#la cloud

[linkedarena]

Official Chapter 1

(I lied this is the actual chapter. I wasn’t happy with the other one :/)

Link flinched at the sound of footsteps. He peered out of his hood and saw a piece of paper slip into his cave and then the footsteps ceased. He waited silently, unsheathing his sword before peering out. 

There was no one. 

But he had never received a letter. It wouldn’t make sense for even the princesses to send a letter to him because they didn’t know where he lived. Could it be a trap, somehow? 

He ripped the envelope open with the sharp end of his sword and saw that nothing was inside so he crouched down and picked the paper up and read it.

                       —————————

“Captain!” Someone called.

Link turned around instantly to see one of his faithful knights, Katari. “Yes?” 

“I was sent to deliver you a message from a person in a cloak. Before I could ask who they were they were gone. I suggest you regard this with caution.”

Link chewed his lip, before taking the letter and setting it aside. “Thank you. Now, return to the training grounds. We have work to do soon, the enemy camps are getting bolder.” 

“Yes, sir.”

“I wouldn’t disregard that letter, Captain Link,” Impa’s stern voice came.

“I’m not. I’m merely setting it aside for later.”

“From Katari’s description, this could be a messenger of the Goddesses.”

What? 

Link sighed. “Okay.” 

Impa narrowed her eyes at him as he picked up the letter before sinking into the shadows when he wasn’t looking. He carefully read the letter.

                       —————————

Link felt a tap on his shoulder and looked to see Malon there, an unreadable expression on her face as she held up a letter. “Someone came up to the ranch and told me to give this to you.”

“That’s weird,” Link mused, accepting the letter.

“I’m off to tend to the Cuccos, don’t make a mess!” 

“When do I ever? Those…beasts make more of a mess than I ever have in my entire life.”

“Alright Fairy Boy. Whatever you say.”

Link wiped away a fake tear at the clear disbelief in her tone and his wife rolled her eyes, heading out the door. He pulled out the letter and began to read with a curious expression.

                       —————————

“What shall we do today?” Zelda asked with a soft smile on her face. 

“Go out to town?” Link suggested.

“But you’ve already been to all the towns. There’s practically nowhere you haven’t been. In Labrynna and Holodrum too!” 

“Hytopia as well.”

“See!” 

Link laughed. “Well, okay then. What’s something new we can try?” 

“Now that I think about it, have you ever tried—“

There was a knock at the door. Zelda opened it and came with a letter, seemingly confused. “Do you know a Hero of Legend?” 

“Zelda,” Link urged, voice shaking with laughter. “Hero. Of. Legend.”

She had a moment of realization and laughed, a bright beautiful sound and handed him the letter. He opened the letter, Zelda peering over his shoulder.

                       —————————

Link came out of the forge, sweating but pleased with his work. He saw his father there,  talking to someone and hurried over as quickly as possible. But the person was gone in the blink of an eye. “Letter of sorts. Addressed to the Hero of the Four Sword, which is you?” Dad quirked a brow.

Link’s heart twisted painfully at the reminder of his most recent adventure and he nodded. “I’ll get to it later. I need to change and sell one of those daggers I made.” 

“Where do you want me to put it?”

“Just on the table is fine. Thanks, Dad.” 

He got to his wardrobe and paused, reminiscing of a time where he was Green, Blue, Red and Vio. He pulled Blue’s sweater on, wrapped Vio’s scarf around his neck, and pinned Red’s flower on the side of his head. His reflection shown in the mirror, green eyes meeting his. He thought he looked a little ridiculous but he didn’t care.

What a mess. 

He picked up his dagger ready to meet the customer but he saw the letter from before floating in the air in front of him. 

What.

“Fine, fine,” He took the letter into his hands and narrowed his eyes at it as he read its contents.

                          —————————

Link ruffled Colin’s hair with a wolfish grin. “‘Night Colin. Don’t forget what we have planned tomorrow.”

“I won’t!” Colin promised and hurried off once Uli ushered him away.

Rusl’s eyes twinkled. “Well, Link, it’s well time we talked.”

“What about?” 

“Ya aren’t th’ same since ya came home from that adventure ‘f yours,” Rusl explained, but his tone wasn’t accusatory, just gentle.

Link remained silent. 

“Those fangs, an’ nose are something new. I’ve seen ya behave differently. I’m worried. If it’s nothing ta’ be concerned about, lemme know, but…”

“Ya see, it’s—“

A knock. Rusl sighed. “Sorry ta’ interrupt ya kiddo.”

“Nah, ‘s all good.” 

“A letter? For th’ Hero of Twilight? Look I don’t know who this is. Does ‘e have a name other than that title?” Link overheard Rusl speaking but he didn’t hear whoever was talking behind the door.

Which was strange considering he had some special hearing. There was a pause. “I know him actually. Thanks, but who are—huh?” 

After a moment came back Rusl handed him a letter with a shrug. “Someone said this is for you, but dunno who.”

Link frowned and read the letter with anticipation.

                       —————————

Link looked proudly at the Surface village as it thrived with new buildings and people looking around at the new world with awe. He turned to Zel who rested her head against his shoulder. “I don’t think I could’ve asked for anything better.”

“You didn’t like Skyloft?” Link teased.

“Of course I liked Skyloft, but I’d already explored what I could. And the other islands didn’t hold as much. I think people will be much happier here as much as our old home was nice.” 

“I think you’re right.”

“You’re biased.”

“Doesn’t mean I can’t think you’re right. Besides it’s true,” Link carded a hand through Zelda’s hair. “Loving down here is an entirely new experience for all of us, but it won’t be a bad one.”

“You two lovebirds done monologuing or can we open the new academy?” Groose called.

Link blushed but Zelda just heaved a sigh and got up. They headed towards the building they would call the Academy. They hadn’t strayed too far from its original design but changed it enough so that they could school littler ones too. “Oh but before you go, there’s a letter for you. Something about a Hero of the Skies.” Groose tossed a letter at Link and he barely caught it.

“Letter? We haven’t set up a mailing system down here. We should do that,” Link mused.

“Just get on with it!” 

Begrudgingly he opened the letter.

                     —————————

“See ya later, I’m off!” Link told Zelda, mounting Epona, who he had found out was apparently his horse before the Calamity.

“Make sure you get some research in!” Zelda called. “Purah and I are awaiting the day you eat that frog!”

“I’m not eating it raw! Experiment or not!”

“We’ll convince you someday!” 

Link scrunched his face up as he galloped out of Hateno. Those truffle-hunters were still out there. Honestly, he’d never seen them leave. At least they weren’t being attacked again. He hurried off the path once they reached the bottom of the hill and let his hair flow in the breeze. He grinned. It was so good to live in a world that was no longer haunted by Calamity Ganon, no matter how ruined it remained.

Suddenly Epona stopped, refusing to move when Link pushed. He frowned. Why…? That’s when he saw a figure in a white cloak standing there. “Letter for the Hero of Wilds…or you.”

He didn’t let go of Epona yet, getting ready to hop off and unsheathe his weapon. “Say, I have some bananas in my pouch. Would you like some?” 

“I do not want them. Now, here,” The cloaked figure handed him the letter, which he took carefully.

Before he could say anything the figure was gone. He just opened the letter, after soothing Epona who was still a bit shaken. 

                        —————————

Link felt the salty ocean air on his face. Tetra came over and scoffed. “Still have that eyepatch?” 

“It was a gift from my sister, I’m not going to not wear it.” 

“Yeah, and she gave you a telescope and you kept that stuffed away. I don’t see the difference.”

“How, pray tell, am I going to wear a telescope, captain?”

“I dunno, I don’t handle those things,” Tetra said dismissively. “Also I told you not to call me captain! That’s Tetra to you!” 

Link just grinned cheekily. The moment was over quickly though. “Captain! An intruder climbing onto the boat,” Alphonse yelled.

Tetra pulled out a sword and pointed it at the intruder, who didn’t do anything but pull out a letter. “For the Hero of Winds.” 

“Who the hell is that?” Tetra demanded.

“Link. Give it to him.”

Then as soon as the letter was out of the intruder’s hands, they were gone. Tetra held the piece of paper, blinking rapidly before sighing and tossing him the letter. “I wasn’t just seeing things…right?” 

“Aye, captain,” The voices of the crew resounded, including Link’s.

 “Well, read it! We don’t have time to waste.”

Link rolled his eyes and obliged.

                        —————————

“Ugh, I can’t figure this out!” Zelda exclaimed. “Why do things have to be so complicated. This is about trains for goodness sake.” 

“If I may,” Link walked over, peering over her shoulder to see the paperwork. “I would suggest seeing how many people agree with the statement, and deciding if it helps the kingdom and its citizens in any way.”

“When are you this helpful?” Zelda pouted playfully. 

“What, I can’t help you? Let’s just say it’s for going on that train ride with me.”

Link couldn’t help put notice the faint pink that dusted her cheeks and wondered why. He didn’t have that much time to ponder because soon a letter slipped under the door. Link picked it up and it was addressed to The Hero of Trains and more handwritten, beside it said, Link.

“What is it?” Zelda asked.

“A letter to me apparently.”

He began to read, feeling the princess’s eyes on him.

                         —————————

“Hylia I accept!” All of the heroes called once they had finished reading the letter.

Hylia heard their approval and thanked her messenger before sending rifts to retrieve Her heroes. “Farore, they all accept.” 

She heard the goddess’s smile even though she didn’t look. “Good.” 

                        —————————

Link stepped through the rift and immediately found himself in an empty arena. There was room to fit an audience, and two entrances. He heard a voice and realized he wasn’t alone. “Hero of Time, I expected to see you first.”

He turned around to see a woman, long blonde hair flowing behind her, the whites of her eyes completely golden, while her pupils were only a slight shade lighter. She wore a yellow and white dress that bore feathers and a shining crown lay upon her head. He raised a brow. “Who are you?” 

“I am the goddess Hylia, the name listed under the information on that letter. The others shall soon arrive.” 

Sure enough, nine other people came along, some looking like kids, other teenagers, other adults. Link sighed. He was already missing Malon. 

“I am the Goddess Hylia, I apologize for informing you of this on rather short notice. However, I understand that you know why you are here. To fight in this arena, and possibly obtain the Triforce. The fighting will not start right away, you have plenty of time to prepare. There are rooms along the hallways just outside of this arena. Each has Hero Titles engraved on the doors. If yours is on one of them, head inside and you will eventually meet your partner. I trust you read the details.” 

Nobody spoke but Hylia didn’t seem to mind. “Go on,” Was all She said. 

Link walked out, obliging, and walked along the doors until he saw the Hero of Time on the door as well as the Hero of Legend. He opened the door and saw the room had two beds on opposite sides. It was pretty much empty. He closed the door quietly and set the bag he packed down, sitting on the bed. Soon, a kid with pink hair came inside, noticing him and quickly looking away once Link met his gaze. The kid set his stuff down but didn’t acknowledge Link. “So what’s your name?” Link asked.

It couldn’t hurt to get to know this pink-haired hero if they had to be a team in this. The kid didn’t answer.

“I said, what’s your name? It’s not like I’m going to hate you for a name.”

“Link.”

Never mind. This sucked. 

“I’m Link too.”

The pink-haired Link gave him a raised eyebrow and Link shrugged. “Guess we need nicknames.”

“…What do you have in mind?” 

“Uh,” Link paused to think, glancing at his bag and trying to think before he spotted some of his masks peeking out of the bag and quickly shoved them back in.

Pink-haired Link noticed and then said, “Masks.”

“…Masks.”

“Yeah,” Pink-haired Link—you know what he was just gonna call him Pinkie. Pinkie said sounding borderline defensive. 

“Now, what about you?” 

Pinkie started off into space for a bit, fidgeting with a ring on his finger before he shrugged. “Reverie,” Masks decided. 

Reverie looked confused for a moment before accepting the nickname. “Call me Rev for short, though.”

“Alright. Now, do you have any idea what we’re supposed to do to prepare?” 

“No, but it might be a good idea to train sometime soon.”

Masks nodded along. Maybe this won’t be too bad. 

[artofalassa]

I'm drifting off to nowhere The past, an echo on my mind Home, I'm almost home...

[soracities]

Olivia Laing, The Lonely City

[rocketbirdie]

please come back

[princealberich]

Genshin Impact + Text Posts (23/?)

Hey! Want to join a Genshin Impact roleplay server? Check out @adventuresinteyvat!

[illustratus]

The Crucifixion by Gustave Doré

[quiltofstars]

The ρ Ophiuchi Cloud Complex hanging over the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory in La Palma, Spain // Omer Baram

[nerdishpursuits]

Ahora mismo solo existe este paraíso

[faroukmarduk]

[maxphotoarchive]

Savvy visited the Seven Magic Mountains!

[emaadsidiki]

Viva Las Vegas 🏙️

[artofalassa]

Personal space

Based on @little-black-dress-zack-fair's post <3

[soracities]

Olivia Laing, The Lonely City

[my-little-random-world]

Fina: Hello! Marta: I was thinking of making you a sweet treat. Fina: My goodness, you look gorgeous! But what are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be working at the office until late? Marta: I was so exhausted that I wasn’t being productive anymore. Will you help me? Fina: Of course. Marta: I've discovered that baking isn't my thing. Look at the mess I've made. Fina: I can see that, you've made quite a disaster. If your aunt Digna saw this… Marta: It’s been a while since… she doesn’t come by much anymore. Fina: What were you planning to make? Marta: Swiss rolls… of course. Would you like a bun? Fina: When don’t I ever want a bun, Marta? That dough needs more flour. And did you add a pinch of salt? Marta: I have no idea where my head is today… the last time, my aunt helped me. Fina: Come on, add a pinch of salt, and we’ll fix that dough… it’s not too shriveled yet.

Marta: You know how much I've missed you, and... and I’m sorry I haven’t found the time for us to meet yet. Fina: I’ve missed you a lot too, Marta. And it’s been really tough for me. Marta: Is that why you were so serious in the office? Fina: Exactly. I was planning to tell you that... that we can’t continue like this. Marta: And why didn’t you? Fina: Well, because I saw you so tired and overwhelmed that... that I understood you didn’t leave me aside on purpose. Marta: Never! You’re the most beautiful thing I have. The rest are just problems... the new position... Fina: Yes, Marta, but I didn’t want to be unfair to you. Or pressure you. Marta: Right now, there are so many things that need my full attention that I don’t know how to... Fina: But you know what? Love is also about yielding, and that’s what I want to do with you. Marta: But I don’t want you to be upset. Not you, no. I've had enough with the rest of the world. Fina: But I’m not upset. I’m fine. I’m actually on cloud nine. -cough cough cough moment- Fina: Marta! You and I can handle everything, everything, everything, you know that. Marta: Everything, everything? Fina: Everything, everything! And I’m sure that soon you’ll find time for both of us, you’ll see, Ms. Important! Marta: And you’ll have the patience for that? Fina: Saint Job was... was a very much in love man. Of course, I’ll be patient because I love you, I love you so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so much!

[crystal-linity]

cache cache…

playing hide and seek with the moon…

お月さまと

かくれんぼ♪

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

Do you know why is 云深不知处 popularly translated as cloud recesses? As far as I know (by that I mean recesses), it makes no sense? Like what about recesses makes them unknown or deep

(Ngl when I first heard 云深不知处, I thought it was 云深不知出 and if you called some place that, no wonder someone would think you’d be trying to imprison them lol)

Hi there!

For context for others and the original poem this comes from first:

Traditional Hanzi:

1 松下問童子

2 言師採藥去

3 只在此山中

4 雲深不知處

Simplified Hanzi:

1 松下问童子

2 言师采药去

3 只在此山中

4 深不知处

Pinyin:

1 Sōngxià wèn tóngzǐ

2 yán shī cǎi yào qù

3 zhǐ zài cǐ shānzhōng

4 yún shēn bùzhī chù

English (Just gonna have to deal with my shoddy attempt):

1 Beneath the bow of pines, I asked a disciple

2 My Master has gone to gather herbs that grow wild, he said

3 Somewhere on these mountains

4 Hidden in the clouds unknown

And here we have chù and chū at the end of these sentences. Simplified 处, Trad. 處,. And 出 which is what areuils is speaking of! The character to classify a location a place (usually somewhere that's pretty official, think office, facilities departments, etc) as well as 出 being used to classify dramas and opera plays. The 处, 處, character also heavily denotes punishment and discipline. This makes it seem a lot more intimidating and nightmarish. For the teenage boy that Wei Wuxian was at the time, it kind of makes it a fun little word play of his expectations and early views of the Lans and Lan Wangji and his own wild imagination at times.

For the English choice that the original translator chose (ExR) I at least thought it was wanting to stick to the spirit of the ideal monk-like ambience the original poem was portraying and took some heavy liberties for an English audience to keep in mind that the Gusu Lan clan are heavily monastic in living and tradition and are also mysteriously ethereal and untouched by the world (like the master we never see on page). Recesses sounds more monastic and peaceful I suppose in English even if it's not linguistically similar in the slightest to the hanzi and denotes a pathway more so than the actual unknown of mountains.

I personally enjoy the shrouded steeps as one translation to go with, as you said the official English denotation lacks the feel of a lurking unknown that the boy in the poem seems worried over and still too immature himself to go in like his hermit master.

I was also not one to enjoy how 乱葬岗, Luànzàng Gǎng is translated as Burial Mounds, as that still feels far too respectful for it, even if meant ironically in English.

But the woes of translations eh? And that footnotes cannot be chapters in themselves for readers because it's all just so brilliant and wonderful to delve into.