White clouds softly roll across the azure sky above the glistening Necluda Sea as the surf moves into Hateno Bay and over the beach. Aryll sits above the tideline, digging her toes in the cool sand, scanning the horizon for ships, and enjoying the tang of the salty sea air. She thinks she sees movement far out, but even holding her hand over her eyes and squinting, she cannot determine if it is a ship or a sea creature.
An ironshell crab attempts to crawl out of the bag beside her. Shoving it back inside, she ties the handles so it won't try to escape again. She had spent the morning hunting for crabs and shooting coconuts out of the palm trees with her bow and arrow. Grandmother was making coconut curry rice for supper with boiled crabs. Aryll's stomach rumbled in anticipation of the delicious meal. Her grandmother was an excellent chef and took great pride in the food she prepared for her family. Even if the only one she had to cook for currently was Aryll.
Sighing, the teenage girl rises, slips on her shoes, and gathers her bag and bow. The bow used to belong to Link, the handle worn smooth from use and warm from sitting in the sun. Aryll slings it over her shoulder as she heads up the path toward Hateno Village. Her birthday was in a few days, and the last letter from her father had brought the disappointing news that neither he nor Link would be able to make it home this year. The king was preparing for Princess Zelda's seventeenth birthday, which happened to be today, just a few days before Aryll's, and everyone in the castle was tasked with extra duties.
As she crests the hill above the village, she sees a courser bee hive hanging from a tree branch by the path. Pulling out her bow, Aryll notches an arrow and takes careful aim. Tongue sticking out of the corner of her mouth, she releases the projectile and watches it fly toward its mark. It hits the hive squarely, where it is attached to the limb, and falls to the ground. Courser bees swarm around their destroyed home, seeking the culprit of the destruction. Aryll backs away, keeping her distance, waiting out the angry insects. When they finally disperse, she walks cautiously to the hive and nudges it with her toe. When she is sure there is no danger of being stung, she harvests the honeycomb and adds it to her bag of consumables.
Trotting down the path, she waves to the mayor tending to his wheat fields and calls good afternoon to Thieme, the owner of the dye shop. When she reaches the bridge that leads to her home, she finds her friend Mido, the son of the general store owner sitting on the platform's edge, tossing stones into the stream below. His unkempt brown hair hangs in his hazel eyes, and he gives Aryll a sullen look as she approaches.
"I've been waiting half the day for you. Where are you coming from?" he asks.
"The beach," Aryll replies, stepping around him.
"Didn't that dope of a brother teach you it's dangerous to go alone?" Mido calls, pushing to his feet and trailing after her.
"He's not a dope, Mido!" Aryll tosses over her shoulder, continuing over the bridge to her home. "And I can take care of myself, thank you very much. The beach is perfectly safe."
"Nowhere is safe these days," Mido grouses.
Ignoring him, Aryll drops her bag, bow, and quiver by the front door and heads to the orchard at the side of the house. Climbing the trunk of the first tree she approaches, she crawls like a monkey along a branch and knocks several apples to the ground. Then, dangling from the limb, she swings her legs out a couple of times before letting go to land lightly on the balls of her feet.
Mido gathered the apples and handed them to her. "Thanks, Mido," Aryll says, handing one back to him. "And we are safe here. My father always says there is nowhere safer than Hateno."
"I guess," Mido grumbles, so she uses her free hand to smack him across the arm.
"Hey, don't be such a pessimist all the time," she advises. "I found a courser bee hive today and plan on making honeyed apples for dessert. Why don't you stop by later? I will save one for you."
"Fine," he agrees, heading back over the bridge, but stops and glances over his shoulder. "But seriously, Aryll, next time you decide to go outside the village, let me know. You know Link and your father wouldn't like it if they knew you were walking to the beach alone."
Before she can respond, Mido turns and continues on his way. She knows her friend is correct but still thinks he is being overprotective. However, it may have been reckless of her to travel along the lonely, secluded path that led to the beach, especially after what had happened during her visit to Lon Lon Ranch. Mobs were skulking about in more areas, and one could never be too careful.
Gathering her things by the door, she enters her home to find her grandmother at the sink, washing vegetables for supper. The rice is already cooking in the steamer on the scrubbed wooden counter beside her.
"Post came for you, Aryll," Grandmother calls. "It's on the table."
Sitting in the middle of the kitchen table is a modest-sized wooden chest with two letters sitting on the lid. Eager to see who the parcel is from, Aryll quickly lays the apples on the counter by her grandmother and hands her the bag containing the crabs, coconuts, and honeycomb.
"Is it a birthday present?" Aryll excitedly asks as she gives her grandmother a kiss on the cheek. "And can I open it now?"
"I imagine so," Grandmother chuckles. "It's from your brother."
With a happy squeal, Aryll picks up the chest and letters and heads to the small nook beneath the stairs where her desk sits. Setting the box on the table, she settles into her chair and picks up the letters. She recognizes her brother's messy scrawl on the top one, and the second contains the neat cursive Aryll knows from previous correspondence belongs to Princess Zelda. She rips Link's letter open first and sits back to read.
lzlzlzlzlz lzlzlzlzlz
Aryll,
Happy birthday! I hope you are doing well and staying out of trouble. You will be pleased to know that Zelda and I received the king's blessing and are officially courting. The downside to asking the king for permission, he assigned us a chaperone. Her name is Madame Yan. She is a kind woman with a little brown dog named Richard you would adore. She ties a large pink bow around his neck, which I think looks stupid, but Zelda thinks is cute. He barks all the time and tries to escape at every opportunity.
I took your present from an electric lizalfos I encountered in Faron recently when I had to chase Richard through the jungle. When I took an oath to be a Royal Knight and the princess's personal guard, I never thought I would be tasked with wrangling a little dog. While chasing him, I ran into a trio of yellow lizalfos. Richard kept getting underfoot while I dispatched them. I was afraid he would be electrocuted. Madame Yan would have been beside herself if anything had happened to her dog. I believe she thinks of him like a child. It all turned out alright, but I had to be stern and tell Madame Yan to do a better job keeping Richard leashed. I hope I wasn't too harsh…
[Madame Yan's distant shrieks are muffled by the dense foliage and the heavy, humid air of Faron Woods, and Link wishes he could say the same for her dog. But instead, Richard is nipping at his heels and wildly barking at the three electric lizalfos in front of them. Link had left Zelda and the matron in the relative safety of a giant, crumbling Zonai bird statue and chased after the dog when he jumped out of the basket secured behind Madame Yan's saddle.
The lizards are attempting to flank him, but his sword is momentarily keeping the monsters at bay. He cannot spare an ounce of his concentration on the exact whereabouts of Richard. Link takes a half-step forward and ducks to the side to avoid the snapping jaws of one of the monsters.
Holding the creatures' attention with his weapon, he thrusts it toward them and forces them to retreat. He dives forward, slashing at the lizalfos on his right. Its poisonous tongue flicks dangerously close, and Link pulls back. He narrowly avoids being slapped in the cheek with its electric-charged venom that would bring him to his knees.
Feinting toward the creature before him, Link leaps, shield swinging right to deflect a spear, sword slashing left in a powerful downward strike that connects with the snout of one the monsters, ripping through the tough hide of its torso. Not bothering to watch the dead monster fall, Link turns as he lands on his feet, placing the remaining two lizalfos in front of him. Richard is running in a manic circle around the three of them. As the dog passes, Link shoves him back with his boot and presses toward the remaining enemies, shield raised, swinging his blade in a wide arc.
The lizard to his right hisses and snarls in pain as the tip of its tail is sliced away. It turns to punch him with a short jab of its shield, which Link deftly deflects with his own. The clang of metal on metal dies instantly in the thick air. Sweat drips in his eyes, and he shakes his head, trying to clear his vision.
As he falls back, the other monster lunges, spear aimed at Link's chest. Parrying with his sword, he backflips away from the sharp point. Crouching as he lands, he springs forward, knocks the creature's shield aside, and lands a killing blow, sinking his sword to the hilt in the lizalfos gut.
Wrenching the blade free, Link turns to finish off the last of the trio but is tackled by the final assailant instead. Knocking his breath out, Link stumbles back, tripping over a howling Richard, and loses his balance. He falls, the third lizard pressing against him, its long tongue wildly flicking. He manages to toss the monster away, but not before he is hit with the yellow electric currents rippling over the monster's mottled torso. Link's heart seizes, body and limbs rigid as the jolt courses through him.
From a distance, he hears Richard frantically yelping. Rolling onto his hands and knees, Link raises his head to see the dog jumping before the lizalfos, his ears laid back and his tail tucked between its legs. The monster is unsure how to deal with such a tiny assailant, but Link needs to get up and intervene. If the small dog is hit with one of the lizard's electric charges, it will kill him instantly.
Pulling his bow, Link notches an arrow and sends it hurtling toward the creature while it is distracted. Then, pushing off the ground, he rushes the monster, raising his sword as he leaps to cover the final distance and cuts the lizalfos down moments after his arrow hits its mark in the center of its eye.
Collapsing to the wet ground again, Link takes a moment to fully catch his breath, ignoring the carnage surrounding him. Richard leaps at him, resting his paws on his chest, pink bow quivering as he licks Link's face.
Coughing, he pushes the mutt away. "I think we've had enough excitement for one day, don't you? Let's head back." He wipes the sword's blade on a large palm frond beside him before sheathing it and replacing the shield on his back. However, still shaken from the electric jolt, Link pulls a small bottle of hearty elixir from his pack and downs the contents. After the remaining jitters subside, he scoops the little dog under his arm and heads back to Zelda and Madame Yan.
"We heard fighting. Are you all right?" Zelda asks when he emerges from the lush foliage at the side of the narrow path.
"Fine, but lizalfos are lurking about. We need to head to Highland Stable immediately," Link answers, thrusting Richard into the bedraggled Madame Yan's waiting arms. "Madame Yan, please take better care to keep Richard restrained. It is dangerous for me to leave you and the princess alone in the wild like this."]
We were in Faron so Zelda could pray at the Spring of Courage. She had hoped since I supposedly possess the essence of the Tri-Force of Courage and wield the Master Sword, it would be the key she needed to unlock her own power. Unfortunately, nothing happened. She didn't feel any stirrings, and I didn't notice a change in myself or the sword either. She was very disappointed, and I didn't know how to help her…
[Link and Zelda stand at the top of the stairs that lead into the water, and he draws the Master Sword. Holding it out before him, the silver-blue blade glows faintly in the moonlight, but it emits no sound other than its usual hum. Zelda looks at him expectantly, and he shakes his head.
She sighs. "Of course, the sacred blade has already been blessed. It does not need to draw power from here. But, I, on the other hand, must try once more."
With a parting look, Zelda steps down into the warm water and wades toward the dais set at the feet of the towering goddess statue. Her white gown billows beneath the water and her fingertips trail beside her, rippling the surface in her wake. When she reaches the pedestal, she kneels, bows her head, and clasps her hands against her chest.
Once he sees she is settled, Link takes his station at the entrance and gazes straight into the dark jungle. Zelda's prayers drift through the air, and the moon steadily rises until the chamber is drenched in a silvery light.
"Please, Hylia," Zelda's soft plea floats over the water. "For the sake of Hyrule, do not let the darkness win. Grant me the power I seek."
The moonlight continues to move, a shimmering wave of light that slides along the temple's wall.
"Hylia's light…" the princess whispers, her voice strangled in grief. "Please let it surround me."
The moon's light passes through the chamber, reaching the platform where Link stands and bathing him in its ethereal light before continuing on and plunging the cavern once more in shadow. Zelda's quiet weeping drifts to his ears, but he does not turn to her until he hears the soft splashing that signals her return from the vigil. When he faces her, her hands are still clasped at her breast, and her head is bowed.
"Not even your presence or that of the Master Sword was enough to make a difference here," she whispers. "It was foolish of me to hope otherwise."
Her quiet dejection breaks Link's heart. He pulls her close, even though he knows he shouldn't in this hallowed place, with her wearing her sacred garments. She wraps her arms around him and greedily accepts his solace.]
When we returned to the castle, Zelda redoubled her efforts, praying morning, noon, and night and studying between. She barely takes time to eat, and I have to remind her. Tensions are at a breaking point in the castle, and her father recently was more unkind than usual. He has always put immense pressure on the princess, but the reprimand he unleashed upon her the other day was nearly more than I could bear…
[It was one thing for Zelda to come to Link after her father had been callous and to cry on his shoulder. It was entirely different for him to witness the dressing down. And Link had had to kneel there, silently listening to Zelda taking the reprimand, while seething within because he could not do the one thing he had sworn his life to do above all else - protect her.
Rhoam was not wrong that the gossip mongers were spreading vile rumors regarding Zelda's lack of progress, but he had never voiced his bitter disappointment to her in such a precise and thorough manner. And worse, never in public, on display for everyone on that bridge to witness. It had been cruel of him to humiliate her in such a fashion, and Link's ears still burn with the spiteful lecture, and his heart rages.
All Zelda had been doing was taking a break as she passed from her chambers to her study. She barely had a few minutes to breathe fresh air as she excitedly observed Robbie's efforts with the Guardians before plunging back into her studies for the remainder of the day. Her father had chosen that moment to visit her, the one instant out of countless thousands lately when she happened to be doing something other than praying or studying.
Even Madame Yan had been shocked at the vitriol that had spilled from King Rhoam's lips and was allowing a much-needed private moment so the princess could collect herself. Zelda's entire body trembles as she silently cries, clinging to Link like a life preserver as she drowns in extreme mortification and grief.
"I have to visit the Spring of Power," Zelda sniffles when she pushes away from him.
"We just returned from the Spring of Courage," Link reminds her. "Madame Yan is in no condition for an even longer journey. It is at least a three-day ride to the Akkala border without proper lodging, and then the spring is deep within the region."
"I am aware that Madame Yan is not fit to travel," Zelda snaps, looking up at him.
"What do you suggest then?" Link asks, leaning against her desk, ignoring her outburst. He knows her anger and frustration are not intended for him.
"Robbie has wanted to visit the Akkala region and scout remote locations for a lab. Perhaps my father will consent to him and Purah accompanying us in Madame Yan's stead," Zelda proposes, but Link is sure she does not relish seeing or speaking to her father again to ask this favor.
"I will inform the king of your plan and pose that compromise to him," Link volunteers, and her shoulders slump in unspoken gratitude. "When do you wish to depart?"
"Tomorrow," she replies, and Link's lips form a thin line. She is exhausted and knows he knows it, but perhaps retreating from the source of her dejection is better than remaining here. "Don't say a word contrary, Link. My mind is made up."]
After the king's lecture, Zelda decided we should travel to Akkala. We had just returned from Faron, and Madame Yan was not up for that journey, so we enlisted the Sheikah scientists, Robbie and Purah, to accompany us. They were very entertaining during our travels, and it was good for the princess to have an opportunity to receive counsel from Purah. You would like Purah. She is brilliant and has an endearing, childlike curiosity like yours…
[Purah and Robbie made for lively travel companions, but Zelda found it challenging to lift herself out of the mire of self-deprecation she had spiraled down since her father's lecture yesterday. As a result, she barely hears the Sheikah scientists' playful banter as they ride across the countryside.
Link keeps glancing at her, worry evident in his eyes, but he has said nothing so far. She appreciates his understanding that she needs to work through the issues independently, but Zelda can feel herself slowly unraveling. She had not been able to sleep the previous evening, her father's words that she was the heir to a throne of nothing but failure playing over and over. Her brain is splintering into thousands of pieces, and Zelda doesn't think her father could have hurt her more if he had taken a knife and stabbed it in her heart. The agony she feels is crippling, and her stomach roils. Pulling on Storm's reins and jumping off, nearly twisting her ankle in the process, Zelda ran to the side of the path to expel the few bites of lunch she had been able to swallow earlier in the day. Dry heaving, she bends over her knees and begins to silently cry.
Gentle fingers tuck loose strands of hair behind her ears and then rub small circles on her back. "Princess," Purah whispers. "It's going to be alright. Don't keep any of it pent up. Let it all out."
"I can't," Zelda gasps. "I can't do this."
"We'll stop here for the night," Link says softly from behind, and she hears his footsteps retreat to give her and Purah privacy.
They are near Zelo Pond, and Purah takes Zelda's arm and guides her to the water's edge. Sinking to her knees, she leans over to splash cool water on her face while Purah fills a water skin. The scientist offers it to Zelda, who takes it with silent thanks, drinking until the sour taste in her mouth has been washed away.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Purah asks.
"My father has never been quite so cruel, Purah," Zelda confides. "I wish my mother were here to help me." She casts her eyes over to her friend. "And I am frightened."
"About what, Princess?"
"Nothing is working," Zelda laments. "I've visited the springs countless times over the years and prayed night and day since I was old enough to walk and talk."
"Maybe you need to try something different then," the Sheikah scientist suggests. "You're a scientist. What do you do when a hypothesis fails?"
"Examine the data and determine the possible reason," Zelda answers.
"SNAP! And?" Purah presses.
"Think of ways to check the assumption and find a root cause," Zelda finishes. "But this isn't science, Purah."
"Everything is rooted in science, Princess," Purah admonishes. "Everything."
Zelda sighs. "If only I could make my father see that there are other ways I could contribute."]
Usually, when we travel, I am tasked with cooking the meals, but Robbie and Purah took it upon themselves to prepare the food…
["It needs more rock salt!" Purah suggests taking a large chunk of salt from the bag of seasonings.
"Noooo, Purah!" Robbie shouts far more loudly than the current circumstances call for and slaps her hand away. "It needs Hyrule herb for flavor! Don't you dare put more salt in this dish!"
"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Zelda whispers to Link. "I much prefer your culinary skills."
"Thanks, but watching them cook is far more entertaining," Link replies as his stomach rumbles. "Although I am concerned we won't be eating anytime soon."
"More concerning, will it be edible if and when it is ready?" Zelda frets.
"I am keeping a close eye to ensure they don't try to slip anything dubious into the recipe." Zelda does not blame him. She would not put it past Purah to slip a monster part or two into the dish when Robbie wasn't looking to analyze possible effects. As a scientist, she only sometimes discerned whether the results would be good or bad before running tests, stating how can you know unless you experiment?
"Eureeeekah!" Robbie announces, holding a dish aloft. "Dinner is served!"
"All right, champ," Purah admonishes. "No need to yell and attract unwanted guests."]
Fortunately, despite Robbie's exuberance and penchant for shouting, we didn't encounter any monsters along the way, and overall it was a pleasant trip. You would like Akkala. The leaves on the trees are so many different colors - red, yellow, and orange. I would tell you more, but Zelda has asked if she can include a letter and gift to you in this. I am sure she will share a bit of our travels with you, as well. I fear my present will pale compared to hers, but I gave her the idea. Happy birthday, little sister.
Love,
Your Big Brother, Link
P.S. Be careful with those arrows!
lzlzlzlzlz lzlzlzlzlz
Dear Aryll,
I apologize for taking so long to send my sincerest appreciation for your previous letter. We have been traveling more than was expected this past fortnight and have yet to be able to tarry long at the castle. Link enjoyed his surprise and was touched that you had passed your grandmother's recipe to me. However, he was dismayed when I hinted you may have shared some stories from his youth. The only one I deigned to tell him about was the apple picking. I would like to see your orchard sometime, and I hope we find an opportunity to travel to Hateno soon. I regret that it will not be in time to celebrate your birthday. Our special days are so close, but I am afraid I have much to do in preparation for my seventeenth birthday. My father wanted to throw a ball to honor me, but I told him I did not wish to have such an extravagant celebration. In hindsight, perhaps I should have acquiesced, as I would have been sure you received an invitation. However, I must confess, after the lovely but brief time we enjoyed at Lon Lon Ranch, I have no desire to attend a stuffy dance within the castle walls.
To that effect, I am afraid it is I that keeps Link busy and unable to visit you, as I find any excuse to travel beyond the gates and explore the wilds. He takes excellent care of me…
[Zelda nestles beside Link, and he wraps his arm around her shoulders and draws her closer. She rests her head against his chest and gazes into the campfire's dying embers.
"I'm so tired, Link."
"I know," he whispers. "I know." He kisses the top of her head before picking up a log beside him and tossing it onto the fire. He gently pushes his sword into the smoldering ashes, and flames lick about the sides of the timber. They sit in silence, watching the fire grow as the log burns and listening to the soft, even breathing of Purah and the occasional snore from Robbie.
"Forgive me my weakness," she murmurs.
"You are not weak," he assures her. "You are the strongest person I have ever known. Your strength of will and purpose knows no bounds."
"I am afraid," she admits to him. "I… I'm afraid of the future. Of what might happen."
"We will figure it out," he assures her. "Isn't that what Purah told you earlier?"
"It is," she admits.
Zelda looks up at him through her tear-streaked lashes and smiles. Her face shines with the light of the moon, and she slides her hands down his arms and rests them lightly on his stomach, her fingers splayed.
"I am honored to be your Princess," she says softly.
"I am honored to be your Knight," he answers, kissing her lightly on the temple, and resting his hand atop hers.
She doesn't remember falling asleep, but Zelda awakens curled on her side, her head still resting on Link's chest and the soothing sensation of his fingers gently stroking her hair. He is so warm; the last thing she wants is to stir. It is just before sunrise, and though the fire has dwindled to a puddle of embers, she feels its warmth seep through her body. She lies there a long moment, savoring the feel of Link's breath on her ear.
"I love you," she whispers.
"I love you, too," he whispers back.
His hand moves and curls about her shoulder to pull her closer. She can hear his heartbeat, steady and robust. She listens to his every breath and feels her body relax. It doesn't feel wrong to cuddle this way. She lifts her head and kisses his cheek, the stubble from his beard scratching her lips. She closes her eyes and lays her head back down against his chest. She never wants to let him go.]
During our travels, Link has told me some stories of the adventures the two of you would go on when you were little. He said you love sitting by the water on Hateno Beach and searching for ships on the horizon. So I hope you will be able to use the present I sent. The Sheikah scientist, Robbie, insisted we send you his. It is high-quality, and we used it at the Akkala cliffs overlooking the sea. We saw an incredible sight - a labyrinth island…
[Zelda had no further luck with her prayers at the Spring of Wisdom, not that she had expected otherwise. With her continued failure, she was not in any hurry to return to the castle and face King Rhoam's further disappointment. Instead, the next day she awoke after a fitful night's rest at the East Akkala Stable inn and announced to Robbie that she would like to accompany him to survey the area he had chosen for his new lab. The scientist was enthusiastic about remaining in Akkala for another day to further explore the proposed site.
He said it was a short walk from the stable and, after breakfast, led the group up the path that ended at the Akkala cliffs. When they crested the hill, Robbie strode to a spot centered at the top and turned in a circle.
"Ta-da!" He announces, holding his arms out and gesturing enthusiastically. "This location is practically humming with untapped potential. I'm surprised we can't feel the raw Sheikah power vibrating through our boots!"
"Ya did good, but let's not get carried away!" Purah chided her fellow scientist.
"Hmmm, HMMM! You're just jealous that I found it first," Robbie goads.
"Whatever. Just remember which of us has the superior intellect," Purah preens, fluffing her hair. "But, I suppose this spot will do for a satellite lab."
As the Sheikah scientists continue to argue who is more intelligent, Zelda wanders to the cliff's edge to gaze out over the choppy sea. White-capped waves crash against the steep rock wall, creating a fine mist that lends a hazy quality to the air.
Zelda sighs when Link joins her side, shielding her eyes from the sun's glare to study the horizon. "Do you ever wish you could sail to the other side?"
"Sometimes, I suppose," Link comments. "Now, Aryll, she'd jump at the chance. She loves seeing a ship on the water and always tells stories of where they have been and are headed."
"I barely know her aside from our brief encounter and the letters we have exchanged, but your sister appears to have a penchant for exploration," Zelda observes.
"Just like someone else I know," Link remarks, giving her a dimpled smile that never fails to set her heart racing.
"You're one to talk," Zelda laughs, glad to share even a moment unencumbered by their duty.
Robbie steps up beside them and pulls out a spyglass. "If I built a tower here, I'd be able to see much further out to sea." He turns and points with his free hand to the left. "And if you look over there, you can make out a labyrinth island through the mist. What a marvel!"
He hands the spyglass to Zelda, and she peers through the scope, focusing the lens on the island in question. She gasps when a massive maze comes into focus. "Who built it and why?"
"Hmmm," Robbie thoughtfully hums. "My first guess is the ancient Sheikah. I suspect they have hidden something at the center."
Zelda hands the telescope to Link, who looks briefly through it before lowering the instrument and turning it thoughtfully over in his hands. "I bet Aryll would love one of those," he says. "Her birthday is soon. As a matter of fact, it's only a few days after yours, Princess."
"Oh!" Zelda exclaims in dismay. "And you won't be there to celebrate."
"It's alright, Zelda," Link assures her, returning the telescope to Robbie. "Our father let her know, and I have a present to send her that she will love. I'll have to keep the spyglass in mind for another time."
"Why wait?" Zelda asks. "I have been meaning to send her my regards and appreciation. Would you mind if I sent her a telescope as a gift? It's the least I can do since I monopolize her only brother's time."
"You don't need to do that; she understands our duty must come first," Link replies.
"Regardless, I owe her a debt of gratitude," Zelda retorts firmly, and Link's acquiescing smile is all she needs to know she has won this battle of wills.
Robbie thrusts the telescope into Zelda's hands. "Send her mine, Princess."
"Oh, Robbie," Zelda exclaims. "We couldn't."
"I insist," the Sheikah scientist firmly states. "It's top of the line and far better than any you will find at the Castle Town market."
Zelda accepts the spyglass, placing it in her satchel. "You are too kind."]
Again, I sincerely apologize that we will not be able to celebrate with you in person, and I hope you can understand. Unfortunately, I must cut this letter short. Link is anxious that we send this so you receive it in time. The other Champions will be arriving in a few days to accompany me to the Spring of Wisdom, and there is much I must do to prepare before then.
Happy Birthday!
Best Regards,
Princess Zelda
lzlzlzlzlz lzlzlzlzlz
"Grandma!" Aryll shouts. "Princess Zelda sent me a birthday present!"
"That's nice, dear," her grandmother calls from the kitchen.
Tearing into the package accompanying the letters, Aryll opens the chest lid to find three shock arrows on top of a bulky object in a cinched purple satin bag. Removing the arrows, she holds them up, examining the charged two-pronged tips that would emit an electric current upon contact with a target.
"Wow!" Aryll breathes. "Grandma! Link sent me shock arrows!"
"Such a thoughtful boy," Grandmother replies, and Aryll snickers. Their grandmother must not realize how dangerous her grandson's gift to his sister was. She sets them aside with the intent to show them to Mido later. Maybe then he wouldn't worry so much about her exploring alone.
Eagerly, she pulls Princess Zelda's present out. It feels like the gift is long, cylindrical, and heavy. Untying the strings, she reaches in, and her hand curls around cool metal. Withdrawing the object, Aryll's jaw nearly hits the floor when she sees the present.
"A telescope?!" she squeals. She runs into the kitchen, clutching what is instantly a prized possession, and thrusts it under her grandmother's nose. "Grandma! Princess Zelda sent me a telescope that belonged to a Sheikah scientist! Isn't it gorgeous?!"
Aryll turns the beautiful brass instrument over in her hands. Holding it by its black leather grip, she peers through it. Then she turns to Grandmother. "I'm going outside to try it out!"
Running outside with the telescope, Aryll heads to the back of their house and climbs onto the roof of the lean-to shed. Pointing the instrument toward the village, she sees two mothers gossiping by the general store while their children play tag in the lane. Slowly turning, she can make out the frayed edges of the flags fluttering atop the gate to the village. Immediately beyond the gate, Aryll sees a blot on the horizon and knows this will be a much better object to test the instrument's magnification.
Even with the help of the telescope, she has trouble making out the far-off shadow that wavers above the rolling hills surrounding Hateno. She twists the dial as far as it will go, and a swirling purple vortex hanging high in the air to the northwest comes into focus. Aryll has never seen a storm like this in all her years. As she watches, dark clouds roll away from the maelstrom, and she can make out sheets of rain moving on the horizon. A breeze kicks up, whipping her hair about her, and she can hear an eerie groaning that sounds like it is coming from every direction. It is accompanied by a distant howling that raises the hair on her arms and neck.
Wiping her eyes, Aryll lowers the telescope, and her nostrils quiver at an acrid scent blowing in with the sudden wind gusts. She frowns, her heart beating wildly in her chest as fear bubbles in the pit of her stomach.
She jumps down from the roof and runs to the door. The sun is blotted out by dark clouds in the seconds it takes her to reach the front door, and the land is plunged into darkness as deep as a moonless, starless night. Entering the home, she finds her grandmother lighting a lantern and placing it in the center of the kitchen table.
"Grandmother? A terrible storm is approaching, and the wind carries a rancid odor," Aryll states apprehensively, tugging her grandmother's arm and drawing her outside. They stand in the doorway gazing out into the gloom.
Aryll studies her grandmother's face for a moment. "It smells like . . . ash, or sulfur, or . . . blood," Aryll says, her voice shaking, her body shivering.
Grandmother takes a deep breath, turning her face toward the wind, worry creasing her brow. "Oh, dear. It smells like death."