#man i love zelda

[spaceless-vacuum]

What if the zeldas from the links like sun and sky being yandere for reader too.

Would they Ally with their links are not are would they break those ally with their links if we're to have reader in their hyrule.

Zelda from koridia game is a savage

So I watched all of the t.v show episodes and I can finally start adding some of my opinions on this, starting with Courage and (I don't think she has a nickname yet I think I’ll just call her Wisdom because it matches her Link’s name but correct me if there's a better one).

. . .

To begin, both of these two can Fight! Wisdom often goes along with Courage to the underground realm where Ganon’s lair is and will help him save the day. While she doesn't like to get her hands dirty if she doesn't have to, she refuses to sit around and do nothing when there's work to be done. She still keeps a strict line between her princess duties and that of a knight. She isn't as competent of a fighter as Courage is so she leaves the heavy hitting to him. She stands back and helps out and manages to keep herself out of trouble just enough that her friend doesn't have to worry about her too much. She doesn't want to be overwhelmed or kidnapped after all.

During her time Hyrule is not as powerful or as present as it once was, and only two pieces of the triforce have been found (in the show they just dismiss the triforce of courage and never mention it so i'm going to assume it’s lost, same with the master sword because they never call Courage’s sword by name and it doesn't seal Ganondorf it just takes him away for awhile.) As such it’s hard for Ganondorf to win; but they also can't seal him away just yet. This means Hyrule for her is a peaceful zone until it isn't for a few days and then it all goes back to normal. Action isn't uncommon but most people live peaceful lives thanks to the efforts and worries from the princess and the triforce’s Guardian.

When you roll into town it isn't under attack but there's still evidence of the terror that rampaged through just a few days prior. It’s clear something bad happened but not bad enough to put a damper on the good peoples spirits. You just finished up booking a room in the inn for the night and you're walking around town trying to figure out what to do when Courage spots you from afar. He stops his morning walk in its tracks just to get a good look at you. A new stranger in town is always newsworthy and he just has to know what you're up to, it might be no good and he reasons that such a pretty thing like you shouldnt be left around with no one by your side. He walks over to you and the conversation is friendly enough, but then he finds out you're an adventurer.

This strikes him as funny because Courage used to be an adventurer like you before he got stuck with a job in the castle. It’s been so long since he's been on the open road and he really misses it. He invites you over top of the castle for some tea and before you can reply he points out that it’s just ahead anyways. You have no choice but to accept as he takes your hand and practically drags you along for the ride. Following him down the brick path through the wide open gates into a stunning and painstakingly kept courtyard the stone brick of the castles waits and beckons you to explore.

He walks down the hallways very casually and asks you lots of questions about where you're from, what you're doing here, how the roads were like, and what your favourite food is. The conversation goes from regular chatting to flirting very quickly. He can't help it seeing such a sweet thing like you all by yourself means you must have plenty of stories to tell and he just can't wait to hear them all.

Wisdom bumps into you two not far from the entrance. She was just about to follow Courage to make sure he wasn't going to shirk his duties as a knight. They didn't have many knights around so it was all hands on deck for this one; and then she sees you. A beauty walking into her castle and where were her manners. She looks more smitten than the hero was and quickly resumes the neutral mask as her role as a princess and takes over interrogating. Where are you from, is this your first time in their kingdom, oh it is? Well you just have to stay for dinner and tea! She’d be more than happy to show you around if you’d be so gracious.

Courage follows behind the two of you as Wisdom takes over the talking. He has to admit that she has a way with words. Watching you two he can see Wisdom slowly sink her fangs into you. One hand is placed gently on your back and he can see an unusual tension in her body. It isn't hard for him to realise that he may have fallen for you but she fell harder. The three of you walk to a side room with a table and you all gather around and swap stories. Courage tells you about his adventures, Wisdom talks about the kingdom and what’s going on with Ganondorf, and you fill them in with how you came to wind up here.

All in all Wisdom offers you a place to stay at the castle as it would be a better spot than any for resting after such a long journey. It is hard to turn her down with how sweet she’s being and she's absolutely right about it being much better than the inn you were going to stay at. Courage goes to collect your bags from your old spot and offers you a room by his. Just in case anything happens, that way you'll be safe. Wisdom tells you not to worry as Ganondorf never attacks so soon but agrees that you should stay close to him. You thank her again and she spends some time talking to you before showing you to your room.

Oh true, it is not befitting of her to marry someone of a lower station but she can't help but be mesmerised by you. Somewhere between the tough and gritty shell of an adventure she can see the soft soul of someone like her. A mixture between gentle and heroic; kind and able to get the job done. It just draws her in like a moth to flame but some part of her knows it is in her duties to one day marry for the good of the kingdom. If it’s in her luck they will be much like you.

Not that taking a consort was so out of the question but it's at a time and place in history while Hyrule is starting to rebuild again and she has to plan for the future. When Courage gets back she talks to him about her feelings. She can see how hurt he is at first when she begins talking; but he doesn't say anything as the two have been friends for ages at this point. Even if he does flirt with her and they do fight from time to time nothing can separate them and they know that. The kingdom rests on their shoulders and more than that protecting and retaining the triforce is key for the future of all of Hyrule. 

It isn't until she talks about her final thoughts and feelings; about how she wants you here but can't take you for himself that he realises what she’s after. He jumps in joy when he realises he gets to keep the cake and eat it too. He asks offhandedly if having you here means that he can't ask her for kisses anymore and she laughs before lightly punching his shoulder. Joking about how uncivil he can be before relaxing and asking that he keep you here in the castle, that is both a request from a friend and an order.

Courage looks a little taken back and Wisdom lightly lets him know that she wants to see the two of you happy together and doesn't want to take any chances. The endorsement of your relationship seems to be more of a way to have her cake and eat it too and Courage doesn't believe she is as serious as she seems at first. He gets to have you but by him having you she gets you as well? The concept goes over his head and Wisdom has to gently reexplain the concept several times before he comes to understand what's going on.

The aftermath is both of them taking things lightly while whisking you away. You can defend yourself and they often take you on their journeys together. This is an open relationship where you and Courage are officially dating while Zelda gets to keep you in her life and enjoy sweeter moments and company from you. Courage doesn't mind at all and finds himself happy to share, you're his in the end anyways. You and the princess are seen as especially close friends. Of course your willingness to defend the princess in battle is commendable and from the outside all seems calm and normal. You're just another helping hand and dating the hero. Nothing strange is seen.

. . .

I wrote more for those two than I meant to, anyways here's a flash round of how I think the others would go!

. . .

Dot would love for you to join the knights of Hyrule. This keeps you and Four by her side, while allowing the two of them more time with you. You get personal training from Four and to all outsiders you're just another personal guard who spends all their time guarding the princess, as a good knight should. Why all that time seems to be in her chambers and acting more like a pet than actual knight is rumoured but no one can confirm what’s going on as you are rarely seen. When not with Dot Four has you by his side in a chain that matches your armour. All that training doesn't seem to save you from anything as you're in more of a political bind than physical. It keeps you still more than any physical chain can after all. I’m not sure if Dot and Four would also have feelings for each other, rather I see them as close friends with a shared love interest and they never even have to go through that awkward phase of ‘we both like the same person dont we’. They both just nod at each other and understand that it’s not an issue for them.

. . .

Sky and Sun have a house for you! And if it’s not a house out in the woods it's a special room made in the castle that was renovated with a door that locks from the outside. With all the chaos going on on the surface many people soon forget about the strange room that the queen asks for, and it's only there for when you forget your role by their side. Sky, you, and Sun are a power throuple and everyone in the kingdom knows it. You help Sun rule the kingdom by making sure she takes care of herself and her and you often spar together while Sky watches. You don't join the knights because that would mean going out and doing dirty work, rather your job at the castle is more of a personal friend borderline assistant. It crosses the fine line between royal lover and pet but between the two of them always cooing over you and each other you're being so smothered in love it's hard to tell where one line ends and the other begins. Everyone knows all three of you are in a relationship and everyone is cool with it.

. . .

God Artemis and Warriors… Ok so for this one I think they would have a huge rivals aspect to it. Not in a ‘i hate you way’ rather a ‘I can make them swoon way harder than you can’. Both find it funny and it's all in good faith. You for your part are so confused about how you got these two wonderful people suddenly fighting very hard for affection but it soon gets to be very overwhelming. Openly no one can see what's going on, just more banter between the princess and the hero. I don't see them sharing you together rather one will take you for a while before the other will spirit you away. I can see you being a soldier or messenger during wartime; your position is high enough to draw attention but not so much so you're in the active line of duty. Safe enough to not worry them too much while close enough to the fight to make your presence known. This is what sparks envy in them as you aren't close to either of them but they're both keeping tabs on you. You see none of the behind the scenes but Warrior is asking everyone you've ever worked with what they know about you, what your secrets are, where you live, and he passes it all under the rug as official business and your comrades are all too happy to give you up if it's the captain asking.

Meanwhile Artemis just pulled up your records and got all the information from that. Warrior shows up in her office to brag and she's just sipping tea while calmly explaining she already knows all of that and didn't have to work for three extra weeks to find it out. Trouble ensues.

Warrior gets you when he's not on active duty, and after the war he gets to have you when he returns from his missions. Aremis dresses you up in the finest of clothes she can find and leaves you for him as a present; he deserves to come home to his precious darling after all he's been through. He returns the favour by presenting you in much the same way before he leaves to go take care of business; he also handles any of the dirty work such as removing rivals and taking care of punishments that she can't handle herself. The two share you separately and take on the responsibilities of keeping you quiet together.

. . .

Flora Can see you and how close you are with Wild. She swatches from afar as you two grow closer and she feels a little strange watching how closely you two are. Of course she agrees that you are the most precious gem in all of Hyrule and is so thankful for you; both for your huge heart in helping to restore Hyrule to what it once was and also for helping Wild. She knows she can not be there to comfort him like she wishes to be so having you there to be a shoulder to cry on is so sweet to watch. She just wishes to be there too. Her time alone leaves her with a lot of time to simmer over her feelings and she often finds herself wondering if she can make the three of you work out. She wants you by her side and wants him too, god shes so head over heels and knows that he must feel the same way. If only she was there now, please don't make her wait…

When she is rescued she reunites with Wild, and the two of them talk and are so happy. She avoids the subject of you. Rather she already knows you were safely left at his house in Hateno and wants to say hello to Wild first before making the journey there. She has to test the water and say hello to her close friend first. By the time they make it to the village it's nighttime and you are sleeping peacefully. She goes upstairs to check on you and Wild follows behind. It's not hard to tell from the look on her face to know what she is thinking about. All it takes is one look at each other and the two of them know, in the way only two destined to fall in love can know, what the other is thinking.

For this one it’s a slowish burn between Wild and Flora while they also love you. Another polycue that will only have to face more troubles as a rejuvenated Ganon is on the horizon.

. . .

Fauna and Calamity i'm on the fence over. Some people write him as hating the nobility and his involvement in the war and having a sore spot over how he was treated, and while I have to agree I think he's also a forgive but never forget type of person. Like it still hurts but he wont let that change how he acts around others. This relationship is rough but I can see it having a happy ending. With Fauna and Calamity never ending up together I can still see them reaching a conclusion and sharing you. Especially since after all is said and done Calamity is still a knight beholding to Hyrule and the Princess. Him and Fauna can work together to keep you in the castle, but this is where they start to disagree.

Fauna wants to show you off. She wants to have everyone see you hanging off of her arm so they know you're taken. This sets Calamity off because he's the type to want to hide you away from others instead. This results in a fight between him and Fauna and it isn't until she points out that it's smarter this way; as now everyone knows you're taken and they won't be able to make a move on you because of her power. You Are Safer because you've been marked as off limits. Once he hears this and really processes it he relaxes and realises that she's right. She can do things he can't and after this the two have a heart to heart. What happened during the war was the hardest time of his life and he's always been training to be the perfect soldier and now that it's over he's finally healing. He has a life now and no matter what you’re the make upon it. She agrees wholeheartedly and swears she never wants to take you from him. She wants to see him happy and won't ever cross any line without good cause and reason. They both need and want you and even if they go about it in different ways they both agree that the other's way isn't bad; in fact it blends quite well.

When the loud drum of nobles and the castle becomes too much for you Calamity and Fauna will go on a trip to a quieter part of Hyrule and work out well for all three of you! They need to get out and make sure the rest of the country is recovering well and everyone is always glad to see the hero and princess again. It means a lot to the both of them to take you out and about every so often, even if you are now stuck inbetween the biggest power couple in Hyrule that isn't even a couple.

This matchup is funny to me because I can see Fauna and Calamity healing from everything and reforging their friendship afterwards and being really close physically; being touchy and feely but both agreeing there's nothing romantic about it. You can often find Calamity passed out in the lap of the princess and he stands guard over her so happily that everyone assumes it’s them dating, and in reality they are just extremely close and it's you dating them. They love to gush about you to each other and the kingdom just accepts the princess and her knight have a thing for you, and that she's dating you both but nothing has been made official yet. They saved the kingdom, let them do whatever they want.

...

To be honest I headcanon that polyam is accepted in loz because why wouldn't it be, and also its a bit of a matriarch because its the three golden goddesses and Hylia is the patron goddess to Hyrule, and even in Lorule i'm assuming they also have goddesses? To be honest It’s a very female ruled kingdom as well because it’s Zelda’s blood that holds the power to seal the darkness and also she rules the kingdom. So needless to say no one minds Zelda doing what she wants especially when it's an era with a hero, they saved everyone for god's sake let them have some peace.

. . .

Ok so for the others we have Dusk/Twilight, Wind/Tetra, Fable/Legend, Hyrule/Dawn/Aurora, Lullaby/Time, and Koridai/(I haven't thought of a good name for her yet…) and I will get those done on a later date because this is so long as it is. I know I went hard into the Wisdom and Courage part but in my defence I just finished watching the show and I thought it was goofy and fun!

[cuppajj]

The nursery is the Lost Woods

you are so right, it's the lost woods but larger and prettier and if it looked like korok forest

[catsharky]

Presenting: King Sidon, his wife Queen Yona and his boyfriend Link.

Yona is very supportive of everything except Sidon forgetting his ceremony cues.

(I had an atrocious week and TotK has been coming in clutch for keeping me sane.)

[emily-e-draws]

swordfighter form ✨

[verflares]

would you like to live deliciously?

[selenityshiroi]

Zelda travelling around Hyrule after the Calamity and people are tripping over themselves to tell her stories about the Hero because they love that feral cryptid mad man and are so proud of him

'I met him when I was about to get eaten by a Hinox...he jumped off a horse, fired 12 arrows in the blink of an eye and then got smacked in the face with a tree...but then he came back and hacked away at it's legs with this stupidly big sword until it finally died'

'He was wearing this weird patched together mask that looked like a monster but he made enough curry for everyone so we didn't like to ask'

'But...the hero was a girl? She wore these lovely green silks and every time she came out of the Gerudo Canyon she had a bag full of electric safflina to sell to Beedle over there. The Gerudo think she's an amazing fighter, which says a lot, and she always thanked me for looking after her horses when she went into the desert'

'I swear to Hylia that he ran through here wearing nothing but his underwear and a mask shaped like a leaf...claimed he was looking for the Children of the Forest. Sorry, Princess, but I'm not sure he was quite right in the head at the time'

'He used to creep in here silently wearing this grey mask and with enough lizards and beetles that we could make enough elixirs to last for a month. Not sure I ever saw his face without it'

And the entire time Link is stood neatly dressed, three steps away, listening to every word and no one pays him the slightest bit of attention. Because none of them cotton on that 'prim and proper Royal Knight' Link and 'I will defeat this Lynel with a stick, a pot lid and a bucket load of adrenaline' Wild Child Hero is the same man. Especially with how many masks he owned.

When they walk away and are out of sight and earshot Zelda just raises her eyebrow with a smile and he is like '...I can explain...it made sense at the time'

[mochiobonio]

if link could rewind time and levitate giant aah boulders, pretty sure sidon would believe link in a heartbeat if he COULD speak to fish

[narsh-poptarts]

my dark link thoughts coalesced into wonderful headcanons and crazy amounts of forced perspectives and dutch angles

also sorry HW i would have included your dark link(s) but i do not have passion for your game <3 maybe next time

Some thoughts below

I have thoughts about dark link that boil down to basically two things: 1. it's always the same dark link, and 2. dark link has a very difficult time changing.

No matter how many times dark link is brought into existence, he is formed from the shadow of link usually to test link's will. that shadow can be duplicated (as seen in HW) but generally speaking it's the same guy, sharing the thought space, you know how it is. In terms of sentience/thinking for himself, I don't think there's all that much of it. He is a dark reflection/shadow of link, so shares his abilities and thought patterns (for combat) with added aggression and. evil. i guess.

As said by navi, "conquer yourself", and all that. He's a challenge to the inner will power.

That being said!!! he can have a little bit of individuality, as a treat. Just in the form of being mean and sadistic <3 he's got thoughts, he's not just a combat doll (tho in times of low power, or a greater power having the reins, he reverts to that), so he can be frustrated, vindicated, happy, etc etc. though when your thoughts are mainly "evilevilevilevilevil" your idea of these emotions are a bit skewed.

When he's summoned for each different link, i hc that it's all the same magic, so the same dark link every time. he "remembers" in an abstract sense of his role in the same way a link or zelda "remembers" their own reincarnation. tho his is less of a reincarnation and more being used over and over again. a persistence.

The iteration that's summoned reflects the current link at the time, the part of link that needs testing/defeating, so it's not an existence that he himself can change to match the present. he's locked to that first copy/shadow only. So if he were to have a second encounter with an older link, he'd look like the first time they fought, unless he was specifically re-summoned. i hc he's got limited magic, so this is not something he can do himself.

in a links-meet scenario, his form would be limited to those specific forms of the links, and it would always be the points in time in which he first encountered them, unless there's other magic either he or someone else has access to to allow him to change forms to match.

now you might be saying at this point "wouldn't he be a weaker match if he was put up against an older link?" yeah probably lol. but also!!! i like the idea that with the limited magic he has, he's able to change juuuust enough to stay relatively evenly matched. being able to play to different strengths and all that. but the base stuff is still the same, so he is decently easy enough to read if link remembers the kind of stuff he was pulling back when he originally fought dark link.

dark link also knows about all this so while limited to the particular skillset, is able to adapt slightly.

but yeah been thinking a lot about a links-meet au where dark link is there choosing a different link to be every time he appears to the party.

though there are a couple links that he never impersonates in their games!!! so can't change into those guys unless he gets a new round of copycat magic.

Anyways goodbye guy standing there with standard camera angle, i have dutch angles and forced perspective

[arcane-gold]

catch a falling star and put it in your pocket~ ♪

[daeyumi]

🌜🎭🎊Dawn of a New Day 🎊🎭🌞

[2022]

[sheikfangirl]

Gloom nightmares...

Link is totally sleep-deprived on his Tears of the Kingdom quest.

He NEVER rests. But despite all his efforts, it is inevitable: Link collapses and sleep wins over him... and when that happens, Link has the most vile and repulsive nightmares!! Puppet Zelda and her cruelty is always there, ready to mock and torture him.

PS. Nintendo could've gone waaaaaaaay worse with Puppet Zelda if you ask me

PS 2 If you are wondering, yeah, this is a shameless homage to that iconic Evil Dead 2 scene. Groovy! 😊

[coffebits]

I finally finished all shrines in totk and this was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw that man.🐀

[thelvadams]

favourite games showcased at E3 2024

[rapid-artwork]

Yeah alright.

Happy pride month from an unexpected Google search result. I can't say I WASN'T expecting Link to be on that list but I'll take it.

[quirkle2]

it's nice to feel childlike wonder again

[smilesrobotlover]

The sun felt warm as it shone against Talon’s skin, making his eyes grow heavy as he and his carriage slowly moved across Hyrule field. He had just sold some Lon Lon milk in Castle town, and left early in the morning so he could get home as soon as possible. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t a morning person, so he was doing everything in his power to stay awake. The last thing he needed was to fall asleep and get robbed by bandits.

The field was quiet and peaceful, the world not yet awakening from the sun barely peeking over the horizon. The gentle clip-clop of his horse’s hooves against the ground was soothing, and Talon began to feel too relaxed, finally giving in to his desires of dozing off.

A distressed whinny caused him to jolt awake. He looked around, expecting to be attacked by bandits or monsters, but all he saw was a small horse running to him, whinnying frantically at Talon.

“Oh my, where’d you come from, little one?” He wondered out loud, stopping his carriage and hopping off. The horse was noticeably young, with a beautiful chestnut coat and cream colored hair. It was a mare from what Talon could see, and looking at her coat, she seemed awfully familiar to him. She stomped up to Talon and gently bit his hand, attempting to drag him.

“Woah woah woah!” Talon pulled back, giving the horse a weird look. “What do ya think you’re doin’ little one?”

The horse whinnied again and started to shuffle to an area, clearly trying to get Talon to follow. Talon didn’t have much choice but to follow; a horse only acted like this when something was wrong.

“Where’s your rider?” He muttered, following the horse reluctantly. He didn’t know what he was being led to specifically, but seeing the size of the filly with a saddle of all things made him worried for a young rider, possibly injured somewhere. Seeing that Talon was finally following her, the filly started to trot towards a cluster of trees, stopping at a patch of bushes where she began to stomp around, impatiently nibbling and nudging the leaves on the bushes. Talon let out a sigh when he reached the spot, looking around to see if anything was out of the ordinary, but there was nothing. Was this filly just lost and was panicking, hoping to get help? Talon had to admit she seemed to be a smart horse, but he didn’t understand why he was led to a patch of bushes.

“Are you lost, little one?” He asked, watching as the young mare nibbled on the bushes. She nudged the leaves away with her snout while snorting, and Talon was able to catch a glimpse of blonde hair. He gasped and got on his knees, moving the bushes out of the way to reveal a young, blonde-haired boy with green clothes that blended in with the plants surrounding him. He looked to be about the same age as his daughter Malon, barely eleven, and his face was pale and covered in sweat. He wheezed as he breathed and he had a pained expression on his face, and Talon lightly touched his head to feel a burning fever. He frowned and began to shake him gently, seeing if he would wake up. The boy groaned and reacted to his touch, his eyes fluttering open. They landed on Talon immediately and several emotions flickered through his face.

“M-Mr– Bart—ten…” He choked out, his eyes tearing up as he stared at Talon. The farmer blinked for a moment, confused about what he was saying, but he let out a sigh and went to gather the boy in his arms. The poor thing was clearly delirious, and he needed medical attention.

“It’s ok, kiddo, I’ll take care of you,” he assured. The boy felt fragile in his strong arms, and he whimpered in pain as his head rested against Talon’s chest. The farmer wasted no time finding a spot for the boy in his carriage, having to move some empty bottles out of the way and laying strands of hay to add a cushion for him. He gently laid him down, finding a quilt tucked away in the corner of the carriage and swaddled him the best he could. It didn’t look comfy, but it was better than nothing. He tucked the empty bottles away to make sure they didn’t fall on him, and he grabbed a spare rope to tie to the back.

“I hope you don’t mind this, I have a feeling that boy is your rider,” Talon explained, tying the rope to the filly. The young mare surprisingly seemed willing to be tied to the carriage, and waited patiently as Talon hopped on his carriage, resuming his journey with more haste. He tried to keep a steady pace so the carriage wouldn’t jostle, and so that the mare wouldn’t be dragged behind, but he knew he needed to move fast if he wanted to get back to the ranch. He fortunately had medicine stocked up at home, knowing that if he, Malon, or Ingo got sick, he wouldn’t have time to go back and forth getting more, so the boy should be fine when they got there. He just hoped it wouldn’t turn into anything serious—Talon was knowledgeable on illnesses and injuries, but he was no doctor.

The sun was beginning to set when Talon arrived at Lon Lon, and he hopped off the carriage in front of his house, untying the mare and collecting the feverish boy in his arms.

“Daddy!”

Talon glanced up to see his little girl running towards him, an excited smile on her face. Talon smiled back and shifted the boy in his arms slightly.

“You’re back! Did ya get me anything?”

“Why yes, I did,” Talon said, pulling the boy out of the carriage and showing Malon. “I got you a new friend, but he’s a little sick right now.”

Malon’s eyes went big and she stepped forward, gently patting the boy’s arm. “Fairy boy! It’s Fairy boy! Don’t you remember him daddy?”

Talon looked down at the boy again. He was so distracted on getting him into his carriage, he didn’t recognize him as the young boy that visited Lon Lon Ranch over a year ago. Memories of him and Malon playing music at the ranch flooded in, and Talon only felt more inclined to take care of him. The situation became more personal.

“Epona!” Malon squealed, giggling at the filly who trotted towards her excitedly. Talon stared at the two’s reunion, Epona nuzzling Malon’s chest while she sang her favorite song. He smiled warmly at them and quickly headed inside, not wanting to wait much longer. So this boy and that horse used to be here in Lon Lon? Goddesses, it had been a while since Talon’s seen him, and yet it felt like it was only yesterday. Though the fairy boy was in their lives for such a short time, he left an impact on the ranch, specifically with Malon. He was the first kid her age that she’s met and played with, and Malon talked her father’s ear off about him since he went away with Epona in tow. Talon began to grow curious about where he was all this time, and why he was hidden in bushes with a burning fever.

The farmer walked up the stairs that led to his room and he set the sick boy gently on the soft mattress. He stared at him for a moment, his brow furrowed, trying to remember anything else about the little one, but nothing came up, so he turned around to get medicine, water, and a damp cloth. The folks at Lon Lon didn’t get sick often, so he hoped he remembered enough about taking care of a fever. When he went back upstairs to his room, he heard the boy whimpering, shifting in the soft bed. Talon quickly took off his shoes to make him more comfortable and rested his hand on his head. The fever was concerningly strong.

“Excuse me,” Talon said softly, gently shaking the boy. He groaned and his eyes fluttered open again, staring over Talon’s shoulder. He squinted his eyes and frowned.

“Romani? … How…?”

Talon raised an eyebrow and looked behind him, flinching when his daughter suddenly appeared.

“Goddesses, Malon, don’t sneak up on me like that!” He scolded. Malon gave an apologetic look, her dimples appearing as she smiled slightly.

“Sorry, daddy. I just wanted to see Link! It’s been a while!”

Malon leaned over the fairy boy (or Link, Talon supposed), brushing his hair away from his face. Link looked horrified as he watched Malon, clearly looking uncomfortable.

“Malon, sweetie, let’s give him some space,” Talon spoke up, noting Link’s strange expressions. “I oughta give him some medicine anyhow.”

Malon hopped back and gave her father an excited look. “Can I help?”

“Oh! Well…” Talon glanced at the bowl of water and the cloth. “You can help wipe his face when I’m done givin’ him medicine, ok?”

Malon nodded excitedly, watching as Talon helped Link sit up. The boy was so weak that he could barely move on his own, and Talon eventually pulled him into his lap so he could lean against him. Talon gripped Link’s arm firmly so he could stay in place and began rummaging his hand all over the nightstand to grab the medicine. His daughter noticed his searching and grabbed the medicine for him and Talon gave her a grateful nod, uncorking the bottle and bringing it to Link’s lips.

“You think you can drink this?” He asked, and Link nodded, clumsily grabbing at the bottle and drinking it with Talon’s help. Talon had to pull it back a couple of times to make sure it didn’t spill everywhere, but Link was surprisingly cooperative for an eleven-year-old drinking the disgusting medicine; he remembered he always had to fight Malon whenever she needed it. The bottle was soon gone, and Link leaned back against Talon’s chest, his eyes closed. The farmer cradled him for a moment, figuring that Link needed that type of comfort, and Malon walked over as she watched him with her father, her head tilted with fascination.

“Is he gonna be ok?” Malon asked, and Talon looked up at her, nodding confidently.

“I’m sure he will be,” he said, carefully moving Link so he could get off the bed. He laid him down and pulled the blankets over him, giving his hair a soft ruffle before pulling away.

“I’m gonna put the carriage away, Malon. You keep an eye on him, ok?” Talon said, and his daughter nodded back at him. Talon lingered for a moment, worriedly watching them, but finally left the room. Ingo was outside staring at the carriage annoyed, but he quickly scurried away when Talon showed up. The farmer glanced over at Epona, who was watching him silently. Talon frowned and walked over to her, giving her a gentle pat on the snout.

“That boy doesn’t have a family, does he?” He asked, knowing that Epona wouldn’t answer. It was something Talon noticed when Link first arrived. Though he didn’t remember much, he did remember that Link was by himself whenever he saw him. The only company he had was his fairy. Talon shouldn’t be too surprised—if Link really was a Kokiri, then it’d make sense why he’d have no family. But Kokiris died when they left the woods, didn’t they? Or was Link finally experiencing the death a Kokiri had when they were out of the woods? Talon rubbed his eyes with a soft grumble. He really didn’t know if any of that was true, but it made Talon slightly worried. Despite remembering that Link was from the lost woods, Talon couldn’t help but feel that he was a Hylian. Everything down to his mannerisms made him seem far more mature than the Kokiri ever were. They remained as children, their bodies and mentalities never changing, even for centuries. But Link…. His face held a mature understanding of the world that Talon only saw in adults. Either way, Talon couldn’t risk him dying. If he needed to return to the woods, he would take him there, he just needed to learn more about him.

Talon led Epona and his carriage to the barn, letting her and the horses roam with the others before returning to the house with warm Lon Lon milk. He was expecting Link to be sound asleep, but to his surprise, he was already trying to get out of bed despite Malon’s protests.

“Link, honestly! You can’t be gettin’ up now! You could barely drink the medicine my daddy gave to you!” She shouted, trying to shove him back to bed.

“I… I’ll be fine,” he mumbled, his voice raspy and hoarse. He brushed Malon off and reached for his shoes, but grew out of breath.

“Link! You’re sick! Lay back down!”

“I can’t stay…”

Talon entered the room with haste, setting the bottle of milk down as he walked up to Link. The boy stared up at him, his light blue eyes wide with guilt.

“Do you need to go to the woods?” Talon asked him, and Link frowned.

“What?”

“The woods? The lost woods? Where all them youngins are in?”

“O-oh, Kokiri forest?”

“Yeah, that. I hear Kokiri die when they’re away from the forest for too long. You… you’re a Kokiri, right?”

A devastated look took over Link’s exhausted face, his eyes spacing out as he looked down. “No…”

Talon frowned at his reaction, and he glanced over at Malon who looked concerned.

“No?”

“I-I’m not going to the woods… I’m not a Kokiri… I don’t belong there anymore. I don’t–I don’t belong anywhere,” Link’s voice grew so quiet that Talon almost didn’t catch what he said at the end. It was quiet in the room, and Link slowly went to grab his shoes, but Talon stopped him.

“What’s the rush then?”

“I… can’t stay….”

“Why not?”

“Because I…. I…” Link stammered, trying to push out a good argument, but with his feverish mind and exhausted body, he couldn’t. Talon sighed and gently pushed him back, and Link obliged, laying down on the pillow, his eyes half closed.

“At least get some rest before you decide to travel, ok?”

Link’s eyes went wide for a second, before closing, and he was finally asleep. Talon sighed and gave his head a pat, giving a proud smile to Malon.

“You handled that well, dear.”

Malon brushed some hair out of her eyes and sighed. “Thanks daddy. He sure is a stubborn one, ain’t he?”

Talon shrugged and stared at the young boy. So he wasn’t a Kokiri, that meant he wasn’t dying, thank the goddesses. But everything else about Link confused him. If he seemingly didn’t belong to the Kokiri anymore, then where did he call home? Did he even have a home? Talon sighed and began to head out of the room.

“I trust you’ll keep a good eye on him?”

Malon nodded. “I won’t let him try to get up next time.”

Talon snorted. “Try not to hurt him too much. You got some Gerudo blood in you, while he’s a simple Hylian,” Talon glanced at Link, “I think. Give him that milk when he wakes up.”

Malon nodded again and plopped herself in a chair, staring at the strange boy in bed. Talon smiled at her, leaving the room once again, feeling exhausted himself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Link’s fever was persistent. Talon spent a long time with him to see if he was getting better, but he was not. He wasn’t getting worse though, which Talon supposed was better than nothing. Link stayed in bed most of the time, unable to get out due to the fever and to Malon forcing him to rest. Talon always had to make sure she was gentle with him. He knew she had such a gentle and kind soul, but her Gerudo strength, despite having only a little bit of it, was not to be underestimated. Malon stayed by Link’s side the entire time, only leaving when she had chores to do. She would talk the boy’s ear off when she was with him; talking to him about her chores, her favorite animals, and the songs she wrote. She would occasionally sing to him, and he would always listen. Talon couldn’t tell if he wanted to listen, but considering the small smile on his lips whenever his daughter spoke to him, he assumed that he enjoyed the company. Many times, Talon decided to do Malon’s chores for her so she could spend time with her friend, and eventually, Link started to feel better.

Talon allowed him to walk around the ranch, knowing that being in the same room for days couldn’t feel good for anyone, and Link happily obliged. He always seemed anxious, as if there was something he had to be doing, so being able to at least walk around made him a little more cheery than normal. But as soon as he was able to walk around, he once again tried to leave.

“Where do you think you’re goin’?” Talon asked when he caught Link packing up his things, trying to talk him out of it before he was gone. Link didn’t say anything for a moment, a guilty look on his face.

“I–I need to be elsewhere,” he finally said, finishing packing up his few items scattered across the room.

“Already? I know you’re feelin’ better, and exercise is good for you, but you can’t push yourself.”

Link let out a huff. “I’ll be fine. This fever will go away in due time.”

“Yeah, if you take care of yourself,” Talon argued, and Link shot a glare at him.

“Why do you care?” He suddenly snapped. Talon’s eyes widened at the boy’s sudden hostility. He scratched the back of his head and looked away.

“Is it so wrong for me to care about a sick kid?”

Link’s expression softened and he turned away. “How much do you remember?” He asked softly.

“Huh?”

“How much–how much do you remember of me?”

Talon was taken aback at the strange question. Though he’s only seen Link a couple of times last year, he remembered them pretty well now that he spent more time with the kid.

“I remember you woke me up with a cuccoo and told me my daughter was waitin’ for me. Good thing too ‘cause I didn’t mean to fall asleep at the castle of all places. Poor Malon.” Link stayed still as stone so Talon continued, “I remember you came by our ranch and found my special cuccoo. I teased you about marryin’ my daughter and you got all shy ‘bout it.” Talon chuckled at the memory. Link looked away with an embarrassed look on his face so Talon moved onto the next memory. “I remember you and Malon played all day, and played music as loud as you two could. It sorta annoyed me when I was tryin’ to sleep but I ain’t never seen Malon sing with all her heart like that before. So I let it continue.” Talon sighed and racked everything he remembered about Link, but only one more memory remained. “And then I remember you buyin’ Epona. It broke Malon’s heart to part with that horse but she cared about you and knew you would take great care of her. And that’s about all I remember of you.”

Link continued to face away from Talon, staring blankly at the wall. Talon frowned and walked up to him.

“Why are you askin’ this?”

Link sighed and hugged himself. “You just don’t know me like you used to.”

Talon was taken aback again. “Now what in Farore’s name do you mean by that?”

Link opened his mouth but was interrupted by Malon entering the room. She spotted Link’s packed up possessions and frowned.

“You’re leaving already?” She asked as he quickly finished gathering his things. “Are you sure you feel well enough for it?”

“I’ll be fine,” he said softly, looking up at Talon with another guilty expression. “I’ve already overstayed my welcome.”

Talon tilted his head. “You didn’t overstay nothin’ boy. It was my pleasure to have you here.”

Link smiled slightly, but he quickly turned away, a sad and distant look in his eye. Talon stroked his chin and squinted at him.

“Where do you call home?”

Link glanced at Talon, then at the floor. “I—um…”

“Do you… have a home?”

Link didn’t react, and he shifted uncomfortably. Talon sighed.

“Oh… Link, if you have nowhere else to go, you can always stay here—“

“No! I-I mean,” Link shrunk away, clutching onto his shirt. “You-you guys have been very kind but I–I don’t want to be a bother anymore.”

“You were anything but a bother! We loved havin’ you here!” Talon reassured, but Link didn’t look convinced

“I-I can’t stay here for free… I—I don’t—“ Link whimpered slightly, pressing himself further against the wall. Talon backed up slightly, realizing he was being too forceful with the boy. He took a deep breath and tried again.

“Ok, if you don’t wanna stay for free, then you don’t have to,” he said softly.

Link finally looked at him, a sad look on his face. “I don’t have any rupees though.”

“Who said anythin’ about money! How old are ya? Eleven? I can't expect an eleven-year-old to be able to pay rent!”

Link stared at him confused. “Then how…?”

“Well, I can always have ya work around the farm, do whatever chores you’re capable of doin’, in return you get a place to stay and food to eat.”

Link stared for a moment, the gears in his mind turning as he thought about Talon’s offer.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. Sorry to put pressure on you,” Talon quickly added, realizing he was still being forceful. “But if you want, we’d love to have you.”

Link was silent for a long time, swaying slightly as Talon and Malon watched him. He finally let out a sigh and looked up at Talon.

“Can I…. Think about it?”

Talon was relieved slightly and nodded. “Of course you can, just know that wherever you go, you’ll always have a place to stay in Lon Lon Ranch.”

Link gave a more genuine smile at him.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Talon escorted Link to the entrance with Malon in tow, the two Lon’s chatting about mundane things with Link listening silently. When they reached the entrance, Talon turned to his daughter and nodded.

“Malon, could you get his horse for him?”

“Of course, daddy!”

Talon watched as his daughter ran to where the horses were, then he glanced at Link who still had an unsure look on his face.

“Link?”

Link pursed his lips. “I… I wish there was a way I could repay you for this…”

“Oh, it was on the house,” Talon said, waving his hand. “It’s the least I could do for you.”

Link smiled, his hands clumped up on his chest. “You don’t know how much this means to me… I… thank you…”

“Oh, it’s my pleasure. And my offer will always be here for you, or… if you ever wanna visit,” Talon shrugged, “you’re free to visit as well if you don’t wanna stay.”

Link’s face twisted slightly, and he shyly leaned into Talon, which surprised him. He was always so distant from the others, but he was almost hugging the old farmer. Talon wrapped his arms around him and rubbed his back gently, only pulling away when Malon returned with Epona. Link quickly hopped on the horse, discreetly wiped his eye, and he gave the two a nod.

“I guess I’ll… see you around?” He said, and Talon nodded.

“Of course, you be safe out there boy!” Talon said, waving him goodbye.

“Yeah! Come visit! I want to sing with you again!” Malon exclaimed, waving enthusiastically at him. Link grinned at her and nodded at the two. Then he clicked his tongue and ran off on his horse, heading to Din knows where. Talon watched sadly as he disappeared into the field, almost wishing there was more he could do for him. It was strange how much the boy had changed since he first met him. Link was a very playful and hyper boy when they first met him, matching Malon’s hyper energy. But now, he was jaded and serious, almost as if he was an adult trapped in a child’s body. Talon didn’t want to think about what he went through in the past year to get to that point, but he hoped that now Link knew that he didn’t have to face any of it alone, and that he had people to turn to.

He just had to wait for him to reach out.