A Princess's Problem.

The Hyrulian Dream.

"Happy birthday, Princess!" Paya flung her arms around her friend the second she had clambered off of Epona's saddle.

Zelda, her disguise gone, hugged back tighter, surprisingly the young Sheikah woman. Zelda was very shaky as she refused to let go. Ever since Lana had died in front of the two, both Link and Zelda had barely spoken. Their was that mutual understanding between them as they both grieved for their lost friend. Zelda had almost forgotten her own birthday...

"Thanks Paya..." She finally let go and turned to the other Champions who all looked at her, worry evident on their faces.

"Lana is dead..." Link came forward and placed his hand on Zelda's shoulder.

In the week that it had taken them to get back, the grief had almost gotten tolerable. They had lost friends before but Lana's death just reminded them of everyone else who had died for Hyrule. Zelda decided to let her fears go as she smiled back at the Champions. The Champions smiled back and didn't bring up the matter, not wanting to spoil Zelda's eighteenth birthday.

"So..." Zelda started, a new warmth in her voice, "How goes the repairs and reservations? Is the Sheikah technology integrating well?"

Link couldn't help but smile as he saw Zelda walk towards the gate, a new spring in her step. He lead Epona by her reins and walked behind the group. When they entered, the guards at the gate took Epona to the stables, saying their greetings to the Champions.

"Woah..." Zelda slapped a hand to her mouth as she stood in awe at the transformation.

The entirety of Castle Town had been rebuilt and reshaped, it was a wonder that only a month or so ago, it was all rubble. The walls had intricate blue swirls and patterns on them, showing how well the technology had merged with the infrastructure. The Sheikah eye was painted on as decoration, making the whole of Castle Town pop with colour.

Hyrule Castle itself looked magnificent, standing tall and new. There were no more holes in the walls, instead, windows of every colour were put in there place and sealed with some sort of Sheikah technology.

The streets of Castle Town was already packed with people who had come there to settle in. A group of Gorons were carrying huge stone slabs which they were propping up on the side of their establishment, giving it a more Goron feel to it.

A group of Gerudo were painting a mosaic outside of a sandy coloured building, giving it a more Gerudo feel. One of the women lugged a big crate full with glass bottles and exotic looking cloth.

Off in the distance amongst the barracks, were watchtowers. They were perched high in the sky, overlooking Castle Town and Hyrule Field. The Ritos that had joined the Royal Guard flew from one watchtower to the next, making sure that the kingdom was safe.

The new and improved Sheikah fountain was now functioning as little Zora children splashed in the pool beneath it. Zelda couldn't contain her smile as she felt Link wrap his arms around her waist and pull her towards the Castle.

Some stopped to regard the Champions. Many broke into hushed whispers as they saw Link's arm wrapped around Zelda's waist. Ever since she had kissed Link Infront of his trainies, the incident had been passed on as rumour and gossip. Link avoided eye contact as he focused on getting to the castle and to get ready for Zelda's big celebration.