A.N: I ended up cutting a large chunk out of this as I was creating way too much backstory. I'm sorry if it's slow. I'm trying to establish the characters and its taking more words than I anticipated. Also if someone could help with with the paragraphs spacing issue, i.e. nothing I do ensure the paragraphs are separated, that would be much appreciated.
*Disclaimer. I do not own any of the characters that were created by Nintendo. Sadly*
Anyways, Enjoy!
2. A Hero Returns
The Lost Woods protected the Kokiri from the outside world, trapping those that would try to enter by turning them into Stalfos or confusing them round in circles until they made they're way back out. The forest was vaster than any one person knew of and the people of Hyrule usually avoided it, aside from the safe parts on the outskirts that were safe to visit. Some Hylians would say that the woods were haunted by evil but some were aware of the great forest guardian that protected his people and held a great respect for the powers in the forest. Saria, Sage of the Forest, was sat outside her temple communicating with the powers that flew amongst the leaves in the trees. She was waiting to hear word of her friend who has travelled deep and far in to the woods. It had been many years but Saria still looked as childlike as she always had, over the centuries she had lived within the forest. It was summer and the sunlight tried to force its way through the green canopy that shielded the clear sky. Saria listened to the bees pollinating each flower, the young fledglings learning to fly under their parents' commands. She felt the younger plants learning to climb higher to reach the light and the dying ones giving their life back into the earth.
And then suddenly she felt it, a distant echo through the leaves telling her, her wait was over. They rippled the message back to her as they danced through the beams of light. She looked at her fairy companion and smiled.
'Will you please inform the Great Deku Tree that Link has returned.' She instructed. The fairy flew off and Saria went to meet her friend in the woods ensuring that he would be accepted and not turned into a Stalfos, as adults had a tendency to do.
Link took in his surroundings and smelled in the old, familiar forest air. Epona grazed at the grass beneath her feet whilst Link tried to get his bearings to his way home. He had been gone for seven years, the same time that he has lived his other life in Hyrule for and one day felt this pull within him telling him to return from his life in Termina. He figured that Princess Zelda must have used some kind of magic to contact him and he had learned to use his gut instinct and so left.
'Right girl, which way do we go?' Link asked his steed, whilst stroking her neck. He knew he should follow the sounds of the forest but he had been absent from them for so long that his ears were no longer attuned its music.
Left? He pulled the reins on Epona up and gently kicked her sides, she whinnied at her meal being interrupted but obeyed her master without fuss.
'I wouldn't go that way if I were you.' A voice called out of the shadows. Link reached for his sword quickly. Goddess I hate these woods. He pinpointed the location of the voice, got off Epona and stalked towards it.
'Who's there?' He called out. Staring into the darkness, sword at the ready.
'Well that's no way to greet a friend.' The voice replied. Link noticed its high pitchness and knew it was a girl. A young girl.
'Very funny Saria.' He smiled, putting away his sword and looking around the trees for her. He turned around and she was right behind him, only coming up to his waist.
'Jeez, you scared me for a minute there.' He said, looking down at her. She looked back up with her big emerald eyes and smiled.
'I missed you a lot Link.' She hugged him and he returned it. He thought of his childhood with the Kokiri and with Saria, how she looked out for him and never mocked him for his lack of a fairy.
'I missed you too.' He replied. They let go of each other. 'So are you gonna get me out of here or what?'
'Of course silly.' Saria pulled a face back at him. 'This way.' She led him through the forest and Link decided to walk with her and pull Epona along by her reins. They weaved in and out of trees mostly following half buried pathways, which Saria seemed to know all of their locations. The forest was constantly making noise, whether it was the birds or the wind brushing against the grass beneath them. They talked about a lot of things, what each of them had been doing, mainly what Link had been doing. He found it strange relaying his adventure to Saria, almost as if it wasn't really true.
'What's the news in Hyrule then?' Link asked her.
'You know me Link. I don't really leave the forest enough to know what's going on.' She sighed. 'It's been peaceful, otherwise I would have been with the other sages.' She added. Link was briefly taken aback, he wasn't sure if he was the only one who remember the events before.
'So you do remember everything?' He wanted to clarify.
'Yes. All of the sages do.' She answered looking up at her friend. He looked so different to her in person. She remembered him as an adult before but it was hazy in her minds eye. The Link in front of her was taller then she expected, his blonde hair was long and scruffy, half hidden under his hat. His eyes were the same blue as always but surrounded by a mature face. His cheekbones and jawline were more prominent and he looked slightly older than his years, highlighted by the light stubble that dotted his face.
'Well that's something I guess.' He thought back to how Zelda did not know him anymore and wondered why she was calling him. Had they finally caught Ganondorf?
As soon as they arrived in the heart of the village all of the Kokiri came running over to them. Seeing that Saria was with an adult scared them at first but once they realised he was a friend they came out of their hiding places. Besides he was wearing a green tunic like theirs.
'Saria! Saria!' The Kokiri called out, 'Who are you?' A short boy asked Link, poking his leg. He would recognize Mido anywhere.
'I'm –' Link began but Saria cut him off with a look. He looked at her puzzled but stopped his sentence. Mido waited expectantly for his answer. Sarias' fairy flittered by her ear.
'Everyone, we are summoned to the Great Deku Tree. I'm sure he will explain everything.' Saria bade them, leading them all to the Deku Trees' clearing.
Link wasn't really surprised at how everything looked just as he last saw it. However when he saw the Deku Tree he was shocked at how large he was. Unsure whether he had grown or Link had simple forgotten his size, he stared up in awe at his old guardian. He could have sworn he smiled down at him. All of the Kokiri sat down in front of him awaiting further instruction. Saria grabbed Link's hand and pulled him over to where they would sit whilst the Deku Tree explained Links' past.
It was late at night when the meal ended, upon learning Links' identity and his saving of Hyrule the Kokiri decided to celebrate with an elaborate meal. They played music, had a big fire and asked about his journey. It reminded Link of the ceremonies he had been a part of as a child, celebrating the new life of the forest each year. All of the Kokiri came to say goodnight to Link and Saria before they left, even Mido who hesitantly apologized to Link.
'Well I suppose you'll be leaving in the morning?' Saria questioned him.
'Yeah I am, I need to find out what's been happening here.' He responded, looking around at the fireflies and other lights that dotted the woods, he could see some of the fairies following their companion's home. They studied each other for a moment, Link truly seeing Saria for the very old spirit that she was and Saria seeing a young man that had too many years in his heart. Despite being friends for years Link felt he understood Saria, and the Kokiri, in ways he never really had before.
'I probably won't be here in the morning so I'll say goodbye now Link.' Saria stated, looking up at him.
'Come here.' Link bent over and opened his arms out. They hugged each other for longer than usual. Not sure when they would see each other again. They let go of each other and took a step back, ready do go in to their houses.
'You know you can always talk to me if you need help Link.' She reminded him of her song.
'Yeah I remember.' He grinned at her and then yawned. 'Well I'll see you around Saria, thanks for today.'
'Night Link. I hope you return soon.'
'Goodnight Saria.' He turned off to his house and climbed the ladder up to the top and pulled the curtain back. Wow, my bed is tiny. He thought to himself as he kicked off his boots and led down, pulling the blanket over himself.
Link despised mornings more than anything but knew he had to get moving to get to Castle Town before the day was over. He forced himself up when he heard a cucco call from some unknown location and stretched his arms out hoping to sort out the knot he had acquired in the night. 'Stupid bed.' He muttered to himself. After a few moments he got dressed and checked for any provisions he would need for the journey but found his room was completely empty. He sighed and got his bag together and left his house, not knowing when he would return again.
He left Epona tied to her post whilst he went to shop for some food and to fill up his water. The Kokiri usually went in to forage for their breakfast every morning, not wanting to take more than they needed and Link guessed this was where most of them were now. Link never had much of an appetite in the mornings because he was mostly still asleep. He left the shop, went to get Epona and took one last look around before heading off.
Hyrule field hadn't changed much over the years but then Link wasn't sure what he really expected. Off into the distance he could see Lon Lon Ranch but knew he couldn't visit yet. I need to figure out why it's safe to return. I need to see Zelda. It was about half a days ride to Castle Town and he wanted to make as few stops as possible. 'Hope your ready to stretch your legs girl.' He smiled at Epona, she snorted into is hair in response.
They made good time and once they were by the drawbridge that led into town Link dismounted Epona and stroked her face, 'I'm sure you'll be heading off to Lon Lon right away eh? Tell Malon I said hi.' Link told her, watching as she trotted off. 'Here goes nothing.' He said, filling his chest with air.
The first thing Link noticed was the sheer size that Hyrule Town had now become, it was at least double if not bigger. He took this as a good sign, that no war had overcome Hyrule in his absence. Link quickly walked through the small crowds and stalls and headed straight to the castle, the tugging feeling he felt was more so than in the forest. He briefly gazed right and felt a pang in his heart as he saw the Temple of Time.
One in a deep forest. One on a high mountain. One under a vast lake. One within the house of the dead. One inside a goddess of the sand.
Link shook his head, confused how he remembered those words so clearly from another life. He walked out of the town towards the castle with a cloud of nostalgia hanging over him. Zelda doesn't even remember.
As a child Link would have crept around, hidden in bushes and jumped in the moat to see the princess but as an adult, Link really didn't have the patience for all of that. He walked over to the gatekeeper.
'Why hello there, can I help you sir?' The gatekeeper asked him looking at him from beneath his helmet. He wondered what sort of business this young man could have at the castle. Perhaps he was to be a new recruit, he thought.
'I'm here to see Princess Zelda, she has sent for me, my name is Link.' He simply stated. The gatekeeper lifted his helmet, is this kid for real?
'The Princess?' He queried, giving Link the once over. Link just sighed, he really didn't need this.
"Yes Zel…er Princess Zelda, she sent for me. If it's a problem I'm sure you can find out from one of the other guards or speak to Impa.' He suggested, 'I've got nothing but time so I can just wait here whilst you do.' Link dismissed the gatekeeper enjoying his unimpressed face as he did so but surprised when he actually left his post. Just my natural leadership abilities, Link smirked to himself.
Impa saw the scene unfold from her view within the castle. She smiled to herself wondering what the Hero could have possibly said to the gatekeeper to make him do his bidding. She had an odd feeling in her heart seeing him again. Impa was one of the few people who still remembered her time before and watched Link become the man that he was, before. But here waiting at the gate, he might not be the same person she had known. She clicked her heels together and turned around to let the Hero in before he was dismissed off the property. Her lips slightly turned up as she tried to image a guard against Link.
'I'm sorry but there is no record of your meeting with the Princess anywhere.' The gatekeeper announced triumphantly to Link as he returned. Link rolled his eyes.
'I can assure you I have been sent for.' Link argued bluntly. 'Like I said I'm happy to wait. Or perhaps you could get the Princess herself. I'm sure she would be delighted to correct you.' Link was getting impatient now. He knew this man had a job to do but he was just being an ass about it. It was when the gatekeeper laughed that Link saw red.
'The Princess wouldn't waste her time on someone like you.' The gatekeeper snorted. That was the straw. Without a second thought Link went to grab his sword, his natural reaction to conflict when Impa appeared as if from nowhere. Link froze.
'Now now Link,' She smiled at him. A very rare sight when it came to the Shiekah. She turned and looked at the guard. 'Apologies for the misunderstanding, there was a breakdown in communication it would seem. I will escort Link to see the Princess.' The gatekeeper look dumbfounded. Impa quickly turned back to Link. 'Come along. It has been far too long.' Impa began walking immediately and headed back towards the castle. Link smirked at the gatekeeper as he walked past his still shocked face.
'Loser.' He mumbled under his breath. Once out of earshot Link finally spoke to her. 'Is it over? She did send for me, right?' He quizzed Impa. They entered the main hall of the castle and Impa took a sharp left up a set of stairs, Link followed never seeing this area before and couldn't believe the sheer size of it. Large glass windows let in the sunlight warming the cold stone that surrounded them.
'I will let the Princess explain Hero. But yes she did send for you using the power of the triforce. It was the only way.' She answered calmly. Links' mind was a whirlwind in comparison. What would she be like? Would she have remembered anything? What needed to be explained? They went a long corridor, lined by a plush red carpet with large paintings hanging along the wall. Link made some unintelligible sound, which indicated his frustration. There was nothing Impa could do to help him, it was not her place and she had other things she had to deal with.
Link continued to stare in awe at his surroundings, the ceilings were so high that that he could not imagine the manpower it must have taken to build the castle. Torches hung at various points along the hall in between paintings of landscapes and who Link presumed to be previous monarchs. Everything looked elegant and screamed wealth at him. Now I really have seen it all. He mused. Impa stopped when they had reached the end of the hallway in front of a large wooden door. She turned to face Link.
'Behind these doors is where the Princess will receive you Hero. She may have advisors or councilmen in the room with her and so you must follow a certain..' Impa hesitated slightly, '…protocol whilst here.' Link nodded in understanding. He had never been taught etiquette in his life but ingrained deep within him from times unknown, he was accustomed to these rules.'Bow, address the Princess correctly, don't speak out of turn, anything I miss?' He asked her cheekily.
'Get rid of that attitude Hero.' She retorted, but he knew she was smiling internally. Impa pushed the doors open to reveal a smaller, but still very large room. A throne room, Link observed, gawking at the humungous golden throne that sat furthest from the door.
He saw her instantly and it was like time was no different. Her long blonde hair fell well past her shoulders in loose waves, her crown fixed firmly on top like a halo. Link could see her in conversation with a man, who seemed a few years older than her and she hadn't noticed he had walked in. As he and Impa walked forward he saw the way her mouth moved when she spoke, so animated yet soft. He noticed she used her hands to talk as well but couldn't recall if she had done so before. When they finally got closer Zelda looked up at him and Impa. She smiled at Impa and Link was finally able to gaze at those exquisite azure eyes.
Zelda stared back at the man who stood beside Impa, recognizing him only from dreams, which she had less and less of as time went on. He was tall and ruggedly handsome. His dirty blonde hair was on the longer side then most Hylian men wore but it suited him. She thought he looked tired, that he hadn't had a good night's sleep in a very long time, making him look a few more years older than her. His skin was slightly tanned making his eyes stand out to her. They were blue like hers, but whilst hers were the colour of sky his were cold and filled with ice and she tried to find warmth beneath them.
Neither of them knew how long they were staring, the exchange was no more than a few seconds, or that they had been at all until they were interrupted.
'Ahem.' Impa cleared her throat. 'Your Royal Highness, I present to you Link.' She paused, not sure what title to give Link in front of their present company. Promptly Link bowed low and graceful, 'It was a pleasure to receive your invitation Your Highness.' He peered up at her through his hair. Her eyes were fixed upon him, as was the man sat next to her.
'The pleasure is all mine Sir.' Zelda addressed him. 'You may rise.' She gave a small wave and Link stood up, waiting for further direction. 'As you can currently see I am in the middle of a conversation with Prince Aurelio.' She indicated to the man beside her, who beamed when she said his name. 'Impa, may you escort Link to my formal chambers and I will endeavor to meet you as promptly as possible.' She instructed her bodyguard who politely nodded in response as she led Link away, bowing before she left. Link bowed again and followed Impa away, looking over his shoulder to find Zelda staring back at him as Prince Aurelio tried to converse with her.
Link was left alone in a room with a large fireplace and several plush chairs. A large mirror hung on one of the walls and he stared at his reflection. He looked like a man, not a seventeen year old and his hair needed a wash. You just need a wash Link. He criticized himself. He could hear footsteps outside the door and ruffled his hands through his hair, trying to tame it somehow where normally a hat would have done the job. Swiftly Princess Zelda walked through the door, '-some tea would be excellent Maria, thank you.' She let out a deep breath as she shut the door behind her. Her eyes were closed and for the briefest of seconds she was not a Princess. And then she opened them looking at the Hero that had saved her country, a stranger and a friend all wrapped up in a confused present.
'Hello Link.' She greeted him, walking over to a sofa and sitting down gracefully. 'Please take a seat.' She offered. Link noticed how she held authority within her words without even meaning too.
'Hello Princess.' He replied, sitting down.
"I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to get hold of you. I'm sorry you left in the first place.' She apologised looking down at her feet. Like always. Link noticed. Suddenly he really didn't want to be here. He wanted to be in Termina, where there was no Zelda because he realised that by not being here, he did not have to face the fact that she still didn't really know him how she used to and he knew her all to well. He changed the subject. 'Has Ganondorf been captured Princess?' He asked. Zelda looked back up to into his icy blues, there was something about them that she couldn't quite put her finger on that drew her to them.
'I'm afraid he has not.' She replied. 'And please, there is no need to call me Princess Link, you saved my life and Hyrule.' She noticed the tops of his eyes turned slightly pink at this comment and smiled.
'It was nothing.' He responded.
They sat in silence for a few moments unsure of how to act. Zelda found she could not relax properly but knew that she trusted Link beyond all doubt. Link couldn't stand the distance between them.
'For the past few years there has been tension between the Hylians and the Gerudo as we wanted to arrest Ganondorf.' Zelda began. 'My father understood the potential dangers if he was allowed to remain free which is why we asked that you leave with the Ocarina of Time. Without this treasure there was no way that he would be able to open the Door of Time.' She paused, there was a knock at the door.
'Come in.' Zelda called out. It was a maid, Maria Link assumed, and she bought in a tray with some tea and sugar biscuits, leaving them on the table. Zelda carefully poured Link a cup of tea and resumed her explanation once the maid left.
'We believe that Ganondorf sent out search parties around Hyrule for you but however couldn't find you and so he retreated back to the desert and we didn't hear anything for a while. At the same time my father decided that our armies would need to be fortified in case there was an impeding attack as was before.' She poured her own tea and took a small sip. She stared quickly at Link and was pleased that he appeared interested.
'Because of the previous time, in which Ganondorf conquered Hyrule, Impa revealed a rather large secret to my father and me.'
Link looked at her inquisitively, 'What is it Princess?'
'Impa is not the last remaining Sheikah as we thought, she has kept her tribe a secret and hidden from us and the world.' Zelda replied, seeming disappointed. 'Whatever the reasons for the secrecy I do not fully know, but her tribe had agreed that in order to protect the future from any potential harm, they should reveal themselves and form an alliance.'
Link was flabbergasted and Zelda thought this a very funny look for him and giggled. 'How in the heck, sorry, did a whole TRIBE of people stay off the radar?' He questioned. MORE Shiekah? Was this even happening.
'They're a very secretive race of people.'
'Well duh.' Link retorted. Zelda let out a small snort of laughter and Link looked at her and smiled back, a twinkle in his icy orbs.
'As you already know I had taken the guise of a Shiekah to protect myself, once before.' She continued. Of course he knew.
'One in a deep forest. One on a high mountain. One under a vast lake. One within the house of the dead. One inside a goddess of the sand. Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return light and peace to the world. This is the legend of the temples passed down through my people, the Shiekah.' The stranger told him. He wasn't even sure what was going on anymore but there was something Link couldn't quite put his finger on. He felt he could trust this Shiekah, they were after all guardians of the royal family but it was something more. But Link couldn't read anything in those ruby red eyes and so left to begin his journey.
Link blinked a few times and came back to the present and a concerned looking princess staring at him. 'Are you ok?' She asked. He drank some tea, gulping down the still hot liquid and nodded.
'I'm fine, please go on.' He ushered.
'Well what I was unaware of, was that during that time I actually lived with the other surviving Shiekah.'
'What?!' Link yelled. 'Sorry, sorry.' He added quickly after seeing Zeldas' startled face. 'This is all just a lot to take in.'
'I understand and I'm sorry. I would have updated you but there was no way of getting hold of you and I did not want Ganondorfs' spies to have any idea where you were.' She apologised again, sounding no less sincere than the others.
'How did you know where I was?'
'Saria informed us that you ventured into the Lost Woods and that you had disappeared from it, so we never really knew where you were exactly.' Zelda admitted.
'Wait, we?' Link asked with more force behind his voice.
'I… Myself and the other sages, we had to come up with a plan.' She stammered. Looking slightly guilty at the hurt she had cause Link.
To say Link was peeved was an understatement, his anger had been growing over time as Zelda barely knew who he was, Ganondorf was still god knows where and now to top it off he was just cast aside. 'Is this some kind of joke Princess?' He sneered at her. 'I mean, what my understanding is, is that you shipped me off away from my home and then you and everyone else decide that you should plan your moves against Ganondorf without the one person who can actually defeat him.' Link was livid. His blue eyes were now a steely ice and cut at Zelda deeply. She looked down at her feet.
'I..I'm truly sorry-' She muttered.
'Would you stop looking down at your goddess damned feet Princess?' He loomed over her for a few long seconds and ran his fingers through his hair. This is killing me. This is so much worse then leaving Hyrule. He huffed and slouched back into his chair, Zelda watched his every move. 'I'm sorry. I just... You used to do that. Before I mean…' Link trailed off his sentence rubbing his face in his hands. Zelda saw pain etched across his sharp features and impulsively sat down next to him and held his hand in hers. Link looked like a startled deer.
'I wish I knew all that you did. It would make all of this easier.' She stated calmly. Her touch was soft against his rough skin and just as quickly as she held his hand, she let go and moved back to her own seat.
'I can see that you are tired, so I will be brief. Some time after Impa revealed the Shiekah and years after Ganondorf had been in the desert. My father was killed and at 16 I became the youngest Monarch due to my fathers will. I tried to negotiate myself with Ganondorf for a peace treaty but he refused. After returning to the desert he abandoned the Gerudo, as Nabooru informed me. A year later he has still not returned and hence why I called for you.' She finished. 'We can go in to more detail another time and you can tell me your story but for now you are my guest. A maid will see you to your chambers.' She stood up and Link did the same.
'I hope in time all can be forgiven Link.' She smiled sweetly at him. Curtseying, she left the room and Link standing there.
A.N. Just like thank people for actually taking their time out to read this. Means a heck of a lot to me. (: I plan on writing from a different characters perspective next chapter. A race which I feel is highly underdeveloped in their history.
