Chapter one
Fairies and Folklore
“Hyaah!” I shouted, slashing at my foe, a red Bokoblin.
It let out a screech and died, melting into the ground and leaving a green Rupee. I picked it up, and wiped my sword off on the grass before sheathing it. My weapon was a little short, but I had to live with what I had, after all the village was short on resources.
I was one of the protectors of my home, Otapu Village. I had a traditional sword passed down to me by my father, and a simple wooden shield. My clothing was a green tunic over a tan long sleeve, and a set of loose pants with some old boots. Not glorious, but certainly comfortable.
I looked around for more monsters on the way home. Satisfied that there were none, I entered my village and was instantly greeted by a few little kids.
“Taliel, Taliel! Didya get me something like you promised?” A little boy asked. His name was Lago, and he was the child of our villages shop owner.
“Your bet I did.” I told him, pulling a macabre style skull ornament out of my pocket. “I got it off of a Bokoblin.”
“Yay! Thank you, thank you!” Lago cheered, taking his prize and running in a few circles.
“Taliel, can you show me how to use a sword?” Another boy asked, his name was Tykro. He was the son of one of Otapu’s best warriors.
“You know that’s up to your father.” I told him, waggling my finger. Tykro nodded and joined his friend.
“Taliel, are your hurt?” A shy girl asked, holding medical supplies. She was Ora, the daughter of the village’s healer and potion brewer.
“Not today, but thank you.” I told her, tousling her hair. Ora giggled and ran off with the two boys.
“The kids are always so charmed when they see you.” A female voice said. I turned to see my favorite girl, Alia. “How are you?” she asked
“I’m great!” I told her, crossing my arms. I made sure to use my winning smile.
“That’s good to hear.” Alia said, smiling back. I felt my heart leap.
“Well, if it’s good to hear, I’m glad you got to hear it.” I said. Crap that was stupid.
“I’m glad you're glad.” She replied, giggling.
I let out a sigh. Thank god she hadn’t thought it was stupid. That could have been a disaster!
“So, in a few d-days… Ummm…. Y-you know how the village will be celebrating its founding soon?” I asked. “I was wondering if you could maybe go with me?”
“Well, sure, I mean everyone will be there, right?” She replied.
“I mean like as a… A date…” I muttered, feeling heat rise to my face. I was redder than the best leaves of a Deku Scrub.
“Oh…”
My heart sank, and shattered, the pieces stabbing me. “ Oh…” I mirrored.
“Not to say I don’t think you’re great, you are! I just....” Alia couldn’t think of the words.
“You just don’t swing that way, got it.” I said emotionlessly, looking down and starting to feel tears come to my eyes.
“Tali…”
“Don’t call me that anymore.” I told her, walking away.
Toku, my fairy partner decided to speak. “You didn’t have to be so cold at the end.” He said with a heavy sigh.
“Who cares, she doesn’t like me anyway.” I spat.
“Well, that’s okay. There are other girls, you know.” Toku told me with a slightly suggestive tone.
“Yeah, and I’ll totally find one that likes me back.” I said sarcastically.
“I’m sorry, Taliel, I was just trying to help.” Toku said apologetically.
“I know.” I sighed. “I’m sorry, Toku.”
“I forgive you.” He landed on my shoulder. “And, can I call you Tali?”
“No!” I laughed. Toku was my best friend, he always made me feel better after a bad time.
“Taliel! Hey, Taliel!” Someone called after me.
I turned to face them and crossed my arms. “What is it?” I asked the vaguely familiar stranger. Our village had many people now, and I didn’t know all of them.
“The village elder, Bokro wants to see you, he says it’s important!” He said, pointing me towards the elder’s house. I thanked him and rushed to the elder. I was concerned about the situation.
I walked in and saw the elder, safe and sound.
“Taliel, it’s good to see you.” Bokro greeted. Come, sit, we have much to discuss.”
“I sat down as told and kept my eyes on the elder. “What is it, Elder Bokro. Surely you called me here for an errand?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t in trouble.
“No, not today. Today we discuss your destiny.” He said in his mysterious way.
Great, I really am in trouble.
“What would my destiny be, Elder?” I hoped the punishment wouldn’t be anything too harsh.
“I need you to go out, into the land of Hyrule and retrieve our treasure, the Kokori sword.” The elder said, getting up. “You wear the green of the chosen hero, so I chose you for this task.”
“You chose me because my mother sewed me a green tunic?” I asked, severely confused.
“I chose you because you bear the soul of the one true hero. You have boundless courage, endless power, and crafty wisdom.” He told me as he searched for something in his home. “If you choose to have it, that is.”
Finally, Bokro pulled out the sheath of a sword, but with no sword. “This is the Kokori sheath.” He said, holding it out to me. “Take it, and find our treasure.”
No was the reply that came to mind. I didn’t want a destiny, I wanted Alia! But, I couldn’t have her. So, I decided to take on the quest.
“Thank you for this honor, Elder.” I said to him, bowing slightly.
“Do not thank me, thank your hero’s soul.” He said with a near toothless smile.
I nodded and went out the door, pocketing the sheath in the endless expanse of my belt pouch.
Outside the kids and a good friend of mine, Kotoro were waiting.
“So, little miss hero, are you ready for your adventure? We came to see you off!” Kotoro said all at once, practically jumping up and down. He was a hyper guy, alright.
“The elder told you I was leaving?” I asked, confused. If they had known why hadn’t they said anything?
“No, just heard rumors, and when you were called to see the elder we assumed it was all true.” Kotoro said. “Here, I brought you somethin’ for the journey.” He held out a wooden shield, one he likely carved himself.
“Oh, Kotoro, that’s so sweet.” I told him, taking the shield. “Thank you.”
“No problem, Taliel, I figured the mighty warrior might want a shield.” He said.
“Warrior I may be, but mighty I am not.” I said, slinging the shield onto my back.
“Whatever you say.” Kotoro rolled his eyes at me, but smiled. “Now, get out there and get our treasure back.
I nodded and ran off to start my journey. The village gate loomed ahead of me.
Run harder.
This would be the last time I'd see my home for a long, long time.
Run harder.
I leapt over the gate without another thought
