The legend of AB: Epona´s Filly, Hero´s apprentice.

Link blinked once, astonished at the sight before him.

Zelda rubbed her eyes, her brilliant mind still sluggish from sleep.

“Link… what’s happening?” she murmured, her words heavy with drowsiness. Not that he could blame her.

She had spent a hundred years awake and vigilant, holding a living calamity at bay, while he had taken what was, arguably, the most legendary power nap in existence. He was always ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice, but right now, all he needed to do was explain the scene.

“It seems Epona’s adopted a child,” Link said softly, a gentle smile tugging at his lips.

It was an undeniably adorable sight. Epona was grooming the little one with the utmost care, while the filly slept soundly, cuddled against the mare’s much larger frame.

“Well, good for her…” Zelda hummed, swaying slightly as she struggled to stay upright.

Link couldn’t resist. With a mischievous grin, he leaned in and planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Go back to bed, Zel. I’ll handle this.”

Zelda smiled sleepily, her expression as goofy as it was endearing, before shuffling back toward the house.

Link stifled a chuckle, knowing full well she would give him an embarrassed scolding in the morning for his cheeky gesture. But honestly? He couldn’t bring himself to care.

She had lived for her people and her kingdom for far too long. That was before the calamity. Now, with only a handful of villages remaining, the kingdom of Hyrule was little more than a memory.

It could be rebuilt—Link knew that was her mission—but it didn’t have to happen immediately. For now, she deserved to rest and explore the secrets her heart longed to uncover. And he would make sure of it.

For now, however, the Hero of Hyrule approached his steed at an easy pace, careful to make his steps audible so as not to startle the new mother.

Epona noticed him, her eyes gleaming with what could only be described as pride. She held herself in a posture reminiscent of a dog showing off a well-caught stick to its owner.

This time, Link laughed freely, reaching out to stroke Epona’s long neck.

“Yes, girl. Yes, your child is adorable.”

The mare snorted.

“Alright, alright. Your daughter is adorable,” he corrected with mock seriousness.

He crouched down to examine the filly more closely. She was… unusual, in a way.

Her coat was a soft orange-yellow, her mane golden and strikingly reminiscent of his or Zelda’s. She had surprisingly well-defined shoulders and—wait—were those freckles on her nose?

The filly cracked one eye open, revealing a pair of vivid emeralds, before her eyelids drooped shut again.

Link chuckled softly as he patted her gently, then went to fetch a bucket brimming with apples—Epona’s favorite treat. He fed the mare first, earning an appreciative nuzzle, before turning his attention back to the little one.

“I suppose you’ll need a name, won’t you?” he mused aloud.

Just then, an apple tumbled from the bucket and bounced off the filly’s side. She let out a low grumble before, in a reflexive motion, kicking the apple hard.

The fruit flew a surprising distance… and smashed straight through the window of their house.

“WHAT IN HEAVEN’S NAME JUST HAPPENED?!” came Zelda’s now fully alert and distinctly voice from within.

“Well…” Link sighed, placing his hands on his hips. “I suppose we’ll call you Applebuck, you little rascal.”

Epona snorted, clearly amused.

The newly named Applebuck let out a tiny snort in her sleep, utterly oblivious to the chaos she had caused.