#another point that hes not a zonai: no third eye

[funsizedcrow]

every day i think about the ancient hero's aspect. what does it mean. what does it all mean

[hyrule-in-a-pokeball]

THE MODERN DESCENDANTS OF THE ZONAI

In my last post I explained how the game tells us that the Zonai came to Hyrule from somewhere else, and eventually disappeared, leaving just two Zonai behind.

There are only two possible explanations for why they disappeared.

1: They went back to where they came from. Pretty simple. 2: They died out. This is the possibility we'll be looking at.

There are two forms of extinction. Extinction as you probably know it, in which the species just dies out, and "Pseudoextinction" in which the species dies out, but in doing so has given rise to an entirely new species, either through evolution or mass breeding with a compatible species.

We know that Hylians and Zonai were sexually compatible, as Rauru; a Zonai, married Sonia; a Hylian, and started what would become the Hyrule royal family. Though never seen in game, they have surely reproduced by the time Zelda is sent back in time, as she is their descendant, both of their unique magical abilities, light and time, residing within her.

Another potential example of Zonai/non-zonai breeding is the nameless ancient hero, who appears to be Zonai, but his unique Zonai features are somewhat diminished, even lacking the Zonai's third eye entiely.

Oh yeah, Zonais have 3 eyes. Forgot to mention that. Its actually pretty important. The Zonai certainly think it is. The Zonai 3rd eye is very prominent in their artwork and fashion, and in armor and clothing made by Zonai to be worn by non-zonai, importance is given to this region of the head

In fact, when Ganondorf obtains a sage's stone, he places it on his forehead, possibly to mark himself as an equal to the Zonai, a people who the land dwellers once saw as gods. But getting back to the subject at hand here... What if the Hyrulean royals and the nameless ancient hero aren't the only examples of Zonai/Hylian interbreeding?

Here we see Rauru, a pure-blooded Zonai male His hair is naturally white, and he has a 3rd eye in the middle of his forehead. The eye is adorned with gold around the edges of the eyelid. When opened, and couple with the marking on the ridge of his nose, the 3rd eye takes on a very familiar appearance

Do you see it?

Here let me just...

Do you see it now?

I don't believe that the Zonai returned to their own world. I don't believe that all but two of them got sick and kicked all their buckets. I believe that the Zonai interbred with local Hylians to the point that the Zonai themselves, who likely already had a smaller population than the Hylians, vanished, and after further generations of breeding with more pure-blood Hylians, a new type of Hylian almost completely lacking Zonai features rose up in their place, co-existing with regular Hylians. I believe that group to be none other than...

The Sheikah. The importance placed on their bizarre eye symbol. The way their leaders wear that symbol in the center of their foreheads, representing a 3rd eye, which we now know is a literal trait of Zonai. Their penchant for advanced technology. The naturally white hair from birth, and the unusually long life spans despite being classified as Hylians*. I believe strongly that the Sheikah are the closest living descendants of the Zonai. This could also explain why the Sheikah are so dedicated to the Hyrulean royal family, because at its deepest roots, the royal family is as much Zonai as it is Hylian.

*In character logs, Sheikah are listed as "Hylian (Sheikah)" indicating that they're an ethnic group and not a separate race.

[am-i-interrupting]

Hello,

Could I have a Rauru x Reader fluff/smut one shot?

Like best friend of Zelda gets thrown into the past with her and he is fascinated with her?

A Story To Tell

Tags: 3.4k words, casual nudity among friends, poly relationship (Sonia x Rauru & Rauru x You), outdoor sex, fingering, penetrative sex, Rauru’s Large Cock, gentle sex, playful teasing, cultural differences

The King was one of the Zonai, he said. He looked like he was covered in a think layer of fur. His ears were long and fluffy. His hair was white like the Sheikah, the only semblance of normalcy you could get from his appearance. Along his hairline he had four horns and it seemed on his forehead was a third eye.

The Queen was a hylian, though unlike any you’d ever seen. Her skin was a beautiful shade of brown, her hair almost cream in color with how pale the blonde was. Her ears were what threw you off the most, long and pointed in a way you’d never seen before. She was wearing clothing unlike any you’d worn before as well.

Though now you found yourself wearing clothes similar to it. It was a sleeveless white dress with the same green detailing. Sleeveless, bellowing styles weren’t common in your time but you were beginning to understand their popularity now. You actually felt very pretty.

It also helped that Rauru seemed to think so as well. It’d taken some discussion but eventually you started dating in the middle of all this chaos. Zelda had been so happy.

Today she even helped you pick out a different set of clothing. Another difference about here from your time was the difference it what was considered appropriate to wear. Sonia had been helping you both understand that.

“Would there be a way to wear something more similar to Zonai clothing?” Zelda asked her. “He is taking you on a picnic to introduce you to Zonai foods, right? It makes sense that you’d wear something more similar to his people’s wear.”

Sonia smiled. “That’s not a bad idea.” A soft smile graced her lips. “I actually remember the first time I wore Zonai clothing around him. It was a very,” she laughed, “a very memorable day.”

“Good or bad memorable?” you asked.

“Good, very, very good,” she said. “One moment. I’ll be right back.”

She left the room. The door clicked quietly when it shut.

Zelda turned to you with a mischievous grin. “What do you think she meant by memorable?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” you said, a blush coming to your face at her insinuation.

She moved to stand right in front of you and grabbed your hands. “Promise me if you have sex you’ll tell me everything. I want every last detail.”

“Zelda!”

“What? It’s not like I’m ever going to have sex with a god-like creature. I want to know what it’s like,” she said. “He looks like he’d be huge. Don’t let him break you.”

“He’s not going to break me,” you said, now avoiding her eyes, “and I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

“Sure, fine, spoil all my fun,” she said. “You’re telling me every last detail though. Whether you like it or not.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

The door opened once again and Sonia stepped inside, holding an outfit in her hands.

“Here we are,” she said. “If you’ll take that off, I can help you put this on.”

You spared Zelda one last look and she simply smiled. Then you pulled off the dress.

Sonia walked over to you with the top in hand. She tutted to herself. “You can’t wear a bra,” she told you as she reached around your middle (almost like she was hugging you) and took off your bra. “It’s a very open look. Don’t worry, no one will think anything of it.”

She then placed the top so it rested just in the tips of your shoulders and clasped it in the front. It reminded you more of a shawl than a shirt. She grabbed a necklace as well and put it around your neck. It hooked to the shawl, further keeping it in place.

Her fingers hooked her fingers in the band of your underwear and then slid it down. “You won’t be needing that either,” she said.

Zelda snorted from her place leaning against your bed. She then made a very lewd gesture, very unbecoming of a princess.

You flushed as Sonia fasted the bottoms around your hips.

“We’re not having sex, Zelda,” you hissed.

Sonia’s movements haltered. “Unless you truly want otherwise, yes, you will be wearing this.” You flushed and Zelda laughed freely. “That’s the entire reason I suggested no under garments. It just gets in the way.”

She stood up and placed a hand on your shoulder. She brushed your hair out of your face. “You’ll be fine. He is a very gentle lover. Big he may be, in many ways, he won’t hurt you.” She placed a kiss to your temple. “Now go, you don’t want to be late.”

You walked to the spot Rauru had told you about. Your mind went a thousand miles a minute. You hadn’t— it wasn’t your intention to make him want to have sex with you but you weren’t opposed to it. You’d fantasized about it more than you’d admit.

It was more so the knowledge that Sonia and Zelda knew you’d be having sex before you did and where you’d be having sex when you did that made you nervous. You weren’t exactly sure as to why.

He was Sonia’s husband. She had a bit of a right to know if you two would be having sex. As for Zelda, well you’d been stationed outside of her room to guard when Link was indisposed. You’d heard what she sounded like when she orgasmed because she may be quiet sometimes but she wasn’t all that quiet.

Eventually there was no more time for stalling as you saw Rauru in the small clearing. His back was to you but a large blanket was laid out beneath him with many pillows scattered around. A table had a basket atop it on the outskirts of the blanket, likely due to the candles he was lighting to ward off bugs that were placed on it.

He finished lighting the last candle and placed it on the corner of the table. He sat onto the ground. His shoulders slumped as he exhaled. You felt your pounding heart calm.

You walked over to him and sat beside him. “Rauru,” you said.

He began to say your name as he turned to face you but he fell quiet when he saw you. He blinked several times, his hands clenched in his lap, his mouth stayed partially open. He seemed to (what was the phrase Purah used?) short circuit.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

“Thank you.”

“I only speak the truth,” he said.

He cupped your cheek and you leaned into the touch. You looked up at him and met his eyes, a look you’d seen only pass over his face stayed to settle. His thumb moved absentmindedly over your cheek.

Then his hand moved down. His fingers left a trail of awakened nerves as they brushed against your throat. He moved his hand down your collarbone and shoulders. You could feel the press of his hands through the thin fabric of the top before they halted.

“I would really like to have sex with you right now,” he said.

Your voice caught in your throat for a minute. “Yeah?” you finally managed to ask.

“Yes, I would,” he said.

“I’d rather like to have sex with you too,” you told him.

His eyes, once lingering where his hand was, looked up at you right before he kissed you, slow and soft. It was when he pulled back and could look at you that he began to act on his words.

His fingers touched your under boob. He cupped you, fingers pressing into the soft, moldable skin, before he brushed against your nipple. He glanced up when you sighed at the touch.

He lowered his head down until he was level with your breasts and took your other nipple into his mouth. He moaned as did you. His tongue flickered against the bulb as he sucked the skin.

Your hand tangled in his hair, wanting him close. He nuzzled against your skin in response. His hand boy fondling with your other nipple came around your body to support you as he guided you down.

With your back against the blanket, he pulled off you. He reached for a pillow and placed it underneath your head. He grabbed a different one and placed it beneath your hips.

“Just tell me if you wish to stop,” he said.

“I promise.”

“Good.”

He pulled up the fabric of your pants and you could feel the soft winds against your privates. That paired with the feeling of that same breeze cooling the saliva on your nipple, made you shiver and squirm.

“I didn’t take you for the type to go nude,” he said.

“It was Sonia’s idea,” you told him.

He hummed. “She is full of good ones.” His hand rested on your pelvic bone. “I’m glad you’re getting along.”

“She’s a wonderful woman.”

“Indeed but so are you,” he said, moving his hand so it pressed right against your privates, giving you warmth instead of a breeze.

“Seems like you have a type then,” you said.

“I suppose I do.”

He pressed a finger between your folds and you moaned loudly, without restraint into the air of the wilds.

There was a bit of a thrill here, not being completely away from civilization but far enough away that you could be as loud as you wanted, not behind four walls and instead exposed completely, having the warmth of the sun and Rauru but the chill that came with a breeze.

“You’re so wet,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “Were you expecting this?”

You tried to wiggle your hips to get some friction but he merely had to put a hand on you to cause you to stop.

“No, yes, maybe. It wasn’t my intention but Sonia and Zelda insisted this world be the outcome,” you told him. “I’ve also never walked anywhere in public with my breasts and privates out so that was kind of thrilling.”

“It can be so easy to forget you’re from a different time,” he said, curling his finger so it was soaked in liquids. “Tell me, why would that be thrilling?”

“In my time, it’s taboo,” you told him. “If you have more than your thighs and stomach exposed it’s considered—“ he slipped a finger inside you and you moaned— considered indecent. You’re only supposed to have other things exposed if you’re having sex with someone.”

He hummed. “So walking here, dressed as you are was like you were telling the world you were coming to have sex with me?”

He moved his finger out and then back in as you managed to choke out a, “Yes.”

“Did anyone see you?” he asked.

“Uh-huh.”

“Did you want them to know?”

“Yes.”

He slid another finger inside you. “You wanted them to know we were having sex or you wanted them to know just the action of walking around so indecent made you so wet?”

“Both?”

“Maybe I should ask Sonia and Zelda to start spreading rumors,” he said. “So that every time you’re dressed like this people will know.”

You moaned at the thought. He curled his fingers inside you. You moaned louder. He slipped in a third finger and started scissoring them. Slow, careful, but with purpose. He kissed you when he added a fourth. His thumb pressed against your clit to help ease any discomfort and though he didn’t move his finger, it worked.

Your hand ran up his shoulders and pulled him close. He nuzzled against your neck, placed a kiss to it.

“I really want to mark you,” he said, “but I fear you’ll say yes to anything I’d ask of you right now regardless of later consequences.”

“You’re probably right,” you told him as you pet his ears.

“Ah, well, I’ll wait then,” he said, settling on lightly mouthing your neck without leaving any marks or bruises.

He spread his fingers again. Your fingers twitched before you relaxed again. He moved his thumb off your aching clit in favor of changing the angle of his fingers inside you. Then he curled them, hitting your sweet spot. He caught your gasp with a kiss.

“I think I’ve prepared you as well as I can,” he said. “May I?”

“Please.”

You whined when his fingers left you wide, loose, and wet.

He sat up. He carefully removed your hands from his ears and hair. He held them for a moment before he surged forward now straddling you and pressed them into the ground above your head. He gave you another kiss. Then he let go of your hands. He settled back.

With him straddling you, you could both see the imprint of him through the loose fabric he wore and feel him pressed against your stomach. He was large. Sonia was not lying, he was big. Zelda was right, actually. He was huge. You hadn’t even seen him yet.

“Breathe,” he told you. He ran his hands up and down your torso. “Relax.” He groped your breasts and helped you relax with him against you (not even in you, not even visible) by turning your anxieties into lust once more. “I’ll go slow,” he said.

He encouraged you to raise your leg so he could get an easier angle, something you allowed him to do. It was almost like he was puppeting you. Raise leg, bend it, keep it in place. Move other leg a bit to the side, bend it as well. Relax against the ground. Breathe.

He kept the fabric of his bottoms around himself, moved it so it covered your privates as well.

You could feel him brush against your folds. It was different than any dick you’d felt before, a bit blunt instead of round. It was also big but you’d already had that established for you.

He moved it up and down your folds several times. His eyes fluttered closed and his mouth hung open. Small noises almost drowned out by the sounds of nature exited his mouth.

You felt him press against your hole. He slipped in just the barest bit, not even his full tip, before he went back to stroking your folds with his dick.

The feeling of him against your clit made you clench. Your eyes fell shut. Your hands, still above your head, wrapped around each other, squeezed tight enough that you were sure they changed a different color.

“Oh, you feel so good,” you told him. “I can’t wait to have you inside me. Please, Rauru, please.”

He halted for a moment before he continued his demonstrations. “Please what?” he asked.

“Don’t make me wait,” you told him. You opened your eyes to see his own hooded ones staring at you. “Put your dick inside me and fuck me.”

He sucked in a breath. “How crude,” he said, “but if you wish.”

He placed the tip of his dick inside you. Even with his preparations and how wet you were, you still felt yourself stretch. It was a good stretch though that brought on an ache you knew you’d feel for days. You couldn’t wait.

Slowly he started rocking his hips. Moving inside you more bit by bit with each movement. It was gradual, good. It felt amazing as he filled you, stretched you, until he couldn’t anymore.

Then he halted. He stilled. Let you breathe.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“Good, so good. Goddess, I’ve never felt this good in my life. You fill me up so well. I feel like I’m about to burst but in a good way,” you tell him, a haze coming over you.

He did an experimental thrust. Your hands scrambled for something other than yourself to grab onto and you found the pillow.

“Is that still good?”

“Perfect. It’s perfect. Feels so good.”

He slowly started to make himself a pace. It wasn’t fast nor was it slow. He wasn’t completely soft and gentle. You could feel yourself being pushed up with every couple thrusts. It was perfect though.

You squeezed the pillow and occasionally his arm. Your mouth seemed to permanently be open with moans. You felt so loud. He made grunts and sounds of his own but he was quieter. His ears twitched with every noise you made and by comparison to him you were so noisy. There weren’t even walls to catch your noises. Instead they faded into the wilderness.

Your foreheads pressed together as he gave you a kiss, if one could call it that. It was more so his lips pressed against your open mouth and you moaned directly into his. Then he moved so he wasn’t so easy to grab.

In doing so he moved so he was pressing against your sweet spot far more often. You grew louder.

A hand moved to your chest. He grabbed one breast and then the other. His hands brushing against your nipples. He touched the necklace on your neck. He carefully thumbed them before he cradled your face. You moved your head to the side to kiss it before your moans grew so frequent you couldn’t force yourself to close your mouth.

One hand grabbed the pillow in a vice like grip while the other one slid down your body. You were close. You were so close. He felt so good inside you.

You moved to play with your clit, hoping to speed up this torture of being so close to the edge but not being able to cum. However, as soon as you did it was almost like it hurt. It was overwhelming. You moved your hand away and instead moved it under the fabric of his bottoms. You could feel the slide of him in and out of you. For a moment, that’s all you did, was bask in that feeling.

He sped up at the feeling of your finger tips against him every time he exited you. It only heightened the pleasure, the stretch and relaxation of your walks every time he entered and exited you.

You tried again. This time it was a bit easier. His hands moving across your body and settling on your hips to thrust into you faster helped ease the overstimulation you felt before.

You felt yourself spasm but not orgasm. You felt like sobbing. You just wanted to cum.

He went faster and faster. You were moving up and down with every thrust. Your noises grew louder and louder. You moved your hand faster and faster as he thrusted in and out.

You clenched around him. Your eyes closed so hard all you could see was white. You swore you screamed but you couldn’t eat it. Your legs tingled and kicked, too overwhelmed.

Rauru continued to thrust in and then out of you. Fast and faster. Harder and harder. Then he stopped. You felt him twitch and pulse inside you followed by a new sensation of warmth. Your eyes rolled back.

You both took a moment to breathe.

When he pulled out you whined. He moved behind you and helped you sit up. He brought a container of water to your lips. It was cool as it slid down your throat. He held you.

“Now seems like a good time to try the food I brought and perhaps talk about what is and is not allowed in our sex life,” he suggested.

Later that night, once the moon had taken its place in the sky, you stumbled your way to Sonia’s bedroom. There was dried saliva on your chest and cum inside and down your leg.

You opened the door to a very dimly lit room where Sonia and Zelda were looking over notes at a desk.

“So you wanted to know what sex with Rauru is like?” you asked Zelda as they both turned to you.

“Oh, I should have warned you. He likes to bite.”

[bohioeveanga]

Oh, boy do I got a dumb Zelda theory that I will not be translating into any other language because this will be long as heck...🙃

And I do mean long, so buckle up and get ready. Because the theory goes as follows: what if the Zonai and Minish are somehow connected?

I know I'm grasping at the stupidest straws and I actually thought about it while falling asleep last night, I've only got one open eye this morning while writing this, so these are really rambles of a madwoman!🤣 Still, I think this needs to be discussed. I think there might be, in the smallest of chances, a connection.

Let's start with the obvious, physical traits. There's not much, I know. We only have the extremely large ears and snout. That's about it, really. Minish have lighter skin, and seem to have a feathery tail coming from behind. On the other hand, Zonai have a grayish-greenish skin, overall white hair, and don't have tails. The biggest and most obvious difference is size, with the Minish being small and the Zonai, well, do I really need to explain that? The Zonai are even much taller than Hylians in comparison.

Though it seems they can have a lot hair, both, if we compare Rauru and Ezlo in his Minish form. Who knows if Zonai can grow beards too?

Also, the Minish came from the sky, much like the Zonai did. Coincidence?!

But wait! There's more. Let's talk about designs.

Can you see it? The eye. That effing eye! Took one look at that shield, and all I could think was the Four Sword Sanctuary. Now, granted, that's in FS and FSA, but those stories are connected to MC. I saw the Elemental Sanctuary, and while there's no eye, it's safe to say that maybe there's a connection to the sanctuaries, housing the Four Sword and elements. And the Ranger Constructs seem to have an akin eye to the shield and sanctuary, even hanging at the side of their faces. It's so similar, that I can't help but think there might be a connection. (Low-key, I actually thought the Ranger Constructs would be a new version of the Eyegore.)

Still on the eye-theme, the Zonai themselves have a third eye. You know two other people who seem to have a connection to a third eye? Hmm, yeah, Vaati and Astor.

Now, Astor is from AoC, so I'm not too worried on him, but he's eerily similar to Vaati, to the point I actually believed he was an incarnation of him back before AoC came out. And why not? Similar dark clothes, gold accents, red highlights in magic, the circlet with red jewel, gray skin, maniac tendencies, need I say more? But Vaati used to once be a Minish, remember? He turned human with his newfound powers through the magical cap Ezlo made prior to the MC events. The Minish are creatures of magic and desire good. Zonai too. If we analyze at a slightly scientific and magical perspective, maybe the Minish might have evolved into a large and superior advanced race, even going as far as abandoning there small stature and simplistic lifestyle. Similarly to our smart Sheikahs from BoTW/AoC/ToTK and 10,000 years prior.

Eye these other shots! (See what I did there? No, okay, I'll shut up.😏)

Dark Hyrule Castle in MC? Filled with eye-related puzzles. Zonaite armor? Eye on the freaking helmet! Mazaal, boss for the Fortress of Winds in MC? Eyes on his hands, literally! Plus, who's to say that Mazaal isn't some super ancient prototype of a Construct? Look at the shape of the head and Zonaite helmet! (WHAT IF THE SHEIKAH TOOK INSPIRATION TO CREATE GOHDAN FOR THE TOWER OF THE GODS IN WW?! Theory for another day.)

Now, finally giving a shut-eye to that topic (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself,) let's talk about Constructs. Asides from Mazaal above, you know what device is super similar between Minish and Zonai?

A classic Zelda staple seems way too similar for this particular theory. Sure, the Remote Bomb is gray, but the aspect between the Remote and Time Bomb are way too similar. Even the 'fuse' is pretty much the exact same look and color! On top of that, its usage is exactly the same. It's a small stupid piece of circumstantial evidence, but I'm going with it.

Now, finally, for my last bit. TotK brought some new flora into the game, fitting naturally. But there's one that's unique and stands out, and surprisingly shares a part of its name with a plant that makes an appearance in MC. Can you guess?

Aren't they pretty? The shape and look of the Brightbloom and Pico Bloom, respectively, are identical. When the bud is close, its shape is similar as well. When the bud is open, it provides lighting in its general area. Pico Blooms, in particular, offer different lights, asides from the above yellow, including, yes, white. Pico Blooms lights glow very obviously while the Brightbloom's glow is steady and unwavering. While it's hard to guess if Pico Blooms are able to provide as much light as a Brightbloom in the darkness, maybe the Depths, the similarities are impossible to ignore. Even the way the leaves at the bottom of the stem are similar. Brightblooms don't make an appearance in BotW, much like the Pico Blooms do not exist, or at least, not seen, in any other Zelda game. And while Pico Blooms serve more as a side quest appearance, they still form a part of the Minish's general flora. Brightblooms appeared right after the Upheaval, a crucial item to explore the Depths. And they seem to have a strong connection with the Zonai, as they are seen as a part of the Ranger Constructs decoration, as well as within the shrines, and even in the mines and other architectural locations found in the Depths.

The entire Miner's freaking Set is an entire copy to the Brightbloom!

Welp, that's my tea and essay for today, y'all. I think I'm still kind of asleep, despite everything I wrote and all the above images. Am I crazy and seeing too much into it? Probably am, but it seems there's a connection. Maybe the Minish evolved into the Zonai, much like the Zora evolved into the Rito. Maybe the Minish, while trying magic, backfired into the Zonai? Or maybe they're just completely separate from each other. The possibilities are endless. At the end of the day, that's what makes the games so great, and makes me just another sleepy Zelda theorist.

See later ya later guys! Back to bed!🤣

[sombersummerskies]

A Champion's Love: Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Confession

Word Count: 4195

CW: None

Want all the chapters? -> Masterlist

~~~ <> ~~~

You feel your heart hammer in your chest. “A guest?” you repeat, this time aloud. As you reach your hand out toward the door knob you feel yourself hesitate. ‘Is it Sidon? Has he come to visit me?’

However, once you open the door you don’t find a Zora prince nearly twice your height. Instead, you come face to face with a fellow Hylian, whose broad bare chest and curly hair have become all too familiar to you. “Tauro!” you gasp, putting a smile on your face as you attempt to mask the momentary disappointment you feel.

“What are you doing here?” you ask, shutting the door of the laboratory behind you, “wait- sorry, that sounded rude. You just don’t typically come to the landing.”

The pair of you walk side by side down the stairs and into the center of the fortress. A handful of your soldiers-in-training spot you and eagerly greet you, bidding you a good afternoon. You can’t help but notice some of the Hylian women staring at your companion and whispering amongst themselves. The sun is high in the sky at this point of the day and you have to shield your eyes from its light to look up at the man before you.

“Actually, I came here to meet with Princess Zelda,” he explains, “it’s about the exploration of the old Zonai ruins. With all of the old Sheikah technology dismantled she and I were discussing the formation of a proper team to perform surveys.”

“That sounds exciting, getting to run around Hyrule,” you grin, “would it only be you?”

He shakes his head, “no, I’d look to hire researchers. There seems to be a wealth of interested parties eager to do some scientific work.”

“I would hope so,” a third voice pipes up, “after all, there’s always room for more historical discoveries.”

You turn and see the princess, who grins at the both of you. In her arms, she holds a pile of scrolls, with seals that you recognize from the old library in Hyrule Castle. At some point over the last few months, she must have made a trip to the archives. “I actually have some exciting news, I found some records in the private collection of the king’s study,” she explains, lifting up the parchments in her hands, “though the text is faded, I believe they have second-hand accounts on the Zonai!”

Tauro and Zelda begin to excitedly chatter back and forth about the ancient civilization. There’s a smile on your face as you watch, finding something so charming in their passion. Tauro especially, who seems otherwise nonchalant, truly comes out in full force at any mention of the Zonai.

As they speak you glance down at your gloves, idly fidgeting with the leather. There was a nasty feeling twisting in your gut that you attempted to ignore. A small, wriggling sense of jealousy about their passion and excitement. It was ridiculous to be envious of such a thing, and you knew that. ‘I’m still just sad about yesterday, no need to be upset with my friends.’

You’re pulled out of your thoughts by a sudden declaration.

“Then it’s decided,” the princess decides, “from now on, Tauro, you shall be the leader of the Zonai Survey Team. You have my full permission to excavate any site of ancient ruins, so long as it is safe of course. You also may begin recruiting other researchers into your ranks.”

The Hylian man is overjoyed about this news, a beaming grin making its way onto his face.

“Tauro, that’s amazing!” you congratulate him, and squeak when he pulls you into a tight hug that practically lifts you off of the ground. It pulls laughter out of you, laughter which just minutes prior you couldn’t have imagined doing. “Tauro-” you say flustered between your giggles, “you’re making me look bad in front of my soldiers!”

“Fine, fine,” he relents, letting go of you with a chuckle.

As he looks up behind you, however, he gasps. At the same time you hear the entirety of the landing, the soldiers and nurses and workers, begin whispering and murmuring to one another. Confused, you spin on your heels, and are stunned by the sight you’re met with.

At the entrance to Lookout Landing is a tall red Zora. His features are striking, resembling those of a shark. He’s adorned in royal garments, silver jewelry, and a meticulously sewn sash across his chest. In his hands is a beautiful spear with pointed gems sharp enough to pierce any foe. His eyes, a bright golden yellow, stare back into your own.

Your heart skips a beat.

Before you realize it your legs are moving of their own accord, carrying you through the crowd of the fortress. “Sidon-” his name is on your lips, the tears beginning to well in your eyes as you walk turns into a sprint, “Sidon!”

And suddenly you’re in his grasp, his arms wrapping around you- holding onto you as if you’re the most precious thing in the world. You can’t help but laugh as the joyous tears fall down your face as you cling to him. “You’re here-” you say, burying your face in his chest, “you’re back-”

He whispers your name and the very sound of it sends a shiver down your spine. “I’m here, beloved,” he replies, hugging you even tighter, “I’m home.”

You can hear the drumming of his heart, beating quickly at a pace similar to your own. The texture of his scales scratches against your armor. As you lift your head you feel him use one hand to gently brush the droplets off of your face. You couldn’t wipe the grin off of your face even if you wanted to.

“Hello my darling,” he murmurs, gazing down at you, “I’ve missed you so dearly.”

“I missed you too, I-” you begin, but quickly become acutely aware of how many eyes are on you. When you peer back over your shoulder you see that just about every pair of eyes in the fortress is trained on you and the prince. When you squint at your soldiers they all quickly straighten up and return to their tasks. Soon after that, everyone in the landing begins to mill about once more, acting as if they hadn’t been watching you.

You turn back to the prince, the warmth in your cheeks likely obvious, “seems we’ll have to continue this reunion elsewhere. I’d prefer to not be the center of attention.”

“Prince Sidon!” Zelda grins as she approaches both of you, “it is so good to see you again, I hope that your travels fared well.”

Tauro lingers behind the princess and he quickly bows his head out of respect. “Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you,” he greets the Zora.

Sidon nods his head kindly, though you notice that his eyes seem to be warily trained on the Hylian. “You as well,” he replies, “though, forgive me, I do not believe I recognize you. Who might you be?”

You interject, “oh, this is Tauro, newly appointed leader of the Zonai Survey Team! He and I were traveling around Hyrule for a bit doing some work for Robbie and Purah.”

“You and him?” Sidon repeats. You see the way he narrows his eyes. You spot the subtle tension of his shoulders.

If Tauro notices he makes no mention of it, replying with a grin on his face, “the champion and I, and a fellow researcher named Calip. It was an invigorating journey. Champ here spoke quite fondly about you.”

“Oh?” the prince chuckles, throwing a glance your way, “is that so?”

You groan, face hot, “please, spare me the embarrassment.”

After a brief exchange with the princess and a quick goodbye to Tauro, you turn back to the prince. You fluster momentarily when you realize he’d been staring at you, his eyes more intense than you were accustomed to. The attention makes you want to squirm.

“Did you bring your horse?” you ask with a tilt of your head.

“Morellus? Of course,” he replies.

You grin as you reach out to grasp his hand, “let’s go for a ride, then.”

…

The pair of you had set out for South of Lookout Landing, riding horseback on your steeds. It was refreshing not only to step away from your responsibilities but to have Sidon back as well. However, something nagged in the back of your mind as your horses galloped across the plains. Your eyes kept wandering over to the Zora prince, whose gaze seemed set on the horizon. You’d noticed a tense expression on his face that he kept hiding whenever he’d look your way.

Eventually, you find yourselves at a lake, with a depth that’s about the height of your thighs and a small island in the center with trees and shrubbery. You leave your horses by the edge of the water, allowing them to graze and rest. Turning back to the lake you huff and begin to roll your pant legs up.

“I want to go to that island, but I don’t want to get my clothes wet,” you say, mostly to yourself.

You feel Sidon’s gentle touch on your shoulders and glance up at him. “There’s an easy solution to that,” he replies.

Before you have a chance to respond you practically squeal as you’re lifted into his arms, hoisted up into the air. “Sidon!” you shout, though there’s no malice in your voice. The prince chuckles as he begins to wade through the water, his height and hold on you ensuring that you stay well above the surface.

“What kind of man would I be weren’t to submit to your every request?” he laughs, arms wrapped tight around your waist.

Once on land again he sets you down carefully, his touch lingering on your hips. Before he can move away you put your hands on his, pulling him back to you. “Where do you think you’re going, sir?” you ask with a smile, “I have another request to make.”

“And what would you like to ask of me, dearest?” he murmurs in response, leaning down to bring his face closer to your own.

Feeling emboldened you say, “lay with me. I’ve missed you so much, more than I can describe. Just… stay with me. Please.”

“Nothing would make me happier,” he whispers, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

Gently he helps you lie down in the grass and you can’t help but laugh at how delicately he seems to be treating you once more. Before he lays beside you he unsheathes his trident and stabs it into the nearby ground like a stake. Likewise, you remove the Master Sword’s scabbard and set it near his weapon. The light of the sun is filtered through the leaves of the trees, the shadows swaying and dancing across your body as the wind shakes its branches.

Once the prince is lying down with you, you quickly find yourself being peppered with kisses all across your face. You grin, though he quickly captures your lips with his own. It’s a kiss full of need, and as he gently presses you down against the earth you wrap your arms around his shoulders, needing him to be as close as possible. The only thing that prevents you from continuing is the need to breathe.

You have to pull away as you swallow fresh air, face hot as you gaze longingly at the prince above you. His bright eyes look back into your own and once again, for just a moment, you see a flicker of something unknown on his face. Before he can pull you in for another kiss you interrupt him, pressing a finger to his lips.

“Slow down there,” you grin, cheeks warm, “it’s been months. Tell me about it. I’m curious about your trip.”

He seems to hesitate for a moment before pulling back and sitting upright. “Are you quite sure? I fear it may bore you, it wasn’t anything exciting,” he replies offhandedly.

Your brow furrows at this. Of course, you wanted to know, and you’d assumed he would have been more than thrilled to share the details with you. “C’mon,” you retort, playfully shoving his arm, “I want to hear about it, even if you think it’s boring.”

Sidon tilts his head with a small sigh before explaining, “well, the journey there was not anything spectacular. The seas were rather calm. Their domain is situated within an underwater cave, so it is quite different from our own. Their leader is King Sola, an old friend of my father. We’ve been allied with them for many, many years. Their people were attentive to me- perhaps too much- it felt as if there wasn’t a moment where I was left alone.”

“Seems a little stressful,” you mumble, tracing your fingers along the scales of his arm as he spoke.

“A tad, though I do not mean to sound ungrateful,” he continues, “it’s a great honor and privilege to have so many people waiting on you, hand and foot. There were feasts and festivals and ceremonies, I had the opportunity to spar with their soldiers, and I was allowed to read through their vast library and learn even more of Zora history than I knew already. It was… invigorating, I suppose…”

You nod as you listen along, “sounds fascinating, I don’t know what you meant by boring. Before you left you mentioned seeing old friends, were you able to meet with any of them?”

There’s no response. Confused, you sit up and look at the prince, whose gaze is trained on the ground. Once more his expression is tense and it seems as if a million thoughts are swimming in his mind.

“Sidon?” you speak up. When he says nothing you repeat it, louder, “Sidon-”

At this he jolts, blinking repeatedly before looking at you. “Apologies, I grew distracted.”

“I’ve noticed,” you mumble, concern on your face, “you’ve seemed distracted this entire time. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, beloved, I am fine,” he attempts to reassure you, but you shake your head.

“Sidon, please, I’m not a fool,” you retort, “you’ve seemed off ever since we were at the landing- don’t think I didn’t see that face you made at Tauro.”

He huffs, “well, forgive me for not being particularly thrilled when I come to say hello to my beloved and see her in the arms of another man.”

You stare back at him with wide eyes, entirely caught off guard by his change in demeanor. In all the time you’d known Sidon you’d never heard him speak with such sarcasm and distaste. “Is that what this is about?” you say incredulously, “a hug? Really? What reason do you have to be jealous? We traveled together, we’re friends, I was congratulating him on receiving a great honor. There’s nothing more.”

“No-” he groans, casting his gaze aside, “it’s not that, I misspoke-”

“Then what is it,” you interrupt him, “because something has happened. Was it during the trip? Was it yesterday? Do you even know that I was waiting for you yesterday- waiting for hours?”

“I only became aware this morning,” he answers quietly, “I was never informed.”

You cross your arms, “of course they didn’t tell you, those stuffy old men. Is that what’s bothering you then?”

“Partially, but it is nothing you need to worry about my darling,” he responds, trying to console you.

“Nothing I need to worry about?” you repeat, “of course I’m going to worry Sidon, it’s you. Something is wrong, I can tell, why won’t you talk to me about it?”

Your heart pounds so hard that you can hear the blood rushing in your ears. It almost hurts to breathe with how nervous you’ve become, your eyes desperately searching his face for any manner of answer or explanation. You want to plead, to beg, to find any way to help him.

“It is something I am working to find a solution for,” he replies, still not answering you fully, “it’s a problem I will solve, you do not have to be concerned.”

It feels as if your stomach has dropped. You sigh and stand, grabbing your sword and walking away from him. He calls out your name but you don’t respond, wading through the lake, no longer caring if your trousers get soaked with cold water. It’s a hand grasping your wrist that stops you, and you turn your head to see the solemn expression the prince wears.

The frustration within you culminates and flows over, like an overfilled cup of water. Your anger with the elders, your frustration with your duty, the sadness of your circumstances. You’ve grown tired of other people making decisions for you, of other people telling you what was right, of even the goddesses choosing your destiny for you from birth- and so you stand your ground.

“I have never given you a reason to hide things from me,” you say sternly, pulling your arm out of his hold, “I refuse to be misled. I have enough to worry about, I have enough responsibility on my shoulders. The last thing I need is for my partner, my love, to lie to me. If you won’t tell me what is going on I am going to go and find it out myself.”

He hesitates, opening his mouth to speak- but then quickly closing it again.

You can’t stop the disappointment before it appears on your face. You turn and continue walking through the lake. Your eyes begin to sting with hot tears but you refuse to cry in front of the prince. You whistle, catching Persephone’s attention, and your steed quickly stands and begins to trot toward you.

Just as you reach the water's edge and grab your horse’s reins, Sidon finally answers.

“It’s an arranged marriage.”

Your entire body freezes in place. His words ring in your ears. As you slowly turn to face him once more he continues.

“It is an arrangement older than either of us, between my domain and our ally,” he explains, “their King Sola, will only agree to maintain our allyship if a suitor of his choosing marries the heir to the throne- my eventual throne. They… they want for me to marry his daughter, Lady Yona.”

You feel your lip tremble as you attempt to respond, “so… we… will we no longer be together?”

He shakes his head, quickly moving through the water so that he may kneel before you. He takes your hands into his own, clasping them close to his chest, “I’ve already told my father I will not go through with this.”

“But how will you keep your alliance?” you ask, “you said the other king only seeks a unifying marriage.”

“I will find a way, there are thousands of years of Zora history and writings and teachings that I can pour through- I will find a solution,” he insists, his eyes looking into your own.

“Sidon, you can’t sacrifice the dignity and reputation of your domain and throne for me,” you reply, a pleading in your voice, “what would people say if you forsake a royal marriage just to court me-”

His grasp moves from your hands and to your face, gently holding you as he leans in to kiss you once more. Your lashes, wet from your tears, flutter as his thumbs press into your dampened cheeks. You’re desperate as you cling to him, afraid of what may happen if you let go.

“I love you,” he whispers once he pulls back, only slightly, his mouth still barely grazing your own, “I love you far too much. There is no one I would rather have by my side than you. I will find another way.”

“I love you too,” you murmur, leaning in for a small, quick kiss before continuing, “and I trust you. If you say you’ll find a way, I believe you.”

“Stay with me?” he asks, his eyes trailing over your figure.

“Always,” you answer, allowing him to lead you back to the island.

…

You had spent the evening in one another’s company, beneath the shade of the trees and hidden behind the tall grass and shrubs. You allowed the prince to lovingly explore every inch of your body, to press kisses against you as he murmured praise and worship into your ears. And you had eagerly reciprocated, showing the prince exactly how much you had missed him in his absence.

Now, as you rode your horses back to the landing, the sun had begun to set. Though you had attempted to ignore it for the last few hours, the pit of anxiety within you could no longer be ignored. Sidon’s confession terrified you. An arranged marriage. You knew that this was not something that could be easily circumvented.

Your gaze flickered over to the Zora, who confidently rode his steed in higher spirits than earlier. You trusted him, and you knew him to be intelligent, but you weren’t sure if even he could find a way around this arrangement. You bury these thoughts, attempting to push them out of your mind.

Once at Lookout Landing you dismount and tend to the horses, patting down their manes and bringing them their feed. As you turn the corner and walk past the makeshift stables you nearly run into someone- another Zora. Confused, you peer up and realize that it’s-

“Bazz,” you greet him, tilting your head, “it’s been a while! Do you have some work to do in the fortress?”

The captain nods, though you can see the nervous expression on his face. “Is, uh-” he stammers, uncomfortable, “is Prince Sidon here?”

“Yes…” you reply quietly, a pang in your chest as you realize what’s happening, “I believe he’s speaking with Princess Zelda right now. Do you need him?”

“I’ve been sent by the council to retrieve him and bring him back to Zora’s Domain,” he answers, anxiously tapping his spear against the ground, “they say he has urgent business he must attend to.”

You stare at him and sigh, “... I see. C’mon then.”

You’re wordless as the pair of you walk through the landing. You could hear the sounds of supper and conversation in the shelter below, the raucous laughter of the soldiers, and the enticing smell of food. The construction workers and shopkeepers had cleared out for the night, meaning the fortress was mostly empty.

It was quiet enough for you to hear Bazz whisper, “I’m really sorry about this.”

You pause and sigh, just barely glancing over your shoulder, “... it’s not your fault. You’re just doing your job.”

Once at the door to the unfinished laboratory, you push it open and peer inside. Zelda and Sidon are sat at the table, catching up as they share cups of tea. The prince looks up toward you, a grin on his face- though when you push the door open wider that grin quickly falters.

“Bazz?” the prince asks, confused.

The captain bowed his head before speaking, “I’ve been ordered to come and retrieve you, sir.”

“By who?” Sidon challenges.

“King Dorephan’s council,” the grey Zora answers, “they stressed that this was… urgent.”

Anger is clearly visible on the prince’s face but he takes in a deep breath as he stands. “Thank you for your hospitality, princess,” he says to Zelda.

The two Zora step outside and you can’t help but wince as you overhear the quick, tense, and upset conversation between the two men. The princess looks at you with an air of confusion, and you make a motion as if to say ‘I’ll explain it later’. When the discussion goes silent you take it as a sign to open the door and walk out.

Captain Bazz had already begun to walk toward the fortress’ exit, though the prince lingered behind. Sidon glances back at you, and though he puts a smile on his face there’s a deep sadness in his eyes that you quickly pick up on. “Are you alright?” you ask, though you know the answer of course.

“You know as well as I do that I do not wish to leave,” he sighs, placing a hand on your cheek. You gratefully lean into his touch as he continues, “but, it appears I cannot stay away any longer. I must return to Zora’s Domain.”

“Travel safely,” you whisper in response, trying but likely failing to mask your disappointment.

“I shall, beloved,” he murmurs, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead.

After exchanging goodbyes you stand by the railing and watch as he joins Bazz at the gate. Zelda stands beside you as the two Zora begin their journey East. You feel her place a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

“I’m sure you’ll see him soon,” she says, offering you a kind smile.

Though you nod your head, there’s a feeling you can’t ignore. A sinking feeling that inches through you like ice in your veins, clawing at your heart. You sigh, crossing your arms, “yeah… yeah I’m sure.”

You can’t help but feel as if you’re lying to yourself.

~~~ <> ~~~

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