Destiny of the Kingdom

Chapter 14: Steps Toward Wholeness

The sun was shining high in the sky, with its rays angling downward onto the village of Hateno on a warm, mid-spring day. The sky was a solid sea of azure where not a single cloud could be found. Birds native to Hateno were migrating home from the southern regions of the land after the conclusion of winter one month prior. With their journey almost complete, dozens of flocks could be seen overhead as they flew north, back home to live out the warm months of year. The sun hit midday, now angling its rays ninety degrees onto the residents of the village as they went about their day.

Farmers tended to their crops, ensuring they receive enough sunlight for steady growth. Now past the rainy season in spring, the crops had received a substantial amount of water over the past month. Farmers carefully added fertilizer before rainy days with the hope to jumpstart sprouting of their crops, but their crops were slow to sprout to due lack of sufficient sunlight the month prior. With ample sunlight the past several days, their crops finally began to sprout. The spring rain the month prior yielded a surplus of water, which could definitely benefit the village should the summer months turn dry with little-to-no rain. This would ensure farmers would have enough water to grow their crops to maturity before the fall harvest.

Higher in the hills to the east, past the crop fields, ranchers tend to their cows and goats, extracting milk to pasteurize to sell and make cheese. The rainy season yielded ample grass for the livestock to feed and produce an abundance of milk for the entire village for the rest of the year. The additional surplus will be used to produce dairy products to sell at the local village market to customers.

The village has seen an uptick in travel the past week, with winter and the rainy season over. A dozen travelers, itching to get away from home, arrive almost daily to experience the sights and shops of the village. Most travelers stop by the East Winds general store to stock up produce for the spring season. Others visit unique attractions, such as Cece's Ventest Clothing Boutique and the Kochi Dye Shop. On any given day, the village central square is bustling with people engaging in commerce, much like Castle Town of old.

When the sun sets and twilight shrouds the sky, residents and travelers alike gather at the Great Tau Pu Inn. Over the next few months, there will be no vacancy as travelers have fully booked beds at the inn. During the evenings, before travelers settle into bed for the night and before residents head home, they share good fun with food, drinks, and music at the inn's bar. More often than not, travelers and residents are known to consume too much alcohol on a given night. Hylian Ale is the local favorite amongst the thirsty patrons of the bar. Occasional incidents resulting from too much consumption of alcohol do occur, but most of time, only small scuffles and disagreements occur amongst the patrons. Overall, everyone has a good time relaxing at the end of the day. Prima, the inn and bar's owner, with one or two additional staff, are able to serve all patrons quickly, keeping the atmosphere calm and enjoyable. Traveling musicians and local residents will often break out into song and dance, creating a happy and vibrant atmosphere for all to enjoy.

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Having completed her chores for the morning, Zelda left home, leaving Link behind who was shoeing Epona and Storm in the stable behind the house. She crossed the bridge and headed down toward the village square. She felt the warmth of the sun's rays radiating onto her skin; feeling slightly discomforted by it, she hurried down the hill and entered the village square. As she briskly walked past shopkeepers, she waved at each of them with a warm smile or friendly greeting of "hello". Most would reply, "Good day, lady Zelda. Nice weather we are having." She only replied in return, "That it is. Finally some sunshine and more warmth." She was not completely happy about the warmth comment as it was a bit warmer than usual this time of year.

She stopped at the closest apple tree in the village square and leaned against it. She raised her arms and placed her hands behind her head. Thoughts flooded her mind as she recalled the events of the month prior.