Acerbate Relief
The sight of an incompetent kingdom was always a precursor to hardship. His mortal body can only withstand so much. Today was a different day. The sight of a sun kissed, ignorant Hyrule resulted in his shoulders dropping restfully and his hands unclenching. He hasn't seen these familiar green hills in what seemed an eternity.
He rejoiced in the reality of wandering throughout his homeland. O how he wanted to lie on the banks of the small river leading to the Zora territory, to hear the cool water rush to places known and unknown. A gaze drifting on the shallow crystalline, alas, he did not stray. His hesitation was due, in part, to Epona; she carried him without a fantasy, forward. She steered him down a familiar path. He knew this way well, as the very veins that run down his arm. As he grew near, the smell of dry earth got stronger. A strange welcoming scent, denoting the route to Kakariko, lingered. As they neared, Epona's intent became clear.
His old home in the Kokiri Forest became uninviting after his departure. He had nowhere to go, he had nowhere to rest. A hero without a legacy and a home, such a pleasant title. Maybe he should have stayed in Termina. Maybe he should have taken Romani's offer. He was so consumed with leaving Termina behind; he was desperate for the silence in the woods. His home was the least of his worries. It was a thought that had not graced him throughout his journey. He was fortunate to have a wise companion. She carried him ever closer to Kakariko. The prospect of enjoying his lost years caused the slightest of smiles to appear. As his thoughts left the past and joined the present, his mind laid to rest any worry. He was lost again upon flights of possibilities. Pathways became unobstructed in the face of his resolve.
Dusk came and left him stranded in twilight. He must journey with haste, for the field is a foe at night. To reach the desired gate and find refuge in the village of a new beginning, his steed ran faster. Underfoot, the crackling of those who emerge from the ground began to emanate with a ghastly din. Ivory fingers sprouted and the noise grew louder. He remained unwavering as he approached the stairway to Kakariko. Behind him trailed the crimson glow from those accursed eyes. However, relief was just a step away, he had made it.
Kakariko Village
Many a time, he has encountered these same buildings and only passed them by. How strange to view them differently, as potential homes. For now, he scouted for an empty place to rest. After a short search, he found a mostly flat rock with a perfectly unobstructed view of the stars. His makeshift bed and the spell of the night carried him quickly into a deep slumber. Behind those eyelids, lied the fantasies of tired boy.
The crawling flicker from a lantern approached his resting place. A familiar voice invaded his dreams as someone laid their hand on him. A gentle shake, unmistakably feminine, took the Hero from dreamland. He was met with the pale gaze of the Cucco Lady. His confusion was more evident than he realized, as he found himself give an audible sigh. She covered him a dark beige blanket; softness graced his cold arms. Away, she led him to her home. Epona trailed behind, curious as to whether she too, was invited. The Cucco Lady stopped before the gate to her enclosure. The rusted iron let out an unpleasant sound and she signaled to Epona, offering with open arms. Delighted, Epona got comfortable as the Cucco Lady made her way back to the gate. She took the Hero by the hand and they continued.
The Carpenter's mustache moved from side to side as he witnessed his daughter come through the doorway, alongside a dirty child. He folded his arms as his daughter led this boy into her bed. She sat next to the Hero and brushed his hair to one side. His eyes closed with the lasting image of her smile. The blanket twisted, enveloping him, as he got comfortable and drifted away. The Cucco Lady stood up and made her way to the stove. She boiled water, all the while, her father stared at her. He shook his weary head, and departed for the second floor. She finished her tea and with one swift blow, the room grew dark.
