Never Without You │ BOTW modern AU fanfic

Breath of the Wild

He pulls me up and tells me to follow him. He explains to me that his uncle suggested we should take the dog for a walk if we're going to play around anyway. I have yet to meet Twilight, and when Link tells me that he's usually at the stables to watch the horses, I get all the more excited.

We walk along a slim path until we reach the stables behind some trees. The smell of horse is nostalgic to me and sends memories of my time as an equestrian through my mind, some of which were less than pleasant. The pressure to perform, the ill-treatment of the horses behind the scenes, the arrogance of other competitors, the thunderous cheers, the fear of failure, and the disappointment etched on my father's face are all still vivid in my mind. However, I can't deny the beauty and majesty of these incredible animals, and the profound bond that can be forged between a human and horse when treated with the utmost care.

When I ask Link if I am going to meet his horse, he just smiles at me.

"Actually," he says when he opens the stable door, "I was hoping we could go on a little trip together."

"Would that really be alright?" I ask full of excitement!

"Why wouldn't it be? They're my horses," he laughs.

He swings open the old wooden door to allow the sun to fall into the dark stable. As he approaches his horse Epona, a mare with a glossy brown coat and a distinctive white stripe along her nose and forehead, she greets him with a gentle nicker. Link returns the greeting, reaching out to pet her and wrapping his arms around her strong neck.

My attention is drawn to the horse next to her. A white stallion with a blonde mane. He exudes an almost fairytale-like quality, with a regal posture and an intense gaze that seems to penetrate my very being. Despite his intimidating presence, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. I've dealt with bigger, more unbridled horses before.

"You like him?" Link asks with a huge grin on his face. "His name is Shiroiou. It means White King, because he likes to act a bit... Eh, let's just say he can be a bit royal sometimes."

"Royal?" I meet the stallion's fierce gaze with a soft smile. "Then I think he and I will get along splendidly."

"I thought so, Princess." He hands me the bridle, a brush, and hoof pick. "Because you'll be the one to ride him today."

We groom and tack up the horses to prepare them for a ride through the woods. Once we are ready to go, Link mounts his horse and waits for me to do the same but I hesitate. It's been years since I've ridden a horse... Is this really a good idea?

"Are you nervous?" Link asks me.

"Just a bit," I admit.

"You know... Horses are able to sense that. If you're nervous, he'll feel that."

"Great," I gulp.

"But you just have to put your trust in him."

My foot hooks into the stirrups, my hand grips the saddle, then I push myself off the ground and adjust myself on the horse's back. He takes a step backwards and kicks his head when I grab the reins.

"Woah," I try to calm him but he seems a bit upset.

"You're doing great," Link assures and leads the way onto the hill.

As we stand in a serene clearing, a sense of calm enveloped us. It's a peaceful day and the sun feels amazing on my arms. I close my eyes to enjoy the serenity for a moment until a piercing whistle suddenly breaks the stillness!

Startled, I look at Link, who has his fingers placed on his lips as he calls for his furry friend. From the tall grass, a majestic dog with the build of a wolf starts galloping towards us with an infectious smile on his face.