Chapter Text
The day was almost gone, the sun crowning the top of the highest of the jagged triple peaks by the time the dark bay horse approached the forbidding looking tree line, her light mane catching the setting orbs last few rays. A swift swing of the leg as the rider dismounted, immediately crouching low to try and find some sign to confirm the villagers’ reports.
It wasn’t uncommon for these sightings to go nowhere, but given how many had been received from nearby settlements and the history of the area, it was a chance they could not afford to take. Especially with the proximity to three villages and one of Hyrule’s major trading routes. Even though it had been 5 years since Ganon’s defeat, the land was still recovering, the guard stretched thin. And in all honesty, it felt good to get away from the noise of Castle Town.
A quick glint caught the eye, a momentary spark like those that had previously guided the young warrior. A few quick steps, a hand reached out to pick up the shed grey scale, the other hovering just over the fresh tracks nearby, finding the point that indicated their direction; straight for the forest. Reports confirmed.
Straightening up, the hunter felt a huff and turned to meet the gaze of their equine companion. They both knew that she could not come. The terrain, the close trees, this environment had already proven hazardous before, even for a horse as sure footed and brave as her. A quick unload of essential supplies and a whispered promise that they would not be gone long, and the young mare watched as her rider entered the dark, twisting tree line without her.
Neither knew how long it would actually be. For Hylia was not quite done with her hero yet. And her call rarely, if ever, came with warning.