Wild's POV

Legend rode on Epona, sporting a newly broken ankle he gained in a fight.

He was not pleased, but relented when we mentioned Hyrule's potential anger when he found out.

Twilight wa s leading us back to Faron Woods.

Yes, we've come full circle! For no reason other than some reason that Twi refuses to elaborate on.

But I didn't push. I just let us lapse into a comfortable silence for the trip.

It reminded me a little of my quest, actually.

Just me and nature... the peaceful bird songs that fill the air, the rustle of leaves in the afternoon breeze, and the sun lighting a path for us even as it goes to sleep.

The only thing different was the company.

I would commonly travel by myself, usually only breaking the rule for Zelda, or for travelers who are too injured to risk going out on their own without any first aid (which I am hopeless at).

Epona was a small difference.

If I was traveling long distances, especially in the first leg of my journey, I would ride a horse to get places. But I prefer walking on my own, that way my horse isn't in any danger if I get attacked.

I didn't mind the company, in fact, I had come to see the others as sort of brothers.

We do seem to have this unspoken bond. Whether it be from the horrors we have seen, or the fact that we share the same soul, I don't know.

Legend and Twilight said nothing all the time I wandered off-path.

But if I was gone for too long, they'd call be back to the mini caravan.

It didn't seem to take long before we were entering a path surrounded with cliffs.

I felt a little claustrophobic from suddenly being unable to see rolling hills and untamable fields.

Then we were in the forest.

Twilight led us through a dark tunnel—so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of my face until Legend got out his lantern—and into a section of the forest we haven't been before.

The spotted sunlight and cooling breeze was welcome. Moist fog circled gently around us, egging us onward.

Twilight came to a stop at a giant tree.

One of its roots was carved out to make a sort of bridge.

I winced as I thought about how painful that must've been for that tree. That poor tree that must've stood for centuries and beyond.

I quickly snapped a picture of the beautiful sight.

Twilight in turn, led us over to the side, where more bark was shaped like a fence.

And over a pit with no bottom in sight, the tree lent platforms for people without could somehow jump to them.

I was beginning to think that the tree was carved, but it grew that way.

That would explain the strong pull of magic on every side. I could tell that Legend and even Twilight, with no notable connection to magic, could feel it.

"How in the name of Hylia are we supposed to get across?" Legend snapped, but still in awe.

Twilight shuffled nervously. "Anyone got a spare Cuckoo on hand?"

"Really?" I asked incredulously. "You led us all the back here, with no plan to get across?"

"It was much easier on my quest!" Twilight defended.

As if knowing what we needed, there was a large creaking sound, and the tree moved to support a was across and over the pit, Epona able to come.

It was slow but fascinating.

I knew I would have to tell Zelda about this. How a seemingly normal tree was now making them a bridge to get across.

Go, heroes. Came a gentle, female voice. I was blessed by Nayru with the ability to move to the benefits of others, while keeping the Sacred Blade from Evil's touch...

"That's why you gave me ropes that first time, isn't it?" Twilight asked.

The Tree didn't answer but I could tell she had nodded.

But before you go... Be warned... for what lies ahead may not be what you wished for... Beloved Heroes...

"Is a part of Nauru's Blessing the ability to know all?" Legend asked.

Yes... I am much like the Great Deku Tree you look up to, Hero of the Wild...

I blushed.

Now go...

The Tree said finally, sending a cold shiver down my spine.

The Tree quieted and we carefully made our way to a tunnel that led us out of the clearing.

"Thank you..." I whispered to the Tree.

And as I moved away, I could hear a gentle breeze, like the breath of a loving mother, tucking you in for the night.