Chapter ten, Final Goodbye
It was strange, sleeping in such a secluded cavern. He could sense the walls around him, and it brought a feeling of security to him. He felt safe, allowing him to sleep better than he had in weeks dangling high up in the trees in his makeshift hammock. He opened his eyes, the soft glow on the luminous stones above him cast a welcoming light. After a long yawn, he began to pull himself up, his abdomen stiffened in sore protest. He took a few minutes to stretch his body, exhaling heavy air out as he loosened each muscle. The scabs were still there, and a little sensitive, but looked better. At least I don't have a six-inch hole in my stomach anymore. He shuttered at the memory of the Lynel's massive claw digging deep into his core, bringing unimaginable pain. He felt the scab on his brow and cheek. I won't be able to hide that scar I'm afraid.
Link walked over to the small spring that echoed nearby, feeling the warm water with his fingers. His tongue was dry, it had been yesterday since his last drink, he licked his dry lips. I shouldn't drink this water though. He began to stand when he heard MiarindÍl's voice call out.
"You may drink from the spring, if you wish it, it is clean water." MiarindÍl was standing nearby, drifting in silently, her footsteps never leaving marks in the soft soil of the cavern. Link nodded, and proceeded to scoop up water in his cupped hands, tasting the refreshing water. He could feel the warm water gather in his stomach.
Goddess, this water is… amazing, he thought to himself as he had his fill of the fresh water. "Thank you," he finally said, wiping away the moisture from his lips.
MiarindÍl smiled kindly, "Did you rest well, young savior?"
Link chuckled a little. "Better than I have in weeks." His tone was cheery and optimistic, and MiarindÍl took note of his chipper voice.
"Good. I am glad. I found my rest to be most refreshing, I can feel my strength returning. I must admit that after 10,000 years of being locked away certainly took it out of me. And then so soon after being released I had to pour every ounce of power into healing your grievous wounds."
After hearing her statement, Link felt a little guilty. "I apologize that I made you suffer, for my sake. I will forever be in your debt."
MiarindÍl held out her hand. "No need to apologize, young savior. If it weren't for your brave actions, I would still be locked away for who knows how long. It was the least I could do." She grinned again. "However, I must warn you against falling to such wounds again. Despite my abilities, I cannot bring people back from the dead, no matter how hard I try... Regardless, I was glad to do it, it brings my soul great joy to have purpose again."
I can understand that feeling, he thought, reflecting on his inner conflict of feeling lost without a purpose. Link pondered for a while longer before finally asking: "If I may ask, Caretaker, what are you. Exactly?" Link sat in the soft soil of the cavern, his knees brought up to his chest. MiarindÍl simply looked a Link, smiling politely before responding.
"As I said before. I am MiarindÍl. In your tongue, it means Giver of Care, or Caretaker. It is not only my name, but also my title; what I am. For me, they are one in the same. It is similar to if I simply called you Hylian, instead of Link."
"Are there more of you? More MiarindÍl?" Link waited intently for her answer, the subject peaked his interest greatly.
"No. I am the sole survivor of my kind. My male counter parts were called Miarindol, as it is customary to end names in 'ol' if they are male, and 'Íl' if they are female."
"I'm sorry. I didn't know," he responded, fearing that he brought up a deep pain within her.
"Did not know what?" she asked, tilting her head.
"That… You are the last of your kind."
She smiled. "Do not fear, young savior, it is a natural process. There is no pain in it. At any rate, it is rare for two Miarindels to live at one time, and even in those rare cases, we are often separated by thousands of miles." MiarindÍl stared into his eyes, as if translating their sudden movements.
He hesitated to continue, finally working up the courage to ask: "How… how are you born? Or created?"
"The Great Deku tree breathes us into existence, sending out our seedlings upon the wind until we land and sprout into trees. It takes nearly a hundred years before we mature, but once we have done that, we can separate our spirits from the tree that bore us, and walk about on two feet as you do."
"Is that tree that grows on top of that dragon sculpture in Damel Forest your tree?" he asked, wide eyed.
"Yes, it is. For eons, I have been the guardian of the Faron region, sworn to nurture and protect it. Although, on account of my long absence, those vile beasts invaded and defiled my home."
"About that. I have decided that I would like to help you in destroying the rest of those monsters." He paused for a moment, tightening his hands into fists. "Those creatures were the cause of great bloodshed for my people, I would like to avenge them."
MiarindÍl grinned, "And I accept your help, with a gracious heart! Should you ever be in need, young savior, do not hesitate to come here. You will always be welcome in my domain." She paused. "But, this will be no easy task. I can sense their presence throughout the forest, you will be drastically outnumbered."
Link grunted amusedly, "I have been outnumbered almost every day of my life, I have grown used to it."
MiarindÍl laughed, throwing her head back. "I do not doubt your courage, Lynel Slayer, but I ask that you exercise caution. I will help you in any way I can of course; starting with breakfast."
Oh thank Hylia. I'm starving.
His breakfast consisted of a vast array of fruits and vegetables, as the night before, but he had no complaints. After eating his fill, he looped his crude sword through his leather belt, and strung his Lizal bow over his chest, along with the remaining arrow in his quiver. Eight arrows left, he counted. I'll have to scavenge for more of them later. His shield was in shambles after his fight with the Lynel the other day, but he brought it with his all the same. Once he was adequately prepared, he turned a nodded to MiarindÍl, signaling that he was ready.
"Excellent. Meet me outside." MiarindÍl soon vanished before his eyes, dissipating into a cloud of lightly colored petals that drifted on the wind.
So that's how she gets around so quietly! A toothy grin shot across his mouth, then he turned to exit the cavern, jogging up the stairs that lead to the surface. The stairs were pitch-black, so he had to rely on his sense of touch to navigate ahead. Soon he felt the rough stone of the massive door in front of him. How am I supposed to get out? Before he could think of an answer, the door rumbled, and small pebbles and a puff of dust fell from the ceiling. The sunlight peaked over the top of the door, and bright streaks of light filled the tunnel. Link covered his eyes, taking time to allow them to readjust to the sudden change of environment.
He squinted his eyes as he looked out upon the open coliseum, a breeze gently drifting through the trees. He walked over to where the dead Lynel laid. The stench was unbearable, as it was already decomposing. He picked up its sword curiously, finding it to be much too heavy to wield with any proficiency. It's a bit too heavy for my liking. But it would be a nice trophy. Maybe I'll come back for it. Over his shoulder he heard MiarindÍl speak to him.
"I can sense a small group of them nearby, they have an encampment not far from here."
Link nodded determinedly, with a boyish grin. "Well let's go track them down."
MiarindÍl led him up the river, taking a shard left turn once they were well in. Link clambered up the stone wall that was on the bank of the river, soon stepping into a heavily wooded area. MiarindÍl materialized next to him, pointing her finger. "They are a quarter mile that way, I would suggest readying your bow, there are a great number of them." Link nodded, and proceeded forward with his bow at the ready. After sneaking around for quite some time, he reached the outskirts of the Bokoblin and Moblin camp. They were all huddled around the fire, cooking a large forest boar. Link counted eleven of them. Five Moblins, and six Bokoblins.
Should be easy enough, as long as I can pick them off one at a time. He silently climbed a nearby tree, nestling himself in the crook two great limbs. He knocked an arrow, and drew the bow back, taking aim at the nearest Moblin. He exhaled, and loosed his arrow. It flew forth and struck the Moblin right in the right eye. It cried out before collapsing. Its comrades snapped their heads around, searching for their assailant. Link fired another arrow, killing another Moblin. The Bokoblins sprinted towards him, only knowing the general area he attacked from. With speed and accuracy, he let lose his remaining six arrows, killing six Bokoblins. Only three Moblins left. When one of them drew close enough he leapt from his tree, driving his blade into its neck, using it to break his fall. With ease, he dispatched with the remaining Moblins. Link scavenged a strong broad sword off one of the Moblins, preferring it over the crude weapon he had been using before. He then gathered his arrows, acquiring more from the dead monsters.
"Excellent work." MiarindÍl cried out joyfully. She then paused for a moment, as if a thought occurred to her. "I never had a chance to ask you, young savior, but why is it you are here exactly? What brought you to this dangerous forest?"
"Well. I was sent here by my Commander, as a trial, to prove that I am ready to become a Royal Guardsmen."
"I believe you will be found more than worthy of that position. In all my years, I have never seen a warrior fight with such vigor and skill."
Link smiled, it was a flattering remark. He grinned brightly, "Thank you, Caretaker."
"That was one of the things I saw in your mind when I was healing you. I saw how easily you defeated your companions in practice." She paused, grinning a little. "Except for one. An older man, he seemed to put up quite a fight."
Link chuckled. "Yes. The man is my King. I only won because I had a youthful advantage. Had the playing fields been even, I have no doubt he would have thoroughly beat me. There are legends that tell of his skill when he was a young knight of Hyrule." I wonder what else she saw. The thought remained in his mind, until he decided to ask. "Caretaker, what else did you see in my mind? When I was unconscious."
"A great many things, young savior."
Link waited for her to say more, but she remained silent. "Like what?" he finally pressed.
MiarindÍl grinned. "Are you sure you want to know? Last time we spoke of such things you shut me out."
"I wanted to apologize for how rude I was early, it was uncalled for. I allowed my emotions to get the best of me"
MiarindÍl placed a delicate hand on his shoulder. "It is all right, young savior. We all have our struggles. I merely wish to help." She began to walk north of the camp, signaling for Link to follow. "I saw many things from your past. Your mother. Your father. Your beloved Princess." She glanced at Link knowingly as he shied away from her eyes. "As well as sensing some of your greatest desires, and fears. I must admit, the two are frighteningly intertwined with one another."
"And what do you think of them all?" Link asked with a dry throat.
"It does not matter what I think. It matters what you think," she replied curtly.
Link sighed. He hoped that she could offer some clarity for his situation, or even comfort. "Sometimes I don't even know what to think. My mind is ever torn between two voices, constantly fighting." Link was surprised by his openness. He had not spoken his mind like this since he was intimate with Zelda, which felt like ages ago. He thought that perhaps it was because MiarindÍl already knew his mind. She brought an unexplainable feeling of peace and calm to him.
"I know. I felt it." She paused. "That is often the case when men shut their minds away from prying eyes. Their greatest struggles exist in their head."
"You've seen it before?" he asked earnestly.
"Many times. My people often desired my counsel on matters of the heart and soul, much like you do now."
"What were your people like?" he pressed in, interested to hear more about her life.
She chuckled lightly, "They were a gentle people. They lead simple lives, separating themselves from the ever pressing technological advancements of the Hyrulean and Sheikah people. They did not desire such things. Only to live in harmony in this forest."
"What happened to them?"
"After they sealed me away, thinking that they could protect me from the impending rise of the Calamity, the forest grew hostile to them. I was helpless to defend them. What remained of them packed up their belongings and set out on the great sea, in search of new land, promising to return someday to free me once the Beast had been slain…" She trailed off.
Link noted how her tone had changed. It must have been a terrible memory to bear. "But they never returned…?" MiarindÍl only shook her head. "I'm sorry. I cannot hope to begin to understand how terrible it must have been."
"Thank you, young savior, your sentiment is comfort enough." She stopped in her tracks, turning an ear to the forest, closing her eyes. "I sense more of them. Nearby. The trees whisper to me. I believe this is where the majority of their horde reside. They are disorganized. It appears that you killing their leader, the Lynel, has greatly upset their ranks. A large majority of them have already fled the Faron region entirely." She opened her eyes again, continuing her walk. "You won't have enough arrows for all of them, but I think I have an idea."
Angela awoke in the middle of the night; her back was sore from the uncomfortable makeshift bed. She peered into the dark room, the moonlight spilling through small window was the only source of light there was. She heard the muffled coughs of Link's father in the other room. She stood stiffly, pulling a small blanket over her shoulders, and walked down the hallway. Painful cough after painful cough, Gerald gasped for breath. He could taste the warm blood in his mouth. Angela was soon by his side, trying to comfort him, but was hopeless to soothe his pain.
"Link… Where's…"
"They said he would not be back for a couple of days more. They sent word to Commander Varin, he will have a horse ready for Link when they pick him up. Just hold out a little longer, please." Gerald began to reach at his neck, trying to pull something from around it. His hands found a small leather cord that hung around his neck, and he brought it over his head, giving it to Angela.
"It belonged to his mother-cough cough. Please. Give to him."
Angela looked at her palm, in it was a small but beautifully carved stone lamb, no bigger than her thumb. It hung on a delicate leather string that was tied in a tight knot in the back.
"Please… Give it to my little lamb." A violent fit of coughing overtook him, he convulsed in his bed, gasping for air between coughs. When the coughing subsided a little he took Angela's hand, closing her fingers around the necklace. A tear ran down the side of his cheek as he trembled to speak words. "Tell him that I could not be prouder of him. That no matter what happens, he will always be loved."
Angela's eyes welted with tears, it was a miserable sight to behold. "I will," she finally stammered.
"Tell him to be honest, kind, and courageous." He spoke these words with his final breath before finally resting his head back as his lifeless eyes closed, his grasp released, freeing Angela's hand.
Ariel entered the room, her eyes were still droopy from a restless sleep. Her jaw dropped when she saw his limp body resting peacefully on the bed. She inched forward, fresh tears pouring forth slowly. Angela sniffled, before wrapping her arm around her daughter to comfort her.
"If only he could have seen Link one last time… It would have done both their hearts some good." Ariel buried her face in her mother's shoulder, letting a quiet whimper out. Gerald's apprentice entered the room, his shaggy hair covering his face. He bit his lip, fidgeting with the corner of his dirty shirt, trying to hide the small tears in his tired eyes. Gerald had been one of the kindest, most patient men he knew. He shed a silent tear for his deceased master. The three sat in complete silence, casting tearful glances to each other.
"When the sun rises I will call the mortician. Ariel, please write to your brother, have him come here. Link will need his closest friends with him."
Link carefully stepped forward, never making a sound. His bow was ready. I'll aim for the Lizalfos first, since they are the fastest. He poked his head over the small ridge, catching a glimpse of the large horde of enemies in their camp. It was a smaller group than he saw that day when he fought the Lynel, but it made sense. MiarindÍl said that most of their forces left the Faron region in search of a new holdout, never to return. He counted their numbers, estimating there to be thirty to forty of them left. He looked to the east, awaiting his signal. A lone Elk emerged from the forest, stirring the dirt beneath its hooves, shaking its massive crown-like antlers. Link nodded and leapt from the ridge firing arrow after arrow down on his enemies, each one striking true. Before the horde could confront him they all heard a deep rumble emanating from the forest. They turned to face this potential foe. From within the forest burst out a stampede of Elk, all brandishing their antlers, charging forward. The camp erupted into chaos as the stamped impaled, trampled, and destroyed the host of monsters. Link joined the fray, firing arrows, and swinging his sword wildly. His arms felt heavy by the end of it, but before him laid his enemies, battered, and broken, dead or unconscious in the dirt.
MiarindÍl appeared next to Link, examining the carnage. The fight was over faster than it began. "It worked! This brings me great joy, young savior. I can feel the corruption slipping away from these lands!" She turned to Link, continuing: "Link, because of you this great forest will be free from the clutches of those monsters at last. This forest can finally return to its peaceful ways."
They spent the last week of Link's trial hunting down what remained of the vile horde of monsters. The beasts ran in terror from the fierce predator that perused them. To his surprise as his remaining days in the Faron region drew to a close, he found that he rather enjoyed the peacefulness of it all.
"You know, I think I'll miss it here. Now that those monsters are gone, it is so quiet and peaceful."
MiarindÍl tilted her head to look at Link as they sat around a warm fire. "You will always be welcomed into this forest, Link. Please, do not hesitate to ever return here, should you grow weary of travel, or have wounds that need mending."
Link smiled, thankful for her generous offer. "Thank you, Caretaker. I can't say that I will visit often, but I promise that if I get the chance, I will drop by." He paused for a moment before continuing. "So, what will you do now?"
"I will continue to nurture this forest back to health. Maybe someday people will return to this region, so that I may watch over them and protect them. But this forest must heal first." Link smiled contently, leaning back against the tree truck at his back, sighing out in relief. The energy about him felt different than before, as if the forest welcomed him now, instead of lashing out against him. There was a long pause until MiarindÍl asked Link a peculiar question.
"What does she look like?"
"Who?"
"The Princess."
Link was a little taken aback by the question. "I thought you said you saw her, in my mind." Before he would have scoffed at the question, denying that she ever was present in his mind, taking on his silent, dutiful façade, but there was no denying it from MiarindÍl, even if he wanted to. He trusted her now, he felt comfortable enough to speak his mind openly with her, she already knew so much about him.
MiarindÍl's cyan eyes locked with his. "Well, yes. And no." She shifted slightly. "I never saw her face… More than anything, I only sensed your strong feelings for her, your desires. Sometimes those are stronger and so much more visceral than mere images. The mind can be a tricky thing."
"Well," he started. "She has long golden hair, softer than silk." He allowed himself this one time to let his mind dwell on her beauty. "Her eyes… They shine so bright under the moonlight. A bright emerald green." Link closed his eyes imagining her before him. "She has a slender face, with perfect radiant skin." He could recall every facet of her beautiful features in the vivid image that was displayed in his head. "And her smile… Brighter, and kinder than anyone I have ever seen. I can't describe how it feels to see her smile."
"She sounds beautiful."
Yes. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. "More than you can imagine. My words don't do her justice I'm afraid." Link held onto the image in his mind, his heart beat heavy in his chest, but sunk when he remembered his duty. He sighed despondently; it was a dream he could never hope to chase, and so he dismissed the apparition in his mind. Link yawned widely, his eyes felt heavy. "Well. I suppose I should rest, I have to leave tomorrow and return home."
"Very well, young savior. I will see you off in the morning." She disappeared on a gentle breeze, leaving Link to cozy up alone by the fire. He laid on his back, looking up to the sky, seeing bright stars dancing in the heavens.
Mm. The stars.
"You know, I heard that before the gods departed from this world, they left us with one last gift. They created the stars, so that we could navigate our world. So that even in the dark of the night, we could find our way back home. Though our world may be plunged into chaos, into war, at the end of the day all he had to do was look up. And we would know where we stood. Always."
Her voice was so clear in his head. He remembered how much younger she sounded then, only being fifteen at the time. I suppose you will be turning seventeen soon after me. Have two years gone by so quick?
He refocused on the stars above. I wish I had the knowledge to read the stars, to navigate by them. Maybe they would give me direction in life. He closed his eyes, sleep swiftly taking him into deep dreams, all turning to the same nightmare that haunted him since his childhood.
He awoke to the cheerful chirping of the forest birds. The fire smoldered into grey ash, only a small trail of smoke spewed upwards. Link stretched his body as he stood, taking in a deep, rich breath of air. It even smells better here now. He scanned the peaceful forest before he called out: "MiarindÍl."
A gentle breeze swept through, blowing the light ash aside. "Good morning, young savior. Would you care to share one last meal together before we part ways?"
"Certainly. I have a little time left."
Link took large chunks out of his crisp apple, wishing he had time to rekindle the fire and roast it. MiarindÍl perked her head up, opening her mouth to speak. "Promise you will take care of yourself out there. Find someone to share your thoughts with, I believe it has done you some good to speak your mind."
Link chuckled lightly. "I will try. But not everyone has an open ear like yours." MiarindÍl grinned kindly in response. Once he had finished his apple, he stood to take his leave. "It is time. I can never thank you enough for saving me and providing me with food and comfort."
"And I can never thank you enough for saving me and my forest, and providing me with comfort." MiarindÍl bowed her head slightly. With their final goodbyes, Link began his journey home with a lightness of spirit. He traveled west for quite some time until he came upon the turbulent river. From their he proceeded south, passing the small lake, and eventually ventured out from the area of Damel Forest. By the time it was mid-day he was crossing the River Floria bridge. As he passed over the running water he spotted something in his peripheral. He sprinted across the bridge, taking cover behind a small tree, scouting out the area he had seen it. He heard it rustling through the forest, eventually emerging from the tall grass. It was a singular red Bokoblin. One must have escaped, or got lost. Link readied his bow, preparing to set chase, when a thought came to him. I forgot to retrieve the Lynel sword! But no time for that now, maybe I'll come back for it another day. He was discouraged at the prospect of leaving his prized trophy behind, but it was a matter of little significance now. He pressed forward, chasing after the lone Bokoblin. He sprinted through Faron Forest, following the tracks of his prey, eventually reaching the border of the forest. To his surprise the wagon of his fellow knights was already there out in the open plain, and Commander Varin was mounted on a large black horse. He took one step out of the forest when he saw the Bokoblin leap out, running as fast as it could westward. The knights in the wagon all stood up in alarm, reaching for the swords they did not have. Commander Varin drew his sword, ready to charge the beast, but before he did, Link let loose a long arrow, striking the beast in the back, killing it instantly. With a small grin on his mouth, he jogged forward, swinging the bow over his shoulder. Commander Varin met him halfway on horseback, the solemn look on his face quickly dashing away any joy Link had.
"What is wrong Commander?" he asked, running through hundreds of possible answers in his head.
"Link… It's your father. He's gone…"
Link was in shock. His jaw hung freely. "What?!" he asked despondently.
"Take my horse. Ride for Castle Town. I will return with the remaining knights. Go!"
Without another word, Link leapt up onto the horse, kicking it into a full gallop. The wind ripped through his hair, the news still processing in his mind. No no no! This can't be. He was... The coughing… It must have gotten worse while I was gone. Tears streaked down his cheeks, he angrily spurred his horse harder, sending it into a frenzied sprint. Why!? Why now? He looked to the heavens, hoping for an answer. I should have been there! How long has he been dead?
By the time he reached Castle Town, his horse was exhausted and would not take another step, defiantly plopping down in the street. He jumped off, continuing in a heart beating sprint. He weaved his way through the crowd, accidently knocking someone over, but never stopped to help them up. When he turned the corner of his street he saw Angela drowsily sitting on a small wooden stool outside his house.
"Link! Link!" she cried out.
"Where is he?" he demanded.
"At the physician's office. The mortician-." Link did not hear the last part, he ran off before she could finish.
He burst through the door of the physician's office. Ignoring the protest of the attendant, he turned down a small hallway, only guessing where his father was. He passed a number of small rooms, checking each one briefly before coming upon a room with a closed door. He reached for the door handle, pausing for a moment, praying with every bone in his body that it was not true. With a fearful heart he turned the handle, stepping through the threshold.
He collapsed to his knees. His father was wrapped in a white linen, his skin void of color, eyes loosely closed. He could not move himself, he only stared from a distance. The world around him faded away. As far as he knew, only his father and himself were all that were real. He crawled forward, standing to place his fingers on his father's face. Cold. Only cold. He did not know what to do, everything felt surreal. He wanted to faint, cry, and scream all at the same time. He stood, frozen in time, grasping at the grey cheeks of his beloved father. He felt a wiry hand on his shoulder, it was the attendant, ushering him away.
"Get away!" he shouted. The attendant leapt back, shocked by his outburst, and briskly left the room, closing the door behind him.
"I'm sorry father," tears drained from his eyes, snot running from his nose. "I should have been here for you. I should have been here to comfort you in your last hours." His heart physically hurt, it pounded in his chest, his breathing became irregular and strained. He sank to the floor, placing his face in his hands, weeping bitterly.
He felt soft hands fall on his shoulder, drawing him in close. "Let it all out my darling." It was Angela. She gently rocked him back and forth, never saying a word. Ariel entered the room, kneeling beside her mother, softly stroking Link's arm, tears welling under her eyes.
"Was he alone in his last moments?" he asked through his sharp breathes.
"No. We were with him."
"… Thank you… truly."
It was nearly half an hour until Link felt strong enough to stand. He had no more tears to give, only sporadic breaths taking place. He rubbed his swollen eyes, finally looking back down to his father.
"I will bury him. I will find a place for him by a running river, into the open air." His voice was coarse, and melancholy.
"Wait a little longer my dear. Jonathan will be here soon. He will help you with this task."
Jonathan… It soothed his aching heart to think of his oldest friend, glad that he would not be alone.
It was dark out by the time Jonathan arrived from the Akkala Citadel, which was a day's ride to the east. He looked weary from travel, but glad to be home, regardless of the scenario. Normally, Jonathan would have been beaming with laughter, a great big smile on his lips, but he entered Link's home with a solemn expression. He embraced Link tightly.
"I've missed you, my friend… I only wish the circumstances were different," he whispered.
"Me too." Link's words fell heavily from his mouth. After exchanging their somber pleasantries, Jonathan returned to his mother's home for rest, in the morning they would set out to find a proper place to bury Link's father. Link found no rest that night, endlessly turning in his bed, vivid memories streaming through his mind. If only MiarindÍl could bring people back from death… But no, it's not natural. 'Death is the only certainty in life,' is what Commander Varin once said to him. 'Therefore, go forth into battle with courage, make life worth fighting for, before we all inevitably return to the dirt of the earth.' Father. Mother. If you can hear me. I promise I will make life worth fighting for. I will have courage.
Honesty. Kindness. Courage.
He found strength in his resolve, a momentary peace in his shattered state of mind. His last remaining tears rolled down his face, dripping onto his pillow before he closed his eyes, awaiting the morning sun. When the warm sun's rays shone through his bedroom window he stood himself up, rubbing his tired eyes. He dressed himself in a simple grey tunic, and tied his long golden hair back behind his head. He peered listlessly into a small mirror, examining the rough patchy beard that grew on his face. He never had the chance to shave after returning from his long trial, nor did the idea ever cross his mind. With a sigh, he brandished a razor from the small cabinet and a small container of a yellowish cream, which he spread across his neck and jaw. When he was done he wiped away any remaining shaving cream running his finger over his soft skin. Satisfied, he stepped outside, locking the door behind him and walked to Jonathan's house. A light moist dew sat upon the sleepy town, the light refracted through the droplets of water, shining brightly. He entered through the front to find Jonathan sitting alone at the dining table, eating a small piece of bread.
"You ready?" Link asked quietly. Jonathan nodded, finishing his finally bite. They saddled their horses and rode out from the eastern gate. The breeze was so gentle and calming in the morning cool, the birds chirped as they lazily emerged from their nests, setting out to find food for their young. Link inhaled the fresh air, basking in the warmth of the sun, taking comfort in the tranquility of the wild. I could live out here. Forever. But I have a job to do. He stirred himself in his saddle, furrowing his eyebrows. He and Jonathan rode for an hour, without ever saying a word, but that was enough comfort as it was. Link glanced at his dark-haired friend, a small one-sided grin on his lips, bowing his head as a gesture of silent thanks. Jonathan returned the gesture, they understood each other without having to say a single word.
Their path had taken them east, over the river Hylia, and onto gentle rolling hills. This looks like a good place. From their vantage point they could see both the flowing river, and the majestic spires of Hyrule Castle glistening in the morning sunlight. They set about digging a large and deep hole with the two shovels they brought. It was hard work, their chests heaved the cold air in and out as they wiped the sweat from their brow, but they were satisfied with the depth and length of the hole. They clambered out, remounting their horses to return to Castle Town.
"He would have been happy to see the place we chose for him. He always did prefer the open ranges of the confines of the city." Jonathan's voice was uncharacteristically soft.
"Yes… I believe he would be."
Link drove the wagon that held his father, a small procession of his closest friends and neighbors following behind closely, a word never passing their lips. By the time they had returned to the burial grounds the sun was high in the sky, and the crickets leapt forth from the tall grass, calling out loudly as the group passed. Link, Dan, Liam, and Jonathan bore the heavy coffin, taking it down from the wagon, and placing it next to the large hole in the soft earth. Link knelt down, running his fingers over the wooden box.
"Goodbye father. I promise to remain strong, to make you proud." His lip quivered as he stood, feeling his eyes moisten. The four burly men attached strong rope to each corner of the coffin, lowering it slowly into the grave. With every scoop of his shovel, Link felt his spirit break, letting lose heavy tear drops silently. When their work was done, they all stood in stoic silence, muttering their final prayers before turning to leave. As they left they placed a comforting hand on Link's shoulder, offering their sincere condolences. Link lingered a little longer, gazing out on the rich scenery before him.
"In in his last moments, he wanted you to have this." Angela's voice was gentle and comforting. Link turned his head to peer at the small object in the palm of her hand. It was a necklace, with a leather cord bearing a small stone lamb. She placed it in his open hand, and he stared at it longingly.
"My little lamb," he muttered so quietly that Angela did not hear it.
"It belonged to your mother… Link. Before he passed he wanted to tell you that he could not be prouder of you, and wished that you would stay honest, kind, and courageous."
Honesty. Kindness. Courage.
A somber grin stretched out from his mouth, "Thank you, Angela. Your kindness means the world to me. I can never truly express my gratitude towards you and your daughter for being with him in his final days." He returned his gaze to the necklace, eventually donning it around his neck, tucking it safely under his tunic. Angela slipped away, and Ariel took her place. She placed a dainty hand on his shoulder.
"Link, should you ever need anything. Please, never hesitate to call." Her soft voice was soothing to his ears. He nodded with a small smile, before returning his eyes to the wild. Ariel tip-toed up and kissed him lightly on the cheek before following her mother. Given any other situation, Link's heart would have raced in disgruntled protest, but he was so devoid of emotion, his energy was spent, and he did not dwell on it. Mrs. Tamlin shuffled over, embracing him kindly, offering sage advice and condolences before giving his hand a light squeeze, leaving him to stand in peace. Link stood still, closing his eyes, feeling the soft winds flow through his hair, drawing in the smell of the earth. He was alone.
He tilted his head slightly when he heard soft hooves on the soil behind him. He turned around, and to his surprise, the Royal Family stood before him, a small rank of Royal Guards at their back. He knelt down on one knee uttering "Your graces. My lady."
"No no, please. Stand." The King's voice bore a kind tone.
The Queen continued, saying: "We would have come earlier, dear child, but this news only came to us this morning. We have come to pay our respects, and to offer you our sincerest condolences."
"Thank you, your grace. I am unworthy to receive such a noble audience." Link bowed his head in a gesture of respect.
"Nonsense. In the passing of life, we are alike. All Hylians are created equal." The Queen strode forward gracefully, the embodiment of grace and regality. She stood next to Link peering down upon the patch of freshly churned soil. "I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, but I believe that he must have been a truly extraordinary man to have raised such a valiant young man like yourself."
He was extraordinary. "Thank you, your grace." He then heard the King speak over his left shoulder, as he approached.
"And I had the pleasure of meeting your father. And I can confirm that he really was an extraordinary man. This world has lost an honorable individual. We should all pay our respects."
Just as the thought passed his mind, he felt Zelda's soft hand rest on his shoulder. She peered up at him with glassy green eyes, offering a sweet smile that brought him comfort beyond measure. She did not need to say a word, as his heart was warmed by her presence. After a prolonged silence, the King and Queen left, whispering their kind words of encouragement to Link. Zelda stood by his side a little longer, quietly muttering to him: "Link. I will always be here for you. Always."
"Thank you, my lady."
When she was gone, and the Royal party had left, Link sank to the ground, offering his final goodbye before leaving.
Honesty. Kindness. Courage.