See first chapter for Disclaimer.
Of Wind and Forest
"How are you feeling today?" Talim asked as she brought in the broth that had been their breakfast for the past few days. Link had been quiet after he had stopped sleeping in the bedroll, this time though Talim was more accepting of it. His quiet this time was different though, he seemed to have found some peace since he had arrived.
"Better," he smiled sitting up from his blanket on the floor, "those herbs you gave me have helped." He probably wouldn't say much more than that, Talim had noticed that he only spoke when necessary, sometimes saying the wrong thing. He would rather speak with his actions, but with his current condition that was almost impossible.
"How long before you can travel?" Link thought that he detected a bit of hope in that voice.
"Maybe a week." He spoke inspecting his injuries. His ribs still throbbed when he tried to move, but the soreness that he felt in the rest of his body was now completely gone. Link had wanted to set out as soon as possible, he knew that his mere presence was inconveniencing Talim. She had fed him, kept him safe and until yesterday had bathed him. This wasn't what worried him though. Link had traveled to many places in his short life, he had seen people of similar appearance, he knew that his own might be conceived as evil. It had happened once before and he had almost been burned at the stake because of it.
He knew that people could be closed minded about things as trivial as appearance. This caused him to worry about Talim. Though she herself had shown him nothing but kindness he worried that the others of her people would not do the same. Somewhere, deep down though, it bothered Link that not once had Talim asked about his past. Though the same could be said of himself, he had not been the most open person. He felt like he had taken much more than he gave.
"I wish it would rain," Talim said looking out the open roof of her tent. "I don't see it much lately and with no rain clouds nearby I can't ask the wind to carry any here," she spoke knowing that Link wouldn't answer. Sometimes she felt that talking to Link was like talking to her bird Alun, but still she pressed on hoping for some kind of response. "We always seem to move on just before the rainy season comes, I miss the sent of rain that the wind brings. Oh no, I forgot I'm supposed to go to the fields to train." Realizing this Talim set out in a run.
"Rain, huh?" Link asked after she left. It was not a simple request, one couldn't just summon the gods and have them bring forth a mighty tempest. To do something like that one would need cast a great spell, have incredible intuition, luck, or maybe a song.
Zelda had told him that things would be different in this world. Many of his spells would not work, fairies couldn't even live here and he could no longer feel the presence of the Triforce of Courage. Still at one time he could call upon that power, maybe not all things in this world were different, some had to remain the same.
Reaching for his sword belt, Link searched through one of the pouches that it held. This item as well as the Master Sword still held it's magic, who's to say that the one he searched for could not work. Fumbling through his pouches he eventually found the item he searched for. It was a small instrument that carried with it his sister's love, something that he believed whole heartedly would maintain it's magic, the Ocarina of Time. Now if only those notes held their power.
It had been almost a week since she had given it to him. A whole week in this strange land. He remembered all the songs, those that cast him to far off temples, those that called forth the sun, those that let him talk to his friends, even those that called forth the rain. He was certain that the Sun song had lost it's power, maybe the others hadn't.
Drawing in an experimental breath Link tested his lungs to see if they still had the power he needed, he hoped that they would since he would need more from them in this journey than a simple song. Recalling the notes, Link began to play. However this was not the song he had intended on. It was the song of the Royal family, his family, the song he knew as Zelda's Lullaby. He tried to stop, willed himself to stop, but much like the warm tears rushing down his cheeks he could not and the regrets rushed in.
He thought of his home. He would never see the Kokiri again, would never hear their pure childish laughter. He would never ride Epona or play his ocarina while Malon sung or talk to her about how much her father would annoy her again. Never swim with Ruto in the waters of Lake Hylia again. He would never see his family again.
He never wanted to go on this journey, never wanted to leave his home. The Soul Edge however, had to be stopped. It's evil pervaded all that touched it, just a small piece of it had nearly destroyed Hyrule. Link knew the stakes before he took the risk and for the first time had hoped that another would take up the quest. No one had volunteered though, insisting that the Hero of Time would be the one to save them yet again. It embittered him, no one asked his feelings. Though all his friends had show some sadness at his leaving, none had asked him not to go. They had faith in him and depended on him.
It was something he had never wanted. So many had depended on him during Ganondorf's reign. He remembered the sleepless nights lying in fear for his life. The battles that left him beaten and exhausted only to have to continue on. Now the fate of two worlds rested on him, it became more than he could bear as finally he stopped playing the ocarina and cried into his body. Regardless of his anger he wanted to protect his friends, to see them again even if he couldn't. He had only just found his family when he had been forced to leave it. More than anything he cried because of that.
This time however Talim did not disturb his tears.
_____________________________
Talim was beginning to get concerned, the people of her tribe had started to wonder about her. She ate her meals alone, as she was going to do now, ate more than most others. For the people of the Wind Tribe however the greatest point of concern was that she was starting to slip in her training. More than any other before her Talim had great potential and in this time when faith in the Wind Deity waned she was deemed as the best hope.
Day in and day out she would train, as she had most of her life, for when she would take up the roll as Shaman. Talim would often look upon the other children of the tribe with envy, they could laugh and play in the fields while she would train. Even when those children became old enough to be put to work they still had time to play. It was the all consuming purpose of her people that she become the greatest priestess ever.
Link it seemed was her only friend, even if he wasn't the most talkative person. Link had been a comfort to her. Even if he wasn't the best of company he was still someone to talk to. Even if at times he was less talkative than Alun he was still a person, even if he wasn't human he was still a comforting presence.
As Talim entered her tent carrying some food she saw Link sleeping on his side. He slept a lot she noticed, maybe it was something about his people. More than likely though it was because he didn't have anything else to do. Talim had asked Link not to leave the tent because she was afraid of what the elders would do. Visitors were not exactly welcome to them and Link's appearance would definitely cause an alarm. He may have seemed like Alun at times, but he wasn't. Alun at least could spread his wings and fly away, Link was confined to the admittedly small area of her personal living space.
She didn't realize until sometime in her musings that she was smiling at the boy, even if his sleep was fitful. He said he would heal in about another week, but Talim knew that it was still too much time to be confined like a prisoner. She resolved that tonight he would see outside the tent, even if for just a little while.
She didn't realize how fond she was of him until that moment. She always wanted to ask about him, but didn't because she knew that he was the quiet type. Maybe tonight would be different.
"Zelda," Link called out in his sleep. Hearing this Talim stared at him, her mouth agape. Who was this Zelda person? Was she someone from his home? Someone important to him?
At the mere mentioning of this name Talim's heart somehow sank. Feeling dejected she left his meal where he would find it and left.
_____________________________
"Link," Talim shook his shoulders as she spoke, "wake up, come on."
Roused from his dreamless sleep he did not seem like the happiest person alive. Link rolled over to face Talim and ask why she would wake him. That was his plan anyway. However when he lifted his head to speak he found himself mumbling into something soft, feeling warm metal on his head.
When Link lifted his head, Talim blushed furiously. Barely remembering the hour and their unique situation she allowed herself a slight gasp as Link began talking into her breasts. The sensation wasn't entirely unpleasant, but it was entirely out of place. Forgetting the extent of his injuries Talim forcefully pushed Link back down onto the floor. A sharp breath when he fell reminded her.
"I'm sorry," she said, bringing her hands to her mouth and realizing what she had done. Link nodded his head, smiling sheepishly. Talim wondered why his cheeks were red, was he ill? Deciding to ask later she spoke again, "How do you feel?"
"I guess I'm fine," he stuttered. "is it morning already?"
"No," she said shaking her head, "can you walk?" As if to find out himself Link tried to get up. Talim, knowing that Link would want to do it himself stayed out of his way. Stretching out his muscles a bit Link turned to smile at Talim, confirming that he was okay.
"I've been better," he smiled. Talim tossed him his tunic and belt, in order to check on his injuries they had decided, much to Link's dismay, that he should remain shirtless so that if something happened Talim could help him more quickly. After dressing himself Link grabbed something from his things and they walked out.
"I know it's late," Talim apologized. Even though she was looking at his back, Talim still turned her head to look away from him. "but I thought that you might want to get some exercise." She looked at his back pleadingly then.
They walked in silence for a while, coming to a stop at a hill a little ways away from the camps. This hill wasn't any different from the many that dotted the plains of Mongolia, only a large rock that Talim had Link sit on made it different from the others. They both looked up at the sky that night. Stars painted it that evening, there was a slight breeze and not a cloud to be found.
"Hey Link," Talim said, standing next to him, "where are you from?" He did not speak, just looked at the stars searching for something. Talim thought that maybe somewhere out there in that vast expanse was his home.
"Hyrule," Link closed his eyes and sighed.
"Do you have any family?" Link smiled, still keeping his eyes closed. He was glad that she was so full of questions tonight.
"My parents are gone," he looked at her, his smile gone, "but I have an older sister named Zelda." Talim's eyes glowed at that and for the life of him Link couldn't figure out why, maybe she didn't know either. "I guess it's time to tell you, I'm sorry if I confuse you.
"Back home I was the Hero of Time," Talim wondered why he seemed bitter saying that, "I saved my home from many threats. With my sword the Master Sword I defeated both the Evil King Ganondorf and the Wizard Agahnim."
"So why did you come here?" Though Talim was certain it was the will of the Wind Deity, she still wanted to know his own reasons for coming.
"The Soul Edge," Link practically spat out those words, "some how a piece of that damn blade managed to invade Hyrule, that was how the Wizard Agahnim had gained power in my world. That tiny piece was almost enough to destroy everything."
"So you're going to destroy it?" Talim knew a few things of the Soul Edge, that it was the source of the Evil Seed and that it was supposed to be the Sword of Salvation that some sought.
"I have to," Link said clenching his fists, "otherwise I'll have died for no reason."
"Die?" Talim seemed scared, was there something wrong with him other than his broken ribs?
"Oh, umm," Link smiled understanding her confusion, "I don't mean dead, it's just that, I can't go home. The Goddesses of my land sealed Hyrule off as best they could from the Soul Edge and in doing so have blocked me out as well, so in Hyrule I am dead." Suddenly the wind picked up, carrying with it Talim's hair and what Link thought were crystals. "Talim?" Like once before he said her name like a magic spell.
"It must be sad," Talim whispered, "then what will you do, when it's all over?"
"I don't know," he seemed to stare of into space for a bit, then asked her, "what about you Talim?"
"Me," Talim pointed to herself a little surprised, "you want to know about me?" He smiled and nodded again, "There's not much to tell."
"I'm interested." Those words carried more meaning than he understood then.
"Since I was little," she started, drawing in a breath, "all I could remember was training to become the next Wind Shaman. The elders say that I have more talent for it than any of the past Shaman, even more than my father, but it's hard sometimes. I see the others my age sometimes playing in the fields, I guess I get jealous sometimes."
"How old are you?" Link asked, knowing full well that fate can be hard on everybody.
"I'm fifteen, and you?"
"Seventeen." Link smiled, fate was a harsh mistress. "What's your training like?"
"I concentrate on the winds to see if I can't get them to move the way I want to," She said almost off-hand. "or dance with my elbow blades. It's not the most fun thing in the world, but it is my destiny."
"Is that what you want, Talim?" Link said looking back to the stars.
"What?" It wasn't a very out of the ordinary question, it was something that everyday was asked. It was just, no one had asked Talim. She looked at him, her mouth agape, wondering, what did she want? She had been told since she was small that she would be a Shaman, a priestess, she had never been asked.
"I said, what do you want?" he said still looking at the stars.
"What do I want?" Talim spoke as if she was invoking the winds, this was the first time that some one had asked her that. She thought of what she wanted, anything in the world. It was probably the only time in her life that someone would ask that, so she would think. Although there was really only one thing that she wanted at the moment. "I want it to rain."
It was no small request, not many could call forth rain when there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Link knew it would work then, it wasn't a small request but it was a simple one. Talim was awakened from her musings by the sounds of a strange wind instrument. Looking at Link she saw him playing on a strange egg like shape, his tune was strange yet happy. It wasn't until Talim saw the sky that she realized it, rain clouds had started to gather around them. Suddenly the distant crackle of thunder and one by one tiny droplets of water began to fall creating a gentle rain.
"It's what you wanted right?" Link asked when he finished playing his ocarina. Talim didn't understand, but she knew that somehow that Link had created the rain. That night for the first time since she could remember, Talim played in the rain, laughing like a normal teenager. Link never moved from his rock, he just watched Talim play and smiled.
-To Be Continued
I'd like to thank all those that reviewed. I'd also like to hear more of your opinions. Anything you could add would help me out. How am I doing?
Ryuhiko@hotmail.com
Of Wind and Forest
"How are you feeling today?" Talim asked as she brought in the broth that had been their breakfast for the past few days. Link had been quiet after he had stopped sleeping in the bedroll, this time though Talim was more accepting of it. His quiet this time was different though, he seemed to have found some peace since he had arrived.
"Better," he smiled sitting up from his blanket on the floor, "those herbs you gave me have helped." He probably wouldn't say much more than that, Talim had noticed that he only spoke when necessary, sometimes saying the wrong thing. He would rather speak with his actions, but with his current condition that was almost impossible.
"How long before you can travel?" Link thought that he detected a bit of hope in that voice.
"Maybe a week." He spoke inspecting his injuries. His ribs still throbbed when he tried to move, but the soreness that he felt in the rest of his body was now completely gone. Link had wanted to set out as soon as possible, he knew that his mere presence was inconveniencing Talim. She had fed him, kept him safe and until yesterday had bathed him. This wasn't what worried him though. Link had traveled to many places in his short life, he had seen people of similar appearance, he knew that his own might be conceived as evil. It had happened once before and he had almost been burned at the stake because of it.
He knew that people could be closed minded about things as trivial as appearance. This caused him to worry about Talim. Though she herself had shown him nothing but kindness he worried that the others of her people would not do the same. Somewhere, deep down though, it bothered Link that not once had Talim asked about his past. Though the same could be said of himself, he had not been the most open person. He felt like he had taken much more than he gave.
"I wish it would rain," Talim said looking out the open roof of her tent. "I don't see it much lately and with no rain clouds nearby I can't ask the wind to carry any here," she spoke knowing that Link wouldn't answer. Sometimes she felt that talking to Link was like talking to her bird Alun, but still she pressed on hoping for some kind of response. "We always seem to move on just before the rainy season comes, I miss the sent of rain that the wind brings. Oh no, I forgot I'm supposed to go to the fields to train." Realizing this Talim set out in a run.
"Rain, huh?" Link asked after she left. It was not a simple request, one couldn't just summon the gods and have them bring forth a mighty tempest. To do something like that one would need cast a great spell, have incredible intuition, luck, or maybe a song.
Zelda had told him that things would be different in this world. Many of his spells would not work, fairies couldn't even live here and he could no longer feel the presence of the Triforce of Courage. Still at one time he could call upon that power, maybe not all things in this world were different, some had to remain the same.
Reaching for his sword belt, Link searched through one of the pouches that it held. This item as well as the Master Sword still held it's magic, who's to say that the one he searched for could not work. Fumbling through his pouches he eventually found the item he searched for. It was a small instrument that carried with it his sister's love, something that he believed whole heartedly would maintain it's magic, the Ocarina of Time. Now if only those notes held their power.
It had been almost a week since she had given it to him. A whole week in this strange land. He remembered all the songs, those that cast him to far off temples, those that called forth the sun, those that let him talk to his friends, even those that called forth the rain. He was certain that the Sun song had lost it's power, maybe the others hadn't.
Drawing in an experimental breath Link tested his lungs to see if they still had the power he needed, he hoped that they would since he would need more from them in this journey than a simple song. Recalling the notes, Link began to play. However this was not the song he had intended on. It was the song of the Royal family, his family, the song he knew as Zelda's Lullaby. He tried to stop, willed himself to stop, but much like the warm tears rushing down his cheeks he could not and the regrets rushed in.
He thought of his home. He would never see the Kokiri again, would never hear their pure childish laughter. He would never ride Epona or play his ocarina while Malon sung or talk to her about how much her father would annoy her again. Never swim with Ruto in the waters of Lake Hylia again. He would never see his family again.
He never wanted to go on this journey, never wanted to leave his home. The Soul Edge however, had to be stopped. It's evil pervaded all that touched it, just a small piece of it had nearly destroyed Hyrule. Link knew the stakes before he took the risk and for the first time had hoped that another would take up the quest. No one had volunteered though, insisting that the Hero of Time would be the one to save them yet again. It embittered him, no one asked his feelings. Though all his friends had show some sadness at his leaving, none had asked him not to go. They had faith in him and depended on him.
It was something he had never wanted. So many had depended on him during Ganondorf's reign. He remembered the sleepless nights lying in fear for his life. The battles that left him beaten and exhausted only to have to continue on. Now the fate of two worlds rested on him, it became more than he could bear as finally he stopped playing the ocarina and cried into his body. Regardless of his anger he wanted to protect his friends, to see them again even if he couldn't. He had only just found his family when he had been forced to leave it. More than anything he cried because of that.
This time however Talim did not disturb his tears.
_____________________________
Talim was beginning to get concerned, the people of her tribe had started to wonder about her. She ate her meals alone, as she was going to do now, ate more than most others. For the people of the Wind Tribe however the greatest point of concern was that she was starting to slip in her training. More than any other before her Talim had great potential and in this time when faith in the Wind Deity waned she was deemed as the best hope.
Day in and day out she would train, as she had most of her life, for when she would take up the roll as Shaman. Talim would often look upon the other children of the tribe with envy, they could laugh and play in the fields while she would train. Even when those children became old enough to be put to work they still had time to play. It was the all consuming purpose of her people that she become the greatest priestess ever.
Link it seemed was her only friend, even if he wasn't the most talkative person. Link had been a comfort to her. Even if he wasn't the best of company he was still someone to talk to. Even if at times he was less talkative than Alun he was still a person, even if he wasn't human he was still a comforting presence.
As Talim entered her tent carrying some food she saw Link sleeping on his side. He slept a lot she noticed, maybe it was something about his people. More than likely though it was because he didn't have anything else to do. Talim had asked Link not to leave the tent because she was afraid of what the elders would do. Visitors were not exactly welcome to them and Link's appearance would definitely cause an alarm. He may have seemed like Alun at times, but he wasn't. Alun at least could spread his wings and fly away, Link was confined to the admittedly small area of her personal living space.
She didn't realize until sometime in her musings that she was smiling at the boy, even if his sleep was fitful. He said he would heal in about another week, but Talim knew that it was still too much time to be confined like a prisoner. She resolved that tonight he would see outside the tent, even if for just a little while.
She didn't realize how fond she was of him until that moment. She always wanted to ask about him, but didn't because she knew that he was the quiet type. Maybe tonight would be different.
"Zelda," Link called out in his sleep. Hearing this Talim stared at him, her mouth agape. Who was this Zelda person? Was she someone from his home? Someone important to him?
At the mere mentioning of this name Talim's heart somehow sank. Feeling dejected she left his meal where he would find it and left.
_____________________________
"Link," Talim shook his shoulders as she spoke, "wake up, come on."
Roused from his dreamless sleep he did not seem like the happiest person alive. Link rolled over to face Talim and ask why she would wake him. That was his plan anyway. However when he lifted his head to speak he found himself mumbling into something soft, feeling warm metal on his head.
When Link lifted his head, Talim blushed furiously. Barely remembering the hour and their unique situation she allowed herself a slight gasp as Link began talking into her breasts. The sensation wasn't entirely unpleasant, but it was entirely out of place. Forgetting the extent of his injuries Talim forcefully pushed Link back down onto the floor. A sharp breath when he fell reminded her.
"I'm sorry," she said, bringing her hands to her mouth and realizing what she had done. Link nodded his head, smiling sheepishly. Talim wondered why his cheeks were red, was he ill? Deciding to ask later she spoke again, "How do you feel?"
"I guess I'm fine," he stuttered. "is it morning already?"
"No," she said shaking her head, "can you walk?" As if to find out himself Link tried to get up. Talim, knowing that Link would want to do it himself stayed out of his way. Stretching out his muscles a bit Link turned to smile at Talim, confirming that he was okay.
"I've been better," he smiled. Talim tossed him his tunic and belt, in order to check on his injuries they had decided, much to Link's dismay, that he should remain shirtless so that if something happened Talim could help him more quickly. After dressing himself Link grabbed something from his things and they walked out.
"I know it's late," Talim apologized. Even though she was looking at his back, Talim still turned her head to look away from him. "but I thought that you might want to get some exercise." She looked at his back pleadingly then.
They walked in silence for a while, coming to a stop at a hill a little ways away from the camps. This hill wasn't any different from the many that dotted the plains of Mongolia, only a large rock that Talim had Link sit on made it different from the others. They both looked up at the sky that night. Stars painted it that evening, there was a slight breeze and not a cloud to be found.
"Hey Link," Talim said, standing next to him, "where are you from?" He did not speak, just looked at the stars searching for something. Talim thought that maybe somewhere out there in that vast expanse was his home.
"Hyrule," Link closed his eyes and sighed.
"Do you have any family?" Link smiled, still keeping his eyes closed. He was glad that she was so full of questions tonight.
"My parents are gone," he looked at her, his smile gone, "but I have an older sister named Zelda." Talim's eyes glowed at that and for the life of him Link couldn't figure out why, maybe she didn't know either. "I guess it's time to tell you, I'm sorry if I confuse you.
"Back home I was the Hero of Time," Talim wondered why he seemed bitter saying that, "I saved my home from many threats. With my sword the Master Sword I defeated both the Evil King Ganondorf and the Wizard Agahnim."
"So why did you come here?" Though Talim was certain it was the will of the Wind Deity, she still wanted to know his own reasons for coming.
"The Soul Edge," Link practically spat out those words, "some how a piece of that damn blade managed to invade Hyrule, that was how the Wizard Agahnim had gained power in my world. That tiny piece was almost enough to destroy everything."
"So you're going to destroy it?" Talim knew a few things of the Soul Edge, that it was the source of the Evil Seed and that it was supposed to be the Sword of Salvation that some sought.
"I have to," Link said clenching his fists, "otherwise I'll have died for no reason."
"Die?" Talim seemed scared, was there something wrong with him other than his broken ribs?
"Oh, umm," Link smiled understanding her confusion, "I don't mean dead, it's just that, I can't go home. The Goddesses of my land sealed Hyrule off as best they could from the Soul Edge and in doing so have blocked me out as well, so in Hyrule I am dead." Suddenly the wind picked up, carrying with it Talim's hair and what Link thought were crystals. "Talim?" Like once before he said her name like a magic spell.
"It must be sad," Talim whispered, "then what will you do, when it's all over?"
"I don't know," he seemed to stare of into space for a bit, then asked her, "what about you Talim?"
"Me," Talim pointed to herself a little surprised, "you want to know about me?" He smiled and nodded again, "There's not much to tell."
"I'm interested." Those words carried more meaning than he understood then.
"Since I was little," she started, drawing in a breath, "all I could remember was training to become the next Wind Shaman. The elders say that I have more talent for it than any of the past Shaman, even more than my father, but it's hard sometimes. I see the others my age sometimes playing in the fields, I guess I get jealous sometimes."
"How old are you?" Link asked, knowing full well that fate can be hard on everybody.
"I'm fifteen, and you?"
"Seventeen." Link smiled, fate was a harsh mistress. "What's your training like?"
"I concentrate on the winds to see if I can't get them to move the way I want to," She said almost off-hand. "or dance with my elbow blades. It's not the most fun thing in the world, but it is my destiny."
"Is that what you want, Talim?" Link said looking back to the stars.
"What?" It wasn't a very out of the ordinary question, it was something that everyday was asked. It was just, no one had asked Talim. She looked at him, her mouth agape, wondering, what did she want? She had been told since she was small that she would be a Shaman, a priestess, she had never been asked.
"I said, what do you want?" he said still looking at the stars.
"What do I want?" Talim spoke as if she was invoking the winds, this was the first time that some one had asked her that. She thought of what she wanted, anything in the world. It was probably the only time in her life that someone would ask that, so she would think. Although there was really only one thing that she wanted at the moment. "I want it to rain."
It was no small request, not many could call forth rain when there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Link knew it would work then, it wasn't a small request but it was a simple one. Talim was awakened from her musings by the sounds of a strange wind instrument. Looking at Link she saw him playing on a strange egg like shape, his tune was strange yet happy. It wasn't until Talim saw the sky that she realized it, rain clouds had started to gather around them. Suddenly the distant crackle of thunder and one by one tiny droplets of water began to fall creating a gentle rain.
"It's what you wanted right?" Link asked when he finished playing his ocarina. Talim didn't understand, but she knew that somehow that Link had created the rain. That night for the first time since she could remember, Talim played in the rain, laughing like a normal teenager. Link never moved from his rock, he just watched Talim play and smiled.
-To Be Continued
I'd like to thank all those that reviewed. I'd also like to hear more of your opinions. Anything you could add would help me out. How am I doing?
Ryuhiko@hotmail.com