-Come Back When You're Older-
-Heartfelt Goodbyes-
The market place was busier than usual, Link noticed as he passed through the gates into the biggest settlement in Hyrule. The buildings seem to tower over the young man who had spent most of his life under the canopy of the forest. The buildings here were built as high as a Hylian could dream, but none could match the beauty of his forest home. The gatekeeper nodded to Link, welcoming the newcomer. Little did he know that Link in fact knew the market place better than even the royal guard.
During his journey to locate and collect the precious spiritual stones, Link had spent many days and nights in the market place. Whether trading with merchants, or participating in the many games and vices the city had to offer, Link had come to know the alleys and activities of Market Town like a well worn boot.
Link nodded politely back to the guard and made his way through the crowds, letting himself be swept into the fray. People were running to and fro, arguing over the goods to be sold, and the prices the merchants were asking. Link was an introvert and usually always enjoyed being alone, or in the company of a single companion. But he did enjoy the occasional excursion to the market place, whether to participate in Hylian celebrations, or to catch a glimpse of Princess Zelda.
He and the princess had become close friends after the imprisonment of Ganondorf Dragmire. Link had visited the castle as often as he could, but the distance from his home made it a strain. When he finally left on his search for Navi, the last person he saw before he left was the princess, to ask for her blessing on his journey.
And now he was here, three years later, to ask her the same thing. Only this time Link would not be returning.
The scorching sun overhead glared angrily down upon the denizens of the central square. Link took in the sights and smells one last time. A small dog ran between his legs and latched onto his white leggings, biting playfully. Link chuckled slightly and picked up the small animal. It was well groomed, almost meticulously groomed. Link knew whom this puppy belonged to.
"Richard! Richard my darling! You know not to leave mummy's side when we go to market!" Madam MamuYan, her large blue dress trailing behind her, stampeded through the crowd, pushing back all in her way. The woman nearly crashed into Link, knocking him back. Grabbing the puppy from Link's grasp she held the animal tightly to her bosom. "Don't you wander off!" She looked to Link and held her hand out in a greeting. "Well good day to you! I thank you for catching my darling Richard here. He just loves when we go to market, the activity excites him so."
Link smiled and took her hand in return. "You're welcome, ma'am, he is a beautiful dog." Link knew how to please this woman; she was obsessed with her dog. As if on cue the woman smiled broadly and hugged her puppy even tighter, eliciting a yelp.
"You think so? You try to raise them right, but they're headstrong, that is certain." She talked about the animal as if it was a child. But Link really wasn't in the mood to talk about dogs, so he said his goodbyes and went on his way. He crossed the square and made his way to Bazaar's shop. The large wooden building was emblazoned with the large man's painted mug above the doorway and Link couldn't help but smirk.
"Link mah boy! What brings you to the Castle? Tamil in need of some nails, we've got a special goin' on." The large man, big and strong as a goron, sat hunched over his counter, a small piece of parchment and a quill lay out in front of him. Link had become friends with the storeowner through the master carpenter, Mutoh. Being the newcomer, Link was commonly relegated the task of footing to the castle town to barter for supplies.
"No, not this time, Bazaar. I'm here of my own accord." Link scanned the shelves surrounding the store for what he needed. He pointed to the shelf directly behind Bazaar. "I'm going to need one of those." He was pointing to the long hooded cloak folded in a neat square. Bazaar grabbed the piece of clothing and set it on the counter.
"It's a nice coat, boy. But it's the harvest season, why would you be needin' such a thing?" Link didn't want to explain to Bazaar that the climate in Termina was drastically different in each region; a fine coat like this would keep him warm. Link took the small satchel from his green tunic and pulled out three purple rupees, a large sum indeed, but necessary.
"I'm thinking of doing a little traveling. Seeing some of the areas outside of Hyrule." Bazaar took the gems and handed the young Hylian his cloak.
"Outside Hyrule? Why would you wanna do that? Hyrule's a fine enough place!" Link simply smiled, and taking his purchase, walked back outside into the midday sun. The sweltering heat had finally taken its toll on the crowds, and most had dispersed back to their homes to escape the noon hour. With no home to return to, Link took a seat by the reflecting pond in the middle of the square and enjoyed the quietness. Link was not the only one enjoying the lack of company, though. At their usual place in the middle of town, Charles Darling and Rhea Honey were embraced in their never-ending duet. The two were to be wed next fall, and Link was sorry that he would not be around to witness it. But the sight of the two lovers dancing brought him hope that soon he would be that happy, soon he would be in the arms of the person he longed for most.
"Oh, my sweet, you're the apple of my eye, the other half of my soul." Charles cried into the hot air, his arms never letting go. Rhea, her red hair covering her eyes, stood up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on the cheek of her fiancé.
"And you, my beloved, are the other half to my soul." She cooed. The two were once again silent, content to be in each other's presence. Link wanted to stay, to catch another glimpse of the wonderful things to come for the happy couple, but his impending journey called him on.
Before he would see the Princess, Link would first make a visit to the Temple of Time, to pay respects to the Three Golden Goddesses, and to pray for their protection and guidance. The large cathedral towered over all the buildings in the city, save the castle. The stone walk way was cracked in many places, evidence of its age and frequent use. Link slowly pushed open the two large wooden doors, which groaned in protest. He felt as though he was ten years old again, walking nervously down the smooth red carpet, preparing to fulfill his destiny. But he was older now, and the temple had since been remodeled. Rows of seats filled the once empty interior, ending at the stone alter, the three bright and shining stones fitted into place, not floating, like Link remembered.
Link's boots made soft pattering sounds as he approached the alter. Kneeling in front of the white and obsidian stone, the Hero of Time prayed the words Zelda had once said over him, all those years ago.
"Oh Goddesses of Three
Watch over this mortal
And bless his journey
In the dark grant him sight
Strengthen his belief
And his resolve to fight
We ask this of you, your divine protection
To grant him safe passage
And respite from conflagration"Link stood up and took a deep breath. He had never been one for prayers, but this would be his last chance to gaze upon the splendor of the Temple of Time. His gaze traveled to the Door of Time, set behind the alter. It had been closed since his return from seven years in the future, only he and Princess Zelda knew the weapon enshrined behind the beautifully chiseled stonework.
"I remember teaching you that prayer…" Link was startled by the gentle voice. He turned to find none other than the Princess, dressed in her royal attire, standing next to one of the six pillars that lined the sanctuary. Her blonde curls masked her pale face, but accentuated her stunning blue eyes, eyes that seemed to probe Link. "Now why would you be praying it now?" She asked, the flippant tone of her voice betraying the true feelings of fear she harbored.
Link's startled expression soon morphed into one of genuine happiness. "M'lady honors me with her presence." Link bowed. Zelda strutted out of her hiding place and quickly walked down the aisle, her nose high in the air.
"Please don't patronize me, Link. We're better friends than that." Link knew that she hated it when he treated her like royalty; she was much the tomboy, stuck in a princess's beautiful attire, the two making for a very uncomfortable combination. "The royal guards said you had come into town, I was hoping you'd come straight to see me. It's not kind to keep the princess waiting." She mock scolded. Finally making her way to the front of the congregation, Zelda took a seat in the front pew and gestured Link to do the same. "Now what brings you to the city?"
Link sighed; he knew this was going to be hard. Zelda was known to have her eyes set on the unknown hero. But Link's commoner status precluded him from being considered an eligible suitor. This relieved the young man, though. Zelda was not the woman he wished to spend the rest of his life with, but a close friend, which he would never forget. As much as Zelda would want him to stay, Link knew she would not argue with his decision.
"I've decided to leave Kakariko." But before he could finish his statement, Zelda's eyes lit up and she swept him up in a hug unbecoming a member of the royal family.
"Thank the goddesses! You've decided to move to the city! Where will you be living?" Link held her tight for a moment, but soon he had to peel her off of him, a sullen look on his face.
"No, I've decided to leave not just Kakariko, but Hyrule." Zelda's pale complexion grew bright red, but she was silent. Link took her hand, and feeling no resistance, held it firmly. "It doesn't feel right here anymore, I can't find myself here." Zelda's red face was beginning to grow dim, and she turned her head to keep from showing off the tears underneath. "If I don't leave now, I'm afraid I may be too late…" He didn't want to finish his sentence afraid the idea of him leaving for another woman would be too much for the princess. But true to her intuitive abilities, Zelda didn't need all the information to figure out just why he was leaving.
Without naming the girl, Zelda turned to face Link, her makeup smeared by the tears. "Is… she worth it?" Link couldn't bear to see the hurt in her eyes and he turned his to the floor. Zelda was the one now to grab his other hand and squeezed it tightly. "You are the savior of Hyrule, though only you and I are aware of it, and if you think this will make you happy, I implore you to do it. But…" Link now turned to see the tears gone, replaced by an expression of anger. "She better be worth it. I will not be shown up by someone not worthy of the Hero of Time!" Zelda laughed heartily, though Link knew his news still hurt her. Pulling him in for another hug, she whispered into his ear. "Please, don't forget the land that bore you, nor the friends that love you." Link, small rivulets of salty sadness appearing at the corners of his own eyes, nodded and stood up.
"I came here to ask you, the Princess of Destiny, for your blessing before I depart." Zelda sniffled and wiped the tears and makeup from her eyes. With all the grace the maiden could muster, she stood and beckoned Link to kneel before her, bringing back memories of another time in which they had met alone in the Temple.
"Goddesses of Hyrule, fair and just creators of this world. I, the Princess of Destiny, call upon your righteous gaze and guidance. Please protect this traveler as he leaves on his journey." The two stayed in their positions for several seconds, in complete silence. Zelda wanted Link to change his mind, to promise to stay, but she knew he wouldn't. Even if you did stay, Zelda could never marry him, the family would never allow it. Link slowly rose up and embraced Zelda one last time.
"You know you'll always be right here." He said, patting his heart. Zelda sniffled again and nodded that she understood.
"Please send word of your arrival, or don't be surprised when I send Impa after you." She began to cheer up. Zelda conceded that her friend's happiness was all that she cared about. Embracing in one last hug, the Princess walked down the aisle, willing herself not to look back at the green tunic clad hero, standing like a flesh monument in the stone cathedral.
Outside the city's gated walls, Link tied his gear securely to Epona and mounted her. "Okay girl. One more stop, then we're off." The horse neighed and Link pulled the reins in the direction of Death Mountain, and another old friend he needed to pay his respects to.