May 3

Thursday

Hyrule Castle

Dear Princess Zelda,

I hope this makes it through to you along all your other mail, because I know you've gotten busy. I also hope you're able to read my obscure handwriting as well. More importantly, I hope I'm not wasting your time. I'm writing this letter just for the sake of writing to you, so if you have other matters you must attend first, please do so.

How have you been? Hyrule has finally been restored, and I understand you've grown a lot busier now, restoring your castle and town to the prosperity and lavishness it once thrived in. How is your work? Busy?

And what about you? Are you taking care of yourself? Make sure to get plenty of sleep—it improves efficiency and well-being. I heard that a pet helps your mood as well. Can you get a pup for me? Or do you perhaps prefer a kitten? Well, joking aside, I hope you're in well condition.

When I returned home, I felt the homesick part of me vanish. However, a new sense of emptiness fills me. I'm not sure why. I met with my friends I made on my conquered quest, and it was nice to see them again. Were you glad to see yours too?

I'm currently nested comfortably on a cozy hill. If you wish to see it sometime, it is located near the ranch south of your castle. The view is breathtaking. On the summit, where I'm currently at, you can see the small flecks of sheep and goats of the ranch from up here. Flowers dot the grassy hills as far as the eye can see, and the rejuvenating wind revitalizes your soul from the inside out. It truly is lovely here. When you make a round trip, I recommend you stop by here. It's a sight you can't miss.

I know you're going to be traveling the world, attending meetings, having interviews with other royal figures of the world. I wish you good and safe trip, and make sure to take many pictures—I'd like to see them if we ever meet sometime! If not, then please keep them close to you. I'm sure you'll create many good memories. I'll miss you, Princess, I really will.

I will also be traveling to the corners of the world, exploring the edges where I've never been. I hope you have company with you. But of course, the Hyrulean people will never abandon their caring Princess, and I'm relieved that they do. Do not ever be alone, Princess. It's especially dangerous in foreign areas. Anything can happen.

My company will be Epona. She and I are on this journey together, so do not worry for us. She'll be great company, and I can only hope I can be for her as well. I plan to travel far and wide, and possibly stumble across a new foreign land. What shall I name it? Hm…there are several choices, but I'll make the decision later.

I'll hopefully make some friends along the way, just like how my quests have been in the past. Maybe I'll also make some friends with the animals or possibly an entire new species. I'll be bringing along the new equipment I've discovered through my missions as well, so travel shouldn't be too difficult. Unfortunately, I was required to return the Master Sword back to its ethereal abode, for evil has finally been vanquished and I have no more use for it. Don't worry though, I will still be keeping my shield and a finely-made sword from my hometown. The sword may not possess a divine edge like the Master Sword, but it can definitely cut through glass and crystal, which is plenty enough for me.

How will you be defending yourself? I know that you have your bodyguards and security tight enough that not even a mouse can enter, but you can find yourself alone in many ways, Princess. Please continue utilizing your sacred bow and arrows, and don't forget to practice your elaborately enchanted magic spells—you still shock me with them to this day. I also know you have a sword that you scarcely use, but I lightly suggest you try it out—it's quite exhilarating, really, utilizing a sword.

Where will you be traveling first? After some final arrangements, Epona and I will head northwest where it is most barren. I'd like to see if there are any unique items, plants, species, or landscapes that are worth mapping or knowing. Maybe I'll even stumble upon new and rare metals, beneficial herbs, and tasty new plants. I'll be sure to send you a few of my little discoveries through mail, as tokens of my travels. Please accept these gifts. I'm obliged to share my whereabouts and travels to you, for I still have an outstretched arm to you.

As a first, I've attached a photograph in the envelope. I purchased this camera from the market, the first few instances I've touched technology. I hear they're still developing the object, and I'm eager to see where they will go with it. I understand you have first access to the newest innovations, so how are you enjoying them?

It's a simple photo, just Epona and I by her favorite apple tree. It's not in season for apples, so there's rosy blossoms as a substitute for now. However, I'm able to obtain a few apples from the market for her, so at least she's happy. The photograph, unfortunately, cannot capture color, so I apologize for my untidy coloring of the picture. This is our starting point—where I am now. Slowly I will journey through the vast distances of Hyrule and beyond, collecting any trinkets along the way. I've also sold a few unneeded items back home, raising some currency for the long journey ahead of me. Enough for food, medicine, and perhaps a place to stay. I've never felt as prepared for a trip as I do now, Princess, for now I can leisurely explore the area to my heart's content.

I wish you the best of luck for you and your travels. Stay healthy, happy, and have a jovial journey! I will miss you.

Shall we never part,

Link

A/N: Okay, I know I (Zepora) am uploading this but this chapter(letter?) was actually written by prowessMaster44 for this challenge! She will be Link and I will be Zelda when writing these, and she has done a fabulous job! Hope you all enjoyed this and look forward to what's next!