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

[This is after chapter 3]

Tulin took a deep breath, steadying himself as he stood before the towering tree. The weight of his axe felt natural in his wings, the wood of its handle warm against his feathers. With a sharp exhale, he swung the axe with precision. One, two, and then a final, powerful third strike. The tree groaned as it gave way, its mighty form crashing down with a resounding thud that echoed through the ravine.

“C’mon, c’mon,” Tulin chanted under his breath, his eyes glued to the falling tree. He held his breath as it descended perfectly into place, forming a makeshift bridge over the yawning chasm below.

“Y-YES!” Tulin cheered, flapping his wings triumphantly.

“Whoa! Nice one, Tulin!” Applebuck called out, her voice brimming with admiration as she trotted up to him. Her orange coat gleamed faintly in the waning sunlight.

“Thanks! Now we just need to cross it...” Tulin began, before pausing and narrowing his eyes at Applebuck. The filly’s gaze had shifted uneasily to the edge of the ravine.

“Applebuck?” Tulin asked, his tone tinged with suspicion. “You don’t have a fear of heights... do you?”

Applebuck’s ears flicked back, and her cheeks flushed. She glanced between Tulin and the ravine, clearly trying to compose herself.

“N-No! I don’t!” she exclaimed a little too loudly.

“Then what is it?” Tulin pressed, his patience thinning like a blade of grass in the wind.

Applebuck hesitated, her eyes darting to the dark depths of the ravine before finally mumbling, “It’s not the fall that spooks me... it’s... well...”

“What?” Tulin blurted, exasperation creeping into his voice.

“It’s too deep!” Applebuck finally shouted, stomping her hoof for emphasis. “Too deep!”

Her words struck a chord in Tulin’s memory. He froze, his frustration melting away as a long-buried recollection surfaced.

(Right, I remember now... Uncle Link and Father mentioned this...)

He winced, the pieces falling into place. “Oh. The well in Kakariko. That accident where you got stuck for nearly a day?”

Applebuck’s head dipped, her embarrassment palpable. “Y-Yeah,” she admitted softly.

Tulin let out a deep sigh, rubbing his chin thoughtfully with a feathered finger—a mannerism he had unconsciously picked up from Link. He glanced up at the sky, the orange hues of the setting sun reminding him that they only had a few hours of daylight left.

“Alright,” Tulin said at last, his voice calm and steady. “We’ll cross together, step by step. Just stay close to me, and keep your eyes forward. Don’t look down.”

Applebuck swallowed hard, nodding. “O-Okay.”

Tulin stepped onto the log first, testing its stability. The makeshift bridge creaked under his weight but held firm. With careful, deliberate movements, he gestured for Applebuck to follow.

The filly hesitated at the edge, her legs trembling slightly. Taking a deep breath, she placed one hoof on the log, then another, her heart pounding in her chest.

“You’re doing great,” Tulin encouraged, his voice soothing. “Just keep moving.”

Step by step, they made their way across the ravine. The wind whispered through the chasm below, and Applebuck’s gaze remained fixed firmly on Tulin’s back, her determination outweighing her fear.

When they finally reached the other side, Applebuck let out a shaky laugh, her relief evident. “We did it! We actually did it!”

Tulin grinned, his wings fluttering slightly in triumph. “Told you we could. Now, let’s find that cabin before it gets too dark.”

When they were some distance away, Applebuck exhaled a shaky breath. “Thanks, Tulin,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with genuine gratitude.

“Anytime,” Tulin replied with a grin. “Now let’s find that cabin before it gets too dark.”

[A few days before the upheaval {TLOZ: TOTK}]

Applebuck awoke to the gentle sound of birds chirping outside her window, the first rays of the sun beginning to pierce through the morning clouds. She yawned and stretched, her movements fluid and precise. For anyone unfamiliar with her routine, the sight might have been astonishing: a small pony performing stretches that would put the most seasoned yogi to shame. Planks, hoof touches, and even splits were all part of her morning ritual, her remarkable flexibility both mesmerizing and humbling.

This was just the start of her day.

Once her stretches were complete, Applebuck moved on to "dressing up." She began with a simple white t-shirt, its collar embroidered with her name in neat stitching. Over this, she donned a sturdy piece of chainmail, its weight a familiar comfort. Next came her green tunic, the fabric soft but durable, followed by her leather sword sheath and a satchel slung across her side. As she reached for her final accessory, a green cap, she paused to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The movement revealed a braid adorned with beads of blue and orange, a simple but poignant reminder.

"Good morning to you too, Mom," she murmured softly, her voice carrying a note of reverence. She grasped the short iron sword resting beside her bed, slid it into its sheath with practiced ease, and placed the green cap firmly on her head.

Opening the door to her small cottage, Applebuck was greeted by the sight of Tarrytown, a bustling settlement nestled at the edge of a seamount. The modest yet thriving community was a testament to the vision and determination of her godfather—her uncle, master, and sire all rolled into one. What had once been a humble project had blossomed into a lively hub where the diverse races of Hyrule coexisted in harmony.

Applebuck trotted across the bridge leading into town, taking in the vibrant scenes of daily life. Near the mines, a group of Hylians and Gorons laughed heartily as they prepared for the day’s labor. In the fountain plaza, a returning hunting party—comprising Hylians, a Rito, a Zora, and even a Gerudo—was met with cheers of celebration. Their haul was bountiful, more than enough to sustain the town. Mothers and other caretakers, both women and men, bustled around preparing food, their chatter and laughter adding warmth to the scene.

The town’s commerce flourished as merchants displayed their wares, eager voices haggling and exchanging goods. The mines continued to yield resources, ensuring Tarrytown’s prosperity, and the settlement’s location on a seamount with a single access route made it nearly impervious to raids.

As Applebuck approached the fountain at the heart of the plaza, she returned the salutes and warm greetings of the townsfolk with a polite nod and a small smile. The fountain’s centerpiece drew her attention: a modest stone statue of a winged figure, depicted in a humble pose of prayer. It was a tribute to the Goddess of Time, Hylia, a symbol of faith and unity for the people of Tarrytown.

Following the example of many around her, Applebuck knelt before the statue, lowering her head in silent prayer. In that moment, she felt the pulse of the town around her—the laughter, the chatter, the toil—all of it a testament to the resilience and hope that bound them together. Here, in this thriving community, she found purpose, and in her prayers, she sought guidance for the challenges that lay ahead.