The Legend of Zelda: Timeless (old)

Chapter 13

Zelda led the cart through Hyrule field, all the while listening to the kids bickering in the back. Her sword and Link's bow layed beside her. The light bow she had before had been lost in the chaos of the fight with Gannon.

A black cloak covered her. It reminded her of the one she wore in the castle. Hopefully nobody would recognized her with the cloak, to which she could thank Renado.

"Are we there yet?" Talo whined. She didn't respond, since it wouldn't matter. They'd just keep asking until they got there.

Which took little time. Soon, they were riding across the bridge between Ordon and Faron woods. The kids were almost jumping out of the cart with excitment,

"Listen, kids. There is something I must ask of you," she said as they stopped in front of Link's house. They all jumped out and ran around to face her,

"What?" they all said,

"When the people in town ask my name, do not tell them it's Zelda, ok?"

"Why?" Colin asked, just as she knew he would. She climbed down and grabbed her weapons,

"I can't tell you the reason, just please, do this for me," she pulled her hood up. People there were bound to know who she was,

"Fine," they all murmured. She nodded and watched as they all ran off to meet their families.

The black stallion nickered as Zelda turned back and unhitched him before climbing on his back. Taking a deep breath, she muttered,

"Here we go,"

She kicked his side and rode into the main part of the villiage.

She could tell that everyone was surprised to see her, a cloaked stranger on a black horse. That is, everyone except one man, someone she recognized as Rusl. Everyone else stared at her, clearly suspicious. Several kids were talking to their parents quietly, most likely assuring them that she was safe.

A large bald man approached her,

"Welcome," he said, extending his hand, "You must be Adalia," she shook his hand, and luckily it wasn't the hand that had the triforce,

"Yes," she said, as if that wasn't the first time she had been called that,

"Well, it sure is nice to meet you. I'm Bo, the mayor of Ordon. Where's Link?" The cloak hid most of her face, so he couldn't see the pain in it,

"He couldn't make it, so he sent me,"

"Oh, well, you do look prepared," he motioned towards her sword and the bow,

"Yes, I like to think so," He nodded and turned back to the rest of the town,

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Adalia. She's going to be staying with us for awhile. Link won't be coming, so if you need protection, come to her. She'll be staying at Link's house. Make sure you make her feel welcome," Everyone muttered their agreement before returning to their celebration,

"If there's anything you need, just let me know," Bo said to herc

"Actually, there is one thing. Do you possibly have any spare clothes? Mine aren't exactly...efficient," he nodded,

"I'm sure we can find something. I'll bring them by the house later," He waved and walked away.

The next to approach her was Rusl,

"Link told me he was bringing someone home. I just expected he'd be here, too. I also thought that maybe...nevermind. I just wanted to welcome you to Ordon, and to...hey, you remind me of someone. Have we met?" She gulped before tilting her head with fake confusion,

"I don't think so. What's your name?"

"Rusl, and forget I said anything. I don't know what I was thinking. I'll be seeing you," With that, he walked away.

Zelda took a deep breath and turned back to where the house was.

She led the horse to a small area on the side of the house, where, she'd guessed, Epona had stayed. After jumping off, she heard the whinny, coming from the forest.

Epona came running from the woods and stopped in front of her. Zelda dropped her hood and approached her,

"Why are you here, girl?" she asked, as if the mare would actually answer.

The stallion reared before running back into the woods, hopefully back to his master. Zelda stared in shock at the empty space before back at Epona. She held out her palm, and the horse pressed her muzzle into it.

And just like that, Epona was hers.