As the laughter from the Cucco debacle began to settle, Link of the Wild felt a surge of nostalgia wash over him. The sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of purple and gold, and he decided it was the perfect time to ride. He called out to Zelda and the Hero of Time, "I'll be right back! I need to get Epona!"
The villagers watched with curiosity as Link sprinted toward the stables. Moments later, he returned, leading the majestic mare out, her coat gleaming in the twilight. Epona whinnied softly, recognizing her master and eager for a ride after the day's excitement.
"Ready, girl?" Link of the Wild asked, patting her neck affectionately before swinging himself onto her back. He looked down at the Hero of Time, who stood nearby, contemplating the mood of the evening.
"Hey, want to join me?" he offered, a playful glint in his eye. "We can explore the hills outside Hateno!"
The Hero of Time, inspired by the moment, nodded. "That sounds great! But first, let me set the mood." He reached into his pouch, retrieving the Ocarina of Time. With a deft motion, he brought it to his lips and began to play a gentle melody Eponas song.
The sweet notes of the ocarina floated through the evening air, weaving a magical spell that mingled with the laughter of the villagers. The sound was soothing, evoking memories of their past adventures together. As the music played, it seemed to summon the spirit of the night, and the stars began to twinkle even brighter above them.
Link of the Wild listened, captivated. "That's beautiful!" he called out, feeling the familiar rhythm and energy pulse through him. The Ocarina's melody infused the atmosphere with a sense of peace and camaraderie, creating an enchanting backdrop for the night's adventure.
Epona seemed to sway gently to the music, her ears twitching in rhythm. Link leaned down, whispering into her ear, "Let's give them a show, girl!" With a light squeeze of his legs, he urged Epona forward, galloping in a wide arc around the village, her hooves pounding against the ground.
The villagers cheered as Link of the Wild rode, the wind catching his hair as he maneuvered with grace and confidence. He jumped over a low fence, performing a small trick that he had practiced many times, a grin plastered across his face. The ocarina's music followed him, guiding his movements like a dance.
The Hero of Time played on, the enchanting tune resonating through the village as he watched his friend enjoy the thrill of the ride. Inspired, he switched to a more lively melody, and the villagers began to clap and dance along, swept up in the infectious spirit of the moment.
Link of the Wild returned, slowing Epona to a canter as he approached the gathering, his heart racing with exhilaration. "How was that?" he called out, beaming with pride.
"Absolutely amazing!" one villager exclaimed, and the others echoed their agreement, their spirits lifted by the performance.
"Your turn!" Link urged the Hero of Time, who grinned at the suggestion.
"Alright, but I'll need a steed!" he replied, looking around. "Do you think Epona would mind if I took a ride?"
Link nodded, dismounting with a flourish. "Of course! She loves meeting new friends."
As the Hero of Time mounted Epona, the villagers clapped, excited to see the Hero of Time take his turn. Link of the Wild stepped aside, handing him the reins. "Just be careful; she can be a bit spirited!"
The Hero of Time chuckled, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. With a nod to Link, he adjusted his grip and began to play a new tune, letting the melody flow into Epona's rhythm. The horse responded eagerly, trotting forward before breaking into a gallop, carrying him around the clearing.
The villagers cheered as he rode, their laughter mingling with the sweet sounds of the ocarina. He navigated the terrain with surprising skill, taking sharp turns and encouraging Epona to jump over obstacles with a grace that surprised even himself.
Link of the Wild watched with pride as his friend reveled in the experience. "You've got this!" he called out, his encouragement ringing through the night.
After a few laps, the Hero of Time slowed Epona down, the mare huffing softly from the exertion. He dismounted with a flourish, bowing to the applause of the villagers. "Thank you, thank you! I'm here all night!" he said with a grin.
Link of the Wild laughed, his heart swelling with joy at the sight of their shared happiness. As the two heroes returned to the group, the mood in Hateno had shifted to one of celebration and camaraderie. The air buzzed with energy as the villagers began to share stories of their encounters with the champions, recalling the times when both Links had saved Hyrule.
"Tonight was something special," the Hero of Time remarked, his expression reflecting the warmth of the moment. "Just like old times, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Link of the Wild replied, a fond smile gracing his face. "It really is."
As the stars twinkled brightly above, the villagers gathered around, and the night stretched on filled with laughter, stories, and the promise of new adventures to come. The bond between the heroes deepened further, strengthened by the joyous night, and together they celebrated their victories, both past and present, under the watchful gaze of the moonlit sky.
