Dawn breaks over Ordon Village, casting a golden hue over the lush greenery and crystal-clear rivers. The close-knit community thrives on cooperation, producing outstanding pumpkins, squash, and goat products. It is also home to a young ranch hand, Link.

Link's POV

I start my day as usual, the sun just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow through the window beside my bed. The old treehouse I live in is just on the outskirts of the village, and while it is a little worn down, I appreciate the privacy it gives me. The early morning air is cool and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of dew-covered grass. I'm always slow to rise in the morning, but I know Fado is waiting for me, and I would hate to disappoint him. Lazily, I get out of bed and put on my traditional Ordon clothing: beige drawstring pants, a beige sleeveless shirt with a red geometric pattern on the front, brown sandals, and a blue and orange belt that ties everything together.

Through my window, I can hear the distant murmur of the village waking up. After I'm dressed, I have enough time to grab breakfast, an apple, off the kitchen table before making my way to the pasture, where the goats are surely already awake and eager for their morning feed.

"Morning, Epona," I greet my horse, patting her gently as she nuzzles my hand. She neighs softly in response, her chestnut coat glistening in the early light.

We get right to work, pulling the feed wagon alongside the pasture. As I work, I can't help but appreciate the simple beauty of Ordon. The birds sing a cheerful tune, and the gentle rustling of the trees creates a peaceful symphony. It is moments like these that make me grateful to live in such a wonderful place.

"Link! Over here!" Fado waves me over, grinning. "Those goats won't herd themselves!"

I laugh, grabbing my staff and heading over to help. "Alright, Fado, let's get to it."

Together, we guide the goats into their pen, working in a rhythm that has become second nature to us. The work is hard but satisfying, and there is a certain camaraderie that makes the time go by quickly.

We are finishing with the goats when I see the village elder, Rusl, approaching us from the western gate. Once a knight for the royal family, he retired after a devastating injury ended his career and chose to settle in Ordon with his wife Uli and his son Colin. He is a wise and respected figure in Ordon, always ready with advice or a helping hand. On top of that, he is the man who taught me swordplay, how to ride Epona, and how to shoot a bow. To me, he's as close as I'll get to a father.

"Link, Fado," Rusl greets us with a nod. His weathered face breaks into a smile, lines of experience etched deeply around his eyes. "There's a special task for you today, Link. The mayor wants to see you."

I wipe the sweat from my brow, curious about what the mayor could want. "I'll head over there right away. Thanks, Rusl."

Leaving Fado to finish the last of the chores, I make my way to the mayor's house. Bo, the mayor, is a jovial man with a kind heart and a strong sense of duty. He is waiting for me on his porch, a serious expression on his face.

"Link, I'm glad you're here," Bo says, motioning for me to sit. His tone carries a weight that makes me uneasy. "There's something important I need to discuss with you."

I took a seat, my curiosity piqued. "What's going on, Mayor Bo?"

Bo leans forward, his voice lowering. "We've received an invitation from Hyrule Castle. They're holding their annual festival, and we've been asked to send a representative. We've chosen you, Link."

"Me?" I am taken aback.

"Yes. We want you to deliver a special gift to Princess Zelda—a prized sword that symbolizes our respect and loyalty to the royal family. Japas poured his heart and soul into crafting it."

I feel a mix of pride and apprehension. It would be an honor to meet Princess Zelda, but also a heavy responsibility considering I'm representing all of Ordon. "I'm honored, Mayor Bo, but it has been years since I've been to Castle Town, and this sword sounds pretty important. Are you sure you want me to deliver it?"

Bo smiles, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You're honest, kind, and a skilled fighter. You represent the best of Ordon Village. Don't worry, the festival is not for a few days. Take the time you need to prepare."

Not wanting to go against the mayor's wishes, I spent the next few days preparing for my journey. Uli lends me one of Rusl's old formal tunics for the occasion, it's a faded green color with light brown pants and a belt. I stock up on arrows for my bow, pack provisions, and say my farewells to the villagers.

Finally, the day arrives. Everyone gathers to see me off, their smiles and encouragement giving me strength.

"Take care, Link," Mayor Bo's daughter Ilia says softly, her eyes filled with concern. "Come back safely."

"I will, Ilia," I promise, giving her a reassuring smile. Her concern warms my heart.

With Epona by my side and the weight of Ordon's trust on my shoulders, I set off toward Castle Town, unaware of the adventure and dangers awaiting me.

—

The road to Castle Town is long and winding, stretching through dense forests, rolling hills, and finally across a vast plain, Hyrule Field. Each step forward on the dirt path takes me farther from the familiar. As I round the curve just past my home, I spare Ordon Village a final glance. As it disappears from view, I feel my stomach drop; I can't shake the feeling that I won't be seeing it for a long time. The thought vanishes with a shake of my head and a nudge to Epona.

The first leg of our journey takes us through Faron Woods. The branches of ancient trees form a thick canopy overhead. A cool breeze passes through, fragrant with the scent of pine and earth. As we walk, I can hear birds singing high in the treetops, their melodies a soothing accompaniment to the rhythmic clop of Epona's hooves.

We encounter few travelers in the woods, but those we do meet are friendly. An old merchant, his cart laden with pottery, pauses to offer me a hearty meal and some advice.

"Castle Town, eh?" he says, stroking his gray beard thoughtfully. "It's a grand place, lad, but be wary. Not all who walk its streets have noble intentions. Keep your wits about you."

"Thank you," I replied, accepting a loaf of bread and some cheese. "I'll remember your words."

I continue on, the forest eventually giving way to the open plains of Hyrule Field. Here, the land stretches out in all directions, a sea of green dotted with wildflowers, the blue sky above broken only by a few wisps of cloud drifting lazily across it.

As I ride, I marvel at the beauty of the landscape. The wind sweeps across the grass, creating waves that seem to dance in the sunlight. Small enclaves of trees dot the landscape, and I can see the tip of Hyrule Castle in the far distance.

By late afternoon, I reached a small roadside inn. While I would have preferred to spend the night under the stars, the rain clouds on the horizon convince me otherwise. Plus, they have a stable available with feed and water for Epona. At the front desk stands the innkeeper, a plump woman with a kind smile; she welcomed us warmly.

"Traveling to the festival, are you?" she asks as she hands me a room key. "You must be excited. It's the biggest event of the year."

"I am," I admit. "It's an honor to represent my village, and I'm looking forward to watching the champions' tournament. I just hope I don't embarrass myself in front of Princess Zelda." I laugh.

The innkeeper laughs, patting my shoulder. "Just be yourself. You'll do fine." Her eyes flick to the sword on my back. "Surprised you're not in the tournament. You look like a hero to me."

I blush and thank her for her kind words. "No, just visiting. And this sword is not really mine; it's actually a gift for the Princess."

As I settle into bed that night, I ponder her words. Hero? I'm not a hero. I'm just a ranch hand. Hyrulean knights, like Rusl, are the real heroes. I drift off to sleep, dreaming of myself in the royal guard uniform, a sword in my left hand, a shield in the other.

The next day, Epona and I set out early, determined to make it to Castle Town by mid-morning. As I near my destination, the road grows busier with merchants, travelers, and adventurers. I also pass several swordsmen, who I suspect are attending the champions' tournament—a sword fighting tournament that brings in warriors from all over Hyrule. They fight one-on-one, working their way through the bracket until there is one person left standing. The winner of the tournament gets to attend the evening feast at Hyrule Castle as an honored guest, along with receiving a large sum of rupees. I fondly remember the story Rusl told at dinner on my eleventh birthday of participating and actually winning the tournament in his early days of knighthood. In fact, he even tried to get me to enroll this year since I'm now nineteen, but I had just laughed him off.

As I reach the town gates, the silhouette of Hyrule Castle looms above me. My heart swells with excitement and a touch of nervousness. The walls surrounding Castle Town are high and imposing, crafted from gray stone that gleams in the sunlight. Guards stand watch, their armor glinting and their eyes sharp.

"State your business," one of them calls out as I near.

"I'm Link, from Ordon Village," I reply. "I've been sent to deliver a gift from our village—a sword—to Princess Zelda."

The guard eyes me for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You may enter. Welcome to Castle Town."

As I pass through the gates, I feel a mix of awe and apprehension. The courtyard is bustling with activity, merchant stalls, performers, and people from all walks of life. The air is alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and conversation. If I'm honest with myself, I am starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Our annual harvest festival in Ordon, which I always thought to be a large gathering, has only a quarter of the people in this square.

For a moment, I simply stand and take it all in.

After a deep breath to center myself, I begin to lead Epona toward the stables, ready to fully immerse myself in all that Castle Town has to offer.