Destiny of the Kingdom

Chapter 5: Our Life

It was a typical sunny morning in this now peaceful land. A sea of azure covered the sky where not a cloud could be seen. The sun was shining bright yellow as it was now high over the eastern mountain tops of Lanayru. The temperature was much warmer than the cool mornings over the past week. The long winter months had come to an end and spring was in the air. More animals were awakening from their winter slumber, namely the wild Honeyvore Bears  that could be found in the sparse forests of the large field in the central region of the land. Bushy Tail Squirrels were vibrant and active, searching for Chickaloo Tree nuts to restock their supply that had run low over the long winter. Mountain Bucks and Does gathered in large numbers, eating the newly grown plants popping up across the large field as a result of spring. While they typically enjoyed eating tall Hylian grass, if they came across a Hylian Herb, they were quick to devour it. Since the herbs are few in number, mountain bucks would tussle over any that could be found, fighting one another with their strong antlers. Except for the people of the land, creatures of all shapes and sizes were enjoying the delightful morning.

The people of the land were quiet on this peaceful morning. At Lookout Landing, while its inhabitants went about their usual routines, silence filled the air as if it were a cold winter night, where nothing was stirring. They spoke to one another when required, otherwise, each individual performed one's duties without conversation. The current moment felt as if a person of great importance had passed from life and all were grieving for their loss as they would at a funeral. It was not her passing but her forfeiture of her royal title and leadership of the land. Princess Zelda was now Citizen Zelda, a denizen of the land like everyone else. It would take time for the people to heal and get used to her new status. All they could do at the moment was tend to their duties, hoping, even temporarily, to block the painful memory of the prior day's events.

As a result of the prior day's events, two individuals no longer had any duties to fulfill. With their destinies assumed fulfilled and hard decisions made, it was time for these two to find a life for themselves. One had just moments ago committed to staying by the other's side. But, what did that mean exactly: staying by each other's side? The time had come for both of them to decide, but they agreed to discuss the details in private, somewhere away from the roaming, twitching long ears of its inhabitants. It meant they would have to leave the Landing.

A pair of Hylians attempted to exit the eastern gate of the Landing. Mondi, the guard of the east gate, spoke to them, "Good morning, Link and Zelda. How are you both on this fine spring morning?"

Mondi, a younger Hylian male, has been a guard at the Landing for several years. Shorter than most of his colleagues, he has darker skin and white hair with a tint of gray. He has a huge fascination with weapons and was one of the first to study the decayed weapons immediately after the Upheaval. He is very skilled at crafting unusual weapons from available materials. He recently combined a long stick with a rock to create a more powerful weapon. Duty is very important to him as he desires to serve his colleagues and leaders to the best of his ability. He has much admiration for Zelda as a leader, but her proclamation hit him especially harder than most. Nevertheless, he is determined to fulfill his duties, regardless.

Link looked over at Zelda, giving her a nod as an indication for her to lead the conversation. She spoke back to Mondi, "Good morning, Mondi. I am a little tired this morning as I had trouble sleeping last night. It was mostly a restless night. I guess I have much on my mind lately."

Mondi replied, "I can understand that with what happened yesterday. I do not know if it is my place to speak this, given you are no longer royalty, but regardless of your status, we are all here for you."

Zelda, trying her best to balance her emotions occurring at the moment, said, "Thank you. I greatly appreciate everyone's support. As I said yesterday, I hope to one day reclaim my title, but that time is not upon us."