Life with Tetra’s crew differed from sailing with Daphnes. There were tons of chores (”Just because you’re the hero doesn’t mean you get to slack off!”) but they were like one big family. It was sharp contrast to the constant feeling of oppression and urgency he had with Daphnes (Dare he say that he was afraid). For once, he felt everything was right in the world. There was no impending doom, no fate of the world, just the sea and hope for the future.
Yet, he had gained a certain habit while sailing; Link slept with all of his gear. Fear of being attacked while asleep stayed with him since he made the mistake of sleeping with his supplies just out of reach. Nearly being suffocated by ChuChus causes one to learn from their missteps quickly. It also led to Link learning the skill of light sleeping, his guard constantly being up became second nature, even in sleep.
That’s how the young hero knew something was wrong before he opened his eyes. Napping peacefully in a hammock and suddenly laying against soft grass was jarring.
Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Link pushed himself to his feet and studied his surroundings. It would be calming if it weren’t for the fact that he couldn’t smell the sea. He wasn’t sure how to describe the smell here, it didn’t have the fresh smell of the ocean nor the stale air of underground dungeons. Something completely new, and he would’ve taken the chance to enjoy it if he actually knew where he was.
Tug. Instantly, he peered towards the direction his instincts told him to go, and his gut feelings was rarely wrong, so he wandered that direction.
(Despite being in a completely new place, he felt safe.)
Soon the sounds of a river filled his ears, his own footsteps falling into a trot until he saw a little boy sitting at the edge of the bank. Taking a moment to stare he saw a few things Link found rather concerning; The kid seemed to be about his sister’s age, he was alone, and there was a sword strapped to his back. That combination didn’t sit well with the young hero.
Oh no! He’s been caught staring.
Rubbing the back of his head, Link approached the kid, seemingly uncaring about the uncouth manners.
“Just got here.” Literally. “I think I’m a bit… Lost. Could you help me?”
Link picks himself up out of the gravel, looking up at the older boy with a big smile on his face. Naturally he was always eager to help people. That’s what knights did, after all! Luckily for the boy in green, the little knight knew his way all around Hyrule Field. From Mabe Village all the way to the Exchange. The boy was very proud of his navigation skills.
Link balances on his heels for a moment, glancing the older one over as if picking out every detail. He really was carrying a lot of stuff, wasn’t he? Was he on an adventure? The slight smell of salt and ocean felt almost like a confirmation. The very idea brought a certain spark to the young knight’s bright eyes enough to keep the grin on his face beaming. Something about that tunic too...it was weird but he felt like he had seen it before. That particular shade of green... Maybe in a painting or a book? What did it remind him of...?
He pushes messy blonde hair from his eyes, moving a bit as if trying to peek around his yet to be discovered counterpart and see just what he may be hiding. The sword on his own back shifting and the strap on his shoulder (clearly a bit over sized for his small frame) threatened to slide off as he leaned to peak at the green clad hero’s back.
“If you’re trying to get to Castle Town, it’s all the way over there. Across the field!”
He points towards the large, imposing towers of Hyrule Castle that seemed to glimmer in the midday sun. Prestigious and intimidating. But it made for a good landmark. After all Castle Town was the first thing one would encounter and it was how Link always found his way home.
“I can get my map if you need to go somewhere else though.”