Destinies That Bind

Chapter 1: "Pumpkin Mercenary"

There is nothing better, I decide, than relaxing after a hard day's work. Lazily chewing on whistleweed, I quietly looked down at the village below her hillside perch. It was early evening, and the inhabitants of Ordon, a quaint village nestled deep in Faron Woods, were winding down for the day. A narrow river ran through the village, providing a natural barrier between the residents' houses and the nearby goat ranch. Small pumpkin patches dotted the village and its surrounding hills, most of which would not have been properly prepared for planting without her assistance.

Ordon village, you see, has an abundance of fertile land but very few inhabitants, and because this village is the Capital's main source of goat and pumpkin products, the Capital has hired individuals to assist the villagers in the production of these goods.

So, in essence, I was like a pumpkin mercenary.

I haven't been in Ordona province very long - a few moons at the most - but it already felt as if I lived here my whole life. The villagers have been more than welcoming - even offering me a place to stay - and while the amenities are not what I am used to, there is something to be said about fresh pumpkin soup. Yum.

"Oh Terra!" a voice called, startling me out of my delicious thoughts, "Get down from there and help us prepare for the festival tomorrow!"

Ah yes, the festival. Every year, each province is responsible for sending Hyrule's Princess a gift of its choosing. This year, Ordona will deliver a finely crafted sword - I figured it was for a knighting ceremony, judging by its shape - and in return the Capital will send a shipment of luxury goods. While the villagers of Ordon seem to be excited for this delivery, I know what is really on their minds:

Butter beer. And lots of it.

Rich and creamy in texture, it is the finest beer in Hyrule, and as such only the royally rich would be able to afford it. The quality of the gifted item is directly related to the quantity of butter beer a province will receive.

Rusl better have crafted a nice sword...

"Terra!", a voice shrieked from below.

I sighed in partial annoyance - my muscles still ached from today's work and made my way down the hill to the village.

"Terra!", the voice cries out, making me turn. A plump little lady hobbled over, arms on her hips in annoyance, "There you ar' 'hun! Here, help m' carry these milk containers!". I politely smiled, trying to recall her name, while she handed me a heavy box full of, I'm assuming, milk bottles.

"Sera," I grinned, relieved I remembered her name, "Nice to see you again," Ugh - this box is heavy, "Lead the way."

She nodded, smiled, and off she went - hobbling away, carrying three boxes by herself. Her husband - I believe his name is Hanch - held the door open for us. I shot him a grateful look, and he just smiled. Once inside, she directed me to a corner to put the box on top of the other ones.

Chore completed, and relieved I no longer have to carry that cumbersome box, I curiously looked around her store. Needless to say, wasn't isn't much, she only seems to carry milk, honey, and a slingshot.

She noticed my critical gaze, and blushes, "I'm sorry hun, we don't stock much anymore. We were supposed to have a delivery of deku seeds - good chewing, those ones - but we haven't gottn' any in weeks," She frowned at that, "Do you suppos' somethin' is wrong?"

I shrugged, "I hope not," and excused myself. She slipped me a yellow rupee and thanked me for my time.

Back outside, I made my way towards the nearby stream. Cupping my hands to form a scoop, I took a drink from its waters, and grinned inwardly. There's nothing like mountain stream water - so refreshing.

"Um, Terra,"A small voice uttered, and I glanced up, "Could you do me a favour and find Link for me? I need his help with," a pause, "something." I nodded, "No problem, Uli. It should be his day off today, I'll see if I can find him at his house."

I have always liked Uli - being heavily pregnant, she was unable to do most things herself. Something tugged at me, but I shook it off - I've never wanted children before, why would I want any now?

A shrill cry reminded me why I shouldn't, "Beth! You promised!" Sighing, I headed towards Link's house to see what the fuss was about. Beth, a girl who, in my opinion, dressed older than she ought to, was arguing with a younger boy, Talo, about a slingshot. Malo, the youngest of the three brats (as I like to call them), sat muttering to himself. Colin, a shy blonde boy, watched from the sidelines as he stroked Link's horse.

They noticed me, but pay me no heed with the exception of Colin, who shots me a shy smile. I smiled back and ask, "Hey, children, do you know where Link is?"

Colin is the only one to reply, I like him I've decided, "Yeah...he's um...I think he is in his house and-"

"Yeah! And he's supposed to teach us how to use a slingshot today!" Talo interrupted, rather rudely. I opened my mouth to berate Talo on his lack of manners, but was interrupted by an exasperated sign coming from the treehouse's doorway.

"Talo, you know better than to interrupt people when they are talking. Say you are sorry,"

Ah, there's the man I was looking for - Link. His sharp blue eyes stared down the offending child, disappointment and annoyance in his eyes. Talo scruffed his toe against the ground and mumbled an apology.

Even though, you know, he obviously doesn't mean it.

After assuring the children he will teach them how to shoot the slingshot tomorrow morning, they seemed satisfied and run off. Probably going to kick some cucoos, the brats.

"Terra," Link asked, his voice full of curiosity, "Fancy seeing you here. What's the matter?" I explained Uli needs his help, and nodding in understanding, he jogged towards the river.

I didn't follow. Instead, I turned to inspect his horse. It was a fine looking creature - although clearly meant for draft and farm work. She stomped her hooves in annoyance at the pestering flies, making me smile. I held out my hand to stroke her, but instead of allowing me like I'd expected, she snorted and took a step back. I frowned. Ah well - I suppose she is wary of strangers.

My suspicion was immediately corrected by a soft feminine voice, "Terra, you know Epona doesn't like strangers," Ilia, a girl around Link's age, nodded towards the horse.

"I know, I thought I'd give it a try anyways," I replied back. I got the feeling Ilia does not like me very much - I couldn't fathom why. She nodded in response, "Do you know where Link is?"

It seemed this girl was attracted to Link, but unlike Beth who outwardly expresses desire for him, she kept it hidden. I don't know what they see in him - sure, he is boyishly cute, but he is not my type.

I shrugged, "He went to help Uli down by the river - he may still be there." Shotting me a thankful look, she hurriedly made her way towards Link.

I'm was alone again with the horse - Epona. Such a beautiful name. Looking upon her, I felt a sudden pang of jealousy. I have always wanted a horse growing up in the Capital, but I was unable to afford one. In fact, I couldn't afford much back at the Capital. It was hard growing up, but when I came of age, I was hired to work in Ordon for a modest sum of rupees. It wasn't much, but it was enough to ensure my survival.

With that thought in mind, I made my way towards Fado's house on other other side of Ordon near the ranch. Fado, who was responsible for the goat ranch, offered me a place to stay. I couldn't refuse - his boarding rate being only a few rupees a day. I sighed, as I entered my dusty small quarters. It wasn't much, but its home for now. Feeling exhausted from the day's activities, I decided to go to sleep early. Tomorrow is bound to be another exhausting day, after all.