Hylian Folklore: A Retelling of the Twilight Princess

Defiance

"Hylia, the Mayor and I have some very important business to attend to at Death Mountain," Impaz began, as Bo helped her mount her horse, "I am afraid I am going to have to leave you hear alone. Promise me you will stay in Ordon. I don't want you to leave this village. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Impaz, I understand. I will stay put," Hylia promised.

"Very good. I will be back as soon as possible."

It was not very often that Impaz left Hylia alone, especially in a new place, with new people. But, when ever she had, she always asked her to stay where she was. Hylia knew it was because Impaz loved her so much and wanted to protect her. She only wished that Impaz would allow her a bit more freedom. After all, she was almost sixteen.

"Be careful, Impaz," Hylia waved goodbye as she watched them riding away.

Ilia stepped out the door and waved too, "Good bye, father. Have a safe journey."

Ilia was fairly close to Hylia's age, though, a bit shorter, despite being older. Her sandy, blond hair was kept very short, framing her narrow face nicely. She had beautiful, blue, doe eyes, and a sweet smile to match.

Hylia watched until they were out of sight, "I wonder what business they could possibly have with the Gorons?" she said, thinking out loud.

"I over heard them talking last night. It sounds like a very important meeting, but they never said what it was about," Ilia noted before shrugging it off, "I guess we'll never know."

Ilia stepped back inside, leaving Hylia alone on the porch. She looked up at the sun, it would be setting soon. This would probably be her only chance to meet up with Link at the springs. She reached in the doorway and grabbed her leather bag and cloak.

"Ilia, I think I would like to take a walk up to Ordon Springs," she called out.

"Alright," Ilia answer from another room upstairs, "Take care."

Hylia quickly tied her cloak around her neck and raced off towards Ordon Springs. She felt relieved that Impaz was gone. It wouldn't have been a easy to get out with the protective, old woman around. Still, she felt a little bit guilty for going behind Impaz's back, though. Perhaps when Impaz returned, she could change her mind about Link. Hylia made her way across the swinging bridge and stopped before the iron gates. She could see the glittering pool in the distance, but Link was nowhere in sight. She cautiously pushed open the old gate just enough to squeeze through. Its weathered hinges creaking loudly as she half stepped in.

"Link?"

No answer.

Figuring she must have beaten him there, she slipped inside, closing the rusty gate behind her. She looked at the sun again, now barely a sliver of light peeking over the distant mountains. Perhaps he had to work late, she thought. Making herself comfortable on a rock near the water's edge, she watched as the last rays of light faded into darkness. The springs, now bathed in moonlight, radiated a new kind of beauty. The rippling reflection of the pale moon danced across the surface, and the waters seemed to glow under its light. Convinced that he wasn't coming today, Hylia reached into her leather bag, pulling out a golden Lyre, and began plucking out an ancient melody that Impaz had taught to her as a little girl. It was a slow, yet beautiful melody, said to be the song of the Hylians. She closed her eyes and listened to the notes as they echoed into the night.

"That was beautiful."

Startled, Hylia quickly looked over her shoulder to see Link standing at the gate with his horse. He opened the gate, leading the mare straight into the water. Hylia notice that one of the mare's front legs was bandaged and he was letting it soak. She quickly put her lyre away and waded out into the water as well.