"In the Distance"

Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage.

-Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Letters to Lucilius

The sun blazed heavily on the three as they strode on, and Link wished to an extent that they were still in the Faron Woods, where they would have trees to shade them from the heat. However, he didn't think much on it, and simply wiped his sweat from his brow, appreciating the fact that the sun was in fact, shining, and that the world wasn't shrouded in the terrible twilight.

Alled, despite the relief Link had brought him when he had treated his ankle, was still bitter towards him. Throughout the morning, and even into noontime hours, the sentry was giving Link a hard time for each breath he took. The hero snubbed it, not having any reason to listen to the continuous berating. Girehen was more vexed by Alled's behavior than Link was, as he unceasingly apologized to the hero for the other soldier's words. The young swordsman dismissed it, and paid more attention to the sight of Hyrule Castle some distance away. By the way they were moving, it would be nightfall before they reached it.

Epona snorted in annoyance, and Link patted her mane, trying to conciliate her. She was also bothered by the slow pace the guards had set for them. She kicked at a butterfly near her hoof, and the hero let out a laugh at her peevish conduct. Girehen looked back at Link and his mare, noticing that Epona's eyes were tapered, and her long mane fell into them. He was amused at this, but more intrigued by the fact that her rider was… smiling. It was the first time since they'd met that Girehen had actually seen him smile, genuinely… that is. The grin brightened Link's face tremendously, and made his azure eyes… vibrant, and friendly. The guard gasped a little bit. He knew for a fact Hylians were supposed to be the closest race to perfection, but he'd never met someone with the same air as Princess Zelda. Girehen opened his mouth to speak.

"Link, I have a question," Girehen spoke.

"Yes?" the hero still wasn't looking away from his stubborn horse.

"Do you contain Hylian blood? Sorry, I couldn't help but to notice the similarities between you and Her Majesty."

Link laughed a little, "I am a full-blooded Hylian like her Honor, yes. That much about my past I know, seeing as Rusl and Uli had my blood tested once they found me, which is the reason I concluded that my father had died in war. My apologies… I forgot to mention that part to you when we spoke earlier."

Girehen thought about this, and reminisced on the days of his youth, when the Hylian war had taken place. Mostly all of the angel people had been destroyed along with their province, so a full-blooded Hylian was no person to be disregarded. On another note, he slightly wondered what had ever happened to the Sky Province, and why it had disappeared altogether, but cast it aside, considering it to be the work of the Golden Ones: Din, Nayru, and Farore. Another question rose to the guard's mind.

"How do you know your mother died while giving birth to you?"

"I assumed that part, seeing as I was already used to the formula they had to feed me when I was too young to eat."

Girehen nodded thoughtfully.

Link went back to messing with Epona, who was still acting up. He slapped her side lightly, and she met his eyes before snorting in his face. The hero shook his head, and tousled her already disheveled mane. Epona huffed again, this time, blowing Link's gilt hair away from his face.

"Oh, quit that," he reprimanded.

Once Epona faced forward, Link's smile faltered, and then fell completely. The effervescent aura that he had exuded dispelled immediately afterward. The sun had now moved behind a set of puffy clouds; therefore, the temperature wasn't quite as uncomfortable as it was beforehand. However, Link still hoped for some sort of breeze that may cool them off. The weather did not comply with his wishes, so he drew out his bottle from his pack, and sipped the mildly cool water before pouring some into the palm of his hand. He gently brushed it across his forehead. It felt more refreshing than he'd expected, and he thought about doing it again, but decided he better save the rest for dinner.

The Castle seemed to have gotten a touch closer since they had started walking this morning, but they were still a good bit away from their destination. Link sighed, and shut his eyes. He followed behind them, still without seeing the path, and listened for their footsteps and shifting armor to determine the direction of travel. Link considered for half of a second just mounting Epona and charging headlong for the palace, but then dismissed the desire. The guards were there for a reason, whether or not he understood that reason or not.

"Do you wish to stop at the river for a while and rejuvenate yourself?" Girehen took notice of the combination of sweat and water that dripped from Link's forehead. The hero shook his head, and opened his eyes to look at Girehen's face.

"I can manage until we arrive. Will I be able to shower there?" Link inquired curiously.

Girehen laughed.

"Of course, lad. It won't take dreadfully long for us to be there, so long as you can endure for the rest of today," when the guard spoke, it sounded like he barely believed himself. They both knew nighttime was a while away. However, neither of them said anything to discourage the remark, as they were going to need all of the optimism they could muster to keep walking in the blistering weather. Today, Girehen had barely spoken, so the hours seemed longer than they had yesterday.

"I will do my best," came Link's late, barely audible reply.

"I would hope so, elf-boy, or else you shame your race," Alled snapped.

Link contracted his eyes in exasperation, but otherwise, unheeded it as he had the whole time. This was no time to be dealing with such petty matters, especially with someone who seemed to have a love for quarrelling with, and offending others around him. Even though Link had barely said a word to the guard, Alled had not spoken a kind word to, or about him.

"You would sink as low to insult a pure-blooded Hylian for their lineage?" Girehen fumed, and the hero laughed at their bickering, "What is wrong with you, man? Get a hold on yourself, and relax."

"Pfft! I bet the lad couldn't even stand up to a squire! The coward won't even respond to my words to preserve his dignity. What's he going to do?" Alled snipped. Link growled; temper flaring, not tolerating being called a coward after all he'd done to save the guard, and everyone else for that matter.

"I beg your pardon," Link's voice was cold, all friendliness gone from his face.

Alled turned around.

"I believe I'm brave enough, and why should I 'preserve my dignity'? It is highly preserved, and I don't think the words one man could say damages it," he countered, and they halted completely in the middle of Hyrule Field. Girehen's eyes flicked back and forth from the two, slightly amused, or so it seemed. The hero stood still.

"I believe you're weak. After all, you never even talk. A man is no man unless he can speak his mind, as I am doing."

However, Link grew angry, and felt his Triforce light up and tear into his body. He couldn't help it, and tried to cool down before he did something too rash. His instinct took over, and he felt like he was a wolf once again when a brilliant light seared into Alled. The mission has really changed me Link thought to himself, when was I ever so imprudent? Alled appeared to be shocked, but not harmed, and Link felt immediately bad for his actions. Once the sentry regained his composure, he opened his mouth to say something, but only air escaped from his foul lips. He tried again, and then clenched his throat. His eyes were blazing fury, but he didn't dare charge Link.

"I think that is better," the hero immediately knew what he had done, and how to take it back. He had stolen Alled's voice, just as the guard had deserved.

Girehen chuckled after a moment, nearly as surprised as Alled.

"Yes. Much better, shall we move on?"

After a few steps, Alled had given up the hope of trying to say something.

"Will he ever get his voice back?" Girehen asked politely, definitely not wanting to anger Link after the incident that had just occurred, "because this is truly a relief." Link laughed in return to the sentinel's words, knowing that the feeling was mutual.

"Yes. I plan to give it back to him. I am not so unkind to take something of that weight away from someone," Link was quiet as he spoke, and chanced a glance over at Alled, whose expression had gone from outraged, to thoughtful. The hero raised an eyebrow at him before averting his eyes. The conversation was interrupted by Epona, who was stomping her hooves playfully. It was an unusual sight, but Link had known her long enough to know that she was pleased.

"Your horse amuses me," Girehen pointedly stated.

Link raised a hand to pat her head.

"She's trouble, but she humors me as well."

Silence followed for minutes.

"I did not know you were a magician as well," the guard's voice was low and precise, as if he were trying to figure Link out, "when did you learn how to use power?" The hero listened to the inquiry, with no idea how to avoid the topic, much less explain it. In a way, Link was glad neither of them had spotted his Triforce. He knew that it would only create more questions, ones that he didn't care to answer. At least, not at the very moment. In his heart, he knew that one day; his secret would be revealed in some form or fashion.

"I'm not a magician," Link worded it carefully; "I've not practiced sorcery a day in my life."

Girehen was puzzled.

"It's a part of me, really," Link tried to clarify what he meant better, "if I decide to make use of it, I have it. However, I've only ever used it a few times in my entire life. Mainly when the desolation was upon us…"

"I see."

The hero felt the awkwardness seep through the air.

"You don't have to worry about me, Girehen. I will do nothing to harm you, nor will I do anything to injure your 'friend'," he shoved a thumb over at the silent guard; "I only call upon it for solely good purposes." Girehen laughed loudly enough to send birds flying from their trees, and waved his hand in dismissal.

"I know that, I'm just… awestruck by you!"

"Awestruck?" the young swordsman was perplexed.

"Yes!" the guard's voice boomed, "you won our spar by a landslide, are a full-blood, created a potion that healed Alled's ankle in a matter of seconds, and can effectively use magic! How come no more of us Hyrulians know you! You should be famous, lad!" The commendation made Link smile a little bit, and he thanked Girehen.

The evening had set itself across Hyrule, and the skies were colored a hue of pink that made the grass glow in response. Link noticed how close the Castle had become and was ready to reach it after all the travelling. All three of the men stunk with sweat, and Alled picked at his hair in disgust. In the time of his silence, he seemed to have cooled down tremendously. Alled no longer glared at Link, but stared at him in interest, as if something were strange about him.

In truth, there were many curious things about the young swordsman, but none that someone could simply guess after a day. Link took this time to think about the last time he had seen the princess of Hyrule, and the events that were transpiring during that time. He wondered if she was still as sad as he'd seen her in her tower, and in the Twilight Mirror Chamber.

He remembered Midna's words to her…

"You don't have to look so sad!"

Link chuckled at the memory, but was solemn. In the time he'd been back in Ordon, the pain of losing Midna had been near unbearable when he was drawing her. He was still saddened, of course, but now that he'd left his home, the pain was only a dull ache. He guessed it was because he had something to consume his time besides languishing over his past as the Hero of Time. Maybe his life would take a turn soon, for the better. Link couldn't take being miserable all of the time, not anymore.

Else he would wear away without a trace.

"We have arrived at Castle Town!" Girehen announced, and the hero snapped his eyes up from the grass to see they stood at the southern entrance. As Link had predicted, it was nightfall. He was about to step through the entrance before rethinking. The young swordsman turned to face Alled, who stared blankly back, clearly bewildered by the sudden halt in progress.

"I'm going to give you your voice back before we arrive," the hero stated, and brought his hand to touch Alled's neck. The Triforce on its surface lit for a second as the speech was transferred back to its owner. He pulled his hand away before either of the men could discern the source of the magic. Alled coughed, and nodded.

"Proceed," his voice was shaky, but present.

He didn't say anything else, perhaps out of fright.

They did.

Castle Town was empty, save for a few men roaming the walkways, doing pointless things. Link was suddenly thankful that it was nighttime, as the township would usually be crammed with people that were bustling around, and going about their business. He admired the granite fountain in the center of it, and nearly walked over to touch the water.

He would have, but he was eager to get a shower, and then rest.

He picked up speed, nearly leaving Girehen and Alled behind in his haste. He stood at the northern entrance, and waited for a second for the two soldiers to catch up to him. When they did, they led him through the polished wooden door, and into the next area.

"Welcome, Link Kindheart, to Hyrule Castle."

(A/N- Filler, huh? I was so bored writing this… but decided to push through it. What can I say… it is a slow building story!:) At least he is at the palace now!:D Hence where my story truly begins!)

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