A/N: Chapter 1 has been slightly edited to include a mention of the Wind Fish at the end
The many races that lived in Hyrule each evolved a ways unique from the others. The Gorons, who had left Hyrule long ago, had skin as hard as rock and the constitution to survive extreme heat. The Zoras, of which only the River variant remained in Hyrule, lived in the water and land like amphibians. Hylians evolved in a more subtle way. The all had the ability to comfortably sleep sitting upright. It was an ability that served Alphon well over the years since he had given up his bed for his nephew
Even after the boy had left to travel, Alphon had not reclaimed the bed and slept in a chair. It increased his readiness should the need arise while still allowing him rest. And at this very moment, such a need has possibly arrived, as he could hear footsteps heading towards the house on the plateau. Hyrule had been at peace for years, but bandits still existed, even if their numbers had dwindled after many had decided to make slightly more honest livings running gaming parlours
He always slept with his sword and shield by his feet in case the need arose. He was tense, ready to kick the table to use as cover when a voice spoke from outside
"Wait here," cam a familiar voice from outside. His eyes widened in surprise and relaxed when he realized just who was outside the door. "Uncle," spoke a voice from outside after knocking on the door. He bumped the table, letting the person outside to hear someone was in the house, and made his way to the door, opening it to find Link standing outside. He seemed more tired than his last appearance, but the boy had been away for a significant amount of time. "Link," Alphon greeted, "welcome home"
"Glad to be home," Link said with a smile. "There's someone I want you to meet," he said, using his head to gesture a figure standing a safe distance from the pair. Alphon turned his gaze and saw a woman in a simple blue dress and wearing a hooded cloak, no doubt for warmth at this late hour
The figure made no move towards them. "Wind Fish," Link said and Alphon couldn't help but raise a brow. That was certainly not something he ever heard of from Hyrule or Labrynna
"It's alright now," Link said, waving the woman over before she stepped over to the house. "Uncle, this is Marin, my wife" Link introduced as the now named Marin lowered her hood and Alphon's breath hitched
For a moment, he mistook the girl for Princess Zelda, until further examination made him realize his mistake. Though her face was an exact match, her rounded ears befit a human found outside Hyrule and her hair was styled much less regally. "Pleased to meet you," she said with a short bow of her head
"You're family," Alphon said with a shake of his head and lead the pair inside. "You don't have to bow to me," he added and gestured to the table for the pair to sit. "You must be very cold and tired," he said as he lit the stove and placed the pot over the flame
"Uncle, you don't have to trouble yourself," Link said to the older man who brushed him off. "Nonsense, boy," Alphon said. "The night's cold. You two should have a nice cup of tea before bed," he told them and made his way to the bed. "If I had known you were bringing a guest, I would've had another bed ready," he said, making small talk as he prepared the bed and waited for the water to heat up
The pair exchanged glances at each other before Link turned to his Alphon. "Sorry, Uncle," he apologized, "We couldn't exactly let you know in advance-"
"No no," Alphon interrupts. "You'll have plenty of time to tell me all about it in the morning. For now, lets just have tea before bed," he suggests as the water became hot enough. With practiced ease, he placed the tea leaves in the cups before pouring in the hot water and placed his hands over it, enjoying the warmth
Link and Marin copied the motion, enjoying the warmth and companionable silence, taking occasional sips of their tea as it cooled before they all finished and headed for bed. Or chair in Alphon's case
A/N: Read and review