Before the Wild

Concealed Courage

North of Bridge of Hylia, Link, Day 3

The region of Faron was mostly unknown to the Hero of Hyrule, having never spent time in the forests more than his military superiors allowed. He usually passed through to get to the Mounted Archery Camp south. There were no villages within, but two very close by. Deya Village, built upon the lake if the same name, was to the north; to the east lie Lurelin, built on the beach.

Link and his princess were north of the Bridge of Hylia, an expansive bridge and the largest in Hyrule. It made itself home over the famous Lake Hylia, the largest lake in the country. Link wonder, if the ancient legends were true, if there was a temple at the bottom of the lake, and if the Zora knew about it. He'll have to ask Mipha.

"The Era of Twilight preceded that of the Great Calamity 10,000 years ago, which means that Hylia is very, very old. Thank our ancestors for maintaining such an ancient piece of our history." Zelda turned to Link riding at her side, tapping her Sheikah Slate. "We have to get a picture of the lake while we're there."

Link raised his eyebrow. "We?"

"Yes, 'we.' This is our journey together. Might as well make some memories of it." To prove her point, Zelda held up the slate, taking a picture of Link off guard. "Snap! Aw, Link, you look so...cute."

Cute? That's for babies! I am downright handsome! But...it comes from the Princess. Link contained his blush, turning away as if inspecting the land. The Princess has gotten lax in her word choices as of late, but if speaking more frankly helped her talk to Link (who didn't understand any of that noble nonsense), he'll take it.

Turning back to the path, he spotted a wooden structure just a little north of the bridge, rising up to view from behind a hill. "Princess," he spoke warningly, and Zelda quickly understood what he was doing. He only spoke her title when he felt danger. He lowered himself off Epona, taking his sword, shield, bow, and quiver with him. Zelda stayed seated.

"Do you want me to stay here?"

Link nodded. "Until I signal you over. This might be nothing, but remember hearing reports of monsters building outposts?"

Zelda sighed. "They're getting smarter."

Link patted Zelda's knee. "Not smarter than us two. Have your bow ready." Link departed, running to a rock, and hiding behind it. Peeking around, what he could see confirmed his suspicions. Red Bokoblins were stationed at this outpost, denying passage to travelers who dared cross the Bridge of Hylia. Using the tall grass to his advantage, Link knelt down, walking slowly forward to gain a better view. He couldn't see their true numbers, but even for someone as skilled as Link, going alone was dangerous. It never occurred to him that the beasts could actually organize themselves, and that made their threat all the bigger. He needed a plan.

"So what's the plan?" Link nearly jumped out his skin. Zelda had appeared by him, bow in hand. Damn her Sheikah training and ability to move without being heard. He glared at her, annoyed that she disobeyed him to stay back until called for, but in retrospect, she never obeyed him anyway. Why start now?

Link pointed to the closest Bokoblin to them, stationed on a platform and facing north. "Do you think you could hit him from here?"

Zelda notched an arrow, raised her bow, and began to aim. "Hmm, let's find out. Be ready, in case the others notice." Link drew his sword, smiling as he felt the Master Sword resonate in his hand.

"Alright, I'm going to move closer while you shoot. I'm ready when you are." Zelda looked at Link, winking at him before concentrating of the target. Link once more hid his blush, then, still crouched, began moving forward. He had reached the small rise in the land just as he heard the cries of a Bokoblin, and the resulting explosion that signified its demise. Link paused, waiting on Zelda's command.