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The sun was high in the sky, shining down on the chain as they all sat around a lit up campfire. They were currently in Legend’s Hyrule, resting for a bit from their most recent adventure that left them quite battered. Finally facing off against The Shadow himself, the chain was in no way expecting the brutality that they faced against Dark Link. And of course, Time was the one who took the biggest hit, as The Shadow took on the form he had during Time’s first adventure. Time stared at the fire blankly, his own thoughts drowning everything else around him out. The ache in his soul at the thought of his friends and loved ones being potentially harmed was one of the few things that kept him going on the hellhole of the adventure Hylia had sent them all on.
“Old Man, are you alright?” Legend’s voice of concern snapped him out of his thoughts.
Time blinked and turned to face the veteran, answering calmly, “Hm? Of course, just reminiscing a little..”
Legend nodded, a knowing feeling settling into him.
After a bit more silence, Hyrule burst out from the bushes carrying quite a few envelopes in his hands. The chain stared at the Traveller with confusion etched on their faces.
“What’s that, ‘Rule?” Wind asked curiously.
“Letters! The postman approached me while I was on my way back from Castle Town! I don’t know whose writing this is, though…it looks foreign..” Hyrule answered.
Time inspected the letters waxed onto the envelope before he took them into his hands.
“I recognize these letters. They’re from my kingdom,” Time explained, excusing himself from the group to go read the letters in peace, away from the chain’s prying eyes and prodding questions.
He sat down on the ground and opened the first envelope that had a little glass jar imprint with a cow label.
‘Malon,’ he thought to himself, smiling.
Dearest Fairy Boy,
How are you? How are the boys? How has travelling been? I hope it hasn’t taken too big a toll on you and them, love?
As for me, I’m doing well, lonely, but well. Father and I have been taking more care of the ranch since you boys left, and dinners have been quieter without you heroes and your ruckus.
Time stifled a laugh to himself. Had they really been so chaotic back at the ranch? He kept on reading.
Not a lot has happened lately, though I do have big news for you! Epona is having another fawn, and we’re having our own little hero!
Time’s jaw dropped.
“I’m going to be a dad?!”
You’re probably going to be stunned by this news, but I couldn’t keep it from you any longer. The excitement was too much!! I do hope that you’re taking the news well though…
Regardless, things here have been peaceful here, and I do pray for you and the boys’ safe return home. Take care of yourself for me, will you? And if you get the chance to, write back! I enjoy reading your letters.
Your beloved wife,
Malon
Time sighed in content, it was nice to hear from her again after what they had encountered. A smile was etched onto his lips as he placed the letter back into the envelope, moving onto the next one. This one seemed a lot more fancier, the crest of the Royal Family imprinted on the back.
‘Zelda…’ Time sighed at the thought of her, opening the letter tentatively.
Dear Link,
I hope you’re doing well on your adventure? You’re not too hurt, are you? Even if you are, I know that you’re strong enough to pick yourself back up because you refuse to let yourself die on the battlefield. And I know it’s a struggle, but I have faith in your courage, it’s never failed you before, and I know it won’t fail you ever.
“Goddess, your wisdom is unparalleled…” Time mumbled to himself.
The kingdom has been quite peaceful lately, nothing of concern really. Just the casual bandits and thieves causing ruckus in the Market. The soldiers have been growing stronger every day, and the captains have made sure to keep everyone on their feet at all times should any surprise attack come our way.
“That’s good, I suppose. I’ve done my job well in training those captains..” Time smiled to himself.
Other than that, it’s been quiet here, lonely without you and the chain’s company. You always somehow manage to bring chaos with you, even if you don’t want it. I…I’ll be honest, I miss your presence here. It’s always brought me a sort of mutual comfort..
Time sighed, feeling the same way. Her company was nothing short of enjoyable.
Get back to writing to me, will you? It’s been forever since I’ve received a letter from you! Your lazy ass never writes anymore! Take care of yourself, Link.
The Princess,
Zelda
Time let another sigh escape his lips, feeling quite reminiscent of the Castle’s atmosphere.
“Lazy ass, huh?” Time scoffed and placed the letter back in its envelope.
Time checked the pile of letters on the ground and noticed two left, each one of them with a very foreign script written on them. Terminan . He reached for the first letter and smiled at the familiar yellow fox on the back.
‘Kafei,’ Time smiled at the thought of his friend.
To our dearest friend Link,
How have you been? I hope things are doing well with you since you’ve been gone for quite a while. You haven’t been writing to us lately, so we’ve been worried about our little hero friend. But that’s to be discussed at another time, we hope you’ve been doing well?
Things here in Termina have been happy and peaceful, and Anju and I have our own little rascals running around Clock Town! They’ve been begging us to introduce them to you. We do hope you come by and visit anytime soon? It’s been quiet here without your company.
“They’ve got their own kids now, huh?” Time scoffed.
Please write back to us sometime soon? It would be nice to hear from you again. The kingdom of Termina thanks you again for all you did for us. Thank you for saving us once again, Hero of Time. It’s an honour to have you as our friend.
Yours truly,
Anju and Kafei
Time smiled and prayed for their safety. He noticed there was one more letter. This one seemed to emanate a certain power he was quite familiar with.
‘Why the hell did he write a letter to me?!’ Time scrunched his face, confusion etched on it.
Hello, you little shit,
Been a while since I’ve seen you. You’re probably wondering why I'm writing a letter of all things to you. A letter, for Din’s sake. I am quite confused myself, but I suppose we all need a change of heart sometimes, is that not correct? You of all people would know.
“Tch, no kidding, moron…” Time rolled his eyes, continuing on.
Well, regardless of that, Termina’s been as silent as the Sacred Realm. Peace returned, and of course, it hasn’t been eventful either. No monsters to shed their blood, no evil to vanquish. Somehow you rascal heroes always find a way to drag evil behind you. But of course, none of that is to put blame on your shoulders. You do what you do to protect everyone around you because you refuse to watch turmoil wreak havoc again.
“I guess it comes with the job…” he mumbled.
You should know that what you did for Termina is incredible for what you came from. Seven years feeling like a blink of an eye is never easy for anyone, and yet you pushed through and succeeded. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m proud of you. I am quite proud of you for that feat.
Time unintentionally teared up at the words on the paper, some sort of relief washing over him.
‘That bastard…’ Time thought to himself, cracking a smile.
If I keep writing, I may just smite something. I’m not usually the sentimental type. But what I’ve said is very much true. You should be proud of how far you’ve come. Along with those rascals with you. Take care, Link. I’ll always watch over you, even when you don’t want me to.
Your favourite god,
Fierce Deity
Time wiped away his tears, putting the letter back into its envelope and keeping it at the top of the pile. He glanced to the side and cracked a smile.
“You know, you could’ve just told me all of this in person, right?” Time reminded him.
The Fierce Deity leaned against one of the trees in the field before stepping out into the moonlight.
“I could have, yes. But I didn’t. Just to spite you, you little shit,” he sassed. Time rolled his eyes once again and smiled.
“Thank you for that…”
“It’s the least I could do for you. After all, you saved my kingdom, did you not?” Fierce recalled, giving the hero a certain look.
“You saved her and kept her safe for me, no?” Time smiled at the mention of her .
“That I did, that I did,” he nodded in response.
“Stay by her side, will you? It’ll only be a little longer,” Fierce requested, a certain fondness in his voice.
“You think I’m letting Noor go anytime soon? Take all the time you need. She’s safe in our arms,” Time scoffed, giving the deity a reassuring look.
“Thanks, brat. I owe you one.”
“No, you don’t owe me anything, Fierce.”
After a bit of catching up, Time returned to the group and smiled.
“What were those, Old Man?” Warriors asked, noticing the change in mood.
“Just some letters from a few friends, nothing much,” Time answered nonchalantly.
There came a groan from Warriors which sparked yet another argument between him and Legend, and the night continued on like any other night. It was definitely a balm for his homesick soul.