The Lost Woods were simultaneously eerie yet also oddly tranquil. Many stories had spread about this corner of Hyrule. How only the Children of the Forest, the Kokiri, could safely travel through it. And that any who foolishly wandered within would find their lives cut short, doomed to wander as the mischievous Skull Kids, or the abominable Stalfos. And yet for one who had lived among the Kokiri? Who had spent many days of his youth frolicking with friends within it's depths? It simply felt like home.

That felt so long ago, though. The young boy had given way to a man, wizened and aged through trial and tribulation. His green tunic, replaced with ornate armor that was marred by combat. The number of strikes it had taken, the glancing blows of swords and the impacts of arrows and hammers, had become so large that he had simply lost count.

When had this all started, again?

That question pervaded the man's mind as he sat down upon a nearby stump, wincing as a lance of pain coursed through his body. The consequences of a life of conflict. Even now, he could feel those old wounds. Each scar, a legacy. With a sigh, he allowed his mind to wander.

How long had it been since that fateful day? The boy without a fairy, mercilessly teased and mocked for being the odd one out, waking up one day to finally have not only that which he sought in a companion, a friend…. But having destiny itself thrust upon him. From the moment he was summoned by the forest's paternal figure, the Great Deku Tree, his life had become entwined with some higher purpose.

He could still remember it. The glow of the Sacred Stones. The trials and tribulations set before him. The meeting of many people, some who he would call his friends. Darunia, the boisterous leader of the Gorons. A small wince and a chuckle accompanied the memories of many a bruised rib from his "Sworn Brother." Ruto, the Princess of the Zoras, and the person he had become "engaged" to, as thanks for saving her from the bowels of their deity, Lord Jabu-Jabu. Even now, he couldn't help but wonder what would have happened, had he taken her up on that proposal…

With a small shake of the head, he continued to ruminate, resting his sword down as he took in his surroundings. It truly had been a strange adventure. Stepping onto Hyrule Field for the first time, overwhelmed as he was by the scenery. Seeing so many new things. Meeting the Princess…

Ah. Yes. Zelda.

A simple, dying request from one who he had seen as a father. To take the Spiritual Stone of the Forest to the Castle. Who would have thought that such a thing would have caused such a chain reaction? Going to the Castle, sneaking past the guards, and meeting with royalty. Being roped into a request to stop a man - Ganondorf, was that his name? - from taking over Hyrule. Drawing the Blade of Evil's Bane, the Master Sword… And falling into a deep slumber.

Awakening to a destroyed Hyrule. That feeling of helplessness.

Traveling the land, and trying to make things right again.

Watching as friends and family became the Sages, shedding their mortal coils to become something greater.

And at the end of all things, standing against a great evil… That memory continued to play through his mind. Blade fully embedded into the skull of his greatest foe.

And what did he have to show for it? A return to his childhood, where nobody knew of his deeds. And the loss of his fairy, and closest confidant.

For years, he had tried to find her. Being dragged into a whole new world with new troubles simply honed his skills. Even now, the memories of *that* particular adventure felt like a far off dream. Since then, he returned to Hyrule, dedicating his time and effort to the protection of the kingdom and it's princess. Leading the charge against all who would wish Hyrule harm. All the while, keeping his ear out for something. Anything pertaining to the whereabouts of his friend. The princess was grateful for his aid, and did what she could to help. But alas, any leads or rumors had turned up empty. And now, here he was, time having worn down the swordsman over many years, at the twilight of his life.

A slow exhale escaped the Hylian as he took in everything. So this was it, huh? At the very least, he could take solace in the fact that Hyrule was safe. That more than likely, even if he were to be gone, someone else would take up the torch. All he needed was a few minutes to catch his breath. Just a bit…

A ringing caused the man to sit up straight, suddenly alert and renewed. That sound, it was...familiar. It couldn't be...could it?

Slowly, his gaze drifted, until it stopped upon a sight he never thought he'd see again. A blue fairy, floating before him silently. How long did he sit there staring? Seconds? Minutes? Hours? He was unsure how long it took, before his voice returned to him.

"Na...vi….?"

The fairy didn't respond, simply moving closer. A warm smile found it's way onto his face as he reached over, holding his friend close. Mayhaps it was Navi. Mayhaps it wasn't. But so overcome was he with emotion, he didn't think to question it. He simply closed his eyes, a smile on his face….

They say that if you were to travel through the Lost Woods, past the trees and foliage, you would come across a clearing.

In that clearing, there lies a sole stump. And on rhat stump, you would see a skeleton, clad in ornate armor, the gear slowly being reclaimed by nature. The skeleton in question?

Link. The Hero of Time, and the greatest warrior Hyrule would ever know, finally at peace, after finding what he had spent so much time searching for.