A/N: Thank you for reading Time's Saga! I'm honored that you chose to read this. This note will be long, but I want to clarify some important things.

This story has been heavily inspired by a few works. If you've read them, you'll probably know which elements I speak of. But I would like to credit those authors who have inspired me and encouraged me to commit to writing this.

First is: Child of the Sun, written by Author of Doom Rin s/3369421/1/Legend-of-Zelda-Child-of-the-Sun

The first portion of Time's Saga will follow a similar plotline, but rest assured, this story is its own story. I believe the characters and situations are of my own design.

(And for the record, I do not own Legend of Zelda or its characters.)

Second is: Legacies and Bloodlines, by nolandsman s/11499045/1/Legacies-and-Bloodlines

Her work, world-building, and style of writing I hope to emulate. Its plotline is vastly different from mine, but I'll be borrowing some of the elements she has written to help with the Time's Saga world.

Third is: Desert Blight by jclbs s/12945513/1/Desert-Blight

It's a fun story that I think brings the essence of LoZ to the forefront. I've enjoyed following its progress.

And lastly is: By Fate written by Hawthourne s/11259417/1/By-Fate

Hawthourne has done a wonderful job of characterizing without taking things too far out of hand. I hope that I follow a similar pattern.

Time's Saga will be exploring an expanded version of OoT through four 'books', though that's a loose term, called 'lives'. There is a main overarching plot, but as far as things are currently progressing, it's slow going. Just warning you. I personally enjoy immersing myself in stories and that's how this one will be written. If you want to understand what I'm saying, check out what the term 'saga' means.

Above all I want to make the characters seem real and human, villains included. I am not condoning acts of evil or violence but Ganondorf's story is too rich and open to not explore. And try to put yourself in Link's shoes (beyond just playing the game) and think of how that trauma could affect a kid. I don't want to make this too dark of a series, but there will be sad/ dark/ depressing/ angst moments. Thankfully though, there will also be happy family times, romance, fun, adventure, and friendship. I'm even planning a bit of high school shenanigans as well!

I would like your help and input to make this story as best as possible, so please, Read and Review! I already have a clear direction, but if good suggestions come along, or you would like to see a particular character from any of the games make an appearance, I'll see what I can do!

So without further ado, I present:

Legend of Zelda

Time's Saga

First Life: Prince of Power

"Alright, quiet down and I'll tell you a story about a princess and her knight. Yes, this is one of your favorites, Link. I know that. So let us begin: A long, long time ago there was a beautiful princess. One day, during the Kingdom's celebration for the Piccori, darkness covered the land…"

Chapter 1: Lady Marie

Marie couldn't help but smile at her young child as she rocked in a chair next to the crackling fireplace. A light and sweet tune passed her lips in the form a lullaby to calm the screaming boy. This tender moment passed, and the mother was all too aware of how quickly her child was growing. It also helped that her mother-in-law reminded her to constantly appreciate these moments.

"Ah, Lady Marie," the proud grandmother spoke softly when the lullaby was finished, "the Goddesses have truly blessed you with a gift. With that voice of yours you could calm any raging beast with a few clear notes."

The formality the grandmother spoke with was simply a matter of habit. Those who lived amongst nobility quickly learned to speak in formal tones, even in personal moments such as this.

The mother looked up with a wide grin and lightly retorted, "I'm not sure about that, Mother Shannon, but it certainly aided in enchanting your son!"

Grandmother Shannon threw back her head and in a rather unlady-like fashion, laughed. Lady Marie smiled as she quietly cooed at her child. Grandmother Shannon continued to chuckle as she picked up the embroidery from her lap.

They continued on in silence, both completely comfortable in the other's presence. The only other sounds were the child's muttering and perhaps the footfalls of passing servants in the hall. With dusk quickly approaching Castletown everyone was quick to finish their business and return to their living quarters for rest. The Zielnski Manor was of no exception to this routine.

Though positioned closer to the castle then many other manors, it was a great deal smaller. Indeed, it was perfect for a new minor noble and his small family. It was not without its sprawling gardens and well-stocked cellar though. And it was perhaps one of the oldest manors, having been passed from any number of minor nobles and captain-of-the-guards for generations, however the current ruler saw fit to reward faithful vassals. The current king was of no exception to this rule and saw that his captain-of-the-guard's young family resided close by as reward for the dutiful soldier.

Despite the Zielnski Manor's best efforts at keeping the peace within its aging walls, the tensions of the outside world came crashing through the door in the form of a man.

"Marie! Mother! Marie, where are you!?"

Marie quickly stood up, her regal form outlined by her long golden locks. She pressed her blond baby to her chest and called out, "Kendrick, dear, is that you? What are you doing here?"

The man in question, Kendrick, was quick to open the door to the sitting room, where by now, both women were standing. They women shared a quick glance between them, their faces mirroring the concerned bright-blue eyes across from them.

Sir Kendrick was quick to command, "Quick, put on your traveling clothes. Pack some food. You need to leave. Now."

More than a little anxious, Marie quickly crossed the room and placed a loving hand on her husband's stubbled cheek. "What is going on?" She whispered.

Kendrick swiftly took her hand, lightly brushed his lips over it, then urgently pulled her out the door. He only spared a glance to make sure his mother was following closely before a tumbled of words curt sentences spilled out of him.

"There's a large gathering of insurgents on the western side of Castletown. We've heard word that they're here to attack the nobility, as well as the castle. Castletown will be a mess. You need to leave the city. I can't protect you here. Not when I'm needed at the King's side. I'm breaking protocol enough as it is, so I can't see you off. Just be sure to leave by the eastern entrance and keep riding until you get to the forest. Then move south. You should find safety at Baron Ordon's estate. Stay there until this is over."

During his clipped speech, Kendrick had led the women to the private quarters, and had waved a lingering servant over to help. At the end, breathless, he cupped his wife's face in his hands and looked at her longingly. Suddenly, a wide grin split his face and he said, "Being a father has made me down-right panicky! What am I to do? Everything will be over soon."

With a wink he assured his lovely wife, "I just want to have this peace of mind. Knowing that my family will be far from the carnage will allow me to focus on my duty to the King."

Marie returned the sweet smile and raised up her son for the father to kiss. She said softly, "I understand. As it is your duty to protect the King, it is mine to protect our son. Our Link."

After gently pressing his lips to his son's forehead, the father stood straighter and looked her in the eye. Despite the waves of worry coursing through both adults they found strength, confidence, and comfort in the other, as only a spouse could give. The woman released an arm and laced her fingers though her husband's strong and calloused hand.

"We'll see each other soon," she whispered.

The fair lady continued perhaps a bit mischievously, "This will be Link's first time seeing what's outside the walls. His first adventure, you could say."

She paused, a moment of seriousness overtaking them both. A resolute nod passed between them, and she whispered, "May the Goddesses watch over you and protect you, dear Kendrick."

They gently wrapped their arms around each other, careful to not crowd little Link. He whispered back, "And may they guide you to safety, my sweet Marie."

And with that, he was gone. The lack of his noble presence left the manor cold and foreboding under the shadow the coming storm.

Mother Shannon was quick to fill the moment with her surety. It was a wonderful reprieve from the sense of helplessness that had overcome the young mother. "Quick, hand me the child. You should be properly dressed, for you have a long ride ahead of you."

Marie nodded and handed off the baby, but then stepped back with a frown on her face, "You're not coming, Lady Shannon?"

"I said quickly, woman!" The grandmother spoke, her sharpness masking her fear.

The Lady of the House beckoned the waiting servant to strip off her nursing dress and replace it with the proper attire. As this was happening the grandmother turned to place Link on a table, and with well-practiced movements she had him bundled against the chilly night air.

She explained to Lady Marie, "No. It will be too hard of a trip for an elderly woman like myself. In this situation speed is required. I would only serve to slow you and my grandson down. And besides," she added with a faint grin as she turned back around to show the beautifully embroidered green cap that she had been working on now donned on the child's head, "someone needs to be here to defend the manor!"

The servants, having masterfully replaced the dress with a dark green shirt, vest, and pants which were overlaid by a brown riding skirt, backed away from Lady Marie. She frowned as she tucked her hair back with a thin piece of leather. "Mother! You can't possibly think to fight off a pack of rebels, do you?"

In response the old woman returned the child to his mother's waiting arms and gave a wink, "You forget my dear, my husband was a fine commander. And I have raised even better soldiers. I have learned a thing or two in keeping beasts at bay. Fear not. This manor will still be standing when you return, and your husband will be waiting to welcome you two home."

A moment of strength and love passed between the two, their long years of knowing each other a great comfort. With light kisses on the cheek, Lady Marie passed by Lady Shannon. Her soft footsteps from the leather riding boots were confident but hurried. The sun had already set, and if Kendrick was correct, the attack would happen soon.

She exited outside to the waiting stablemaster. Two horses were pawing the ground and one was already mounted. A young stable boy, armed with a recurve bow, was prepared to escort his mistress to Baron Ordon's estate. She handed her son to the stable boy and allowed the stablemaster to help her onto the horse.

The middle-aged man bowed gallantly, and spoke lowly, "Farore's Wind be with you, my Lady Zielnski. Son, do your duty to our Lord and protect her Ladyship. And may you all return here in peace."

She nodded and stretched out her arms to take her baby, "And may Din's Power rest upon this household. Lady Shannon is waiting inside the manor. It would do well for all the servants to gather and heed her words. She's a wise woman who already has a plan to defend the manor. If all goes well, we should be back in three days."

The stablemaster bowed again, and the two set off at a quick trot past the gates and into the narrow streets of Castletown. They weaved their way through the lanes, quickly moving from the higher ring to the poorer parts.

The eastern side of Castletown was a residential district, as the southern and western sides were open to the market, and the northern side contained many noble manors, as well as government buildings and soldiers' quarters. The castle was supposed to be in the center but ever since the recent civil war the majority of Castletown was located in the eastern half, with an increase of peasants and refugees seeking the safety that came with the expanded wall project.

Hyrule's civil war had officially ended several years ago, but rebel groups and lone-wolf insurgents were tenaciously picking fights with the Royal family. This tension continued to disrupt daily life. Lady Marie mused sardonically as she thought of the situation. She knew full well how difficult it was to quell growing grudges, considering her own family's quarreling. She pitied the Royal family, who would have yet another mess to clean up tonight.

Lady Marie Zielnski frowned as she noticed an increase in people walking the streets. Word must have spread of the coming attack and though most everyone was quiet, so as not to draw attention to themselves, the very air was charged with fear.

There was little comfort in the fact that with this many fleeing travelers the bridge gate must have been let down. The wife was too afraid of what could happen to her husband. Although her heart swelled with pride for his accomplishments, each achievement involved a new level of risk. The man held an impeccable skill with a blade, but the attacks since last winter had only become more aggressive, creative, and cruel in their design.

As each rebel was cut down, the remaining insurgents were only bolstered by their dwindling numbers and fervently clung to their self-righteous belief. This volatile situation was constantly swept under the rug by the many insistent preachers who, under orders of the nobility, were claiming 'all is well'. The idea was to encourage folks to come out of their homes and enjoy the life that that the Three Golden Goddesses had granted them, as well as jumpstart the struggling economy. The hopeful followed their advice but the wise also kept a prepared bag near their front door for a quick get-away for a time such as this.

Marie's tightened grip on the reigns loosened a little as the gate and bridge came into sight. As thought, the drawbridge was lowered, though there were only six guards she could see positioned here. The rest were probably gathered around the castle and scattered throughout the northern district, she thought.

Regardless her and her child would be out of this city and away from the trouble. No sooner had her anxiety eased when she could hear the faint calls and shouts far behind her. She turned to look back just as an explosion rocked the stone beneath her horse, even at this distance.

Her wide eyes betrayed her fear. Her soft voice remained steady as she sent a prayer to the Goddesses to protect her husband and the King. The Lady turned to the stable boy, shifting her baby to another arm as she did so, and said, "Quickly now! The panic will only spread and slow us down."

The stable hand glanced at her and swallowed. The young man had been a faithful caretaker of their animals, but he was largely unused to the role of defender, having been too young to have been drafted for the war. He faced forward and dutifully scouted the quickest route to the gate, staying close to his Lady's side.

They squeezed under the gate with a few panicked peasants on either side. As soon as they were free of harming any innocent citizens, they broke into a canter. No sooner had they left the crowds when several loud and terrified screams were heard behind them. Lady Marie slowed her horse down and quickly looked back with her heart in her throat. She saw several women were pointing to the north. Her breath caught as a large group of armed men came charging toward those who were just exiting the false safety of the castle walls.

"My Lady, please! We must run!" The young man shouted at her and grabbed her horse.

She lurched forward in the saddle, having relinquished the reigns. Using both arms to cling her beautiful boy into her chest, she leaned back and swung her leg over. She was eternally grateful to the stablemaster and his generosity towards her unladylike mannerisms. He had the foresight to saddle the horse with her specially designed one, in which she could switch from proper lady to adventurous free spirit with a high kick of her leg.

Now better balanced, she drove her boot into the horse's side, though not too harshly. In response, her swift steed began outpacing her stable hand's horse. Realizing this, the young man surrendered the reigns and Marie allowed her graceful hand to catch it, along with a fistful of the horse's dark mane.

All this served to jostle the baby, who made his discomfort clear with a piercing shriek. If the horses' panicked gallop weren't enough to give away their weakness, the child's cry certainly was.

A group of three mounted insurgents broke off from terrorizing the peasants and chased after the noble. They didn't know who they were chasing, and they didn't care. All they knew was that only nobles had horses as nice as those within the city walls. And these two horses were carrying extra baggage. With a whoop, they alerted the riders of their approach.

Lady Marie, often a woman who was hailed as cool-headed in situations even many hardened soldiers would find frightening, started panicking. The reason was due to what was crying beneath her. Her life had changed drastically ever since giving birth to her son in the middle of spring. She was no longer the adventurous woman willing to ride Hyrule field at night, despite the danger Stalfos still posed. She was now a mother, charged with the loving decree from Hylia to look after her little one, to protect and raise him until he could defend himself. So, with determination rising within her, she called upon the Wind of Farore to lift and guide the horses' steps.

"My lady!"

Lady Marie turned to her companion. He had pulled out his bow, and with expert years of practice, let go of his horse's reigns. Trusting the horse to stay close to hers the young man barely passed boy-hood reached for an arrow.

"Please, continue East!" He pleaded over the biting wind. "We cannot turn South yet, or else we will end up in the middle of Hyrule Field. But these savages following us are bound to cut us off if we continue moving in this direction. I-"

He faltered for a moment. Fear darken his face until he blinked it away. Finding new resolve he rattled on, "I may be able to prevent them from following you. I will need to stop, because my archery skills are lacking. And for that, I am truly sorry. But I beg of you, please, keep yourself and the young lord safe! I look forward to the time that I can see you both."

With that said, he gave his lady a sad smile. Before she could respond, he had slowed his horse down enough to reach over and slap her horse's rump. With the extra encouragement, the dark mare let out a whinny and sprang forward.

As a farewell blessing she shouted over her shoulder, "Courage be with you!"

Tears glistened in the young man's eyes as he turned his horse about. His steed responded sluggishly, not wishing to depart from his friend, but their years spent working together overcame its hesitation. The boy nervously patted his companion. Through all their days they had never faced a danger such as this. Perhaps thrown off by his fear, the first arrow to fly from his bow fell short.

He swallowed and notched another arrow, this time making sure to breath properly. The riders, already aware of the young man's actions, aggressively took action of their own. One pulled out his own bow and arrow, a second readied a lance, and a third began swinging his arm overhead, a deadly saber in hand.

The stable hand barely had enough time to release his second arrow when a return arrow pierced his arm. It was his left arm, which held the wooden bow. With a hiss, he tried not to look at the wound, though it was possibly more painful than having his toes crushed under a hoof. As long as he kept steady, he estimated he could fire again before the group was upon him. Fumbling for another arrow he felt another pierce his shoulder. This pain was terrible. The one arrow he managed to grab fell from his hand.

Scared and knowing he was outmatched the young man turned his horse about knowing full-well that it would take a miracle to outrun the deadly rebels. The evil men's cackling filled his ears as they gained upon him. All too soon he felt an arrow rip into his back muscle with a cry of pain leaving his lips.

Angry and terrified, he groped with his good hand for the short sword that rested before his right knee. He glanced back to see how close they were. Nudging the horse to the left he barely avoided the deadly lance. And with a tap of his toes his horse suddenly halted while his opponent thundered past. The young man ripped the sword from the sheath and held it steady as he used the rebel's own momentum to slice it across the outstretched arm.

Caught off guard, the ugly man dropped his lance and swore. His companions had slowed down and, surprisingly, began laughing at his injury. Enraged, the lancer pulled out a short sword of his own and swung wildly. It was no use though, as the well-trained horse elegantly side-stepped out of reach. A moment of pride overcame the young stable hand. He spent months training with this horse to perfect his maneuverability. He couldn't wait to return to the stablemaster to report the horse's performance tonight.

That dream was cut short, due to a saber cleanly punched through the young man's chest. Another rider had charged him while he was busy dodging the lancer's failed attack.

The boy could only utter a soft pray to the Golden Goddesses, and with many tears rolling down his face, he wept, "I'm sorry, my lady. Courage was not enough."

Story updated 10/10/18 and 11/14/18