What if;
What if Legend is actually not the grumpy veteran. What if he’s the happily married man with an excellent support network of friends, allies, and his merchant husband built up over multiple adventures.
He works through his once-jaded worldview, because he’s able to realize that with so many people supporting him, it’s likely no one else could have done everything he’s done. His still mourns for the people he lost. But he’s able to move past that because he has his Zelda, his friend and sister, his endlessly patient husband, a prosperous orchard he can watch over, a fun smithing hobby, and life is delightful.
And he’s actually excited about the prospect for another adventure, because he is confident he can do it. His old injuries may tingle unpleasantly, but his shoulders tense with the weight of his Arsenal, his face tingles with the goodbye kiss from his husband, his feet feel the need to run, and his sword skills haven’t aged a day.
He’s the Veteran. Not the grump, but the old hand. The one who has seen it all. The one who will take the step confidently, but carefully, knowing he can anticipate any trap that springs, any monster around the corner, and he can deal with it. Because he already has.