They left before dawn — though dawn never came.
Hyrule Field was empty. No merchants. No travelers. No monsters even. The world itself seemed to be holding its breath.
They walked together instead of riding.
For once, there was no army behind them. No sages waiting. No prophecy to fulfill.
Just two people who had lived too many lives.
"Do you remember," Zelda said, "our first life?"
Link tilted his head.
"I don't mean memories," she clarified. "Not visions. Feelings."
He thought.
"…Lonely," he said.
Zelda nodded.
"I think every time we met, we were already preparing to say goodbye."
They crossed the old stone bridge over Lake Hylia. The water below reflected the unmoving sunset like a sheet of copper.
"Link…" she said, softer now. "If this truly ends today… what will you do?"
He answered immediately.
"Stay."
She stopped walking.
"With me," he added, a little awkwardly, looking away toward the horizon.
Zelda's breath caught.
For all their lifetimes, they had always been interrupted — coronations, sealing rituals, departures, destinies. Something always took him away.
"Then let's make sure there is a tomorrow," she said.
He gave a small, determined nod.