Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

We Are Getting Married

Zelda's POV

My archeology class is, as always, exciting and interesting. After the lecture, Shad approaches me, as I slide my laptop into my bookbag.

"Zelda," he begins cheerfully but calmly.

"Yes?" I zip my bag and throw it over my shoulder.

"Have you considered applying for the internship position I told you about?"

I pause for a moment. "I thought the deadline had already passed."

"The application reopens every semester. If it fits into your schedule, I highly recommend applying for next semester and gaining some experience in research. It's crucial for master's and PhD applications."

"That is true," I say thoughtfully.

"We could discuss it in my office," he offers.

"Er... I would love to, but I don't have much time," I say, tapping my apple watch.

"I won't keep you long," he assures with a friendly smile.

I consider how much time I have to spare. I am meeting Link after his appointment with Dr. Deku. He should be done in about 45 minutes, which would be plenty of time if I wasn't planning on speaking to Father before. I really want to talk to him about Ramses before he leaves for his business trip.

How much time does it take to get across campus and how long will it take to talk to Shad and Father? I should have just enough time to speak with both of them before making my way to the department of counseling.

"Alright," I nod with a friendly expression and watch as a smile forms on Shad's face.

"Splendid, let's go to my office."

I follow Shad upstairs. His room envelops me in a warm embrace of knowledge and history. Shad motions for me to take a seat beside his cluttered desk, where stacks of ancient manuscripts and potted plants take up most of his work space. The scent of old parchment and the faint aroma of exotic spices mingle in the air, lending an aura of mystery to the space.

Shad leans forward in his worn leather chair and shares with me the details about the internship. Gesturing to a map pinned on the wall, he traces the route of the internship with his finger. "We'll spend weeks unearthing artifacts, deciphering inscriptions, and piecing together the puzzle of the past. It's hard work, make no mistake, but the rewards are immeasurable. You'll gain practical experience in field archaeology, working alongside experts in the field. Plus, there's the chance to make discoveries that could rewrite history books!"

Shad's passion is infectious, and I find myself drawn into his vision of adventure and discovery. After he has outlined the application process and deadlines, he encourages me to apply for next year.

"Your academic performance has been nothing short of exceptional," he commends. "Your grades are outstanding, and your research papers consistently reach graduate level. It would be an absolute waste not to channel your knowledge into tangible research."

"I don't know what to say," I admit. "That's all really kind of you, and I–" My eyes spot the news article about the recent discovery in Mesopotamia lying on his desk, and I can't help but address the topic. "You're reading about the excavation in Iraq?" I ask, nodding at the article.

Shad's eyes light up with genuine passion. He picks up the paper. "Of course I am reading about it! I heard about it before it was even published!"

"How?" I ask, my excitement matching his.

"I am acquainted with a fellow professional who contributed as a member of the research team. The way they decoded those ancient irrigation systems is truly ingenious," he remarks.