The Adventures of Link and Zelda

A Visit to Tarrey Town

Tarrey Town was being generous, thought Link, as he passed underneath the ramshackle gate. Even though he was hailed as one of the towns' key founders, he couldn't bring himself to call it a town. The only functioning establishments were an inn, an arrow store, an ore store, and a clothing store. Their economy relied on tourists and traveling merchants!

That being said, some people lived in the town, and there was a steady stream of food, so he supposed it had all of the elements of a town. Well, except for the fact that there was no mayor! Or leadership of any kind! Unless you counted Hudson, the place's founder, as leadership, which no one did.

But thinking back on the towns' economy...there was the Rito general store owner, Fyson. The Goron Greyson, and his little brother Pelison, who ran the ore shop. The Gerudo lady Rhodeson, Hudsons' wife, ran the clothing store. And the Zora innkeeper, Kapson. But could he really be called an innkeeper, if he let people sleep in his in for free!?

And then there were the merchants - Granté, who sold special advanced clothing, including some probably bootlegged stuff. But who cared? As long as you could show off your stealthy or sparkly attire, no one. Not to mention the lack of law enforcement anywhere.

Granté did have a house, but he spent all his time on the roof. Wierd. A family of three lived next to the inn - Rulie, Haggie, and Hunnie. A few weeks ago, Link had cured Hunnie of an illness and Haggie of his boredom. Their family dynamic seemed to be doing better. And there was an elderly couple, with loads of dogs - Monarai and Moggs. Monarai had actually helped Link cure Hunnie; her cooking abilities had helped Link immensely.

Link thought of all this as he rode his horse, Mare, down the land bridge to Tarrey Town. He considered waking Zelda, who slumbered on the saddle behind him but decided not to. It was pretty late - eleven p.m. - so he thought it fair she should get some rest.

By the time he had tied his horses' reins to the tree and cooked them dinner, however, she was awake and had come to sit down next to him. 

"Why didn't you wake me when we got close?" she asked, yawning. Link shrugged and continued to stir the contents of his cooking pot.

"Well, at least you've cooked up something delicious..." she said, as Link passed her a dish of Risotto. "Thank you Link," said Zelda, eating quietly. Link sat cross-legged next to her, and the two stared into the flames.

"I can't believe it's only been a month," said Zelda. "The battle with Ganon feels like it happened yesterday."

Link nodded in agreement. So many changes had happened so fast - the castle, all the Guardians, the Divine Beasts...

In a way, Link missed the simple life. A sword, a blue tunic, a final battle on the horizon. Now, he had a fancy red uniform, with Zelda and her royal blue cape. His final battle was behind him, and peace was what awaited him for the rest of his life.

Link turned to Zelda to ask something but noticed she had fallen asleep, leaning against his shoulder. Smiling softly, he picked her up and carried her into the inn, laying her down on an open bed. Then, he took off his itchy black overcoat and leaned against the side of the bed. He stayed there, guarding the princess, till morning.

⭐️

Link awoke to the sun on his face. He turned to check on Zelda, relieved to find her sound asleep. After gently shaking her shoulders a few times, she rubbed her eyes and got up. Link motioned to the outdoor, and Zelda yawned.

"Yes, alright, Link. I'm coming, give me a moment!" By the time Zelda was fully awake and outside, Link was already down on one knee before the Goddess statue. Zelda knelt reverently beside him and began to pray.

Goddess Hylia, I pray for your blessing in the days ahead and pray your light may illuminate my path.

Zelda kissed the tips of her fingers, then brought her indexes and thumbs together, forming a triangle. As she stood up, she placed the triangle over the middle of her chest, bowing to the Goddess statue once more, then walked back to where Mare was tied up.

As she petted the horse, soft golden light glowed from her palms. She felt the horse relax at her touch. "Hello, Mare," Zelda whispered softly.

"Princess!" Zelda turned to see a little girl, probably 7 or 8 years old, come running towards her. When we got within a meter or so, she fell onto one knee, as Zelda herself has done so, moments before.

"Greetings, little one. Are you the girl Link told me about? Hunnie?"

The girl jumped up, full of energy. "Yes! That's me! Did you know that Link made a special cake for me? And it made me all better?" But before Zelda could answer, the child had bounded away.

She laughed and shook her head. Ever since Hyrule had been restored to its' former glory, she had visited as many towns as she could, getting to know her new citizens. So far, she had toured Kakariko Villiage, Hateno Villiage, and Goron City. Link had promised that after Tarrey Town, she could go and meet Hestu in the Korok Forest. And pay a visit to the Great Deku Tree.

The Great Deku Tree thought Zelda. She remembered the last time she had been there when she had placed the Master Sword in its place in the forest. What she had promised to tell Link...

"Princess!" Zelda turned, shocked by the sound of Links' voice. He almost never spoke. No one quite knew why.

He motioned to the horse and waved his arm towards her. She nodded. Time to go to the forest.