A/N: If I owned LoZ, I wouldn't change much. In fact, I'd probably just add a lot more lovable characters and rich storyline. Miyamoto-sensei, you keep being your awesome self. (I know you're probably not reading this, but it would be great if you did). All rights go to Miyamoto Shigeru and Nintendo.

WARNING: There's a depressing scene during this chapter, as the title may suggest. Let me tell you now, even I cried while writing this.

Chapter VI

When a Village Mourns

Following the events of the battle against the dark forest, the forest villages returned to their normal routines. Four years had passed since that day, and the huts and plant life were rebuilt and regrown from the aftermath. Some villages have taken heavier damages than that of Kokiri and Ordona, fires having spread and completely engulfing two of the smaller hovels. Refugees from these villages had been making their stay at Ordona until their homes were restored and their farms fresh for new growth. The forest knights were distributed to each small village to patrol borders, keeping watch for any new attack. None were at all sure when and if there would be another one.

Back at home in Kokiri village, Renaldo had settled down once more with Link and his beloved wife Amelia. His heart swelled with pride as he watched his son grow alarmingly fast. If he had blinked, he could have sworn that four years was in fact a month. The corner of the man's mouth twitched into a half grin at the boy, who was fidgeting restlessly at his loose beige tunic. Link occasionally got up to pace around, rock on his heels in anticipation, and bite on his lip as his wide teal eyes flicker back and forth from where he sat to the door leading to the room next door. His dirty blond hair bounced with every exited movement as the anxiousness was clearly worn on his soft, chubby face.

Renaldo felt a tugging at his sleeve and turned his attention to his son, trying to suppress the amusement that pooled from his gaze. With a smile still plastered onto his features, he spoke. "Yes, Link. What is it?" Though he knew well what caused his son's fits, he thought it best to relieve the boy of some tension.

"Papa, wanna see. Wanna see!" Link whined, gesturing frantically at the door. His frustration grew as he tried to pull his father from the couch, to no avail.

The man chuckled, ruffling his son's hair before pulling him up into his lap playfully. "Now son, you'll have to be patient. You'll get a chance, so just wait," he responded, earning an irritated sigh from the boy which caused him to laugh again. After nearly an hour had passed, the two could hear grunts from inside the room and the soft, gentle voice of an elderly woman, followed by the tell-tale shriek of a newborn. Link's blue-green orbs widened in excitement once more as a huge grin blossomed onto his face. He held his balled fists to his chest and jumped up and down in front of the door impatiently.

A hush befell the house before the wooden obstacle was finally pulled loose from its shackling hinges. The village elder's wrinkled face beamed to the two, eyes lost in the folds of her aged face, as she held a hand out to usher them inside at long last. Their wait was over. In an instant, the boy flew over to his mother's bedside, feet barely grazing the floor in his rush. Link gaped in awe as his eyes settled upon the small bundled form of a baby nestled in her arms. Renaldo soon joined him and clasped hands with his wife.

"My love, she's so beautiful," the man breathed, his voice a low whisper. All gazes were glued to the newest addition to the family, a fair-skinned baby girl with soft blond tufts and crystalline teal eyes. A question formed on his tongue. "What name have you given her?"

"Aryll," Amelia replied, the fingers of her free hand tenderly caressing her daughter as the baby slept. The two let the name hang in the air between them, settling into comfortable silence. It has been decided a while back that his wife would choose their child's name this time, since Link had been his suggestion the last time.

"Aryll. What a magnificent name," Renaldo said, his gaze never leaving the form of their sleeping child. After a few moments, he turned his attention back to Link. The boy's excitement had settled now that he had met the newborn, though he still beamed blissfully. "Link, meet Aryll, your baby sister. Promise me you'll be taking care of her in the future."

The boy glanced up to meet his father's amused expression. "Yes, Papa!" he exclaimed, eyes sparkling in pride. In truth, he's been waiting for a day like this. Other children his age had siblings that took care of them, giving rise to envy in the boy. Though, he'd rather have an elder brother or sister like the others, Link was still pleased to have the role switched to him. Saluting as he had seen his father do from time to time, he made a silent vow to always look after his baby sister.


"Link! Aryll!" Amelia called out, one hand cupped to her mouth to amplify her voice and another poised at her hip. No response. Her eyes swept over the house with both irritation and amusement beyond her pupils, her voice sing song as she called again. "They're going to be tardy. Honestly, where could those two have gone off to now?" she mumbled, though she was already aware of the answer. No doubt, they're hiding somewhere again, she mused. The woman was becoming used to their playful antics of hide and seek by now, usually spurred on by the mischievous boy Link.

A barely audible giggle could be heard from below the wooden floor, causing Amelia to smirk brightly. Well, there's Aryll, she thought to herself. Which means her brother can't be too far. She treaded softly across the room, out the door, and towards the trap door leading to their cellars. Her senses tracked the poorly muffled sounds coming from the five-year old girl until she happened upon a wooden chest with lid ajar slightly. Just as soon as she was upon refugee, her ears picked up a new source of sound coming from behind.

A padded leather shoe fell upon the stone behind Amelia. Playing into their little game, she spun around violently, her expression turning to one of utter shock. "I should have known you were behind this, you fiend," Amelia called out, trying desperately to hide her enjoyment. She donned a mask of accusation, directing a long pointed finger towards her company who stood across the room. The figure in question creeped out of hiding from behind a potato sack with a devilish grin upon his features. "Release the Princess at once," she demanded.

Her company countered, producing a toy wooden sword that was strapped to his back. He leveled the weapon to the knight, eyes flickering momentarily to his captive then back to his adversary as he issued his challenge. "The Princess is mine now. You'll have to fight me if you want her back."

Soft pink lips pulled into a half-grimace, half-smirk as Amelia grasped a broom from the corner of the room. "Very well then. I shall humor you if that's what it takes. Prepare yourself, foul being!" she spouted, angling her own 'sword' to accept his challenge. Her opponent lunged forward, his character breaking as a giddy squeal erupted from his throat. The two of them traded swings and parries, both equal in strengths and skills. They were graced with audience as Aryll popped her head out of the chest to watch with awe. The young girl's hands clapped excitedly when a turn of events took place.

Amelia whisked her sword before her skillfully, the wooden weapon coming in contact with his and knocking it to the side in rebound. Before her adversary could react fast enough, she lunged forward with her sword, it's rounded edge landing in between his arm and rib. The killing blow has been made. A look of horror broke onto his face as he clamped his arm tight against his side, his own sword falling ungracefully to the floor with a clatter. His other hand shakily came up to the broom that was protruding from him now, and he fell backwards, sprawling out onto the stone floor.

He faked a cough. "You may have won this time," her opponent spluttered, inhaling deeply with a shudder. "But don't think this is over." The woman had to refrain from laughing at the display as Link dropped his head, his tongue popping out of his mouth in exaggeration.

Honestly, that boy would make a better actor than a knight, she thought idly before returning her attention to the captive. Amelia kneeled before the chest with a hand out, palm facing upward, as she greeted the Princess. "Forgive me for my tardiness, Your Majesty. I hope no harm has befallen you."

Aryll crawled out of her refuge completely now, taking the proffered hand gingerly, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Yay, knight is here!" she giggled, thoroughly entertained by the whole act. The girl allowed herself to be tossed high into the cellar space before coming to an embrace with her hero, her pigtails swinging at the motion.

Their mother finally let loose a laugh as well, setting the girl on her hip as her free hand came down to ruffle Link's hair once he stood. "Alright, you two. That's enough playing around. It's time for school," she announced sternly, awarded by a pout from the boy and a chirp from Aryll. The two children were escorted back to their rooms to get ready and all three made their way to the school house located at the center of the village.

Much to Link's discomfort, he was made to sit through two and a half hours of lecturing before the lunch break. Throughout most of the lessons, he dozed off or talked to his friends to avoid the boring material. Because of this, the boy was often reprimanded with time-outs and the promise that, if he kept it up, the entire class would have to stay after school for more lecturing. The threat seemed to work as Link focused, the eyes of his classmates boring holes into him as a constant reminder. Classes were over at fourteenth hour, to which the children cheered for the sweet release.

Amelia gathered her papers for grading that afternoon, making her way over to her own kids. As there was only one school, she and a few other villagers took turns directing the lessons in the expansive room. The children varied in ages, so the groups were sometimes divided, with the exception of lunch and play breaks in between subjects in which the kids intermingled freely. Lecture typically consisted of basic literature, arithmetic, history, and farming. Occasionally, other activities would be introduced during the school hours, usually consisting of farm and fish undertakings.

The physical lessons were Link's favorites, in comparison to essays of notes he was made to take in the classroom. He preferred action and adventure. So, it came as no surprise that he was exceptionally pleased with the extracurricular lessons he got from his parents back at home. Sword training. Ever since he was Aryll's age, he had begged constantly to learn the ways of the knights. Half of him argued that it was necessary for him to learn should the event ever rise where he needed to protect his sister in the future, and the other half of him admitted it was because he wanted to play. Link had been taught the knight's code of protecting the royals and important figures, the history of knights, and the art of cavalry's battle. At the ripe age of eight and three-quarters, he felt himself ready to train in horseback riding.


He and a two other boys were allowed a visit to the village of Ordona for lessons. Initially, they were to help with farm chores, but, as they watched the men of the farms herding sheep along, their fascination got the better of them. The boys were cleaning the stables when they began their operations. Checking for any signs of the farmers, they initiated their mischievous plan.

"Alright, Link. You go first," said one of the boys, pushing his friend forward. Truth be told, he was terrified of what they were about to do, and Link could tell from the boy's barely contained tremors. Their other comrade caught on as well.

"Oh, look at who's a cuccoo. What, you scared?" teased the other, earning a glare. The two of them traded barbs, almost breaking out into a fist fight before Link intervened.

"Shh, we can't get caught. I'll go," he hissed. As for him, he was ready to commence. He may have not been the one to come up with the idea, but he sure fancied their plans, and he'd be damned if they ruined the experience for him by getting them caught with their little spat. Thankfully, the other two quieted and watched him proceed.

Link turned back around, returning to the task at hand. He faced the equine beast, eyes locking onto eyes in silent challenge. The pale brown mare snorted, scuffing her hoof as if to dare him to try it. Not one to back down, the boy accepted the contest. Breaking out of his cautious stance, he sprinted forward, throwing his weight over the height of the stall and onto the back of the horse. The steed shook its head with bewilderment at the sudden turn of events. Obviously it didn't expect him to actually follow through with such a reckless action.

He struggled with the beast momentarily, hands gripped into the mare's mane. Once the equine calmed, he sent a nod to his two friends. "That wasn't too bad," he said triumphantly, gesturing them to commence phase two. Taking the sign, the other two boys busied their hands with unlatching the stall hooks. With the gate gaping open, Link decided to attempt the next step.

Experimentally, his feet pressed at the horse's sides, just as he had observed the farmers to do. Much to his disappointment, his action was not well received. Instead of sending the horse forward in an easy trot, his movements had caused the mare to stride into full gallop out of the stables and into the expansive fields. The other two boys looked on in horror as their friend flew past with a strangled holler in their wake.

Link could do nothing but hold on for dear life as the steed sped about, stopping momentarily only to begin bucking to rid itself of her nuisance. His arms latched onto the horse's neck as the two battled for dominance. Lips bled from biting too hard as he fought to remain righted. He quickly dismissed the thought of what would happen should he fall under the equine's hooves. Thankfully, his silent prayers were answered as a couple of the farm men caught up to boy and horse. Their skillful hands swiftly steadied the beast as one of the men retrieved Link. Despite being shaken, the boy was glad to find himself undamaged. Or so he thought.

His friends ran up to the group, coughing as they tried to catch their breaths. One was about to open his mouth to say something, but never got the chance. The village's mayor and head farmer were upon them with furious expressions, scolding them for their behaviors. Link and his friends dared not interrupt, wincing with every threat of punishment being produced. It was even becoming a debate as the farmers began arguing with each other which punishment would be best. Eventually, they decided on extra laborious tasks of chopping wood and hauling barrels. Not to mention, the promise of desert not being served to them. Regretfully, the boys accepted the penalty without complaint, though the stern gaze of the herdsman did little to ease Link's nervous twitch.

As they began to return to their tasks, the boy was pulled to the side, isolated from his friends. Link gritted his teeth as he expected more punishment on his part due to him having been on the horse. Crud, should have made them go first, he mentally chided as he faced the herdsman, his gaze unwavering. He decided it best to take the scolding head-on. This action caused the man before him to settle into a relaxed smile, much to the boy's confusion.

"Son, you've got good eyes. And a strong spirit," the man chuckled. As if to answer Link's silent question, he continued. "How would you like to try herding?"

The boy's mouth hung wide with shock. Was he hearing things? He was expecting something else entirely, anything but this. His words got caught on his tongue as he stuttered incoherently, causing the man to laugh again. Finally, he was able to put his thoughts into words. "Do you really mean it?" Link asked, gigantic teal orbs bulging out of their sockets. He could swear his heart missed a beat at the next statement the herdsman gave him.

"Meet with me after breakfast tomorrow, and I'll teach you how to ride. I believe you'll make a great herder, and we could use the extra help in that field." With that said and done, the man turned away to join the others at supper, leaving the boy to gape wildly.

Had that really just happened? Did he really offer to teach me riding? Link's thoughts rushed through his head erratically. He was too surprised and excited that he didn't care that he looked like an idiot. Adrenaline spurred through him as he visualized the events of tomorrow, aided by the exhilaration he felt on the mare just moments before. The boy jumped up in glee before sprinting to the dining hall to boast to his friends.

For the next few months, he visited Ordona frequently to continue his lessons. In repayment, he aided in all farm chores, including his newfound skill of herding goats and cattle. His riding capabilities refined considerably with every hour of practice, and he was now able to expertly maneuver his steed around and over obstacles. Because of his fiasco before, he was forced to stay away from the pale horse, instead being appointed with a new, young chestnut mare. Her handling was far better than he could ever imagine, and, before too long, the two had established a connection as stronger than many horse and rider before his time. It came as surprise to him that the same horse he practiced on was promised to him as a gift once his skills had improved. Link now sat upon Epona's back, running a hand down her neck affectionately after they had rounded off the remaining goats into the barn. He was returning to the stables when the news was spread to Ordona.


A knight messenger rushed forward on his mount, halting from his neck-break speed once he reached the farmhouse. His attire was torn and matted, smelling of burnt material. Scrapes and bruises marred his features in a similar fashion. Sensing his urgency, the farm men ushered the messenger inside for rest as he relayed the news. Link stationed himself on the stairs leading to his temporary room, curiosity getting the better of him as he watched the men gather at the kitchen table below him. The messenger was given water to satiate his parched throat before he began.

"I bring word from Kokiri and Carille villages. The legion has returned to our borders in full force!" the man announced, franticly. "We're in need of reinforcements right away. Evacuations are underway. The villages are aflame."

Upon his words, Link froze in place. No, it can't be, he thought to himself, too shocked to utter words. His mind ceased functioning as he felt his knees buckle weakly, though he refused to collapse. They're alright. They have to be, he willed assurance upon himself, no matter how fragile it seemed. The boy's thoughts returned to him at this notion, giving him the strength to pull himself upright and descend the stairs inconspicuously. Making sure no one had noticed his presence, he made his way to the stables, seeking out the company of his equine companion. Link replayed his decision again and again in his mind, determination driving his actions. Kokiri was not that far away.

In one fluid motion, the boy opened the gate pinning Epona up in the stalls, reins and saddle at the ready in moments. Checking for any disorder, he nodded firmly before pulling his weight on the mare, leading the pair out of the stables and through the fields. His eyes didn't bat as they cleared the fence and galloped through the forests darkening from the night creeping upon them. He hadn't even prepared himself with a lantern in his haste, his attention focused solely on his destination, the route coming naturally to him.

Nearly an hour had passed when he reached the village, horror crossing over his features at the sight. Smoke clouded his line of vision in some places, the acrid smell threatening to suffocate him. Link pulled his mount off to the side a safe distance away from the deadly gas, donning a handkerchief to block his own air passages as he made his way through the scorching huts of his village. Everywhere, he could hear shrieks of terror and pain, spotting figures escaping the burning buildings. Where are they? he thought anxiously, attempting to do everything in his power to keep the nerves from taking hold of him. He couldn't keep treacherous thoughts from plaguing his mind, however. They've gotta be safe somewhere. Mom and Papa aren't that helpless. But Aryll was.

Link rushed forth, instincts carrying him to his own home first. He sighed a breath of relief when he spotted the hut, untouched by the grasp of the deadly inferno surrounding him. His attention was directed elsewhere when his ears caught the familiar sound of weapons clashing. The boy rushed in the direction of the battle, catching sight of his mother fighting with a horrendous pig-like creature. Her sword came in contact with that of the beast's club, though it didn't slice through the thickness of the primitive weapon. Behind Amelia, Aryll was huddled away in a tree, teeth clenched in fear. Link wasted no time in reaching her. Their mother noticed his appearance, motioning for him to coax his sister down. She knocked the demon's club away just as she had done in her play with Link, sending her sword through its actual target in the monster's chest before joining them. "You're just on time, Link. Take your sister and find shelter. I need to go help evacuate the others," she commanded.

Amelia spared them a reassuring glance before turning away towards the western border. Without questioning, the boy took Aryll's wrist, guiding them back to the village's center where other refugees were making their retreat. A hidden passageway was opened to the evacuees, leading to the safety of the Deku Tree's sanctuary. Their fleeing was halted by a new swarm of dark creatures crossing their path. Link's eyes flashed about wildly, looking for something, anything to fight with. He spotted a discarded sword upon the ground and lunged for it. The blade was heavy in his hands, unlike that of the wooden toy he usually sported, but he managed to hold it aloft after getting used to its weight. Link gestured for his sister to run once he had broken through their defenses, earning a curt nod of understanding. He charged forward, expertly knocking two of the monsters down and deflecting a blow from his left as one countered with mild surprise. Aryll sought the opportunity and sped through, joining the other villagers that were ducking away into the tunnels.

The girl turned her gaze back to her brother once she was out of reach, calling for him to hurry. She screeched in horror as he was grazed by a wayward club, the breath leaving his lungs momentarily. Link winced, struggling to right himself for the next blow that was sure to come. Unfortunately, his opponent was none too lenient to the mere child, drawing its weapon high above his head in preparation for a fatal strike. The movement was interrupted by an arcing blade slicing through the creature's midsection, sending it toppling over in a terrible shriek. It shriveled away, crumbling into foul colored dust. Renaldo hovered over where the body had once been, breathing erratically and wiping away blood from his face. He nodded his head towards his son. "Go now. Your mother and I will join you momentarily," he instructed, gesturing towards the tunnel where Aryll waited anxiously.

Link complied, gritting his teeth against the pain that festered upon his side. No doubt, he had a couple of broken ribs and bruising. He was not prepared for this. The pain was worse than any scrapes he had ever gotten into, most caused by his reckless antics. Events were happening all too fast for him that he couldn't get his thoughts to settle. He wanted to get to safety with the others, but at the same time, he wanted to aid in the fight, despite knowing that he was not yet experienced with battle. A distressed whinnying caught his attention then as he whipped his head around, startled out of his reverie. Epona! The boy flicked his gaze back over to his sister, the two of them sharing a moment of mental conversation.

"I'll go with Grandmother and the others. Brother, go get your horse," Aryll said, knowing full well of his bond with the equine. She knew that Epona needed her rider as much as he needed his steed, now more than ever. Hesitating briefly, he nodded and broke away from the group before anyone could stop him. Renaldo took note of this, silently cursing to himself as he felled another group of monsters. The demonic creatures were relentless in this attack, their forces stronger than anything he had ever faced before.

He suppressed his exhaustion and wheeled around, hot on the heels of his son. Damn, that kid has gotten fast, he thought, a small smirk of pride crossing his features. Renaldo reached the boy just as Link was mounting Epona. The man was just about to join him on the saddle when yet another wave jumped out at him from the shadows of the burning trees surrounding them. Instead, he slapped the horse's rear, sending the mare in the direction of the Deku Tree and he whirled about to face his opponents again. Too shocked to react, Link watched helplessly as he and his steed fled from the scene, the vision of his gallant father fading in the distance.

The boy gripped the reins tightly, directing them onward to their refuge. As soon as they reached their destination, they came to a full stop, allowing themselves a moment of rest. Aryll and his friends were upon him, soothing the twitching equine and treating the ragged boy. Relief manifested on his face as he spotted all of the villagers within the sanctuary, joined by a few from the neighboring village of Carille. Likely the only survivors, he thought sadly, pity flitting behind his irises. The only ones not present were a number of knights who remained behind to cull the demons. Link's eyes widened as he saw his mother nearing. Amelia was battle-worn and tired, but suffered no heavy injuries as she joined them, wasting no time to draw her two beloved children close in a tight embrace.

The scorched cloths of her attire burned their noses as she began weeping silently. "I'm so glad you two are safe," she muttered, placing kisses upon their brows. His throat constricted at the action. Never had he seen his mother so distraught before. She was their rock, their support in emotional times, and there she was, crumbling away before their very eyes. Link stretched out shaking arms as he returned the hug, trying his best to soothe her.

"Papa said he'll be here soon. He'll be okay," he assured her, hoping that his words rung true. The boy couldn't fight the sense of foreboding taking hold of him, however. Mentally, he struggled to put his own mind at ease. I'm worrying for nothing. Father is strong and brave. There's no way he can be beaten. He settled down with the others in the safe confines of the Deku Tree's spiritual barrier. The grove was untouched by foul entities outside, pristine and peacefully quiet as if nothing was wrong. Even with the comforting presence of the spirit and its fairies guarding the grove, Link's stomach still twisted in anticipation.

What was several minutes felt like hours to the waiting villagers when another messenger came through the hidden passageway, their attentions focused on the young man anxiously. "I bring news," he coughed out, the smoke still invading his lungs. He paused momentarily to suck in the clear air that hung about the grove, purified by the Deku Tree. From the action, he could feel the pain of his wounds subsiding before he continued, carrying himself to Kokiri's elder. "The demons have been thwarted and are now retreating as we speak."

Cheers erupted from several throats, including those of Link's friends. The boy let himself slump in relief, his tense muscles finally relaxing. The courier waited for the liveliness to die down, his expression grave as if the news was nothing to celebrate over. His eyes cast downward as he struggled with the next bit of information, heart thumping shallowly as he finished the message. "Several of the knights sustained terrible injuries. From our current counts, three have perished and two are in critical condition. They are being sent here right away for immediate care."

Silence fell upon them, and Link's heart dropped. Three dead, he pondered grimly. No, it's too soon to jump to conclusions. Interrupting his thoughts were the sounds of ragged breathing and weary orders being called out. Through the clearing, the village knights entered the Deku Tree's barriers with their injured in tow. Distressed gazes settled upon the listless bodies of those who've passed, none of which belonged to his father. However, his relief was short-lived as he spotted Renaldo and another knight being carefully carried over to the great tree. Behind him, he could hear his mother's breath catch in her throat.

Almost instantly, the village healers, elder, and forest fairies went to work with the damaged men. Other than those too young or too old to carry out tasks, every hand was busy with treating and cleaning wounds. Amelia was first to reach Renaldo, quickly setting about to removing his burden of armor, careful not to aggravate his injuries further. Aryll and Link followed behind her, carrying a basket of healing herbs that were offered to them and watching as their mother pressed fingers to the man's vitals. His pulse throbbed faintly, breath weak and hampered with fluid. She had no doubt he was bleeding into his lungs.

The woman her daughter's arm comfortingly before grasping for the herbs. There was nothing the flora could do to heal internal injuries, but she could close off the wounds from the outside as the forest spirits worked on her husband's organs and soul. Link and his sister didn't hesitate on following suit. Their tender hands roused Renaldo from his battle-weary haze as his eyes heavily scanned for their faces.

His hand raised to caress his wife's cheek, but stopped midway as the simple action was too strenuous in his current condition. Amelia noticed this and clasped her hands with his, worry distorting her beauty. "My love, there is nothing that can be done," he rasped weakly, attempting a warm smile to comfort her. Renaldo shuddered with inhalation of the pristine air. "Can you not hear them? The spirits are talking to me, telling me it's time to let go. You must let go."

His wife shook her head furiously, hot tears brimming at her eyelashes. "Stop talking such nonsense. You'll be fine," she lied. She knew it wasn't nonsense. She knew the spirits' words were the truth, just as they were on heralding the days of their children's births. He was dying in her arms, and there was nothing that could save him anymore. Not even the Deku Tree's powers.

Too weakened to argue with her, Renaldo shifted his gaze to their children, his features softening sorrowfully. Truthfully, death is not what frightened him. Any other time, he would have been happy to have died for his people, true to the blood of a knight. However, he hated seeing them part with him in such a fashion. He had hopes that his next words would stick with them for the rest of their lives. "Link. Aryll. Don't grieve. The spirit of the Great Tree and the fairies will be taking me away to their realm. I will not be here any longer, but I will never be gone. I'll visit you in dreams, forever living in your hearts and your memories until we're able to meet again."

The two siblings were aware of what his words implied, but they forced melancholy nods understanding. They complied, combatting fresh tears that threatened to gush forth from their eyes. Aryll, as young as she was, was failing miserably, turning away to grasp onto her brother for support. Their father turned back to his wife with one last message to relay, struggling to suppress a bloody cough. "Dear, please give my shield and sword to Link. I believe he is ready for them. He's become a man, after all," he smiled proudly, careful to hide the blood that stained his tongue. At her nod, he pulled her hands close to his mouth, placing a light kiss upon her dirtied skin. "I love you always and forever, Amelia."

"And I you, Renaldo," she muttered in return, stiffening at his contact. He's too cold, she choked back a sob, feeling his hand slip from her grasp limply. A moment of silence passed over the clearing, broken only by mourning cries by the villagers as the two knights passed on. The souls of the dead were lifted by unforeseen spirits and carried upon the wind. "Farore's song carries you, my love," she whispered out to the wind.

FIN

A/N: Oh. My. God. I'm so sorry you guys… I warned you though. In retrospect, I had a hard time writing this because I loved the family vibe given off by Amelia and Renaldo, and I'm beating myself up for what I've done. Therefore, I tried to make the depressing scene as short and painless as possible without making it seem too annoyingly short (if that makes any sense).

On a plus side, I found a way to fit Aryll into my story. Remember when I said I may be biased? Well, Aryll is definitely on the top of my list of favorite characters in the LoZ series. You'll be seeing many more where that came from too. I loved writing her interaction with Link early in this chapter, hoping I could give you all a feel of their sibling relationship, despite the tragedy to come later. Sorry for crushing your hopes. I needed some way to soften the damage this chapter was sure to incur.

With all that being said, it's time to move on. On the next chapter, we'll be shifting back to one of our other two main characters. Don't worry, this isn't the end of Link's youth yet! R&R lovelies!