Chapter Three

February 27th, age 18

I woke the next morning to the cuccos crowing outside. They had been doing so for a while, I think. The sun was up. I rolled out of bed and checked my clothes. They were dry, so I got dressed, smoothed down my hair, put on my boots, and went downstairs for breakfast. As I approached Heath and Hawthorn, I then noticed that they're twins, but they didn't have identical features. To differentiate themselves further, Hawthorn was more clean-cut with short hair and a trimmed beard whereas Heath was more loose and rugged in his style and had longer hair down past his shoulders.

"Mornin', Link!" Heath addressed me. I greeted them and sat down. He ordered me a serving of that morning's meal; mushroom omelet with a side of buttery rice, plus a pot of tea to share. I thanked him and pulled the pouch off my belt to repay him. He declined. "No, no. It's my treat. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to an aggressive man nearly twice your size and still remain calm. And a drunk one, at that."

The two of them spent the better part of twenty minutes talking about their travels and telling me stories. I didn't know what was important to convey or conceal about my current situation, so I said very little. The cucco clock crowed again. It was 8am. The young lady from last night brought our tea out to us on a tray.

"Mornin', travelers!" she said with a kind, gentle voice. "I hope you enjoyed your stay. Who here is paying for the Hyrule Herbal tea?" Heath raised his hand and produced his money pouch.

"And what's the status on the three orders of breakfast?" asked Hawthorn.

"It should be no more than ten minutes," she replied. He thanked her. Her eyes met mine for a moment, she gave me a shy smile and turned away quickly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she left. Heath chuckled at the interaction.

What's so funny? I asked.

"That's Sagessa," Hawthorn informed me. "Tasseren's daughter."

And?

"Don't be so coy, Link," Heath jested. "You saw the way she was looking atchu."

What happened last night was an accident and a misunderstanding, I stated. It's not my place to get involved with anyone else's business.

"Whose business?" Heath burst out. "She and Domidak aren't a couple! He's just a foolish dreamer. See?" He pointed to the other side of the room where Domidak sat reclined on a sofa, visibly hungover, attempting to court the lady in question. "He's a drunkard, too." Sagessa received him with the most tolerable indifference. I see… My curiosity was satiated. "He and his idiot brother, Prissen, are treasure hunters," Heath stated. "They've told outlandish stories about hoards like Misko the Great Bandit and various other stashes of legendary masks and garb that they found. But have nothing to show for it, and are habitually rupee-less." I nodded in understanding.

"In fairness," Hawthorn interjected. "Prissen isn't exactly an idiot. He's a shy, apologetic follower. It's primarily Dak that does the talking and the leading. Prissen shadows his brother because he feels like he must. And then he tries to make excuses and apologies for his brother's behavior. Dak was grumbling yesterday that his brother hadn't shown up yet. I don't know the reason for their parting, but they were meant to get back to some manner of business together. Probably more aimless hunting. But it's none of our business, so I really shouldn't be digging into it too much, and neither should you, Heath." The younger twin waved the other away sarcastically. Soon, our breakfast had arrived and Sagessa gave me another shy smile on her way out. We all dug into our meals.

"So?" Heath asked between bites. "What do you think of her?"

She's very polite, I observed.

"No, no, I mean her character," Heath continued. "Her behavior… Her appearance…"

Very pleasant. But I will let her be, I admitted, taking another bite of rice.

"Why in the world would you do that?!" Heath exclaimed, a little too loud. He lowered his voice and continued. "She's clearly attracted to you."

"Stop pressuring him, Heath," Hawthorn nagged his brother. "He may not be ready for romance yet." I shook my head. I still had a bigger mission at hand than courting girls. "How old are you, then? Seventeen? Eighteen?" Hawthorn asked me.

Something like that. I kept it vague. In all honesty, I don't know either. I neglected to mention being healed for 100 years and just let him presume whatever age suited his perception of me. I don't believe he's far off, so there's no reason to correct him.

"See," Hawthorn prodded his brother. "He's seven years younger than us. Maybe wait to badger him in another year or two." Heath made another playfully dismissive gesture and took a drink of tea. "Experiment with yourself, first," Hawthorn advised me. "In the privacy of your own room, of course. See what you enjoy. Then when you become intimate with someone, you can convey those things to them, and they to you."

Could you… Could you explain, please? Hawthorn shrugged and lowered his voice to briefly explain self-pleasure to me. But I'm not going to reiterate that here.

"And you're able to do these things with a partner as well, when you're ready." He raised his voice to a normal level again before he continued, "But there's no hurry. You're still young."

I see… I'll keep that in mind. In reality, it was not of any importance to me. I just wanted to be polite and remain sociable. I don't doubt I'll heed his advice once my mission is over and I'll feel like I'm at liberty to interact with women on a more personal level. But for now, I must remain intent on the task at hand. The brothers continued to chat, asking questions, getting to know me, et cetera.

"So, have you left your parents recently?" Heath inquired, taking a sip of tea.

I have no parents, I informed him.

He sputtered his tea. "No? None?!" He asked once he cleared his throat.

"So, you're an orphan?" Hawthorn concluded. I nodded. "My condolences. For how long?"

A long time… I trailed off. Years…

"Well then… who raised you?" Heath questioned.

I thought a moment about what to say. An old man on The Great Plateau.

"Wow… Well, that's quite isolating, isn't it?" Heath pondered. They toned down their questioning and went back to chatting with each other, including me on occasion. I finished my meal and listened quietly.

"Where did you say where you were off to?" Hawthorn asked me when we gathered our belongings to depart.

Kakariko Village, I informed him.

"That's nearly a full daylight's walk! Do you have a horse, Link?" I responded in the negative. "Really?" I shook my head. "It'll be five times faster if you had a horse! Shall we teach you how to catch one?" I accepted his invitation and we made our way downstairs to the front desk to check ourselves out. "Thank you for your hospitality, Rensa," Hawthorn complimented as he signed the ledger.

"Always a pleasure seeing you two gentlemen," Rensa responded. I looked from Rensa to Hawthorn and back to Rensa.

I thought he was Tasseren, I muttered to Hawthorn.

"Oh, no. Tass and Ren are identical twins. Very opposite personalities. Ren is outgoing and optimistic and Tass is more reserved and idealistic." Hence the preference for the night shift, I bet. "Many of the people who work and live here are twins. Except for Sagessa, of course."

Oh.

"Yes, my name is Rensa," he introduced himself, twirling his mustache. "First-class horse master and owner of Dueling Peaks stable."

I was informed you were the co-owner, I responded.

"Where the devil did you hear that?" He looked at me skeptically.

From your brother.

"Oh, him," Rensa scoffed. "Don't mind him. My little brother always tries to make himself sound more important than he actually is. I'm the one who manages the place. He just keeps an eye on it at night. And I leave the financials to him because dealing with numbers hurts my head too much." I see…

We exited the Inn to find Heath at the stable preparing their two horses for travel. "This is Clementine," he introduced me to his blonde horse, and "This is Lambert," his brother's dark brown horse. I pet both of them kindly. Their family are orchardists in the Atun Valley, which is where their naming scheme came from. The brothers showed me how to care for a horse; they brushed them, cleaned their hooves, watered them, gave them a few apples, applied saddle and bridle, and informed me how often to do each of those things. They also advised me about purchasing some protective riding gear. I don't need to elaborate on that right now.

Then they led me into the field behind the stable where dozens of guardians were left to decay. It seemed almost like a cemetery. Hawthorn pointed to a trio of horses a few meters away and challenged me to sneak up on one and ride it back to the stable without being kicked off. I accepted the test. I passed within twenty minutes. The brothers applauded me as I approached the stable with my new auburn steed.

"What'll we name it?" Rensa asked when I registered it. I had no idea.

"Why not go along with our theme?" Heath recommended. "Maybe Bartlett? Or Braeburn? Macintosh?" I chose Braeburn. Once I registered her, I bought my own horse equipment and applied it to my new companion. Heath and Hawthorn regretted to inform me that they weren't traveling north as well -they were heading home- but made sure I had everything I needed for my journey. They shared some of their medical supplies, flint, a spare pocket knife, and one of their jars of steamed mushrooms. I thanked them and they bade me farewell with hearty handshakes and pats on the back.

"Take care!" Hawthorn called to me as Braeburn and I galloped away. We crossed an old stone bridge and started up the mountain towards Kakariko. Over halfway to the top was a Korok. A very big Korok… But so far, I've known them to be friendly. I yield Braeburn to a halt and approach the tree-person.

"Shalaka?!" He exclaimed when I greeted him. "You! You can see me?!" I affirmed him. "Shala!" he sang. "It's been 100 years since anyone like you has been able to see me!" He continued to sing for a moment, very happy that I was capable of seeing Koroks. "I'm Hestu, and I need your help!" Ah, so this is the person that first Korok was speaking about. I offered to hear him out. "Those monsters over there stole my beloved maracas!" He gestured to a break in the rocks where a group of bokoblins were congregated. "I can't use my powers without them. Shoko…"

He promised me a reward if I helped him. I reassured him that I would. I climbed the rocks and surveyed the bokoblins. They were blue ones. They ended up being stronger, but I defeated them. After tending to my minor injuries, I retrieved the maracas and returned to Hestu. Why monsters would steal such trivial things is beyond me. Then again, those creatures aren't very bright.

"SHALA-KALA!" Hestu exclaimed when I showed him his instruments. "My maracas!" I handed them to him and he was so overjoyed that he started singing again. But when he shook them, they made no sound. "The Korok seeds inside are gone… How am I supposed to dance now? Shoko… If I had just one, I could sing and dance and use my powers to help you." I informed him that I had some to give him, and accepted his offer of help.

After his song and dance were completed, bubbles and sparks emitted from his maracas. He told me that I could now carry more weaponry. I had no idea what he meant by that, but I took his word for it. Then my Sheikah Slate started glowing. I held it up to examine it, and all of my spare equipment, materials, and foods dissipated and reformed inside the Slate's storage. My travel bag also felt lighter. Wha-? I tapped on one of the two swords and it switched places with my axe. Interesting…

Hestu informed me that I could do this process numerous times. So, I went along with it a second time. Once he had finished dancing, Hestu exclaimed, "Shoko! I need to get back before Grandpa yells at me…" He told me he has to go back to Korok Forest, but he'll still accept Korok seeds anywhere I find him. And off he left. I continued onward.

The sun was low in the sky by the time I arrived in Kakariko Village. Just past the entrance, there was an elderly woman on the ground under a tree. Her posture didn't look natural. Is she hurt? I stepped off of Braeburn and went over to her.

"Oh, traveler!" She addressed me in a weak, old voice. "I'm sorry, but I seem to have twisted my ankle…" I offered to help her up. She thanked me, and I helped her stand. "I'm sorry you had to see me like that," she continued. She looked at me skeptically. "Say, traveler… Where did you get that object hanging from your waist?" She gestured to the Sheikah Slate. I told her that I acquired it on The Great Plateau. "Yes. I see…" she pondered. "That Sheikah Slate is a symbol. It means you are the Hero of legend. Though… there are few who know such legends anymore. But we Sheikah have been waiting for you for a very long time. Please… before all else, I must insist that you meet with our leader, Lady Impa." I asked where she might be found. The old woman gave me directions to Impa's home – below Lantern Falls. "It was a real honor to meet you. My granddaughters work at the clothing shop in town. They would be thrilled if you visited their store tomorrow." I thanked her, introduced myself as Link, and asked for her name. "Oh, you may call me Nanna. Everyone around here knows me as Nanna – kin and not."

Will you be alright on your way home?

"Yes, quite alright, Link," she reassured me. "Thank you for your concern, but I do not live far. Do make haste to Lady Impa. I'll tend to your horse." Left Braeburn with Nanna and followed her directions to the front of Lady Impa's home.

"You there! Who are you?!" One of the guardsmen snapped at me as I approached the steps. "How dare you trespass on Lady Impa's abode!" I stopped, confused at his tone. "Hm? Is that… a Sheikah Slate? But that would mean you are…" I explained to the two guards who I was and why I had come.

"Please forgive my colleague for behaving so rudely," the other guard apologized. He introduced himself as Dorian and his companion as Cado. "Of course we have heard the legends from Lady Impa herself. Please, friend… Go ahead and step inside. She has been waiting for you." I thanked them and proceeded up the stairs. At the top was a young lady on her hands and knees washing the floorboards.

"A man?!" She yelped. She can't possibly be unfamiliar with men considering the two guards. Perhaps just foreigners? She too addressed my Sheikah Slate. "Could you be the hero my grandmother told me about? L-Li… Link?" I confirmed it. "A-As for me… My name… My name is Pa… Paaa… Paya. My name is Paya." She took a few deep breaths to calm herself. "Phew! I got it out… I know introducing myself should be an easy thing, seeing as how it's my own name… But I… I'm bad at speaking. I-I'm so sorry." I pardoned her. "Any… Anyway…" she continued softly. "M-My grandmother's been awaiting your return ever since… since I was little. Ple-Please! Hurry inside!" I threw open the doors and entered the Lady's home.

"So… you're finally awake." Lady Impa addressed me as I entered her home. It seems she could hear her granddaughter from outside. Or perhaps she recognized me. Unfortunately… I couldn't say the same for her. She was sitting on a cushion at the other end of the room. It is as though she had just awoken from a deep meditation. "It has been quite a long time, Link. I am much older now. But… you remember me, don't you?" I slowly shook my head. "Oh? What's the matter? You are looking at me as though I am a stranger to you. Your eyes… they lack the light of familiarity."

I'm sorry, I conveyed. But I don't remember.

"It is I, courageous one!" She spoke gently. "Impa! Surely you must at least remember the name Impa!" I shook my head. "I see… So, you have lost your memory. Well, it matters not. In fact, that may actually be a blessing in disguise for the time being. Dearest Link… please come a bit closer." I strode over to her. "A hundred years ago… the kingdom of Hyrule was destroyed. After you fell, Princess Zelda's final wish was to place you in a sacred slumber. And then… all alone…" she lamented. "Alone she went to face Ganon. Before Princess Zelda went to nobly meet her fate… she entrusted me with some words she wished to say to you. I have been waiting 100 years to deliver the princess's message." I nodded, awaiting the message in question.

"However!" she continued. "These words, which the princess risked her life to impart to you… I cannot pass them on to someone who lacks conviction. Well, if you are to hear them… you must be prepared to risk your life as well. But I am afraid that burden may be too much to bear while you are still without your memories." I hung my head. "I leave the choice to you." I looked up at her again. "When you feel you are ready to receive the princess's message, return to me." She advised me to rest for the night and return in the morning. I declined, requesting to be informed as soon as possible. "Link… Are you prepared to risk your life for the greater good?" I told her that I was. "Ha! Not a memory to your name, yet you are as intent as ever to charge forward with only courage and justice on your side. You have not changed one bit. Once a hero, always a hero. Very well."

She recounted all that had happened 100 years ago. She also told the story of The Great Calamity of 10,000 years ago. She explained the connection between the royal family and the occurrence of the ancient evil that is Calamity Ganon. She further explained the Divine Beasts and their champions. "A hundred years ago… in preparation for the foretold revival of Ganon, we strove to follow the lead of our ancestors of 10,000 years prior. But… in the end… Despite our best efforts and careful planning, we underestimated his power. In order to avoid ever making that grave mistake again, the princess left you these words: Free the four Divine Beasts. That is what she said."

I further inquired about the Divine Beasts. "Vah Ruta, controlled by Mipha of the Zora. Vah Rudania, controlled by Daruk of the Gorons. Vah Medoh, controlled by Revali of the Rito. And Vah Naboris, controlled by Urbosa of the Gerudo. It would be ill-advised to face Ganon without the power of the Divine Beasts to help you… You must infiltrate the Divine Beasts that were stolen away by Ganon 100 years ago and bring them back to our side. More information about these Divine Beasts can be found by locating the four races scattered across Hyrule." She asked me to show her my Sheikah Slate's map. She played four dots on my map. "The Sheikah Slate will guide you on your way. You must go to each of these four locations and meet with each of their leaders."

She examined my Slate further. "It seems to me that your Sheikah Slate is not yet complete. The device Princess Zelda left you is your guide and also your memory. Now, let's see… Someone at the research lab in Hateno Village might be able to help you." I asked where Hateno Village was. She marked another dot on my map. "It is a small village… One of the few places that avoided suffering significant damage during the Great Calamity." She returned my Slate to me. "You are Princess Zelda's only hope… and Hyrule's as well. You cannot turn back now." I promised her I would fulfill my duty. "You may not remember your last meeting with Ganon, but it did not end well for you. If you want a different outcome this time around, you'll need to be properly equipped. Princess Zelda is fighting Calamity Ganon all alone. You are the only one who can save her – the only one who can save Hyrule. You must!"

I understand. I promise I won't fail.

"Very good, very good! I thank you, Link. I have one more thing to ask." I heard her out. "By chance did you receive the gift that the princess left for you outside of the shrine of resurrection? The symbol of the goddess Hylia?" Oh, so that's why I recognized it! I pulled out the pendant to show her. "Ah, good. Most excellent. Faith, patience, diligence, courage, honor. Keep these in mind on your journey. I pray that she will protect you. But in the meanwhile, I advise you to go rest. I expect that you've had a tiring first few days." I thanked her graciously and took my leave.

Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, I asked Dorian where the inn was. He pointed the way. He also informed me that across from the inn was his friend's wife's shop. And if I ever needed anything, 'by all means speak to her. She will be more than happy to serve you.' I thanked him and left for the inn.

It seems that word had started to get out around the village about who I was because one of the attendants at the inn addressed me as Master Link. That will take some time to get used to. The proprietor, however, looked half asleep at his desk. I passed by the few tables in this dining area to the man in the back. I cleared my throat and he sprung awake.

"Ack! Are you… a guest?" He yawned. "I suppose so…" He muttered something about how I scared him half to death.

Seeing the state he was in, his attendant took over for him. I handed the young man my rupees and he led me upstairs to one of the tiny private rooms. It had a single bed, a small trunk, and a small table with a stool in front. Everything was very compact. But at least it was private. He brought me a towel and showed me to the bath and the washroom at the bottom of the stairs. I thanked him and he left so I could get ready for bed.

This was the kind of bath I expected from the stable; you heat the water in a pot over a woodstove, then you pour it in the basin. If you want a sponge bath, maybe only two to four pots. If you want a soak, maybe eight or ten. I went with the full ten because I had nowhere to go, and I wasn't even tired, so I had no problem with waiting for it all to boil. I was hoping the hot water would make me more tired so I could sleep, but by the time I got in, it was lukewarm at best, so I suspected that wasn't happening. But it was still a soak and a wash.

As I lay on the hay-soft bed and down-feather pillow, I reflected on many things. The stories of the Calamity, my duty to the kingdom, Princess Zelda herself, being called 'Master Link.' And even more intrusive thoughts such as these; How do I know who to trust? How much time do I have before Ganon breaks free again? What will happen if I fail?

I'd gotten up from my bed at least four times to pace around the tiny room. It was difficult to sleep. As I'd been trying to sleep, many other haphazard thoughts have entered my head; How old am I really? Will I age naturally, or will age catch up with my body over time? Will I be what appears to be eighteen forever? And even further; women. Women? Why do they treat me the way they do? I've received numerous remarks and looks since entering into society again. Are they aiming to please me, or be pleased by me, or both? And what would that be like? All of these thoughts are inconsequential. But a lot has happened. So, likewise, a lot has hit me all at once. Important information, and things to save for later. Possibly way later. Nonetheless, they remain on my mind.

I also thought about what Hawthorn said about romantic relationships and personal enjoyment. He might be right about me not being ready yet, considering my mission. But because it was put into my head, I don't think it's going away… Since I had nothing better to do but toss and turn all night, I decided to take his advice about alone time. It was… an interesting new experience. It might be useful later on for relieving pent-up stress. But that remains to be determined. I won't talk about it anymore… Moving on…

I believe it would be best for me to stay in Kakariko another day or two and get my bearings before proceeding to Hateno. Stock up for a longer journey, obtain more information, process what I already have. I suppose I will decide in the morning. Oh wait… I said to myself. It is morning… The cuccos… I raised the shade on the window and could see the dim light getting lighter. It must be after four-o-clock. No matter. I decided I would sleep later. It was time for breakfast.