Chapter Text
He wasn't sure how long he was out, only that he was unconscious for what felt like weeks. Even though he knew he was alive, he felt exhausted, sore, and his head hurt a lot. There were a few times where his eyes cracked open to see where he was. At first, his eyes stung from sunlight which made his head throb even more initially. He closed his eyes again to try and ease some of the pain, even as he heard strangers' voices around him. He was overwhelmed, lost, scared, and confused, but thankfully, his exhaustion was more so than anything else he felt, and it led him to falling asleep again.
The next time he woke, he found himself in a dimly lit home- it must have been nighttime outside, because all he could notice light-wise was the gentle glow of a fire nearby. Blinking his eyes open again, he noticed his head wasn't hurting anymore. His face did feel a bit stuffy, but he'd guess it's because he almost drowned-
Wait! His family! Were they all right?!
As he sat up, he groaned feeling exhausted but the concern he had for his family was more on a priority than his physical wellbeing. But his motion didn't go unnoticed, because that's when he felt himself pushed down... by someone else.
Blinking his eyes open to focus his vision, he saw a little girl about eight to ten years old with pigtailed blond hair, green eyes, and in a blue dress looking down at him with a pout. "Oh no you don't, mister," she huffed, "You've been sick and you need rest! Grandma's orders," she ordered.
He was gob-smacked to say the least. He didn't know where he was or who this was telling him to stay in bed. He tried to speak up, but a harsh cough interrupted him. Seems he was, indeed, sick like the little girl said. Once his cough settled down, the little girl got up which gave Link a chance to look around a bit clearer this time. He saw he was in a small quaint home made of wood, and while he was in a comfortable bed, to his left, he saw a fireplace going with a pot over it. Link could hear a low bubbling sound- sounds like a stew or soup was being made in that pot. Taking another glance around, he saw pictographs of the same little girl in them as well as a random pictograph of flowers. There was a simple window with its curtains drawn open, a large rug on the floor, and even saw some dishware on a nearby countertop, but there were only enough for about three people..
"Grandma! He's awake," the girl called out loudly which brought him to attention, and looking upward, while his vision was upside down, Link glanced to see an older woman in a red dress with her greyish-white hair pulled up into a bun shuffling over with a gentle smile. As she got closer, she saw Link was awake and put a hand to his forehead, "Goodness, you gave us quite a fright, young man," she chuckled softly before grabbing the rag that was near his head, "Sue-Belle found you unconscious on the beach yesterday and we feared you for dead. But, imagine our surprise to see you were all right. Just washed up with a fever."
Link was surely surprised. He washed ashore but where? And he had a fever? That would explain why he felt so sluggish when he tried to get up...
Trying to speak again, he had a soft cough before feeling the older woman help him sit up as the little girl watched him with a curious but intense look. Could she not..? Looking back up, he spotted the elder woman walk back over with a cup that had a steaming trail coming from it which meant it was a hot beverage. "This should help that cough of yours," he heard her say gently as he took it into his hands. It looked like a tea at first glance, and after giving it a few blows, he took a sip. It certainly tasted like a tea with some honey added in and a slight tartness, perhaps lemon.
After drinking some of it down, he let out a relieved sigh before looking up at them, "Thank you. That feels much better." The girl's grandmother had a soft chuckle.
"I figured it would help. Hot lemongrass tea does wonder when one is ill," she said with a gentle smile, "That and a bowl of my best soup. Think you can try a bowl?"
"Yes, please," Link softly requested, but he had a feeling it wasn't a question. She was going to feed him soup regardless if he was sick. Not that he was complaining. The smell of the soup wafting through the home was rather pleasant, he loved it. It reminded him of his parents' cooking.
"What's your name," the smaller girl chimed up in a chipper tone and from the big smile on her face, she seemed fascinated with him being there.
"I.. I'm Link," he gently replied seeing her big green eyes alit.
"That's a nice name! I'm Aryll," she greeted before reaching her hand out to get a handshake from him. Sensing no threat, Link returned her handshake with a small smile seeming a bit more relaxed.
Link saw her grandmother bring the bowl of steaming soup to him and he could feel his stomach twisting from hunger just from the aroma alone. Feeling the warm stone bowl in his hands, he knew this would be a great meal for him. Taking the spoon lodged in the broth, he was more than careful with stirring his soup and scooping up the contents; he saw minced cuts of vegetables and small bits of meat in it and the aroma up-close smelled more profound to detect it was poultry based.
The first few spoonfuls were wonderful and it certainly kick-started his hunger into a sort of overdrive but he had to be careful not to choke. Link took his time with this soup and was sure to savor every bit of it. Not a word passed his lips because he was eating and he was surely eating well. Once he was finished, he handed the bowl back to Aryll's grandmother with a gentle smile, "That was delicious, thank you."
Her aged hands took the bowl seeing there wasn't a morsel left in it. "Goodness, quite the appetite you had," she chuckled warmly, "Then again, you had been asleep for a whole day, night, and morning. No doubt you would have had an appetite. Let us see how your stomach holds for now before I give you another bowl. Can't have you overeating and you feel sick from it."
"Wise advice, miss," he chuckled a soft laugh before he saw her take the bowl to wash it in a nearby basin.
"How did you end up on the beach anyways," Aryll asked as she adjusted her spot across from Link.
He liked how straightforward she was. It made him chuckle a bit, and he knew he had to answer. "I was separated from my family because of a storm," Link started to explain, "The wind got really strong, and it made my little brother stumble to the edge of our home. I went to catch him and I lost my footing before I went over the edge and into the water. The last thing I remember, I was tumbling in the water and.. I think I hit my head on something. I think it might have been the rocks near our home.. I think.." Link explained as he rubbed on the back of his head where he was bandaged up.
"I'm sorry you got separated from your family," Aryll chimed softly as she reached over and patted at his hand.
He didn't expect a nice apology, but hearing such a sentiment made him feel better at least. "Thank you," Link said lightly, "I'm glad Leo was okay, but now that I'm separated from my family, I don't know where I am or how to get back home."
"Well, we can answer that 'where you are' question," her grandmother said as she stepped back over while drying her hands with her apron, "You're on Outset Island."
Outset Island?! He was THAT FAR south?! His face must have shown his surprise because he felt her hand on his shoulder as if trying to comfort him.
"Deep breaths, young man," she gently instructed, "How far is your home island from here?"
"I.. I think north? I never went to many islands aside from my home, Windfall, and Dragon Roost Island," Link explained, "I mean- I've always wanted to see other islands, but not like this. I mean, not under these circumstances-"
"I know what you mean, young man," he heard the elder woman chuckle softly, "It is quite frightening to be so far from home. Once you get better, we'll find a way for you to get home. We have boats, after all."
"Thank you, miss," Link said softly, "Your generosity is appreciated, but I have to repay your kindness, somehow. I know certain skills and I'm good with a few array of weapons. I can help protect the island-"
"Now, now, young man. First, you need to rest. Your fever still hasn't broken yet," Aryll's grandmother firmly instructed. Link knew this was true. He felt like his head was on fire, and it wasn't from the fireplace nearby. His own body was burning from the inside from this minor illness he had. But, he could tell from this depth of care he was getting, he would be getting better in no time.
It reminded him of his mother's care when he got sick. He missed her. He missed them all, and that longing brought tears to his eyes that he didn't hide from them. He sobbed softly which made the two there worry for him at his spontaneous emotional moment. "What's wrong," Aryll asked as she patted his hand again, "Is your head hurting?"
After a sniffle, Link used the cuff of the sleeve in the white sleeved tunic he was wearing to wipe at his face a bit, "N-No that's not it. I just.. It's a lot of stuff. I miss my home. I miss my family. They all must be worried sick about me. I'm happy you're all taking care of me and I wanna repay you, but you want to help me get better first- And I appreciate it, I do. I just don't want to be a burden on you-"
"Nonsense, dear boy," her grandmother chimed softly before gently taking his hand into both her wrinkled hands, "You're ill and we're not going to force you to repay us for our kindness. That will come in your own time. I have no doubt you are a skilled young man just from feeling your hand alone. A bit roughed up showing you have experience with weapons. Perhaps you can share that experience with our only swordsman on the island, Orca. He'll be glad to know you can take up a sword should you need to. Your kind heart also shows you care deeply, even for strangers like ourselves.
"For now, you take your time getting better. You're sick and you can't push yourself too hard with laborious tasks in your state," the elder insisted and gave his hand another gentle rub, "For now, rest. You'll be just fine in a few days."
Her assurance was comforting, and it certainly made Link feel better. Wiping at the last of his tears, he quickly settled down from his previous torment. "Thank you," Link said softly, "I feel better now. I'll focus on getting better, miss."
"You're welcome, young man," Aryll's grandmother said fondly and rubbed his hand a bit more, "You're in good hands, I promise."
Link liked that reassurance.
===
Over the next few days, Link did as he was told when it came to his recovery. They weren't sure what kind of ailment afflicted him to cause his fever, but thanks to the care of the people of the island, he made a quick recovery. Even Aryll restricted how much he moved around in his waking hours, and while he did get visitors that were curious of him, he didn't mind the company. Even the old man, Orca, came by and talked with him about his weaponry capability. He told the truth; he was proficient with a spear, twin swords, a bow, and sword & shield which seemed to impress the elder swordsman. He'd never seen a young man his age so well-versed in the art of combat like so.
It was nice to compare notes with another who knew about weapons like he and his father did, but even then with being on bedrest, that itch to wield a weapon again grew more and more. But, he made a promise he'd get better first. On the fifth day on the island, he was doing much better than the first day and was even given permission to step outside since it was nice and sunny out. He just couldn't be outside by himself just in case his remaining fever made him feel faint. So, he went with Aryll to her favorite spot on the island: a wooden watchtower that she called "Aryll's Lookout" when she went atop it with the gulls. She certainly seemed to have a strange attraction from the gulls which she didn't seem to mind. She'd even feed some and try to play & cuddle with a few but they were still snippy.
Making his way up the ladder with Aryll behind him, he was glad he had the strength to pull himself up with each bar and when he made it up to the top, he quite liked the view from that high up. He'd been much higher due to the fortress being his home, but it was nice to see things mid-level. "It's nice up here, huh," he heard Aryll ask behind him as she made her way up and even had her favorite telescope in hand.
Link nodded, "Yeah, you can see everything from up here. Well, except for the summit," he chuckled before pointing up to the highest mountain peak on the other side of the island, "But, that's okay. I'm sure there's nothing but trees in there, anyways."
"Grandma said there's also a spring up there, too! Said to be real nice until a REALLY BIG rock blocked it up," Aryll explained, "I don't think anyone can get rid of it 'cause it's so big!"
"I bet my papa could," Link laughed softly, "He's the strongest person EVER! He's so strong, he scares even the toughest monsters," he continued in admiration before his expression dropped to one of sadness, "I.. I miss him, and the rest of my family, too."
"Do you wanna talk about them," Aryll asked softly with a caring smile.
A soft laugh came out of Link, "I could talk about them all day if you'd let me. It's just me, my papa, mama, and my littler siblings- twins, actually. A brother named Leo, and a sister named Lily," he started, "They're only five years old but they're very good kids. Smart too. Lily's quite the fearless little girl- like you, Aryll. You never seem afraid of anything. Leo isn't quite as brave as his twin sister, but he's VERY clever and smart. Cunning, too, just like our papa.
"Our mama is real sweet and just as strong since she knows how to use a sword, too. But, only one though," Link continued, "She's very pretty too. She's even got a stone like I do, but she got hers first since she married my papa," he said while pointing to the aquatic stone on his forehead, "I got mine on my birthday a few days ago since papa said thirteen is the age of becoming a man."
"Sounds like you got a big family," Aryll giggled as she pet a seagull that was strutting by her, "It's just been me and my grandma for as long as I can remember."
"I'm sorry," Link said softly as he sat against the main post of the tower, "What about your parents?"
"I don't remember them," Aryll explained, "Grandma said that my daddy got swept out to sea during a storm while he was trying to get a boat back to shore. Mommy got sick shortly after and passed from that."
"I'm so sorry," Link apologized again, "I can't imagine how that must feel."
"It's okay. I was very young- I was a baby when it happened," Aryll explained and her face did sadden a bit, "It is sad that I don't know them, but I get the feeling they wouldn't want me to stay sad about them passed away. Besides, I got grandma so I'm not alone," she concluded with a big smile. Link couldn't help but smile at her optimism and giddy spirit. It reminded him of his siblings, and it was very heartwarming when he missed them so much. That's when Aryll perked up with a question, "You said your birthday was a few days ago right?"
Link had a nod, "Yep, and, on my birthday of all days, it's when I got separated from my family in that storm. I even got my own sword and shield, too. I even lost that while I was out at sea.." he pouted lightly.
"Well, I think I can fix that," Aryll said as she turned to face him from the railing, "Hold out your hands," and she had a pause seeing him do so with a raised brow, "It's no sword, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY," she exclaimed happily handing him her telescope.
His eyes widened in surprise as he felt the cylindrical tool placed in his hands and looked it over and saw it was well-taken care of. Its red paint barely chipped or faded and even the white seagulls painted on it were still clear and intact showing she took great care of the telescope despite how much she used it.
"Well? Do you like it," Aryll asked with a bounce in her step, "I'm letting you borrow this special gift because of bad things happened on your birthday so this makes up for it by being good! Aren't you lucky," she explained before having a giggle.
Link smiled a bigger smile, "Thank you. This is a great gift, and I promise I'll take great care of it."
"Good! OOH why don't you try it out! Right now," Aryll asked before pointing toward her house, "Try looking over at the house from here," she requested before helping Link stand up. He wasn't at full strength yet so he appreciate her support. Getting to the rail, he adjusted the telescope's vision to see clearer and even worked the zoom on it a bit to look closer or farther away. It was easy enough to use, thankfully. As he looked around the island, he was looking at the summit when he heard Aryll.
"Hey, what's that? Link, are you looking at the red postbox?"
Catching his attention, he turned carefully toward the house where there was, indeed, the red postbox and a Rito postman with his wings expanded like he had just landed or getting ready to take off. He recognized that one Rito! He'd never spoken to him in person, but he'd seen him talking with the Chieftain and the young prince of their island.
"The postman looks kinda weird, doesn't he?"
"Nah, all Rito look like that. It's how they get around the sea to deliver post," Link explained as he zoomed in a bit more. He saw the postman looking around, before his head shot up and he started to flap his wings frantically making him hover a bit. He recognized that kind of action from the kargaroks at the fortress. They usually did that when they were intimidated by something- most likely bigger predators and they would try to scare them off by furiously flapping their wings. But, just before he could deduce anything else-
"AAAAAHH!! Link! The sky! Look up in the sky!!"
Shooting the telescope upward, what he saw made his stomach sink.
The Helmaroc King!
What was his father's bird going here?! And this far south, no less! "Why are you here," he muttered softly as he zoomed in, and to his surprise, he saw a girl with radiant blonde hair clutched in his talons. But, before he could question it further, he saw a blur go by the bird. Then another. Looking to the north, he saw what was causing such a projectile.
Pirates aboard a mighty ship with a serpentine head at the bow and their elaborate sail limp from lack of wind. Seems the Helmaroc King had taken one of their own and they were shooting canon balls at it to get her free. He saw it tilt and maneuver to dodge their canon balls with ease, but glancing back, he knew that would be its downfall. Literally.
One hit across the mask, and it started to descend- as did the girl in his clutches. Falling from his talons, the unconscious girl fell toward the summit of Outset Island deep into the forest making Link and Aryll gasp. "Link, this is so terrible! That girl fell into the forest," Aryll cried out, her face scrunched with fear in her eyes as Link lowered the telescope and looked down at her with equal worry in his eyes, "She needs help! But it's too dangerous for you to go in there without something you can use to defend yourself with!"
A small smirk came across his face. "But, I know someone who has what I need," Link insisted before hurrying down the ladder with telescope in hand. He wouldn't risk swimming across to get where he was going. He wasn't quite better yet, but he wanted answers. He NEEDED answers. About his father's bird, why it was here, why it had that girl, who that girl was- everything.
Making his way across the island, even going past the younger kids, he made his way to Orca's home where he found the senior tackling at a shark statue along his wall again, but ceased when he heard Link enter. "Link," he called out as he turned to face him, "You're not fully recovered yet. Why are you here?"
"Something's happened, sir, and I need your sword," Link requested quickly and on-point. He didn't care if he was still sick, he HAD to do something.
Orca perked up, "The sword? What is the matter, Link? Has something happened?"
"A huge bird was flying overhead and it dropped a girl into the forest on the top of the island," Link quickly explained, "I have to go there to make sure she's okay," he concluded with his eyes never leaving Orca's own. Orca could see the drive in his eyes. Despite his condition, he seemed set in his task at hand. With a grumble he rubbed at his beard a bit.
"I see.. But given how you haven't fully healed from your fever yet, this is highly unusual," Orca noted, "But, whatever it is, from the look on your face I suspect it is no laughing matter.. What say you, Link? Have you come for some serious instruction in the way of the sword?"
"You know I'm well-trained, sir," Link chuckled briefly making Orca laugh.
"True, but extra training from a different master wouldn't hurt your repertoire," the senior instructor chuckled and reached to his shelf before pulling down a sword in its sheath and tossed it to him seeing Link catch it with ease before drawing it out. This would be an interesting lesson.