In The Hand of the Goddess
Disclaimer: Sigh, it gets really depressing writing this. . . I don't own LoZ.
A/N: Thanks very much to those of you who reviewed! It makes me oh so happy! I know I'm falling behind on my other Zelda fics, but I WILL finish them, I swear it on my life! Thank you all so very much again, and please enjoy!
Part Two: Courage
Rain poured from the sky in sheets, soaking the land of Hyrule. It was life giving, bringing a rebirth to the green and growing things of the world. Overhead, the heavens rumbled with thunder, a sure sign of troubles to come.
But the young wanderer who rode on his faithful horse through the deepest part of the Kokiri Forest was not thinking of omens or troubling times, merely of finding some place to get out of the rain. His fire colored mare had the same thoughts, though her ears twitched uneasily at the sound of the thunder.
The young man patted her neck soothingly, running his fingers through her sopping mane. "C'mon Epona, not much further. There's a place up ahead where we can rest."
She snorted, shaking her wet forelock, but plodded ahead in the direction he guided her, eager to rest. He dismounted after several more moments, leading her on foot into the shelter of several ancient pines. Once she was securely tied up, he took his saddlebags down, removed her saddle, and began to rub her down. She whickered in contentment, butting his chest with her velvety nose in a gesture of affection.
A smile flickered over Link's face, scratching between her eyes gently. "That's my girl," he praised with another grin that caused his sky blue eyes to glitter. "Feel better now, do you?" He laughed out loud when she snorted and nuzzled him again before beginning to graze.
Now that Epona was taken care of, he turned to his own needs, starting a small fire. He pulled off his sodden green cloak, propping it up to dry by the dancing flames. Beneath, he wore a forest green tunic with a hat to match, cream-colored breeches, and sturdy leather boots.
Flicking back some stray strands of gold hair, he began rummaging in his bag, pulling out a water skin, a bundle of dried meat, and a small bunch of grapes. Link sat down on a log by the dancing flames to warm himself, munching on his meal as he contemplated things known only to himself.
A pained look came into his eyes, hearing the echo of words in his mind. "He's not one of us!" "He doesn't belong here!" Link's hands tightened, forcing the emotions away once more, trying to turn his thoughts to more pleasant things.
He vaguely registered that the storm continued outside, too lost in his musings to take much note of anything. Even so, the young wanderer had extremely good hearing, and should have detected his visitor long before they moved from the outskirts of the night into the pool of firelight.
He was on his feet at once, yanking his sword from its sheath as he glared at the cloaked figure that had not moved any closer.
"I don't like being snuck up on!" he snapped, his azure eyes narrowed angrily. "Especially by strangers who don't dare show their faces!"
A musical laugh came from the person, soft and gentle. "Forgive me young traveler, I did not mean to startle you. I saw your fire and hoped that you would allow me to get warm before I continue on my own business."
It was a woman who stood there, a revelation that startled him considerably. Few women traveled in these days, and even fewer came through the Kokiri Forest. She would have to be a skilled tracker or warrior though, to wander about in these days, if not a capable sorceress. Despite the fright she had given him, he sensed no ill will or other evil intentions from her. He decided that there was no reason to turn her away and relaxed his posture slightly, yet remained on his guard.
Link slid his sword back into its sheath, gesturing to a stump that was positioned close to his log near the fire. "You are welcome," he told her, holding back a faint trace of irritation that crept into his voice. No one had ever come so close without him noticing, and it made him slightly suspicious.
The woman glided silently across the clearing, making no noise as she sat gracefully on the tree stump, almost as if it were a throne. An awkward silence hung between them, the young traveler at a loss of what to say to his guest. He had not met many women in his days, and was not quite sure how to treat her, but she didn't seem offended, so he assumed that his behavior was acceptable.
She held her hands out towards the dancing flames, appearing absorbed in warming herself. Link, always liking something to do, pulled out on of his daggers and began to sharpen it, aware of her eyes on him the entire time. She seemed content to do so, not seeming to mind the uncomfortable silence that settled over them.
At last he couldn't take it anymore and looked up at her. "What brings you to the Forest?" he inquired at last, his eyes trying to probe the shadows that concealed her features, knowing that if he did it would reveal something about the character of the strange woman.
For a moment, the woman did not answer, and he grew impatient. Then her slender hands emerged from the folds of her black cloak, drawing back the cowl to reveal brilliant emerald eyes that pierced his own, holding him motionless in her gaze. "I've been looking for you, young Link."
His eyes widened with shock, breath catching in his throat, causing him to give a strangled croak. She smiled in amusement, cocking her head slightly to the side, causing her long shimmering forest green hair to fall across her shoulders. It can't be! Link's numb mind screamed, but at the same time he knew the truth as he saw the light in her eyes and the sparkling golden aura about her. There could be no mistaking her.
Finding that he could move once more, the young man leapt to his feet, gawking at her, speechless. "You-you-"
She laughed out loud, rising to stand before him. Her outfit was a gown that flashed all different colors of green, light summer sandals on her feet. She was tall for a woman, able to look him directly in the eyes, which she did. "This reaction is classic," she teased merrily. "I wasn't expecting it from someone like you though."
Closing his mouth, he managed to recover some of his wits and dropped to his knees before her. "Lady Farore," he whispered, shock still coursing through his body.
A Goddess! The Goddess of Courage, the Emerald Lady that the young Forest Children paid homage to! The Goddess who created all life was standing right here before him! Him! She had come to see him, Link, a homeless, common blood wanderer with no past and not much of a future. He was completely overcome by this turn of events.
Farore reached for his hands, tugging him to his feet. "Now, there's no need to remain on the ground all night," she admonished, a tiny grin twitching her lips. "Besides, I have things I need to discuss with you."
"With me?" he repeated blankly. "You want to speak with me? Are you sure it's me you wish to talk to? My Lady-why would you-"
She waved a hand impatiently as she returned to her stump. "So many questions! Mortals always ask too many questions. Pick one at a time."
He managed to find his seat once more, mind reeling. A Goddess was sitting on a tree stump! "Lady Farore, why would you want to speak to me?"
Farore pursed her lips, looking thoughtful. "That's a complicated question," she replied slowly, tapping a slender finger against her chin. "You don't waste any time getting right to the heart of the matter, do you?" She laughed suddenly, with childlike merriment. "That's why I like you! Direct!"
"Thank you. . . I think," Link replied hesitantly. "Is that why you're here? Because you like me?"
"Partially," the Goddess responded cheerfully. "I suppose that's how this began, because I like you." She got up suddenly, coming to sit beside him on the log. "You see, we Goddesses all have favorites. These 'favorites' of ours we refer to as our Chosen. As our Chosen, these mortals are favored and guided with a purpose. And," Farore declared, grinning widely, "you are my Chosen."
He wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. "Me?"
"That's right! You are my Chosen, Link!" Farore beamed widely at him. "I know, this must be overwhelming and unbelievable, but I assure you I'm not playing games with you."
"Forgive me- I don't mean to offend you or anything," Link said awkwardly, unable to grasp that he was favored of a Goddess. "It's just a little odd to hear."
"I suppose I can understand that," she replied merrily. "After all, we don't always come to visit our Chosen."
"Why have you come to visit me?"
Farore paused, closing her eyes as she tilted her face heavenward. Her hair brushed against Link's cheek, and he caught a whiff of pine, honeysuckle, and fresh air. "For seventeen years now, I have watched you. You're a good, talented young man, but you lack direction. I've seen you wander aimlessly for years, putting all your abilities to waste." She held up his hand at his protest, shaking her head. "Just listen. I've decided that I want you to help me in some rather important matters."
Instantly he felt a flicker of what was really going on, his sapphire eyes narrowing. "What kind of matters?"
The Goddess looked him directly in the eyes. "Matters that effect the entire world. As I told you, each of us three Goddesses have a Chosen. You are mine, Nayru's is a young lady who lives in Hyrule, and Din's was a Gerudo man named Ganondorf."
"Was?" Link cut in sharply.
She nodded gravely. "Was. About three months ago, Din went to pay him a visit, knowing that he had grown discontented and greedy with his position as her Chosen. When Ganondorf insulted us, she went to him. She offered him a second change, to be content with what he had been given and to apologize to us. He refused."
Link winced, knowing that the Gerudo man had made a major mistake. "What does this have to do with me?"
The Goddess became more somber, emerald eyes glittering. "After refusing to bend to my sister's request, Ganondorf swore that he would take over the land of Hyrule, and find a way to surpass the Goddesses. That was three months ago. He has already embarked on his evil path, and nothing can stop him. He seeks a way to gain enough power to destroy my sisters and I, but there is something else standing in his way. My sister's Chosen is his next target. Link, this is where I turn to you."
He immediately withdrew, putting more space between himself and Farore. "My Lady, I mean no disrespect, but I would rather stay out of conflicts such as these, if you don't mind."
She nodded calmly, not seeming troubled by his refusal. "I understand, but it is not for myself that I ask, but for the young girl who's life is in danger. Are you not more wiling to help now that you know that it is a girl who needs your protection?"
His brow furrowed, sapphire eyes narrowing. "As a matter of fact, no. This girl, whoever she is, is probably another defenseless damsel in distress, and I have no interest in playing hero for some woman!"
Farore raised her eyebrows silently at his outburst. Link had the grace to blush, realizing that he was talking to a woman who certainly was no damsel in distress, but she certainly needed his assistance.
"Link, you will have an interest in protecting this young girl," she stated quietly. "The future of the entire world depends on it."
Knowing he would probably regret asking later, Link at last spoke. "Who is this girl you want me to protect?"
A smile crept over the Goddess's face as she leaned close to explain.
Does the walker choose the path, or does the path choose the walker?
Lirael, by Garth Nix