A/N This is a fanfic I wrote about 4 years ago now. I posted this once maybe 2 years ago, now that my account is back up I might as well start with my oldest fanfiction. I loved it when I wrote it, then I lost heart in it and deleted it off my page. Since I'm back in business I might as well dig up all my old documents and work on those. I have new ideas for old fandoms too, so if you're into that stuff I'll announce the estimated times for them. Any writing that seems juvenile is something I probably forgot to edit so go ahead and point any weird, stupid, or crazy mistakes so that I can correct them. It's hard to edit it without changing everything so it'll be awhile before everything fits smoothly. I decided to put the Prologue and Chapter 1 together so that it'll be longer. It gets more exciting I promise.
Prologue
One tear. One Twili tear had destroyed the precious Twilight Mirror. Longing filled his heart frequently, he wanted Midna there to use the black Twilight Crystal, to become the blue-eyed beast. To be able to run without a care in the world, to be with Midna, his friend and faithful companion.
Princess Zelda could only try to understand the full extent of Link's experiences. He was weary in both mind and soul, he politely refused many rewards for saving Hyrule. He was restless, yes, but a position as a knight was not something that would appease his spirit. What was left for him to do? The only thing left for him after everything was to go back to Ordon. There were still small slews of beasts about, he might as well protect his people there until a greater opportunity presented itself. Besides, he had promises to a certain blonde haired boy he had to keep.
So, after months and months of adventuring, a worn hero had made his way back home. That was seven months ago. Seven months since he had slowly walked back into the village, following the path he knew by heart. With ever loyal Epona close behind him, Link had greeted familiar faces with tired, but genuine smiles. He had gone home, had been given a hero's welcome, and been praised endlessly, yet none of it gave him any peace. He was mildly content of course, but beneath it a beast still paced with its insatiable hunger for freedom. His spirit felt caged, but his heart told him to rest and stay to protect those he cared for. Now was not the time to run around somewhere far off when repairs needed to be made. Not just tangible repairing, but emotionally as well.
The hero chose to rest then. He would rest and help in Ordon. He hadn't rested in so long, it was time he did. It was time he stopped for a change, to repair the time lost with those that he cared so much about. So he stayed there, for seven months until he no longer could. If only it was of his own volition to leave.
Chapter 1
Seven months had passed since Link's adventure had ended, since he had last seen the Twilight Princess, and since he had made the decision to stay in Ordon. Cold morning air seeped in through his window, it was very close to winter and the mornings were icy and uncomfortable. He was already dressed and awake.
Warmer clothes were a necessity at this time of year, hence why he was wearing plain long sleeves and pants. Nothing special or fancy appealed to him clothing wise, a green shirt and brown pants was fancy enough. Rather than leaving his warm home right away he chose to sit on his bed for a couple minutes. His clasped hands supported his chin while he rested his elbows on his legs.
Link sat like that for only a couple minutes before the brown pouch by his bed caught his eye. With a small sigh he reached down and gingerly picked it up. Turning the heavy bag over in his hands he allowed his memories to swallow him. It had been so long since he had used any of the items in it besides his bow and quiver. A wave of nostalgia washed over him just by holding the pouch. It had been so long… Was it time for him to leave Ordon? The stuffy feeling of staying in one place had been gradually filling his senses over the months. The constancy of everyday was getting to him. Maybe it was time to go, maybe he could leave that week, maybe... No, Ordon needed Link. Winter was approaching quickly and they needed his help. They did need him. He could leave in the spring, when he made sure they were all set. He could last another couple months.
Pulling himself together he heard the familiar shout of Fado. Link sighed, it seemed to be the same day ever since he got back, the only change being the seasons. Setting his pouch down, he headed to the door. Hopping down from the ledge he greeted Fado with a small knowing grin. The herdsman may have gotten better at his job, but he did enjoy his quality time with Link.
"Which is it today, Fado? Fences or herding?" Link inquired with a smile.
Softly chuckling, Fado shook his head. "I only came to tell you that Rusl wants to talk to ya, bud. It's not urgent, but he did mention it was important." He said, "I wouldn't dawdle much if I were you." He added with a pat on Link's shoulder before walking back towards the village.
Usually Rusl came to talk to Link in person, but lately the man wasn't feeling well. The illness didn't appear very serious, the only thing keeping the sick man from seeing him in person was probably his well-meaning, but overbearing wife. With that thought Link snorted in amusement, that was probably the case. Before he headed to the village it was probably best he got something to eat, just in case Uli found out he hadn't. That would end in a short lecture and him being fed far too much food than she should spare for him, especially now that there would be very little food until spring came.
After Link had found something he could eat, and had fed Epona (Goddesses forbid he forget to do that, Ilia would be so mad), he headed down to Rusl and Uli's house. Upon entering it, he was overwhelmed by the wonderful warmth of the fire and also by the small boy he considered a brother.
"Hi Link! It's been awhile since you've been here, we were wondering how long it would take for you to get here." Colin said enthusiastically. He had changed a lot from that shy boy he used to be, Link was most definitely proud of him. The boy received a large grin and affectionately ruffled hair as a greeting from his 'older brother'. He flashed a quick grin toward Uli who was rocking her sleeping baby near the fire who returned the smile in a motherly manner.
From where he as sitting up, Rusl chuckled at both of them. He greeted Link with a simple nod, "I need to ask a favour of you, not a super big one really." He started, "Bo says he spotted several bokoblins off the forest path by the spring. They're being elusive so he set up some bear traps, we were wondering if you could check them tonight."
Link nodded after a second. Bokoblins that close to the village meant that they were bold or stupid, either way they couldn't let them get closer. It made sense to put up traps, it was a lot easier than trying to track down something that didn't want to be found for whatever reason. Usually he was in the loop about this kind of stuff, but he had been busy helping everyone else, he understood if they didn't want to involve him.
"Lately they don't appear to be active during the day so you can wait until later in the day, just be careful Link. Uli won't be letting me get up anytime soon, even if you need help." he added, with a laugh as said wife gave him a pointed, but amused glare.
"It's better to be over-rested than to get worse chasing some beasts around the woods." She said in a firm, loving voice.
Obviously having discussed this matter before Rusl slumped down, contempt written on his face. There was no going against Uli when she had her mind set on something.
"She's won this argument many times, I can see." Shaking his head in bemusement Link chuckled. "I'll be careful Rusl." Turning to Colin he added, "Don't forget to come to my house later, Epona needs some exercise so you might as well practice riding her today."
Colin nodded excitedly, "I won't forget, I'll be there this afternoon!"
Heading towards the door Link waved goodbye to everyone in the house before exiting. They did need him to stay, that's for sure. Even if the rest of the village didn't, everyone in that little house did.
