Hero of Worlds

The sun was setting into Lake Hylia, a brilliant hue of red against clear blue water. Link was lying down on the shore, nearby the Lakeside Laboratory. Princess Zelda was right next to him, staring into the water. Epona and a white horse were behind them, chewing on the grass. Link had left his shield and sword over by Epona. This was a very relaxing day for him.

Link took in a breath of fresh air, listening to the breeze sending ripples through the water. Today’s my 17th birthday. That means it’s been 7 years since I defeated Ganon as the Hero of Time. Because of that, I was able to warn Zelda about Ganondorf. With him locked away, Hyrule will know peace for years to come. He glanced over at Zelda, who was gazing into the sky. She looked like she was thinking hard about something. “Is something on your mind, Zelda?” Link asked curiously.

“Huh?” Zelda snapped to attention, looking around. She noticed Link watching her. “What did you say?” she asked.

“You seem very distracted,” said Link. Hopefully she’s not worrying about becoming queen next year. “What’s troubling you?”

Zelda stared into the clear water, watching her reflection wave back and forth. “I’m not entirely sure. I've been having these dreams for the past few nights now.” She then flinched, as if seeing something. “Now I’m having them during the day.”

Link perked up when he heard the word “dream”. “It wasn’t like the dark dreams you had seven years ago, was it?” He preferred to call her dreams of Ganondorf “The Dark Dreams” so he wouldn’t confuse the good dreams and the bad ones.

“No,” Zelda said thoughtfully. “It was more of a memory coming back to me.” She took a deep breath, and sighed. She put her full attention on Link. “Do you remember L-Lyra?” Zelda asked shakily.

The atmosphere around them grew sorrowful. Link couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t remember Lyra. Any time Lyra was brought up around Zelda, she would become really upset with the person who mentioned her. Though when she was brought up around Link, he would become depressed for the rest of the day. Why did you have to do it, Lyra? “Yes, I remember her. Why do you ask?”

“The day she was banished to the other world, she said something,” she started. “I’m beginning to understand now. What Lyra said was important. The only problem is, I can never remember what she says. Every time I dream of that memory, her words become muffled and distorted.” Zelda stood up, stretching. “We should continue this when we get back to the castle. It’ll be dark soon.” Link nodded and got up. They walked towards their horses together. Once mounted, they began their way back to Hyrule castle.

...

Link and Zelda sat at the dining room table. A servant had come to clear away the empty dishes while the two continued their conversation.

“Are you sure you can’t remember what she said?” asked Zelda.

Link let out a huge yawn before answering. “I can’t remember. I think I was too upset to know what was going on around me.” He drank the last of his water, put the glass down, and yawned again. “Zelda, did the water taste funny to you?”

“I don’t think so,” she replied. “Why do you ask?”

Link was finding it harder and harder to keep his eyes open. Why am I so tired? “No reason.” He got up from the table, stretching his arms. “I think I’m done for the day. I must have gotten little sleep last night.”

Alright,” Zelda replied. “We’ll continue this conversation tomorrow.” She got up, walking towards the hallway leading to her room. Link walked sluggishly behind her, heading for his own room.

Once he reached his room, he immediately fell onto his bed. His last thoughts before falling asleep were of his memories of Lyra, including the day he met her…