Link

Link was tired. Destined hero or not, saving Hyrule - for the second time in way-too-close a time frame for his liking - was tiring. After everything, he just wanted to lay down and sleep for another 100 years. Without needing to die first. Exaggerated. Can never be too careful anymore. Anything can happen. Don’t jinx it.

They still needed to figure out what to do about the floating castle. The last thing he needed was to lure some more trouble that came with wielding the Master Sword.

But first, he had things to do. Check in on every region, help move some stuff from Lookout Landing so it’s not as crowded, clean the bunker - and block off that cave with the odd statue. Participate in celebrations, spend some time with his horses now that he wasn’t paying attention only to the fastest or strongest... All of it was done, starting at the crack of dawn. By the time the breeze was blowing through Hyrule Field and soothing the summer heat that had been beating down on him for hours now, Link was already boarding his horses, clean hooves and brushed manes bringing a smile to his face.

Finally, he could rest.

Setting out a blanket on the grass, he laid down, clasping his hands together and gazing up at the clouds. Despite the high temperatures, it wasn’t as sunny as he initially thought. He watched clouds float by, saw a few birds fly past, eventually closed his eyes as the sun peeked out from behind its cloud curtains. But he couldn’t fall asleep.

Maybe it was just the adrenaline still rushing through him after everything. Maybe it was just because his schedule was a tight one and midday naps were never something he had the chance to enjoy due to his knightly duties. Whatever it was, it was annoying him pretty damn fast. He had specifically pushed through everything without breaks so that he could enjoy this break.

After what felt like hours, Link could finally feel himself starting to drift off, one arm resting on his chest and his other shielding his eyes. The gentle rustles of swaying leaves and the occasional sound from the wandering wildlife made for a peaceful soundtrack to accompany his light breaths.

That was, of course, until he felt the tip of a boot against his side, followed by a panicked gasp, reacting a little too late to move out of the way as a stranger trips over his almost-sleeping form. He grunts, jolting upright as their knee lands on his leg and they scramble to sit up. He raises a brow, rubbing his knee with one hand to soothe the ache while signing with the other hand, ”Are you okay?”