DISCLAIMER: I claim no property of the Legend of Zelda franchise, whether It's characters, games, consoles, merchandise, etc. However, my character is copyrighted to myself, and is my property.
Finally at peace, the lands of Hyrule were once again vibrant and full of happy people from far across the world, and even other races. Ever since Link, the Chosen Hero slayed Ganondorf the evil Dark Lord, the cloud of death and shadow was cleansed from the land. One of the most popular villages in Hyrule, Castle Town, was especially abundant today; people crossed the streets going to every store and corner on the block to complete their errands, or even to shop for luxuries. Despite the many crowds and expensive goods being sold by merchants, every one of the citizens seemed happy.
Amidst the hoards of people was one who stood out from the rest. Everyone knew his famous green tunic, and instantly recognized him as their hero, Link. Although he was also happy for the sacred power restored to these lands, he couldn't help but feel a small bit of sadness every day. Countless mornings passed by when he wished he could feel the adrenaline rush of slaying horrible beasts and exploring ancient ruins, searching for treasure and saving lives. There have been occasional robberies and mishaps over the year since Ganondorf was killed, but it was nothing that could satisfy Link. He didn't want anyone to be in such danger as they were all those months ago, but still…
He padded silently among the crowds, walking down the allies toward Telma's favored bar. There he knew the sweet voice of the woman would take his mind off of the troubles in his soul. Stepping inside the warm tavern, the young warrior glanced around. The bar was almost empty, except for a couple guards sitting at a far off table, lost in conversation as well as their glasses of ale. To the right, the boy glanced at a woman behind the counter. She was well built, and noble looking. Her red hair was tied back neatly in a small ponytail. A rag was held in her hand, cleaning the smooth surface of the bar counter. As she rubbed the wood, a smile creased her dark-skinned face when she noticed the warrior step inside.
"Well hello there, honey! Great to see you!" The bar owner greeted. Link smiled back and nodded, taking a seat at a stool infront of the bar. He always liked to come here, as Telma would always greet him in such a polite way. The woman put the rag inside a pocket of her clothing and chuckled. Link tried to keep his gaze into her deep, brown eyes, since many males took note of her rather broad chest. The young man was always taught to not stare at a woman below the neck, and he followed that rule. "You look a little down… You want something to perk ya' up, Link?" He shook his head. Telma frowned, but took out a glass anyway. "If only you could tell me what's wrong. You're such a complicated little one aren't you?"
Link just stared up at her, trying to give her the answer from the look in his eyes. After a few seconds, he merely sighed and let the older woman poor him some milk. "Don't give me that look, honey. You're not old enough for what they are having." Telma gestured over to the table with the guards in the far corner, shaking her head.
That wasn't exactly what I meant…Link thought with a breath. He forced a smile in Telma's direction and put the glass of milk to his lips. The men across the tavern got up from their chairs and made their way to the door into the city.
"Sure seems odd, those reports," one of them said gruffly, stroking his beard.
"Who knew they were still alive? No one has seen one since he slayed one controlled by the darkness," another added, gesturing towards Link.
"I don't think we should worry about it too much," the first stated flatly, opening the door. "Everyone's just excited, that's all. People see lots of crazy evil stuff when they're used to seeing it." The guards stepped through the door, disappearing from sight. Link turned his head, wiping his mouth. I wonder what they were talking about. He mused. Reaching into his pouch and pulling out a few Rupees, the young hero placed them on the top of the bar, stood up and followed the guards out.
"Have a good day there, honey!" Telma waved as he left the bar. Outside, Link caught up with the two men who were still discussing the "reports" they were hearing about. They noticed him.
"Hey! You're Link, ain'tcha, little guy?" the bearded one exclaimed. The warrior nodded.
"I think he wants to hear about those reports and rumors. You know what he's like, Kan," the other guard said.
"Alright then. See, we've been hearing about uh…" Kan glanced around in the alley outside of Telma's Bar and said again in almost a whisper, "hearing about dragons and such around Hyrule, as unbelievable as it sounds…. What's so funny, Antei?" Kan glared. Antei wiped a tear from his eye, stopping his chuckles.
"I'm sorry, friend. It's just that I still get a kick out hearing such a ridiculous notion from some people!"
Dragons… I hope what these guys are saying isn't true, Link looked down, remembering his battle with the dragon in the City in the Sky. Vivid memories haunted his dreams sometimes of his piercing roar, and intense fire breath. Countless times during that battle he barely managed to dodge the beast's fangs and claws.
"Hey are you alright there, son?" Kan asked, concerned. Link shook his head, getting rid of the memories, and nodded. "Anyway, even if the rumors are true, you'd protect us, right lad?" Once again, the warrior nodded.
"But Kan," Antei mumbled, "what if these dragons aren't evil? I mean I've heard some legends of the beasts that took human form and lived among us peacefully…"
"Eh, even so… I'm sure it's nothing to worry about that much." Link agreed silently.
Later that night, Link was riding through Hyrule field with his beloved horse, Epona. It was a silent ride under the moonlight as the swordsman looked for a place to rest. His home town was much too far to get to in one night without tiring his steed out, so after a while of searching, he halted the mare infront of a grassy path of trees and sat down under one of them. It's not as comfortable as a bed, but it'll do for the time being… Before Link could finish his thought, sleep quickly overcame his mind. Just before he plunged into warm darkness, a single sentence rang across his brain. "Dragons returning to Hyrule…"
And then the night closed over him.