Chapter. 3

Cold. Despite the fact it was early fall, all Link knew was bitter cold. It stung at what skin was exposed and gave an icy burn to his lungs as he ascended deeper into the mountains. This instant the snow wasn't falling very heavily; though just a few hours ago there had been a massive blizzard. Blanketed in soft snow, the climb was proving difficult for his human body. When he'd been able to turn into a wolf, things had been so much simpler. Four legged with paws built to aid him in the snow; the steep ascension in that beast form had proven easy. Now, with snow up passed his knees, he was having trouble. Worn out and cold; he was barely climbing the mountain just beyond Snowpeak.

Speaking of the past climbs though, it was curious…curious that he hadn't seen or heard anything of the ice wolves. They'd always been around, but now he found the mountains void of their presence. Odd, yes? He took pause, panting lightly as he squinted through the small and scarce flakes that fell from the heavens. Damn, this couldn't be a good sign. The wolves gone, a dying woman claiming her village in trouble, and the fact the rumors linked the two together. If there was a village, which Link was solidly sure was real, it must be in some sort of chaos if their pets had up and gone. A heavy sigh and Link began his trek once more, his breath rising before him in wispy clouds.

He couldn't keep going like this for much longer, that much was certain. If he didn't find anything soon, it would be wise to put effort into finding shelter for regaining energy. He had stopped by Snowpeak Ruins where Yeto and his wife lived, but that had been this morning. It had proven warm and comfortable to wait out the blizzard and he'd even gotten some information from Yeto. The yeti had claimed that he'd seen a few other 'humans' that lived farther north. From what he'd said, Link had to head north until he could find a large lake. From there, he'd have to head west and there should be a small collection of people living near the waters.

Finally, he staggered over the ridge and the view on the other side was his. Tired spirits ignited into excitement at what sight greeted him, for in the distance he could swear that he could see what appeared to be a lake. However, judging by his viewpoint, he would never make it there before his body gave out. If only he had some easier way to get around. Then he'd have little to no trouble finding this place and aiding the people there.

The descent down was showing itself to be just as hard as the trek up. Every so often, Link would slip and nearly topple over, but as luck had it he managed to right himself every time. He'd thought that it was already difficult the way things were, but that didn't stop yet more complications from arising. Such as when the weather finally decided to shift for the worse. An alarming gust of air swept passed him, making him gasp in the suddenness of it and lift his arms to shield his face from the onslaught of upswept snow. It swirled and danced in the air, driving against him and limiting his vision even more. From then on, the wind didn't cease, and Link grimly added it to the list of hindrances.

Just as he thought he'd never find the bottom, he found far more level footing, and the strain of walking on a slope was lifted. Huffing lightly, Link seated himself on a rock protruding from the snow. It was growing darker…he'd have to take cover very soon now. As long as he was near this steep incline, perhaps it wouldn't be too hard to find a small cave or such to rest up in. If not, looks like he'd have to make a snow cave for the night. Rising back to his feet, he began to seek out a good spot. However, he suddenly got an uneasy feeling. Turning a narrowed gaze to the white surroundings, he began to scan for something out of the ordinary.

He'd long since learned to trust his instincts, and he had every reason to believe that whatever this was that was near was no ally to him. Then, he finally got some evidence his suspicion was correct, for the sound of something walking in the snow nearby made him tense. Hand was ready, fingers closed around the hilt of his sword. In the gloom, movement could finally be seen and Link focused on it as it drew near. Though, a low growling started up, the rumble coming from his left side. But it didn't end there, for the growl was taken up by others around him. First from his right…then behind him…before long, a snarling chorus had risen from every direction. The odd thing though was that the figure he could see wasn't wolfish at all. Matter of fact, it looked rather human.

"Who are you?"

He couldn't resist asking, attempting to keep all threat from his voice to show he wasn't wanting a fight. His only answer was a loud snarl behind him, then the unmistakable sound of paws pushing off the ground. Instantly, Link rolled away to the left, only to have the wolves on that side lunge now. In a heartbeat, his shield was out as was his sword, yet he refrained from using the latter of the two. There was no telling how many wolves were around him, but at this moment he could see at least seven of them. He could hear others running around, undoubtedly trying to regroup and get him surrounded again.

"Please, whoever you are, I am not your enemy. I was asked to come here and aid your village. I have no quarrel with you."

Silence greeted his words and Link had a sinking feeling. Maybe he was wrong about the ice wolves belonging to the villagers…but it was worth a shot. However, he did notice that the wolves no longer were growling. For at least five minutes Link stood there, holding his shield ready and growing slightly apprehensive. Maybe they were considering his words? Though, finally he heard something. Something was approaching him from the front and he noticed it was a large white wolf. However, it didn't have red eyes like the ice wolves…nor did it have quite the same build. It was more powerful, and its golden eyes pierced into his blue ones.

How do you know of my peoples' plight?

Link blinked in surprise, for the words seemed to fill his head, not coming from any direction in specific. Though he was willing to bet that it was this wolf before him talking to him, so he addressed it.

"A woman from your village…she came to Hyrule seeking help. She said something about her son, sister and her village being in trouble."

And this woman you claim to have met…what did she look like?

"She…had black hair and green eyes…her skin was rather pale and she was badly wounded." Link frowned and reached inside of his tunic, pulling out the stone that still hung around his neck. "And she gave me this."

There was no answer, but the wolf trotted up, staring intently at the stone. Its nose quivered, golden eyes filled with some sort of realization. Slowly, it turned its muzzle towards him, then nodded slowly and turned away.

Very well…I believe you have met that woman. As for your true intentions…we shall see. The wolf turned and looked at him with a sharp gaze. Follow me. The village is not far.

Link suddenly felt a little weary, but put his weapon and shield away all the same. He began to trudge after the beast, the wind still blowing, though now more harshly than before. The sooner they got to the village, the better. And yet Link had the sneaking feeling that there was more to this ice wolf than it let on. Was it really speaking to him telepathically? Was this a real wolf instead of made of ice? Sure looked like it from what he could see. He wasn't as tired as he'd been before, but physically his body was screaming at him to rest. Just a bit further, then he could sit down. At least that it was he hoped for.

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I wrote this at 3 or so in the morning, so please let me know if I made any horrid errors.