Chapter 2 - A Trip To Hyrule (Part 1) - Memories of a Distant Past
Lia felt her prison enclosed her and what felt like minutes drug by like seconds. Finally controlling her breath and firmly closing the book she took a minute to breathe and to rationalize her reaction. Lia thought fervently to herself although one question reappeared time and time again " What if I'm guilty? What if I'm here to resolve my guilt… perhaps I'm a personification of Zelda's fear after all" She laughed cruelly to herself practically yelling to the empty space "I'm a slave in my own design! Here to make others happier and even my own incarnations suffer because of me." Then she thought to herself again " What if I have to reconcile for Zelda, or more accurately the personification of my own mortality"
Lia sighed forlornly to herself, accepting the fact that she was dancing around her own truth. " I need to be true to myself, I have guilt over the fact that Link died saving me but then I sacrificed myself after he fell for me. He did it willingly so why do I feel so… bad." Another part of her mind reasoned "Then why are you so guilty? If he did it willingly then why do you feel it's your fault?" Lia cried aloud again "I don't know!" She stared at her knees letting the tears fall before finally drawing her conclusion " I'll ease the others burdens of their guilt and find myself in the process, and guide Link on his most likely forced grandiose adventure" She sighed for what she felt like was the umpteenth time and gently chastised herself for being so pessimistic.
Gingerly setting the book of memories aside Lia rose and quickly swiped away the last of the tears. Melancholic acceptance washing over her mind and countenance one last time she took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Once again taking the viridian book in her hands she replaced it in the second drawer that was hazardously left open, closing the drawer she let out a breath she wasn't aware of holding. Looking for something to lift her spirits Lia opened her door up to new possibilities (figuratively and literally). Stepping over the threshold of the door she took in a deep breath and proceeded to look around the mid afternoon lit clearing.
Searching the mostly empty clearing she only spotted a hooded figure walking towards the temple on the hill, the shadows stretching ever so slightly in the afternoon light. Lia cocked her head as she chewed her bottom lip deep in speculation. Din poked her head out from her door eyeing the clearing suspiciously, once she spotted the hooded figure she rolled her eyes and started to walk out. Lia noticed Din going to intercept the figure in her long sweeping strides. Curious as to what was going on Lia scurried after Din.
Din not focusing on the tall goddess tailing her she caught up to the hooded figure and pursed her lips slightly and said "Farore where in my good green Hyrule do you think you're going?" The figure groaned quietly in exasperation and said simply "You know full well where I'm going." Not bothering to turn around to face Din, Farore kept walking towards the temple. Din catching Farore by the hood said "Not so fast" Din walked up beside Farore and looked quizzically into her now uncovered face. It was Farore's turn to purse her lips and ask "What do you want." She spoke flatly looking tiredly into Din's amber eyes. Din said "Now now I just wanted you to show Lia around and get her back into the swing of things." Her voice softened and in a maternal way wrapped her arm around Farore's shoulder and looked expectantly. Farore sighed and begrudgingly turned around to face Lia.
Lia hearing the conversation was grinning ear to ear in an eager anticipation to take her mind off of things for a bit. Farore complexion softened a bit when she saw the goofy looking goddess behind her and bit back the urge to smile with her. Farore keeping a mostly blank expression said "So we will be camping for the night so you go pack and meet me back here in 15 minutes, hopefully you know how much time that is or else we might have to cut the trip short." Lia cocked her head a bit "Why is that?" Farore spoke again a little fear seeping into her voice "Ever since you left the time in the Heavenly Realm has been a bit unruly without someone to control it and can bring us to different times throughout the last 10,000 and next 100 years at least so far this week and I don't want any trouble." Lia simply said "Oh" before cheerily saying "Then we'll just have to fix that up won't we." Lia grinned again "I'll be right back, okay!"
Watching Lia run off in the direction of her cottage Din shook her head in amusement "Ever the optimist isn't she." A smile cracked on Farore's features before she chuckled lightly to herself and nearly inaudible said "Yeah."
Lia ran to the front door of her cottage, swinging the door open she rushed inside to locate a bag and key items. Rummaging through the hidden closet she found a few extra female Hylian Tunics and undergarments pushed into a small chest and switched her sandals for a pair of leather boots that fit perfectly. Setting the extra clothing onto the walnut desk and peeked behind the stairwell to look around the bedroom locating hooks on the wall to the right there were a few bags hanging from them. Choosing a traveling bag made of thick canvas and burlap she quickly stuffed the clothing inside. Looking around the room in a rushed sweep of the room she ultimately decided that there was nothing left to stuff into the bag.
One foot over her doorstep she looked back and her eyes fixed on the lower drawer of the chestnut desk. Tentatively walking back into the room she opened the drawer cautiously almost as if tendrils of dark malice was oozing from the space threatening to wrap her arm in it's cold embrace if she dared open it. Opening the drawer she removed the viridian book and set it on the floor next to her with haste and stared downwards to be met with the sight of a heavy black tome that lay at the bottom.
Running her slender fingers over the spine she turned it over to look at the title, it read: Hyrule - A Line of Heros. Perplexed Lia opened the fresh cream colored pages. Opening the tome a letter fell out that read: To Link. A shudder ran through Lia's spine knowing it was the same Link that she had damned. Feeling her time run short Lia quickly tucked the letter safely back into between the cover and first page and hurriedly put the tome into her bag. As Lia walked back through the clearing she reasoned with herself "Why did I put this heavy tome into my bag? I don't know. I guess I'll have some light reading to do then." Not allowing the thoughts of the book weigh on her mind she pushed it away from her mind's eye for the time being.
Farore regarding the now prepared Lia asked "Got everything?" Lia smiled back excitedly and nodded resolutely. Farore thought to herself "She's as excited as ever, I hate to admit it but I missed this." Lia cocked her head curiously as she saw Farore looking past her. Farore noticing Lia's stare swiped her eyes free from tears and cracked a small smile in return. Farore turned and looked back to look at Lia "Let's go."
Farore turned to face the hill and started to climb up the soft incline of the hill easily making it up the hill. Making her way to the left most pillar of the temple Farore leant across the thick cord like vines on the black and white marble pillars. Whilst waiting for Lia to make it up to the open-air temple. Farore whistled a joyful song which flowed and pulled like nature and whose namesake lay lost to time but remembered always as one of the children of the forest.
At the base of the hill Din pulled Lia into a quick hug before "Stay safe out there and remember if you need any help just holler for Farore." she spoke in a confident relaxed tone but said the last part with a playful snicker. Disconnecting the hug Din gave Lia a reassuring smile before she turned back to face the pond and walked past her cottage to one of the buildings dotting the clearing, it seemed to be a dimmed forgery.
Looking around the green scenery of the clearing and squinting at the thicket of darkened brush Lia gave a contented sigh. Jogging up the hill to meet Farore at the temple Lia wondered " How are we going to get there?" Farore nodded to Lia as she reached the foot of the temple. Putting out her hand Farore hoisted Lia up the ledge at the edge of the temple.
Walking over the polished marble gave Lia a sense of nostalgia, looking down at her boots she studied the ornate gold patterns tracing the surface of the stone. Nearly bumping into Farore as she abruptly stopped and did an about face. Farore looked expectantly as she tilted her head upwards to look at Lia in the eye. Lia averting her intent gaze looked at the shafts of light pouring in from the spaces between the black and white columns. Farore looked away as well an embarrassed blush painted on her face. Farore stated "This is how we're going to get over to Hyrule… we need to hold hands so I can transport the both of us as your power is still recovering." Lia breathed an internal sigh of relief "Oh" she gave a chuckle thinking of how silly and awkward they were both being. Farore knit her brows in perplexion confused as to why the situation was funny. Both recovering from their momentary shock they looked intently at each other. Farore's eyes were serious and courageous but something twinkled behind the rough exterior and something sad Lia noted.
Closing her eyes and letting her lull herself into a state of calm and let herself be consumed in a place of emptiness and control. As Farore continued in a meditative state the air around her emanating life and silent determination. Floral scents creating a calming atmosphere around her, bird song creating a background melody as the sounds of hooves beating bare dirt creating a drum line the rustling of leaves gentle crescendoing to match the hoof beats the howling of wolves added to the hoof beats before the cacophonous song of nature faded away.
Lia closed her eyes as well basking in the earthen song of nature that surrounded her before dreamily pulling her eyes open and took in the sight of the ruins before them.
Farore however had a face of mortification, her features scrunched up in a fashion of indescribable fear and surprise. Her features morphing once again and in a look of pure concern and pity. Soft eyes met Lia's bewildered pair at the sight of Farore's reaction. They were standing in what would be a square stone building but the walls were deteriorated and much more well described as rubble. The only indication that it was supposed to be a place of worship was the stone sigil on the floor with a symbol made of crescents and a circle and the majestic temple looming over the small building although decrepit and abandoned held an air of serenity and peace. The small ruin they were standing in was just off a stone path that ran throughout the area around the large church or temple. Looking off into the distance Hyrule Castle rested between Death Mountain and the mountains of the distant Hebra region. The light of dusk throwing a light-dark shade acrost the land. Farore didn't offer an explanation as she tugged her along the aged bricks to an aged and mossy piece of what would be the sides of the path but had long since broken off and lay strewn around the wreckage.
Farore took shaky breath, Lia stared deeply into Farore's emerald eyes and saw the seriousness melt away into concern, fear, and most of all a burning determination.
Farore started to speak and looked off into the distance of Death Mountain the sprawling forests and ruins of a once great nation. Farore spoke in a tired and reluctant voice only coaxed on by Lia's fear and expectant looks, "We are standing in the ruins of Hyrule more specifically what the Hylians call the Great Plateau or what I would expect you to remember as Skyloft" Lia's eyes widened as she looked at the ground beneath her boots as she let out a wounded cry. Farore spoke again "Yes, the very same. The reason we are here is because it is the only place in Hyrule where all the goddesses are worshipped together and we can only transport where our power is strong enough so we each spawn in our respective temples of worship or what's left of them at least."
Lia spoke so softly if it wasn't for Faore's intent listening she wouldn't have heard it. "When did Skyloft fall?" Farore stated simply "The second incarnation of Link and the first Zelda fought off the evil on the surface out of the safety of Skyloft and in the end Skyloft fell after their victory. However it was by the wishes of Link and Zelda to once again live in the bountiful land of Hyrule and spend their lives together." Lia gave a sad smile, tears welling in her eyes "I knew I couldn't keep them safe forever. However I'm glad Link found happiness" Farore gave off another sigh "There's more."
Lia raised her eyebrows in confusion. Farore started to speak again "Just as you couldn't protect everyone then I can't fully protect you from yourself… In the age that we have transported to is approximately 100 years after the Calamity of this age and a new Link has been born and has awakened from his slumber."
Lia wiped her eyes and asked "What slumber? I awoke to Zelda was going to face Demise's malice incarnation." Lia then understood the implication of Link's absence. Farore looked off to the side met with the sight of large clearings and nature flourishing around the wreckage of Hyrule and said "Link was on the brink of death and Zelda seeing the love of her life dying in her arms utilized an ancient Sheikah facility to keep him alive until his body healed which coincidentally happened to be 100 years which he lay where we are now. You awoke 100 years ago in accordance to the events of Link's slumber. I can't allow you to speak with Link for your sake but most importantly you cannot help Zelda in her monumental task, the only thing keeping her alive and in a form of stasis is the divine power that runs through her veins. Even then it's only a fraction of what you can possibly hold and if you attempt to destroy the malice incarnate hosted in the bowels of Hyrule Castle with Zelda within then you will kill Zelda in the process."
Farore groaned a bit and stood up and made her way to the wild loamy grass growing alongside the stone path and layed down to look at the rising moon and stars. Farore patted the bed of long grass to invite Lia to lay down as well. Lia rose as well and laid down beside Farore.
"It's been a while that we were like this just enjoying our time in Hyrule." Lia let out a giggle and Farore took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "It seems that all of us have been on edge since you left it seemed like you took our sense of safety and joy with you." Farore laughed dryly "It was no fault of your own though it was because we all cared so much about you and we couldn't imagine not having you around anymore." Farore wore a solemn expression but her emerald eyes twinkled with joy in the dusk.
Letting out a yawn Farore shifted in the grass before using her power to grow blankets of grass over Lia and her and hazily said "I'm going to take a nap, I'm absolutely spent transporting us both here. Wake me up if you need me." with one last yawn and a little puff of air from her nose she fell soundly asleep.
Lia and Farore awoke to the sounds of rattling bones and ear splitting screeching. Lia in a panic reached for a now very awake Farore. Farore was wearing a very sour frown, using her powers to undo the grass blankets so as not to hurt the stems she slowly got up. With an irritated growl she produced an ornate steel longbow from behind her cloak. Allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkness she saw the skeletal figures of a couple of Stalfos and Stalmoblins walking down the path brandishing broadswords and bladed boomerangs reaching into a hidden quiver within her cloak Farore easily lined up the shots to their heads and cleanly shot several arrows through each skull. The skeletal figures fell to the ground or more accurately their bones and in a cloud of noxious purple disappeared leaving behind they're weapons.
Farore gave a triumphant grunt and spitefully said " No one deprives me of my sleep especially not some piles of bones sent by an insecure puny speck of evil, not even bothering to take a real physical form, pathetic. An then he just sends these worthless skeletons like we're just common travelers!" Farore huffed out shouting in the direction of Hyrule Castle. Lia just looked on in a dumbfounded silence because of Farore's skill in combat and that she was shouting in the night at an evil being residing within Hyrule Castle for waking her. Farore stomped up behind Lia looking angrily one last time at the Castle before saying under her breath "I swear the nerve of that guy."
Lia turned to face Farore and looked downwards at the still glowering Farore. Lia took a mental note of: Stay on Farore's good side and don't wake her prematurely. Farore now composing herself scanned Lia for any signs of pain or damage, summing up that she was okay she walked over to the weapons dropped by the skeletal monsters. Taking the broadsword by the handle she ran her fingers over the steel of the Royal Broadsword. Looking at the now semi-fractured Tri-Tipped Boomerangs she thought " It seems they took those weapons to the grave and back." It seemed the broadsword was in usable condition save a few hairline cracks, she picked it up and searching the nearby vicinity found the matching scabbard to the blade. Sheathing the blade into its ornate scabbard she slung it over her light cloak and walked back over to Lia.
Farore's visage was back to her usual serious expression. With an annoyed sigh Farore spoke "As much as I would love to go back to sleep on the grass the plateau is dangerous and houses several monster camps and one other monster as well that hardly dares to show his face. Point being we need either set up camp in the clearing or we need to get off the plateau." Lia thought for a moment before saying "I would like to see some more of Hyrule during our short time here." Farore nodded and said "Then let's get off this hunk of junk!" A small pebble threw itself at Farore's forehead. Fighting off a smile and a snide remark Farore simply looked up at the sky and stuck her tongue out. Another small pebble threw itself at Farore. Farore seemingly knowing what was to come pulled out a Paraglider made of wood and cloth from her cloak and handed it to Lia, cupping her hands a Cucco materialized in them.
A loud sob rang through the night apparently in the direction of the Dueling Peaks.
Farore then ran off the path into a clearing in front of the temples drifting down on the Cucco who was now furiously flapping its wings seemingly determined to assist Farore. Running after her Lia opened the Paraglider as she ran off the ledge. Lia tensed as she felt the sudden jerk of the draft taking the Paraglider. Both arriving at the clearing Farore nimble build allowed her to run quickly over to the edge of the plateau and climbed up the ruin of the stone wall surrounding the plateau and easily jumped off, joyously laughing as the wind caught her hair. Lia ran across the field climbing her way up a broken piece of the wall. Lia felt the exhilaration of gliding into the cool night air as she too ran off the edge of the stone platform into the great unknown of Hyrule, a land she once knew, but she too felt like she had changed since they had last met.
A/N
Man, that's what overthinking does to you huh *nervous laughing* But seriously though none of what is spewed in the beginning is canon it's just what would be running through my head if I were in her situation. This chapter I'm really trying to build up the family dynamic between our goddesses and I wanted Farore to feel like the baby of the family but loss has hardened her heart kind of feel. Also tell me if it isn't just me but I feel like my titles are kinda cryptic or kind of difficult to understand at first glance feel free to tell me in the comments. Also I'm hoping to have this up on April 4 or Easter Sunday. It's most definitely going to be late but hey at least I'm getting it up.
Mamma Mia! here we go again my my - Oh I didn't see you there are you here for another Guest's Corner? Of course you are or else you would have just scrolled over this. Just a side note I'm actually horrible at singing IRL and also a bit tone deaf so I play Saxophone.
First up on my commentary on my story would be how I wrote Lia to be able to discern emotions and distress well but of course in a naturally infuriating way she's going to discard that information and blatantly ignore those feelings. I know it's frustrating but it's very true to life that's what makes it so frustrating, it's because you know it's wrong but you do it anyway. But I do love Farore as a character. She might seem like your average stony character with a sob story backstory that our protagonist wants to feel sorry for but she's going to be much more than that. On top of that I love how she is serious until something breaks through and she can act carefree again. It's just a really cute character thing that I like about her. Like Lia isn't just going to be a damsel in distress in need of a man to bear her emotions to, no no no I hate the idea of someone relying on somebody heavily to the point of dependency (This also has potential for abuse) I want her to learn how to deal with how she's feeling and then being able to share that with somebody else.
I probably sound like a real feminist (probably cuz I low key do be though) but those kinds of ideas are way dated and somebody might want to get those checked out *Nintendo sweating in the corner* Other than that in case you're wondering, yes each goddess has a different kind of aura when they use they're power and I might use that detail later.
Remember I write these Guest Corners over the course of multiple days and so I write these as I write the chapters because I have things to do so that's why my thoughts are pretty disconnected.
I just learned about how one of the content creators I follow has taken their life, I never knew them personally but it really is a rude awakening of how cyber bullying and anxiety and depression are real issues and in light of this fic's message I thought it would be appropriate to mention this.
Mental illness and issues are just as real as physical health and please check up on your loved ones and really sit down and have a heart to heart sometime, okay. I mean I don't control your life so do what you want but still.
I have a Steam game that I really love. It's called: Kind Words (Lo-fi beats to write to). It's where strangers can have posts of their struggles and others can anonymously respond with kind words or encouragement. Just thought I'd jot that down since this is where I kind of write down stray thoughts anyway.
For all you smart cookies out there and guessed that Farore was whistling Saria's Song you would be correct as many believe OoT would be before BOTW in the fan timeline with the inclusion of Majora's Mask in the DLC. I'll be dropping little Easter eggs and also Happy Easter! Fingers crossed it's late but still on Easter Sunday.
Anyway for all the people concerned about Farore damaging her bow or something whilst sleeping most of the characters sleep on their stomachs I wrote them this way because that's how I sleep and write about something familiar, right.
Also Farore does not like being woken up but Stal enemies are actually the worst they're just annoying and they know it. I also couldn't for the life of me remember the weapons they carry so I just went late game Stal enemies. Also I fought so hard not to type *Calamity Ganon will remember that* when Farore just went to town on Ganon for waking her up. Heh I bet Cado didn't appreciate his Cucco disappearing in the middle of the night. Also this is "Part 1" since each arc will be in parts due to the nature of the arc and yes I am doing an arc this early since I like it when we get exposition as we learn about the characters so we get to learn with Lia and the other goddesses instead of knowing everything already in a pre story narration etcetera. Also I'm only assuming we'll get around 20 something chapters of this fic anyway but I will continue to write other Zelda related content because it's what I enjoy.
I added a title! One typo fixed (Changed Lanayru to Hebra) and a bit of tweaking on a line of Lia's dialogue "So they did end up together, I'm glad" was cut and replaced so there you go.