Link was unsure of what to do. With no ideas of where to start, all she could possibly achieve right now were finding questions with no clear answers. However, she knew one thing for certain, she needed to clear her thoughts. She was drowning in them, to let them fester any longer would only cause panic to reign once again. She needed the tranquility of nature at this moment… she needed to ride Epona.
“I’m heading out, I need some air.” Link announced. She took some deep breaths as she tried to remain calm upon her exit. Climbing down the ladder of her home once again. The air of the forest around her was already helping put her mind at ease. The feeling of the dirt beneath foot, and the sound of leaves gently blowing in the wind as life around sang in a disconnected choir. She didn’t have to search far for Epona, the horse was resting just a toss away from her home. She was aware of Link’s approach and lifted her head to face the newly transformed girl, a deep exhale emanating from her nostrils as she shook her body gently.
The horse seemed to recognize Link, thankfully, and welcomed her approach. Link reached an outstretch hand, and greeted the horse, gently caressing and brushing her head as she made her way to the side. Link realized how much she had shrunk, as the idea of climbing onto the horse’s back was much more intimidating, inches higher than what she had come to grow used to Link began to attempt to climb on, struggling to lift herself up and over Epona’s frame. Not only due to the increase in height, but her chest just seemed to repeatedly get in the way. Epona must’ve taken notice, as she lowered herself further to the ground in an effort to assist. The bond the two had shared was truly strong, as one knew the other’s thoughts without so much as a word. With Epona’s attempt to make things easier, Link would finally manage to pull herself up and into the saddle. She thanked the horse with a pat from a gloved hand as Link settled in and rode towards the lake.
As she felt the beast underneath her gracefully and heavily trod along the path, she became familiar with the tune of her heartbeat. The rhythm of it beginning to put her own at ease, their breathing becoming in sync, and Link’s mind finally began to know peace. She may not have had any leads, but she had her companions, and a moment of respite to reflect and plan. Though this moment would not last as long as she would have wished, as in the growing hours of dusk, the trees began to stir as if an omen of what’s to come. Though she did not realize it yet, Link would soon…
Tue Mar 08 00:29:41 2022