Omne solum forti patria (Any soil is fatherland to the brave)

- Ovid

Link snatched some grass whistle, blowing a simple yet happy tune.

Kibou quietly chimed along. "E-po-na's Sonnng, E-po-na's Sonnng... E-po-na's Sonnng-nng-nnng..."

A distant neigh echoed across Kokiri Forest—a reddish mare leapt from the clifftops, hooves thudding against the earth as she eagerly ran across the village.

Majora's eyes twinkled as she clasped her hands. "Ohhh, wwowwww...beautiful."

As the mare neared, she noticed her childhood friend and sharply turned towards him, movement throwing off her two riders. Sheik and Princess Zelda rolled along the ground. Coughing, they sat up. As the dust settled, they noticed their mom standing with crossed arms.

The princess blinked once, twice. "Oh, shit."

Mom's eyebrows raised as she slowly nodded. Her kids stood, nervously brushing themselves off. Queen Zelda sighed. "But...I'm glad you two are safe. I heard that something strange happened to Hyrule Castle during my absence."

Sheik uncomfortably smiled. "The kingdom can't last five minutes without you, Mum. We had to find you."

"That was the adult thing to do, Sheik. I am proud of my children. Sometimes, we must break rules to find a way." She relaxed, then made a small smile. The queen turned her head, Link stroking Epona's muzzle, Majora trying to do the same though Epona didn't want her to.

Princess Zelda watched Link attentively. Hands clasped, she scuttled to him, he noticing. "Hello, Link. I am very pleased to meet you. Why don't you tell me more about your beautiful steed? I had some difficulty riding her."

Link smiled. "Yeah, sure!"

Majora's facial spikes tilted upwards, Princess Zelda stealing Link's attention as he talked about Epona and how to manage her.

Meanwhile, Sheik rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks for not being mad at us, Mom. You're a great mom, y'know? Dad would be only proud for us all. I really appreciate everything you do for us, even if Sis doesn't admit it."

Queen Zelda softened. It was rare to hear such kind, mature words from little ones. All she could do was gently smile.

Sheik turned his head. "Luna!?"

She looked around. "Hunh?"

Sheik ran over, wrapping the albino in a tight hug. Luna felt his heartbeat against hers, peaceful comfort rushing throughout even her skeleton. Slowly, she closed her eyes and returned the hug, appreciating the closeness.

Sheik whispered, "Luna, I'm so sorry... After you fell, we couldn't control Epona. When we finally did and came back, you weren't there."

"It's OK, Sheik. We'll get through this."

Queen Zelda had her hands together. "What are you two little lovebirds doing?" she teased.

Kibou let off a tremolo whine, wings tilting back.

Majora's facial spikes wilted. "Aww, so cute..."

"Wow, whatever," Princess Zelda complained, crossing her arms and looking away.

Link's attention went from Epona's saddle to the grumpy princess. "Hm?"

"Luna!?" another voice cried.

She and Sheik broke their hug, wondering who called.

A fat boy darted towards her, teardrops rolling out his eyes. "Y-y-you're b-back!?" Panting, he slid to a stop, wiping his eyes. "You're back... I never told anyone, like you said...and you're back!"

"I think he thinks you're back, Luna," a transparent fairy teased.

Luna pushed her fingers through her hair. "I think you're right, Bubbles."

"Who's this?" Sheik asked.

"Elmo. A friend I...kinda rejected too harshly I think," Luna admitted.

"Oh, I'd reject him, too," Princess Zelda commented, her Mom shooting her a glare.

The boy sniffled. "Oh, it's OK, Luna. You were just stressed. As long as you're back that's all that matters." He wiped his eyes. "Even if it means the Great Deku Tree is gone..."

Luna's shoulders and spirits drooped. "It's only a matter of time before Kokiri Forest isn't safe anymore..." She gasped. "Wait, where's... Where's Vera?"

"She went out looking for you. Never came back," Mido answered, walking to the scene.

Luna hesitated. "Oh." Where could she be?

"I will still do what I can, and organize the Kokiri to get our defenses ready. We will protect our homes with everything we've got: Archers. Traps. Poison mushrooms. Spears. Swords."

"That's right!" Elmo stated, rolling up his sleeves. "I won't let any monsters into our homes!"

Majora kept looking up, facial spikes sometimes twitching. "I can feel the evil approaching even now."

Link grunted. "And I need to chase after Ira..."

"Don't worry," Queen Zelda assured. "I will protect Kokiri Forest with Majora. Take Epona, bring Luna, and go after him."

Link mounted Epona, stroking her mane.

Luna climbed Epona and sat behind Link, Majora and Princess Zelda staring with some jealousy. "Mido, my Wolfoses will also protect you once they recover. The whole pack should arrive by nightfall."

Mido nodded. "We won't let the evil pass."

"We sure won't!" Majora added.

Luna was unconvinced. "Legion couldn't pass the painting holding them back. Their powers are drastically reduced now, but, Mido...if you cannot protect Kokiri Forest, get everyone to mount the Wolfoses and flee into the Field."

Mido wasn't happy but kept quiet.

"Link, be careful," Queen Zelda said.

Link nodded. "I will go to Zora's Domain first, then Death Mountain afterwards." Epona reared, Link pulling her around. "HEYH!"

The mare galloped off, disappearing into the darkness of the exit. Hooves thudding along the wooden ground, Epona's neigh echoed throughout the Lost Woods as she leapt over the downed bridge.