#loz untold myths

[loz-untold-myths]

❄️ ✻ Hot Cocoa ✻ ❄️

Happy holidays to those celebrating! Here's some wintry seasonal art for The Mage's Lantern Zelink again! :)

Please excuse the style change! I'm trying out Clip Studio Paint for the first time, and somehow new programs and brushes make me do a completely new variation of my style. ^^" Rendering especially was weird for me. Chances are, I'll revisit this piece later on with other rendering styles to get used to Clip Studio Paint!

REBLOGGING IS ENCOURAGED, BUT DO NOT REPOST

Don't have the time on this one - turns out you have to turn that on manually in CSP?? At least I know for next time.

Also, thanks @mistresslrigtar for the idea of the whipped cream on one of their noses! It's soooo cute :)

[nocturne-side-blog]

I got CSP, so here's a WIP of an experimental doodle.

[spicymcbean]

I just finshed all the current chapters of 'The Mages Lantern' by @loz-untold-myths and it is so good so far! I felt so immersed the whole time and honestly I think more people should read it. The snowy atmosphere drew me in and kept me interested. I also enjoyed the Link and Zelda of this fic as well. Since all the characters are cool to read they all work well together to make it an even better read.

I haven't posted about fics I have enjoyed before but I happy to do so now with this one!

[aikoiya]

I was actually thinking something like Romah in reference to Romani or something, but that's a really nice name! And she's very pretty!

The Lon family for The Mage's Lantern. I have some interesting ideas for Malon's mother! Can you guess where her inspirations came from?

[zelinkcommunity]

Zelink Community is highlighting... @nocturnalfandomartist!

"I'm working towards becoming a game designer, but in the meantime I write and draw Zelink! I love making fan-game ideas and sketching them out."

Check out some of their work:

A Dance with Danger... Echoes of Wisdom artwork based on the trailers.

Our Little Secret Telma is going through the motions of running her tavern, as usual, and finds a familiar customer. This familiar customer, however, has brought an unexpected guest… And she just can’t figure them out!

The Princess's Heart (Zelink Week 2024) A fairytale told in Hyrule, set in a forgotten age of the golden queendom. Passed by word of mouth from queen to princess, it is a tale of sacrificial love, hope, and determination.

Find Them on Social Media:

@nocturnalfandomartist also has other creative blogs on Tumblr under @loz-untold-myths and @writingnocturne. You can also find them on Twitter/X at @/nocturneartist!

Have something nice to say about Nocturne and/or their work? Drop a comment or send them an ask!

[amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet]

My card progress and TBR for @expanding-hyrule's TBR BINGO challenge! I'm not actually entering because I'm running the challenge, but including this here to spotlight the works I've done so far.

Because all of these I have already left reviews for, I won't be rehashing my notes, but I enjoyed all of them, and I'll be doing my best to keep this updated until I get that full card.

Card Challenges

The Sea's Prophecy by @cherrysalsa - Recommended by a friend

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, A fic, A comic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

The King's Lament by @transmascgerudo (A genre I don't normally read)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, A complete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Divine Gemstones by @divine-gemstones (Caught up on a work)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, A comic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, A new creator, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Cycle of the Stars by @daeyumi (An incomplete project)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, A comic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

A5 - I made an Original Legends work!

I did, multiple! Goddess of Secrecy is complete on Wattpad and currently importing to AO3. Mark of a Hero is wrapping up book 1 on Wattpad & AO3. My other three projects are currently on hiatus, but they will eventually be imported and continued on AO3 as well and are currently on Wattpad.

The Triforce Awakens by @sillylildude - Updated this year

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, A complete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, A new favorite, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

B2 - Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes

All That Hurts Us by @karama9 (Picked because of the synopsis)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, A genre I love, A new favorite, Subscribed to an ongoing work, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Alternate Triforce by @alternate-triforce (A comic)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, An incomplete project, Updated this year, A genre I love, A new favorite, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

The Mage's Lantern by @loz-untold-myths (Subscribed to an ongoing work)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, A genre I love, A new favorite, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Hero by @karama9 (A familiar creator)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, A complete project, Last updated more than a year ago, Subscribed to an ongoing work, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

C2 - An Original Legends work not in the archives

C3 - Show Us Your EH TBR (See below!)

C4 - By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual

C5 - Multiple POVs

The Princess's Heart by @loz-untold-myths (A new favorite)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, A complete project, A genre I love, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

D2 - A reread

No More. Not One Single Time More by @karama9 (A fic)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, A fic, A complete project, Updated more than a year ago, A genre I don't normally read, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

On My Honor by @pelicanpig (A genre I love)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Captain Link Araki & the Harbinger of Destiny by @mistresslrigtar (Picked because of the title)

Also: Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, A fic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, A genre I love, Subscribed to an ongoing work

E1 - A compete project

Stone Fate (both parts) by @loz-untold-myths (Last updated more than a year ago)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, Multiple POVs, A fic, An incomplete project, A genre I love, Subscribed to an ongoing work, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Void's Grasp by @the--voided (A new creator)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, A fic, Updated this year, Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes, Subscribed to an ongoing work, An incomplete project, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Remnants of the Past by @justapixelthing (Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes)

Also: Caught up on this work, Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes, By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual, A fic, An incomplete project, Updated this year, Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

E5 - Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

Fic TBR

Uneasy Lies the Chosen of Farore

The Hero of the Dunes

A Crossing of the Stars

Princess Link

The Golden Chain

ALTTS

Unbroken

Legacies and Bloodlines

Make a Wish, Make it Count

Break The Wheel

Path of the Infinite

Song of the City

Blooming in Adversity

The Promise

Guarding Zelda

The Hunt

And the Clouds Parted

Depth of Darkness

In the Blood

Comic/Art TBR

DadLink

Triforce of Power

The Curse of Demise

Untold Myths

Strings of Fate

[loz-untold-myths]

The Mage's Lantern Worldbuilding

◇▪︎ Darune Town ▪︎◇

Concept map (2024).

Darune Town (also known as Darune Village among the townspeople) is a settlement constructed where one was previously devastated by the Silver Tempest and swarms of monsters. It is named after an ancient Sage of Fire in hopes of fortune against the severe cold Hyrule has been stricken with. It is Link's hometown and primarily run by the Link (Arnson) and Lon families.

Basic Info

Darune Town is Link's hometown.

The town has no mayor, due to only recently being recognized as a new township. Link's father Arn, however, is often treated as the equivalent of one.

Their main livestock consists of Highland Cows that used to roam Hyrule Field. They also raise horses, although they're only of use for deliveries along the Stone Road (a pathway constructed throughout the plains of Hyrule Field). Usually, dogsleds are used for shorter travels; especially when going to retrieve materials. Alternatively, there are a select few fishing spots with Hyrulean Salmon that were trapped by the cut-off of a stream.

Construction

During the arduous construction, entire sections of the snow would be dug and re-dug each morning, as well as the thick layers of ice formed over the soil by the Silver Tempest. This was to prevent any misconceptions in the building process: to make sure nothing relied on the packed snow for support.

If the snow were to ever disappear, the buildings would still be structurally sound– they are supported by layers of carved stone. The paths used for the horses are, as well. Darune’s roads have step-like borders, they just are never visible due to the snow’s buildup. Sometimes, not even the elevated pathways are really visible... that's where the sled rental service comes in.

Torches are posted along the roads, but are snuffed out quickly. Only certain spots have lanterns, as it's more important to keep the public spaces visible in the event of an emergency. The lamppost man's sole job for the town is to run across the town keeping all the torches and lanterns lit, night and day. Occasionally, he likes to do hearth and chimney inspections just to be doing something else...

The ranch and stables are given a sort of “roof” that is made of retractable but sturdy tiles, requiring multiple people to deploy and remove. They took years to make, but the project was funded by the King once he heard of the effort (he believed it would be vital for other remaining settlements to be able to replicate). Lanterns are meant to try and simulate natural light for the horses and cows as well as keep them warm– Epona likes to rub her face against them despite Arn's efforts to discourage the habit.

Most of the village has cellars for the winter and days of particularly unfortunate weather. The cellar doors, instead of being built at ground level, are built on elevated cobble pillars against the cellar chimneys. They're more so storm shelters.

Origin

Darune Village was built after the collapse of many homes in the general area during the Silver Tempest's awakening.

The town was built specifically with the storm in mind, on the backs of many hardworking and determined individuals. So much work went into the construction that it is rumored that some of the volunteers died on site from exhaustion.

Location Info + Climate

Darune is in a region of Hyrule Field called the Greater Hyrulean Plains, making it one of the closest settlements to the eye of the Silver Tempest.

The pond has been cut off from the stream that originally let water in from the river, so some villagers gather snowfall in a bucket to turn into boiling water for drinking.

The pond also has been almost entirely frozen over in a thick top layer, except for the center area. The center area's ice is much thinner, so it may break if disturbed for too long. There have been cases of people falling in and becoming ill.

Before the tempest, the Darune area tended to be around 76° average during the summer and about 33° average during the winter. Now, the summer average is 30°, and the winter average is only 17° at best and -32° at worst. Winters are unlivable across Hyrule and become a sort of lockdown, and in late autumn, the king usually issues out supplies rationed throughout the year to minimize how many people must starve. Castle Town folks have it even worse, but at least have easier access to trade routes.

Luckily, Darune mostly gets snow or ice rain rather than the Castle Town or Hebra Region's persistent hailstorms. This makes it a safe travel spot for those who accidentally find themselves off the Stone Road, but since the only "inn" is just a rest stop with two beds, villagers just take turns letting people rest in their homes.

The Temple of Time

The Temple of Time was what connected the old village to Castle Town. It was the site of many ceremonies, especially weddings; it was said to be representative of the Spirit Maiden, Hylia, and her eternal love for a mortal soul destined to meet her again throughout time (a common Hyrulean fairytale).

The Temple closed its doors to the public shortly before the Silver Tempest came about.

Around the time Darune was built, the Temple's upkeep seemingly stopped. However, village children still insist they see shadows crawling towards it on clear nights... which adults don't really believe, since there aren't often clear nights anymore.

Within the Temple of Time, Link finds a chamber dedicated to heroes of the past: spirits and fae who guided heroes to meeting Hylia in the past. The center of the room holds a little lantern, containing the fire spirit, Searis. Link has no idea why the spirit was locked inside or who placed him there... but perhaps he is the key to saving his village from their neverending struggle to survive?

Spectacle Rock

The village's primary source of Rock Salt. Ore deposits often appear from the strange stone.

Residents (NPCs)

Link and his family know just about everyone in town. It's small, after all. Some NPCs may be recognizable. Others, not so much.

Link

Arn

Aryll

Malon

Talon

Ingo

Old Man Linebeck

Wane (Lamppost Man)

Kyndlewax

Wulf

Dot

❄️ NPC art post will be linked here once completed. ❄️

Side Quests

If I got to actually format The Mage's Lantern as a game without Nintendo having my head, there would be a slightly longer beginning section similar to that of Ordon Village in Twilight Princess. This would include the chance to do a series of sidequests before Link wanders to Spectacle Rock.

❄️ Chapters 1-6 as a game. ❄️ (WIP)

Includes: Warm Apology, Horse Training, A Fishy Situation

. . .

Warm Apology (Quest Get)

I was supposed to spend time with Aryll today, but I completely slept through it... The least I can do is help her feel better in whatever way I can. I want to get something that'll fight off her sickness, too... but I don't have any money. People lose stuff in the snow all the time, though! Maybe I can find something...

Warm Apology (Bought Safflina)

I managed to gather enough rupees to buy the most expensive thing at Wax & Wane's General Shop. It's a flower called an Amber Safflina from somewhere far away... apparently it fights the cold (both the weather and the illness, so they say). I'm not so sure I can believe it, but I have to give it a try. They rarely have these lately... And who sees flowers anymore?! Aryll won't believe it, either!

Warm Apology (Complete)

I gave Aryll the Amber Safflina as an apology gift. She seemed really happy, so I think I'm forgiven. Phew. She even wanted to save one of them.

...

I forget that she doesn't get to go outside much until she recovers... and that she's only seen a few flowers ever. Mama used to tell me there were hundreds.

. . .

Horse Training (Quest Get)

I found Malon sneaking around the stables again, for some reason. She likes to work here with the horses instead of the cows at the ranch.

...

Anyway, that growl Papa was talking about seems to have scared all of the horses except for Epona. Now they just won't listen to Malon, even with her song. I'll have to soothe them all before they go back into the stable...

Horse Training (Complete)

I had to ride each horse back into the stables individually, but they're safe now. Malon gave them some straw so they'll stay put.

She told me not to tell, but she gave me some rupees as a reward. I tried to turn them down - she was pretty insistent... I guess these could be useful, though.

. . .

A Fishy Situation (Quest Get)

Because of the monster, not even Papa's friends can keep on track... It really must be bad. Usually, Papa's the sort of leader to get anybody on task!

I wonder if there's something I can do to help, even if Papa says different. Maybe if I ask around..

A Fishy Situation (Mystery Solved)

I asked around a little bit, and it seems like all the workers are just hungry. I think I get why they're so distracted now... but what can I bring them?

...

I guess I can find them some fish at the pond... I'm probably going to regret this, aren't I?

A Fishy Situation (Fishing Done)

It felt weird to go back to the pond after these past couple of weeks. It looks almost completely frozen over again - they must have had to re-carve the fishing holes. Would Aryll be mad at me for walking around here? Papa?

Old Man Linebeck was in his usual spot, where the ice is thick. And as usual, didn't want to be bothered. Surprisingly, he said he'd teach me to spear fish... but only a little, since I'm not paying. He was fuming every time I slipped up, but he said for a price he could teach me more. Did he enjoy fishing with somebody else or not?! I just can't read that guy!

...

For now, I'm just fine with the few salmon I managed to catch. This ought to get everyone's heads back in the right place.

A Fishy Situation (Complete)

Papa managed to start a fire and grilled the salmon I brought back for the workers (after I bothered him for a little while). He let me have some, too! It was sweet and savory. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside! So flaky and delicious...

...

Oh, and everyone seemed to calm down a little.

. . .

❄️ HEY! This section will be expanded as the story progresses! ❄️

Link

Hypothetical gameplay talk aside, here is the storyline in novelized form! Chapter 7 to be released in two parts between December of 2024 and January of 2025.

[loz-untold-myths]

Thank you to those who sent in such nice reviews! ^^ I'm really happy you're enjoying it so far, even with the small hiatus TML was in. I appreciate you so much!! 💙

The Mage's Lantern by @loz-untold-myths

Wintry Fantasy | General | Tumblr & AO3 | Ongoing

Synopsis: Hyrule is a kingdom plagued with eternal storms by a vengeful mage. A young boy named Link joins a fire spirit and Princess Zelda to save both her father and the kingdom itself, but Link's own motives remain buried in the snow.

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The first thing that struck me in The Mage's Lantern is the amazing atmosphere that the author creates at all times. Hyrule, in this story, has been cast into an eternal winter, and the feel of it is constant, from how people take care not to bring snow inside, constantly have to deal with the cold, and from the more general effect it has had on the world, stripping away prosperity and giving a sense of long term survival strategies. From a breathless escape to a a day showing Hyrule's new normal through a seemingly run of the mill family in an ordinary village, to villains that positively ooze malevolence, everything is vivid. The characters, set in this frozen world, are by contrast warm (even fiery in one specific case...), very alive and instantly charming, and I can't wait to see what happens to them next. - Karama9

Familiar characters thrust into a fairytale setting. Thought and care was given to building a nuanced world with its own lore for the reader to discover along with the characters. Link and Zelda, with their courage and wit combined, make a formidable team to save a Hyrule buried beneath The Silver Tempest’s perpetual storm cloud. Plenty of action interspersed between quieter moments keeps the reader engaged and eager to see how it will all turn out. - Mistress Lrigtar

What a fun start, followed through with more diverse exploration of the premise than most projects will tackle a largely single "biome" world with. The characters are adorable and their personalities are great, perfect for bouncing off each other for a quest. I'm looking forward to more of these three as this story continues. - amelias-hart

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You can find @nocturnalfandomartist at AO3, Bluesky and Instagram.

[loz-untold-myths]

◇ • Untold Myths Master Post • ◇

○•°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●

Synopsis

Hyrule has been cursed with eternal storms by a vengeful mage. A young boy follows a familiar voice to a spirit who may just be able to help him, and they join Princess Zelda in a quest to save her father.

Ao3 Version Link

Current Chapter Count: 6

Current Word Count: 23,967

Concept Art Posts

Concept Art (1)

Concept Art (2)

Concept Art (3) ❄️

As a Game

These posts are currently a WIP, keep an eye out! :)

Worldbuilding

Darune

These posts are currently a WIP, keep an eye out! :)

Other Art

Zelda and Lotus

2023 Holiday Art (Mistletoe)

TML Zelink looking at the sky! ❄️

Art Fight Refs

Sketches

DTIYS ❄️

2024 Holiday Art (Hot Cocoa) ❄️

Misc Sketches (1)

Oshi, Anouki Merchant

Temple of Time (1)

Misc Sketches (2)

Malon, Talon, Casual Ganondorf

Zelda's Fate (Sketched Comic) ❄️

Flower in a Hailstorm (Rohan & Zelda)

eepy zelda

Ganondorf

Zelink hug

A Fateful Meeting (Sketched Comic) ❄️

Archery

Zelda in a AoC/BotW Inspired Outfit

Zelda in ANOTHER dress

Classic Zelink Pose Redraw ❄️

Lon Family Concepts ❄️

Whiteboard Doodles

Misc Whiteboard (1)

Searis Whiteboard

Silly Posts

None yet...

OST

The ost has been in progress for a while! It will be ages before I'm happy enough with any of it to share it outside of Discord, however, so I apologize for the wait!

❄️ = personal favorites

○•°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●•°○°•●

Expanding Hyrule Spotlight + Reviews

Art by others! (Direct links)!

Toon Style Art Fight Attack

Multiple Links Art Fight Attack

DTIYS

ORIGINAL DTIYS POST

louwhose's entry

sparksnotespsps's entry

hummbird's entry

[expanding-hyrule]

Story Spotlights Hub Post

Reference post for links and details on the Expanding Hyrule Story Spotlights community project.

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Original Post - Review Form - Reviews - Fic Archive - Art Archive

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Works In Need of Reviews

Looking to help support a creator in Expanding Hyrule? All of these works in our collection have yet to get enough reviews for a spotlight. Works need a minimum of 3 reviews to be featured, and will include up to 5 in their post, but you are welcome to submit more, the link to the responses is available on this post for creators to read the whole list.

You can find all these works linked in the archives listed above!

Short Projects (Concept boards, under 10 chapter fics, etc)

Stone Fate by @loz-untold-myths (2/3)

The Princess's Heart by @loz-untold-myths (2/3)

Divine Gemstones by @divine-gemstones/@twist-dg (1/3)

The Sea's Prophecy by @cherrysalsa (2/3)

Void's Grasp by @the--voided (2/3)

The King's Lament by @transmascgerudo (2/3)

Song of the City by @/ReBuggy

Break the Wheel by @randombutloved

Depths of the Darkness by @/Veelilu

In the Blood by @/Zeldas_Eyebrows

The Hero and the Princess by @mistresslrigtar

Too Old to Keep by @ladyhoneydee (1/3)

Day After Destiny by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Moderate Projects (Started comics, <50k fics, etc)

The Triforce Awakens by @sillylildude (2/3)

DadLink AU by @dadlink/@pluviatrix

Princess Link: Engaged to my sister's kidnapper??? by @sparkspsps

Guarding Zelda by @railtracer30

Restoration Age by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Cinders of Life by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Large Projects (Ongoing comics, <100k fics, etc)

All That Hurts Us by @karama9 (1/3)

Uneasy Lies the Chosen of Farore by @drsteggy (1/3)

The Curse of Demise by @thecurseofdemisecomic (1/3)

Fighting Fate by @/Allendra

Desert Blight by @/jclbs

Path of the Infinite by @shadow_djinni

Blooming in Adversity by @/botwriter

The Promise by @zeldaelmo (1/3)

Strings of Fate by @truffeart

Epic Projects (Long running comics, >100k fics, etc)

Hero by @karama9 (2/3)

The Hero of the Dunes by @webhead3345

The Golden Chain by @zeldadiarist (1/3)

Legacies & Bloodlines by @/nolansman

Unbroken by @deiliamedlini

A Crossing of Stars by @ixtaek

Fighting Gravity by @/CrazygurlMadness

The Wondrous Adventures of the Righteous Maximus by @/Split Infinitive

Bright as Night by @/Allendra

Make a Wish, Make it Count by @/LiliansMalice

Cloak and Dagger by @crownedcrusader

The Weekly Hyrule News by @/BatNeko

Reality by @/Leila Editer

The Hunt by @/andrhars

And the Clouds Parted by @/SkyLeaf

Goddess of Secrecy by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet (2/3)

Mark of a Hero by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet (1/3)

Already Spotlighted Projects

| Alternate Triforce | Captain Link Araki and the Harbinger of Destiny (post scheduled) | Cycle of the Stars (post scheduled) | A Link To The Stars (post drafted) | The Mage's Lantern | No More. Not One Single Time More (post scheduled) | On My Honor (post scheduled) | Remnants of the Past (post scheduled) | Triforce of Power |

[expanding-hyrule]

Expanding Hyrule Art Archive

This is a collection of works and the platforms they're being shared to. If you have a work you'd like to be added to the list, please reach out to the blog or reblog this post with the link to get it added!

As this is an art archive, we do need artists to share the socials they want listed and any associated tags they want included. Any images included are reposted with permission from the artists.

Alternate Triforce by @alternate-triforce/ @doomed-era (#alternate triforce)

(x) - (x)

The Sea's Prophecy by @cherrysalsa

(x) - (x) - (x) - (x) - (x) - (x)

A Link To the Stars by @coffebits (#altts, #A Link To The Stars)

(x) - (x) - (x)

DadLink AU by @dadlink/ @pluviatrix (#dadlink)

(x)

The Curse of Demise by @thecurseofdemisecomic/ @smilesrobotlover (#thecurseofdemise)

(x) - (x)

Cycle of the Stars by @daeyumi (#cycle of the stars)

(x) - (x) - (x) - (x)

Divine Gemstones by @divine-gemstones/ @twist-dg (#divine gemstones)

(x) - (x) - (x) - (x) - (x)

All That Hurts Us by @karama9 (#ATHU, #All That Hurts Us)

(x) - (x) - (x) - (x)

Untold Myths by @loz-untold-myths (#loz untold myths)

(x) - (x) - (x)

Triforce of Power by @nayru-s-clay-tablet (#triforce of power)

(x) - (x) - (x)

Strings of Fate by @truffeart (#Strings of Fate)

(x) - (x) - (x)

[amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet]

Reblogging on my Zelda alt. Tagging @loz-untold-myths, @abbyz-elda, anyone else from the @expanding-hyrule community who I'm not yet familiar with handles for, and anyone else who'd like to join.

Get to know your writer!

I compiled these questions from a longer list. Happy Sunday and don’t be shy. I’ll answer anything 🤣

1. Do you prefer to write one-shots or multi/chaptered fics

2. Where do you find inspiration for new ideas

3. Do you like constructive criticism

4. Do you have beta? How important is it to the process

5. Cltr+f "blinks" on your WIP & copy paste the first sentence/paragraph that comes up

6. Post links to your 3 fav fics

7. How do you write emotional scenes? Do you ever feel what the characters feel? Do you draw from personal experiences?

8. How do you write smut scenes? Do you get very visual or detailed? How important is it to be realistic?

9. What do you do when writing becomes difficult? (maybe a lack of inspiration or writers block)

10. What is your most used tag on AO3

11. Would you ever collaborate with another writer for a story?

12. What fic do you wish you got more of a response on?

13. Do you start with the characters or the plot when writing?

14. Name 3 of your favorite fan fic writers

15. If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see?

16. Do you tend to reread fics or are you a one-and-done kind of person?

17. What’s the last fic you read? Would you recommend it?

18. How would you describe your style? (Character/emotion/action-driven,

19. How long is your longest fic

20. What is your total AO3 word count

21. What order do you write in? front of book to back? chronological? favorite scenes first? something else?

22. What scene in [Fanfic Name] took the longest to write? What was difficult about it? 

I’m tagging @zeldaelmo @bahbahhh @cjracingpnf @dubiiousfood @flutefemme @summonerluna and @drsteggy

[expanding-hyrule]

To go with our Story Spotlights community project, it's time to launch Expanding Hyrule's first community challenge: TBR BINGO!

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Rules

All works must by Original Legends to count.

You don't need to finish catching up with a work for it to count (outside of specific prompts), just enough to say a few nice things about it.

A work can only be used for one square across all cards.

Multiple cards can be submitted.

There are three ways to get entries in the prize raffle: A Single Line/Standard Bingo is 1 entry, a Full Card is 5 entries, and posting about the works you're reading is an additional entry for any completed cards. Be sure to tag @expanding-hyrule if you post about your Bingo entries so we can find it!

Completed Bingo cards need to be submitted by Jan 14th, 2025 to the included Google Form.

Challenge List

Letters are rows, numbers are columns, reading left to right

A1 - Recommended by a friend

A2 - A genre I don't normally read

A3 - Caught up on a work

A4 - An incomplete project

A5 - I made an Original Legends work!

B1 - Updated this year

B2 - Less than 5000 hits or 500 notes

B3 - Picked because of the synopsis

B4 - A comic

B5 - Subscribed to an ongoing work

C1 - A familiar creator

C2 - An Original Legends work not in the archives

C3 - Show Us Your EH TBR

C4 - By a mutual or someone I'd like to be a mutual

C5 - Multiple POVs

D1 - A new favorite

D2 - A reread

D3 - A fic

D4 - A genre I love

D5 - Picked because of the title

E1 - A compete project

E2 - Last updated more than a year ago

E3 - A new creator

E4 - Less than 1000 hits or 100 notes

E5 - Left a review in EH's Story Spotlights

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Prizes

Several of our very talented creators have volunteered their time and talent to offer the prize pool you see below. If there are any creators who would like to add a prize to our prize pool, please reach out to the blog!

The prize pool works via raffle. After the form closes, I will begin the process of contacting our winners via DM from either this blog or @amelias-hart. Winners will have 24 hours to get back to me or forfeit their prize. After which, I will help coordinate you with the prize you picked. Entry requires providing contact information, so you must be old enough to have an account to enter.

Keep in mind creators have final discretion on what they are and are not comfortable creating. Be respectful of their time.

Writing

500 word drabble (In fandom, genfic to NSFW) - @drsteggy

500-1000 word drabble (French or English) - @karama9

Art

Fullbody color character drawing - @doubtfulloser

Flats halfbody character drawing - @hummbirds

Flats halfbody character drawing (with optional animal companion) - @nayru-s-clay-tablet

3-4 server emojis - @alternate-triforce/ @doomed-era

Half-size portrait of one or two characters, with gradient flats (will need character references or details) - @aheavenscorner

Other

500 word drabble or pencil sketch - @loz-untold-myths

[expanding-hyrule]

Expanding Hyrule Fic Archive

This is a collection of works and their links wherever they're uploaded. If you have a work you'd like to be added to the list, please reach out to the blog or reblog this post with the link to get it added!

For full archive lists on platform, check out our AO3 collection. This post is only archival, to keep the list from being too long, summaries are omitted for space.

Works by @abbyz-elda

A Link To The Stars (AO3) A Link To The Stars: Constellations (AO3)

Works by @/Allendra

Bright as Night (FFN)

Fighting Fate (FFN)

Works by @alternate-triforce

Good Morning (AO3)

Works by @amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet

Goddess of Secrecy (AO3)

Mark of a Hero - Part 1 (AO3)

Restoration Age (Wattpad)

Cinders of Life (Wattpad)

Day After Destiny (Wattpad)

Works by @/andrhars

The Hunt (AO3)

Works by @/batneko 

The Weekly Hyrule News (FFN)

Works by @/botwriter

Blooming in Adversity (AO3)

Works by @/CrazygurlMadness 

Fighting Gravity (FFN)

Works by @crownedcrusader

Cloak and Dagger (FFN)

Works by @daeyumi

Cycle of the Stars (AO3)

Works by @deiliamedlini

Unbroken (AO3)

Works by @drsteggy

Uneasy Lies the Chosen of Farore (AO3)

Works by @/jclbs 

Desert Blight (FFN)

Works by @justapixelthing

Remnants of the Past (AO3)

Works by @karama9

All That Hurts Us (AO3)

Hero (AO3)

No More. Not One Single Time More (AO3)

Works by @ixtaek

A Crossing of Stars (AO3)

Works by @ladyhoneydee

Too Old to Keep (AO3)

Works by @/LeilaEditer

Reality (FFN)

Works by @/LiliansMalice

Make a Wish, Make it Count (AO3)

Works by @loz-untold-myths

The Mage's Lantern (AO3)

Falling Into Place (Stone Fate Pre-Story) (AO3)

Stone Fate (AO3)

The Princess's Heart (AO3)

Works by @mistresslrigtar

Captain Link Araki and the Harbinger of Destiny (AO3)

The Hero and the Princess (AO3)

Works by @/nolandsman

Legacies and Bloodlines (AO3)

Works by @pelicanpig

On My Honor (AO3)

Works by @railtracer30

Guarding Zelda (AO3)

Works by @RandomButLoved

Break The Wheel (AO3)

Works by @/ReBuggy 

The Legend of Zelda: Song of the City (AO3)

Works by @shadow_djinni

Path of the Infinite (AO3)

Works by @sillylildude

The Triforce Awakens (AO3)

Works by @/SkyLeaf

And the Clouds Parted (AO3)

Works by @sparkspsps

Princess Link: Engaged to my sister's kidnapper??? (AO3)

Works by @/Split Infinitive

The Wondrous Adventures of The Righteous Maximus (FFN)

Works by @transmascgerudo

The King's Lament (AO3)

Works by @/VeeLilu

Depths of the Darkness (AO3)

Works by @the--voided

Void's Grasp (AO3)

Works by @webhead3345

The Hero of the Dunes (AO3)

Works by @zeldadiarist

The Golden Chain (AO3)

Works by @zeldaelmo

The Promise (AO3)

Works by @/Zeldas_Eyebrows

In the Blood (AO3)

[amelias-zelda-calamity-quintet]

Word search game

Rules: In a new post use the words below (or choose your own) to find where they appear in your WIP/s and share those parts.

Thank you for the tag, @drsteggy! Posting this on my LoZ alt for LoZ fics. My words are horse, sweet, and raucous.

I am tagging @karama9 @loz-untold-myths and @the--voided.

Your words are magic, mystery and murder (you can pick other words if those don’t suit you).

Pulling from Mark of a Hero for this one, all in book 1 so far, surprisingly. And all released chapters, what are the odds.

Horse

          The merchant clapped his hands together, sitting down on the driver’s bench. “You are my hero, Mr. Sayre. I will submit the paperwork just as soon as I can. I look forward to working with you again in the future.”           Saddiqah drew two fingers to her lips and whistled. As the sound echoed through the trees, she responded, “I believe you’re still working with us.”           The merchant chuckled as Link let out his own sharp whistle. From somewhere else on the orchard bound two horses; one a lean silver dream of a steed and one a chestnut draft. The silver stallion approached Saddiqah, a narrow hoof tearing the soil beneath him. He was larger than most desert horses, but Saddiqah was no small woman.           Link extended his hand for the draft, the reddish mare’s reins slipping down beneath her neck for Link to take. He took the bit of lead in his left hand and placed his right to the mare’s nose. The mare snorted into his palm a long, hot breath. She was tired of casual rides to and from Castle Town. Link couldn’t blame her. Escort missions weren’t terribly exciting as far as work went.

Sweet

          If something was wrong, the city didn’t show it. Among the platforms, Deku’s Shelf was alive and beautiful. Flowers hung from railings like weeds, leaving the streets scattered in petals and the air sweet with pollen. A gentle breeze ran through, spinning pinwheels stuck out among the flowers.           What was stranger for Link to believe though was the number of Koroks in the city. He had only ever seen a handful in his life, though none of them had ever seemed fond of Castle Town. Though the further they got into the city, the more abnormally tall Link started to feel. Besides the pint sized Korok, the other prominent race in town was also petite. The twin tailed fox-faced Keaton padded along on their back-legs, some dressed, some not, with big, bushy fox tails.

Raucous (Could not find, subbing for Wild)

          On the morning of the third day, as they were beginning to turn south east again along the road around the bend of Lake Hylia, they came across a cart overturned on the road. Distantly, Link could hear shouting from inside the covered wagon, the pack animals that had once been pulling it nowhere in sight.           Not without good reason though. Surrounding the wagon was a band of bokoblins, number difficult to count as they bounced around the wagon trying to find a way in. The blue gray pig faced monsters were chattering wildly between each other, each armed with a heavy wooden club. A few of the weapons were studded with sharpened rocks.           There wasn’t a plan needed. The three broke into action on instinct without need to coordinate. Ambrose, with his heavy twohanded greatsword, charged straight ahead and leapt from Noble’s back into the fight. Saddiqah, one of her scimitars drawn, skirted around the edge of the fight to crowd the monsters together to make them a smaller target.

Thank ya again for the tag, this was a lot of fun.

[yourmiraculousfreindyt345]

This is such a good story!!!

Untold Myths: The Mage's Lantern

A Legend of Zelda Fan-Story by Nocturne

Chapter 2 (Novelized)

Expand to read! (Warning: Violence, Blood, Illness)

Chapter 2 - The Hero

The white sun boldly hangs in the gray skies above, fighting to peek through layers of cloud. Below, the world is blanketed in bright snow... But the mid-morning remains tranquil in this sort of state, when only the aftermath of a storm must be dealt with. For the village of Darune, a merely cloudy day such as this one is a true blessing. The town, built after the Frigid Storm shook the way of life for the common Hyrulean, was named after an ancient Sage of Fire... a sign of hope against the cold... Yet is no stranger to blizzards. The poor town must spend every second possible on working to survive, living off of the interconnected efforts of every individual. No one person is exempt, not even the children.

Of course, this does not mean there aren't... Unknown exceptions. Outside a small ranch known as Darune Stables, a young boy– around fourteen years of age– relaxes beneath a tree. Despite the cold, he has managed to fall asleep against its trunk. His head is tilted back along the bark. It has left his face burned red, but he hardly notices a thing... That is, until the chilled breeze causes the branches above him to sway. Snow that had gathered on the branches nights before trickles down, plopping straight onto his face. It is this wave of cold that suddenly yanks him out of rest with a slight gasp. He lets out a short sound of alarm and jolts up into a proper sit, frustratedly wiping the snow from his face. The boy shudders as it sets in just how long he's dared to sit outdoors, the effects of such being unfortunately evident in the stinging sensation across his face. It's a miracle he hasn't gotten frostbite, but he certainly feels close to it... With horse hair having been left on his pants, he can only assume that one of the horses rested beside him during that time. His father has told him they've bred the horses to have longer hair to cope with the cold, and it appears that has at least somewhat come to his own benefit now. Dreading where his irresponsibility has gotten him, the child looks to the sky. He is not at all surprised by the clouds, but what surprises him is how far the sun has gotten since he dozed off. It was only sunrise, then... And he promised his sister that he would check on her after he tended to his chores. Yet here he is, loafing about in the snow where the horses roam! Oh, he'll never hear the end of it now...

The boy pushes himself up, sneezing halfway through the process, and hurries past the horses. He murmurs a "thank you" to each of them, in case they happened to be the one that helped him stay warm, but doesn't take too much time saying hello. Although he feels bad about it, he feels worse about forgetting his promise. The child pulls himself up over the fence near the actual stable, climbing to be sure the younger horses can't try to follow him in hopes of getting extra food. From the stable building, he only needs to walk about five yards to reach his house. It's a cozy little cottage, although some days he wonders how it even holds itself together. The door seems to shift on its hinges at the breeze until his hand carefully turns the doorknob and pushes it open. As always, some snow that had gathered at the foot of the door outside tries to trail in after him on his boots. Upon his entry, he has to remove the boots and bump them against the doorframe to send the snow back to where it came from. He shuts the door after getting this out of the way and steps in place a few times to get himself warmed up again. Luckily, it doesn't take long for him to realize that he has been greeted with an orange light against his skin. The child lifts his head to finally peer around the rest of the room, spotting a ten-year-old girl huddled in front of the lit fireplace. ...His sister.. who now stares right at him with a pouting expression.

"Link!! Where have you been? You said your chores would be quick!" She whines. Her brother blinks, somehow surprised by her tone. But he knows he deserves it, so his surprise calms into a guilt-ridden frown.

"(...I know, Aryll... I dozed off, I'm sorry)." Link mumbles, his voice low as it usually is. Aryll squints at this apology. She believes him, yes, but sometimes it's hard for her to tell what he's saying.

"Dozed off? Outside? Is that why your face looks like a hawthorn berry?" Aryll tilts her head. Link finds the comment... Sort of rude, but he can't bring himself to defend himself right now. She's probably right, anyway.

"(...)"

Aryll huffs, pushing herself up and weakly pulling Link over to the fireplace beside her. She probably wouldn't have actually been able to drag him along if he hadn't just walked with her willingly... Although Link worries about her trying to drag him along at all. As they both flop into a sit, Aryll folds her arms. They sit in a slightly upset silence for a few minutes, before Link looks to Aryll.

"(...Everything's okay, right)?"

"I'm fine. I'm getting better." Aryll turns her head away. "My own big brother just forgot about me, that's all! It's been so boring being stuck in here all the time! Somehow, I'd rather be doing chores..."

"(I really am sorry, Aryll–)" Link tries to reassure his little sister after her lament. He hates to see her like this... Usually, it's a hassle to try to keep her in one place.

Aryll lets out a sigh, "I know, I know... You just had me a little... A little... worried, okay? There's been this roaring outside all morning, and I heard Papa talkin' to the others outside a while ago. He said somethin' was going on over at Spectacle Rock, and I just about thought you ran off and got stuck there!"

Roaring? Link ponders for a moment. Surely he didn't sleep through a monster's roaring, too, right? ...Perhaps he had. He almost feels like he could doze off again, sitting in the warmth of the fireplace like this... But he shakes the thought away, snapping back into reality. "(...Is anybody hurt)?"

"I don't know," Aryll begins, "but I doubt Papa would let me know what's goin' on, anyway after what happened at the pond." Her gaze moves back to the fire rather than Link, a subtle uneasiness in the usually excited young girl's eyes. It's sickening to see. The boy considers his options for a moment, before daring to propose an idea.

"(...I'm sure he'd tell me.)"

"You'll see what's happened?" Aryll seems conflicted by the suggestion, but Link nods. After some hesitation, Aryll nods as well. "...Okay, but you better not get us in trouble."

"(No promises)." Link jokes to lighten the mood as he returns to a stand. He'll miss the few minutes of heat, but he has already determined making sure his sister has nothing to worry about is more valuable to him. He pulls his boots back on, readjusting the laces.

"You'd better promise!" Aryll shouts after her brother as he exits and shuts the front door behind him.

Link's boots crunch into the snow, leaving a series of footprints in his path. When he's only a few feet away from the house, however, he realizes that he has no idea where his father even has gone. This causes him to pause. Conveniently enough, it's in this pause that he hears his father's familiar voice from the street behind him. Link turns around, seeing the man carrying a fire iron over his shoulder as he instructs a few of the village's other workers.

"When I say we shouldn't look into it," his father is mid-conversation, "I mean we shouldn't look into it. Remember the keese swarm situation? Chased 'em right into the barn, and we still can't get 'em out for good no matter how many times we get rid of 'em" The mention of what he has dubbed "The Keese Incident" is not what Link was hoping to hear... Nobody talks about The Keese Incident. Not often, anyway. "So, whatever it is, I wouldn't go an–" The man stops as he notices Link, having just been close to passing him. "Ah– Good morning, Link. Haven't seen you yet today... Did you feed the horses? I'm sure they've been anxious this morning."

"(...I did, Papa. I got everything out of the way early)." Link assures his father.

"...I'm surprised. Usually, I gotta remind you. Good work." The man pats Link's head, leaving him sort of embarrassed as the other workers watch the interaction. "...Now, I got some stuff to tend to, but one more thing–" He is interrupted by the shrill, distant roar of an unknown beast. Everyone flinches. Link turns his head back and forth, but sees no source of the sound in sight.

..

After the group's ears are done ringing, Link's father continues, "...You know Spectacle Rock? At the edge of town? Well, a monster was seen throwing a tantrum. A large one. We're convinced it's the source of all that racket... So try not to get close, alright?"

"(Mhm)." Link nods in agreement, making an effort to hide his reluctancy to do so. And with that, his father and his colleagues head further into town. Now that he knows what's going on, the boy supposes it best to go back and fill Aryll in... But he can't help but stay put. He didn't realize the monster really was so close to town. Or that it was a big one... Should they really ignore something like that? What if it comes this way? Link's mind barrels down this slippery slope long enough that he has to be redirected by yet another roar. He lets out a grunt in alarm and blinks, then looking off in the direction it more clearly came from now. It is almost demonic... Not very reassuring.

Despite the agreement he just made with his father, Link begins to follow the sound. The boy simply cannot rest with the idea of that creature getting too close and hurting anyone... The least he can do is investigate and get a better understanding of the situation. Perhaps there's something they're missing? He tries to keep close to the walls of other cabins and the village's few establishments, hoping nobody can catch him in the act of sneaking away. With Darune being as small as it is, there is no problem reaching the edge of the town. Link can see Spectacle Rock from there, the collection of stone imitating a small, jagged mountain range. At first, there is no sort of beast in sight... But it is preluded by a fearsome growl. It almost nudges Link to reconsider his mission, yet he only draws closer. The snow drags his steps a decently concerning amount, but this does not stop him either. He stops behind the nearest rock formation, peering around it to find the monster his father spoke of. Much to his own shock, he is almost immediately met with the sight of it. A towering, boar-like... Thing.

It is a moblin, a creature with a muscular, torso-heavy build, long arms, a crooked horn, and a thin layer of rough fur. But, contrary to what Link had feared, it does not seem to care about the village at all. Instead, it bashes its fists repeatedly against the walls of one particular formation of rock it cannot climb. With every impact, the puffs of snow or sharp icicles drip off of the stone. What could the moblin be so dead-set on accomplishing here? Is there really an end goal at all? As the moblin only continues its harsh rampage against Spectacle Rock, Link takes a step back. He knows now that it only has some sort of anger towards the formation, but that could change if it ever successfully destroys it. It's best to inform everyone in town. The boy is about to fully turn and retreat, but he is distracted by something else from the corner of his eye. On the rocks above the moblin, a smaller boulder is rolled to the edge and subsequently pushed off the side. It plummets down to the creature, the boulder crushing the moblin's foot beneath it's weight. This only frustrates it further, but this action brings Link to a realization: someone is up there, trying to fight if off. He can't leave now! There's no way he would allow himself to ditch someone caught up in a situation like that.

Link has no plan, but he has already chosen to take action. Taking some inspiration from the apparent stranger, he looks down to the snow and picks up a chip of rock the size of his palm. He brushes it off, tightening his grip on it before taking aim. After preparing himself for whatever consequences may await him, Link chucks the projectile straight into the moblin. It scrapes the creature's back. This doesn't leave a mark, but it was definitely irritating. The monster's head snaps back towards Link from where the boulder has pinned it in place, its blank eyes fixated on him. It sends a chill down the boy's spine, but he knows there's no turning back now. In an instant, the enraged moblin leans out and swipes its claws towards Link. Acting solely with his instincts, Link takes a step back to evade the attack. He is narrowly successful, but doesn't anticipate his own success and stumbles backward. Link must rush to recollect himself and think up a next move, but yet again becomes distracted from the movement at the top of the rocks. Someone now peeks over the edge and watches the fight; likely the person it was trying to attack. But they don't seem all that tall. In fact, from what he can tell, they seem like they could be his age. Unfortunately, as is a reoccuring theme at this point, his train of thought is cut short by a set of claws slicing at him. Due to his distraction, he is hit this time around. He is sent back with a wince, but is now at least distanced from the moblin where it cannot reach.

The child atop the rock formation lets out a sharp gasp upon witnessing this. As soon as they can, they grab another chip of stone and throw it down at the monster to once more get its attention. Surely enough, it looks their way. Link stares with wide eyes as this occurs, bringing one gloved hand to his arm and feeling the scratch that had been made. It fortunately doesn't bleed, but red has gathered at its surface to indicate it probably would if messed with. His sleeve has been torn up more than it already was. Link notes that he'll have to patch it up later. As he tries to conjure a more cohesive plan for the present, he notices something attached the moblin's belt. It closely resembles a tool he's seen a few braver villagers carry back from fishing expeditions... A spear! Whilst the creature scares the stranger back into hiding, Link sprints to it and rips the spear from where it was previously fastened. In the excitement of the moment, he quickly goes right to stabbing the spear into the back of the monster's leg. The spear pierces its silver fur, ripping its flesh and leaving a deep purple wound. The moblin is forced to kneel, growling before whipping around and diving at Link. This action is enough to finally force its foot free from the boulder, but Link– in his panic– lifts the spear as an attempt to shield himself. The spear catches the moblin's claws, and the boy instinctively jabs the spear into the creature while it's close. By some stroke of luck, this is effective enough to send it stumbling back. It thuds into the side of the main rock formation it previously was beating at, causing the stone wall to tremble. The beast slowly begins to lift itself, but points its head upward upon hearing a crumbling. Above, the sharp icicles that cling to Spectacle Rock have cracked at the base. Almost as soon as the moblin tries to move, they break. The needles of ice shoot down towards it, seamlessly sinking deep into the skin of its skull and finishing it off.

The moment to follow is a blur to Link. Watching the ice cut so deep into the creature is disturbing, especially where it impales the creature's snout... But this isn't a problem for long, as the creature's ironically silent death is concluded by it decaying into darkness that is brushed away by the breeze. Although aware this happens to monsters when they die, it remains slightly offputting to Link that he just did that. The heat of the battle alone has him feeling slightly warm, oddly enough, and that feeling remains as he tries to catch his breath. Link shifts the spear to his right hand and lifts his left to his hat. He readjusts it, lowering his free hand to the side of his face now. The cold has numbed the scratch on his arm.

After Link's period of processing is over, he recalls the other kid he saw. The boy carefully approaches the rocks, subconsciously avoiding where the moblin just perished, and sets down the spear. He carefully begins to climb up and peers over the edge, seeing the silhoutte of the other child curled up beside an incline. They keep their hands over their face; they must have been trying to hide...

"(..Hey)–" Link quietly tries to get their attention, gently reaching out a hand to help them down.

The stranger jolts, then eyeing the boy, "(You–...Did you... Kill it just now)?" They keep their voice down, just in case they are mistaken.

Link nods, keeping his hand outstretched for them, "(It's gone)."

..

There is... trepidation from the figure, but they eventually take his hand. They keep the other hand over their hooded face, finally lifting their head a little. "(Thank you)." Their face becomes visible as they murmur these words, eyes like jade making contact with Link's. She's a beautiful Hylian girl with blonde hair tucked back into her hood... And Link wasn't prepared for it at all. His face immediately getting hot, the boy finds himself caught off-guard... so caught off-guard that he doesn't realize he is slipping from his foothold.

The girl is reasonably startled by this, swiftly reaching both hands down to catch his arm. This gives Link the chance to readjust his footing. He... feels a sense of warmth again, but it's something different– Something more closely akin to embarrassment. However, he shakes it off and looks back up to the girl. "(Are you alright)...?"

She appears to be wincing, but nods anyway, "...Y- Yes. I'll be fine."

It's as he looks up to her during this response that he realizes why she kept one hand over her face previously. A gash spreads across that side, still trickling with a cold red liquid, "(...You're bleeding)." Link pulls himself up onto the rocks the rest of the way as he states what has become rather obvious.

The other child, however, gains an expression as if she somehow forgot all about the bleeding she was just making an effort to stop. Her gaze goes to his arm, where that same hand she used to block the bleeding had tried to help him up. There's a red stain on his sleeve now. She's about to apologize for this, but becomes distracted by the fact that Link tears one of the patches off of this already-scratched sleeve. Why on earth would he do such a thing out here? Her question is answered merely a second later, as Link carefully reaches over to hold the patch of cloth over the wound long enough for her to take it herself and keep the patch there herself, "...Thank you, again– ...What is your name?"

"(Link)."

"(...Link)." She repeats the familiar name to herself. Where has she heard it before...?

..

After pushing this wondering to the side for now, she continues, "My name is Zelda." Link wants to comment that it's a nice name, but he finds himself a bit too nervous to. He's not sure where he recalls the mention of the name, but it's nice nonetheless! "You have no idea how lucky I am that you showed up, Link. I was certain that thing would wait at the bottom of the rocks forever…" Zelda appears slightly shaken still. Perhaps she's not used to dealing with monsters? Her clothes do look expensive in comparison to Link's, so she could be from a much better-doing town... "(If it did, I never would be able to g- ....ohhh..." Her voice trails off, before a sudden realization hits her. It hits her so suddenly that it causes her to flinch, "Home! I was heading home! I'm so sorry, I can't stay to talk anymore. I have to go before my father worries too much," Zelda hurries and stands up, then climbs down the side of the rocks. She looks up to Link again as she makes it down, now using both hands to hold the cloth against her wound since she had to release it to climb down. He looks back down to her as well. Although surprised by the sudden goodbye, he gives a small wave before she goes. "I'll remember your help. Goodbye." Zelda returns the wave with one of her hands, but it's paired with a subtle, relieved smile. The girl then makes her way off towards the Capital in the distance. ...That's peculiar to Link, but at least it explains the clothes. On another note, it's at least daytime. That means no further monsters should show up, and her journey there should be perfectly safe!

...

And as soon as she's out of sight, Link lets his head hang in exhaustion with a sigh. That was... Well, he's not quite sure what to think. On one hand, he's rather proud of himself. He helped someone today. But on the other... He got into trouble, regardless of what he told Aryll and their father. Someone's life is more important than him being a little reckless, though, right...? He tells himself this as he slowly climbs back down to the snowy ground. The boy picks up the nearly broken spear and gazes back home. As much as he'd like to let everyone know they don't have to worry about the monster anymore, he figures they'll all piece that together soon... Besides, he has a story to tell Aryll. He knows she can keep a secret if it'll keep her entertained while cooped up indoors. Knowing he can't keep her waiting terribly long again, the young hero races back into Darune Village.

Note:

Intrigued? Check the rest of this blog to find concept art and other details! My asks are always open, as well. I would love to rant about these goobers. :)

Previous Chapter: Prologue + The Wizard

(#loz the mage's lantern) (#loz untold myths).

I also have a writing blog where I'll be posting LoZ fics based on canon at Nocturnal Writer!