Eight days til Coronation
Link hammered the last nail in the renovated paddock fence, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Hey Link! Come help us round em up before you scarper off to the castle eh?" Called Fado.
Link lept back over the fence and started herding the goats. Eventually him, Fado, and Gerin managed to get them in their pen, though with Epona he knew it would've taken half the time.
"See you in two weeks then." Link said.
"Right, right. Why are you going for so long? Rusl's coming back right away." Asked Gerin.
"Cause Rusl has a family to look after. Besides how often does a new monarch get crowned? Should be something to see." With a wave Link pelted off to his treehouse.
There was barely any light left when he climbed up and into the main room of his house. He looked around at a loss. What should he even bring? He opened one of his magical pouches and stuffed his only clean Ordon tunic in, his sketchpad and a few other sundries before descending into the basement with his lamp. He opened the chest and considered the arraignment of weapons. The double clawshots were packed, and the hero's green tunic and accessories. He considered the zora armor before adding it as well. Not like it was gonna add extra weight anyways. Fairy bow went in too with the quiver and some potions. Uli would have food for the road and Ilia said she'd get a pack together for Epona. Next Link strapped on his baldric with the ordon sword and hylian shield. He fixed the pouch to his belt and snagged a scrap of blue fabric to tie about his head, feeling odd without the cap. He dropped the iron boots back into the chest and climbed up and out of his home pulling up the ladder before jumping down.
Link arrived outside Rusl's home and paced for a good ten minutes before he came out.
"Link, the sun only just set, would you quit your pacing, we don't need a moat by the garden."
"Oh he's just excited, let him be. This one's for you Link." Responded Uli as she handed him a bundle of rations. They said their farewells, Link promising to take Colin to castletown next time, and made their way to the bridge where Ilia waited with Epona and one of the cart horses.
"There's plenty of feed in the right saddle bag and a few carrots. Her hoof pick and comb are in the left.. Gimme that." She snatched his bag of rations away and tucked it in the left saddlebag.
Rusl patted her on the shoulder and mounted his horse, double checking his saddle bags as well. "Make sure you check in on Uli for me. You know she'll try to do everything herself. And thank you Ilia"
"No problem. Oh and dad said to give you this." She handed him a scroll. Rusl nodded and trotted across the bridge.
Ilia flung her arms around Link. "It seems like you just returned yesterday. Don't stay away too long okay?" He broke away and smiled at her, then mussed her hair. She smacked his hand away and laughed "get going. And be safe!"
Link jumped on Epona and rode off.
Seven days til Coronation
They rode through most of the night until they reached the edge of Hyrule field and stopped in the tree line as the sun was beginning to rise.
"We'll take a nap here, the horses need the rest." Link dismounted and removed the saddle and bridle from Epona. He gave her a good meal and brushed her down before he laid down next to his bags and closed his eyes. Barely a moment passed and he found himself staring at the leaves overhead. He was too excited, and nervous, about reaching the castle. He wondered if she'd read his letter yet, and what she thought of his drawing. He hoped she liked it. He was startled from his musings when a hawk landed on the branch above him and squawked at him. He sat up quickly and held out his arm. The hawk came down to him and he pulled the scroll from its leg. The bird took off immediately. With a frown Link turned to examine the scroll to find it was addressed to him in the same deep purple flowing script as before. Eagerly he broke the seal.
Dear Link.
I was greatly pleased to read your letter, it was a much welcome break from the forms and proposals I've been poring over. I would be glad to grant you an audience. I do have an hour before dinner and after that I am free to spend as I wish, though I most often squander such freedom in my office with my very own death mountain pile of paperwork. I would also like to thank you for the beautiful drawing of Princess Midna, you are quite the talented hero. I shall save the rest of my words for your arrival.
Swift and safe travels.
Zelda
Link broke into a grin and threw off his thin blanket. Taking care not to wake Rusl he crept away from their camp and out into the field. He could just make out the top spire of the castle in the distance. It would take them perhaps three hours to reach Castletown if they picked up the languid pace Rusl had set. With a sigh he turned away and went back to where Epona was resting. He sat down leaning against her warm bulk and brought out his sketch book to distract himself until Rusl woke.
AN: Bit of a shorter chapter...might post ch4 later this weekend if I am motivated...