The sun rose bright and shining into a still cloudless sky the following morning. As it rose, the sun cast not only its light but also its warmth onto all of Hyrule. As for the sky itself, it was a beautiful shade of baby blue. Occasional flocks of brightly colored birds could be heard singing their songs as they flew cheerfully in the warm morning air. The cool breezes that had dominated the night were now nonexistent, but the weather wasn't hot enough to warrant their need anyway.
Zelda and Malon were enjoying the warm, pleasant weather from within the castle gardens. They were sitting in the center of the garden. The chairs they sat on were a pair of elaborately designed light brown wicker chairs. Between them was a round, medium sized glass table. The glass tabletop was stained a dark navy blue color, and it's frame was made out of wrought iron that was as black as coal. As they sat there talking to one another from across the table, all the natural beauty of Hyrule flourished around them.
The garden was full of life. Every type of flower, shrub, tree, and any other plants that grew anywhere within Hyrule could be found within the garden. The garden ran the entire length of the castle's southern wall, and it was open roofed to allow for full view of the sun. A meandering cobblestone path ran throughout the entire length of the garden while a small babbling creek that was fed by the moat flowed through the center of the garden.
All along the sides of the cobblestone path were the many different types of flowers that grew in Hyrule. Some were arranged in simple rows while the more exquisite and beautiful flowers were arranged in intricate and dazzling patterns. The individual flower beds were separated by hedges that were grown between them. The hedges were all interconnected and together they formed a maze-like pattern around the flowers. From all this a delicate bouquet permeated the air all along the length of the path.
Along the path were also beautiful maple wood benches for people to sit, rest, and just enjoy the beauty around them. All of the benches were under the shade of a different kind of tree. The rest of the trees that grew in the garden were placed all along the perimeter of the garden. They stood there like silent sentries while birds flew merrily among them. The garden was considered by most to be the most tranquil and beautiful area in Hyrule which is why its citizens loved to just come and stare at the beautiful scenery while they listened to the birds singing and the rushing water of the creek.
The center of the garden, where Zelda and Malon currently were, was a little circular island that the creek flowed around. It was accessible by a small wooden footbridge that extended off of the main path. On the island was a large square lattice canopy that was supported by four wooden posts at its corners. Growing on and hanging off of the lattice were several different types of vines and ivy. From this island one had a view of the entire garden, and as such was considered the best place within the garden.
While Zelda and Malon sat there under the shade of the vines and ivy, a servant walked over with a tray of drinks for the two of them. He placed the drinks on the table and after making sure that the girls didn't need anything else walked away. The girls weren't the only ones within the garden though. All over the place gardeners were hard at work keeping the garden beautiful and every once and a while some people would come walking down the cobblestone path enjoying the view.
"So what are you going to wear to the festival tomorrow?" asked Malon as she took a sip from her drink.
"I was thinking about my violet dress; you know, the one with the floral design embroidered in gold," Zelda answered. "I haven't decided what I'm going to do with my hair yet though. How about you? There's going to be a lot of single guys at the festival."
"Will you stop that already? When the time is right I'll find the perfect guy, but until then let's just let life play out. Besides, how many years did it take for you and Link to finally get together?"
"Um . . . yeah . . . well . . . you see . . ."
"My point exactly," Malon grinned. "Besides, I already have other plans for the festival."
"Yeah, well I hope they include you participating in one of the archery contests. You've spent nearly all your free time out on the archery range improving your skills. I think you're even better than Link now."
"On foot I am anyway. On horseback Link has me way outclassed. Actually, I'm still a novice when it comes to horseback archery."
"You're kidding me right?" Zelda asked in disbelief. "You lived on a ranch your entire life surrounded all the time by horses and you barely have any skill shooting arrows from on top of a horse."
"It's not like I had all the free time in the world. I did a lot of work at the ranch. Whatever spare time I did have went to practicing with my bow and arrow or singing."
"Well you signed up for the regular archery contest then, didn't you?"
"Where would the fun be in that? You might as well not even have the contest and just hand me the first prize. I want a challenge, and I want to test my skills against the best. The only way I can do that is with the horseback archery. Which did Link sign up for?"
"I don't think he signed up for either of them. I don't even think he signed up for the sword contest. I don't know what's with him lately."
"Tomorrow is the anniversary of the War of the Triforce. He may not feel like celebrating a day where many brave warriors, including several close friends, died. In a way even I think that having a festival on the anniversary of the bloodiest war in Hyrule's history is a little morbid."
"So do most, including even my father, but he does have his reasons for choosing a festival as a way of remembrance. For one it celebrates the alliance that was made among all the races of Hyrule, and for another it's a happier way of remembering the thousands who gave their lives in the defense of Hyrule. I do have to agree with my father on those points."
"Isn't your's and Link's one year anniversary tomorrow also?"
"Technically it's the day after. Remember, we didn't formally get together until the morning following the war."
"I wonder what Link has planned for you two?"
"So do I," replied Zelda a little distractedly, "so do I."
Zelda's voice trailed off as she said the last few words. At first Malon didn't notice, but after taking another sip of her drink she turned to see Zelda staring out blankly into the garden while twirling her right index finger along the rim of her glass. Malon saw sorrow deep within Zelda's eyes, and as she looked more closely she noticed dark marks under Zelda's eyes which was consistent with lack of sleep. It appeared as if Zelda had tried to cover up the marks with makeup.
"A little trouble in paradise?" Malon cautiously asked.
"Huh . . . what?" asked Zelda as she was brought out of her reverie.
"Is there something the matter between you and Link?"
"No, of course not! Well, sort of. Link had the dream again last night."
"Again? That makes it what, three or four times in a row now?"
"Four times, and I have no doubt whatsoever that tonight will be the fifth."
"Well it is only a dream," said Malon in a comforting tone to try and cheer up Zelda. "So Link is having a bit of a case of insomnia brought on by a nightmare. It's probably just because of tomorrow. I'm sure once tomorrow comes and goes the dream will stop occurring so often."
"I have no doubt that Link is having the dream more often now because of tomorrow, but there's something else. There's something deeply troubling him, yet he won't tell me what it is. He won't let me in. He's keeping me as far away from his problem as possible. I'm at the end of my rope. I don't know what to do anymore."
"Zelda, don't cry. I wouldn't worry about it so much if I were you. The dream centers around Gerik's death, so obviously he still hasn't gotten over it. When Link finally comes to terms with what happened, he'll stop having the dream."
"It's more complicated than that. Something else happened on that mountaintop; I'm sure of it. As to what it is I have no clue, and Link apparently has no intentions of telling me."
"What makes you so sure that it has nothing to do with Gerik though? Why would his dream center around Gerik then?"
"I never said Gerik had nothing to do with it. My guess is that Gerik's death was the catalyst to what's truly bothering Link. Whenever I try to talk to him about it though, he just shuts me out. I don't understand why he won't let me help him."
"He's probably just trying to protect you. The last thing Link would ever want to do is hurt you, so he's probably keeping you at a distance to make sure that whatever is bothering him doesn't affect you."
"But doesn't he realize that he's hurting me more by not telling me what's wrong?" Zelda's eyes began swelling up with tears. "What makes him think that he can't confide in me? Why does he think I won't be able to handle it?"
Malon just sat there staring into her folded hands on the table as tears began streaming down Zelda's face. She knew that there were no longer any words she could offer Zelda to comfort her. Zelda had a point, and only Link could offer words of solace to her now by telling her what she wanted to know. All Malon could do now was sit and listen, and maybe later on have a talk with Link.
After a few minutes Zelda began to calm down. With watery eyes she turned and looked all around the garden. The castle garden had always been a place of joy and comfort for her in even the darkest times, and though not as effective as it usually was the beautifully arranged flowers in the garden brought a small smile to her face. The smile soon vanished as suddenly as it appeared and Zelda turned back toward the table. This didn't go unnoticed by Malon who immediately understood the reason behind it.
"There's more, isn't there?" Malon asked with full confidence.
"Link's not the only one who's been having dreams," Zelda replied as she wiped what tears were left from her eyes. "I haven't told Link about it because of everything he's going through, but . . ."
"But what? Don't start acting like Link now. You're starting to scare me here. What is it?"
"The dream isn't like Link's. It's not of any event that's ever happened . . .yet anyway. I feel like the dream is trying to tell me of something, to warn me. It almost feels more like a premonition than a regular old dream."
"What happens in the dream?"
"Hyrule is completely covered in darkness. Wherever you look everything is dying; the trees, the grass, the flowers. The cities and villages lie abandoned and forsaken. It's almost as if Hyrule itself has died. The scene then changes to a large black tower, the outside of which is surrounded by the decaying bodies of Hyrulian warriors. Inside the tower I see Navi. Her armor is no longer golden, but black. She's sitting on the ground clutching a body in her arms and crying. I can't see the body's face. I then see Link. He's lying face down on the ground. His body is bloody and bruised, far worse then what Ganon did to him. He's not moving. I think he was dead. As I stare at Link this menacing voice laughs out loud. I look around to find the source, and when I look up I see the Triforce floating above me, only it's black. At that point I usually wake up in a cold sweat."
"Oh . . . my . . . I . . ." Malon mumbled in disbelief. "Your probably just putting too much into it because of what Link is going through."
"No, it's more. When I was little and first laid eyes upon Ganon, I felt his evil. I knew that he was evil and would bring great tragedy to Hyrule. This dream, this premonition, it feels the same way as that day. Maybe the powers the goddesses granted me last year have opened up my mind more, have allowed me to foresee great dangers. I don't know whether that's right or not, but I know what I feel every time I have that dream. I'm scared Malon."
"We should tell Link about this. We should ready the army. We should . . ."
"And do what? I have no idea where this tower is, or whether it's even real or just a representation of something. I don't know who the enemy is even. We could be dealing with something ten years in the future for all we know."
"Then what do you suggest we do; just wait?"
"My answer scares me more than even the dream, but I'm afraid we have no other choice but to wait."
Link walked over the drawbridge and out into Hyrule Field with a rather glum expression. His old tunic not even having enough thread remaining to make a sock after the war a year ago, Link was now wearing a custom-made tunic that Zelda had gotten him. It was a deep forest green like his original, but on the front of it was now embroidered the gold Triforce and red avian that were synonymous with the royal family and could so often be found embroidered on Princess Zelda's dresses. This tunic was slightly heavier than the original with the addition of metal rings that had been woven into the cloth to add extra protection.
Once out upon the wide open plains of Hyrule Field, Link looked around. Wherever he looked he could see the final touches being done to the festival. Areas had already been set up for the various archery contests, the sword competition, and other entertainment that was planned for the festival. All along the banks of Zora's River were assorted booths for food, drink, games, and the dozens of peddlers who were all raring to sell their goods.
Around all of this were colorful banners and flags. People were running all over the place trying to get everything ready. They were all busy setting up the last few booths or putting up the remaining banners. Hylian soldiers could also be seen in the mix as they were putting the final touches upon the security arrangements for the festival. Link couldn't help but wonder if they were really necessary, but the past year had taught him a harsh lesson about always being prepared, especially for the unexpected.
Tired of staring at all the goings-on of the festival, Link turned to his right and started walking along the bank of the river. He looked down at the ground as he walked, ignoring everything around him. Off to his left, though Link didn't look since it was just another painful reminder, was the nearly rebuilt Lon Lon Ranch. At Talon's request the ranch had been rebuilt as a replica of the original with only minor differences. Those differences included the ranch being slightly bigger than before and with more advanced features. All that remained to be finished was the house, which was already halfway completed.
As Link continued to walk along the bank of the river, he soon came upon a bridge that had not been there a year before. It was a sturdy wooden bridge made out of beautiful maple planks. The ropes extending the bridge over the river shone in a silvery light in the sunlight. The bridge had been constructed shortly after the War of the Triforce in order to allow access to the graveyard beyond.
The graveyard was a true vision of beauty just as King Hyrule had wished it to be. All along the bank of the river was a large golden fence with a golden archway in the center where the bridge connected the two banks of the river. Behind the fence were the graves of over two thousand brave Hylian, Goron, Zora, and Gerudo warriors. Their tombstones were made out of the finest and most aesthetic quartz stone. The graves were all aligned in neat rows, and so as not to show any sort of favoritism towards any one race all the bodies were mixed throughout the graveyard.
On either side of the graveyard stood two weeping willow trees, and spaced at regular intervals throughout were rose bushes. Standing next to the golden archway was a granite podium on which rested a silver plaque. Written on the plaque was a message to all who visited the graveyard. It said:
This graveyard is dedicated to the brave men and women who selflessly gave their lives in the defense of Hyrule against those who would have razed it to the ground in the War of the Triforce. This graveyard stands not only as a memorial to their remembrance, but also to the bonds of friendship and brotherhood that were formed. Never again shall we forget that we are all a part of Hyrule, and that it is up to us to ensure its survival. This graveyard stands as proof that nothing is impossible, and that even in the darkest moments a shimmer of light shines forth.
King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule
Link walked across the bridge and entered the graveyard. He walked right past the plaque, knowing what was written on it by heart, and headed straight to a lone grave that stood out from the rest. The grave was far out ahead of all the others and was alone. The tombstone was larger than any of the others, and on top of it was sculpted a warrior battling a fierce demon. Link knelt down on one knee upon reaching the tombstone and stared at the intricate writing on its face. It was the grave of Gerik, and underneath his name was written:
The greatest Hyrulian of all, Gerik sacrificed everything, including his own life, to ensure that Hyrule would have a future. His resolve allowed all of Hyrule to unite under one banner, and without his bravery victory could not have been achieved. He will be remembered always by those who loved him.
"Hey man, long time no see," Link said with a weak smile as he placed one hand upon the tombstone. "I'm sorry I haven't come to visit in a while, but you know how it is. Tomorrow's the day . . . the day that changed everything. Can you believe it's been a year? Seems more like five years to me. Navi is supposed to be returning tomorrow, but I wouldn't put much stake in that. She's tried her best to do what you wanted and get on with her life, but it's difficult for her. It's especially difficult every time she returns to Hyrule."
Link breathed out a heavy, sorrowful sigh and stood up. His eyes never left the tombstone as he stood. Link began to rub his chin as all sorts of feelings started welling up within him. He tried to continue talking, but the words were getting all choked up in his throat. Taking a small peek at the festival behind him, Link turned back toward the tombstone.
"It's wrong," Link finally managed to say. "It's all wrong. None of this should have ever happened. Most people will remember tomorrow as the day Hyrule was almost destroyed, or the day Hyrule's bloodiest war took place, or even the day that all of Hyrule was united, but I'll always remember it differently. I'll always remember it as the day that forever changed Hyrule . . . and not for the better."