In the shadows of the Faron Woods, not a thing stirred. No birds sang of life. No squirrels scampered across the forest floor or climbed the tall trunks of the trees. Nothing moved. It seemed as if time had been stopped. An emptiness filled the air, not a thing in sight to overcome it. The full moon cast dim, ghostly rays through the branches of the forest canopy, creating patches of gloomy light on the forest floor. Though Winter had passed, the air was still chilly. Still holding the snow's touch and breath. A passing breeze rustled the few, dead leaves that clung desperately to the branches of the trees and stirring the fog, shrouding the ground.

The forest was dead, but something was still clinging to the tiny thread of life that barely shone through this depressed and gray world.

Out of nowhere, a steady beat of hooves echoed through the still, silent woods. The golden mare's panicked breaths creating small clouds of fog in the cold air of the night. Her cream colored mane and tail streamed out behind her with her quickened pace. Her chest heaved as she grew increasingly weary with each stride of her long, sturdy limbs. Her ears swiveled on her head, listening to the faint breathing of the being riding astride her back. He clutched a lock of her cream mane weakly with his trembling fingers. The other hand clutched his side, stained red with blood. It seeped between his fingers, dripping onto his battered and ripped green tunic. His eyes remained closed, covered partially by his golden blonde locks dancing in the wind. His face was a pale white color, and his lips emitted shuddering, faint exhales.

The mare leaped gracefully over a fallen tree, continuing her brisk pace. Her rider let out a small groan, cringing in pain. His fingers gripped tighter to the mare's mane as he clenched his teeth, tensing his body to keep the scream of agony that threatened to come out within him. Despite his attempts to with hold the pain, a small whimper left him reaching the mare's ears. She snorted, hearing her master's pain and misery, and took longer strides, pushing herself to her limit. Her deep brown eyes gazed ahead in desperation, fear gripping her mind. Fear of the consequences of not getting there in time.

"Epona..." the rider said, barely a whisper in his weakened state. The mare pushed onward, hearing her name called. She galloped at her fastest pace, bursting out from the forest and quickly leaving the outskirts of the forest behind her. The hand gripping her mane suddenly eased, the fingers unable to hold on any longer. The arm slipped from the mane to the side of his beaten body, dangling limply. He opened his eyes, revealing fierce, azure orbs that gazed at the ground dimly. His vision blurred, the ground becoming fuzzy and unrecognizable. He slid on the mare's back, too exhausted and strained to hold on anymore.

Epona felt her companion becoming motionless and cold. She pushed herself onward, nearing the top of the hill. She skidded to a halt at the sight of glowing lights in the distance. Her rider now completely still. He closed his cerulean eyes, letting out a long shaky breath. The mare tensed, her back feeling empty and bare. She raised her gentle head, letting out a sorrowful and despaired whinny that echoed across the valley.

In the last seconds of the rider's consciousness, his pointed ears faintly heard the distant sound of footsteps and shouts. Words suddenly became slurred and inaudible. The sounds shrank in the darkness, and the light faded into nothing.

His mind repeated the words he held so dearly. The words he held deep in his heart, gripping them with a fierce determination. With the promise of fulfilling her wish. They echoed in the shadows, always returning to him. That sweet, innocent voice. Over and over it played in his head. Haunting him. Encouraging him. Comforting him. Reminding him.

You'll find me. Some day, we will see each other again.

You'll find me.

Someday.

We'll see each other again.

Someday.

Find me.

Link.