8 years before Ganondorfs assault on Hyrule Castle....
Lier had found himself satisfied with the days training. Every form he practiced, each lunge and and swing of the sword seemed easier than the day before. His sword felt lighter today than it ever had before. His footwork even more precise as his own legs had a mind own their own.
Progress.
His humility had allowed him a rare moment of pride as he looked upon the training fields in the light of the setting sun. And despite his thinner frame and unassuming physique, Lier had indeed begun to make a name for himself in the ranks. The Shining Knight.
Named not for his armor or his cleanliness, but rather his beaming smile that roused joy in even the dimmest of soldiers. Morale had always seemed to rise as he walked through the camps. Cracking jokes and returning teases with retorts of his own, Lier had a way with the men that could not be ignored. Invitations to sit and enjoy a meal with his fellow soldiers were abundant and offered readily.
But as the sun began to set, Lier decided as he did often, to enjoy the night in solitude starting with a view of the sunset over Hyrule field.
His "quiet spot" he called it.
A tree at the south side of the castle that offered a glorious view of not only Hyrule town square but Hyrule field and it's far reaching borders. From Death Mountain all the way to Gerudo desert to Zoras Domain and of course the neighboring Kakariko Village.
It was at this spot he could let his smile fade and let his charm rest. Here there was no one to spar with. No one to instruct or ask stupid questions.
Under the leaves of this great oak is where he could sit in silence and enjoy the end of the day.
Having gathered some freshly baked rosemary bread, a thick savory piece of pork and a small wineskin from the army's mess hall, he eagerly made his way to his sanctuary.
Trudging up the hill, he took in the sweet breeze offered from the direction of the Kokiri forest.
He had never been to see the forest for himself yet had heard many tales of its strange nature. Children living in its boundaries who never grew old. Ancient sentient trees and a temple erected in the middle of a labyrinth surrounded by leagues of woods.
However Lier was not so quick to shrug away strange reports from far away lands. For Hyrule had dozens upon dozens of tales even stranger. And Lier sense of curiosity would always get the better of him.
He made a silent promise to himself however to one day visit those woods and verify what he had heard. Someday yes. But today was not that day.
Lier had finally reached the great oak and was about to round the corner of the tree that faced the golden setting sun when he heard a soft feminine humming.
Stopping in his tracks he paused to wonder who could be occupying his favorite view of Hyrule. Slowly and quietly he made his way around the tree to find a girl keeling in the soft grass embroidering a small white handkerchief.
Her tapestry was woven with expert precision and resembled something of the royal family's crest. Three yellow triangles.
Her egg shell white dress was lined with various royal blue colors that suggested she employed a high rank among the kings officials.
Lier could not however due to his angle on her, make out her face.
While her smooth artful movements with needle and cloth were certainly something to behold, it was not the her skill that gave Lier so much pause.
Filling the air with a melody so sweet, so pure, it seemed to Lier as if this woman had commanded the crickets and the very air around her to stand still as she sang.
She continued on and had not noticed Lier as she embroidered her cloth.
Lier knew that if he made her aware of his presence in any way, she might cease letting her beautiful voice float through the air. He couldn't bear the thought.
Quietly he lowered himself and his effects, and sat cross legged just out of her peripheral, never taking his eyes off of her.
He had not even seen her face and still felt drawn to her in a way he had never with anyone else.
Her singing went on, new notes both high and low adding to the splendor of her soft lilting voice. As each minute passed, Lier desperately wished that this moment would never end.
Today he wished she would be here every day thereafter he made the hike to the great oak.
