The Legend of Zelda - Revisited

Lately I've noticed that all the different Zelda story arcs (the OoT to WW one, aLttP, etc.) consist of the same basic story elements: Link goes on a quest to find the Master Sword, liberates the temples of the Sages, and defeats the evil Ganon. In fact, since the storylines are so similar in nature, I've decided to sort of combine the 'best' of Zelda into one literary melting pot, plus adding some features never seen before (that we might see in this so-called 'Wind Waker II'. This work will encompass the best of the two 'main' Zelda games, Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past, into one reworked storyline that might remind some of Lord of the Rings.

I want to apologize in advance if i get behind in updating this, because it's taking me awhile to research more into the background of the older Zelda games, seeing as I haven't played them in a LOOOONG time. I also hope to learn all I can about horses, swordplay, medieval weaponry and battle tactics, and sailing for as to incorporate these elements into my soon-to-be-epic. I've got the basic introduction scribbled down, so enjoy it for now:

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Prologue – The Fable of the Hero
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A great many years ago, chaos dictated this land of Hyrule. While its peoples struggled for control, an evil monarch and his army of shadows seized authority, aiming to enslave the populous and eradicate any signs of resistance. In the current state of turmoil, no proper alliance could be made to overthrow the conquerors. Hyrule fell quickly to the legions of darkness, and their malicious leader crowned himself emperor over the fallen nation.

And so the tyrant began his reign of terror, spreading his tainted influence over the whole region. The once prosperous kingdom of Hyrule was shrouded in darkness and its peoples, divided as they were, could do nothing to stem the calamity. The people prayed for a miracle to deliver them from this dark hour and restore Hyrule to the path of justice and truth; to reunite the peoples under one banner and overpower the oppression that had imprisoned them.

That miracle came in the form of a great warrior with a legendary blade, which some called the blade of evil’s bane. He single-handedly assembled an opposition and marched on the strongholds of shadow, where an epic battle erupted. The warrior clashed swords with his adversary, the evil monarch himself, and, when the dust settled, the people of Hyrule were free once again.

This conflict, known as the Imprisoning War, would forever go down in history as the final battle for Hyrulean unity and the way of justice. But now that the war was done, leadership had to be decided. One of the great Hylian kings was elected to the throne, and he swore that his line would rule fairly, justly, and equally over all the realms of Hyrule. And so the Great King Alexander I was crowned, and Hyrule united once more.

Upon seeing this great order restored, the warrior took his leave, departing into the Lost Woods, the forest of mystery. His deeds were heralded among those of the ancient heroes of legend, and the gods, satisfied with the battle’s outcome, glorified the hero by leaving behind a relic of incredible power. Three Golden Triangles, each representing the three distinct qualities the hero possessed: Power, Wisdom and Courage. If one could collect the three Golden Triangles, he could have his heart’s deepest desire granted; anything from limitless power to immortality. This ‘Triforce’ was sealed away at the heart of the world, safe from the clutches of evil.

It is said that when Hyrule is once again threatened by evil, the descendant of the ancient hero will take up the ancient sword, rally the armies of Hyrule, and march on the citadel of evil once again, all to deliver Hyrule from eternal darkness. And when that day comes, it is said that the Triforce will be united, and one’s wishes fulfilled.

But no one knows if that wish will be spent for better or worse…

- - - END OF PROLOGUE - - -

I'm hard at work on Chapter One. It might remind some of you of an introduction to a previous Zelda game... but for now, I've gotta get to writing it

Excellent, that was just awesome. Your writing was great, and your vocabulary is better than mine. I'm gonna like this one ^_~

Come on people! Read this! This fic's gonna be amazing!

Indeed, You have excellent writing talent winddjinboy. Although your premise seems extremely familiar to a fic I have brewing.....
But something tells me yours will follow a slightly more zelda centered theme, whereas mine is throwing more garden variety fantasy into the pot. Either way, I think that they'll both be good (If I even write mine...)

Keep up the good work.

Thanks for your comments, I don't get a lot of them these days.

Anyway, heres chapter one. Incredibly long, so make sure you have alot of spare time before you start reading. Also, I'd like it if you could point out any major grammatical errors (regarding punctuation or really crappy wording). Any other comments are appreciated. Thank you.

Chapter 1 – A Well-Deserved Celebration

The forest was very still; quiet enough for one to appreciate the singing of the birds or the wind whistling through the trees. Beams of sunlight poked through the canopies, illuminating the underbrush and allowing the vernal buds to flower. Every sound and color blended harmoniously, from the breeze swaying the branches up above, to the rippling of the brook as their fishy inhabitants leaped up from the water to snatch any insects unfortunate enough to pass overhead.

High above the wood, the sun shone blazingly; the heavens a brilliant sky blue, peppered with clouds drifting on an drafty journey to who-knows-where. A flock of jays fluttered past, enjoying the wonderful weather before they soared off to construct their nests. Meanwhile, a twosome of rabbits emerged from the thicket to savor the first invigorating fruits of the spring harvest, indulging themselves in the yields of the fields.

Children could be heard frolicking in the village plaza; their parents hard at work sowing the garnering the produce of the first spring harvest in preparation of upcoming festivities. School would soon be in session, and fruit and vegetable markets that were closed in wintry months would be reopened to merchandise their respective comestibles. Festivals and parties of various sorts were already in the planning, one such party celebrating a much-anticipated birthday.

Today was the forty-fourth birthday of Elen, the Golden Lady of Arynnia. Being the sister of the town’s mayor, she was as celebrated a figure as her loftier sibling. She was adored by all Arynnians for her kindness and beauty, while her brother, the ambitious Qoryn, was infamous for naming himself Grandest Gubernator, the supreme administrator of Arynnia. The two of them were as contrary as night and day, Elen being remarkably charitable and Qoryn being equally malevolent. It was hardly feasible that they were related at all, let alone siblings.

Qoryn held his sister’s birthday in great discontent, disliking any attempts to draw attention to others, especially to her. Throughout his childhood he felt she was the favored, although he had been perhaps the most spoiled brat on the face of the earth. It had driven him to love attention, and hate anyone else who was in the limelight.

Despite Qoryn’s relentless propaganda degrading the occasion, the festivities seemed to be as lively as ever. Banners and party canvases were being erected and kegs of ale were being brought from the breweries. Local bakers were hard at work baking cookies and cakes of all shapes and sizes. Nieces and nephews of the Golden Lady were occupying themselves by thinking up party games, such as apple-bobbing and festival dancing.

‘Twas fitting that such a prominent birthday should come at the dawn of an equally prominent season; Elen’s birthday celebrations were as magnificent as the great harvest feasts had been previous. It seemed that the townspeople were even more lively now that there were two momentous occasions to honor. But none anticipated the parties more than Link, Elen’s only son.

Link worked the hardest of all boys of his age, waking every morning before daylight to irrigate the plants and cultivate the fields. Ever since his father passed away eight years before, Link found himself assuming most of the chores and responsibilities commanded by the head of the house, and before long he was as capable in those areas as his late master. Parties such as this imparted him time to enjoy existence, rather than be harried by the troubles of both his adolescent life and the responsibilities of adult citizenship. Besides, he loved his mother dearly and knew her birthday was very important to her.

Today he was sitting at the foot of a tree, peeking over the pages of the book he had immersed himself in every now and then to watch the party scene unfold. He noted, much to his content, that the festivities did not differ so greatly from those of the year previous. The party last year had been perhaps the greatest one yet, and Link couldn’t see any way to surpass it.

Tonight promised to be especially magnificent, however, seeing how everyone from the neighboring town of Saria was going to show up. Link tried to imagine how they were planning to feed two whole towns. It would be hard enough to pack them all into the small field they’d chosen to hold the festivities without having to provide the food as well. He couldn’t wait to go bobbing for apples, one of the well-enjoyed party games he so cherished. This year’s cakes were rumored to be absolutely scrumptious, and the ales were brewed in the finest brewery this side of the Lost Woods. And they’d purchased an array of fireworks from a traveling peddler named Beedle that would ‘light up the sky’.

But all that didn’t matter to Link, so long as she was there. He had fallen in love with one of the young ladies of Saria town. Her name was Eryn, perhaps one of the most beautiful girls he’d ever laid eyes upon. They’d met at a feast in Dale the previous year and had been seeing each other ever since.

Their relationship started out purely as a friendship, with the two gathering with friends at festivals and such, but it gradually matured to a deep affection. They could often be found walking along creeks and wandering through the hills that divided Arynnia and Saria. This relationship brought the twin villages closer together, and their citizens began jointly celebrating in times of merriment, at occasions such as Elen’s birthday. And as their towns were bound in friendship, so their love was bound as well.

For a year he’d been courting her, his incredible sense of adventure captivating and intriguing her as they went for lengthy strolls in the wilderness. She found a certain comfort when talking with him that made her feel trusted, something she seldom received from her parents. Being very prominent citizens, they were the sort of people who luxuriated in exerting whatever power they had, and most of that control was exercised on Eryn. They had uncharacteristically permitted their daughter to see Link, despite the inescapable truth that they utterly detested him.

Link had overheard them saying that they thought the relationship was doomed and that it would serve as a lesson to teach her not to defy them again. He had already despised her parents, but that surreptitious deception only served to fuel his hatred. How could they manipulate their daughter like that? And how could they not trust him? Regardless, Link was determined to prove them wrong, one way or another.

His own mother, on the other hand, was thrilled to meet Eryn. Time and time again she welcomed his sweetheart into her home, making sure she was comfortable and stepping out when she felt the two of them needed time alone. She supported Link’s taste in women, and was especially pleased that he’d brought a girl like Eryn home instead of a harlot like her brother had done. Maybe that’s why the man was so miserable.

Now they were both of age, old enough to marry. Link had been working out the details of his proposal for weeks now. First, he would make absolutely certain she enjoyed every moment of his mother’s party, but he had no doubt in his mind that that would take care of itself. The fireworks, which neither of them had ever witnessed prior, would work marvelously to his benefit.

He had already decided he was going to take her to the outskirts of the Lost Woods, to the secret waterfall grove they’d found on their walk during her first visit to Arynnia. They would depart from the party grounds sometime in the dead of night, when the music began to die down and some of the elders started to turn in for the evening. And she would inquire to which place were they bound, a habit brought upon her by her authoritative parents, and he would answer ‘to the very heart of our love.’

When they got there, he would hold her for awhile, and when she asked why they were there in the middle of the night he would simply shush her quietly, until they sat in silence. And when the moment was befitting, he would rise from his place beside, and stoop to one knee, and, taking her hand, he would confer to her the engagement ring he had procured off a ringsmith in Bremen. He did not know how things would take themselves from there, but he was trustful.

Closing his novel, he sighed and leaned against the tree, too apprehensive to continue reading any farther. He recognized that it was common to be anxious about proposing to his sweetheart, but that still didn’t put him at ease. Swallowing his doubt, he stood up and started on the long saunter homeward.

As he treaded downhill to converge upon the trail, he observed the supply of fireworks being delivered to one of the tents as more banners were raised, each of them displaying ‘Happy Birthday Elen’ or ‘Long Live the Golden Lady’ or some other form of praise. A beautiful cake was being hoisted atop a pile of crates, and attendants were sticking in the birthday candles one by one. But Link knew his mother didn’t care how aesthetically pleasing the cake was so long as it was absolutely delectable. She had an incurable sweet tooth, and an appetite to match, yet still maintained a wonderful figure.

The party meadow slowly passed out of sight as Link crossed the Bungler bridge and passed by the old mill into the prime part of town. As expected, the village was alive with excitement and anticipation of the much-expected celebration; which was proving to be the most popular topic among the villagers. Everyone loved Elen’s parties, particularly the eligible bachelors, because every year they competed in a serenading contest, in which the winning vocalist would receive a kiss from the Golden Lady.

Link found it a bit odd watching respectable townspeople competing like dogs over his mother, but it was always a bit of a laugh hearing their often singsong poetry. More importantly, it made his mother happy. And that was all that really mattered, wasn’t it?

Two boys darted across the path, nearly knocking him off balance. They appeared to be pursuing something, and by the look of things they had almost caught up to their quarry. Link’s assumptions were confirmed when, mere moments later, a shout rang, “I got ‘im! I got ‘im!” and the lads scurried back onto the road, one of them clutching a small bristly creature to his chest. Thinking back on his childhood, Link recalled his experiences in nature, and several similar instances came to mind.

He remembered how he used to run through the woods as a little boy, trying to catch fairies in his bug-catching net. For long hours he would ferret them, but the was only one occasion where he actually snared one. His father had suggested he put it in a bottle, and he kept it in his room as a sort of memento of his youth. But he had been forced to release the fairy one night, years later when his mother fell ill. He knew fairies had healing powers, but only if they were free to use them, and being confined in a bottle isn’t very liberating. So he had uncorked his bottle, and the fairy had worked its magic on his mother before fluttering off out the open window and into the night air.

The boys vanished into the crowded marketplace, and Link soon found himself submerged in a sea of shoppers hastening to buy their crops before the second planting of the season. Markets were always bustling with people during harvest-time, and this year would be no different. Those who weren’t looking for fresh seeds to sow were out searching for gifts to give to his mother, such as pendants, earrings, and of course the usual bouquet. His house always smelled of roses after his mother’s parties, seeing how she would keep the flowers around the house for a few days.

Once he’d emerged from the chaotic market square, he continued his stroll on the winding lane leading home, his thoughts turning back to Eryn. She was just so amazing, no words could express how he felt when she was around; he couldn’t wait to see her at the party. He wanted to kiss her again, to feel her arms around his neck as they danced in the moonlight, to be fully aware once more that he was in love. But that would have to wait until tonight, when the caravan from Saria arrived and he went to meet his lover.

A rancher driving a wheelbarrow full of cuccos greeted him as he passed, then muttered to himself once he thought he was out of earshot, saying, “He’s got his mother’s eyes, he does, and that’s a right good thing.” Link couldn’t help but smile at the complement. He knew how dazzling people considered his mother’s deep blue eyes to be, and had always been proud that he’d inherited them. It was something Eryn pointed out to him time and time again.

Eryn had taken quite a liking to his mother, which didn’t come as a surprise to him; his mother’s amiable nature made her a comfortable individual to communicate with. Eryn’s parents were quite the opposite; relentlessly questioning every ‘gallivanting young scoundrel’ she brought home until they were red in the face. Link didn’t know how well his mother would get along with Eryn’s, but, truth be told, he wasn’t too concerned.

Once he and Eryn were married, they would go far away from Saria and Arynnia, across the endless plains to one of the great cities one of his uncles had described to him when he was just a lad. There they would remain until the end of their days, when death would come to bear them across the White Sea into the afterlife. Who knew what fate awaited them there?

At long last, his cottage came into view, his mother sending off an assemblage of well-wishers from the front porch. He grinned to behold the seasoned fisherman, Ule, and his affable wife, Marci giving their greetings. The couple had been close friends with his family for decades, and were comparable to grandparents to Link.

Ule had taught Link how to fish, how to row a boat, and had played the violin on several occasions such as his parent’s wedding and most of Elen’s birthday parties. He was a true renaissance man, and in Link’s opinion, he could teach even the brightest of scholars a thing or two. Marci was a granny figure to Link. Her cookies were better than any baker’s; her soups as delicious as they were nutritious. And she loved to feed him. Most other families considered it rude to invite oneself to dinner, but Marci was always thrilled when Link and Elen came by to enjoy a meal.

His mother must have noticed him coming, because she called out, “Link! You’re late!” And she was right, he should have been back nearly an hour ago. He had just been so immersed in his novel and so apprehensive about tonight’s proposal that he’d lost track of time.

“My apologies, Mother,” he echoed back. “You know how difficult it is to set down a good book.” He had been enthralled in the fictitious works of Jean Castalle, an novelist from the patron city of Redil, a town famous for turning out talented artists of all sorts, from potters to glass-blowers to painters. This particular book was entitled A Dreamer’s Folly and highlighted the importance of having ambitions.

Link hoped to find inspiration from this read, because besides his plans for marriage he had no future aspirations, while the other Arynnian men wanted to become farmers, or scholars, or perhaps even smithies. In fact, one of Link’s closest friends, Tarun, was apprenticing at a blacksmith. But Link wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his life. His reverie was shattered by his mother’s reply.

“Well, I suppose you’re right, but that’s no excuse,” she scolded. As he ascended to the veranda, she added, “Oh, and wash up. We’re having guests for luncheon today.”

“Really?” Link asked. “Who’s coming, then?” They hadn’t invited anyone to stay for a meal in a very long time. He wondered who it might be.

His mother looked somewhat irritated with him. “Why, Ule and Marci, of course,” she replied, one hand resting on her hip. She was throwing him that glance she had whenever she thought he ought to keep his tongue. He knew that look all too well to ignore it.

“Oh, of course,” he quickly recovered to conceal his ignorance. “I’ll be just a moment.” And he scurried back into the washroom to scrub his soil-stained face. His mother was extremely meticulous about cleanliness, having been brought up in such a wealthy household, and would be nagging him later if he failed to wash.

As he looked into the mirror to evaluate his appearance, he noticed for a split second a scowl planted firmly on his face as if he was unsatisfied. But when he tried to get a closer look, the scowl was gone, and the expression of contempt turned to bafflement as he stared blankly at his reflection. Was his mind playing tricks on him, or was he just apprehensive about seeing Eryn tonight?

He sighed. “I must be losing my nerve. Don’t worry…you’ll be fine… oh for cryin’ out loud, I’m talking to myself!” Then he shook his head as if hoping to knock all his anxiety out through his ears, and when that didn’t satisfy him, he simply turned from the room and went to dinner without so much as a thought.

- - -

Link hopped into the back of a passing cart, fell back onto the soft bails of hay, and stared at the sky. It looked to be about four o’ clock in the afternoon, which meant that in approximately two hours the caravan from Saria would be arriving at the westernmost farthing, and he had a good ways to go if he wanted to greet Eryn. Nearly five miles separated him from the western gate, and the fastest way was to go by horse and buggy. But seeing how Arynnia didn’t have a taxi system, hitching a ride on a delivery cart would have to do.

Much of the town had emptied already; anyone who wasn’t meeting the Sarians was off to the party hill to finish preparations or claim their tables early and start conversation. He thought back to the first birthday party the town had ever thrown for his mother. It had been the first year after his father had died. The town wasn’t in as near an uproar as they were presently, but were eager to hold yet another festival amidst the many parties already accommodated in springtime.

Now, eight years later, it was the most talked-about event of the year, and the most spectacular celebration of its kind. This year, with these new fireworks and even larger birthday cakes than the year prior, might be even bigger and better than ever.

While taking the time to remember the parties of years past, he also recalled more memories from his childhood. As the cart he’d been riding in passed the central square, he recalled taking a swim in the fountain with his parents the year before his father passed away. Normally they’d be chided by the town watch, but because of Elen’s connections in the administration, they overlooked it. He had a pictograph of that occasion framed in his room; the last happy memory remaining of his father.

Another such occasion came to mind as the cart circled around the bakery. He remembered one morning in late July when the baker, who was good friends with his mother, had given him full reign of the store; he had been free to taste anything he wished and take home whichever pastry he liked best. And then he recollected the first year the baker had donated a cake for his mother’s birthday party. He’d picked out the biggest most scrumptious cake of the bunch, only to have the baker nod his head and say, ‘She’ll like that? You mean I have to bake a bigger one?” before laughing and presenting him with another, even larger one the next day.

In his reminiscence of his childhood, he barely noticed the cart come to a stop at the western gate. Had he really gotten there so fast? It seemed that time was getting away with him. The cart driver, who Link had just recognized as his neighbor, Yune, tipped his hat upon spotting Link. “Thanks for the ride, Yune,” Link said gratefully, not wanting to come off as unrefined.

“Anytime, anytime,” the old farmer replied copiously. “You don’t even have to ask. But I suppose you already knew that.” It had recently become a custom among young people to leap in the back of farmer’s trailers when they weren’t looking. At first it had seemed an issue, but over time it became ordinary for people to turn around and see strangers sitting casually in their cart.

“Business still keeping up, I see?” Link remarked, gesturing to the hay in his trailer bed. “My mother told me you’d been having some trouble getting buyers.” Most farmers these days harvested their own hay, so the craft of hay-bailing had declined in recent years, but Yune had succeeded in scraping up enough to make a living. Then again, Link was his primary buyer.

“Clients are few and far in-between, but I manage,” Yune confirmed modestly. “Your mother is what really keeps my business going. She kept her faith in me when even I had lost it. And she has been very generous over the years.”

Link didn’t need to be reminded. He got so much praise concerning his mother that he knew her deeds just as well as she. And he’d been following in her footsteps. His generosity was unmatched among men his age. Maybe that’s why everybody seemed to like him so much, except of course his ungrateful uncle Qoryn.

“Look,” Yune noted, pointing at the gate, “the caravan is here.”

Indeed it was. Twenty-three wagons rolled under the wooden arch and into the crowd of heralding men and women who’d be escorting the Sarians to the party hill. From the foremost wagon emerged a pair of officials, which Link recognized as the mayor and his successor. The mayor approached his uncle Qoryn, saying, “Good to see you again, friend.”

Qoryn scowled, not even attempting to feign hospitality. “Yes, it would seem so…let’s just get on with this, shall we?” The mayor of Saria just stared in disbelief as Qoryn stamped off to the carriage that would take the chief administrators from both towns to the party field so they could proceed to their booth and begin the festivities.

“Hello, Link,” the mayor greeted him as he approached.

“Sorry about my uncle…” Link apologized, escorting the mayor to the carriage so that it could depart. “How’s life in Saria these days, Emrys?” Ever since he’d met Eryn, he liked to check up on things whenever he could.

“Ahh…well, I must admit it’s been rather dismal in recent weeks,” Emrys replied. “You see, our festivals aren’t exactly as impressive as yours tend to be. The townspeople have been restless in anticipation of your mother’s birthday. But I’m sure business will resume as usual once we return to Saria town.”

“You know, we can help you there,” Link suggested. “We’ve got the greatest party-planning committee this side of the endless plains. All you’d have to do is ask.”

“That’s not how we Sarians do things, Link,” Emrys explained. “We like to do things our own way, without any help from outsiders.”

“But, you could change that, couldn’t you?” Link asked. He wondered how a community could make do without assistance from neighboring municipalities. “I mean, you are the mayor. You could write up a charter and have neighboring villages sign. That’s what Arynnia did years ago; look how we’ve prospered.”

Emrys shook his head. “It’s not that simple, Link. Believe me, I’m perfectly ready to welcome change, but to propose such a treaty would take weeks, maybe months, and once it was drawn up, I’d have to get it past my council. And they are perfectly content with things as they are.”

“I guess I have a lot to learn about this ‘democracy’ thing. Hyrule’s been a feudal nation-state for ages, and there’s not much of a firm understanding of this new form of government except among the upper class. Would it be too much to ask if you could lecture me a bit on the subject before you depart? I’ve been really tied up about this lately; my mother tries to explain it to me, but I still don’t understand.”

“That would be acceptable, Link,” Emrys said. “You’re a wise lad, I’m sure you could provide me with good council once you understand it.”

“But I thought Sarians didn’t accept help…” Link maintained.

Emrys chuckled. “You’re right, you do have a lot to learn.” Link was very confused by all of this. And he thought he finally understood checks and balances when his mother had explained it to him over supper last night. Now the mayor of Saria was confounding him with his contradicting statements. He supposed that Emrys’ instruction would provide him with a little more insight.

He waved farewell as the carriage rode off down the winding streets back into town. Now to find Eryn. She had said she’d be coming in the ninth wagon, so Link counted his way down the line until, at last, he saw her climbing gracefully out onto the stone court. He had to say he was dazzled by her choice of attire; she was wearing a slender silvery dress and a tiara to match. Her shoes were adorned with some kind of gemstone, and Link found himself drawn to her beautiful eyes, which the outfit complemented perfectly.

She glided over to him, kissed him on the cheek, and took his hand. “Well?” she asked in her faultless voice. “Do you like it?” Link found himself lost for words; where should he start? Of course. Her eyes. She loved it when he complemented her eyes.

“You look absolutely beautiful, but your eyes far surpass the dress. I can’t get over how incredible you are.” She seemed flattered, and blushed slightly at his unctuousness. He hoped he didn’t praise her too much; he needed to save it for his proposal for the sake of not sounding repetitive. “Shall we go? I have a carriage waiting.”

Her eyes lit up at his invitation. “You got us a carriage? How romantic!” She seemed positively thrilled at the thought of riding with her handsome young gallant off to the banquet. Which, of course, was just what Link had expected.

“Not just any carriage,” Link bragged. “It’s got luxury seating, and an open awning so we can watch the sunset together as we ride over the party hill. You’ll love it.”

“Ooh!” she squealed in delight as she took him by the arm. “Let’s go, Link!”

He led her back to Yune’s cart, where the old timer was waiting for him. “Well come on, now, we don’t have all day! Parties don’t wait!”

“You’re right, they don’t!” Eryn cried in exasperation. “Where’s the carriage?”

“You’re looking at it,” Link said considerately. “And I see you’ve met my driver.” Yule waved at Eryn, who waved mindlessly back, before looking at Link with that oh-I-see look on her face. Link just smiled, helping her up into the bed of the trailer. When she was situated he turned to Yune, saying, “All right. Take her away.” And Yune got the wheels turning, and before long they were back on the road, not too far behind the executive carriage.

Eryn rested her head on his shoulder as they crossed over the first bridge back into town, looking down at their reflection in the water. “You know…” she started, but couldn’t seem to find the words for a moment. “This is…this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me.”

“Come on now, you know that’s not true,” Link retorted. “What about that time my mother gave you her ring? That ring’s never gone outside our family.” It was family tradition for mothers to pass that ring down to her daughter. But he never had a sister, thus there was no one in his family who could inherit the ring. Now he was starting to regret mentioning his intentions to marry Eryn.

“Yes, well. Your mother’s nice to everyone,” she replied meekly.

“And I’m not?” Link asked, finding that his words came out harshly. Calm down, Link, he thought to himself quietly. He didn’t want to alarm her, not tonight.

“Well, you’re definitely not Elen…” Eryn asserted. “Though you certainly have her eyes.”

She gazed at him dreamily, and Link put one arm around her waist. “I’m glad you’re here, Eryn.” But her gaze didn’t falter, in fact, she seemed to be looking deeper into his eyes as he spoke. “Eryn? Are you all right?”

“Oh!” she cried. “Yes, I’m fine. It’s just…I just now realized that I’m in love with you.” Link’s heart skipped a beat. She said she loved him! It had been so long since she spoke those powerful words, and he hadn’t recognized how much he missed them. “Maybe nights like this are all it takes for dreamers like us to truly fall in love. I first started thinking over this the night I met you. You’re not like other men; when I’m with you, I just…”

“…melt?” Link finished. “I know. I’ve never felt the same way with anyone else before.”

They rode in silence for a few moments as the sun started to set over the Lost Woods. “It’s so pretty…” Eryn said in awe. “Are sunsets always this spectacular in Arynnia?”

Link turned to acknowledge her. “Uh…yeah, why do you ask?”

“They’re so dull in Saria, just like everything else. Life’s so much more exciting here. I mean, the water is clear and beautiful and the trees are taller and greener than any I’ve ever seen.” She pulled him close, so close that he could feel her breath on his lips. “And you’re here.”

And she kissed him, and Link felt like he was being swept off into a dream. Their lips grazed as smoothly as a paintbrush across its canvas; their worries vanishing like steam as they let go of their emotions and let everything fall away. All of Link’s anxiety about the events of the upcoming evening evaporated, because he knew he loved her, and that she loved him just the same.

They finally broke apart when the cart came to a jolting halt at the foot of the party hill. Yune turned around to the two of them and said, “Now, you two lovers have fun. I’ve got some important matters to tend to.”

“Thank you, Yune, for everything,” Link expressed his gratitude.

“Good evening to the both of you,” the old man replied before turning his cart around and heading back around the party hill to his next errand. Link wished that Yune would find time one year to enjoy himself rather than keep busy year-round. But Yune’s was a difficult business, and he had to take every offer he could get. He watched as the cart disappeared into the trees before rejoining Eryn.

The music had already started, and fiddlers and flutists alike were sporting their musical talents while townspeople from both villages clapped and danced. Several gigantic cakes were being set at each table, the largest of these placed before Elen, who seemed absolutely delighted. A magnificent feast had been prepared; everything from turkey to smoked ham to grilled mushroom was on the menu.

Darts seemed to be a popular party pastime, with bobbing for apples and the pie-eating competition still as strong as ever. Tarun had won both the apple-bobbing and pie-eating contests last year, and he seemed to be pursuing an encore presentation. Link wondered if his old friend could beat his record of forty-three pies. Of course, last year he’d retched it all up just afterwards, so Link doubted he’d want to repeat it.

“Come on, Link, I didn’t come here to walk around! Let’s dance!” Eryn said excitedly, tugging him onto the dance floor and twirling around wildly. It was this crazy behavior that had first intrigued once he’d started courting her, and she seemed not to have changed much during tedious weeks alone in Saria.

He honestly hoped to bring a spark of Arynnia’s vigor with him the next time he visited Saria town, so as not to leave the town in its dull darkness which so many of its residents resented.

After dancing with Eryn for several songs, they finally sat down beside his mother, who had saved them each a few slices of various pastries and had taken it upon herself to prepare their favorite foods. For Eryn, a cucco salad topped with portabella mushrooms and a zesty dressing; and for Link, a juicy sirloin steak seasoned with a tangy sauce and a fried potato. And the two of them ate, chatting animatedly about the latest comings and goings.

“You know you can tell me,” Link protested. “It can’t be that bad.” She was busy refusing to recount to him one of the events of her winter. Apparently she had gotten into a heated argument with one of her friends that involved a good deal of name-calling, and some of her insults had been particularly bad.

“All right,” she consented through a mouthful of chicken. “I called her a harlot.”

Link was a bit stunned. “A prostitute? Yeah, you’re right, that is a bit harsh,” he had to agree. “What did she do to deserve that? Is it true, I mean?”

“Well, she did sleep with two guys from Dale, but you know, I couldn’t really think of anything more degrading with that, and I didn’t want to argue anymore, so…” She seemed a bit uncomfortable talking about this, so she changed the subject. “How was your winter?”

“Not so bad, actually,” Link answered. “Though I did take a rather nasty fall when trying to repair the roof.” He showed her his scar, a zigzag-shaped cut along his forearm.

She winced. “Was it painful?” She’d always been a bit squeamish around blood. He decided not to frighten her with the details.

“I’ve had worse,” he replied. “Did I ever tell you about the time that I…”

“Okay! Stop! You know how I am about blood!” she squealed. Now it was time to cease tormenting her and get serious again. He didn’t want to ruin the night for her. Especially not this night.

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” Link said, pulling her closer and kissing her on the forehead. They rose, and started walking around greeting people. An old man that Link had never seen prior greeted him by name, patting him on the shoulder before sauntering back to his table. A group of children ran excitedly to Link’s feet, clutching his legs and asking if he wanted to play darts with them.

“All right then, but I’m not very good…” Link agreed.

“Come on, Link!” a little girl named Aryll scolded him. “You don’t have to be modest just ‘cause your girlfriend’s here!” That Aryll was a perceptive young lady. She‘d make a good mother someday. “We know you could beat us blindfolded with your good hand tied behind your back!”

Link blushed. “Okay. I’m definitely not that good.”

He picked up the first dart and threw it expertly at the target. A perfect bulls-eye. His next throw hit just to the right of his first. The next one was just as accurate. In fact, he managed to score perfectly with all of his throws. “That’s funny…I never remember being so good at darts…”

Several young people were participating in the archery contest nearby, which Link had excelled at the previous year. Eryn had obviously noticed it, too, because she said, “Come on, Link! Let’s see if you have some talent behind all your boastful pretensions! I want to see you shoot!”

He gulped. Maybe he shouldn’t have bragged as much as he had. His claims were a little exaggerated. But he swallowed his hesitancy and agreed anyway. “Yes, let’s!” he decided, and Eryn grabbed him by the hand and dragged him to the archery range, where upstart young archers were already in heated competition. He had just enough time to enter before the last round of preliminaries.

“Link!” Tessia, the girl who oversaw the contest, yelled over to him. “Over here!” He tugged Eryn’s hand and pulled her to the reception desk to meet Tessia. Tessia looked a lot like Eryn, but was a bit taller, definitely much more muscular from all that bow-shooting she did, and more outspoken. But Link still loved his Eryn.

“You’re late!” Tessia scolded, scribbling his name down on the list of participants. “Hey, you brought your date with you! I’m Tessia, nice to meet you. Link’s told me all about you!” The two of them hugged like old friends, and Tessia sat down to skim through her list. “Good thing you came when you did, because it looks like the last round is about to start!”

“Then I’d better get a bow. You still have that one from last year?” Link asked.

“Got it right here,” she replied, handing him the prize-winning bow. “I figured you’d bee entering this year, too, after such an incredible performance last year.” Then, turning to Eryn, she added, “He’s got a great aptitude for archery. You ought to be proud.”

Eryn giggled, “If I were any more proud of him, I think the excess praise would cause him to burst.”

Tessia laughed. “Still, you’re lucky to have a man as charming as Link.”

“All right, that’s enough, Tessia,” Link butted in. “You should find a spot on the fence if you want to watch. It’s about to start.” Eryn quickly kissed him for luck before rushing off to find a viewpoint. He blushed slightly, pressing his hand to his cheek to savor her sweet lips before proceeding to the firing lines.

After a brief explanation of the rules, the announcer gave them the all-clear to ready their bows. Link nocked his arrow and pulled back on the bowstring, lining up his shot perfectly to try and improve on his score. He released the arrow, which penetrated the target on the top edge of the inner circle. He’d gotten a bulls-eye on his first shot! Normally it took him a moment to get used to the bow, but this year he’d done it!

Eryn cheered his name, putting the crowd in an uproar, chanting, “Go Link! Go Link!” And all the while Eryn was beaming at him. His confidence rose about twenty levels higher. He quickly nocked another, aiming slightly below his last. This time his arrow went a bit astray, but still managed to stay within the red.

More cheers erupted from the crowd, louder even than the clamor that had exploded after his last shot. And still Eryn was positively beaming at him. The rest of his shots were fairly accurate, only two of them missing their mark. And he assertively moved on to the next round, the crowds still chanting his name fervently.

The second round was, in most respects, a repeat of the first; shouts of ‘go Link!’ bursting from the crowd after each of his shots; his confidence building each time he looked over at Eryn. She was as excited as he’d ever seen her, and more beautiful as well. What could be more inspiring?

As he watched one of the archers close by him, he realized he might have a bit of competition. He was one of the young men from Saria town, and he had a really good arm. Link decided to meet with him after the second round.

“So, you’re Link, are you?” he inquired upon meeting him. “Your friend Tessia talks an awful lot about you. Says you’re stimulating to watch. Anyway, I’m Takim, from Saria town, obviously, or else you’d have heard of me by now. I’m as much of a legend as you are, and I’m interested in seeing who’s going to win this little contest.”

“Well, I think we each know who’s going to win,” Link said through gritted teeth. “Me!” He wasn’t too surprised to hear Takim’s voice layer his own. He sensed a rivalry coming on.

“We’ll see, Link, we’ll see…” Takim cautioned.

“Indeed,” Link replied, walking back to speak to Eryn.

Apparently she knew Takim, because the first words out of her mouth were, “Don’t get Takim too riled up, he’s notorious back in Saria for being quite vengeful.”

“You don’t think I can take care of myself?” Link asked.

“Don’t be silly. I just know Takim, and he doesn’t take losing very well. You’d best watch your back.” She sounded deathly serious, and Link didn’t like that tone.

“Anyway, I’d better get back to the field…” Link said, giving her a hug before turning to head to the line and prepare for the last round. How bad was this Takim guy, anyway? Something about the way she’d just spoken to him sent chills up his spine. He’d have to be careful.

The whistle blew, and the shooters took their marks. Then came the firing whistle. Arrows whizzed through the air, some of them hitting their marks, others veering far off from center. Link carefully aimed his bow, and fired.

- - -

Link let Eryn carry his medal back to their seats. Elen was waiting to give him a hug. “Link! That’s three years in a row! Brilliant!” she exclaimed. “I’m so proud of you!”

“Mother! You’re embarrassing me!” Link protested.

“It’s okay, Link,” Eryn responded. “I think its kind of cute!”

“I rest my case!” he yelled in conclusion.

“I’m proud of you, too,” Eryn remarked. “You were awesome out there! Who knew you’d beat Takim? Then again, nice guys can’t always finish last!”

“If that idiom were true, I’d never succeed at anything,” Link differed. “And we both know that’s not true.”

A group of well-dressed men approached their table, the foremost being Koron of Saria town. “We’ve come for the serenading contest, m’lady,” he said in his fluent voice.

“Oh my…” Elen replied, flattered by this handsome man’s politeness. “Well then, who’s first?”

“We’ll start with Wain here and keep going in a line from there. I’ll be last, of course.”

Eryn looked dreamily at Koron, her eyes half-open in admiration. It took a bit of distraction from Link to bring her back down to earth. “I’m right here, you know!” he said loudly, snapping her out of her reverie.

“Oh, yes,” she said, clutching his arm and putting her head against his breast. “This should be interesting. Koron’s been working on his for weeks; he draws a lot of the ladies with his singing. He’s out most renowned performer, you know.” Link was painfully aware; Eryn mentioned him too many times, he thought.

Most of the songs were lame but a few were rather humorous, especially the one by Uie of the Arynnian front. He was once a minstrel in a far-off land, but had settled down just outside the southern farthings for his retirement to write poetry. His was a bit depressing, but in an amusing sort of way.

But Koron’s was undoubtedly the best of all; even Link would admit it. His was a happy song, and it reminded Link very much about his feelings for Eryn. He actually enjoyed hearing the pleasant voice ring across the party hill.

And he sang:

Green are the lands where your feet choose to walk;
The wind’s blowing softer whenever you talk;
The sun shines so brighter whenever you’re near;
The moon climbs ever higher whenever you’re here,
And your golden hair is just as pleasant a thing
As rose blossom valleys in the dawn of the spring
Now I’m just a man, but I have this to say,
Keep asking for love, and you’ll find it someday

Elen seemed to agree, because she elected him the winner, and kissed him promptly. “Ladies of Saria! You’re all lucky to have such a handsome and enthusiastic bachelor! I entreat you, ask him for a dance, for I know I shall dance with him many times before the night is through! But for now, sit back, and enjoy the fireworks! I know you’ve all been waiting for this.” Even Qoryn seemed intrigued.

Once everyone had quieted down and gotten situated, the pyrotechnics proceeded to start the display. One by one the first few rockets were launched, peppering the sky with multicolored lights. Eryn slipped her hand in Link’s, and fell back to lean across his powerful chest.

“They’re so beautiful…” she said, electrified. “Don’t you agree, Link?”

But Link was paying more attention to her captivating eyes than to the display. “Yes… beautiful…” he responded mechanically. As the explosions became louder and more spectacular, he snapped out of his trance and cheered as the barrage began climbing higher and higher into the sky.

Suddenly a particularly large rocket was launched, climbing so high that most people lost track of it. But a moment later it reappeared, covering the sky in a rainbow of sparks and glitter that was unparalleled by any previous missile. The crowd exploded with applause, many of them wondering amongst themselves how they could procure a few of these for their own use.

Meanwhile, the glitter started sparkling as it rained upon the throng, and Eryn, positively dazzled, kissed him. “This has been the best night of my life…” she said dreamily. “Thank you, Link.” Then she kissed him again, longer this time, and fell nearly on top of him. After a few moments, they broke apart, but her head remained close to his heart; so close she could hear his thumping heart.

It had been a truly magical night, Link decided, and one he would not soon forget.

Then he remembered that he still had something more to do.

---END OF CHAPTER ONE---

I haven't even started on Chapter Two. Phew...

Whoa. Chapter Two. I actually finished it (ahh! a 22-page story!). hope its not too long, as I'm aware Chapter one was. but hey, its a story/possible novel. Enjoy!

EDIT: fixed ending of Chapter 2 (forgot something!) - be sure to read the revised parts (in bold) before you read Chapter 3!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chapter 2 – An Unexpected Visitor

Yune dropped off the last of his deliveries at the edge of town, eager to finally be through with his busy harvest schedule. He bid his customer good night and rambled back to his barrow, yawning in his profound drowsiness. Taking the reins, he started on the long road home, aware that tomorrow he might actually get the daylight hours all to himself. He hadn’t spent much time doing the things he enjoyed since he was a lad, and was highly anticipating his day off.

His cart creaked as it went around the bend, a reminder that the rickety old thing was still falling apart. Ever since last year he’d been meaning to replace it, but he could never scrape up the funds. Now that he’d gotten a few more buyers this season, he could finally afford to purchase a new one.

As he passed the party hill, he saw that most of the tents and games were already being taken down for the night, and the musicians had already headed home. There were still a few slices of birthday cake untouched, and one of them was offered to Yune, who gratefully took it. “Mmm…” he mumbled through a mouthful of cake, “I may just have to come to this party next year.”

The nature of his occupation meant that he was called on during festival times so that farmers could try and get a head start on the season, but since most of them ordered at the same time anyway, it didn’t make much of a difference amongst competitors. Hopefully next year he’d have more time off.

Once he’d finished his cake, he steered the wagon homeward. He lived all the way on the eastern border, so it’d still be a good hour before he arrived, but he’d enjoy the time to himself. Looking up at the stars, he noted the various constellations. He’d been a young astronomy duff in his youth, and still had a vast knowledge of the night sky. When he was young, he’d aspired to leave Arynnia and become a sailor, but his future lay at home.

What a wondrous life that would have been, he speculated. I would have loved to sail the high seas, to feel the wind through my youthful hair. Now I am far too old, but I should still hope to ride on a sailing ship before my long years are spent. It wouldn’t matter if he was just along for the journey; all he wanted was to see the ocean with his own eyes.

Alas, the chances of him leaving this happening little hamlet were slim to none, and his fantasy would not likely come to pass. But it was nice to dream, even in old age.

He was coming upon the cottage of Elen, where a dim light still burned within, and she could be seen embellishing her interior with flowers; singing to herself the hymn that Koron had sung, dancing and twirling as if lost in childish reverie. It was a pleasing sight, and gave Yune a little grin to see the Golden Lady so carefree as she had been as a young lass. In a way, she still was the same happy little girl he had always known.

As the cart rounded the corner, a hooded figure descended from it, and, unnoticed by Yune, silently approached the home of Elen, a sword grasped firmly in his hands.

- - -

Link uncovered her eyes, letting her see the beautiful grove to which they’d come. “Oh, Link…you shouldn’t have…” she breathed. “It’s just as pretty as I remember it…”

He drew her close. “I know…” When she started to articulate again, he put his forefinger to her mouth to quiet her, then kissed her. She threw her arms around his neck and pressed harder, taking in the fullness of the moment. They made out for nearly a full minute, before, both sweating profusely, they broke apart, giggling in their state childish ebullience. And she kissed him again, not wanting to let go.

Then Link broke off suddenly, walking a short breadth away from her, but seeming very distant. He didn’t speak, he just stared at the cascades until Eryn, overcome with concern, asked, “What’s wrong? I’ve never seen you like this.” Link just continued gazing at the waterfall, until she appeared beside him and lightly squeezed his arm. “Link?”

And he turned to her and smiled weakly. Then, glancing away from her eyes, he responded, “It’s just…there’s been a lot on my mind recently…a lot of anxiety…”

“Anxiety? Anxiety about what?” she inquired. What could possibly be distressing her Link to make him so apprehensive? He was normally blissful and carefree like his mother. But tonight, she’d noticed he’d been a bit uneasy about things, especially when it came down to her. Was there something he wanted to tell her? “You know you can tell me, Link.”

He whirled around, gripping her hand in both of his, and hunched down on one knee. Then he produced the tiny crystal engagement ring, and she gasped, “Oh, Link…you can’t be…” But he put his finger to his lips to quiet her and asked that fateful question: “Eryn, will you marry me?”

And then the whole forest went still, as if waiting quietly for her answer.

If she wasn’t perspiring badly before, she most unquestionably was now. Her lips quivered as she struggled to choke out her answer. “Yes…Link, I…I will marry you!” And she launched herself into the biggest, warmest, fuzziest embrace she’d ever encountered. “We’re getting married!” Link just clutched her firmly, feeling on top of the world. She’d agreed! This had to be the greatest solitary moment of his existence!

She began shedding tears of joy onto his shoulder, so delighted that they were finally betrothed, that they were finally going to be married. Finally she could break free of the shell her parents as forced her into and make her own choices. And she’d be forever with Link; what else could she want? All her fantasies were finally coming true.

When she’d first become acquainted with him, she guessed there was something extraordinary about him. Later that very same night, she’d dreamed that the two of them were riding on horseback off to a palace far across the endless plains. Now that future is not so far off, she contemplated pleasantly. We might live happily ever after after all. And that was an encouraging thought. They let go of each other, smiling and laughing as they had at the party not an hour ago. And Link took her hand and led her back on the path to his dwelling-place, finally convinced that tonight had gone perfectly.

Neither of them uttered a word on the lengthy lane that led back to the main road, knowing in their hearts that there was nothing more to be said. Link just watched her as she walked next to him, knowing that soon the both of them would be embarking on a lifelong journey together that would last until the end of time. It was rather exciting, actually. He’d expected finally popping the question would relieve some of his stress, but never guessed that he’d find the experience exhilarating. It reminded him of the sort of thrill a child felt when he got a new toy; an innocently intoxicating bliss that made his heart leap out through his throat.

When the forest path finally merged with the main avenue, Eryn decided to shatter the unduly extensive silence. “Tonight was more incredible than I ever could have imagined. You sure know how to pick your moments. And that’s just one of the many qualities that makes you so likable.”

“Well,” Link said, “when one reads as much as I do, he learns a lot about love and how to go about it. But no book ever could describe what I’m feeling right now. I couldn’t even tell you how wonderful you are; there just aren’t words for it.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet, Link! I wish we could talk like this all the time!” she shrieked in satisfaction.

He shook his head, then turned back to the road and distantly replied, “I guess when that Koron was singing, he reminded me just how much I really love you.” He laughed quietly to himself and added, “And just how terrible my poetry has been these last couple of months…”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself!” she chided him for his self-piteous jocularity. “What you said just now was more melodious than anything Koron could possibly come up with!”

“Yes, well I’ve got to redeem myself somehow…” Link joked. “We can’t have someone spouting out stanzas like him go unchallenged now, can we? That would just be downright improper.” His sense of humor was starting to express itself again; the nervousness of the proposal must be draining out of him. “Tell you what, I’m going to compose a sonnet tomorrow. Would you like that?”

“That would be perfect,” she answered as they came ‘round the party hill to the tavern where she would be staying for the night. But instead of approaching the inn, she lingered as if to wallow in his presence. He squeezed her hand and walked her to the door, and they embraced briefly before she walked dreamily into the door and bid him good night.

As soon as the door closed and she was out of earshot, Link leapt into the air and shouted for joy. “Yahoo!” he clamored. “I’ve never felt so light-hearted in all my life, but I think I like it!” He skipped all the way down the lane, looking very much like a child who’s just gotten a new toy. It had been so long since he allowed the child in him take control that he hardly remembered the feeling of being happy and carefree. And he had to admit, he could never have appreciated it more.

- - -

When Link finally arrived at home, he found the door ajar and the lights still dimly lit within. His mother must not have turned in for the night yet. “Hmm…what could Mom be doing at this hour?” Link whispered quietly to himself. “It’s two in the morning! I thought she was going to bed!” He sped up his pace to see what was the matter, and saw that standing just inside the door was his mother, a worried look on her face.

“What is it, Mother?” Link asked. “You don’t look too good…” He’d never seen her this concerned in all his life, even when he’d had a bout with pneumonia a few years before. Something truly serious must be awry for her to be so worried. She tugged his arm and pulled him into the house, shutting the door quietly behind her.

“You’d better come in the living-room, Link…” Elen said softly. “We’ll talk in there…” Slightly flustered, Link tried to protest, but his mother quieted him before he could speak. “Wait until we’re in the living-room. We don’t want to be overheard. It’ll be safe to explain once we’re inside, so hold your inquiry until then.”

A million questions flooded Link’s mind. What was going on? Overheard? What did she mean by that? And what was so important that they couldn’t be listened to, anyway? Why was it safer to speak of these matters in the living-room? As she tugged him into the living-room, he heard a strange popping noise, like he was passing through the surface of a bubble.

When he finally entered the room, he glanced over his shoulder to see what it was that had happened. There was a strange bubble-like membrane in the entryway into the room. He looked at the clock, and was shocked to see that the pendulum had stopped swinging.

“What the –“ he started, but was lost for words in his perplexity. “What’s going on here?”

His question was answered by a scruffy voice coming from just behind him. “It’s a Flair charm, a time-space distorter that locks anything within its radius in its own enchanted continuum. You can only come in if invited by someone under the enchantment; that’s why your mother had to wait at the door. All time is essentially at a standstill outside this room; so no one can hear us.” There was something familiar about that voice…

He whirled around to see where the voice had come from, and in the corner of the room he spotted a man wearing a black cloak, his face concealed by a hood, producing a small blue gem, which had to be this ‘flair charm’. The look of bewilderment on his face must have prompted another reply from the stranger, because he added, “Don’t recognize me, do you? Well, that’s to be expected. I mean, it’s been, what, eight years now? My, how you’ve grown in such a span.” And the man pulled off his hood, revealing a face that Link knew very well.

“Uncle Dyrin?! What’re you doing here?” Link questioned. His uncle had left Arynnia many years ago on a journey across all of Hyrule. He had promised to be back within a few years, but they’d all but given up on his return two years ago. Now, to have him sitting in his living-room was a bit unbelievable for Link, which was understandable since he’d thought his uncle to be dead.

Dyrin sat on the sofa, and gestured for his nephew to come sit next to him. “Gods, where to begin…” When he’d seemed to find his words, he began his explanation. “Link, when I began exploring with your father, I wasn’t just in it to see the world. I was on a secret mission for the King of Hyrule.”

“Wait, you know the King? The King of all Hyrule?” Link exclaimed.

“Yep, he’s the guy,” Dyrin replied, trying to sound humorous but failing miserably. “Anyway, he sent me to find the Seven Maidens, the descendants of the ancient Sages.”

“Sages? Seven Maidens? Who are they?” Link asked.

“They really did a good job of censoring the stories, didn’t they?” Dyrin said, looking slightly frustrated. “You’ve heard the Fable of the Hero, haven’t you?”

“Of course,” Link answered. “Hasn’t everybody?”

“Well, let’s just say there are few who know the whole story,” Dyrin replied.

“What do you mean?” Link questioned. This wasn’t making any sense. He’d heard the fables plenty of time, and had learned them by heart. Everything from the reign of terror spread by the dark ruler to the rise of the hero and, ultimately, the Dark One’s defeat was engraved in his memory as plainly as a scar. So what did his uncle mean by ‘the whole story?’

“There’s a good bit of history that was left out of the legends,” Dyrin explained. “Like the Sages, for example. The Sages were seven female magi who, along with the ancient hero, cast down the Dark One into oblivion. They were also key commanders throughout the entire war, rallying their respective races and marching them against the armies of darkness. Each Sage passes down her powers to her daughter, whenever she is ready to accept them. In time, the Sages’ descendants came to be called the Seven Maidens, but knowledge of their existence still remained exclusive only to a select few.”

“Like those closest to the King of Hyrule,” Link asserted. “But what else was left out of the fables?” Something about the look in his uncle’s eyes told Link that he should drop the question, so he proposed a new one. “Okay, well, where do you come in? Why did the King want you to find the Seven Maidens?”

“I’ll get to that in a minute…” his uncle replied. “Anyway, back to the maidens. Each of the Sages was built a magnificent temple somewhere in their realm. Within these temples the keys to the Golden Power were sealed, and have remained so for many ages. It is said that only with the powers of the Sages can one seek to enter the temples. So the temples have remained undisturbed, at least until a short time ago.”

“And that’s where you come in?” Link inquired.

“Right,” Dyrin praised. “I’ve always said you’re a bright lad. Anyhow, the King summoned me to find the Seven Maidens because word had reached his ears that the scattered armies of darkness were gathering once more. He feared that the Dark One might be coming forth once more to cover Hyrule in a veil of shadow, and knew that to stop this from happening, the Seven Maidens must not fall into evil hands.”

“And it took you eight years?!” Link exclaimed. “What happened?”

Dyrin turned away, looking out the window into the motionless night. “I…failed my quest to protect the maidens. Six of them were taken captive before I could find them. Their temples have been overrun with the minions of darkness, and it seems inconceivable to break in and rescue them. Hyrule’s only hope rests with the final maiden, the Sage of the Forest.”

“My mother…” Link stammered, the words flowing out of him like a river bursts through a dam. He looked at the Golden Lady as if searching for confirmation that his words were true. Sure enough his mother nodded solemnly. “But…she never had a daughter…how would she pass on the Sagehood?”

“There’s more than one way to be made a Sage,” Dyrin answered. “The Sages, too, were aware of this possibility. So they made an alternate way to pass on their powers.” But before he could explain more, a loud ringing sound interrupted. “The Flair has almost run out. We have a precious few moments.”

He reached into his robes and produced a silver sword and a knight’s shield and handed them to Link. They felt strange in his hands, like he’d been handed a piece of his past, but he set the sensation aside and clipped the sword and shield to his back. “Take your mother to the temple deep within the forest. Do not worry about finding the way, the power of the Forest Sage will be able to lead you there.”

“But what about you –“ Link started.

“I’ll meet you there. For now, there are a few things I must see to. In my haste, I seem to have been followed by some of the spies of the enemy. That’s why I had to use the Flair, see? Speaking of which, it seems the enchantment is beginning to wear off.” As if on cue, the time distortion proceeded to fade away, and everything outside the living-room began clicking back to life.

Elen, who’d been strangely quiet during all this, finally spoke. “Are you sure about this, Dyrin? It seems a bit of a desperate gambit to me.” Link would have been inclined to agree, had he understood more of the details, but figured it was the best plan they had.

“Yes, Elen, I’m sure…” Dyrin replied. He didn’t seem so sure to Link. “Oh, and don’t speak of this until you’re safely in the temple. We don’t want any enemy spies guessing what we’re planning. Just get to the temple as quickly and quietly as you can.” And he disappeared from the room as the enchantment finally wore off, leaving Link and his mother in the dimly lit living-room.

It started pouring down rain as soon as Dyrin departed from them. They’d best get moving. “Come on, Link,” his mother said. “We’d better hurry over to the inn.”

“Why the inn?” Link asked. “I thought we were supposed to be going into the forest!”

Elen looked him straight in the eye and replied, “Because Eryn has the ring we need to get into the temple.” And she quickly rushed out the front door with Link close behind. Why did Eryn have to get dragged into all this?

- - - END OF CHAPTER TWO - - -

Chapter Three is...not started...so...yeah...But it's full of surprises! (at least, it will be)

;;;....

I've read about half of chapter one, and I gotta say, you're an amazing writer, but bud, you gotta lessen the load, I think that's why people aren't reading this and why it took me so long to reply. Either split them up into smaller chapters, or do as I do in places and post the chapters in parts. Just a suggesstion, I'll continue reading.