fantastic, thank you, Link! What would I do without you?"

Pipit and Rusl made brief eye contact.

"Have a wonderful rest of your evening Mr. Enzo! Please send my regards to Ivy," Rusl said with a slight bow of his dirty blond head.

"Yes, tell her I wish her the best as well," Pipit added.

"I will, I know she would appreciate it. She told me she's coming in tomorrow. We'll see if that actually comes to pass," he added the last part under his breath.

With a final wave, he walked out, leaving the door to slowly close behind him.

"Suck up."

"Am not."

Rusl laughed at their interaction as he walked a bit faster. Being quite a few years older, he left their immature conversations to tend to themselves.

"No, you are."

"I'm just being nice."

"You're just trying to ensure a higher paycheck."

"And I get it."

"Cause you have no life outside this building."

Impa and Purah walked out of the backrooms, and Impa held the door open for Rusl, who mumbled something about "being glad he wasn't that age anymore."

Pipit turned to Impa, "Ok look, Link is super subservient right?"

"Oh, the definition of a kiss-ass."

Link laughed, "You are just looking for an excuse to insult me."

"Please, don't flatter yourself, you aren't special. I'm always looking for an excuse to insult anyone."

"Hylia, you are a terrible person," Purah snickered.

Impa winked, "And you have a data analytics exam you're late to study for."

"Ah snappity snap, you're right. You have the keys?"

"Yep."

"See you guys tomorrow!"

"Later losers."

Pipit and Link waved the two off and grabbed their things. With his copy of the store's key, Link locked every door and made sure the few windows were securely shut. He heard Pipit call out his goodbye as Link made sure Purah locked the cash register, which she did.

Link and Rusl walked out together, and Rusl waited as Link stopped to lock the front door.

"Any plans for tonight?"

"Yeah, I'm going to drive to the post office, check my mail, go for a run, and feed my cat."

"Maybe Pipit was right, you really have no life outside of this building," Rusl chuckled, "But seriously, how's your little letter exchange going?"

Link grinned, "It's going fine. I haven't gotten anything this week, so I guess any day for another update now."

"I still think you should meet up with her in person as she asks," Rusl said, a smirk starting to form.

Link made a face, "No."

"You will one day, I'll make sure of it."

"Thanks, dad."

They both laughed as they walked to their cars parked next to each other. Rusl wasn't his biological father, but his adoptive one. Link moved into their family when he was seven, and now had a place of his own.

"Colin wants to go fishing with you this weekend. He misses you, you know."

"He reminds me every time I visit," Link snickered, "It's only Thursday, but I will. Tell Uli I said hi."

"Will do. She wants your help this weekend as well."

"Oh no. With what?"

Rusl rolled his eyes, "She lost some basket and has been getting on me to find it because since it was Colin's, it now holds great importance. I can't find it, and you're good at finding things, so I recommended your time to her."

"Gee thanks."

"Of course, see you tomorrow. Stay safe."

"Same to you."

Link watched as Rusl backed his truck up and drove off down the road that led to Ordon. He pulled out his car and started toward the post office.

The sun took longer to set in the summer, a fact that made Link love the summer nights. He admired the world with his windows down, watching Gorons roll down their side of their special pavement. As a kid, you were always told to never be on the black pavement, lest you get rolled over. It was different than cement, a harder material to withstand fast speeds, hefty weights, and hard rock-like backs. He looked out the window in the sky as some Rito youths flew by, seemingly racing to a destination unknown. He sighed as he glanced at the steering wheel of his standard blue-painted car. The steering wheel was adorned with the Sheikah symbol, proudly reminding the driver which race had built it.

He turned down the radio as he pulled up to the Faron Post Office, a nice-sized place run by two Rito postmen.

He pulled the door open and was hit by the cool air conditioning. The wall in front of him was made of PO boxes, each with its number. A few feet away were the slots for mailing letters either in or out of town, and a few feet further was the desk where one Rito held a conversation with a Gerudo woman sending some package, while his partner sat and scowled.

He gave a quick wave to them both, but only Quill gave a smile back and continued his conversation. Ilari moved his wing in a gesture that could hardly be considered a wave back, but his facial expression remained the same.

Link fumbled with his key to open PO box 885 and excitedly pulled out random ads, a newspaper, and the heavy, yellow envelope containing several sheets of paper that he had hoped to find. He smiled as he gathered it all in one hand, and locked his box with the other.

He walked out the door and placed his mail in the passenger seat before driving home. Link lived in Faron Woods, and the property in the forest-like district was perfect for one who wanted a more private housing arrangement. Enzo's store was on the outskirts of central Hyrule, still in the big city, but not too deep into it. Link loved where he lived, being surrounded by the wilderness, and in the middle location of his job and his adoptive family in Ordon. Ordon was dominantly a village of countryside and farmers. Rusl and Uli owned a goat farm, so Rusl only worked part-time at the little general store and flower shop, making his longer commute more bearable.

Link pulled into his long driveway that led to a smaller wooden house surrounded by trees and forest. After gathering his things and letting himself in, he immediately dropped his stuff on his kitchen table so he could change out of his more formal wear into something much more comfortable. After coming from his room in running pants and a sweatshirt sporting some Hylian soccer team, a team he knew nothing about other than their logo was cool, he plopped on the couch in his living room and closed his eyes.

His moment of respite was short-lived because he opened his eyes to look down at the cat rubbing itself against his leg.

"Aw, hey Nayru. How was your day girl?" he spoke softly as he picked up the white cat, who responded with a short meow. He smiled as she began to purr while he stroked her from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. But as cats do, she grew restless and jumped off his lap and ran off into the kitchen. Which reminded him of the mail in the kitchen. And a run he had to do. And dinner he had to make. And then a kitchen to clean. Then he would feel comfortable tending to mail knowing everything else for that night was done. Link groaned as he forced himself up and off the couch, and into the realm of mild productivity.

_-+-_

Three hours later, Link was sitting at his table with a cup of tea, going over the papers sent to him through the large yellow envelope. The papers were the next chapter of a book sent to him through the mail. He received a new chapter to be read, edited, and given thoughts and feedback roughly every two weeks before sending it back. Sometimes he'd receive the same chapter revised, or the author would move on with the criticism herself and send the next part.

The author was female, lived somewhere in the Faron region, and was twenty-two, one year younger than Link. That was all he knew about her. Their exchange had started around a year ago with a personal advertisement he read in the daily newspaper that was delivered to the Faron District. Link loved reading the news because he hated watching it on TV. The television he owned had no great interest to him in general, save for the fact it was a bigger screen for video games compared to his handheld system.

The personal advertisements were one part Link always read due to the fact it was one of the more interesting. Some people wanted a babysitter, an instructor, a specific item, or a future spouse. Some better written, and some not. It was oddly entertaining to read through. So when he came across one well-written and asking for such an innocent request, it took Link's interest. In fact, the article was cut out and somewhere on his bedroom dresser.

-

I am a 21-year-old female who is trying to become an author. What I am asking for is an editor who wouldn't mind reading over my work and giving it your corrections and thoughts. I come to this broad audience in hopes of finding one who doesn't know me, and I do not know them. The purest and unbiased feedback comes from one who doesn't know you, only your work. I can not offer any money in exchange for your time at the moment, but if I can pursue this career successfully, then I compensate you for your time. Kindly think of it as an investment. If you're interested, please write back to Faron Region Post Office, mailing box 367.

-

At first, Link was skeptical of its authenticity. A person had to be pretty desperate to request an author for free, and they must have trusted that no one would steal their work if they actually got someone to help their cause. So he chuckled and continued reading. But every day, it was always there, persistent to no luck. As the week went on, he found his curiosity getting the best of him. Who were they? Had he ever walked past her without knowing it? What did she write? Was she good at it? What was she like? If he didn't help, she might get stuck with a thief or bad influence, right?

By the end of the week, when the personal ad was still there on Sunday, and still buzzing around in his head, Link found himself writing a reply against his better judgment.

After three days, his first large yellow envelope sat in his post office box. That was a year ago at chapter one, and now he held chapter sixteen, completely engaged.

Their exchanges were always the same. The first several pages contained what she wanted to be reviewed, usually a chapter or a portion of one. She typed it and sent him a printed copy, and a personal, handwritten note on the back of it. She insisted on thanking him every time and would ask specific questions about what she wrote, how she thought it turned out, etc. Link loved how she would tend to ramble about her personal thoughts a bit, confessing her fear of face-to-face criticism, and expressing how much his time meant to her. Link always did his best and responded with a personal note of his own.

All she knew of him was that he was a 23 male who lived in the same region. Link told her only that since he saw it as fair that he knew the same limited information about her. Neither had any clue of looks or personal life, they just knew one had a great imagination and talent for bringing it to life on paper, and the other was kind enough to offer sincere help.

It's all a writer-editor duo truly needed to know of each other. It was when she wanted a more personal relationship that Link started to understand her reaching out for an editor through a public newspaper.

She suggested they meet up in person, face to face earlier that month. The fear that he would somehow disappoint her, or that she was different in real life than in writing, kept him from ever committing to a date and making up excuses to avoid it.

"But that's a confrontation for later, right Nayru?" Link spoke aloud to the cat who jumped up on the table. She mewed before inconveniently sitting on the stack of papers in front of him.

"My thoughts exactly."

~~~

As our mysterious female writer, I too am extremely grateful to be hiding from sharing my work face to face lol. It's the first chapter, so I'm super nervous to release it. I hope it serves as a good introduction, and you readers found it a suitable beginning to a hopefully not terrible novel. Also, like our mysterious female writer, some feedback and thoughts would be greatly appreciated xD Please vote to get it in the Wattpad algorithm if you think it's worth it haha. Thank you for the patience of those who supported and waited, cheers to a new book! (:

- Hylian at Heart