A/N: All LoZ rights belong to our beloved Miyamoto-sensei and the Nintendo company. Thank you for the many years of inspirational entertainment.
Chapter III
Farore's Song
In a little less than a year, the infant princess was actively mobile. Though she vocalized very little, only cooing softly and in response to her parents solely, her mischievous nature was not overlooked. When she was not being held in one of her nanny's arms for feeding or cleaning, she was escaping the confines of her baby bed and finding all sorts of things to get into. Had the doors not been closed at all times, the maids could swear she would take off through the castle, so swift was her mobility despite the princess still undergoing the crawling stage. Her curious hands made for everything she could reach, and the castle wasn't quite baby proofed in some places. One of the nanny's fainted when she found the child half ingesting an oil bottle, used for diaper rashes, that perched near the bed. Needless to say, both nanny and baby were inspected by the physician to make sure neither were harmed. The woman sported a mild bump on her head from her falling into the door frame, lucky the other maids were close behind her to both support her and to remove the bottle from the infant, not without earning a frustrated cry from the princess. Also fortunate, aside from her displeased reaction, the princess had not consumed any of the bottle's contents.
The infant had been playing in the nursery, teething on a ring and only half-listening to the nanny playing a light ditty on a pan flute, when her idle gaze flickered to her right hand. On her pale skin, the golden mark pulsed softly as her attention held fast to it curiously, her chewing only slightly slowing. Inside, the princess could feel a strange sensation bubbling from within, and had she any way of talking, she still would not have any idea how to describe it. A tingling spark of energy twitched upon the back of her hand before crawling its way through her nerves and throughout her being. She was not afraid, but still couldn't shake the feeling of something coursing inside her, making her shift uncomfortably. The young princess let her teething ring fall from her grasp as she could do nothing but allow the energy flow through her body before it disappeared completely without a trace, almost as if nothing had happened. Indeed, the nanny didn't even seem to take note of her discomfort as she reached the end of her song. The middle aged woman laid the flute to rest in her lap as she smiled at the silent child.
"Well, milady? Did this song suit your fancy?" she asked, setting the instrument aside to pick up the princess, oblivious to what had happened. It seemed that the earlier sensation was felt by Zelda only, causing her scrunch her face in annoyance. The nanny laughed lightly at the reaction, unaware that it was not directed to herself. "I'll take that as a no. Okay, I'll have to try harder next time." She cradled the princess lightly with one hand as she checked the diaper with her other, nodding to herself as she found the cloth to be clear of any messes. Zelda was then returned to her play area on the lush carpet, left to her own whims as before until time for her parents to collect her for her noon feeding. As much as they had wished to do so, both were too busy to spend enough play time with their child. The King was constantly at meetings with the lords, council, and military generals, and the Queen busy with other state affairs and trade control in and out of the castle town.
Shimmering along the southern borders of Hyrule, far across the luscious fields of green and amber, verdant forests danced in the winds. The spring-like breezes sang a sweet tune through the swaying canopies. Thick and rich wooded lands embraced a spring so pure and clean that it became known as the crystalline heart of Faron Woods. A temple stood at the spring's base, spindly vines and orchids entrapping its outer walls, making the structure seem as if a canvas with the paints of nature plastered onto it. The temple towered over a small village called Ordona, rivaled only in the glory of an ancient hulking Great Deku Tree that served as the guardian deity to the neighboring Kokiri village. Few smaller villages dotted the forested regions, the natural structures of the great woods serving as elements of protection for their peaceful people.
Crystal waters cascaded in a wide arc in the air, droplets sparkling in the light of the sun. A rugged man in his late twenties hauled his catch from a pond in a hidden grove near Kokiri. Struggling and flopping on the line was a meaty silver trout. Caught in the moment, the man grinned widely with a hint of pride at seeing his prize. He lumbered over and mercifully ceased the fish's suffering, wrapping it away into an oiled cloth before collecting his belongings and returning home. The man paused only momentarily to inhale the fresh spring scent wafting past him on the wind, remembering to thank the Goddesses for the gift of food for his family.
Under the guidance of the Deku Tree spirit, the spirit of the wind seemed to have a mind of its own, coursing purposely through the village of Kokiri, its sights set on one hut on the outskirts in particular. The wooden home was carved artfully, decorated by natural shrubbery and colorful flora, a warm hearth inside welcoming to anyone who was in need of it. Accepting the invitation, the man entered his home to prepare his catch. His knife skillfully wielded in his hands as he gutted and cleaned the fish on a counter. Then, he salted and grilled it on a pan over the heated hearth. Dangled above the fire was a pot of water, near boiling as it was removed gingerly. He carried the basin with him, setting the fish on the table with a cover for later, as he shifted into the next rooms. Upon hearing the whimpering coming from his bed, he set forth to clasp his wife's hand in support after handing the water to the village elder.
The elder woman began her tasks, nodding for the man to hold firm as she coaxed the laboring woman to push. For the past few hours, she had watched over the mother-to-be carefully, taking note of any changes. Now, contractions were beginning to overlap, signaling the beginning of birth. With all her might, the younger female did as she was instructed, clutching onto her love's hands as the motions brought in new waves of discomfort. After several minutes of heavy breathing and contorted expressions, the mother was relieved as her child was delivered. Working expertly, the village elder severed the cord connecting baby and mother and cleaned the child carefully, wrapping it in fresh linens and handing it to the proud parents.
Deep wrinkles tightened into a motherly grin as the elder spoke up. "Congratulations. You have a charming baby boy there." Her eyes directed towards the baby that laid comfortably in his mother's arms, barely uttering a cry as he nestled closely. She patted the younger woman on the cheek, wiping away drying sweat with a cool cloth. "Now, you may rest. Your husband had just brought your meal. After the little one's done with his meal, you may have yours. You'll need your energy back."
The mother nodded in response, her attention returning to the baby in her arms. Tiny fists nagged at her breast as the boy twisted his face in frustration. She chuckled lightly and relieved him of his struggles, slipping the shoulder of her blouse down and guiding him to her breast for feeding. As the child suckled calmly, she looked up to her husband lovingly. "So, have we decided on a name?"
"I'm still in favor of the one you picked out, dear," he returned, smiling softly. His hand came up to stroke her face and brush through her hair as he gazed upon her. He was still breathless from her beauty before him, even after the mussed appearance childbirth has given her. She relaxed in his touch, eyes half drooping as the exertion had finally caught up to her.
"Then, Link he shall be. Our blessed child, one with nature and guided by the spirit of Farore's wind, and loved by all. Did you hear it? Farore's song through the forests?" she inquired of her husband, though she already knew the answer as well as he had. He nodded to her, telling her that he could hear the Goddess's words upon the wind and how She had given them Her gift in celebration. The two paused in their conversation to notice their son had finished feeding and fallen asleep. Link was carried off to a cradle in the corner of the room as the elder took her leave, leaving them to their privacy and returning to her medicinal hut to make stamina potions for the mother to use later.
Once they were left alone, the man went to fetch his wife's meal, sitting beside her on the bed as she gratefully accepted the fish. As she dug into the rich nutrients of the animal, he continued on their conversation from earlier that week. "The children have missed you, darling. I happened to pass them on the way back from the pond. They wanted me to tell you that they wish you luck and good health," he paused to let her soak in his words, watching the glee spread across her face.
"I really miss them as well and can't wait to go back to teaching. I hate keeping them waiting for so long, but there's really nothing that can be done about it. It's good to know that they're doing fine as well. Grandmother has been keeping me informed of their continued lessons when she visits."
Grandmother, the nickname given to the elder by all of the villagers, had been occupying her time with making sure the children continued their studies while their teacher was away. She taught them about the history of the Great Deku tree and the ways of gardening. During their free time, they took trips to the neighboring village of Ordona and learned about the different animals being raised there. They have also been tasked with helping with chores around the farms, milking goats and cleaning horses. Though few in number, barely under a dozen, to actually be considered a school, the kids were accompanied by a couple of the knights who lived in the cousin villages. There were plenty of others who have decided to aid in keeping the school running, but the mother had every intention to make up for her absence once Link had grown old enough.
A silence fell between the two parents for a few moments before a scowl took up residence on the man's face. "I'm sure you're as aware of it as I am right now, the shifts." His eyes roamed over her face to gauge her reactions that affirmed his question.
"Yes. It's as if the forests have been uneasy, the winds whispering of a disturbance. Do you suppose our borders have thinned?" she hesitated on the question herself, already knowing the answer. He could only nod in agreement to her suspicions, causing her to sigh in weariness. "I've heard the other knights talking about it, how the Gerudo have changed their operations. And to add to our troubles, horrible creatures have started to spring up out of nowhere. It's like they're being controlled by the desert people."
The entities that she spoke of were not well known, referred to merely as denizens from a darker realm. Demonic creatures. Some were given names according to their characteristics, the most terrifying of the bunch referred to as their leader, King Bulbin. Their forces have increased dramatically over the past year, resulting in the knights' defenses weakening with every wave of attack. The husband pursed his lips, sparing a glance at the sword and shield mounted on their wall. Having been given leave to take care of his pregnant wife and new child, he had rested his armaments for the time being. It unnerved him to consider that the day for him to take up his arms again would come sooner than he had hoped. At the very least, he was wishing for peace to last long enough until Link could take care of his own self.
He ran his hand through his hair with a long, drawn-out sigh, feeling their fingers lock together with his free hand. His attention focused back on her face as he settled on his decision. "Some of us will have to go discuss this matter with His Majesty," he stated, the rest of his sentence rolling silently in the air between him. She nodded in understanding, knowing full well his intentions as the same thought had flitted across her mind as well.
"Then go. Grandmother and the other villagers will help me look after Kokiri and our son. After all, this is our home no matter what," she beamed, pulling his hand to her lips as she pressed a light kiss on his skin. The simple act softened his tension and he returned the favor by planting a kiss upon her brow.
"Very well then. I'll go discuss this with the other knights, and we'll set a date of our leaving once preparations have been made. Until then, get your rest. I'll look after our son while you sleep." As if on cue, the rustling of sheets and a soft whimpering directed their attentions to the cradle. Letting his hand slip from her grasp, the man replaced her empty food tray with the plush cottons of her bed. His wife settled comfortably and finally let her heavy eyelids droop shut, her smile never fading. He deposited the dish in the kitchen sink before trekking over to carry and soothe Link, his voice deep as he hummed the hymn of the forests.
A week had passed as the new parents became used to the routine of childcare. She relaxed at home feeding their child as he called upon his brothers in arms for their meeting. Including himself, the fourteen knights sat around a large wooden table in the central hall of a large hut where regular village meetings usually took place. Once all were present, he relayed his concerns to them, a hint of relief washing over him as they all admitted to worrying about the same thing. They took turns discussing their plans and eventually decided on the date of departure and who was to go while the others stayed to defend the villages. He and three others were to leave within two months once all preparations have completed. Accepting this proposition, the group returned to their duties and made themselves ready for the trip.
Two months flew in a flurry without any real major consequences. For the most part, activities from both Gerudo and the demonic waves were slow if not completely silent. Despite this, the group had chosen a small few to leave in the event should anything happen while they were gone. Their plan was to march back to castle town and report their experiences with the King in hopes that reinforcements or support could be sent in to take care of at least one of the invading hordes, preferably those of the dark creatures who presently pose more of a threat. Link's father was securing a leather satchel after checking his provisions one last time. The trip itself shouldn't last any longer than three weeks. Five days to reach the castle and the return trip, three to come up with a strategy with the King and his military, and a full week to send letters out to find said reinforcements.
He was broken out of his trance as he felt the cool surface of his sword's scabbard upon his shoulder. Chancing a glance behind him, he smiled at the source of his interruption. Before him his wife hefted the sword and shield that once took residence on their wall. She drew the sheathed blade back, casually changing her demeanor as she backed away several paces. Once a safe distance away, the woman pulled the sword from its confines, holding it high above her head to catch the light coming through their window before swinging it fluidly through the air as if dancing. The blade made a clear swishing sound as it arced through the air before her, finally returning to its hold once more as she reached the climax to her performance. Though, he knew better than to call her motions a mere act.
She skillfully wielded the sword together with the shield that she had held in front of her during the whole dance, weighing it gingerly before handing it over to her husband who beamed in pride. Her words came out laced with all of the emotions that accompanied her. "Your treasures are still as beautiful as I remember, but their allure is stronger in your care," she breathed out. Part of her was elated to see her husband in the proud armor they had worn not but a little over a year ago, but another part of her was still upset to see him don it in light of their circumstances.
He chuckled in attempts to ease her worried heart, accepting the armaments as he stood. "Honestly, their beauty is nothing compared to that which you give off, dear. My swordplay dims in comparison to your magnificent motions," he murmured, earning a blush from his wife. If there's one thing he knew, it was that she loved it most when he sweet talked her about her fighting prowess. In a way, it embarrassed her for him to be so direct, but she was also honored by the words of the man she loved the most. "That being said, we really need to spar again someday. It's been much too long since we've had a good work out, don't you think?"
She giggled then, nodding her head back to their two-month old son. "I agree, but that will have to wait until we've taken care of more important matters, don't you think?" she smirked, earning a bark of laughter in return. Link watched them in confusion from his position on his bed, suckling away at his thumb as he observed their transaction.
"Yes indeed, my love," the man admitted, strapping the shield to his back and buckling the straps of his sword to his belt. He pulled his wife in for a kiss on the lips, holding her there for a moment before gathering up his belongings. The woman wished him farewell and a safe journey before making her way over to their son. She wrinkled her nose bemusedly at the boy who was in much need of changing.
At the gates of Kokiri village, the four knights converged together on their horses, ready with armor and weapons. They gave their farewells to the village once more before spurring the horses on in full gallop towards Hyrule kingdom, plowing through the dirt trail and fallen leaves of the forests with the sun peaking over the eastern horizon.
A/N: And there we go! Honestly, it took me two days to write this chapter, because I had a lot of things I wanted to edit and change, not to mention not knowing where and how to end it. I'm really pleased with the ending, however. I was going to stop at Link's birth, but felt like I wanted to go into more depth about the villages. Not to mention, I'm really in love with Link's parents and their relationship now. I swear, half the chapter was dedicated to just them. I wanted to make them both equal as knights, which you really don't see often, but give them a simple, country life as well, and I hope I did well enough with the balance. In that way, Link is the Hero that's a descendant of the original Hyrule Knights, but he's still the village boy we all know and love. Also forgive me if anything seemed redundant. Please tell me what you think.
You'll be seeing more of Link's parents in upcoming chapters, and by then I'll probably have thought of names for them as well as the King and Queen of Hyrule. (I feel weird just putting down gender-bound pronouns all of the time). Now, we've completed the appearances of the Triforce pieces. What's next? Well, you'll have to find that out in the next chapter! :P Thank you all to who've read and reviewed thus far. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of this fanfiction as well as I have in writing it. More chapters to come soon!
