Here is the first fan-fiction that I've ever written. I hope you enjoy. It takes place only months after "Ocarina of Time" and "Majora's Mask" and centers around (as the title implies) Link. I would rate it somewhere between K+ and T. There are sixteen chapters so far, but it isn't finished. I am estimating that there will be another ten chapters. I update fairly regularly so you won't have to wait long for new chapters. Since chapter two is already finished, I'll post it as soon as I get a reaction to this first chapter. Thanks for reading and again, I hope you enjoy!

Chapter One: The Counsel of a Stranger

In the Forest of Gormoth, a twig cracked under the hoof of an unadorned horse. Its rider stirred from his brief fit of drowsiness. He peered about through the impenetrable haze that clouded the world beneath the boughs of the trees, hoping to spot a sheltered space for the night. After a brief search he found a hollow log large enough to accommodate both him and his steed Epona. As he dismounted from his only company and glanced into this place of refuge he was shocked to see an elderly man curled up inside.

The stranger had piled up a number of dried leaves for a bed and was using another heap of decomposing foliage as a makeshift pillow. After only a moment the man opened his eyes as if sensing he was being watched. "Hello my fine young lad," he croaked without the slightest trace of fatigue in his voice. "May I ask your name?"

"My name is Link. And yours?" questioned Link suspiciously; he was not sure if he should trust the elderly man or not (he had after all seen his fair share of camouflaged enemies during his travels).

"Link. What a fine name for such a fine young lad. Why don't you sit down here alongside of me Link? There is enough space for two after all."

Link hesitated but decided there was no harm that could come of it. After all, he did have his trusted gilded sword by his side. So, without any further delay, Link strode into the log and sat across from the stranger.

"May I ask what a fine young lad such as yourself is doing in the Forest of Gormoth, especially during such dangerous times?"

Link could not help but chuckle to himself. He had been called a fine young lad more times in the past two minutes than his entire life before then. "I am searching for a long lost friend of mine. I have traveled many miles in search of her and have heard that she may be inhabiting these woods."

"Ah, I see. Well, as long as you understand the dangers of these woods I see no harm in your wandering around."

"Trust me; I understand danger."

"I am sure that a fine young lad as yourself would. However, the Forest of Gormoth is unique in its dangers. But pay no attention to me; I am no more than a crazy old man. Besides, you will soon see for yourself."

"May I ask sir, what is your name?"

"My name is not important. As I said before, I am no more than a crazy old man."

Link, not appreciating the fact that the man would not share his name, decided that it was time to depart. "I'm afraid that I must continue on my journey now. I have very far to travel."

"I understand. But one more time I must say, beware. This forest holds more than meets the eye."

"Thank you," replied Link as he walked back out of the log, mounted Epona, and continued on his way eastward. In his hurry to leave Link did not notice the stranger exit his shelter and take a more roundabout route to the east.

Link had been traveling for fifteen minutes when he found another suitable place to sleep through the night. It stood on the shores of a small pond and was sheltered by mighty oak trees. Link descended from Epona and led her to the water for her to get to get a drink; the dead leaves that littered the ground crackled under their feet and hooves. After Epona had had her fill Link lay down in the crook between two massive roots of the largest tree in the vicinity. It was immediately when he fell asleep that the advice of the stranger proved to be worthwhile.

He heard a sharp growl and opened his eyes instinctively. Even through the pitch-black darkness that cloaked the forest at night Link could clearly see his approaching enemy. It glowed as if it had swallowed a million fireflies. At first glance it appeared to be no more than a large spider, which would not have been an issue for Link (he had had a great deal of practice with the Skulltalas of Hyrule and Termina in the past), but upon further inspection it was clear that it was no spider. It had a swollen, pulsing body that resembled a crystal ball as it glowed in the night. Three disjointed arms emerged from its abdomen, each coated with thousands of spikes that dripped an acidic poison that burned holes in the roots on the ground when it struck them. The monstrosity's head was a jagged cube with two curved horns rising from the top and a gaping hole of a mouth. From this hole emerged a tongue more disgusting than the most vile snake Link had ever seen.

The tongue crawled its way along the ground toward Link and, upon reaching him, felt its way up his leg. Link, still shocked by the utter grotesqueness of the beast, did not respond. Once the tongue passed over his chest it moved to the sounds of his steady heartbeat. It jerked back and was pulled back into the creature's mouth. With a piercing shriek the mysterious foe charged Link. Link unsheathed his prized blade and displayed it in front of him; if nothing else, he was always ready for a battle.