Chapter Four

My first order of business on my second day in Kakariko was… well, breakfast – I had to prepare food for myself since no one was awake, but that was no issue. Afterward, I decided to complete the shrine that overlooked the village. One more Spirit Orb and a Goddess statue can grant me more strength. This shrine was a training rather than a puzzle. It showed me different methods of combat maneuvers and dodging techniques. I learned a lot. One thing I learned is when I focus during my fighting -like when I dodge before doing in for a strike for instance- it's as if time slows down around me but I move at normal pace. I… don't think that's normal. And I don't exactly know who to speak to about that to understand it further. Impa was a warrior once, wasn't she? Perhaps she could explain it?

When I left the shrine, I glided down to the village square and prayed to their little statue. It was about waist-high on a small mound of earth at the center of a pond, connected to the main road by a small wooden boardwalk. Purple flowers surrounded it and a red cloth was draped around its neck. I knelt. I prayed. And I was blessed with strength by Hylia.

Once everyone else started to rise for the day, I saw Paya across the road kneeling in front of some tiny statues holding offering bowls. I found a Korok there this morning. I could still see it peeking out from behind the middle statue, but Paya took no notice. Perhaps she was too used to them to pay any mind? Or maybe… she can't see them? I approached and addressed her. Good morning, Paya.

She staggered around in surprise. "Oh! It's you, Master Link. Please don't sneak up on me like that. Is something the matter? Do you need something from me?"

I was just wondering what you're doing.

"Oh… I-I was just polishing the guardian deities. These deities are like signposts that guide us through our lives. Master Link, I want you to know that the path you are walking down is one we should all follow. I… I'm afraid doing stuff like this is the only think I can do to help you…"

You don't need to worry yourself. A responsibility such as mine should be on no one's shoulders but my own. I wouldn't dream of giving someone reason to believe that their active input towards a cause such as mine is a requirement of their daily existence. I do appreciate your willingness to help. But I'm afraid there's very little I can ask of you.

"Oh, I… I see…"

But, if you don't mind, I spoke again, I would appreciate if you could accompany me and show me around the village. She looked at me with great surprise, but shyly accepted. I offered her my arm with a kind smile. She cautiously took it and smiled back. She led me to Trissa's general shop. We were the first customers. I held the door for Paya, who blushed, and we started walking about the store together.

At the back of the store, I heard an elderly man speaking; "Hey, Trissa… Don't you hate talking to weird customers? And it's so early in the morning! Aren't you tired? Have you even eaten yet?"

"Hee hee! Don't be such a worrywart, you old coot," Trissa chuckled to the man whom I presumed is her husband. Paya approached her and bade her good morning.

"Oh… Welcome, Miss Paya." She sighed. "I tell ya, my mister only has eyes for me. He loses focus with everything else around him… Don't mind him. Please browse as much as you like. Or do you need something else, dear?" Paya introduced her to me and she received me with the utmost civility. As did her husband, who bowed to me before taking his leave to tend to his garden.

I asked her if she had any recommendations for shop items. "Oh, everything I sell, really. But if you want specifics, there's always swift carrots. My mister grows 'em. They put Kakariko Village on the map!" She smiled for a moment, then it faded. "Actually… to be honest, there's one other crop Kakariko is known for: fortified pumpkins. I'd sell them here, but you see… my mister and the pumpkin farmer… they don't exactly get along. So if you want any pumpkins, you'll have to get the straight from Olkin's patch. Is there anything else you need, my dears?"

She and Paya chatted for a few minutes while I continued to browse. I chose several ingredients such as butter, eggs, carrots, salt, and stamella mushrooms and put them in a basket. I was very eager to see what I could cook up with them. Since I was planning on making several meals -apparently the Slate can hold those too- I decided it was best to buy a set of dishes and utensils. Just wooden. Nothing fancy. Thankfully, those can be stored too. I'm starting to really love this convenient technology. Thank you ancient Sheikah for being amazing innovators! I just wish more people were able to have Slates of their own. Just imagine how many resources an entire household would be able to save by not needing a storeroom! Or a traveling merchant's wagon! Or a hunter's weapon supply!

Hopefully when things go back to normal… if I'm still around… perhaps I could assist the princess in rebuilding the kingdom and bringing innovation like this to peoples' everyday lives. But that's just wishful thinking. I don't exactly know what I would be capable of. Or even what I'd have the authority to advise. In the meantime, I'll just keep learning and working on getting my memory back as I continue my journey. I still have a long way to go from here. I wonder how much my personality changed since my 100 year-long sleep… But that's a thought for another day.

At another section of the shop was a series of elixirs, supplements, and other medical supplies. There, I found Paya gazing up at a nearly empty top shelf. "Where is it…" she muttered to herself.

What are you looking for?

"Oh," she startled out of her train of thought as I addressed her. "It's a, uh, a safflina cream that my grandmother uses," she informed me. "It's made with both cool and warm safflina -also called lavender and saffron, respectively- and when it seeps into your skin, it changes between warm and cold every couple of minutes. It's very good for sore muscles and joints."

Could you explain how it works? I asked.

"Um…" she began, turning to me and holding out her hands, palms up and explaining, "Think of holding two stones -one is hot and one is cold- you put one on your sore leg or neck or arm and then a minute or two later you trade it out for the other one, and then back and forth until the temperatures subside." She turned back to the shelf. "The heat and the cold are both good for soreness. But it's not convenient to prepare hot and cold stones or towels for such a purpose. Ah! Here it is." She made an effort to reach up and grab a little jar of cream, but to no avail. "So now… we have… this…" she panted as she stretched. I reached up and grabbed a couple - one for her and one for myself. In truth, I had to stand on my toes to be able to reach. I'm not the tallest man in the world, after all… but I'm still marginally taller than her with a longer arm range. I tried to make it look like it wasn't much effort at all because I didn't want to look foolish for trying… She thanked me.

Additionally, I grabbed a few elixirs and medicines to my basket – mostly stamina, heat, and cooling elixirs, several concoctions made with medicinal mushrooms, an ointment for burns, a topical for venom and poison, one for general cuts and scrapes, and, of course, more bandages. I also grabbed various hygiene items such as a comb, toothbrush, mint paste, nail file, cleaning rags, three cleaning brushes -one for boots, one for my horse, and one for other general use with clothes or dishes- and a bar of 'Mellie's Plum Blossom Soap' wrapped neatly in a little cloth; to replace my teak one when it runs out, however long that may be. I think I'll make a new section in my Slate called Self-Care for things like that, just to keep my belongings organized.

I traded with Trissa for the supplies in my basket, and Paya's purchase as well. Seeing as I collected more gemstones than I originally thought in the various shrine chests I opened, I exchanged the rest of them for a hefty sum of rupees and loaded my items into my travel bag. Out of Paya's vision, I stored the applicable things from my bag into my Sheikah Slate. I didn't want to startle her, since I didn't know if she was aware of the Slate's capabilities.

Paya and I chatted for a little while longer as she walked with me throughout the village, introducing me to people, showing me noteworthy places that I'd be returning to, and opening up to me a bit more. "We Sheikah have long served the royal family of Hyrule in secret," she began. "During the Great Calamity 100 years ago… the royal family was destroyed, and the members of our tribe scattered. Sadly, there were some who swore their allegiance to Ganon at that time. They joined together as the Yiga Clan, seeking out all who oppose Ganon; cutting them down, one after another." She shuttered. "Master Link, now that you are awake, you are surely the most formidable opponent standing against them! No doubt they will come for you, employing whatever underhanded methods they can devise… Oh, but of course, if there's anything I can do to help you, all you need to do is ask!" I appreciated her commitment to the cause.

After a while, she started telling me a little more about herself. "So… my late mother named me Paya, because… well… Because I have a birth mark in the shape of a papaya seed."

Oh? Where is it? Could I see?

"U-um…" she shuttered. "It's not exactly… in an appropriate place to be looking." I quickly realized numerous things she could be alluding to and begged her pardon. She forgave me, as it was not being malicious. "I-I suppose I could answer you someday… Just… not today…" I told her I understood and left it at that. We continued onward a few minutes without speaking. "So… you've lost your memories, then?" I nodded. "You remember nothing before waking up?" I shook my head. "But you still retain the courage of a soldier. And I would assume the skill of one, since you made it this far from The Shrine of Resurrection. The world is full of monsters, as you know."

I know, I told her. But there's only one I'm concerned about.

"Ganon…"

Ganon.

"Do you think you'll be able to defeat him." Paya squeezed my arm, she looked scared.

I will not even try to deny, I began slowly, that I've been worrying about the possibility of failure. However, I believe that if I prepare myself well and train as much as I can, then I will be fully capable of defeating Ganon. Paya squeezed my arm again. But this time, it appeared to be out of friendliness rather than out of fear. My next objective will be traveling to the Hateno Tech Lab, as Lady Impa suggested. Then after I complete what is needed there, I will head north.

"North where?" She asked hurriedly. I picked up my Sheikah Slate and opened its nearly blank map. Only outlines of regions are visible aside from regions of the two towers I've already activated. I pointed to one of the five existing dots on the map, in the region above where we stood. "Ah. To Zora's Domain. So… you intend to free the Divine Beasts, then?" I nodded. She gently laid her head on my shoulder and whispered, "Do be careful."

I will. I touched my pendant. I promise. 'Faith, patience, diligence, courage, and honor,' she said. If I keep those fundamentals in mind, I'm already on the path to success.

When Paya and I had finished making our way around the village, I escorted her home. "Could you wait here a moment, Master Link?" she requested. "I have something to give you." She hurried up the stairs and into the house. A few minutes later, she returned with a brown paper parcel. She stepped forward cautiously. "Since… you do not possess your memories… I thought this would help you." She handed me the parcel and I opened it. Inside was a large, dense, leather-bound journal -this journal- and a box containing a capped quill pen and a jar of blue ink. "Perhaps…" she began, "Perhaps writing out your thoughts will be a helpful way to process your experiences. I've always found value in keeping a diary. So, I thought… I thought maybe you will to?"

I appreciate the thought, Paya, I smiled at her. Thank you very much. I held out my hand to shake hers.

She took my hand delicately and gave me a shy smile. "You're most welcome."

I'll certainly make use of this.

"Perhaps you could start today?"

I will later. I have to do first. But I will this evening.

"Oh… well… I should let you continue your errands, then. I have more chores to do anyway." We bade each other good day and I continued on to the archery shop.

Upon entering, I saw a very bored-looking lady behind the counter who sprung up as she heard the door. "Hello!" She greeted me. "I can't remember the last time we had a customer in here!" Really? "Young folk in this village don't have much use for a bow…" Well, I suppose if there hasn't been any conflict for quite some time, why would someone need arrows unless they were hunting. And even then, it has seasons. "It's a thrill to see a young man like you come into the shop." She propped her chin on her hand a moment as she leaned against the counter. But she quicky corrected herself. "Well, don't mind me. Take your time to look around." I examined her stock and saw that it was all very good quality material. I offered to buy out her entire display of arrows "My, my!" She exclaimed. "Eager, aren't we?" I only smiled in response. . It didn't seem like anyone else was going to be using them, so why not?

I also thought it would be useful to buy another knife. As great as the hand-carved pocket knife is that Hawthorn gave me, it's very small and for very specific uses. I feel like I'd need something more multipurpose as well. She sold various sizes and shapes of switch-blade knives that piqued my interest. I handled a few of them to see how I liked them, their weight, their grip, their size, their material, et cetera. One in particular caught my interest: the handle was carved deer horn (from a seasonal shedding, as Rola -the owner- explained it) with intricately designed Sheikah symbols; the blade was serrated and mildly curved. I loved the way it felt in my hand. It seemed so natural. Quick to open and close, light, but not too light, very sturdy. Perfect. There was a target off to the side behind the counter, the opposite side of where Rola stood. I asked if I could utilize it.

"Go ahead!" she invited, eagerly. I opened the knife and threw it. Not a bullseye, but it hit the target. It was a little low though. In other words, if I was facing, say, a deer head-on, and I was aiming for between its eyes, I would have hit it in the throat instead with that throw. I have a lot of practicing to do, that's for certain. But I was fully intending to do so.

I was ready to make my purchases. I traded some amber with her to make up the difference for my lack of rupees. I looked at her a moment. She wasn't Sheikah. Her skin and hair were both darker. Everyone else in the village was pale with white hair, regardless of age. But she was still dressed like a Sheikah. Wasn't that reserved solely for tribe members? Perhaps she married a Sheikah? But that thought soon faded with what she said next.

"My name's Rola, by the way," she introduced herself as we finished trading. "I knew it the moment I saw ya… I figured you were one heck of an archer," she flattered me. "And I'm head over heels for a fine slice of man who could use a bow!" I ran my hand through my hair, and chuckled shyly. She leaned against the counter and continued. "So how about it? Why not take out that bow and show me something special?"

Perhaps another time, I responded cordially.

"Oh… That's a shame." She seemed very defeated. "If you had entertained me, I was going to reward you with something more than worth your time." She batted her eyes at me with a mild pout on her face. Not very becoming for a woman of her presumed age. Did she intend to offer me a kiss?

As pleasant as that seemed, I had just met her. I didn't think it was right. It didn't seem quite right to be courting an older woman, either, since she appeared to be at least ten if not fifteen years my senior. And just in case she was married, I respectfully declined because I didn't want to be a home-wrecker. But I informed her that I would be back for more of her stock the next time I'm in town and that I would be sure to practice before accepting her challenge. Her eyes lit up again.

"That's good to hear! I'll be sure to make some more for you for when you return." I thanked her. As I turned to leave, I heard her murmur to herself, "An archer with a strong build… I could look at you all day… Where can I find the perfect man to show me a feat of skill…" I merely intended to be polite, but I may have backed myself into a corner.

Dorian had informed me -being the son and grandson and great-grandson (and so on) of Sheikah warriors- that a knight's code of conduct included: mercy, humility, honor, sacrifice, faithfulness, courage, utmost graciousness, and courtesy toward women. It appeared that those morals were distilled into my subconscious, because I could not tell you why else I choose to carry myself the way that I do. I just hope my over-politeness, especially towards females, never gets me into a place that I can't get out of.

Entering back into the main thoroughfare, I looked around the village in the hope that I could find the pumpkin farmer. Once I had, he looked up from his tending and introduced himself as Olkin. "Ha! It's rare to see a young lad like you in a village like this! … You aren't… part of the Yiga clan, are you? … Ha! I'm just pullin' your leg! You looked so serious that I couldn't help but goad ya a bit. We call those who swear allegiance to Calamity Ganon the Yiga Can. They… Well, let's just say they don't take kindly to those who stand against Ganon. It seems they're active again, ever since that big earthquake the other day. But don't worry. I don't think you're part of that awful Yiga Clan. I can figure that much out by just lookin' at ya. Please don't hold it against me." I forgave him and introduced myself as Link.

"Link?!" He exclaimed. "As in… the princess's loyal swordsman?" I affirmed him. "That means… Have you spoken to Lady Impa, Master Link?" I told him I had. He stood and bowed his head respectfully. "Thank goodness you have come. A lot relies on you. Please, take this." He knelt down again and picked me one of his pumpkins. "Fortified pumpkins are Kakariko's specialty crop. I put my heart and soul into raising every one of them. When cooked into a dish, they help you be more steadfast towards attacks. They're a great food to consume before a battle. And they're also quite delicious!" I thanked him and offered to pay. "No, no, please. This is a gift." I settled for a handshake. "If you ever want more, I can sell you some. Just stop by the field and say hello." I thanked him again and took my leave, depositing the crop in my Slate when he turned back to his field.

Trissa told me that I could use the cooking in front of her shop if I ever needed it, so I decided to utilize it for my midday meal. When I got there, however, there was a young girl standing at it, mumbling to herself about recipes. I greeted her.

"Oh! Hello." I seem to have startled her. "I'm Koko." I asked her what she was up to. "I'm planning dinner!" She informed me, very eager to start cooking. "Today's dinner is veggie cream soup! It's super nourishing and fortifying! That's what everyone says, anyhow. So it must be true!" She rummaged through her basket of ingredients. "All you do is toss in milk, salt, carrots, and…" she paused. "OH, NO!" She exclaimed. "I'm all out of swift carrots! But I promised Cottla some soup…" Her voice turned into a sad mumble, "I'm supposed to be like a mother to Cottla… I feel like a bad big sister for forgetting my ingredients."

I felt bad for her. Seeing as we were both aiming for similar goals, I told her that I could offer her some carrots in exchange for one serving of her pot of soup. She agreed excitedly and I pulled out my Sheikah Slate. I handed her three carrots -one for each serving- and she got to work cooking.

"Thank you so much! So very much! Now I can make lunch for Cottla!" She explained the recipe to me again, and I made a mental note of it for later use. "Oooh, it came out perfect!" Koko beamed after tasting the soup. "Now I want to try cooking even more things so I can be a great chef, just like my mother. So next I want to make honeyed apples. I have tons of apples! And a whole bag of brown sugar! But…" Her smile faded. "I don't have any honey. You wouldn't happen to have any courser bee honey, would you traveler?"

As a matter of fact, I do! I reached into my Slate and pulled out my last jar of honey. I'll get more later.

"Wait… You do?! Are you sure about this? Really?" I smiled and nodded. "Thank you so much! I mean it! Wait right here a minute, I'll get right to work!" I sat quietly and watched her prepare her food. It was fascinating seeing how competent she was. She couldn't be more than seven years old, and she's cooking like an adult. "This… This is…" she sniffed the steam wafting from her creation. "I remember… When I had a fever, my mother would always cook this for me. And for my sister. When she made her special dessert, she always put some of this honey in it." She started to tear up. "Mother…" she mourned quietly. I knelt and rubbed her shoulder.

No need to cry, Koko, I calmed her. If your mother could see you now, I'm certain she'd be proud of you.

"I…" she sniffled and wiped her tears. "I will do my best and try to be as good as her one day. I will get better and better! I promise!"

I believe in you. She started to smile again, gradually.

"Thank you, traveler. Now that I know I'm able to recreate my mother's dishes, I feel a little better now. It's all thanks to you. Please stay so I can share some with you." I humbly accepted. She requested that I watch the pot while she grabs her little sister and some bowls for the soup and the apples. Once we were all served, I thanked her and enjoyed my meal. I felt energized afterward. It made me happy to see her smile again. I'm grateful I was able to help her.

After lunch, I decided to tend to my horse. Braeburn had been placed under a small awning in Nanna's garden; the smallest makeshift stable I've ever seen. Her saddle and bridal had been removed and hung up and only a couple of ropes kept her in. Not even a gate. I approached her and gave her nose a pet. She leaned into me, tenderly. I filled a well water bucket with some apples and carrots for her and I brushed her coat while she ate.

"What a lovely mare you have, Link," Nanna complemented as she approached me. "So gentle and well-behaved. Have you had her long?" I informed her that I tamed Braeburn not two days ago. "Really? She was a wild horse?" I affirmed her. "Well now, that's odd."

Why do you say that?

"Horses typically take a long time to become comfortable with their masters. Unless they were raised around people and socialized their entire lives. It seems yours might have been a runaway. Or perhaps…" she trailed off.

Perhaps what?

"There is a story about an old incarnation of The Hero," she began. "One with a mare much like yours. The same auburn coat, the same pale mane, the same gentle temperament. A swift and steadfast steed that would never tire. That horse was named Epona. It is said that any incarnation of Epona will only answer to that time period's incarnation of The Hero, and no other. If this is true, then I do believe that you have hit a stroke of luck in finding your Epona. But as I said, it's an old story. It may not even be real. But these occurrences are interesting things to ponder, considering the particulars of such tales." I thought about her story as I continued to brush my companion.

My next stop was the clothing store. I opened the door and two young ladies looked at me eagerly. "Welcome to Enchanted," the older one announced. "My name is Claree and this is my high-end boutique!" I waved, nonchalantly. "By the by, the stealth armor is highly recommended. While you wear it, your movements will be nearly soundless, so it's perfect for hunting!" I thanked her for the information and began to browse.

"…Oh, my. Look at that face, sis!" The younger woman whispered to the elder. "He is totally my type." I felt her gaze on me as I walked. "And he even has a Sheikah Slate on his hip! Isn't that, like… an incredible thing that only incredible people can have?"

"He must be the Hero that everyone in town has been talking about," Claree responded. "It'd be best not to distract him, Lasli."

"But Clar," Lasli protested in a whisper. "I may never have this chance again!"

"If he really is the Hero, then he has connections to Lady Impa," Claree stated. "And if that is the truth, then he will be here again to speak to her in the future. Don't be so hasty, sister." Lasli grumbled at her sister. "If you're looking for anything custom," Claree addressed me, "or are unsure about your size of clothes, I'd be more than happy to take a few measurements for you." Claree appeared to be the more sound-minded of the two sisters, so I decided to trust her. One of the merchants staying at the inn admitted that he thought she was cute, but out of his reach. 'Like a flower on a high peak' or something of the like. I don't blame him; she is rather pretty. I hope he musters up the courage to speak to her.

She led me behind the counter and pulled back a small curtain. I entered the cubicle. "Please remove as much as you are comfortable with, and I can maneuver around the rest." I thanked her and removed my tunic without closing the curtain. As I said, I have no reason to be shy. But I kept my trousers on for the sake of propriety. I heard a sharp inhale behind me from Lasli. I don't think she expected that. Claree cleared her throat at her sister, indicating for her to calm down and stay out of it. She grabbed a notebook and measuring tape and closed the curtain on us and started to measure me. She wrote down measurements for chest size, torso length, waste size, trouser length, shoe size, et cetera. But I declined new shoes for the time being.

When she had determined what size of clothes would fit me, she advised me when making my choices based on necessity as well as my tastes. I picked out a red tunic, a black tunic, two extra pairs of trousers, a hooded cloak, six undershirts (two black, two white, two tan; one long-sleeved and one short-sleeved of each), three pairs of thin wool stockings plus one pair of thicker ones, four pairs of underwear (Blue, brown, grey, and black), A pair of fingerless gloves that work well for riding and archery, then a pair of full gloves for cold weather or heavy work, and that riding gear that I was recommended by the twins.

So, to elaborate on what it is… It's an undergarment that men wear to keep their manhood contained when doing physical activities such as riding a horse. I didn't know how many I'd need, so I just bought four, the same as the underwear since it goes underneath them. (I tried one on, and it's a little uncomfortable… but I'll get used to it. I'd rather be safe.) Claree reminded me about the stealth armor, but unfortunately, I was almost out of money. "Save it for another time then?"

Perhaps. I'll think about it.

I returned to the inn for an early dinner, then turned in before six to start on this journal. I've been writing for hours. It's nearly midnight now. And I have a long ride ahead of me tomorrow.

Goodnight.