Lorule Legend

”Oh, thanks so mu-!“ He paused, a brow raising as what the small imp said sank in.

We better hold hands so we don’t get separated! You know, for safety!

They were both obstinate fools; Hilda came to recognize this all too late but, this should came as no surprise considering her history of not catching onto things instantly. Anxiety overwhelmed him, and anyone with eyes could see this. It was hard to determine whether or not she can use the word “stubborn” here, but most certainly, she knew that the less harsh one would be brave. To press forward while enshrouded in fear was courageous, and Hilda felt a warm fluttering in her chest. Not one that rang of nerves, instead, a feeling that would gradually grow in size until it overcame her. The warm feeling briefly cutting through the frigid air; it didn’t take long for her to realize she was proud of him. He trembled, not from the cold but the dread, yet he still was adamant in staying by her side.

She stood in her spot for a moment then follows him. It didn’t take too long to walk side by side once more. “You are brave, Ravio. I am glad you decided to take this task with me even if you are nervous. Ah, but you may very well be right in those guesses. There have been flukes over the years, after all.”

“But going back your inquiry, a more secluded area, away from the Ice Ruins,” Hilda said. “I’ve marked it on the map. It may not be accurate, but it should be satisfactory enough for now.”

Ravio and Hilda needed to follow the trail leading up to the peaks; once they’ve managed that much, they would then have to briefly get off that path and make one of their own. She didn’t want the blade to be up here. The idea of it didn’t sit right with her. Because more than likely, the sword was no longer that holy sword wielded by heroes of the past. She could only assume that, at best, the master sword lost its power due to neglect all these centuries. At worst was another story, one she didn’t want to think about lest she should set off Ravio’s nerves.

“It has been a while since I’ve traveled around this area. The tunneling system is confusing; we should be careful once we reach it.”

Out of the many ladders littered throughout, it was best to go with the main one that led to the Ice Ruins. “This way…” She walks a few steps ahead. Once she reaches the ladder and awaits Ravio, she points to the top of it.

“We must be wary of the monsters ahead. However, you have nothing to fear, so long as I am here, I will protect you with my magic. Now then, I believe it best for me to go up first. It should give you enough time to collect your resolve in the meantime. I understand how you must feel… so I’ll go first. I will call for you if it is clear. Is that alright with you?”

Those words almost felt like a cruel joke. Ravio knew she meant well by them but still.

“I’m not brave.. But I couldn’t just let you do this alone. It’s our home.” Yes, he was scared. Not just scared for himself, but for her own safety above all else. He was no Hero of Hyrule; he lacked the skills required to protect them should their mission take a turn for the worse. And while Hilda had her own powers, he couldn’t help but feel the creeping insecurity of being useless wash over him. What good was he here?

Perhaps Yuga had been right about him all along. Just a useless jester parading around as an advisor. His words had stung deep then and they still haunted him now.

Ravio followed closely after Hilda, nodding in agreement as she spoke. “M-monsters..?” He had his own little arsenal of magical gadgets but his level of comfort with dealing with threats was low. He swallowed hard and his stomach turned on it’s side. His feelings conflicting with one another. Half of him wanted to agree that it was best given his current state while the other argued it should be him who go up first and not subject the princess to such dangers. He wanted nothing more than to confidently tell her he would protect her and scout ahead in her place. But the words never came as he bit his lip and lowered his gaze to his feet.