The Legend of Zelda: Zelda's Honor

Chapter 41 - Lingering Doubt

Kafei sniffed before looking off in the direction of several of the youth, most of which were playing some form of cards. "Honestly? I've known them since they were born. I knew their mothers and fathers. Our town was a tight knit group where everyone knew everybody."

"Those communities are the best." Link mused, reminiscing his time with the Kokiri.

"I agree." Kafei nodded in agreement. "There was no crime, no strife, just pure love for one another. We lived off the land and tended the cattle and sheep. Our major export from our town was furs and robust cheeses from our cows." He snickered as he recalled the competition, "Well, that was before Lon Lon Ranch was set up closer to Hyrule Castle. The majority of our product lost its value since then. Not that I was bitter about it," Kafei corrected upon seeing a look from Link, "it was just business. I understand that. What about you? You mentioned you grew up with the Kokiri."

Link beamed at being asked to talk about his former kinsfolk, "Yes, I was left in the care of the Kokiri by my mother. She died of the wounds inflicted upon her by the previous war with Nevachrea." Kafei cursed an oath as he impressed a hand on Link's shoulder in comfort. "It's okay. I grew up happy there, granted I was ridiculed to no end by the other Kokiri for not having a fairy." Link smirked.

Kafei cocked his head interested at this twist, Link continued, "Every Kokiri is born and a fairy soon comes to them, they are then forever soul mates. Companions unto death if need be, except that Kokiri never grow old and thus never die by natural causes. One day when I was nine cycles old, a fairy came to me. Her name was Navi. Outside of Saria, one of the few Kokiri who never teased me, she was my best friend. The one person I could talk to and share my deepest thoughts and feelings."

"What happened to Navi?" Kafei asked, concerned as Link's countenance fell upon speaking her name.

"That's the thing. I don't know!" A small, glistening tear formulated at the corner of his eye. "One day, she just left me without saying a word. I was ten cycles old. I've tried looking for her since, but have been unable to find her."

"That's tough man." Kafei consoled weakly. "So where are the Kokiri now?"

Link looked away roughly, "Dead. All but Saria, the one Kokiri I managed to save."

A distorted look of rage crossed Kafei's face as he heard this appalling news, "It was those despicable swine, wasn't it?!" At Link's confirmation, Kafei stormed off a few paces, violently kicking an idle rock. "Why can't they leave well enough alone?!" He yelled, causing some of the boys to look up from their game nervously.

He waved them down to assure he wasn't mad at them. They resumed their playful game as if nothing had happened. Kafei surged back to Link, "I do apologize for my outburst. Sometimes I can get quite heated at the injustices I see in this world. It appears we've both lost people dear to our hearts in this war." He brought Link around to face him, holding each shoulder firmly in hand. "That makes us brothers in arms, ok? We won't stop until we take back Hyrule for the ones we love!"

They brought their heads together, sharing this moment of camaraderie. At length they parted smiling, each feeling a lot better. "I have to organize a few things in my pack and figure out what I'm going to need to bring with me." Link explained.

Kafei nodded as he watched Link ascend into the treetops through the pulley system, "Don't forget, we leave at dusk!" Kafei shouted at him.

Kafei shook his head in relief. Things were finally starting to come together for their plan. With extra manpower at their backs, the impending raid looked like it would actually be feasible. Sighing, he walked over to the three boys and sat down on the vacant stump before asking what the game was.