BOTW 1.5: Rise of the Wild

Chapter 11: The Forest Guardian

When Link and Zelda exited the scorching hot territory, they took off their Flamebreaker Armor, Link was able to summon the MCZ, then they rode back to the stable. Area was still pretty warm.

They got to the stable by 8, according to the Slate. They rested there for a bit, had some snacks. Link cooked up some Honeyed Apples using some Apples and Courser Bee Honey he got up his inventory. In the meantime, Zelda was making a list of all ruins in Hyrule, off of the Slate map. Link took a peek, saw names like Tabantha Village, Goponga Village, Akkala Citadel, Hyrule Castle, Castle Town.... "How's the list going?" Asked Link.

Zelda sighed. "Not good. How many ruins did you find on this map? It keeps going!"

"You know, you don't have to fix everything."

"I know, but... I just want to. Like I said, we'll restore Hyrule. And I'll try as best as I can. It's my duty. Our duty. I will not let this land stay in shambles after I die."

Seeing her determination, he can't help but love her even more.

One hour later, they took their horses from the stable and rode out of Eldin, into Woodland.

They rode next to Cephia Lake, past Ternio Trail, entering the edge of Lanayru. They kept following the path to West, riding next to Lanayru Wetlands, then Hylia River. Rode next to Trillby Plain with the Crenel Hills on the other side of the river. Zelda then noticed another stable. "Was this the stable our horses went when we went to Zora's Domain?" She asked.

"Yes. This is the Woodland Stable." Said Link.

As they approached closer, Zelda saw a small outdoor restaurant under a big tree. "This is nice...."

"Should we stop?" Asked Link.

"I suppose. We can leave our horses here, then walk into the forest." They stopped in front of the stable, got off. Then Link attended them to the stable receptionist. Zelda sat at the resto under the tree. She chatted with a little boy named .... Shortly after, Link approached Zelda holding a plate in his hands. Zelda smelled the food, getting excited. "What's that?"

"I cooked up some Mushroom Rice Balls. Thought you might be hungry. It is almost noon." Link put down the plate.

"You're very much correct. Thanks!" Zelda picked up one, then bit the top. She savored everything of that dish. Link smiled at the sight. "Your cooking is always the best! You know, I might appoint you as the Royal Chef." Said Zelda teasingly. "Or even personal chef."

Link giggled. "I'd be more than delighted to. I'll cook for you anytime of the day."

After lunch, They started walking towards the Great Hyrule Forest, first through Minshi Woods. They looked to the left though some trees, a place of what seems to be big piles of wood on a bog topped off with monsters with a Shiekah Tower jutting out in the middle of it. "This brings back memories." Zelda said. "How about you? Can you remember?"

"Well, not too well, but since you told me, it's slowly coming back." Said Link, staring at the ruins of the Training Grounds.

They proceeded, reaching the border of the Lost Woods fifteen minutes later. Thin white fog began flowing around their feet. Unnatural cold breeze hit their faces. Zelda gulps, starting to shiver slightly. Link noticed, took out his Hylian Hood and placed it on her shoulders. Zelda embraced it, felt Link's warm hands. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"Huh? Y-yeah. Just a little nervous." She said, exhaling.

Link took her hand. "No need to. I'm right here." Zelda gained her composure.