#( zelda's diary: 'he's so quiet. he must have so much to think about.' )

[kholnt]

I just wanted to say how much I looooooovvveeee your Lost Link fic! I love the idea of what would happen if Wild remembered his past. I wanted to know how you think his knight training went? I definitely think that it was a terrible experience that gave him a whole wagon full of horrible coping mechanisms and bad habits(and from where the fic is going, I'm guessing you think similarly), but I wanted to know how you thought his training went. Anyway, just wanted to say how much I appreciate and love your work, Thank You!

WAAAH THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND WORDS!!! (but give all of the writing credit to @/eponatheestallion <33 cannot emphasize that enough) BUT! you basically got it in one! his knight training was NOT kind to him in the slightest. i mean, even with the canon material we HAVE it still doesn't particularly spell a good time. (staring at mipha, zelda and purah's diaries respectively. and creating a champion. and possibly aoc but thats a different timeline + i barely know anything abt it so its there In Spirit) i will warn you that this ones gonna be long bc botw diaries TEND TO BE YAP SESSIONS! AND im a yapper so i'll just give you the tldr:

lost's knight training was abhorrent for his mental health and plays into a LOT of his mannerisms and why he is the way he is

ANYWAY! i'll just talk abt things that have been established either in the au or in botw canon :) any blanks you can fill on your own

as for canon things heres some things that stood out to me (formatted to be paragraphs for my sanity):

"A youth named Link was brought to me a hundred years ago, covered in wounds and on death's doorstep. Link… So young, yet so courageous. He was the youngest knight to have ever been appointed to the Imperial Guard at Hyrule Castle. He was also a gifted swordsman who was selected as captain of Princess Zelda's personal guard. I thought his skills would be enough to defeat Ganon in glorious fashion…

It was the best we could do…" -Purah's Diary

~~~~~

"When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden.

A feeling I know all too well… For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was… Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world… I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his." -Zelda's Diary ~~~~~

"At the request of Hyrule's king, a group of outsiders came to greet us at the domain. One of them was a Hylian child of only about four years of age. His name was Link. He made quite a first impression. He was curious and full of energy, with a ready smile. Are all Hylian children that way?

One thing that surely sets him apart is his swordsmanship, which I hear is exceptional. He has even bested adults. He must be somewhat reckless, however, as he was covered in bruises. Wishing to be helpful, I healed his wounds for him." ~~~~~

"Link came to visit the domain. It feels like forever since he was here last. He no longer resembles the child I first met. He is now an accomplished knight and keeper of the sword that seals the darkness. I am so proud. However… He hardly speaks anymore, and smiles even more rarely. He is still the kind soul I knew, but something has changed.

I asked him if something had happened, if something was wrong. He merely shook his head. Perhaps it is his newly acquired height, but I feel he is ever looking past me, into the distance beyond…" -Mipha's Diary

~~~~~ "The details of how Link obtained the sword a hundred years ago have been lost to the mists of time, but since he was in possession of it for a number of years prior to becoming a Champion, he was likely around twelve or thirteen years old when it happened."

~~~~~

"After the Champions for the Divine Beasts were chosen, there was an incident at Hyrule Castle. A Guardian went berserk during a test run. Link deftly defeated it, earning himself a great deal of recognition. Impressed, King Rhoam made him Princess Zelda's appointed knight. With no regard for his own personal safety, he loyally fulfilled his duty to guard Princess Zelda with his life." -Creating a Champion

(there will be another thing later but its separated for a Reason.) ANYWAY! these are like. BIG things in canonical material that I feel like are important, especially if they're highlighted. i'm not really going to elaborate much since its kind of spelled out already but i'll say a few things nonetheless (also for consistencies sake i'm going to say lost but do know this ALSO applies to wild) he was the youngest knight appointed in history. like even that alone is FUCKED??? i don't remember if it was something in canon, fanon or something kay n i made up (but it doesnt rlly matter since its canon to the lost hero au ANYWAY!) but he became a knight at TWELVE soon after pulling the sword. then proceeded to become a royal guard at 17. this is a kid surrounded by adults in a generally Unsafe Environment, that alone is enough for some level of fucked. ill explain the "hes been training since he was four" later since i have Thoughts about that, but on a unrelated note do notice that mipha makes the assumption that lost is reckless and not through actually seeing him being clumsy. hyrulean guard when i get you now, to me the vow of silence was something that stemmed from before the calamity and started up in his training. because thats a twelve year old being forced to be a hero when he never got the choice to. OBVIOUSLY hes going to shut down. again, this will be expanded upon later also. lost is canonically self sacrificial. VERY self sacrificial. no further comments, just saying OKAY. NOW ITS LATER BC ITS TIME TO YAP ABT THE "inspired by canon but like. its canon plus." canon is bent in specific ways bc the way link is characterized (in cac specifically) makes him very uh,,,, inhuman i suppose. i love looking at scenarios where decisions have consequences, and it's that specific reason why i enjoy "what if" aus so much.

yes, lost was still trained when he was four. no it was not formally. to me, lost had an interest in swordsmanship because his dads a knight! hes going to be exposed to at least a little bit at an early age. he was insistent on wanting to learn, so with the power of sticks, pot lids, and a lot of positive reinforcement, he learned how to do the movements of swordfighting. he'd never been given a proper sword until the guard brought him to zora's domain. lost's dad never wanted to force the position of hero onto him, so he never gave him a sword. everyone knows that he's the hero except him, and lost's dad would rather keep it that way until he's old enough to climb mount lanayru (it happens much earlier than that) now abt the fucking "According to tales told by the long-lived Zora, Link visited Zora's Domain when he was younger and formed a bond with them, defeating a Lynel and teaching various skills to Zora children. This story sheds light on both his physical abilities and his strength of character." from creating a champion just like. isn't canon in this. the only other recorded time lost fought a lynel in zoras domain was when he was already zelda's guard and he was not younger. so by proxy it must've been when he was four WHICH ISN'T HAPPENING SORRY GUYS!!!! i'm not having a four year old fight a lynel hero or not!!!! it's referenced in lost hero canon (the soldiers accompanied made jokes and tried to egg lost on but it got shut down real quick since a. his dad was there and b. literally anyone who have thinking caps would go "yeah um... no actually!") and now its fanon time :))) when lost was in the army, he was usually trained separately from the other knights, mostly because of skill difference. as a CHILD he was able to clear soldiers, he needed different training period. as for the actual formal training, it was extremely strict. terrible conditions stemmed from an awful reward "system" (that usually led to lost being extremely fatigued and starting an endless loop of punishment. there is a reason why lost can push through awful conditions: hes used to it) all blanketed with the justification of "he's the hero of hyrule." they trained him to be a weapon, not a person. he doesn't have a sense of self nor an identity outside of "hero" "champion" or "weapon." things like "brother" got stripped from him when he joined the academy. they didn't bother with setting up a future for him. he eventually figures his shit out but thats YEARS down the line, and even then he's still suffering from this,,,, self objectification? idk how else to describe it when he wasn't getting grilled for "not swinging his sword hard enough" or having his foot a centimeter off even though he hasnt had the privilege of Basic Necessities To Survive in (insert timeframe) he was usually doing something in the coliseum. as it turns out, having the hero show off in front of an audience by fighting a lynel (or multiple) is a GREAT money maker! shame he wasnt usually told beforehand!

being forced into heroism is a big reason as to why hes the silent knight. he never wanted this. being separated from his family (whom of which i have Many thoughts about. same for his childhood honestly) and surrounded by strangers who have no care for who he is but rather what he stands for was absolutely awful, and only made worse by his age. being silent and just dealing with it is how he coped, and its eventually going to boil over (just give it a few years) his knight training was one of THE worst things to happen to him, right under failing to save his kingdom and inadvertently being the cause of hyrule's demise. it's the reason why he acts the way he does. he wasn't allowed to forget, so instead it influences almost everything he does, says and thinks. SO YEAH IT WASNT A GOOD TIME

[hurricane105]

Zelda's diary

First entry: After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research. The return of Ganon looms - a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him. If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left... Ah, but turning over these thoughts in my head puts me ill at ease. I suppose I should turn in for the night. P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight...

Second entry: I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passes his lips. I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say. What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me.

Third entry: I said something awful to him today... My research was going nowhere. I was feeling depressed, and I had told him repeatedly not to accompany me. But he did anyway, as he always does, and so I yelled at him without restraint. He seemed confused by my anger. I feel terribly guilty...and that guilt only makes me more agitated than I was before.

Fourth entry: I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever. He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan. Though I've been cold to him all this time... taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn... Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that. Tomorrow, I shall apologize for all that has transpired between us. And then... I will trying talking to him. To Link. It's worth a shot.

Fifth entry: Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal! When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was... Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world... I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his. I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly... And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years.

Sixth entry: Father scolded me again today. He told me I am to have nothing more to do with researching ancient technology. He insisted that I focus instead on training that will help me awaken my sealing magic. I was so frustrated and ashamed I could not even speak. I've been training since I was a child, and yet... Mother passed the year before my training was to begin. In losing her, I lost not just a mother, but a teacher. Mother used to smile and tell me, "Zelda, my love, all will be well in the end. You can do anything." But she was wrong. No matter how I try or how much time passes...the sealing power that is my birthright evades me. Tomorrow I journey with Link to the Spring of Power to train. But this, too, will end in failure. Such is my curse.

Seventh entry: I had a dream last night... In a place consumed by darkness, a lone woman gazed at me, haloed by blinding light. I sensed she was...not of this world. I don't know if she was a fairy or a goddess, but she was beautiful. Her lips spoke urgently, but her voice did not reach me. Would I have heard her if my power was awoken? Or was my dream simply a manifestation of my fears? I am sure I will know the answer soon, whether I wish to or not...

Eighth entry: I turned 17 today. That means this is the day I will finally be allowed to train at the Spring of Wisdom. When Link arrives, we will set out for Mount Lanayru. The other Champions will accompany us there. I have not seen my father since he last scolded me. Things are too strained now... I will meet with him when I return. ... Actually...I've had a horrible feeling ever since that weird dream. No one would believe a failure of a princess, but... Right now, for no particular reason, I am filled with a strange and terrible certainty that something awful is about to happen.

[daydreamerdrew]

I don't think that the Link at the end of BOTW is necessarily materially better equipped to defeat Ganon than he was in his first life, despite the new experience of having gone through the shrines. the environment that he was in from the start facilitated the practice of the skills he needed; he was allowed/forced to be on the 'correct' course from a very young age. during the time of the game the shrines provided a new structure for him, that is notably just sort of there and can be participated in at his leisure to the ultimate completion of his choosing, to grow and practice various skills and accumulate what it is that the spirit orbs provide, which he needed in order to be able to wield the Master Sword again, and which is not something he needed in order to claim the Master Sword in his first life

as Zelda explains when she's watching him practice sword-fighting in the rain when there's nobody around but them:

"Your path seems to mirror your father's. You've dedicated yourself to becoming a knight, as well. Your commitment to the training necessary to fulfill your goal is really quite admirable. I see now why you would be the chosen one. What if… one day… you realized you just weren't meant to be a fighter. Yet the only thing people ever said… was that you were born a family of the royal guard and so no matter what you thought, you had to become a knight. If that was the only thing you were ever told… I wonder, then… would you have chosen a different path?"

we've seen what Link is like when he's outside of that environment, for the most part. he's told he's a hero and is tasked with saving Zelda, but then the way that plays out gives him a lot of freedom. it's notable the ease with which Link travels around the world, as no one attempts to follow him around to help him out or to make sure he's on the right track. he's not reliant on anyone else, so he's not beholden to anyone else. he's not under anyone's command, so he's free to accept quests to help anyone that he wants, and he does choose to help a lot of people. the Link in the main game of BOTW is a fighter, but he's not a knight.

pre-Calamity Link was fortunate enough that what he needed to do, be a fighter, lined up with what he was expected to do in the position that he was born in, but that doesn't mean that he was without problems. as Mipha explains in her diary about what Link was like prior to claiming the Master Sword and so before he had the expectation of being the hero of legend:

"One of them was a Hylian child of only about four years of age. His name was Link. He made quite a first impression. He was curious and full of energy, with a ready smile. Are all Hylian children that way? One thing that surely sets him apart is his swordsmanship, which I hear is exceptional. He has even bested adults. He must be somewhat reckless, however, as he was covered in bruises."

And then later:

"Link came to visit the domain. It feels like forever since he was here last. He no longer resembles the child I first met. He is now an accomplished knight and keeper of the sword that seals the darkness. I am so proud. However… He hardly speaks anymore, and smiles even more rarely. He is still the kind soul I knew, but something has changed."

This change is elaborated upon in Zelda's diary:

"When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well… For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings."

the environment that Link was in was deeply damaging to him, but it wasn't damaging in a way that prevented him from fulfilling his prophesized destiny. but the person that he is during the main game of BOTW, when most people he meets don't understand the stakes he's working with and so don't place all that pressure on him, is a lot more at peace. he can casually be blunt, make jokes, have fun, etc.

in contrast to Link's upbringing, Zelda's environment goes from her father framing it as, sometime before Zelda's mother died, which happened when she was six:

"Zelda's eyes lit up like a wildfire when I told her about the relics… I must admit, she has a knack for research."

to:

"The reason her sacred powers still won't awaken is because she's spending all her efforts playing at being a scholar!"

that Zelda was neglecting prayer in favor of study is obviously untrue. it's emphasized repeatedly the amount of time that Zelda dedicated, and ultimately wasted, over the years of her life to prayer. and within that the time she carved out for study was ultimately limited and minimal, despite the fact that that's what she was longing for, what she felt drawn to

my thinking has been that Link and Zelda were both naturally the people that they needed to be in order to fight the Calamity, but Zelda was prevented from being that person. her problem was never her lack of commitment, it was that she was not allowed to do the work she was best suited for, and her commitment to prayer as the path to unlock her powers was itself a hinderance as it was never going to lead anywhere and she would have been better off more boldly rebelling and escaping the environment that she was in

even so, in that hypothetical scenario in which Zelda was supported in the way that she needed to be in order to unlock her powers sooner than she did, she wouldn't necessarily have lived a largely happy life, even if the end result in how things went down with the Calamity was a lot better, because she would still be in the damaging environment of everybody knowing about the impeding apocalypse and that she was part of their only hope of survival

[weirdmageddon]

i'm totally going to derail my own post here because i live for these thoughtful sorts of replies

# i love him, so much, my personal hc is after he first wakes up he is very talkative! (well like as talkative as the average person), but as he gets his memories back he goes more and more quiet until he is fully back to who he once was before the calamity, there’s a lot of food for thought there especially if u think abt what he’d be like if he defeats ganon without doing any divine beasts, or regaining any memories. would he become a new person with his adventure in post-calamity hyrule shaping him, would zelda recognize him? would link be happier? would he eventually remember and become this mismatch of indentities?, i also hc (but is honestly just canon once u infer it) that this is his true personality/feelings, it’s just been buried under all the pressure of his position. so before link became a knight he was most definitely like this, i love overthinking zelda, loz, edit: ok wait i have more to say, i rlly enjoy how informal his speaking style is (again another hc i’ve held for a very long time), i wonder if Champion Link (aka selective mute Link) would still have a casual vernacular or if he’d be influenced by the Hylian Court, and he less informal/goofy, like i wonder if in the very. very brief moments where he spoke to Zelda how he said it, would he ever for instance crack a rare joke? or like make a honest remark?, i honestly don’t think he would. but again it’s interesting to think abt.

that first headcanon is something i've thought about before too, or something similar that would connect well to it. here's a link to the reddit post in the first picture btw

and your second headcanon of him that "these are his true thoughts and feelings, just been buried under pressure of his role and before he became a knight he was like this" is canon

from creating a champion:

from mipha’s diary:

At the request of Hyrule's king, a group of outsiders came to greet us at the domain. One of them was a Hylian child of only about four years of age. His name was Link. He made quite a first impression. He was curious and full of energy, with a ready smile. Are all Hylian children that way? One thing that surely sets him apart is his swordsmanship, which I hear is exceptional. He has even bested adults. He must be somewhat reckless, however, as he was covered in bruises. Wishing to be helpful, I healed his wounds for him. It must have been his first time seeing healing magic, as he looked up at me with big, round eyes. It was...adorable.

Link came to visit the domain. It feels like forever since he was here last. He no longer resembles the child I first met. He is now an accomplished knight and keeper of the sword that seals the darkness. I am so proud. However... He hardly speaks anymore, and smiles even more rarely. He is still the kind soul I knew, but something has changed. I asked him if something had happened, if something was wrong. He merely shook his head. Perhaps it is his newly acquired height, but I feel he is ever looking past me, into the distance beyond...

much to think about. “curious and full of energy” seems to describe the present era’s link much more than how he was 100 years ago just looking at all his phrases here and clearly hes a goofy goober just from his animations

i mean he’s still not all that emotionally demonstrative compared to other characters but that’s just his natural personality, but he’s not always 😐 like he was in the memories. i’d say he’s in general on the level of garfield or charlie cr1tikal about that

okay. im pretty sure i got every unique thing link says in BOTW. link has about ~1500 unique sayings though some of them are different just by punctuation. duplicates are removed. use it for whatever you need, reference or fanfic or something idk lol

i did it all manually ctrl+Fing through the .xmsbt files for multiple headers so if i made any errors sorry. the order of the dialogue flow is scrambled in these files. and shoutout to MrCheeze

biggest thing i got from doing this is a better understanding of link’s voice/tone. link’s voice seems to be blunt and casual, but he clearly cares a lot. he also asks a lot of questions

[hyrulecast]

I want to stress that Link was a child prodigy in the world of knighthood, not so smart in any other department. He’s kind of a naive airhead who’s easy to fool. Gullible as fuck.

How else do you think Zelda got away from him so many times when his one job was literally to keep an eye on her? She’s smart, he’s not. 

He’s capable of problem-solving, and will eventually get to an answer, but sometimes you gotta question the path he’s taking because his ideas can be a little ... wild.

100 years later, that hasn’t changed one bit.

[valhallanrose]

Dancing Queen

A reflection on past birthdays and a glimpse at the present. 

Happy birthday to my firstborn.

2.3k. Cautionary CW for discussions of food. 

Fic title: Dancing Queen by ABBA.

The first birthday that Zelda remembered actually wasn’t her own, but Tamryn’s. It was his twelfth, though only the third time he’d actually celebrated on February twenty-ninth and not on March first. She was four then, giggling madly as she smashed a piece of the cake into his face - a tradition in Nevivon and something their parents had encouraged - and licking buttercream frosting off her fingers until Galen lifted her up to the kitchen sink to actually wash her hands. 

Tamryn got her back two months later, on her fifth birthday, though he was far more gentle than she had been about it. Maybe it was because she’d been completely zoned out chewing on one of the sugar flowers that had adorned her cake, but she distinctly remembered assessing the mouth feel of one of them before a hand on the back of her head tipped her face straight into the slice of cake Evalina had just set in front of her. 

Birthdays were typically small affairs in the Olenev household. It was time to simply be together, take joy in another year spent living life to the fullest and with each other. The only exception Zelda could think of was her bat mitzvah, all those years ago, and Tamryn’s own bar mitzvah, though she certainly remembered her own better than his. 

They always got to pick a special breakfast a few days before the actual birthday. Zelda chose the same thing every year without fail: chocolate-stuffed syrniki and strawberries. There was never another time of year that particular combination was eaten, only on her birthday, which made it feel all the more special to her no matter how old she got. 

Some birthdays had been...less than happy. Her sixteenth, the first birthday alone, the wound of her father’s death still raw on her heart. Or her twenty-fifth, which she had entirely forgotten until the following week, elbows deep in work at the Lazaret. Not that she’d celebrated at all during the plague, it never felt like a worthwhile occasion. 

She remembered on her twenty-sixth birthday, the first she acknowledged after the end of the plague, wishing quietly that there’d be no more sad birthdays. She wanted those happy times back - those happy times of just being five years old in Nevivon and feeling sugar flowers melt on her tongue and getting her face shoved into a birthday cake just when she thought it was safe.

And then Tamryn had found her later that year. 

Twenty-six had been a new beginning for them both. Twenty-seven had been the first birthday of hers they celebrated together since she was fifteen - a little awkward at first, but they found their way, finding a cute little restaurant on the waterfront and Zelda nearly punching Tamryn over the set of diaries he’d found in an antique shop that had belong to an apothecary long before.

For her twenty-eighth, Tamryn had given her an experience - a theater company from Prakra had made a temporary stop in Vesuvia to host a performance of The Tempest for the Countess on their way to Venterre, borrowing the theater in the Heart District closest to the palace. The short period they were in town fell over her birthday, and Tamryn had not only gotten her tickets, but got them tickets for one of the private boxes rather than the general audience. It had been a delight, and an experience she treasured dearly. 

She’d asked Tam once, a few weeks after that birthday, why he did so much for her (not that she was ungrateful) - and he’d simply smiled, kissing her forehead and telling her that he had ten years of birthdays he wanted to make up for. She’d assured him he didn’t need to do that, but he waved her off, pointing out that he was an adult and that if he wanted to do nice things for his family, he would. 

The twenty-second of April came again, this time her twenty-ninth birthday, and Zelda stirred when the mid morning sunlight beamed across her face and warmed her skin. A heavy weight pressed against her back as she began to roll over, making her snort as she assessed the limited amount of space between her and the other side of the bed. 

“Bed hog.” 

Oberon lifted his head, some of her hair threaded between his antlers, and gave her an incredulous look that made her laugh. 

“Yes, you, a bed hog. Brat. Come here, give me your head.” She shifted enough to sit up, carefully brushing her hair away from where it had tangled with the new growths forming, each only a few inches tall by then. “How are your nubbins doing?”

Do not call them my nubbins. 

“Fine, oh mighty forest prince, how doth your crown fare -” Zelda laughed as Oberon shoved his face into her chest indignantly, the stag sighing dramatically before he laid his head in her lap. She carefully inspected the velvet, idly scratching behind his ears all the while as he patiently waited for her assessment. “They do look good, Obie. You had a beautiful eight point set last year, I’ll bet on the same or more this year.”

She’d kept his last shed, actually. They were currently mounted on the wall in her shop, those pretty eight points acting as hooks for the herbs and plants she was in the process of drying out. 

Zelda smiled as she began to scratch around the base of one of his antlers, his hind leg thumping against the mattress and his head pushing into her hand as he snuffled contentedly. There were a few long beats of quiet before his voice filtered through her mind again and drew her eyes down to his, all big and brown and soulful. 

Zelda?

“Yeah?”

Happy birthday.

She beamed at that, lifting his head in both hands and pressing kisses to his fuzzy cheek, even when he complained about ‘smelling her morning breath’ but made no move to get away.

“Thank you, Obie. What do you say to breakfast?” Zelda glanced out the window, smiling at the cloudless blue sky and the bright golden sun. “Tam spent the night last night. I’m thinking me, you, him, and Magnus out in the back garden after I whip something up.”

Oberon nodded slightly, shifting to drag himself out of her bed - quite literally, as he put his front hooves on the floor and shuffled forward until his hind legs hit the hardwood. Zelda shook her head at him and flipped back the covers, combing her fingers through her hair and shoving her feet in her slippers before she made her way down the hall to the kitchen.

She knew she’d slept in, but she was surprised to see Tamryn already awake, standing at the stove with Magnus perched on his shoulder and preening his bedhead. 

“You, not waiting to mooch off my breakfast? Hell must have frozen over.” Zelda teased, and Tamryn rolled his eyes, tipping his head back and giving her a cheeky grin. 

“I could say the same thing about you sleeping in.”

“It’s the weekend, Tamryn, I’m not a masochist.”

“Well, not just a weekend.” Tamryn shifted, lifting his left arm to gesture for Zelda to come closer. She gladly accepted the embrace, burying her face in the soft wool of his sweater as he gave her a tight squeeze. “Happy birthday, shithead.”

She swatted at him as he laughed, turning away from her to slip the spatula under the pancake when Magnus chirped and set it carefully on the serving plate to his right.

Zelda’s brows drew together as she let her eyes wander over the ingredients, then the pancakes themselves, the realization dawning the longer she looked over it all. “Tam...are you making -”

“Mama’s syrniki recipe, yeah. I can’t promise it’ll be perfect, you and I both know she would follow her heart tweaking things and I only have the recipe cards you helped me braille, but I realized I have now been here for three birthdays and not even attempted making it.” He waved the spatula idly in the air and blew a few strands of hair out of his face before he continued. “Hopefully I wasn’t too presumptuous, but you and I both have the same opinions about chocolate and I felt optimistic.”

Zelda laughed, shaking her head as she found the chocolate in question and broke a piece off for herself. 

“No, not presumptuous at all.” She popped the piece into her mouth before she began to move about the kitchen, pulling together parts of Oberon’s own breakfast with the deer hot on her heels. “I’m looking forward to it. I don’t think I’ve ever made them myself, so this’ll be the first time I’ve had them in years. Tea or coffee?”

“Coffee, get the hell out of here with your fancy leaf water.”

“If tea is leaf water, then coffee is just bean water, stupid.”

“Maybe, but if I wanted to drink leaf water I’d just go drink from a puddle.”

Zelda flipped him off, and when Magnus squawked loudly, Tam returned the gesture, snickering to himself under his breath as he worked his way through the last few syrniki. 

*     *     *     *     *

Eventually, when they made their way out to the small back garden and crammed the plates onto the wrought iron patio table, chatting as Magnus settled on the back of one of the empty chairs and Oberon found his favorite spot - easily noted by the way the grass was permanently flattened at the base of the crabapple tree in the corner of the garden. They both were animated in conversation, Zelda only pausing to take the first bite of her syrniki and losing her train of thought.

They weren’t Evalina’s, but they were still delicious, the chocolate warm on her tongue and the strawberries perfectly between sweet and tangy - it was enough to make her throat feel a little tight after she swallowed.

“Good?” Tamryn asked after a moment, and Zelda laughed, nodding as she spoke. 

“They are. They’re not mom’s, but they don’t need to be. They’re perfect.” She reached out and laid a hand on his wrist, squeezing it lightly. “Thank you, Tam. Really.”

“You’re welcome.” Tam shoved strawberry in his mouth before he reached into the pocket of his sweatpants with his other hand, turning Zelda’s palm over and smacking a slim, flat box into her hand. “Your gift, by the way, before I set it down and forget where I put it. I already did once, I made the bed and lost it in the sheets. Damn near shit myself.”

Zelda snickered softly, gently tugging away the crisp white ribbon and carefully cracking open the box, the lid opening on a hinge that revealed the jewelry inside. 

The necklace was simple - only a single pendant, the six-pointed star a little bigger than the pad of her thumb and strung on a delicate golden chain. Her breath caught as she lifted the star on one of her fingers, watching the morning light gleam on its polished surface. If her throat had felt thick before, she felt like she was trying to swallow a rock now, eyes burning with the tears that welled up.

“You said you lost yours years ago.” Tamryn said gently. “I know you loved it, and you never took it off when we were kids…”

“You’re going to make me cry on my birthday.” Zelda sniffed, and Tamryn laughed, reaching out to pat her arm. 

“Don’t, because then you’ll make me cry, and then we’ll both look ugly when we go out later.” He smiled when Zelda snorted at that, swiping a rogue tear away before it could slip down her cheek. “Do you want help putting it on?”

“I’m sure it’ll look ridiculous with my pajamas, but that’s not going to stop me. Yes, please.”

The clasp would come together neatly at the base of Zelda’s neck - simple, but secure - and the pendant fell just below her collarbone, making her smile and touch her fingertips to it once she released her hair from where she’d moved it out of Tamryn’s way. He draped his arms lazily around her shoulders, chin propped on her head, rather than returning to his own seat across from her at the table. 

“If the chain is too short, I can take it back to the jeweler and ask them to add some length to it.”

“No, Tam, it’s lovely. Thank you so much.” She laid her hands over his and gave them a squeeze, smiling as he squeezed them back before he straightened up. 

“I’m glad you like it.” Quickly, he snatched a strawberry off her plate, snickering to himself as he made his way back around to his seat despite her protests at the theft of fruit. “Now shut up and eat your breakfast.”

“Ass.” Zelda reached out and stole one of the blackberries left on his own plate, munching happily on it and smacking his hand away when he tried to steal another strawberry off her plate. “Go away, you have your own fruit.”

“You won’t even share with your beloved older brother?”

“Just because I’ve been stuck with you since birth doesn’t mean I like you, you know.”

“Joke’s on you, bitch, that goes both ways.”

With a laugh, Zelda finally dug back into her syrniki, banter and conversation mixing and flowing between them easily as they talked about anything and everything that came to mind. The sun continued to move overhead, warming their faces long after their plates were cleared and their cups were empty.

She didn’t need to know how the rest of the day was going to go - in her book, it was already a pretty damn great birthday.

[ashleyswrittenwords]

Subtleties of a Suitor (Part 2 of 2)

Summary: Pre-calamity AU where Zelda’s powers awaken in time, but not everything is back to normal after Calamity Ganon is defeated.

Note: This has NSFW themes (such as sex and really disgustingly sappy fluff), tread carefully!

------------

Later in the day, the Labrynna royalty retired to their chambers early. Understandably, due to their long travels and eventful day. Prince Tyrion had been among them, apologizing vehemently for cutting her explanation of Guardian mechanics off and bidding goodnight from Princess Zelda’s study. It was more of a workshop with all the gears and equipment lying about. The sun almost entirely over the horizon through the tall windows.

Zelda sighed when he was far down the hallway and allowed her shoulders to relax. The disadvantage to entertaining royalty were the constant expectations. The Princess was consistently on her guard with speech and posture that talking turned into an exhaustive sport. She absently stared at the detached Guardian sensor she had been showing him, although she wasn’t ignorant to his straying eyes and his bored gaze.

The door to her study made her jump as it opened loudly and her immediate thought was that Prince Tyrion had left something, but it wasn’t him.

“I’m surprised to see you alone,” Link said, genuinity in his tone.

She shrugged, a tad put off by his presence. “His Highness was tired before I dragged him here. My interests seem to put him to sleep.”

“I’m sure you showed no mercy,” he jested.

“Oh, surely not. He did yield to his bed.”

He matched her grin, but she let it devolve into a cough quickly after. She was all too aware of his footsteps crossing the room where he sat in the stool Tyrion had left vacant.

“Did you need something?” Zelda asked, defaulting into formality out of nervousness.

“Actually,” he started, weighing his words as he spoke. “His Majesty wanted me to see if Prince Tyrion was willing to join him for dinner since his family retired.”

“Oh. Seems that won’t be the case.”

“No,” he reached to scratch the back of his neck. Link’s eyes drew to the sensor on the table and his brow furrowed. “When did you get that?”

Tension in Zelda’s face relaxed and an involuntary smile graced her, “A month ago. I recovered it from Hyrule Field. Do you remember when Ganon’s malice began extending across the ground and the Divine Beasts began to act oddly?”

He nodded astutely, “I do. It was when that Guardian attacked us.”

“Well, I want to know how the malice infiltrated it’s mechanics. Since the sensor is where it operates from, I might be able to find something.”

Unabashedly, she began to ramble on about circuits and Sheikah technology. Topics that Link has heard hundreds of times, but he spurred her on. Most times he nodded at her points, smiling as she did, other times he asked questions that launched her into an entirely different science.

“I don’t get it,” he said, leaning on his hand.

“What?” she followed up with the full intention of explaining her points better.

“How he could get tired of you. I don’t understand that.”

Zelda blinked owlishly.

He shrugged and straightened at a realization. “I forgot that your father is waiting on me.”

“Unless that’s an excuse and you’ve gotten tired of me.”

His eyes widened when he stood, “That’s not the case at all, Zelda, I swear to Hylia.”

“I know,” she laughed, “Can you tell him I’m heading to bed, too?”

“Of course,” he said, sobering from her laughter. “Goodnight.”

When he left, she felt a warmth that hadn’t filled her in awhile. She found that she missed that feeling desperately. Zelda wondered if he felt that too. Her legs straightened as she stood and she allowed herself a long moment to stretch. A large sigh filled her until her eyes spied something that hadn’t been on the stool before.

Link must have left it.

It was a small paperback book that looked worn with use. The pages were rounded from being carried around often and she picked it up.

The title was “The Conduct of Courting” and everything made sense. His behavior must be off recently because he’s involved with someone else. I would have realized it faster if I had thought about it. Why else would he suddenly have the gall to be so preformative during court?

Then I realized it must be someone important. The visit a couple days ago is evident that he’s courting, and possibly betrothed to, Princess Aurra. This entire time must have been a show of sparing my feelings. It makes sense why he acted so casually around her. At the duel, he could have easily been looking at Aurra and not me.

Thus why Father invited him to dine with us for supper. Since that night, it’s become a regular event. From a political standpoint, it makes sense. Their marriage would be incredibly advantageous and agreeable. Princess Aurra wouldn’t be inheriting the throne and it’s typical that royal siblings marry nobility and now Link has a proper title. Sure, he’s in the army, but he’s elevated enough to attend our court. Why not a princess too?

Zelda paused, feeling anger rising in her. No, it wasn’t anger, but it hurt just the same. Sorrow built up from the pit of her stomach. She was tired, too, as this was the last day before the Labrynna royal family left for their home country. Maybe if she marries Tyrion, Link would be her brother-in-law.

No, wait, that made her feel sick to the stomach and exponentially worse. In a series of flurried words, she ended her diary entry.

Andthat’sfantasticforhimandIshouldbethrilledforhisfuture.

KindestRegards,

Zelda

She didn’t include a heart this time.

A knock at the door caused her to slam her journal shut with a jolt. She groaned. The ink hadn’t dried yet. With perhaps too much force, she pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes. That’s it, she was simply tired and will attempt to seem presentable.

Unceremoniously, she rose from her seat and opened the door a crack. The sight through the doorway made her want to scream.

Link opened his mouth before an odd look crossed him. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m perfectly fine,” she said, not fine and positive that red rimmed her eyes. Zelda allowed the door to open enough to fit her frame. Hopefully it politely communicated her desire for his goodnight wishes to end swiftly.

“You don’t act like you’re perfectly fine,” he deadpanned.

The mixture of annoyance, anger, and sorrow built up around her throat and beat down her previous inhibitions. She crinkled her nose and spoke curtly, “It would have been nice if you had told me about your courtship.”

He stayed silent under her searing gaze until, “I… thought you would be happy about it.”

So she was right.

The Princess swallowed dryly. That wasn’t the response she was expecting, but maybe he assumed she had recovered fully from their affair. After all, it had been months since. Three months where it was now apparent no progress had been made. Zelda straightened.

“You misunderstand me. I’m thrilled.”

Link tilted his head in the way he did when he was confused. “You don’t seem thrilled.”

Then, he paled and watched his feet.

“I mean, we can call it off if you’re opposed. I just assumed…” he said with pain tinged words.

Zelda winced. She hadn’t thought her opinion had that much impact. It was obvious he was happy with Aurra and here she was, angry at his good fortune.

“No, Link, I,” she faltered and placed a hand on his arm. “I didn’t mean it that way. I apologize. If you’re happy, I’m happy.”

Slowly, he shook his head, “Uh… are you sure about that? I must have misread something or misinterpreted. I want you to be happy for yourself, not just because I was.” He was miffed for reasons that escaped Zelda altogether.

Now, she was just as vexed. “No, no what I think doesn’t matter. I’m only happy that you managed to rebound  from what we had. In a solid relationship there are only two people that have meaningful input: you and her.”

“Wait, what?”

“I said, in a solid relationship-”

He shook his head, “No, Zelda, who do you think I’m courting?”

Her mouth fell closed and she looked at him as if he had two heads. “Princess Aurra.”

“Oh, Hylia,” he breathed out, putting a hand on his chest.

Zelda’s brows knitted together. “Am I wrong? Oh gods, I’m wrong. Who is it? Is it… the maid you always get along with?”

“No.”

“The woman who hit on you at court?”

“Gods no. Zelda-”

“Are you sure it isn’t Princess Aurra? She’s very pretty.”

“Yes,” he was laughing now. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Her shoulders slacked, “Stop laughing, Link. This is serious. I don’t know why you’re mocking me.”

“I understand and I’m sorry,” Link reasoned, attempting to bite down on his lingering smile. The grip on his arm tightened. “I thought about what you told me when you wanted… us… to end.”

Zelda watched his boyish smile upturn at the thought. So, her rejection was what caused him to look elsewhere.

“Of course, it made sense. Though I was beyond heart broken, I knew you were right. You always are,” Link pried her hand off his arm to hold it. “I took your father’s promotion. In that time, I felt worse than I ever had being away from you. You had told me the King would never approve, but I asked anyway.”

His fingers traced over her knuckles as he spoke. Green eyes widened and she could barely whisper out, “You did?”

He nodded with a short smile, “I did. And I was terrified. I told him about how I felt about you and he went so quiet that I thought he’d hang me. Then he asked if you loved me and I told him you’ve said so many times.”

Tears she had been holding back surfaced for an entirely new reason. Zelda’s face scrunched up and she held a hand under her nose. With a trembling lip, she bubbled out, “What did he say?”

“He said that as long as you still held those feelings, I have his blessing.”

She retched her hand from his grasp and flung them around his neck, bursting into a sob. Link buried his head in the crook of his neck and hugged her tightly as she cried.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbled, “I should have told you.”

“So… So…” she sniffed between her attempted words, falling into a sob and back. “So you’ve been courting me this whole time?”

She felt him nod into her.

“You love solving mysteries and I know you like surprises. I’m so sorry.”

“Are you kidding me?” she pulled back, a wide and watery smile met him. His princess was a mess. “This is the best surprise I’ve ever gotten.”

They sank into an embrace once more as reality fell onto her. Never was she so happy to be so wrong. Together, they stood like that in the hallway for a long moment. Zelda breathed him in all over again, her subconscious somewhat hesitant to dive headfirst back into the bucket of emotions that had been pooling for months.

“Zelda.” She heard him say, feeling his voice against her ear.

Full of reluctance, he pulled her away for a moment. His eyes met hers and his movements were small, but they were all too familiar. Link’s hand moved from her waist to her jaw and looked at her like she was the last thing he would ever see. It was so intensely reminiscent of their first kiss that her throat threatened to close up for the second time.

“There’s no Calamity,” she said with a sweet smile.

His thumb drew circles on her skin and he looked down at her with an emotion like no other.

“No,” he finally whispered. “There isn’t.”

Without intention, they drew closer. Her mouth tugged further upwards, “I can be with you.”

Link’s response was pressing his lips to hers and she fell into them easily. His hands cradled her head and pulled her impossibly closer. A whimper from deep within came from her and he swallowed the noise without care. The sound of someone approaching down the hall gave a jumpstart to her heart, but she was too intoxicated with him to respond with reason.

Awfully, his lips pulled away and in her ear, “Someone’s coming.”

His voice, gods his voice, was thick and almost raspy.

“Let them.”

All he did was let out a low laugh and let the heat of his fingers sear through her nightgown. The echoing footsteps were growing louder now.

“Can I spend the night with you?”

It could be her guard. It could be a servant. It could be the Prince.

“Please.”

Just like that, he heaved her into his arms with arm around her shoulders and the back of her knees. She yelped, falling into laughter as he hurried into the room and shut the door behind him. The closing hinges signified their safety and he peered down at her with pure adoration.

“I love your laugh.”

Zelda already had her hands in his hair, bracing herself for a bruising kiss. For a moment, his arms faltered and she thought she’d fall, but they tightened around her instead. When she parted her lips, he invaded her senses so greatly that she moaned in the ecstasy of feeling something she thought she’d never get the chance to feel again. Disbelief, overwhelming amazement, inexplicable happiness.

A groan against her lips sparked a deep burning in her stomach that made her sigh. Link’s tongue was gentle against her mouth. He wasn’t hesitant, but savoring and it made her want to cry from the simple fact that they were here.

She fell onto the bed with a light bounce and watched him remove his tunic, seeing skin tanner than when she last saw it. Emotion welled in her chest and a dry sob made her heave.

“I missed you,” she nearly whined. Her brows drew together as he dipped down to capture her lips again.

He parted shortly, “I missed you.”

Zelda’s hands felt down his shoulders, feeling everything from the smooth skin to rough scars and loved it all. She wasn’t blind to know that she was hopelessly attracted to him. The day where he sparred held a night where she held that memory while pretending her fingers were his, trying to resurrect the moment where they truly were and he whispered small encouragements in the nights where she doubted herself too much for his ears.

“I thought about you every night.” She gasped a gasp as smooth as the sheets she laid upon when his hands felt up her thighs.

His mouth laid claim to the side of her cheek and breathed hot breath over her ear. Link’s grip increased when she shivered. “In what way?”

Her nightgown had long hiked up to her hips. As he laid flush against her, standing between her parted knees, she wrapped him in an embrace that coaxed him to melt into her.

“Sometimes like this.” She smiled softly, sweetly enjoying his warmth and the fact that - yes - this was okay and he was hers.

Then she rolled her hips against his clothed crotch, the sudden friction making Link groan against her neck. Breath hitched in her lungs, the sensation so much better than she remembered.

Zelda sighed from the pleasure, “Sometimes like this.”

Link rose to swiftly catch her in a slow kiss that clouded her mind. His lips moved against her in slow waves, giving hints of what she knew he was capable of. Carefully, slowly, he took her hips and ground down against her heat. Zelda moaned and Link pulled away to watch her face. The warmth in her sparked and she tried to fill the space he left with her hips, and much to her frustration, he held them down.

Then, he looked upon her with reverence in his eyes. His kiss-swollen lips upturned to whisper hints of his mischief. Wheat blond locks were coming undone around his face and he was perfectly kissable if he were to let her.

Barely audible, she frowned and voiced her grievances. “Why’d you stop?”

The hints turned to undeniable devilment. “Can a man not watch his…” then his brow furrowed and he looked above her head. “It’s not suitor, right? Suitress?”

Her nose wrinkled at the word. “I don’t recall vying for your hand.”

“You don’t?” he gasped, extending his arms so that her view of his disbelief was clear. “Because I distinctly remember your many tears over how it was impossible for me to be with you.”

“Link!” she fumbled to the back of his neck, but there was no avail to her tugging. “I had the purest intentions!”

“Oh yes,” he sighed. “To turn me away so you could accept Prince Tyrion’s proposal.”

“Link! I wouldn’t have done that when I still loved you!”

“I can’t help but notice you’re using past tense, Princess.”

Zelda squirmed out of his grip and further onto the bed. Curiosity danced in blue eyes as she felt along the hem of her nightgown. Innocently, she tilted her head and let her long hair pool to one side. The change in tone was immediate.

“You know, Hero,” she leered, pulling her gown to her hips. His gaze followed it, searing up her thighs with his amusement. “I could have you arrested for spreading such slander about me.”

The fabric balled up between her fingers, inching to reveal her lacy white panties. Despite herself, she smiled when he placed his knee on the bed to follow her. It was hard to ignore the way his hard stomach flexed with his movements. Her gown tightened further in her fists and her innocent smile widened; his attention rapt to her suddenly revealed curves. Link’s mouth formed her name.

“Or perhaps…” Zelda bit her lip as his hands tried to coax hers to move faster. He was close enough for her to kiss his neck and breath out, “You would like me to show you my love?”

She couldn’t help the bout of giggles when he pushed her against the pillow and explored her exposed stomach. His smile was hidden from view, but it was in his words.

“Gods, I adore you.”

Zelda lifted her arms as he yanked the gown off, careful to avoid snagging her hair because he had done it before. She had always been somewhat self-conscious of her body. And now as her nipples hardened to the chill that tended to eternally linger in her room, she could only be reminded that there wasn’t the need to visit holy springs that required a certain amount of labor and that she didn’t feel the incessant want to leave the castle when there would be a man who wasn’t Link alongside her.

Surely, she had her fair share of sweets after Calamity Ganon.

The insecurity brought her hands to rest on top of her tummy and a thick blush to sweep up her neck. Link, however, didn’t pause for one second and planted a firm kiss to her collar bone.

“Is this okay?” he asked, enveloping her hands in his and enticing them from her body.

Zelda nodded, but followed up with an audible, “Yes.”

The way he touched her was both cautious and bold, kneading the flesh of her hips in a way that made her shiver. His fingertips surfed up her skin to her breasts and he tasted the heartbeat at her throat.

A million sweet nothings vaguely reached her ear as he felt the skin before the waistband of her underwear. Link didn’t allow breath to stay long in her lungs and she lifted her lips in the hopes he would be merciful. It should’ve been expected when he drew away.

“Please,” she breathed, reaching for the buckle of his trousers only for him to pull in back against the pillow above her head. “It’s been so long.”

Love was in his eyes when he came up from her neck. Link worried his bottom lip between his teeth and the sight turned her stomach in the best way. He searched her face and seemed to consider her words before deciding on a, “No.”

There was no time for her to respond because he wasn’t done with that special spot on her neck. He laved his tongue over the places he nipped at and she had no problem leaning her head away to make more room for him to work. Zelda bit down on her back molars to swallow a moan when she realized his intentions; he had never dared to do this to her before.

“You’re- you’re going to leave a mark.”

All he did was hum against her throat while her breath hitched as he palmed over her clothed folds. The hint of the pressure she so desperately needed was applied. Link paused his sucking, groaning at her wetness. The sound burned the need brighter at her navel. His movements grew hesitant, as if at war with himself before disappearing down her all at once and wrestling her panties from her body - a struggle due to how entangled her long legs were with his.

Cheeks already flushed grew darker as she watched him watch her. Link sunk low with eyes of blue fire, any signs of mischief dashed for determination. Anticipation burned with a fire she hasn’t felt for months and the way his hot breath smoothed over her navel.

The back of hers knees rested on his shoulders and he licked slowly up her cunt, making her head hit the pillow and a low moan dredged from her throat. Instinct brought her hands to his hair, but she refrained from pulling by using what was left of her sanity. The flat of his tongue made her fingertips tremble, further threading to graze his scalp.

Her chest heaved his name with the vulgar sounds and she could dimly hear the sound of his trousers falling off the bed. Impressions of his fingers pressed deeply into her upper thighs. Her Hero worked her like he did most things, with purposeful motions that made her lose all reason and allowed short gasps to escape her as he hummed a smile against her.

“Link,” she repeated, need and warning in her voice. Blue, blue, blue gazed at her. She hadn’t even noticed the absence of his dominant hand that had long left her thigh for what was between his own legs; his shoulder and arm making suggestive movements. It was as if Link did this for his own pleasure rather than her own. The thought snapping the coil that had been building with his tongue.

This gasp was different, sharper, mixed with his name and words even she couldn’t decipher as she shortly visited the heaven he took her to. Even enduring her climax, Link held her tighter. When she fell slack against the cushions and he finally released her, a well of emotion surged in her breast.

In a slight daze, she sat up and pressed a languished kiss to his lips, already wet. His arms securely circled her and she parted with knitted brows. Zelda’s lip trembled when concern crossed him.

“What’s wrong?”

Zelda held his face in her hands. A rosy glow was on her cheeks and warmth filled her breath as his eyes tried to decipher her thoughts.

“I love you.”

It barely registered to her that they were both naked. If anything, there was rightness in his soft azure gaze and the way their bodies touched beyond the intent of seeking pleasure. There was a slight lift to Zelda’s shoulders and his forearms fell on either side of her torso so Link could bear more of his weight. “That’s all,” she said. “I love you; I missed you.”

With a grin, he snaked his arms around her and buried his head within the crook of her shoulder. Strands of hair tickled her ear and his soft breaths pulled a series of giggles from her. Link’s embrace strained her laughter, only to cause more to burst from her chest.

He echoed her with murmured words, drawing soft circles on her shoulder blades. Zelda sighed into his arms and simply enjoyed his voice. As lovers entangled, every movement was languished. Time didn’t exist.

But she didn’t oppose the kisses that were now peppering her cheek. The fervent compliments from his lips conjuring a deep blush across her face that he tried to kiss away. It was a fruitless endeavor, of course, as it only permeating further on her skin as they touched one another in the way only familiar lovers could.

Their love was made in soundless motions. Learning one another as if three months were three years. It had been an affair that was born of fleeting touches and an impending expiration. It was a haunting kind of love that tended to plague more than pleasure. Now they had so much longer than months, a whole lifetime if they wished.

That was the fact they reassured  one another in breathy laughter and loving embraces.

Time drew on with or without them and as she peered at him over the pillows of the morning dawn, she saw him looking back with a happiness she could only pinpoint in her heart.

“I’ve spent all this time convincing I would go on without you,” she said, almost mournfully.

He spoke unabashedly, because nothing was left to hide in the state they were in. “You could have,” he smiled a smile that mirrored her tone. “And I was fully prepared to walk away at the door.”

He gathered her loose hand in his. “I don’t have much to offer,” he spoke with a languished grin, “I have a modest home and will inherit my family’s farm.”

Zelda watched him with an indescribable softness. A sleepless night brought a misty haze over her, but it couldn’t stop the thrumming of her heart. She didn’t need to voice her answer if he had been asking because the simple picture of them living modestly was one that made her curl into his side.

Eventually, he would need to leave before anyone would find out he was in the Princess’s chambers. They would need to arrange a formal announcement and the idea of a public wedding was another beast that needed to be slain.

But for now, Zelda let the morning bring its own subtleties of what subsequent mornings promised.

[iamnotoriginalphil]

Family Matters (Zelda Spellman/Reader) - Part 4

Synopsis: Your first morning in the Spellman house could have been smoother.

Words:1537

Warnings: none

AN: So I’m about to go away for a week on holiday with some friends. I’ll try to keep updating regularly but it may have to wait until I’m home again. If you’d like to be tagged in this series just drop me a message.

**GIF not mine**

Waking up in the huge bed was a luxury you weren’t quite sure how to approach. The bed was comfortable, the room lavish, the air warm. You lay in the bed, staring up at the canopy above you. You had no idea what was waiting for you downstairs. You didn’t know what Zelda had told the rest of the family about your new living arrangement. It made you want to continue hiding in your room.

A sharp knock sounded on your door. You sat up, wondering if you ignored it it would go away. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d had such a good nights sleep and that was with all you’re tossing and turning. The knock sounded again. You sighed and sat up, crawling out of the bed.

Zelda was standing outside your door. She was fully dressed, completely put together, and you became acutely aware of your bed hair. You tried to smooth it down.

“May I come in?”

You held the  door open for her, hurriedly taking a step back to keep her from bumping into you. The same scent of wet dirt and smoke stroked across your skin. You held your breath, not needing to be distracted for the conversation to come.

“How did you sleep?” she asked, turning to watch you close the door.

“Well, thank you,” you replied, more hesitant than you would like.

“I have informed my sister of your circumstances and we have agreed to allow you to stay here,” she said, “Sabrina and Ambrose are aware you are here but I think it would be better to not talk about the reasons.”

“May I ask why?”

“There are some unpleasantries that need not be discussed over the breakfast table,” she replied.

“My living situation is not an unpleasantry,” you snapped then immediately flushed, “sorry.”

“I have opened my home to you. I will not accept insolence from my employee,” she snapped.

“I’m sorry Miss Spellman,” you said, looking down at your feet.

“I have already asked you to call me Zelda. I will not ask again. If you cannot follow simple instructions I may have to rethink your employment,” she said.

“I’m sorry,” you said.

“And stop apologising.”

You looked up at the annoyance in her voice. She was looking at you, glaring at you, and you felt small and childlike. You hadn’t been admonished in a long time.

“Get dressed,” she said, “breakfast is on the table.”

She swept past you, leaving little more than the shame in your gut and the lingering scent of her cigarettes. You hurried into the bathroom connected to your room. You needed to wash the Zelda from your skin before you could face the rest of her family. No one made you as unsteady as much as she did.

Walking down the stairs felt different. Usually you were hurrying to answer the phone or greet a customer after looking for one of your employers. This time the house was quiet, the only noise coming from the kitchen. You smoothed down your skirt and took a deep breath.

Conversation paused as you entered the kitchen but was quickly took up again by Sabrina, smoothing over the moment of awkwardness. The table was really only able to accommodate four people so you hovered for a moment until Hilda stood up, offering you her chair.

“How did you sleep, dear?” she asked, pushing you down onto the seat while you considered declining the kindness. She was doing enough without giving you her seat as well.

“Really well, thank you,” you said, your voice quiet.

She placed a plate in front of you. You looked down at the bacon and eggs, wondering if you could avoid eating. Your stomach was in turmoil, sitting amongst the family. You listened to Sabrina argue with Zelda about school. Or at least you thought it was about school. It wasn’t easy to tell.

“How’d you find your bed?” Ambrose asked, leaning towards you.

“It’s very comfortable,” you replied, “and massive.”

“Yes, our guest bed are intended to fit many people,” he said to which you found you had no reply.

He went back to contemplating the contents of his mug. You hoped it was just tea or coffee but given his general demeanour over the weeks you’d known him you couldn’t be sure. He seemed to be as broken as you felt. Your heart went out to him. No one deserved to feel this way.

You scooped a forkful of eggs into your mouth, assuming it would be more rude to refuse any than to try and force down something. It was as delicious as everything else you’d ever tasted in this house, presumably due to the skilful hands of Hilda. You’d yet to see Zelda take to the stove in the few weeks you’d been working in the house. You took another forkful into your mouth, catching Hilda’s eye. You gave her a closed lip smile.

“You agree, right Luna?”

You blinked, looking over at Sabrina. She was looking at you expectantly. You looked to Zelda who was also watching you, assessing the answer you would give. You turned your head to Ambrose, who was pushing food around his plate, avoiding looking at anyone at the table.

“Sorry, I wasn’t listening,” you replied.

“That does not bode well for the rest of the day,” Zelda snipped.

“I’m not on the clock yet,” you snapped, “I shouldn’t be expected to be the perfect employee when I’m not working.”

“Someone is in a mood today,” Zelda said, disappearing behind her paper once again.

You let out a long breath, expecting to be chewed up and spit back out by Zelda. She’d already threatened to throw you out for attitude. This response was far too calm for what you’d come to expect from the matriarch of the Spellman family. And yet you still felt like a dismissed teenager.

You pushed your plate away from you, standing up. You gave Hilda a tight smile and walked out of the kitchen. You hurried up the stairs, back into your bedroom. You closed the door, leaning back against it and let out a sigh. You should have never come here.

A soft knock sounded on your door. You turned around, pulling it open. Sabrina was standing on your threshold, looking concerned.

“I’m sorry about Auntie Zee,” she said, “she can be a bit of a hardass.”

“She scares me,” you said, not voicing the fact that she held your life in her hands. If she threw you out now, if she fired you, you’d be dead. Literally.

“The rest of us won’t let her fire you,” she said, “we all love having you here.”

“You barely know me,” you said, shaking your head.

“You’re kind and you work hard and you seem to really care,” she said.

“I can’t lose this job, Sabrina,” you said.

“You won’t.”

She gave you a hug. You stiffened, not used to any kind of physical affection anymore. She gave you another squeeze and drew away, giving you a comforting smile.

“Hilda’s worried you didn’t eat breakfast,” she said, as a parting statement.

You watched her walk down the long hall. She disappeared around the corner, not looking back at you. You missed being that age, when things were simpler. You missed living in a house full of love and a family around you to support you. You missed not being filled with this kind of anxiety. You missed when every single one of your actions weren’t life or death.

“Oh, there you are, dear,” Hilda said, coming around the corner, “Zelda was looking for you.”

Anxiety clenched around your heart in a vice like grip and you were worried you might faint. You clutched the door frame, trying to keep yourself upright. Hilda rushed towards you, grabbing your elbow to steady you.

“Let’s sit you down.”

She led you back into your room, settling you on the bed. She pressed the back of her hand to your forehead. You pressed your hands to your stomach, trying to ease the pressure in your head and in your heart.

“You haven’t eaten enough, my dear,” Hilda said.

“What did Zelda want?” you asked.

“She only wanted to know where that handy diary of yours is,” Hilda replied, “she wanted to check on the meetings scheduled for today.”

The pressure loosened and you let out a sigh of relief. You hung your head, letting the relief wash over you. You weren’t about to be fired for your impertinence. You had to get a better grasp on your attitude, biting your tongue better. This wasn’t like it once was. You couldn’t say whatever was on your mind. More was at stake than an exasperated eye roll and a verbal telling off.

“I’ll get it for her right now,” you said with a smile.

“Are you sure, love? If you’re not feeling well I’m sure we could manage one day without you. After all, we managed for years before.”

“No, no, it’s fine.”

You hopped off the bed, scurrying out of the room before Hilda could argue further. You would do better. You must do better.

You couldn’t afford to fail now.

Tags: @theenglishwizard​ @eyesofanangeltongueofadevil​ @hallospaceboyy​

[forsakentoast]

Wildflower

Chapter 2

“Is he still asleep?”

“My little fox, he just settled down for his afternoon nap. Let him be, he did have quite a day today.”

“But mama! Today we were supposed to go truffle hunting before dinner! And my basket was all packed and ready to go.”

Looking before her dejected child, the mother released a sigh as she smiled. Ah, her little autumn leaf. “And he will. He just wants to sleep. He lets you do that when you want to take a nap.”

“Mama… he isn’t here when I close my eyes for a time.”

“Oh Ilé… Sometimes I think you are but my youngest child.” A small laugh erupted from the woman.

“I am and always will be your child. Now, let me go wake up your other child. Link! Link! Wake up!”

Wake up...

Groggy eyes finally opened blearily to the sunlit room. Stretching just before a cramp was threatening to come forth, Wild took off the blankets and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. 

Hearing the others quietly bustling about and the gentle smell of something cooking, Wild let out one more yawn before finally getting out of bed and starting down the stairs.

The smell of breakfast became even more enticing as each step downstairs was taken. 

“Morning.”

The chatter soon stopped to greet the sleepy Hylian. But before any word could be uttered, a glass bottle was shattered as a response in its stead. 

“HOLY…”

“Hylia...”

“W-wild?”

The shattered glass jolted the young hero to be more awake and alert. Being more aware of his surroundings, Wild looked around to the shocked and startled faces of his friends. 

Despite the shock still evident in Time’s face, he gathered his stupor and proceeded to ask what everyone had on their minds. “Wild? Is that really you?”

“Uh… Yeah? You guys stare at me as if I was growing a horn on my head.”

And at that statement, Wind yelled, “To the lab!” 

---

The lab had a quiet morning. The gentle beeping of the machines and the humming were filtering through the air as Purah and Symin went about their morning. However, that peace was soon disrupted as the doors to the lab were slammed open and a loud clamor of calling the sheikah woman in an urgent tone was ringing about. 

“Purah! Purah!” Wind desperately called out.

Upon the name leaving the mouth of the sailor, Purah turned to greet them when the words died as she looked at the champion of her time. Before her, the champion held no blemish upon his concerned face. His hair was as short as it had been before his downfall. 

“It would have been nice if I could at least see myself, ya know. You all make it seem as if a horn sprouted from my head or something… or a second head,” he grumbled. Feeling around his head, Wild was relieved to have had no horns or bumps. Once his hand felt around the left side of his face, he took a pause.

There was smooth skin where his scars were supposed to be. What dark magic was this? Everywhere he traced where his scars were, his fingers met nothing but baby soft skin. 

“Heh… Where?” Words were hard to form as Wild’s mind began reeling to figure out what exactly was even going.

Legend spoke for him, “That is exactly what we were trying to figure out.”

Silence engulfed the lab for a brief moment until Purah’s excited giggles broke through. She picked up a reflective piece of metal to give to Wild as her eyes shone with awe.

Taking said metal from her, Wild paled at seeing his scars no longer there. His youthful face looking even more young and his hair. Oh Hylia his hair. No longer was it long, but short like in the first part of his...

“Symin! Do you see?! This was a success! Oh Linky! We must conduct tests and- and exams! How do you feel? Have you eaten? Any side effects? Any fever? Aches? Hylia… we need to take vitals and-”

“Purah,” interjected Symin, “Take a breath, and let him breathe. We can’t have him go into shock.” Walking towards Wild, Symin gently brought Wild’s attention to the present moment and led him away from the group so a moment can be given to process the situation at hand. 

Upon leading the champion away,  Purah turned her attention back to the lot of heroes. 

“I can’t believe it… Did he show any symptoms yesterday?”

All shook their heads, except for Twilight.

“I kept him under close supervision since then. Other than stumbling a couple times here and there, nothing else was wrong. No fever, no nothing.”

“Well,” Hyrule spoke, “Now that I think about it, he did seem to be lethargic after he ate dinner with us.”

“Now that you mentioned it,” all attention went to Four, “Wild did seem lethargic during dinner time. We all know how vigorously Wild loves to eat his dinner.”

Small murmurs of agreements resounded as they all realized their wild friend did not escape without symptoms.

Swallowing the guilt Hyrule was feeling, he turned his attention to Purah. “I understand that you said to expect changes, but how much or how deep these changes are? How long would this last?”

“I don’t know. I can only say that he got reduced back 100 years due to the disappearance of his scars. I can’t tell you anything more than that, young man. Even with tests done, there is little to be said.”

Apprehensively, Warriors questioned, “But didn’t you get hit with the rune yourself?”

“I didn’t get hit with it. I experimented on myself because I had no other viable subjects.” Purah laughed to herself. “Besides, my symptoms were different than our dear friend. I had horrible fevers, lethargy, and terrible aches and pains. But it soon calmed down.”

“So you tested on yourself… and what exactly did that yield? What was the reason for the testing to be conducted?” Pressed Warriors.

“My, my… such an inquisitive young lad. I did the test on myself indeed. I became younger as you see me at this moment. I am also over 100 years old as well, you know. I changed physically and mentally. I still have some outburst that just spill from my mouth. But as for the reason? Sometimes our research is done to benefit Hyrule. Possibly in due time I will spill the secrets.”

Before any protest could be given, Symin and Wild finally came inside. 

“We would have been outside longer, but the villagers were starting to stir and go about their morning routines. I do not think it would have been wise to have our friend seen by prying eyes,” Symin shot Purah a look.

Pouting, Purah could only just look at Wild and egged him on with her gaze. She knew he had questions and she would do her best to answer them.

“Obvious question aside. What is my current age.”

“Judging by the unmarred skin you meekly paraded, I would say 16. Give or take a year.”

“But how?”

“Linky, even I cannot explain it. You have read my diary, even though I told you to refrain from doing so,” she quietly mumbled the last part. “When I first did the experiment on myself, I was regressed 70 years, then another twenty and so on and so forth. I managed to stop when I reached the age of six.”

“So you're telling me that I can still regress?”

“Exactly,” Purah answered, “How far? Hylia most likely wouldn’t even know. Let’s just hope you don’t regress to the point you fade away from existence.”

As Purah gave a laugh, the others became worried while Wild simply rolled his eyes.

“I have the spite to will myself back into existence.”

Clearing his throat, Time brought back the attention of Purah. “So what exactly should we be looking for in these… changes?”

“Well for one, he will be growing shorter in stature. If he does regress further in age, he may experience mood swings or general outbursts.”

A small shudder was heard from Symin. All eyes and one glare were directed at him as he realized that his shudder was heard to them all. 

“Ah, my apologies. If Link does experience those, just know that they aren’t all… too bad… you will eventually grow immunity to it. Sometimes all one can do is treat this situation as a parent would a child… or like a sibling of some sorts.”

“Heck yeah!”

Wind looked towards everyone, excitement etched onto his features. “I am so excited! I love being a big brother! And with this circumstance, I can be like a dad! I can be all like: Hello, this is my son,” as the young sailor gestured toward an unamused Wild.

“As if any one would believe you,” said Warriors.

“You may have a reasonable point, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”

A snort was heard from Sky as he looked to the sailor. “I’m just trying to imagine a young person like you just be like, ‘hello, I am the hero of the Winds and this is my son… Link… the Second. Link 2.0. Sounded better in my head to be honest.” Off muttering he went. 

“I won’t be dealing with a child. If he is wild as he is now, just imagine how wild he would be as a child.”

“Hey! I am not wild. I just like to do things different than your preferred methods. I have restraint too, you know.”

Legend just rolled his eyes.

“The good thing is that you won’t be alone this time in your predicament. You have others that will help you and take good care of you. I believe you are in good hands, Link. We may just have to wait this out or until Purah and I can get the other rune up and running. We have plenty of other projects that are vying for our attention, so we will be doing the best we can.”

“I will not be responsible for you. Someone will be taking that responsibility and it won’t be me. I want to be left alone to sleep,” Legend muttered that last bit to himself.

“I can’t help but feel like you will eat those words. Just something I feel deep within my gut,” replied Warriors.

“Listen here, fool-”

“Enough.” Time interjected. “We will be sure to watch for our dear friend here, you can rest assured. Any other things we should be concerned about?”

Thinking, both scientists just hesitantly shook their heads. 

“I feel like there should be but at the moment we cannot think of any. Just please, take good care of him. I think it’s best that Impa knows of the situation and Zelda of this time as well.”

“Ah! Linky! Take this hat and wear it like a disguise to cover your face and remain as a mysterious person and you can go home-”

“I know my way without being detected by the village.” Seeing Purah’s dejected face, Wild just took the sheikah hat that was offered. “But I guess I can go undetected in style.”

“Good. Now, off with you. And be sure to update me with any changes.”

With each hero excusing themselves and leaving the lab, the two scientists waved with all smiles until the door closed.

“Purah, I believe this will be a wreck. He told me he faintly recalled something from the depths of his mind. He couldn’t really explain it fully as to what it was. He just said something or someone told him to wake up. No report of anything out of the ordinary. I didn’t realize anything was wrong until he got here to the lab.”

“We just keep watch on him, Symin. We always did. That’s why it’s better to have Impa on the loop. But at the same time, I cannot help but think to drag out the progress of the rune. I am a woman of science, Symin. My curiosity is gnawing at the possibilities on how things will turn. But I guess we will just keep that tid bit to ourselves.”

-----

Just ways away from the lab, the group had stopped and looked at their wild companion. 

“So how would we go on about and avoid the prying eyes of the village?”

“Just climb down the hills and avoid the heart of the village and the entrance.”

“But what of Bolson and Karson? I don’t think we can just sneak around and bust you in through the window in the back. Nor is milling about until nightfall for them both to go back home is worth it.”

“I think it would be better to just tell him. Right?”

“Wild, how exactly would you just go up and just tell him: oh, i got hit with a ray and I am regressing back to goddesses know when. I may or may not fade from existence as it is.”

“Well, Twi, I don’t think I can just tell him that I am some lost long relative. I could have pulled it off by just stating I got a haircut, but my unmarred skin won’t fool him. He knew me with my scars. He saw me with the scars yesterday.”

“Well,” Wind spoke, “Why don’t we just say that it was some high level potion that was barely made and you were testing it out and look how youthful it made you. But there was just a small sample.”

“Wind… that’s not a bad idea. But I think it should be more refined and we can make that excuse to pass it off. I think we should include a haircut as well.”

“I am all on board with that, Hyrule!”

“As much as I appreciate the excuses you both are formulating, I think it’s best I just handle it. Why don’t you all go into town and gather more groceries. I am famished and I believe the breakfast has already gone cold.”

“We can just heat up the food once more.”

“Only two omlettes and toast were made, before Twilight shattered the milk. Besides, I think it’s best we all just go into town and get supplies as we make our trek to Kakariko.”

Everyone nodded and the group departed, leaving Wild to sneak back to his home.

------

“My oh my! Good morning Link! It is a little too early for a hat, is it not?”

“Morning Bolson, Karson,” Wild nodded to both men. “I just wanted to make an early morning fashion statement.” A small laugh filled the air as Wild went to remove the hat.

“Ooooo, I see you went to get that silky length cut down. It suits you quite well, might I add. But I feel that there is something else that is definitely different about you this fine morning. What do you think, Karson?”

A guessing game began between the two of them until Karson finally noticed.

“Good goddess above, Link! Your skin!”

“Shhh! I know, I know. I… had a little accident at the lab the other day. I still have not gotten over my shock. I feel… a bit naked without them. I just really don’t know how to explain it. There’s an experiment that is being developed but I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and then-” 

Careful details came forth from Wild’s lips. Both Bolson and Karson were listening in silence as the hero spoke the day’s details.

“Link, we are both honored that you are confiding this mishap. And I am a little hurt that you wouldn’t have trusted me to share this secret. Although I do understand why. I know that I blabber on about my business and I know of all the village gossip, but I also know when to keep my mouth shut on certain matters.”

“You both took it well… I am actually surprised.”

“Besides, boss has made it company rules that anything a client tells, cannot be told to anyone else.”

“Oh my good dear, if only you would hear the things my past clients have told me. It is a little hard to comprehend this at the moment, but what kind of person would I be if I had broke the trust you helped forged?”

“May the goddesses bless you both.”

“But my dear, I want you to be careful out there. Especially since you will be making a trek to Kakariko village. Now you should get packing, your group is coming along.”

Looking back, Wild saw his group of friends and turned back to the duo milling about under the tree, a smile and a word of gratitude as he went back into his home.

Karson and Bolson both sent smiles in return and nods of understanding to the group as they all headed inside.

“You know Karson, I cannot help but shake the feeling of something. May the goddess above watch over the lot.”

-----

The trek to Kakariko was uneventful. Merchants peppered the roads, but most seemed to have minded their business as they walked along. A couple monsters here and there, but nothing that required exertion. With the mountains rising above and offering a sense of security, Wild had assured the group that they were approaching Kakariko. 

The moon was high above the sky as the heroes made their way into the village. Wild made his way inside the inn to grab rooms for the night. When Wild came out, eyes of concern went on each face as they viewed their affected member. Wild honestly did not realize that he was swaying.

“As it is late at night, I suggest we just spend the rest of the night... at the inn and then- then meet up with... Impa in the morning. Besides, I am incredibly sleepy and I feel like I can’t- can’t go on.”

Gently guiding Wild back inside, Warriors told the group to get settled in and asked Hyrule to come help him with Wild.

“Come on Wild, let’s get you to bed.”

“Very tired.”

“I know, my little wildflower.”

“Heh. flowers do sound nice.”

“Now let’s get to bed. You had such a long day.”

“Gonna see Impa.”

“Rest is what makes good boys strong,” a gentle smile was felt within those words.

Wild felt warmth surround him. “Night.”

“Good night, wildflower.”

And just like that, Wild fell asleep.

Both Hyrule and Warriors shared a look of concern.

“Exactly who was he talking to?”

“I don’t know. But now is not the time to ask. We should just keep an eye and just get some rest.”

“You’re right. May things get resolved soon.”

[writtingthing]

Crossing the Great Sea - Chapter 4 (Linked Universe)

Word count - 2419

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Archive

Time, Wild and Wind were the first to arrive into the Study after hearing a yell. Jacalyn’s back was towards the door as she was kneeling over an unconscious Four.

“What happened.” Time growled. He immediately regretted his harsh tone when Jacalyn turned to him.

Her face was filled with fear and worry, her eyes wide. Her hands hovered over the small hero in front of her.

“Someone get Sky, try not to make too big of a deal out of it.” Time wasn’t sure who he said it too, he didn’t care. Someone moved out of the room, Wind and Time moved to get a better look at Four.

Four’s face was peaceful, a hand to the forehead told Time there was no fever. As he checked Four for any injuries he asked Jacalyn, “What happened.”

“I I don’t know… We… we were just talking… talking…” Jacalyn looked nothing like she had the first day Time met her. She kept repeating the word ‘talking’ as her hands hovered uselessly over the fallen hero.

“...talking about-” Something must have connected with her. Jacalyn stood up and walked out, right past Sky. Sky gave a worried look at Four and began to check him.

“What happened.” Sky asked,

“We aren’t sure.”

Time looked up to see Amila walk in, she gave a sad look towards Four. A heavy sigh escaped her. “Come on, let's get him somewhere more comfortable.”

Time and Sky carried him to the bed and laid him down. Amelia had left and came back with a blanket. Sky couldn’t help but notice the rim of it was covered with symbols of some kind. Sky also couldn’t help noticing the rigid way Jacalyn stood, they way her eyes watched something beyond what was in front of her.

Amlia stood up and gave the heroes a gentle smile, “He’ll be fine, we caught it early. Jacalyn,” The one in question looked up in a sharp motion. “Tell the others what happened, and send the heroes in here so I can start to explain ok?”

Jacalyn gave a stiff nod and walked out.

“Caught it early?” Wind chimed in.

Amila’s smile somewhat dropped, “I was hoping we wouldn’t have to catch it at all. I’ll explain soon, once the others get here.”

“I thought you said Jacalyn’s sickness wasn’t contagious.” Wild pointed out sharply.

“It’s not,” She snapped back before taking a breath and continuing, “Not unless you go off looking for it.”

The other filed in, worry writing on their faces. “What happened?” Time asked once they were all there.

“He looked into something he should have avoided.” Amlia told them, “You see….” The girl began to fold in on herself a bit.

“The ship is cursed.” Jacalyn said, her gaze fixed on the ground.

It was quiet for a moment as the words hung in the air. The heroes' minds raced, the ship they were on, had been on, was cursed.

“Curse?! Why didn’t you tell us before we got on?” Legend stepped towards Jacalyn.

“Because of the conditions of the curse; it won’t affect you unless you seek it out! If we told you, ‘don’t look into it’ it would’ve given you something to wonder about,” Jacalyn meet his hard gaze with her own, “and if you haven’t noticed we already have a bit of a curiosity bug.” She gestured to Four.

“What is the curse exactly then?” Sky stepped forward, trying to separate the two.

Amlia answered, “We aren’t sure on details but, we do know the ship is connected to Jacalyn meaning she can’t leave the ship to an extent. We also know that if you try to look into details of the curse it puts you into a state to take those memories away. If not caught fast enough it can take more memories away.”

“So you took us on a ship where our memories could have been taken?” Wild looked at Four. What would he forget? Just what he looked into? The ship? Would he forget Wild and the others?

“Yes, but-“ Amila was cut off by Warriors, “Were you hoping we’d look into it and forget? So we’d be stuck here on this ship?”

Jacalyn’s face shifted from annoyance and a bit of guilt to anger. “Do you think I would do that? Why would I force others into a fate I don’t even want?! Why would I want people to forget who they love?! Who their friends are?! What their name is?! What their goals are?! Who they are?! I may not be a good person, but I’m no monster.” Without another word and tears in her eyes Jacalyn gave a look to Amila and left the room.

“Jacalyn!” Amila almost went after her before glancing at the heroes. “Is there anything else I can try to clear up?” She asked almost timidly,

Time stepped forward, “Everyone else on the ship knows the conditions? Everyone stays?”

Amila gave a sad smile, “Yes. I can’t speak for everyone, but I stay so Jacalyn doesn’t have to be alone. We all have our reasons, but I think a main one is Jacalyn.” When she got a questioning look Amila continued. “When I first met her, she was unconscious. The Kalar pushed ashore by currents and her alone knocked out near the helm. After a while she woke up and told me a little bit about herself, she later told me she almost forgot her name. I wanted to see the world, she hesitantly agreed. Hal and I accompanied her, he got sick and she explained her situation as she knew it. I guess I just wanted to help by keeping her company and helping her with memories.” Amila smiled as she told them, “But. I understand if you’d rather not deal with us once we arrive.” With that she left the heroes alone.

The heroes looked at each other. After a moment of silence Wild walked towards the door. No one stopped him.

 Wild found Jacalyn leaning over the railing. He noted how the others continued with their chores, not bothering her. Wild almost thought twice, but then stood next to her. She didn’t make any motion or noise to acknowledge him, but he knew she noticed him. After a moment of thinking he spoke up, “What’s the first thing you remember?”

Jacalyn paused for a moment, then responded. “Water. I think I was thrown overboard. I think I was saved by the original crew of this ship.”

“How old were you?”

“Young. I had to be less than six years.”

Both went quiet.

“What about you?”

Wild blinked, “Wha-“

“The look on your face when I mentioned memories. Either you fear losing your memories or you had lost your own at one point. Maybe even both.”

Wild was surprised to hear her say that, especially considering she hadn’t taken her eyes of the sea. Her facial expression hadn’t even changed.

“It’s hard to say… I found a diary that I can kinda remember the events in, but my fist clear memory is… with Zelda. It was a ceremony.”

Jacalyn let a small laugh and smiled, “That doesn’t seem so bad. But you are the hero who slept for 100 years so I don’t think I can say much.”

Jacalyn turned around to see Time approaching, she quickly turned back to the sea, “Sorry about that, I had no right to get mad.”

Time held up a hand, “I accept, but you had some right. Wild would you mind?” Wild nodded and headed back inside leaving them alone.

Jacalyn didn’t look at him, “What is the leaders verdict?”

Time sighed, “We can’t exactly get off the ship early, but I’m not sure.” He had spent the last few minutes talking with the others about the situation. They were far from an agreement. “But that’s not why I’m here. I think we’ve met before.”

Jacalyn finally met his eyes, a questioning look in her own, “Really?”

“When you told that story about the ‘King’ I think it was called, I remembered hearing the same story from a little girl who looked like you.”

Jacalyn laughed, “That sounds about right, when I was smaller I would tell stories to anyone who listened.”

“You also said you didn’t want your ship.”

“That also sounds right.” Jacalyn paused before looking back out, “I was an idiot to think I could ever part with it. No one could help. I still can remember that stupid Happy mask salesman. He took one look at me and said, ‘You’ve met with a terrible fate haven’t you?’”

Time wasn’t sure what that realization made him feel. Part of him was relieved she had no clue of his own encounter with the salesman, but another made him wonder exactly what the salesman knew.

Jacalyn pushed herself off the rails and took a deep breath, “That’s enough moping around for me, I’ll be doing my rounds if you need me.”

Time nodded, letting himself look around the ship. Sky had offered to stay with Four for the time being, Time noticed how the others tried to distract themselves. Wild had joined Twilight near the back of the ship. Warriors and Hyrule were speaking to Regen and Qin. Wind was with Hal near the helm while Legend stood near the front of the ship staring off into the sea.

 Legend barely remembers the last time he was on a ship. Was it when the storm hit? What about after…..

He remembers water, that’s all that he could eye for miles. How long had he been sitting on bits of a broken ship in the middle of the ocean? He had lost count of the cycles of night and day, sleeping during either. He did his best to stay awake and look for help. He had noticed a few ships pass by in the distance, but none noticed him. He was about to give up when he noticed one wasn’t getting further. No. It was getting closer! Was he finally going to get out of the water. The ship got close enough to lower something for him to grab onto, he doesn't even remember what. It didn’t matter, he was just glad to not be stranded in the sea. His body must have agreed, because he instantly passed out.

It must have been hours later when he awoke. He remembers hearing the soft crackling of a fire and a page being turned every once and awhile. Legend opened his eyes and pushed himself into a sitting position.

“Morning, or well, afternoon.” A woman was in the room with him. She smiled at him, “How are you feeling?”

“Fine.” Legend grumbled. Why exactly was he being mean? She kinda just saved him.

“My names Jacalyn. What’s yours hero?”

“Link…. “ Legend rubbed his eyes, than thought about her choice in words, “Hero?”

Jacalyn shrugged, “I feel like heroes wear green. Old legends and stuff.” She stuck her hand out. “Well met Link, well I wish we met under better circumstances, but still, well met.”

Such a strange girl. After a bit she led him outside, only three others were on the ship besides Jacalyn. One came up to him smiling, “I’m glad you woke up, you were the only one we found. Where do we need to take you?”

Legend felt a bit of guilt, the only one we found, but responded almost automatically. “Hyrule.”

The girl nodded. “Consider it done.” Then turned to Jacalyn, “Did you see the seagull flying around earlier?”

“Yeah, I’ve never seen one so far from shore.”

“A seagull?” Legend begun searching the skies. It couldn’t be.

Jacalyn pointed west and Legend could make out the fuzzy shape of a bird. As soon as he saw it, he couldn’t help but smile. At least she had gotten her wish.

“You never see birds this far out at sea.” Jacalyn commented before walking back inside. Legend felt a mix of feelings, not really wanting to deal with them in front of strangers. He positioned himself on the rail and watched the sea go by.

 Legend snapped out of his moment to find Jacalyn close by. He jumped a bit, not expecting her to be so close by. He was conflicted on his thoughts about her. Everyone had their secrets, but something like that? She was still staring out at the sea when she spoke, “Did you remember something?”

Legend stood surprised, she was not helping her case being all knowing over there.

“Don’t get too defensive,” She sighed. It was quiet for a moment before she continued, “You had the same look on your face Time did that night. He told me he remembered meeting me when we were younger.” Jacalyn turned to face him and gave a genuine smile, “You’ll have to forgive me for being curious about my own past.”

Jacalyn stood up and stretched, reaching her hands towards the sky, “Either way, this mess will be behind you soon. We’re almost there, and your friends should wake up soon.” With that Jacalyn strolled back and begun to talking to Qin.

Warriors approached him, “Amila said Four should be awake any minute now, Sky’s still with him.”

“That’s good,” Legend mumbled, mostly to himself. He knew Four was ok. He had to be. It was only memory that would be affected. They even said they caught it early. He’d be fine.

 Wild took a deep breath, Twilight put a hand on the young one’s shoulder. Wild turned to him, Twilight had such a gentle smile, but Wild could tell he was worried too.

“Four will remember us. And if he doesn’t, we can help him too.” Twilight told him. The phrase itself did nothing to calm Wild’s worries, but it was nice to have the others close by.

“Wild?” Both turned to see Fellin standing not too far from them.

“Yes?”

The older man stepped forward standing next to them, “Have you ever been to the Akkala region?” When wild nodded he continued. “That’s where my family comes from. They fled to where we know live when calamity happened.”

Wild was about to apologize when Fellin held up a hand, stopping him, “No need boy, my family passed down stories about you. They saw you head to the spring of Power. A stressed princess and a blank guard. If anything I’m glad you got a second chance.”

Wild wasn’t sure what to say. So he just smiled and nodded, “Me too.”

[bxstiae]

⚜ ; [ BOTW / OTHERWORLDS.2  ]     WORLDBUILDING │ VERSE

Honestly, i was trying to write a reply for @wildshero​ & then i thought maybe.... i should let people know a few things about Twilight Princess Link in the setting of Breath of the Wild. I feel like it would just be better for people to know a bit more about the verse since it’s actually one or my more favourite verses imo. but first allow me to refresh everybody on what i have for the verse.

let it be know that i will differentiate between the links for the rest of the post as the following: Wild = BOTW Link Twilight = TP Link

NAME: Twilight, Wolfie   SPECIES: wolf   HEIGHT: 4’3”   ‘ IS A LITTLE SHIT ’ Summoned as a wolf by Wild Child. He has to deal with his antics without rest or until he is returned back to his home world. Until then, the Link of this world must deal with the Cheeky Hero-Beast. Nobody said he had to play nice.

Another tidbit, i will always, ALWAYS RP Twilight in a post, TP state when he is in BOTW. Meaning that he already accomplished his role as the saviour of hyrule & things are at a somewhat normal state for everybody. he is currently looking for ways to look for midna & often times runs into random ‘twilight portals’ that are still in his world. these portals are like the normal portals you use in TP, however these are a bit different because they react when 2 things happen. 1: when twilight’s twili shard is nearby & 2: something ‘else’ happens that causes the portal to activate. that something else -- for BOTW purposes -- is when Wild uses the sheikah slate. consider these portals though more like random rifts in twilight’s world. sometimes he can’t even see them. 

one this is for certain though: when he teleports -- only his body is taken. his master sword of his world is not taken with him. so the chances of him turning back into a human are very slim UNLESS he touches or tries to hold the master sword in wild’s world. Also another thing: twili magic works very differently in wild’s world. sometimes twilight -- if he wants to stay close to wild, is able to WILL himself to teleport to wild. but if he stays too far from wild for an extended period of time, he will be teleported back to his own world. he legit cannot stay alone in the wild’s world because it’s not his world. the thing that is keeping him there is the sheikah slate. so obviously if he’s not around it for a long time then he will naturally go home.

anyway, everything else will be under a read more because it talks about twilight’s relationship with wild & so on.

Honestly though, THIS POST made me really think about how Twilight would consider Wild as. if Wild was just a child to him, or if he considered him more as an equal. I feel like it would be the former tbh. THIS OTHER POST kind of proves a bit into that theory as well. Twilight obviously knows a lot more than Wild does & not just because Wild lost his memory. 

Wild, in many ways, is still ‘young’ in the aspect that he hasn’t taken down ganon like how Twilight has. Twilight has fought many things, took down the Demon King himself, & lost a beloved friend while also losing part of his humanity as well. he’s only in his early 20s & he suffers from survivor’s guilt and its trying to mend a broken/betrayed heart. 

am i ignoring that wild has amnesia? no. i am not. wild himself has gone through hardships, i will not lie about that. he almost lost to ganon. the other champions have all died. & zelda is keeping ganon at bay. but he doesn’t know what it is like to have fufilled the prophecy in his world. at least not like how twilight has. 

I brought it up in another post about it, but essentially twilight feels empty after the defeat of ganon. not only that, but he also feels used. now that ganon is gone, he.... doesn’t know what to do with himself. & his friend destroyed the only known why to visit her. so yes, he... feels shattered. his heart weighs so heavy because after such a long journey, he can’t just move on. it’s like everything was stripped from him & he’s back to ‘just being plain old link: ranch hand of ordon village. 

so yea, wild IS a child compared to twilight. his antics are all over the place -- wild is incredibly fickle. he feels like he’s dealing with the ordon children all over again. yet at the same time its just like the ordon children. he wants to help wild. he wants to protect him. in a way, he wants to prevent wild from having the same fate as him. yes he KNOWS what it feels like to be empty. wild is not empty, just because he doesn’t have any memories doesn’t mean that he is empty. wild is just lost. twilight wants to help him, & yet he doesn’t want to rush anything. 

there was a post that discussed the personality of wild but i can’t find it. but it has to deal with the japanese version. ( another reason why i hate the english translations ) in the japanese versions, all the entries in the sheikah slate are LINK’S entries. its like link is keeping a diary to HELP him remember. so in wild’s case with twilight, its THE SAME THING. 

the problem is that the more he remembers, the most intense they are. mainly because pieces of the memories are now wielding together. they aren’t just random fragments. the puzzles pieces are now fitting together. but you try to remember everything too fast? it can be incredibly devastating & more harmful than helpful. twilight recognises this. he knows this because lanaryu did that to him when he was given the vision. it can be harmful to one’s mental health especially if you aren’t prepared. it can lead you down a dark path & you can end up doubting yourself. 

so if wild is rushing in trying to remember everything, it can hurt him. it could make him more reckless because he is simply more determined to win. just imagine this: somebody lashes out in anger after finding something out. you aren’t thinking, you are acting out on anger -- on emotion. it’s the worst thing to do especially in war. you HAVE to be calculating, especially with ganon. you cannot fight ganon with anger & pain. GANON IS THE EPITOME of those emotions. you will only be predictable & naturally, fighting anger with anger doesn’t work out. link will die because ganon is stronger than link mentally in this aspect. wild cannot go in blindly: he doens’t have zelda this time to give him another chance.

& yes, twilight KNOWS all of this. you are the only one who knows you the best. for twilight, he knows wild in a sense that wild is another incarnation of himself. twilight has also met the hero’s shade as well to know that there are several things that always get reborn with the hero of courage. one is that every link is reckless in some way, shape, or form. they have to be! they are the hero of courage; fear is not supposed to be in their blood. i say fear isn’t suppose to be, but anxiety still can be. any link can still hold some sort of doubt &/or self-blame. it’s a given. they are all heroes after all. they are not perfect, & they are expected so much. but each link can take it in differently. though i digress. my main point is that every single link is reckless. ( yes, even twilight, one of the more calculating heroes of courage is also reckless, it’s in his blood )

so yea, twilight worries for wild. he should. but anyway. that doesn’t mean twilight won’t be a little asshole to wild. as much as wild has his antics, so does twilight. wild often times does some really stupid shit, so naturally twilight would too. just to annoy him. call him petty if you want, but twilight is just a tired boy.

please let it be known that while twilgiht is an asshole sometimes, he is VERY protective of wild! he would consider him a best friend ( eventually ) and a companion! Wild does, in fact, fill the voidness in twilight's heart, and while he may be annoyed with him 80% of the time, he still cares for him. a lot.��

uh.... some other things to consider too. twilight would not hesitate to pick up the master sword if wild is severely injured. while he may transform back as a human, he still is a swordsman at heart, and if he’s canine body cannot defend wild, then so be it, twilight would transform to his normal state & risk his life for wild. he will always be better & stronger with a sword than his beast form anyway.

while twilight calls wild ‘link’, wild does actually call him twilight! or twi for short. wild gave him the nickname for a few reasons. 

1: his fur & the patterns in it. twilight’s fur is not just one brown, its a mix of brown that kinda resembles that mix of yellow-orange found literally at dusk/twilight. 2: twilight is actually most solemn & quiet at the twilight hours. wild can tell that he’s a bit distance during this time as if he’s thinking about something or rather, something is on his mind. 3: the twili magic that causes him to warp is obiously very twilight-esque. aside from the legends passed down, wild would most likley recognise this as twilight magic -- especially when they find midna’s helmet. because it only confirms that the legends are true: that twilight magic exists & that twilight has something to deal with it. 4: the sheikah slate actually registers twilight as twilight instead of link -- even if he were to be in his human form, the piece of technology considers him as that. besides, if twilight were to ever transform ( mind you he probably wouldn’t unless forced to ), twilight would say that his name is twilight. 

does wild know that twilight is him but from another time? honestly, i don’t know.it’s up for debate. i probably could go either way to by honest, but i think my natural instinct is to say that no, wild does not realise that twilight is him but from another time. but that’s my 2 cents on the subject.

also: other names wild calls twilight is puppers, bud, & wolf/wolfie. twilight PREFERS twilight though, he feels a bit sentimental and happy when he’s called that. & it is ABSOLUTELY noticeable cause twilight will wag his tail when he is called twilight. don’t judge him.

more to come when i think of anything else.

[hyrulewarriorprincess]

Zelda’s Diary Transcript

Breath of the Wild spoilers below.

Page 1

After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research.

The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him.

If the fortune-teller’s prophecy is to be believed, there isn’t much time left…

Ah, but turning over these thoughts in my head puts me ill at ease. I suppose I should turn in for the night.

P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight…

Page 2

I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beasst Vah Rumania.

I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary.

It is the same feeling I’ve felt before in his company… And still, not a word passes his lips.

I never know what he’s thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say.

What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know?

Then, I suppose it’s simple. A daughter of Hyrule’s royal family yet unable to use sealing magic… He must despise me.

Page 3

I said something awful to him today…

My research was going nowhere. I was feeling depressed, and I had told him repeatedly not to accompany me.

But he did anyway, s he always does, and so I yelled at him without restraint.

He seemed confused by my anger. I feel terribly guilty… and that guilt only makes me more agitated than I was before.

Page 4

I am unsure how to put today’s events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever.

He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan.

Though I’ve been cold to him all this time…taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn…

Still, he was there for me. I won’t ever forget that. Tomorrow, I shall apologize for all that has transpired between us.

And then…I will try talking to him. To Link. It’s worth a shot.

Page 5

Bit by bit, I’ve gotten Link to open up to me. It turns out he’s quite a glutton. He can’t resist a delicious meal!

When I finally got around to asking why he’s so quiet all the time. I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did.

With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden.

A feeling I know all to well… For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings.

I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was…

Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world…. I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his.

I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly…

And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years.

Page 6

Father scolded me again today. He told me I am to have nothing more to do with researching ancient technology.

He insisted that tI focus instead on training that will help me awaken my sealing magic.

I was so frustrated and ashamed I could not even speak. I’ve been training since I was a child, and yet…

Mother passed the year before my training was to begin. In losing her, I lost not just a mother, but a teacher.

Mother used to smile and tell me, “Zelda, my love, all will be well in the end. You can do anything.”

But she was wrong. No matter how I try or how much time passes… the sealing power that is my birthright evades me.

Tomorrow I journey with Link to the Spring of Power to train. But this, too, will end in failure. Such is my curse.

Page 7

I had a dream last night… In a place consumed by darkness, a lone woman gazed at me, hallowed by blinding light.

I sensed she was… not of this world. I don’t know if she was a fairy or a goddess, but she was beautiful.

Her lips spoke urgently, but her voice did not reach me. Wold I have heard her if my power was awoken?

Or was my dream simply a manifestation of my fears? I am sure I will know the answer soon, whether I wish to or not…

Page 8

I turned 17 today. That means this is the day I will finally be allowed to train at the Spring of Wisdom.

When Link arrives, we will set out for Mount Lanayru. The other Champions will accompany us there.

I have not seen my father since he last scolded me. Things are too strained now… I will meet with him when I return.

Actually… I’ve had a horrible feeling ever since that weird dream. No one would believe a failure of a princess, but…

Right now, for not particular reason, I am filled with a strange and terrible certainty that something awful is about to happen.

[ryttu3k]

Full text of Zelda’s diary and research notes, and the King’s journal.

Zelda’s Diary

Page 1: After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research. The return of Ganon looms - a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him. If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left... Ah, but turning over these thoughts in my head puts me ill at ease. I suppose I should turn in for the night. P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight...

Page 2: I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passes his lips. I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say. What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me.

Page 3: I said something awful to him today... My research was going nowhere. I was feeling depressed, and had told him repeatedly not to accompany me. But he did anyway, as he always does, and so I yelled at him without restraint. He seemed confused by my anger. I feel terribly guilty... and that guilt only makes me more agitated than I was before.

Page 4: I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever. He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan. Though I've been cold to him all this time... taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn... Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that. Tomorrow, I shall apologize for all that has transpired between us. And then... I will try talking to him. To Link. It's worth a shot.

Page 5: Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal! When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was... Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world... I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his. I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly... And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years.

Page 6: Father scolded me again today. He told me I am to have nothing more to do with researching ancient technology. He insisted that I focus instead on training that will help me awaken my sealing magic. I was so frustrated and ashamed I could not even speak. I've been training since I was a child, and yet... Mother passed the year before my training was to begin. In losing her, I lost not just a mother, but a teacher. Mother used to smile and tell me, "Zelda, my love, all will be well in the end. You can do anything." But she was wrong. No matter how I try or how much time passes... the sealing power that is my birthright evades me. Tomorrow I journey with Link to the Spring of Power to train. But this, too, will end in failure. Such is my curse.

Page 7: I had a dream last night... In a place consumed by darkness, a lone woman gazed at me, haloed by blinding light. I sensed she was... not of this world. I don't know if she was a fairy or a goddess, but she was beautiful. Her lips spoke urgently, but her voice did not reach me. Would I have heard her if my power was awoken? Or was my dream simply a manifestation of my fears? I am sure I will know the answer soon, whether I wish to or not...

Page 8: I turned 17 today. This means this is the day I will finally be allowed to train at the Spring of Wisdom. When Link arrives, we will set out for Mount Lanayru. The other Champions will accompany us there. I have not seen my father since he last scolded me. Things are too strained now... I will meet with him when I return. ... Actually... I've had a horrible feeling ever since that weird dream. No one would believe a failure of a princess, but... Right now, for no particular reason, I am filled with a strange and terrible certainty that something awful is about to happen.

Zelda’s Research Notes

Page 1: Today I met with Impa of the Sheikah tribe and began my research into the ancient technology in earnest. Impa introduced me to Purah and Robbie, other respected members of her tribe. Tomorrow I embark on an excavation with them. We hope to find ancient tech with which to operate the Guidance Stones.

Page 2: Today we uncovered some ancient technology that we believe may have the power to control the Guidance Stone. It is a rectangular object, small enough to be held in my two hands. Sheikah text is featured prominently on it. It is made of an unknown material, but we believe it is the same as the shrines scattered across each region. Impa proposed that I hold on to it for now. I hope that it leads to some new developments in our research.

Page 3: The stone relic we discovered has been named. We are calling it the Sheikah Slate. We have not found any mention of a name for this object in the records we have unearthed so far... Nevertheless, Purah insisted we call it the Sheikah Slate, as the relic is a slate made by the Sheikah tribe. Feels a bit on the nose to me, but it was not a fight I thought I could win.

Page 4: We did it. We were finally able to restore some functionality to the Sheikah Slate. We have discovered that this stone slate is capable of producing... images. Perfect liknesses of the things you point it at. Unlike normal pictures drawn by hand, this requires no artist to capture anything in perfect detail. I deeply admire the accomplishments of Sheikah technology. Still... I know there is more to learn. There must be. We believe the Sheikah Slate may have a function that will allow it to control the Guidance Stone. We must continue our research, and quickly.

Page 5:  We have started training the Champions who will pilot the Divine Beasts. It may sound rude that I found this unexpected, but Mipha mastered the controls with surprising ease. Daruk struggled at first, but eventually got the hang of it. Urbosa and Revali both managed just fine as well. I can finally see the light of hope in our fight against the rising Calamity.

Page 6:  Robbie has restored mobility to many of the Guardians we've excavated. ...But we have still yet to find all of the Guardians. Records mention greater numbers of them - and even other types. They are said to be stored in five giant columns that rest beneath Hyrule Castle. The thing is... no matter how I search beneath the castle, I can't seem to locate these columns. They must be buried deep. Were they perhaps designed to sense the appearance of Calamity Ganon and to only activate upon his return?

Page 7:  Countless ancient structures are being discovered across Hyrule... but all attempts to enter them have failed. Records indicate that these are facilities designed to train the hero who is fated to combat the Calamity. But the crucial activation mechanism remains a mystery. Is the Sheikah Slate the key to activating them? That is Purah's theory, and I concur. And yet, my experiments so far have been fruitless. Still, we must exhaustively investigate all means to opposing the Calamity. We must not give up, no matter what!

Page 8:  I spoke with Purah about the Shrine of Resurrection we discovered earlier. As we suspected, this particular shrine is, in fact, a medical facility with the power to heal. It also has a long-term stasis function that can be activated and maintained until healing is complete. In the war against the Calamity 10,000 years ago... were the injuries so great to necessitate such a facility? If so, I will remain uneasy until we have made all adjustments necessary to restore it to full working order. I can only pray that even if Calamity Ganon returns, our battle will not require the Shrine of Resurrection's power...

The King’s Journal

The Writings of Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule

Page 1: Today, as the sun rose and a new day was born, my daughter, too, joined this sweet world. In keeping with the traditions of the royal family, I have decided to name her... Zelda. I am not a man accustomed to frivolous musings, but now seems as good a time as any to begin my royal memorandum.

Page 2: Reports keep arriving regarding the excavation of relics. The fortune teller’s predictions seem to be coming true. Calamity Ganon was not a figure of fable, or even of legend. He actually existed in our great land of Hyrule. We must investigate all the relics, learn as much as we can. But understanding the Divine Beasts alone will take time... Zelda’s eyes lit up like a wildfire when I told her about the relics... I must admit, she has a knack for research.

Page 3: My queen has left this world. Her death was so sudden and unexpected. I awaken most nights unsure if she is really gone. Zelda never cried, never faltered. Not even during the royal funeral or later when she and I were alone with our grief. I must assume her strength is a result of us repeatedly informing her of her duty to be a valiant and steady princess. For a child of merely six years of age, her conduct was truly that of a born leader. Her strength gives me hope. From now on, I must raise her all alone... Now, only I remain to prepare her for her difficult future as princess of Hyrule.

Page 4: Zelda finally reported back after her visit to the fountain. It seems her sacred sealing power has still yet to awaken. It has been a year and three months since her mother passed. Perhaps she is held back by heartache too deep to heal. If the Ganon prophecy wasn’t looming over our heads, I would tell her to take her time... To wait until she is ready. But our situation is dire and leaves no room for weakness - even on behalf of my beloved daughter. My heart breaks for Zelda, but I must act as a king, not a father. I must order her to train relentlessly at the fountain.

Page 5: I was told Zelda went off to research ancient technology, so I had no choice but to confront her about it. She claims she was simply using her day off from training to indulge in a bit of research, but still I scolded her. She won’t get it through her head... Forcing me to tell her the same thing I have been repeating ad nauseam.  The reason her sacred powers still won’t awaken is because she’s spending all her efforts playing at being a scholar!

Page 6: In truth, I understand Zelda’s feelings. Painfully so. She lost her mother, her teacher, before she could learn from her. Ten pointless years of self-training, without so much as a book or note to help her find her way... Those in the castle talk behind her back. And I, her only family, scold her for her shortcomings. No wonder she wishes to hide away in her beloved relic research. I’d love nothing more than to console her... But I must stay strong. She MUST fulfill her duty, just as we all must. Even if she comes to despise me.

Page 7: I have been told my Zelda went to the Spring of Wisdom... This will likely be her last chance. If she is unable to awaken her power at Lanayru, all hope is truly lost. If she comes back without success, then I shall speak kindly with her. Scolding is pointless now. I forced 10 years of training on her... and after all that, it seems her power will stubbornly awaken some other way. Perhaps I should encourage her to keep researching her beloved relics. They may just lead her to answers I can’t provide. For now, I sit anxiously, more a father than a king in this moment. I sit and await my daughter’s return.

[chained-prometheus]

Zelda’s Diary in Breath of the Wild

Warning: BotW Spoilers Ahead

Also, paging @legendofzeldasilentprincess

Entry 1:

After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research. The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him. If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left...

Ah, but turning over these thoughts in my head puts me ill at ease. I suppose I should turn in for the night. P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight...

Entry 2: 

I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall feeling his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passes his lips. I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say. What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me.

Entry 3:

I said something awful to him today...

My research was going nowhere. I was feeling depressed, and I had told him repeatedly not to accompany me. But he did anyway, as he always does, and so I yelled at him without restraint.

He seemed confused by my anger. I feel terribly guilty...and that guilt only makes me more agitated than I was before.

Entry 4:

I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever. He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan. Though I've been cold to him all this time...taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn... Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that. Tomorrow, I shall apologize for all that has transpired between us. And then...I will try talking to him. To Link. It's worth a shot.

Entry 5:

Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up to me. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal! When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was... Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world... I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his. I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly... And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years.

Entry 6:

Father scolded me again today. He told me I am to have nothing more to do with researching ancient technology. He insisted that I focus instead on training that will help me awaken my sealing magic. I was so frustrated and ashamed I could not even speak. I've been training since I was a child, and yet... Mother passed the year before my training was to begin. In losing her, I lost not just a mother, but a teacher. Mother used to smile and tell me, "Zelda, my love, all will be well in the end. You can do anything." But she was wrong. No matter how I try or how much time passes...the sealing power that is my birthright evades me. Tomorrow I journey with Link to the Spring of Power to train. But this, too, will end in failure. Such is my curse.

Entry 7: 

I had a dream last night... In a place consumed by darkness, a lone woman gazed at me, haloed by blinding light. I sensed she was...not of this world. I don't know if she was a fairy or a goddess, but she was beautiful. Her lips spoke urgently, but her voice did not reach me. Would I have heard her if my power was awoken? Or was my dream simply a manifestation of my fears? I am sure I will know the answer soon, whether I wish to or not...

Entry 8:

I turned 17 today. That means this is the day I will finally be allowed to train at the Spring of Wisdom. When Link arrives, we will set out for Mount Lanayru. The other Champions will accompany us there. I have not seen my father since he last scolded me. Things are too strained now... I will meet with him when I return. ...

Actually...I've had a horrible feeling ever since that weird dream. No one would believe a failure of a princess, but... Right now, for no particular reason, I am filled with a strange and terrible certainty that something awful is about to happen.

[botwriter]

Rewritten, Chapter 17: Locked Mementos

Read this on Fanfiction.net or Ao3

Link had to backtrack somewhat to get to Hateno, and by the time he arrived, he had completed a couple more shrines and a Sheikah tower along the way. He'd also had his first run-in with a member of the Yiga Clan. Link knew something was wrong as soon as he saw his face; not a face, just a mask, with an upside-down Sheikah eye painted on. It couldn't have been more obvious that the person was not only Sheikah, but actually against them, and after trying to recruit Link into their ranks, the man drew a sword and demanded he die. Yeah, not so much.

A man with a farming hoe met Link at the gates of Hateno, holding it up threateningly, but Link responded with a friendly smile. Immediately, he stood down.

"A traveler?" he asked, and Link tilted his head from atop Horse.

"I guess," he responded, and then "Yes, a traveler," as soon as he saw the man's confused look.

"I can show ya around, if you like," the villager replied, but Link shook his head and pushed his horse to trot on further.

"That's okay, I'll find my way around," he responded with a grateful smile. "Thank you, though."

The town was more spread out than Kakariko, sitting atop a hillside. It was humid, too, and Link wondered how close the ocean was now that he could feel it in the air. The weather was a little less predictable, with the sun disappearing and re-appearing behind clouds several times within the hour, rain passing over and leaving again within the course of twenty minutes. Kids were running through town and giggling, and there also seemed to be some sort of a dye shop, but he wasn't interested in armor right now. He passed the inn, and then ended up going uphill with his horse. There was some sort of structure at the top, and eventually it was clear that it was the last one he had to go to.

Some sort of stove was sitting outside, and Link glanced at the floor; it looked just like the circle on the Sheikah towers. Taking this as an indication that he was in the right place, the knight pushed open the doors, surprised to see a dusty room, a young girl, and a man standing at the back.

"Uh - am I in the right place?" he asked, addressing the girl first, who was standing on a stool at the table. Her big brown eyes looked at him through red-rimmed glasses, mostly with disinterest.

"This is the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab," she greeted him, "do you have some business with the director?"

"Er, yeah, please."

"The director is in the back," she replied quickly, averting her gaze to study her nails. "Terribly busy, that one. Try and keep it brief."

Link glanced up to the man, who was standing near bookshelves in the back of the room, and tentatively approached him.

"Excuse me," Link greeted him, and he turned, adjusting his glasses as he studied Link.

"Hello! I imagine you've never seen so many books in one place. Incredible, isn't it? We've gathered all of Hyrule's known literature on ancient civilizations here. As for the actual number of books, well…" the Sheikah trailed off, suddenly looking at Link with more intrigue. "wait, is that- is that thing on your waist… is that a Sheikah… yes! There's no doubt about it, that's a Sheikah slate, isn't it?" he exclaimed suddenly, staring at the stone rectangle before looking back up at Link. "I've never actually seen one in person!"

There's more than one? Link wondered briefly, but wasn't given any time to mull over his thoughts.

"If you could just show me the runes on it, I'd be most appreciative."

Link obliged, pulling the slate off his waist and opening up the page with all the runes. The man nodded quietly to himself.

"Strange… it doesn't seem like you have the basic runes. I don't understand why they're missing. There must be some reason. Ah! Where are my manners? I completely forgot to introduce myself. My name is Symin. You are… Link, right?"

"You… know me?" Link asked, ready to feel disappointed in himself again.

"Lady Impa caught me up to speed," Symin explained, and Link let out a sigh of relief. "We were told a young man with a Sheikah Slate would appear, and to do all we could to help him. He will be the hope that awakens from the Slumber of Restoration - his name is Link.

"Oh!" he suddenly remembered, turning to face the girl at the table, "Ms. Director! This is the real Sheikah Slate!"

"Director?" Link asked, looking in surprise back at the girl.

"Oh, yes. Ms. Purah is the leading authority on ancient Hyrule culture."

"Check it!" Purah exclaimed, jumping on her stool and striking a pose.

"I'm honored to be her assistant - I have the utmost respect for Ms. Purah and the work she does," Symin said with a smile, still looking at the director as he spoke. "You should talk to her yourself."

I already tried to, Link grumbled to himself, turning to go back to Purah. The girl was already giggling. How did someone so young become Hyrule's foremost figure in ancient culture and research?

"Surprised?" she asked him with a knowing grin, "the director is me! Snappity snap! Aaaanyway Linky, do you remember any dreams from your slumber of restoration? You don't look like you've changed in a hundred years, but something must have happened in all that time!"

Link winced. So this was someone he had known.

"Linky?" she asked, cocking her head, "What's the matter? What's with that look? You do still remember me, right?"

"I'm sorry, no," he replied, his voice quiet.

"Really? Well, I'm so shocked I don't know if I'll ever be able to recover… even though a hundred years ago, I took you to the shrine of resurrection after Calamity Ganon fatally wounded you? Even though I was the one who put you safely into the slumber of restoration? Despite all that, you still don't remember me?"

This girl? This little girl, a hundred years prior, had been the one to take him there from when he fell in battle? How was that possible? At the same time, she would have no reason to lie; he owed her his life.

Without a moment to lose, she pulled out a notebook and jotted down a few quick notes, muttering under her breath as she did so: "as expected… after 100 years in slumber of restoration, subject has lost all memories...noted!"

"Aren't you a child?" Link blurted out suddenly, and Purah pouted in response.

"How very rude! Although I suppose… it's a rather logical conclusion to come to. The truth is, I look this way due to a failed experiment. Well, I say 'failed,' but in some ways it was a success. I documented everything in my diary upstairs. But it's quite embarrassing, so I insist you refrain from reading it," she added quickly, giving him a determined stare, hands on her hips. Even on the stool, she was still quite a bit shorter than him.

"Anyways," she digressed, "here you are, one hundred years later! Here to defeat Calamity Ganon, who is growing stronger with every moment! And to rescue your - our - beloved Princess Zelda! That is, if you've got the courage to try. So I, Purah, will restore the basic runes on your slate in order to aid you. What do you say to that?"

The whole spiel was surprisingly motivating. Link smiled in spite of himself.

"Yes, please," he said with a grateful smile, feeling himself relax.

"I knew you'd say that!" she giggled, but then fell serious. "First, I need you to run an errand for me. You know the unlit furnace on the wall of this lab? Could you please bring the blue flame from the ancient furnace in town, and use it to light ours? Then our Guidance Stone will work and I can restore your runes."

Link agreed, though he was a bit disappointed that he still had work to do before he could see what further uses the Sheikah Slate had. Purah pointed out a torch in the room for him, and he set to work, though it took him the better part of the afternoon. Rain in Hateno was painfully common, and the knight spent a good hour or so over the course of his work just sitting under trees, waiting for it to pass. He found it good weather to think in, at least, and the time passed quickly as he wondered how Purah had gotten him to the shrine of resurrection on her own… or had she had help? What did she look like a hundred years ago?

When he finally lit the furnace out front of the Hateno tech lab, panting from having to fight an array of bokoblins during the last stretch, he was surprised to see the blue circle out front of the lab light up. He would be able to travel there instantly. As he walked back into the lab, setting the torch down on the floor, he slumped into the chair across from Purah.

"Thanks, Linky! The guidance stone is setting up now - this is pure science! Go ahead and put your Sheikah Slate on the stone and it will restore it for you!"

With a grunt, Link pulled himself to his feet and placed the slate carefully into the guidance stone.

Starting repair, the pedestal spoke, and the rune above it began glowing with information that then dripped down into the sheikah slate. When Link took another look at the slate now, he noticed a new rune - the Camera - and photos began to fill his album, twelve of them in total, from all sorts of different places that Link didn't recognize.

"Alright! Camera, Hyrule Compendium, album… looks good! And you already have some photos stored on here. You were the Princess' appointed knight, so there's a strong possibility you accompanied her to all of these places," Purah said excitedly, taking a look through the pictures before handing the slate back to him.

"The lost memory thing doesn't help your case much, but these pictures might be the missing piece to help you restore your memory. You should try and find them," Purah said with a smile, resting her hands on her hips. "I would check in with Impa, though. She knows more about Princess Zelda than I do."

Pictures? Link looked at the album in confusion. How had it captured these images in perfect likeness? They weren't sketches; it was like he was right there staring at them, but he had no time to ask questions. He was sure he'd still be confused even if he got an explanation. After saying goodbye to Purah and Symin, Link left the lab as the sun was setting. He left his horse in Hateno, and teleported to the shrine in Kakariko instead, sailing down to Impa's house. If the pictures could help him regain his memory, he wanted to find them as soon as possible. Of course, he had to find these twelve places, and get the four Divine Beasts… it was a lot of work, but all he could do was move forward at as fast a pace as possible.

When he arrived, he opened the doors carefully and approached Impa at her pillows. Paya shot him an embarrassed smile as he passed.

"Huh… I heard Purah was giving you the runaround, but here you are," Impa said mischievously, "Now then… let me see the slate."

He handed it over carefully, and Impa hummed as she looked at the twelve photos.

"Yes, this is without a doubt the Camera that Princess Zelda used one hundred years ago," Impa reaffirmed. "It is possible that if you visit the places in these photographs, you will recover some or all of your memories. Please Link, come back once you have visited at least one of these locations, and we will talk further. There is something I wish to give to you."

"Thank you," he said quietly to Impa, who cast him a reassuring smile from under the rim of her hat.

"Link… you can do this," she said suddenly, before he had reached the door. He paused, one hand pressed against the wood, and paused. "You've done it before."

He felt like he was about to choke up, so he said nothing and replied with simply a stoic nod, before heading down the steps into the village. A strange looking man was painting near the Hylia statue, shooting ink all over his canvas, so Link approached him, curious at what he was painting. It was Impa's house.

"A traveler?" the man asked him, feeling Link's gaze from behind him.

"Yes," Link replied simply.

"Well met! Pikango," and with that, the painter turned, wiping his hand and offering it to Link. Taken aback, but happy about the sudden hospitality, Link shook his hand with a smile.

"I've been all over, but I'm still trying to find new places to paint."

"Have you, uh… seen this place?" Link asked him, choosing one of the pictures to show the painter. Pikango looked at it curiously for a moment, eyebrows raised.

"My, aren't you an excellent sketch artist," he mused, and Link didn't bother to correct him. Explaining the camera would be too difficult. He still didn't really understand it.

"Yes, that's the East Gate at Mount Lanayru," he nodded. "It’s east, not far from here."

"Thank you!" Link replied, waving as he broke into a run out of the village. If there was even a small chance of recovering some of his memories, it would be worth it; he was tired of meeting people and not recognizing them, tired of living in a body that hardly felt like his own. It was all too unfamiliar, and he had guilt for people and things he had completely forgotten. Altogether it was wrong. There had to be a way to bring it back.

The road to Lanayru was massive and in ruins; Bokoblins and Moblins fired arrows at him as he went, and he took them out in kind. Despite not remembering who he was, he had clearly not forgotten how to fight, and found that his arrows nearly always met their mark. He felt like he entered a bit of a trance when he fought; it felt right, fighting for Hyrule, the kingdom that was waiting on just… him. It felt right, but at the moment, it also felt lonely.

The gate was even bigger than the picture made it seem, lit by the moonlight and paving the way to Mt. Lanayru. The knight slowed as he walked, and pulled out the Sheikah Slate, taking a look at the picture. It was exactly where he was now. Just when Link was expecting nothing to happen, it suddenly came to him - what happened where he stood a hundred years prior.

It was him and a girl he assumed had to be Zelda; he remembered her face now, clear as day, and felt his heart jump at the thought of her green eyes. What feelings did he have for her? It was tough to pinpoint, but there was something bugging him about it. There were four other individuals in his memories, and he knew them by name immediately; Revali, Mipha, Urbosa, Daruk. They were the Champions, he knew that much, but nothing beyond that. This is where they had been; Zelda tried to find unlock her sealing abilities at the Spring of Wisdom, but had no success, and then Ganon returned. He took over Hyrule Castle, feeding malice into the bodies of the Guardians and taking over the kingdom. Zelda desperately wanted to be on the battlefield with them… and that was it.

"No..." he complained, rubbing his forehead. I need more. Why had he fallen in battle? The Champions had had confidence in him - all but Revali, it appeared - but it was driving him crazy not knowing what had happened to him. At least know, he knew, it was real. Part of him had wondered whether this had all just been one big dream, or if he'd been told the truth at all, but this was validation. It was all true. He had been there, a hundred years ago. He was the Hero.

Returning to Impa was all he could do now. It was dawn again by the time he arrived in Kakariko, and Link was exhausted from staying up traveling all night, bloodied from monsters, and for the first time in a long time, desperate for a drink of ale his father used to have. He never liked it when he was younger; sure it was nice and cold on a hot day, but other than that what taste did it really offer? But now, more tired than he had ever been, he understood. Maybe my reward for beating Ganon, he thought with a weak smile, dragging his heels back into Kakariko village and up the steps to Impa's house.

"Oh my Goddess, Master Link, you- you need rest!" Paya fretted, fussing over him as he pushed past the doors into Impa's house. "Please, your clothes are a mess, you have leaves all in your hair and an arrow… stuck in your shoulder…" she trailed off, covering her mouth with her hands. Link lifted his eyebrows in surprise, glancing over his right shoulder, and then his left. Sure enough there was an arrow stuck there. It hurt a little, but he had clearly not noticed in the moment.

"Huh," he said with vague interest, but didn't bother to pull it out. It would hurt more then. He gave one smile to Paya before seating himself in front of Impa, letting out a long sigh as he did so.

"You found a memory?" Impa asked, and Link nodded wordlessly.

"Good. Then I will give you this."

From behind her stack of pillows, Impa pulled out a blue tunic, and Link recognized it immediately. He had been wearing it the day Ganon returned. He lifted it carefully to his face and smelled it; clean, but a familiar scent (if a little stale) from a century prior. Plus, it was soft. Maybe not as warm as the doublet he'd been wearing, but he could use something a little lighter for running around in, anyways.

"I have been keeping it safe for you, at request of the Princess. It was specially made for you when you became a Champion, so treat it with care. And Link - you look a mess. Let Paya clean you up and get some rest and food before you leave. I would suggest… Zora's domain. It is the closest Divine Beast from here, and in the best climate."

Link glanced to the side to see Paya waiting for him at the foot of the stairs. Reluctantly, he agreed, and with the tunic in hand he headed up the steps behind her. Rather than being consumed by nerves as she had been before, the Sheikah waited patiently for him to take his doublet off before ripping the arrow out of his shoulder. He grimaced but said nothing besides a quick "thanks," and she treated the few wounds he had, scrubbed his torso down with soap and a rough sponge, and then pointed at the bed.

"It's eight in the morning," he complained, but the girl met his stare with stubborn brown eyes and he finally sunk under the covers, surprised to feel her tucking him in tight afterwards, from his shoulders down to his feet. The blankets sat up to his nose, and he stared past the edge of the covers at the ceiling for a while, listening to the sounds of Kakariko Village waking up for the day. It turned out to be pretty good ambiance, because the knight passed out before long into a comfortable and much-needed sleep.

[megroha]

Zelda’s Diary

(spoilers ahead) (I decided to note this all down bc I was spending so much time sneaking in and out of the castle to read it again - spoiler, I haven’t stopped sneaking in and out of the castle to read it again)

After meeting with the Champions, I left to research the ancient technology, but nothing of note came of my research. The return of Ganon looms - a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics do we can stop him. If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left... Ah, but turning over these thoughts in my head pits me ill at ease. I suppose I should turn in for the night. P.S. Tomorrow my father is assigning HIM as my appointed knight... I set out for Goron City today to make some adjustments to Divine Beast Vah Rudania. I still recall his eyes on me as I walked ahead. The feeling stayed with me so long, I grew anxious and weary. It is the same feeling I've felt before in his company... And still, not a word passes his lips. I never know what he's thinking! It makes my imagination run wild, guessing at what he is thinking but will not say. What does the boy chosen by the sword that seals the darkness think of me? Will I ever truly know? Then, I suppose it's simple. A daughter of Hyrule's royal family yet unable to use sealing magic... He must despise me. I said something awful to him today... My research was going nowhere. I was feeling depressed, and I had told him repeatedly not to accompany me. But he did anyway, as he always does, and so I yelled at him without restraint. He seemed confused by my anger. I feel terribly guilty...and that guilt only makes me more agitated than I was before. I am unsure how to put today's events into words. Words so often evade me lately, and now more than ever. He saved me. Without a thought for his own life, he protected me from the ruthless blades of the Yiga Clan. Though I've been cold to him all this time...taking my selfish and childish anger out on him at every turn... Still, he was there for me. I won't ever forget that. Tomorrow, I shall apologize for all that has transpired between us. And then...I will try talking to him. To Link. It's worth a shot. Bit by bit, I've gotten Link to open up. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal. When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes on him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was... Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world... I was so absorbed by my own problems, I failed to see this. I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly... And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years. Father scolded me again today. He told me I am to have nothing more to do with researching ancient technology. He insisted that I focus instead on training that will help me awaken my sealing magic. I was so frustrated and ashamed I could not even speak. I've been training since I was a child, and yet... Mother passed away the year before my training was to begin. In losing her, I lost not just a mother, but a teacher. Mother used to smile and tell me, "Zelda, my love, all will be well in the end. You can do anything." But she was wrong. No matter how I try or how much time passes...the sealing that is my birthright evades me. Tomorrow I journey with Link to the Spring of Power to train. But thus, too, will end in failure. Such is my curse. I had a dream last night... In a place consumed by darkness, a lone woman gazed at me, haloed by a blinding light. I sensed she was...not of this world. I don't know if she was a fairy or a goddess, but she was beautiful. Her lips spoke urgently, but her voice did not reach me. Would I have heard her if my power was awoken? Or was my dream simply a manifestation of my fears? I am sure I will know the answer soon, whether I wish to or not... I turned 17 today. The means this is the day I will finally be allowed to train at the Spring of Wisdom. When Link arrives, we will set out for Mount Lanayru. The other Champions will accompany us there. I have not seen my father since he last scolded me. Things are too strained now... I will meet with him when I return. ... Actually...I've had a horrible feeling ever since that weird dream. No one would believe a failure of a princess, but... Right now, for no particular reason, I am filled with a strange and terrible certainty that something awful is about to happen.