The night stretched on, the fire crackling softly as the group sat together, the weight of battle and memory momentarily lifted by the shared meal. The warmth of good food and the easy conversation had settled most of them into a rare moment of peace.
Wild, now leaning back against a log with his hands on his stomach, let out a satisfied sigh. "That... was amazing."
"I should hope so, considering you took over the cooking," Warriors teased, smirking as he nudged Wild's boot with his own.
Wild lazily opened one eye. "Hey, if I'm gonna eat something, it's gonna be good."
Sky chuckled. "You act like you haven't eaten in days."
"Feels like it sometimes." Wild stretched before settling back down. "Do you know how much energy I burn running, fighting, climbing, dodging death every other minute? I need food."
Twilight smirked. "Guess that explains why you eat like a starving bokoblin."
"Rude." Wild pouted, though the playful tone in his voice betrayed his amusement.
The conversation drifted after that, the heroes talking about their own favorite foods, the best places to eat in their versions of Hyrule, and which one of them would win in an eating contest.
"Oh, definitely not Wind," Four said, shaking his head. "He'd be out after the first plate."
"Hey! I can eat!" Wind protested, crossing his arms. "Just not like him." He gestured dramatically at Wild, who merely grinned in response.
"I bet I'd win," Wild said confidently. "No contest."
"You say that, but I think I could give you a challenge." Sky grinned. "Ever had Skyloft's fruit pies? You haven't lived until you've had one."
"Challenge accepted," Wild said without hesitation.
The easy chatter continued until one by one, the heroes began to settle in for the night. The fire burned low, the air cooling as the night deepened.
As Wild stared up at the sky, he let the exhaustion finally sink in. It had been a long day—memories resurfaced, battles fought, emotions laid bare—but for now, he allowed himself to enjoy the quiet.
He closed his eyes, listening to the steady breathing of his companions. For the first time in a long while, surrounded by those who understood, he felt... safe.
And with that thought, sleep finally claimed him.
