flight of a thousand suns

Chapter 1

  The early morning sun left a warm daze upon Link's face, as he stretched under the awakening sky. The sound of horse hooves and clanking armor was a staple in those early mornings, accompanied by the fresh dew on the green grass outside the walls of Lookout Landing. As a few soldiers followed closely behind Link–some with carts full of supplies– he climbed down to hand a stamped pass to the guards.

   "Morning to you," one of them mutters, clearly having only recently woken up. Link didn't blame him. Everyone was tired. But it was worth it; as the rebuild of Hyrule was thriving. Lookout Landing had become the main area of goods transport, as well as a place for Hylians–and others–to grab any documentation they may be needing. They had also greatly expanded the shelter beneath, as of course the population began to have a spike after the previous events of Hyrule's history. The events that caused extra horror on the people of Hyrule. But Link had his scars to tell him that, and not just physical ones.

"You're good to go. This week's inventory is full after this load, so make sure you have one of your men send word that we cannot accept anything until Monday morning. Sorry. Everythings at capacity right now..." he murmurs a bit more before handing Link back his pass.

"Hadn't we planned to ship some of this off to other villages? I heard Gerudo Village got a particularly bad heatwave recently," Link responds, tucking his pass into his bag and straightening his gloves. The guard smirked.

"Gerudo Village is just a bunch of sissy women, they'll complain any chance they get," he laughs at his own remark, "if it means getting more provisions, they'll do it." Link stares at him blankly before rolling his eyes.

"Have you ever even met a Gerudo?" Link asks. The guard shifts uncomfortably.

"No..but I know all women! All of them find something to complain about."

"Yeah...." Link gets back onto his horse and directs the other guard to open the gate, "I can give you something to complain about–like not having a job–if you keep that up." He doesn't get a chance to see the look on the guard's face before leading his men into the bustling–and expanded–Lookout Landing.

It is already busy inside the walls, as children run about and parents browse the small markets offered in this part of Hyrule Castle Town. Most were found in the streets of the inner town, but it was nice to have them available closer to those working long shifts for inventory purposes and cargo.

"Mr Link! Mr Link!" one of the kids comes bumbling towards him, just barely avoiding tripping over his own feet. Two other children follow, excitedly.

"Ms. Zelda is going to attend our class this week!" one shares.

"She hasn't been able to 'cause my momma says she's too busy attending to other matters. I mean, what could be more important than us?" another whines. Just then, a woman behind Link laughs gently, before approaching and placing her hand on his shoulder. Her blonde hair, which had begun to grow out, now swaying gently in the breeze.

"Your mom is right, I am busy. But there is nothing more important to me than the future of Hyrule. I will always find a way to be involved with your studies," she promises them all. Link smiles gingerly, heartwarmed by Zelda's approach to the excited kids. They adored her, and saw her as their role model. The kids giggle a bit, before looking back at Link.

"Can Mr Link join too? You say you love it when he joins!"

Link feels a bit shocked and embarrassed, feeling his ears grow red. "She does? I–I mean, ahem, the Princess and I–the Queen–and I, both enjoy eachothers company. As any friend would," he tells the kids.