Chapter 2: Landon Age 5

I carved one last detail into my son's last present. Zelda fitted Landon for his outfit as we prepared for his birthday celebration in the village. Luckily, I was able to finish and hide it away before Zelda and Landon burst through the door.

"Daddy, daddy!" Landon called.

"Yes? What is it son?" I asked, lifting him into my arms and hugging him to me.

"Mommy says we're having a big party!" Zelda giggled.

"Well, today we are having a big party I guess you could say. Everyone in the village is excited to see you." He squirmed a lot in my arms so I put him down. Once his little feet hit the ground, he ran right over to Zelda and grabbed her hand.

"Then let's go Mommy! I want to play!" Landon demanded.

"Now wait just a minute young man." Zelda said in a slightly serious tone. "What do princes say when they want something?"

"Come on Zelda." I reasoned. "He's only five, he'll learn how to be a prince when he's older."

"Link," was all she said before insisting Landon answer her previous question. She waited patiently for Landon's answer. "Well, young prince? What do we say?"

"Please may we go now?" Landon asked, rolling his eyes after the last syllable. I couldn't help but giggle myself.

"Very good Landon." Zelda praised. She turned to me and said, "Link, are you ready to go then?" I nodded in agreement and grabbed the presents I had hidden for Landon. As a family, we made our way to the center of the village. Sera and Hanch set up a two tables and benches in the center of the village for a meal provided by Rusl and Uli. Beth helped Sera set each of the tables and placed a dining set for everyone in the village. Malo played by the stream alongside Talo who sat at the dock fishing. Colin came down from the ranch with Fado; Fado had taken Colin in as the new farm hand since I had been crowned and moved to Castle Town.

The villagers caught a glimpse of us coming down the hill and immediately put down what they were doing and bowed respectfully. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I used to live here, but it always made me feel odd when they bow to me. "There's no need for that everyone." I said. "It's only me."

"You're different now. You're King of Hyrule now." Mayor Bo said as he joined the rest of them.

"But I'm still me, I'm still Link." I said. Landon tugged at my shirt; Zelda insisted that I trade in my green hero's tunic for an outfit more suitable for royalty. I picked Landon up for everyone to see and he wrapped his little arm around my shoulder.

"My my, that boy has gotten so much bigger since the last time we saw him." Uli said, placing a bowl of pumpkin soup on the table. "Some days I wish my little Avery was still a baby but what can you do? My Collin is already eleven years old; where has my time gone?"

"I have not personally gone through raising children just yet," Zelda said to Uli, "but I can say it seems only yesterday that I had given birth to Landon. I can't grasp that he is already five years old today." I put my arm around Zelda's shoulders and everyone relaxed along with her. Ilia finally came out of her father's home and trailing behind her was someone I did not recognize. Their hands were clasped together and Ilia was smiling as they strode over to the party. A look of shock briefly painted Ilia's face and then it was replaced by a smile. She and her friend hurried faster to where we stood and bowed.

"Greetings your Majesties." Ilia said giggling a little at the end. She immediately stood up and hugged each of us.

"Hello Ilia. It's good to see you again." Zelda said.

"It's wonderful to see dear friends again. Where's little Prince Landon? I must see him." We called Landon over from Fado, who had tried to tell our five year old all about my days of working for him on the ranch. He always seemed to run to me when he was summoned; I guess it's the "father-son" kind of thing. "Oh my goodness! He has gotten so big since I last saw him."

"It has been awhile Ilia. But look at us. We're being so rude, who is your gentleman caller with you?" Zelda asked her.

"Oh so sorry. King Link, Queen Zelda, this is my fiancée Bromley. He lived in Castle Town during the spread of Twilight and now he is going to live in the old house you did before you became the "Chosen Hero" and "King of Hyrule. I did hear you were selling that space so that you may move into the castle. Is that true or just Castle Town gossip?" Ilia said.

"Well it is true that I'm living in the castle now but I have not yet sold the property." I said. "We are well met Bromley. Congratulations on your engagement."

"Thank you Your Majesty." He politely bowed.

"Please." I said, waiting until his gaze met mine again before continuing. "I was once an Ordonian. Here, I am nothing more than the farm hand that herds goats. I wish to be a friend, not a king in my home village."

"Understood. Then what shall I call you?" Bromley asked.

"You may call me Link. Any friend of Ilia's, is a friend of mine. I can't say a fiancée of Ilia's is a fiancée of mine because I'm married." I joked. The unexplainable tension between the four of us finally shattered and left as we laughed together at my attempt at humor. I set Landon down again, which only made him tug at my shirt again.

"Daddy, can I see you herd goats? Mr. Fado was telling me all about it and I want to see you do it."

"Landon, I don't know."

"Please Daddy please!" He tugged at my shirt harder and stared at me with those big green eyes and melted my heart. I sighed heavily and said, "Alright." Landon cheered and clapped his hands. I pulled out my charm and called Epona into the village. She whinnied and neighed down the hill as if answering my call with words. Her trot came to a sudden halt as she saw us standing before the bridge.

I walked over to her and gave her some loving pats before mounting her. "Zelda, would you like to accompany Landon up the ranch?" I asked.

"Sure darling. Come along little prince." She grabbed his hand and they walked up the hill while Bromley and Ilia followed behind them. The goats grazed peacefully and nibbled at the growing grass on the hill. "Alright Link, where would you like us to wait?"

"The safest place for you is on the other side of the gate. Make sure it's closed tight so that should a goat run towards you, you won't get run over. Would you be a dear Zelda, and just hold Landon up so that he can see?"

"Of course darling." She said. She picked up Landon and pointed to me. "Look Landon, watch Daddy."

I leaned towards Epona's face and patted her neck. "Whaddya say ol' girl? Can you do it one last time?" She puffed in response and shook her head. That was the closest thing to an answer that I was going to get so I clicked and pushed my heel into Epona's side. She immediately started into a trot towards a group of three goats. I turned her to the right and coached her into a full gallop. I whooped and hollered as I pushed the goats closer and closer to the barn. The last goat finally entered the barn and laid himself down in the hay. I latched the barn door and turned to glance at my son. His little hands were clapping away in front of his grin. "Again, again!" Everyone, including myself, began laughing at his comment. I remounted Epona and waited for Ilia to open the gates; I couldn't very well jump the fence with my wife and son on the other side of it.

"Alright now that I'm all worked up and sweaty," I teased, "Let's eat." Everyone cheered and gathered around the tables. Rusl carved the chicken in the center of the table while Uli served the pumpkin soup. Sera poured everyone a glass of milk or spring water and everyone else grabbed the food as it was placed before them. Zelda grabbed enough for her and for Landon, as they would be sharing a plate together. Landon was still not quite old enough to eat everything on his plate so he either took from me or Zelda at meals. "Zelda, are you sure you want to share a plate with him today? I could do it, I've eaten this stuff all of my life."

"No it's alright Link. I don't mind. I'm not feeling that hungry myself so I'll be eating what Landon doesn't eat."

"You're absolutely sure?" She didn't answer; she only took a bite of pumpkin soup from the bowl she and Landon were sharing. I dug into my own food as well and everyone ate and was merry. Towards the end of the meal, Zelda stood before our village and raised her glass.

"Friends, a toast to Landon on his birthday. Happy Birthday my little prince." Zelda said. I had to admit, I was glad this was one of the shorter speeches or toasts that we have done. It was nice to be able to make a toast short, sweet, and to the point. When everyone cleared their plates, Sera surprised everyone with a cake she had made for the occasion, while her daughter Beth carried a smaller cake. "What's this?"

"Beth and I made a cake for the table and Beth worked so hard on a special cake for the little prince." Sera said, setting down the two cakes where the chicken and pumpkin soup used to sit. "Happy Birthday Prince Landon, this cake is especially for you." She pushed the cake closer to my son. The moment I saw the way his face light up, two emotions presented themselves to the front of my mind. One was complete happiness; in this moment everything was perfect and my entire family and friends were happy just enjoying each other's company. And the second was worry; there was an awful lot of sugar in cake and I had a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach that neither of us would get any sleep tonight.

"Sera, you're too kind." I thanked her. "This must have taken quite awhile to bake."

"It was nothing King Link, I assure you." Sera said smiling, and pushing the small cake closer to Landon. He was about to dig in but I stopped him before that fork even touched the icing.

"Hold on a minute young man. Let Daddy cut it for you first." I picked up the knife closest to me. I cut it into small pieces that he could easily pick up and put into his mouth. I had no doubt in my mind that he wouldn't finish it all, I figured Zelda and I would wrap up the rest of it and take it home for him to finish eating another time.

Landon finished the pieces of cake he was going to eat for the night and got down from the table. Zelda got up with him, grabbed his hand, and took him over to the stream to keep him occupied. She had left her cake sit so I wrapped up the remains for her to finish eating later as well. "Thank you all again so much for sharing my son's birthday with Zelda and me." I thanked them.

"Anytime Link. And we would like to thank you for allowing us to celebrate the birth of your son with you. We miss having you around all of the time." Bo said.

"Yeah Link. I mean it is still weird thinking of you as the king now. I remember when you first came to this village with your mom and dad." Fado said.

"Can you tell me about my parents? What happened to them?" I asked, sitting back down at the table and listening intently to Fado and Bo's story.

"Well Link my lad, you were pretty small when you became an orphan so I doubt you'd really remember any of this. Your parents were cherished members of this village. Your father delivered many important items to Hyrule Castle for the royal family and your mother often helped to craft them, that is, everything except for weapons. On the last day of their lives, a sinister man demanded a weapon from your father that was supposed to be taken to Hyrule the next day. When your father and mother refused, I think you can guess what happened next."

"Who would do such a thing?"

"At first we didn't know who it was that had done it. When I took you and the weapon to Hyrule after that horrible incident, a man was in shackles before the king and his young princess. The king had just sentenced him to hang until dead. The princess's handmaiden had taken you children into the other room and so I asked the king about that man's crime. He said the man had been caught running in Faron Woods with blood staining his clothing. He had no choice but to confess I suppose or the guards retraced his steps and found your parents, I don't remember how he said it went. I suppose you'd have to ask your father-in-law about it." Bo finished.

I happened to look over at Zelda and Landon; Zelda bent down to Landon's eye level and smiled lovingly as she watched him stomp his little feet in the water and giggle at his splashes. Watching them in that moment, it was hard to imagine what I would do if I lost them. I almost lost Zelda too many times to count and I'm sure many times she was worried that she would lose me in battle. Landon deserved better than to live in fear each day, fear that a new enemy will arise and be out to destroy us and our happiness. I knew though that my birthday presents for him would suit him well and I prayed that he would never have to use them.

I walked over to Zelda, pulled her to her feet, and kissed her. She smiled under my lips and kissed me back. Landon covered his little eyes and made a gagging sound. I interrupted the kiss and looked down at my son. "Well Landon, are you ready for your birthday presents?"

"Presents? Where are they Daddy?" He asked, excitement filling his eyes. I picked him up, placing him on my shoulders. "Wee!"

"Your presents are waiting for you up this way." I took Zelda's hand in my free one and together we climbed the hill.

"They look like the perfect little family." Bo said to Fado.

"They sure do look happy." Uli agreed.

"The Goddesses know that he deserves it after what he went through. All of his life, he has been alone. Sure we have all mentored him and taught him many things but that doesn't account for growing up without a mother or father. And now that he has a family of his own, I trust in him that he will be the best husband and father for his family. Come now Uli, the sun is setting and we must put the little one to bed. Colin!" Rusl called for his son. Colin ran to his father and mother with his little brother and they disappeared into their home.

Zelda stopped to kiss me under the glow of the setting sun. Her lips seemed warmed by the sun's glimmering light; I tasted the sun from her lips and it only intensified my need to have her in my arms kissing her until the sun once again graced us with its presence. Landon made another "eww" noise so I reached over my shoulder and tickled his little side. He laughed and kicked around on my shoulders which hurt actually and so I brought him down from my shoulders and cradled him in my arms still tickling him. We laughed together as a family and everything was so carefree and easy. I never wanted this moment to end.

"Let me down Daddy please." Landon asked. I stopped laughing, giving out a little cough at the end, and set him down on his feet.

"Are you ready for your presents young prince?" I asked him.

"Yes Daddy." I smiled at my son and went over to Epona to pull out the presents I had hidden there. The first present, I had worked on for an entire month, it took an exceptionally long time to carve the wood just right. I had to sneak out of the castle just to find the wood and sneak back in to avoid the glares from my wife that I knew I would get if she had been on my present planning. "What is it Daddy?"

"Your first present my son, is a slingshot. It was the very first we….tool that I purchased ever. It proved to be quite handy but on the other hand, it was rather enjoyable to shoot. I only have one rule for you to follow when using it. You must only aim it at a target, never at a living thing. And you can use any seed that you can fire."

"How do I shoot it?" He asked, examining his new slingshot in his little hands.

"Daddy will teach you in a little while. But first, your next present." I brought out a baby mare paint horse. "A noble prince needs a noble steed."

"A horsey! It's a horsey Mommy!" Landon's eyes lit up; he began jumping up and down with excitement and he exchanged glances with Zelda and I as if he was expecting us to say "We're just kidding" or "You're not getting a real horse until you're old enough to ride it".

"You can name her whatever you want." Zelda chimed in. After all, she had wanted to give him a palace white stallion foal but a merchant had been traveling through Hyrule and he was selling paint foals for a decent price. "What would you like her name to be Landon?"

He only thought for about a minute or so before blurting out…"Rain!"

"That's a very nice name choice Landon. Do you have any other presents for him?" Zelda asked. She petted Rain on her neck and stroked her beautiful white mane.

"Well, just a little something called….a fishing rod. Now I can teach you how to properly fish."

"Of course." Zelda mumbled under her breath. I paid her no mind, instead I grabbed Landon's hand and brought him over to my wooden dummy. Until the sun had completely set, I taught Landon all that I could about how to use his slingshot. When the sky grew dark and the moonlight kissed the ground, Landon didn't want to give up training. I promised him we had all the time in the world for him to practice. I also promised to teach him my methods of horse wrangling and the proper way for a princely figure to mount and ride his noble steed, all the while with my loving wife watching over the two of us.

I thought to myself as we went to bed later that night how blessed I truly was. I had been chosen to be the hero to save the kingdom, I won the heart of the princess and married her, and now the greatest blessing of all is that I have a son to carry on my legacy. "Thank you great goddesses. Thank you for my family." I whispered my prayer before closing my eyes and allowing sleep to overcome me.