The Owl and the Tree

The sun shone brightly over the expanse of leaves. Though its light penetrated scarce few places, the tops of the woods glittered in brilliant emerald, and the air was filled with the sounds of peaceful woodlife. The trees, beyond count, spread about like waves, blowing this way and that in the wind, scattering a torrent of leaves in every direction. The forest spread infinitely in every direction, but overlooking it all was a towering, mighty oak. Its thick branches arched boldly over the earth, canopying the nearby woods like a giant mushroom. Though the sheer amount of trees should have left the forest in perpetual darkness, the forest seemed to give off a light of its own. It was not quite like sunlight, but felt warm and radiant nonetheless, and lathered the wood in a soft glow. This glow, accompanied by a rather luscious aroma of exotic fruit, seemed to emanate most strongly from the great tree, and the very air around it seemed to emanate a powerful aura. That is, it used to. Though the tree still towered firmly over its kin, its light was dim, and its leaves were growing fewer and fewer. Despite the fact that winter had passed several weeks ago, the tree was showing no sign of renewal, and was growing a deathly grey color. A subtle stench was beginning to replace the aroma of its lost fruit, and the very forest around it had grown silent and foreboding. The only sounds to be heard were the suspicious hooting of a rather large owl, and a hollow rumbling sound, emanating from the base of the great tree.
“It is no use, Kaepora. My time has come. I have endured through many ages, but even I cannot live forever. Already, my bark grows stiff and cracks. I am dying.”
“Great Deku Tree, you cannot die yet. The boy has not learned who he is. Without the wood’s protection, he will—”
“I have seen to this Kaepora. The boy shall know soon enough. As for this forest…Kaepora…there is no one I trust more than you. I know that, in this form, it is difficult for you to do much, and you have already put forth so much effort on my behalf. But despite this, I would ask you to do one more thing me. A final request from a withering, old stump.”
“You know you can ask me anything, old friend.”
“I would like you to watch over these woods in my stead. It will not be for long, but it is important that the children are kept safe. Dark times are looming, and I regret that I will not be here when they arrive.”
“Please Great Deku Tree! Isn’t there anything that can be done? I am not much younger than you are, and my feathers are worn and tired. If it is your wish, I could summon the potion-makers, or perhaps the maskman, or the King of Hyrule himself! There must be another way. There is still time!”
“There is still time, but none for it abnegation. My passing will be swift, and my enemies will not hesitate to penetrate what few protections this wood will have left. I am depending on you, old friend. Will you not defend my posterity, as I am no longer able to do so myself?”
“…Yes, Great Deku Tree. I shall do as you ask.”
“Thank you Kaepora. You have treated me more my kindly than I deserve. Surely, the goddesses smile warmly upon you.”
There was silence. After a moment, the tree began groaning again, and spoke in a low, grim tone.
“Do you sense it Kaepora? The climate of evil is descending upon this realm. Malevolent forces are even now mustering to attack our land of Hyrule. For so long, the Kokiri Forest, the source of life, has stood as a barrier, deterring outsiders and maintaining the order of the world. But before this tremendous power that is awakening, even my power is as nothing. The time has come for the boy without a fairy to begin his journey…the youth it is said to lead Hyrule to the path of justice and truth.”
“You said you have seen to the boy.”
“I spoke truly. Bring to me the fairy named Navi. She will be the boy’s new guardian.”
“He is to have a fairy of his own?”
“Indeed. I have prepared her especially for this. Of all the fairies in this forest, she is the one I’ve come to hold in greatest reverence. Her wisdom may one day rival my own, and her heart far exceeds her small size. She will guide the child, and show him his true path.”
“I see. The boy is to finally feel entwined to his kindred, only to depart from them and face abandonment in the midst of the world outside.”
“Only for a time. I do not believe his abandonment will not last forever, but will instead be the fallen apple that sprouts a forest anew. His time here has served its purpose well, but now he must move on. He must take the bridge.”
“But what about the stone? How will he fulfill the prophecy without it? It's unsettling enough that the man from the desert knew of its true purpose—how will the stone be concealed now?”
“Do not worry Kaepora, everything has been arranged. I have entrusted the stone to a very dear friend of mine. She will know when the time is right to give it to him. You must take care to guard them both with you life, for their survival will be key to Hyrule's preservation."
"I understand."
"Good. ...The time has come Kaepora. I have lived a long life, and I have no regrets. You have proven yourself more than an ally to me—you are my friend, and I cherish the time we have spent together. Doubtless, my life would have been far less worthy without the benefit of your unmitigated amity and sagacity. I am truly grateful for all that you have done."
"You esteem me too greatly, Great Deku Tree."
"I only wish, old friend, that I had a little more time with you. But it is not to be. My power will pass on to another, and I will be forgotten. You alone will carry my memory..."
"Great Deku Tree..."
“Do not mourn my passing, Kaepora. Death is not the antithesis to life—it is its fulfillment. And at last my purpose shall be fulfilled...”
“...We will not see each other again, will we, Great Deku Tree?”
Reticence filled the air. The great tree groaned a final time.
“It is not for me to say; your own purpose has not yet been fulfilled. You have great work ahead of you…but that is all I may tell. Fly Kaepora! Fly! The fate of the forest, nay, the world, depends upon the swiftness of your wings!”
“Hoot hoot!”
There was a rustle of feathers as a strong gale swept across the forest, and all was silent once more.