Link was grateful that Epona was still at camp when they arrived. If she had bolted, he wasn't sure how he would've found her. When the horse saw her master, she neighed in delight and trotted towards him. The approach of the young woman behind him stopped the horse short though, causing her to snort and stomp her foot in confusion.

"Ah Epona, I forgot to tell you that we have a guest staying with us tonight. She'll be on her way in the morning, but try to make her feel welcome anyways," Link said as he stroked the horse's side. He gently pushed her head in the newcomer's direction. "Her name is Marth." Link looked back to his horse. "Marth, this is Epona. She's the other tenant of our camp."

The young woman's face brightened. "That's such a beautiful horse. Do you mind if I pet her?"

"You can try," Link said as left the horse and knelt by the fire. He fed a handful of branches into the flames.

Lucina slowly approached Epona and stretched out her hand. The horse quickly pulled her face away and snorted a warning. The young woman grimaced and immediately withdrew her hand.

"Don't take it personally. She's pretty picky," Link said. He grabbed another handful of nearby branches and threw them into the fire. The flames crackled and flared as they hungrily consumed them. The hero began to break off other fallen branches to put into a pile for later. "There's only one other person she's ever warmed up to beside me."

Lucina slowly backed away from the horse. "Ah, I see." She looked in his direction and walked over. "Do you need help gathering wood? You've shown me kindness by allowing me to stay here. The least I can do is help contribute in some way."

The hero shrugged his shoulders. "If you want." He pointed off in the distance. "I saw some good dry wood in that direction a little while ago. If you bring some of that back, we should be set for a while. I'll continue searching over here in the meantime."

"Sounds good," she replied, heading off in the direction Link had pointed.

Link turned around to say something else but the young woman had already walked out of earshot. "Hmm, I forgot to warn her about the Skulltulas. Hope she's not afraid of spiders."

A little while later, he heard shouting followed by the sound of wood falling to the ground. The hero raced in the direction only to hear the clanging of metal and a vicious hiss. Then it suddenly got quiet.

When he arrived, Lucina had her sword drawn and was breathing heavily. Branches were scattered all around her. A dead spider lay on the ground in front of her.

"What happened?" Link asked, stopping to catch his breath.

"I was attacked by a foul beast," she explained, pulling out a cloth and wiping the monster guts off her weapon. Her hands still trembled from the adrenaline as she struggled to clean her blade in the dark. "It startled me at first. But I killed it." She looked up. "Do you think there's more of them nearby?"

Link just stood there with wide eyes. "Yeah…I was going to warn you about those. But you ran off before I had the chance." He looked down at the wood scattered on the ground and busied himself by picking it up. "They're pretty common in this area but most of the time they'll leave you alone. Especially if there's light nearby. So I think we should be safe."

She finished cleaning her blade and sheathed it. "Well, this one may have caught me by surprise, but I'll be ready for the next one."

Link continued to pick up the scattered branches. "Well, I guess it's a good thing you weren't hurt or anything."

Lucina saw Link's silhouette in the moonlight gathering wood and knelt down as well. "You shouldn't be helping me. I'll clean all this up. It's my fault I dropped all this in the first place."

The hero sighed. "It doesn't matter who does it. As long as we have enough wood for the night." He grabbed a few more branches until his hands were full. "Tell you what…I'll take what I have back to camp and let you finish here. Based on what I can see, this should be more than enough. Just holler if you see any more Skulltulas."

Link took her silence for agreement. He stood up and walked back to the camp with the load in his hands. Upon arriving, he dropped the branches in the slowly growing pile. He sat down by the fire and basked in it's warmth, watching as the sparks danced erratically just above the tips of the flames. He looked over to Epona, who was lying down a little ways from the fire with her eyes closed. The moon bathed her head and upper body in a silver light while shadow covered her other half.

The hero looked back in the direction he had come. He could hear the stranger grunting in the distance as she bent down and picked up the rest of the fallen branches. He was impressed she managed to kill the monster without any help. He had definitely underestimated her. Not just anyone would be able to kill a Skulltula, never mind so quickly and efficiently. He had come expecting to save the day, but she had proven she didn't need his help. The weapon she carried was clearly not just for show.

A little while later, she returned to camp with her lost cargo. With a disgruntled sigh, she dropped the wood in the pile and plopped on the ground by the fire. Link watched her intently as the two sat in silence for some time. She seemed to be lost in thought as she stared into the fire. Her finger idly twirled a lock of hair as she listened to the steady rhythm of burnt wood popping and crackling.

"Is there something on my face?" she asked at last when she realized he was staring at her.

Link's cheeks flushed. "Well…no." He quickly looked away.

"Then did you need something?" she asked. "You seemed to be looking at me quite intently."

Link looked down at the fire. The color hadn't quite faded from his cheeks. "Well…I was wondering if you were going to offer the food you promised. Or if I was going to have to ask."

Lucina gasped. "Oh. I'm so sorry. I got so lost in thought that I completely forgot I hadn't given you anything." She began searching around. "Now where did I put it?" The worry on her face heightened the longer she searched. She patted her clothing. "I know I had it on me." After a short time, she finally pulled out a satchel. "Ah, here it is." She tossed it over to Link. "I know it's not much, but a deal is a deal."

Link caught the satchel and eagerly opened it. He tried to hide the disappointment on his face when he saw the meager contents. There was one biscuit, a handful of raisins, and an apple. It indeed wasn't much, but it was more than he had eaten all day.

"Thank you," he said before scarfing the entire biscuit whole.

"You're welcome," she replied, her gaze returning to the fire.

The two sat in silence once again. Link's munching could be heard over even the crackling of the fire and the chirping of crickets. An owl hooted in the distance. Link made short work of the seeds and moved onto the apple. As he raised it to his mouth, he caught Epona eyeing him intently. He hesitated, looking down at the apple and then back to his faithful companion.

"Not this time. You had your dinner already," he said aloud, and took a large bite out of the fruit just to tease her. She snorted her displeasure but he didn't care. The juice felt like sweet nectar as it hit his tongue. He savored the bite and let out a content sigh.

"I'm sorry. Did you say something just now?" Lucina asked, startling Link out of his savory experience.

"Did I?" he asked, looking back at the apple. His grip on it tightened. He just wanted to enjoy another bite, not answer this woman's questions.

"Yes. Something about already eating dinner?" she repeated.

Link looked up. What was she talking about? Couldn't she see that she was interrupting his feast?

And then it hit him. He looked away and his voice trailed off. "Oh that. I was actually talking to Epona, not you."

"I'm sorry. What did you say?"

The hero sighed and took another bite of the apple. "I fai'd I wumph taffing po Efona."

Lucina stared at him. "I couldn't understand a single word you just said."

Link swallowed and took a deep breath to compose himself. "I said…I was talking…to Epona."

The young woman smiled. "Do you regularly talk to your horse like that?"

The tips of Link's ears reddened. "Do I really have to answer your question?"

Her smile quickly disappeared and she looked away. "Oh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry or anything." Her voice trailed off. "I just thought it was cute, that's all."

Link took another bite from the apple and watched her from the corner of his eye. Her gaze bounced around the campsite but always avoided his general direction. He looked down at the fire and let the crackling of the flames fill the silence for a little while. This was going to be a long and awkward night if he didn't say something.

How long had it been since he had actually talked to someone like this? Most of his conversations in the last few years had been very shallow and focused on what was happening in the moment: buying supplies from a store, helping out a local villager, asking for directions and the like.

The Kokiri kids used to joke that he couldn't talk since he never said anything. In some ways, they were right. As the boy without a fairy, he often didn't have much to say to them. But that's because he felt like he didn't belong. He didn't want to burden them with his troubles. Saria was the only one who knew better. She was the only friend who cared enough to ask him what he was really thinking and feeling.

He looked up. There was something about this young woman that reminded him of Saria. An earnestness perhaps? Is that why she seemed so familiar? As she fixed her gaze to look intently at the fire, he noticed a wistful look in her eyes. Did he detect sadness? He wondered what sorts of experiences she carried with her.

Link took one last bite of the apple and tossed the core into the fire. "You know…it was an innocent enough question. There was no need for you to apologize. If anything, I'm sorry I came across as harsh." He looked down. "I guess Epona and I just aren't used to having company." He looked back up. "To actually answer your question, I guess I do talk to her a lot. Maybe more than I realize."

Lucina drew circles in the dirt with her finger. Her shoulders eased up a little. "I appreciate it." She glanced over to Epona, who was now lying down and fighting off sleep with half-open eyes. "Have you two known each other long?"

Link crossed his legs and rested his hands on his knees. He looked up at the night sky. "Yeah, I suppose it has been a while. Several years in fact. Now that I think about it, the time's really flown by. She's been beside me this whole time."

Lucina glanced up at him. She continued to draw circles in the dirt. "Where did you two meet, if you don't mind me asking?"

A smile crept on the hero's face. "At a ranch. I'm sure that's a surprise." He looked down at the campfire. "There was a girl there, the ranch owner's daughter, that introduced us. She taught me a song that Epona really likes. When I played it, she came right over. It was like we were best friends even though we had just met. The ranch girl couldn't believe it. She claimed that Epona didn't act like that with anyone but her." Link grabbed another stick from the pile and threw it into the fire. "I guess it was just meant to be. We've been together ever since."

Lucina shook the dirt off her hands and rested them on her knees. "That's such a nice story. It's wonderful that you two have been together so long." She looked around in no particular direction. "I assume this forest isn't your final destination. Do you two have anywhere in particular you're headed?"

Link shook his head. "Not anywhere in particular. But finding a village nearby would be nice so we can resupply. Otherwise, we'll probably continue to wander like we have been."

"Do you not have any place to call home?"

Link tensed. "Home?" He looked at Epona and then up at the night sky once again. "It's been a long time since I've returned home. I've thought about going back…" he paused, as if finding the right wording. "But it's complicated."

Lucina tucked her knees towards her chest and fixed her gaze on the hypnotic flames. "I think I know how you feel. There are many days where I think about home; the place where I grew up and the people I left behind. But going back simply isn't an option for me. Even if I wanted to."

The hero nodded. He was certain of it now. He discerned a distant sadness in her eyes and heaviness to her tone. Whatever she had experienced, it was a burden that she still carried with her. He knew what that felt like.

"Where are you from, Marth? And where are you headed? What brought you to these woods in the first place?" he asked.

She looked up at him and seemed to toss over his words before responding. She set her hands on the ground by her sides and stretched out her feet. "Hmm, you seem trustworthy enough. I suppose I can share a little about myself."

Link smirked. "Are you sure? Weren't you afraid of me being a bandit or something?"

Lucina stiffened. "Wait! Are you really a bandit? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" She rose to her feet and was about to draw her sword. "But wait. If you really were a bandit, why would you tell me at all?"

The hero held up his hands as if they could block her from slashing at him. "Hold a moment, Marth. I was just joking. There's no reason to get your cuckoo feathers all ruffled." He rested his hand to his forehead. "Farore's wind…I didn't expect you to take me so literally."

Lucina slowly sat back down and took a deep breath. "Ah I see. I don't find your joke particularly funny, but I suppose I'm glad you aren't serious."

Link nervously eyed her sword. "I'm just glad you didn't attack me. If you were serious, you probably could have cut me in two."

The young woman laughed nervously. "Yeah, I suppose I did overreact a bit there. I've been told I don't have the best sense of humor."

The hero shrugged it off. "It's my fault for being careless." He looked back at her. "So Marth, back to what I asked before: where do you call home?

Lucina hesitated. "I'm from a faraway kingdom. You likely have never heard of it."

Link smirked. "I've done quite a bit of traveling over the years. I bet you twenty rupees that I've heard of it."

The young woman raised an eyebrow. "If you say so. Have you ever heard of Ylisse?"

The hero's smirk disappeared. "Hmm, can't say that I have. I guess I owe you twenty rupees. Too bad I don't have that at the moment." He looked around. "I just have to find some grass around here to cut. Then I should have it in no time."

Lucina tilted her head. "Rupees? Is that the money you use around here? And you earn it by cutting grass?"

Link arched a brow. "You mean you've never found rupees by hacking at some grass? That's the only way I survive half the time. This kingdom of yours must be far away indeed."

"I told you it was far," she replied. "Even so, I never expected to find such strange customs in distant lands."

The hero crossed his legs. "So how did you make it this far without any money? I know the local lands around here use rupees just like Hyrule."

"Would you believe me if I said magic?"

Link shrugged his shoulders. "Sure, why not? I know there are songs out there that allow you to travel great distances in a short time. Who's to say that there aren't other types of magic that do the same?"

Lucina smiled. "I didn't expect you to actually believe that. It seems you're more trusting than you let on."

Link laughed. "Or just hungry and tired."

She looked down at the ground. "You mentioned a place called Hyrule earlier? Is that close to here?"

The hero nodded. "More or less. It's not terribly far from here. But it would require a good few days of riding before you reach the border."

Lucina seemed to ponder his words carefully. She didn't respond right away, instead looking down into the fire. There was a different look in her eyes this time; wheels were turning in her head. She hugged her knees back to her chest.

"Link, you seem to have done a lot of traveling. I bet you've met many people and heard many stories from the lands you've traversed." She paused and looked up at the night sky. A blanket of stars had come out since they had arrived at camp. "To be honest, I am searching for someone but I don't know where to even start looking. I'm wondering if you can help me. You know these lands better than I do."

The hero shrugged his shoulders. "I guess that depends on who you're looking for. I'll help you if I can."

Lucina took a deep breath, as if it pained her to speak what she wanted to say. "I am looking for some sort of hero. I don't know who he is or what he looks like. But I know he has a task to complete and it's vital that I help him." She leaned forward on her knees. "Do you have any suggestions on where I should start looking?"

Link's whole body froze. He clenched his jaw shut and closed his fists tightly to try and regain composure. He could only hope she didn't notice his sudden apprehension. "H-hero? You're l-looking for a hero?" he stuttered. He slowly unclasped his fingers. "I don't know of any heroes." He paused as his mind raced to figure out what to say next. "But Hyrule is the largest nation in this area so it's probably a good place to start your search. You might find a clue there. Do you know what sort of task this hero has to complete? Maybe that will help narrow your search."

Lucina shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't go into much more detail than that." She looked down at the fire. "However, I appreciate your help. It gives me a starting point. Now I just need to figure out how to get to Hyrule as fast as possible."

"You can't use your magic to fly there?"

"I'm afraid it's not that simple."

Link wasn't sure if Marth was really looking for him or another hero. But her comment put him on edge nonetheless. She seemed nice enough, and he sensed no treachery or malice from her. But there was no telling what she might be hiding. His instincts told him to keep his identity a secret for the time being until he could discern her true motives. In order to do that, he would need more time.

The hero felt the words form a lump in his throat. "Well, in that case, Epona and I might be able to give you a lift to the closest village if you want," he offered. "It's not Hyrule, but it would be a start. At least get you out of the forest." He paused to try and gauge the reaction on Lucina's face. Her expression remained impassive so he continued. "I know we said that we would part ways in the morning, but if we're both headed in the same general direction anyways, I don't think it would hurt to travel together a bit longer."

Lucina's mouth dropped a little. She sat straight up. "Do you really mean it?" She scowled at him. "This isn't another one of your jokes, is it?"

Link grabbed another handful of stick and fed them into the fire. "This time I'm being serious. It wouldn't feel right to just leave you lost in the forest by yourself."

The young woman's face softened into a warm smile. "That's very sweet of you, Link. I will gladly accept your offer." She stretched out her legs and leaned back on her hands. "I'll take whatever help I can get."

The hero's ears reddened again. He looked away. "Well, hopefully Epona is okay with it. She's not used to having two riders."

Lucina shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, I don't mind walking."

Link raised a brow. "You say that now. But we don't know how far the nearest village is. It could be a longer walk than you expect." He looked up at the night sky. "Anyways, if we plan on hitting the road in the morning, then you should get some rest so you're not falling asleep out of the saddle."

The young woman looked at Link. "What about you?"

"I'll take watch tonight. No telling if there are any other stray monsters around."

Lucina stared at Link. "But you need sleep too. What if we take shifts? You can take first watch for a few hours. Then I'll take second watch so you can get a few hours too."

Link looked at her and nodded. "I think that's fair." He pointed over to his sleeping mat. "Feel free to use that. It's a little more comfortable than the ground. It doesn't look like much but it makes a difference."

Lucina stood up and walked over to the mat. "I don't mind sleeping on the ground. I'm pretty used to it, in fact. But if you insist." She knelt on it and sighed. "Hmm, this is pretty comfortable. Well…all things considered."

Link just chuckled. "Told you." He directed his gaze to the fire as she lied down and tried to get comfortable. "I'll wake you in a few hours."

"Sounds good," came the reply followed by a yawn.

Link enjoyed the warmth of the fire as Lucina began to fall asleep. Within a few minutes, her rhythmic breathing joined the host of sounds filling the forest. A cool breeze began to blow through the trees, causing the hero to move closer to the fire.

Alone to his thoughts, Link wondered what to make of this young stranger. She was clearly well traveled and quite capable of taking care of herself. There was an earnestness and naivety to her too, although this was tempered by a deep sadness that seemed to be buried deep inside. Her search for a hero also made him uneasy. Part of him felt like he should have let her travel her own path without getting involved. But then again, when had he ever been able to turn a blind eye to someone needing help?

Despite what his common sense told him, Link felt this stranger was trustworthy. It was only a feeling though. He would still have to be careful. But he wouldn't be surprised if their meeting was a product of the goddesses' will. The young woman's words about a task especially intrigued him.

But what could that task be? Perhaps he would learn more tomorrow morning.