"Alright Mido, that's enough training for today. We cross the mountains in the morning." His squire was drinking some water as he breathed heavily. Link looked over at the princess subtlely he hoped as she unstrung her training bow. Clever of her to bring that along. The Bow of Light was not meant for practice. He wouldn't dare suggest she train. So doing it on her own was a credit to her resolve.
Ruby was over by the fire cooking a mushroom stew for the group. She had to be much more careful training since her power was too visible at night. For a handmaiden she was rather proud of her cooking skill. She had come a long way over the past two months from the charcoal she use to make. Thanks to Link's patience. She would bet he could do well as a royal chef if he wasn't a knight. She took the ladle for the water bucket back from the newest member of their party. As he pulled out his ocarina. Truly he was as gifted as the grandest of bards in the kingdom. He delicately put his wooden sword down. "Hey Mido, where did you get that sword anyway? We can all tell it's got potent magic within."
The boy blushed at the embarrassing memory. Even his master and the princess were paying close attention now. "Honestly, it was possibly the weirdest day of my life Ruby. I was running from a bunch of Octoroks. Looking for a place to hide. I ran into this strange cave. It was pitch dark until two torches flared to life. Then I saw this old man in a red robe. All he said was, It's dangerous to go alone. Suddenly, he disappeared and this sword was in my hands." He looked at his three companions wondering if they believed him.
Zelda was first to speak up. "Hmm interesting, if I didn't know all the Sages were women. I would think you might have met one."
"Given what I've been thru to stop Gannon. I certainly can't begrudge you an adventure. Do you have any idea why it's magical?" Link patiently awaited a response.
"Yes Sir, I went to see one of the blacksmiths that worked on the Master Sword for you. It seems this weapon is carved from a branch of the remains of a sentient tree called Deku. That perished just before the Imprisoning War. It seems the poor fellow was among the King of Evil's first victims." Mido felt a deep pain in his heart just thinking about it even now. He clearly saw his sadness reflected in the others' eyes.
"Curious Indeed Mido. I admit, my experience with my latent power is unlike the other Sages. At least from what they told me. However, from the sound of it I can't help thinking. If I had one part of me left for those that followed after. I would want to help them face the evil that slew me. Perhaps, the old man was the spirit of Deku himself. Truly there are things in this world that are not easily explained." It was her turn to blush at her own line of thought. Why did she feel as if that didn't come entirely from her? Maybe, what made her a Sage wasn't just cool powers. From what she had learned in her short time as one.
Zelda cleared her throat causing her friend to snap out of her distant look. "That was very insightful Ruby. The way books in the castle library describe it. As Sages we are not entirely tethered to the living world. It is even widely believed. That the keepers of our power from that time became spirit incarnations of the aspects they represent. Neither living nor dead they exist in neither world entirely. Impa and Riju the oldest of our number respectively. Have at least experienced odd moments of displacement. When near places that have heavy undead activity." As she looked at the younger girl she felt a warm comforting sensation. It had happened before during their journey north. It was like the greatest hug ever. She did wonder if it was like kissing the one you love most. Having never done so she had no idea. However, she genuinely wished to know the source. It could not possibly be a bad thing.
Link gazed at the princess with absolute focus. He hoped reciting such depressing lore didn't weigh down her heart. She mustn't go deep into regret like the other Zelda he met. 'Her heart shall remain the light of her people.' That was the vow he made that he intended to keep. He would gladly die in her service to preserve that. He began blinking and looking away as he remembered she was a powerful telepath. Goddesses, he hadn't left himself too open had he? Regardless, it was best to change the subject. He leaped to his feet drawing everyone's eyes. "Well my friends. Tomorrow we all go beyond the boundaries of Hyrule. Rest is important, so no delaying. Off to bed you three! I'll handle first watch tonight, Mido will be next. I need to do a little scouting anyway." He winced as he walked away from the group. That had definitely sounded too much like an order. Yet oddly no one called him on it.
Zelda blushed heavily as he took command. He had finally done it. She was so happy. 'Not because of his rather pushy attitude, but.'
"Princess Zelda are you alright?" Ruby asked with some concern.
She hugged her with unrestrained joy, then answered quietly. "He treated me like everyone else."
"I'm happy for you my lady." The fire user left unsaid that more respect should have been given to Zelda.
Later that night...
"Mido get up, it's your watch." Link quietly said to his squire sleeping by the fire.
The boy stirred mumbling an apology. However, a terrible smell hit his nose before his eyes opened. When they did, he saw why. "Master, your covered in blood. Why didn't you wake us?"
"Some Like-likes and giant cetepedes were harassing a nearby hidden fairy fountain. I really didn't have time to consider my options. Don't worry none of it's mine." He handed him a sack of something that clinked like glass. "A gift from the Great Fairy in charge. I'm going to go wash off in that stream close by. Be vigilant, and as a personal favor don't tell the girls about the blood. It will cause, unnecessary worry." Then he walked away from campsite for a bath.
Unable to resist the urge Mido opened the sack. A bright pink light encompassed his face. "Fairies, four of them! Master really thinks ahead."
"Yeah Link always ask mom before capturing us."
"At least unlike most people. We don't have to fear kidnapping with him."
"He is a very courteous young man."
"Wait a minute, boy can you understand us."
To Mido's complete surprise. He understood every word from the sqeaky feminine voices. "I... guess.. I.. can. I thought only the Great Fairies could talk and to pure hearted people at that."
"Normally, that would be true."
"However, you seem to have a special gift."
"Very odd yet vaguely familiar."
"From some forgotten memory in the distant past I'd say."
Then the four beings of magic spoke in eerie synchronized voices. "Clearly you have a greater purpose. So we shall share our true names with you. So that we may return, if you call us back."
Link returned to the sound of tinkling bells. It seemed to be some kind of language coming from his squire. "Mido are you okay?"
"Yes Master, just a little overwhelmed at the moment. I can talk to Fairies apparently." The boy was both excited and fearful at what others might do with this knowledge.
Link patted him reassuringly even though he heard nothing from the creatures in the bag. "That's simply amazing Mido. You are a true Gold Ruppee in the rough. Don't worry, I will help you make sure no one misuses your gift. Now I better go to bed."
"Master, did you just read my mind?" The young warrior reluctantly asked.
"No, I can just read people better than most. Goodnight Squire Mido." With that the Hero of Hyrule went to bed.
Seeing him finally going to bed Zelda rolled back into her blankets. His numerous acid burns and puncture wounds must have been healed by the Great Fairy afterward. 'Fool, you can't hide severe wounds from me. Why must you be so stubborn? We are connected closely you and I. Do you not realize how important you are to me.' She wiped a few tears from her eyes. Rest came swiftly as fourth watch would not wait for her.