Runaway in Hyrule Chapter Nine - The Road Begins

Instructions

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*Chapter 9 - The Road Begins°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ I step out of the changing stall and head toward my cot. The morning light streams through the wooden beams, dust motes drifting lazily in the glow. I pick up my bow and a quiver of arrows, then grab the bag I found in the donation bin. I’m sure I’ll fill it up eventually. I hand Kael his clothes back. “Thank you,” I say. “Anytime,” he replies with a small grin. He gathers his own things and turns toward me. “So… where do you want to go?” I pause, shrugging. “I don’t really know much around here… why don’t you surprise me?” Kael taps his chin thoughtfully, then smiles. “Well, let’s start with Riverside Stable first. From there, we can pick a direction.” “Sounds good,” I say. We step out of Dueling Peaks Stable, the sounds of travelers getting ready for their own journeys filling the air. Horses nicker in their stalls, travelers laugh and call to each other, and a soft breeze carries the scent of grass and distant flowers. “So, where’s everyone else heading?” a young man asks, brushing dust off his cloak. He has sandy hair and a mischievous smile that makes it clear he enjoys the road as much as the destination. People begin calling out their plans. “Riverside Stable!” some shout. Others mention distant villages, hidden waterfalls, and winding paths they hope to explore. “Same,” Kael says, catching my hand for a brief squeeze. “Do you guys want to travel together?” a woman asks. She has warm brown eyes and carries a pack that looks heavier than her slight frame. “It could be safer on the road, and more fun.” “That sounds lovely,” another woman adds, her voice bright. Her auburn hair catches the sunlight, glinting as she smiles at the group. I glance around, taking it all in. The sun climbs higher in the sky, illuminating rolling green hills in the distance. The path ahead is wide and lined with tall grasses that sway in the morning breeze. Birds call overhead, and the air smells fresh, tinged with flowers and earth. As we set off, the rhythm of walking blends with laughter and the occasional clop of hooves. Kael keeps a steady pace beside me, his brown eyes scanning the road while his hand brushes mine every so often. The countryside stretches endlessly—small streams glitter in the sunlight, patches of wildflowers brush the edges of the dirt path, and distant cliffs rise softly against the sky. Every so often, a rabbit darts across the trail, and a hawk wheels overhead, circling lazily before disappearing into the horizon. The group moves together, exchanging stories, offering tips on routes, and sharing laughs. Despite the morning chill, the warmth of the people and the gentle rhythm of walking makes my heart feel lighter than it has in weeks. I glance at Kael, who meets my gaze and smiles. Somewhere between the soft morning air, the new surroundings, and the promise of adventure, I feel… alive. And so, our journey begins.