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descendantofthesparrow · 4 years ago

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Regained Passion - Harry Hook x Reader - Part 3 - Bonding

Welp…there he was…in an intermediate dance class, thankfully Bert taught the class (he actually taught a good handful, he was just the main beginner class teacher) so Harry wouldn’t be thrown into a whole new class with no familiar faces. Harry held down a smile as he remembered the jealous faces of his ex-dance classmates as Bert told him about his ‘level up’ the day before. He had only been at the studio for a month before he was leveled up, his schedule had changed a bit as well, before he was only going to the studio three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Now he would be going Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. His hour-long classes turning to two as Bert led Harry’s fellow dancers through new and much more complicated steps.

The only good thing that had come out of this was that his classes now ended at the same time as (y/n)’s, and now he would be able to go across the hall to pick her up instead of going from the back of the school to the front as he did when he was still in beginner.

Harry sat on the floor as he slid on his ballet shoes, strapping them to his feet and tossing his bag against the wall, standing with a sigh and walking over to where Bert was talking to the dancers.

“Any of ya hear of the ol’ bamboo?” Bert asked, taking a step back and grabbing a long stick, twirling it in his hands. The whole class shook their heads, well minus Harry, who just rose his brow. “well, this is what ya gonna be learning for the end of spring performance next year, the beginners are doin’ Step in time, ya will be doing ol’ bamboo, and the expert class is doing ballet, with miss charming as their star” Harry perked up at that, so that was the performance Esmerelda was talking to (y/n) about huh?

“So!” Bert clapped his hands, grinning at his students “let's start with the lyrics, shall we?! It is a musical performance after all”

By the end of the two hours, Harry was kinda exhausted, less exhausted than the rest of his classmate's thanks to his isle-bred stamina but still…very tired and very sweaty. Harry wiped down his face and neck with a cool towel and changed out his shoes.

“Hi~” Harry looked up, unable to keep the smile off his face as (y/n) looked down at him, hanging her head upside down while doing so “How was class?”

“Like usual” Harry simply replied, looking back at his shoes “Wha’ are yeh doin’ here? I thought yer class ended a bit after mine?” (y/n) just hummed, grabbing Harry’s bag and holding it open for Harry to toss his dance shoes in, then handing it to him as he stood.

“Ended early, Esméralda had an appointment…do you want to go get ice cream?” Harry rose his brow as he looked to (y/n), who gave an unsure smile.

“Ice cream?” Harry hummed, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he looked to the ceiling “Do I-Harry Hook-want ice cream?” (y/n) rolled her eyes and punched his shoulder gently. “Ice cream sounds good” Harry chuckled, patting (y/n)’s head and offering his arm again, once again ignoring the spark running through his skin as (y/n) hands wrapped around his arm.

“Yay! There's this new place I've been wanting to try! But no one will go with me! I'll drive us there!” Harry smiled at (y/n)’s rambling, leading her to pull him along to the parking lot where her car was.

“No-no no no no, the egg travels back in time and it creates a new timeline, and then later it's revealed that there's another egg that was corrupted that ALSO traveled back in time, but that one’s helping the yiga clan.” Harry licked his lips free of his chocolate ice cream, narrowing his eyes as (y/n) finished her mini-rant about one of her favorite games lore.

“So,” Harry started, setting down his spoon and tilting his head “the egg? Is-a time-traveling mini guardian?? And-the princess, Link or whatever-“ (y/n) looked at him with puffed cheeks.

“Zelda! Link is the knight! Zelda is the princess!” Harry made a face.

“But if the stories mostly follow Link, why is it called Legend of Zelda!?” Harry gave a smug smirk as (y/n) huffed and wiped the corner of her lips free of her ice cream.

“Becauseeeee oh! I remember! Well don’t quote me on it, but the first game was originally going to be about Zelda exclusively, then they made Link and they found the new story worked better, they just kept the original title.” Harry hid his smile behind another mouthful of ice cream, (y/n) was pretty cute when she went on her video game rants, Legend of Zelda being one of her favorites. “Okay, at some point you have to play one of the games, especially breath of the wild, you can barrow my switch” Harry chuckled, setting down his now empty cup of ice cream.

“Alright then” Harry started, grabbing a napkin and wiping his mouth “sounds fun?” (y/n) beamed in excitement, dancing in her seat a bit.

“Yes!...I can’t wait to see your ass kicked by a lynel” (y/n) cackled, laughing louder as Harry gave her an odd look.

“From how yer laughing, that tells me it's not a fun thing ta fight?” Harry guessed, smiling as (y/n) nodded through her laughter.

“Lynels are harder to beat than the final boss, which is bullshit but I digress” Harry turned to see Audrey, who was smiling at (y/n)s giggling self “side note; it’s a little odd to see you two hanging out” she waved off Harry’s slightly offended look “not in a mean way, more; you're both from a different crowd and Chad likes to say shit about you to (y/n)…though she” she gestured to (y/n) who was coming down from her giggle fit. “doesn’t like listening to Chad, so I should have expected this.”

“Damn right, hell will freeze over before I actually listen to his dumbass” (y/n) chuckled, finishing off her ice cream and looking up at Audrey, who was picking up her shopping bags again and going to leave “What are you doing here by the way?”

“Oh just some shopping, trying out a new style and all that, good day you two!” Audrey sauntered off, leaving (y/n) and Harry alone once more.

Harry looked back at (y/n) at the same time she did, they both smiled and (y/n) nodded back towards the parking lot of the mall they were at “Wanna get started on breath of the wild?”

Harry smiled, turning to toss his empty ice cream cup in the trash can behind him “Sounds fun”

“No! Dodge to the side! YES! Okay, mash the Y button!” Gil and Uma stepped into (y/n)s dorm room, having been looking for Harry for the past two hours after he didn’t return from dance class, and Gil had suggested looking for Harry in (y/n)s room.

Uma had thought it was a stupid idea but humored Gil, only to be surprised to see Harry and (y/n) in bean bags as Harry button mashed the controller he held in his hand, sticking his tongue out slightly in concentration. “Uhhhh Harry?” Uma called out, leaning back a bit as Harry shushed her.

“I’m fighting a lynel and am about to die I need silence!” Harry yelled, leaning forward into his controller, tossing his hands up in shock as the red-maned lynel finally died “FUCKING FINALLY!” (y/n) cheered along with Harry, laughing as he pulled her into his side.

Uma and Gil gave each other a look, Uma smirking before walking towards the two and pulling Harry up to his feet “Awesome, you beat a video game mini-boss, I've been looking for you for two hours” Harry seemed to come down from his victory high and gave a sheepish smile.

“Oh uh…sorry?” Uma hummed and nodded, grabbing his arm and waving to (y/n).

“Say bye to (y/n) Harry” Harry waved (y/n) goodbye as she giggled and saved Harry's game, switching the profile to her game.

“Bye (y/n)” (y/n) beamed at him, waving at him as he was pulled backward by Uma towards the door.

“Bye Harry!”

Uma pulled Harry out of the room, rolling her eyes a bit as Harry continued to wave until he was out of (y/n)s sight. Gil followed them out and closed the door behind him. “You are so smitten” Gil laughed, very much enjoying the way Harry’s face lit up.

“No-no I’m nae” Harry stuttered, pulling out of Uma’s grasp and stomping ahead of them “Yer out a yer mind Gil” Uma and Gil shared another look.

“He’ll realize it at some point, I give it another month or two” Uma mumbled, smirking as Gil patted his pocket where his wallet was.

“Three, twenty bucks” Uma nodded and the two shook hands to seal their bet, jogging forward to catch up with their flustered friend.

Jane sat against the wall of mirrors, watching you move about the almost empty room as you practiced your part from the duet Esméralda had assigned you. Jane wasn’t all that knowledgeable in the world of dance but it wasn’t hard to see you were struggling, not in the way of movement but in the way of conveying emotion in your dance.

It almost seemed….stale, if anything, the dance was supposed to convey two people falling in love, but Jane; as far as she knew, knew you had never fallen in love so it would be hard to convey that exact emotion. You had really only known platonic and familial love.

You stopped, collapsing to your knees as you heaved for breath, sweat dripping off your brow. Jane furrowed her brows in concern and stood, grabbing your water bottle and walking over to you, she kneeled beside you and handed you the bottle, staring at you as you greedily downed the water. “Are you okay?” Jane asked, mentally wincing as it was obvious that you weren’t.

You gasped as you finally took the bottle away from your lips, shaking your head “I just-I just can't seem to get this right, Esméralda says if I can't find the emotions I need to convey in this duet then she’ll replace me and-and” you sighed, letting your head fall between your shoulders. “I can't let them down” Jane furrowed her brows.

“Let who down?” Jane asked, unsure of who you were talking about, as far as she knew your parents didn’t really pressure you about your dancing, they were wholly supportive and understanding through every bit of your journey through dance.

“…I don’t know” you whispered, curling up and resting your chin on your knees. “My parents? Me? Grandpa? Esméralda? I’m not sure…but I feel like if I don’t get this right, I’ll be letting someone down” Jane rubbed your back, unsure of how to comfort you. You stood after a few moments and walked over to the stereo. “One last time, okay? Then I’ll be done for the day”

“Okay,” Jane mumbled, going to sit back down against the wall, starting up the camera on your phone to record you one last time at your request so you could see any mistakes you made.

You stood in the middle of the room, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath as the music began.

And you danced.

-end of part 3-

@queer-cosette @sephiralorange @lunanight2012

@daughter-of-the-stars11 @musicarose @random-thoughts-003

@remembered-license @thecaptainsgingersnap @rintheemolion

@imtryingthisout @verboetoperee @jatp-rules-my-life

#Descendents #descendants #disney descendants #harry hook #harry hook descendants #harry hook x reader #harry hook imagine #dancer reader #ballet dancer reader #dancing troubles

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theinsiderrp · 4 years ago

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𝔇𝔦𝔰𝔫𝔢𝔶𝔩𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔚𝔬𝔯𝔨 𝔈𝔵𝔭𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔢

PRINCESSES

Snow White - Autumn Cinderella - Anastasia Aurora - Alyssa Ariel - Lorelai Belle - Eloise Jasmine - Arabella Pocahontas - Harper Fa Mulan - Phoenix Tiana - Roxy Rapunzel - Athena Princess Anna - Maelyn Queen Elsa - Holly Moana - Christelle Merida - Kendall

PRINCES

The Prince (Snow White) - Dom Prince Charming - Nate Prince Phillip - Louis Prince Eric - Wesley Prince Adam/The Beast - Bash Aladdin - Max John Smith - Mason Li Shang - Changwoo Prince Naveen - Nero Flynn Rider - Adrian Kristoff - Levi

FACE VILLAINS

The Evil Queen - Gisele Lady Tremaine - Ava Anastasia Tremaine - Charlotte Drizella Tremaine - Lilianna Maleficent - Zelda Cruella De Vil - Margo Gaston - Kristofer Doctor Facilier - Ezra Prince Hans - Brody

FACE CLASSICS

Blue Fairy - Felicity Fairy Godmother - Amber Alice - Annabel Mad Hatter - Rory Peter Pan - Matt Tinker Bell - Zara Wendy - Sawyer John Darling - Cameron Lost Boys - Hanuel, Jack Fauna - Posie Flora - Heidi Merryweather - Riley Claudette (Bimbo, Beauty and the Beast) - Brielle Laurette (Bimbo, Beauty and the Beast) - Florence Paulette (Bimbo, Beauty and the Beast) - Natalie Esmerelda - Rosalie Megara - Yulia Hercules - Kyle Tarzan - Lucas Jane - Imogen Milo (Atlantis) - Trystan Kida (Atlantis) - Maria Mary Poppins - Disney Bert - Julian Captain Jack Sparrow - Park Skeleton Jack - Marcus Sally -Natasha Terence (Pixie Hollows) - Owen Rosetta (Pixie Hollows) - Soraya Iridessa (Pixie Hollows) - Kobi Silvermist (Pixie Hollows) - Elodie Fawn (Pixie Hollows) - Evelyn Vidia (Pixie Hollows) - Hensley Periwinkle (Pixie Hollows) - Mallory Rumble (Pixie Hollows) - Sangwoo

FUR/COSTUME CLASSICS

Mickey Mouse - Harvey Minnie Mouse - Jiwon Pluto - Drew Goofy - Theo Donald Duck - Oliver Daisy Duck - Issy Chip - Danny Dale - Luca Winnie the Pooh - Danica Rabbit - Cassie Tigger - Taylor Eeyore - Janey Piglet - Everleigh Marie - Ruby Berlioz - Luke T Toulouse - Joe

FUR/COSTUME VILLAINS

Captain Hook - Tanner Hades - Anthony Evil Witch (Snow White) -River Queen of Hearts - Olivia Captain Hook - Leo Smee - Miles Jafar - Alex Yzma - Veronica Kronk - Blake Ursula - Persephone

COSTUME/FUR OTHERS

Thumper - Charlie S Miss Bunny - Lexi Stitch - Dallas Lilo - Isla Abu - Seojun Meeko - Taewan Mushu - Duyi Kuzco - Felix Olaf - Damon Maui - Darius Mr Incredible - Luke P Mrs Incredible - Mackenzie Violet - Margaret Frozone - Daveed

TOY STORY

Buzz Lightyear - Isaak Woody - Clyde Jessie - Cassidy BoBeep - Poppy Barbie - Madison Ken - OPEN im bound to have messed up

#(event)#OMG COMPLAIN AND I WILL THROW HANDS THIS TOOK FOREVER #jk xxx

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impracticaldemon · 8 years ago

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A-Z ask meme: H, O, L, Z, E

Harada Sanosuke (Hakuouki), Henry Fitzroy (Tanya Huff series featuring the Werewolves of London (Ontario))

Radar O’Reilly (M.A.S.H. tv series)“I know he’s not real, but we’re very close.” (about teddy bear)

Librarian (the ape who runs the UU library; Discworld series; Pratchett); Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter); Loki (Marvel Comics)

Zelda (once I decided she was more than a princess to be rescued all the time)

Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail), Esmerelda Weatherwax (Discworld series; Pratchett)

Note: This is Erza dressed as Harada Sanosuke (how cool is that!)

#ask meme #fav character meme #asked and answered #little demon chats

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basicallyraeken-blog · 7 years ago

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Strong females

Strong female character is a term for a class of stock character. It is the opposite of the damsel in distress stock character. In the first half of the 20th century, the rise of mainstream feminism and the increased use of the concept in the later 20th century have reduced the concept to a standard item of pop culture fiction.

Contemporary pop culture franchises tend to optimise their female stock characters to appeal to both male and female audiences (Lara Croft). The "strong female character" is not necessarily physically strong or an "action heroine" but can reveal "strong" character with relevance to the plot (as heroine or villainess), often taking the role of a sexually attractive femme fatale.

Cases of solid female characters in nerd culture

(At times, "supposedly" solid female characters - see reactions underneath.)

Andromeda Ascendant (Andromeda TV arrangement)

Beka Valentine (Andromeda TV arrangement)

Buffypromo

Buffy Summers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer film and TV arrangement made by Joss Whedon)

Zoe Washburne (Firefly TV arrangement and Serenity film made by Joss Whedon)

Starbuck (new Battlestar Galactica TV arrangement)

Ellen Ripley (Aliens film establishment)

Sarah Connor (Terminator film establishment and The Sarah Connor Chronicles TV arrangement)

("Xena" Warrior Princess TV arrangement)

Olivia Dunham (Fringe TV arrangement)

Aeryn Sun (Farscape TV arrangement)

Samantha Carter (Stargate SG-1 TV arrangement)

Lara Croft (Tomb Raider PC diversions and film establishment)

YT (Snow Crash novel by Neal Stephenson)

Esmerelda "Granny" Weatherwax (different Discworld books by Terry Pratchett)

Tiffany Aching (different Discworld books by Terry Pratchett)

Tanya (Command and Conquer: Red Alert diversion arrangement)

The Star Trek page contains an inadequate rundown of female characters all through the establishment.

Fiona (Burn see TV arrangement)

Vin (Mistborn books by Brandon Sanderson)

Samus Aran (Metroid computer game arrangement)

Beth Tezuka (Bravest Warriors webseries made by Pendleton Ward)

Age Flux (Eon Flux)

Tetra (change personality of Princess Zelda, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker)

Reika Kitami (Bible Black)

Kidd Summers (Pokemon: Lucario And The Mystery Of Mew)

Latias (Pokemon: Heroes The Movie)

Zorark (It is intensely implied that the Zorark in Pokemon: Zoroark Master Of Illusions, is Female, or possibly assumes a mother part)

Donna Noble (Doctor Who)

Sarah Jane Smith (Doctor Who)

Kahlan Amnell (Sword of Truth books by Terry Goodkind)

Eve Dallas (In Death arrangement by Nora Roberts)

Susan Ivanova (Babylon 5)

Lyta Alexander (Babylon 5)

Lagertha (Vikings TV arrangement)

Dagny Taggart (Atlas Shrugged)

Reactions

A typical feedback is that (a few) in number female characters are one-dimensional.

Oft-refered to issues with individual solid female characters include:

her quality is in combative techniques, yet she has no quality of character

regardless she needs to adjust to sexual orientation standardizing norms of engaging quality

she will wear meager or fetishistic apparatus to battle in, and her fights and demonstrations of gallantry will be displayed to the gathering of people as sexual exhibitions.

WonderWoman

she will be solid straight up until the point when she can't manage something and must be spared by a man

her quality is lessened when she gets intrigued by an individual from the contrary sex

her quality is principally a story instrument to gauge a male heroes' advance in his passionate development plot curve, in which his full development is motioned by getting the young lady, and her inside life or claim inspirations are not depicted (such female characters frequently highlight in works that come up short the Bechdel test)

she impartially has the power and ability expected to tackle the work's focal issue herself, however she is rather required to go about as coach, sidekick, or love enthusiasm to an at first less-viable male Chosen One (frequently alluded to as "Trinity Syndrome" after the character from The Matrix).

she has no nearby female companions or female partners, and abhors "weaker" or all the more ordinarily ladylike ladies for not being "rebel" (this is frequently an issue in works by less keen male essayists attempting to make a "ladies can battle as well!" character, regardless of whether inspired by earnest populism or a want to titillate).

A more broad issue with the idea is that, particularly in nerd media, "solid female characters" are regularly characterized as "solid" absolutely as far as having exceptional physical quality and battle capacity. This apparently cheapens different types of "quality". It likewise approves viciousness as a methods for settling struggle, which is dismissed by numerous strains of woman's rights.

Some blog entries regarding the matter:

Solid Female Characters by _ocelott_ on LiveJournal

"You know what's an issue? Solid female characters. As a matter of first importance, for what reason do we need to indicate "solid" when alluding to "female characters?" Why is this not guaranteed? The default for male isn't "solid" or "wusstastic," so for what reason do we need to be so particular about the chicks?"

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sunset-peril · 1 year ago

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I'm so excited to show y'all Link and Zelda's designs for Hyrule's Final Stand!

Foxhatart on DeviantArt did the reference for Prince (King) Link Imperial Hyrule, and helped me bring his Wolfbred traits to life!

Lulusama on DeviantArt did Princess (Queen) Zelda Esmerelda Hyrule's design and her dress design (mentioned in Trial of the Zora Armor chapter nine and onwards)

I'm so grateful for these two and absolutely love how the work ended up! I hope you guys enjoy them too!

Link to the series on Ao3

#fanfiction #booksivewritten #breath of the wild #legend of zelda #wolfbred line #link x zelda #zelda x link #link imperial hyrule #princess zelda #zelda esmerelda hyrule #hyrule's final stand #trial of the zora armor #zelink #last royal family of hyrule #royal wolfbred family of hyrule

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sunset-peril · 8 months ago

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Khosha, Wife of Revali

As had become commonplace since the appointment of Hyrule’s Champions, the Flight Range of Rito Village had once again become alive with the chatter of five voices: the four Champions and Hyrule’s princess. Her appointed knight was also in attendance, the sacred sword in his possession, but he remained ever silent. He stayed near to his princess, providing comfort and protection to the young woman. The snow outside was beginning to taper off, but the party had yet to venture out of the small, interior area. All were still crowded around the small fire pit, except Revali, who stood aside fiddling with his aerial artillery.

"C'mon, Revali." Urbosa began. "Join the team for once."

"I think not, not only would that end distastefully with all of us around the fire, but I'm waiting for an arrival from the Village."

"If I may," Zelda began, pausing for a moment for an undetermined reason. "who is it we are expecting?"

"If the elder didn't change plans since I arrived here, which I'm not sure why he would have,” Revali replied with his ever-present self-confident tone and upward tip of his beak before his tone mellowed in its presentation. “then it will be Khosha, a songbird with a-” He allowed an audible pause in his voice, as if he was unsure how to describe the visitor. “-stunning admiration for the warrior arts."

The party took notice of Revali's seemingly uncharacteristic description, but were equally uncertain of what to respond.

"She sounds nice…" Daruk began, uncertain about the reply. “She a… friend of yours?”

“...You could say that.”

A silence fell over the Flight Range, one that felt almost awkward.

Revali returned to his weapons, Urbosa casting a glance at him before turning back to the fire to see her little bird move slightly both towards the fire and her knight; watching him discreetly squeeze her hand before letting go.

His face was emotionless as he did so, which normally wouldn't be much to note, but Urbosa and Daruk had seen how, in similar exchanges, he would let a smile or a nod shine through even if just for a moment. Through an exchange of their own, the two reasoned it was due to the increase of pressure and the amount of professionalism of the event.

The flap of wings began to be heard over the freezing wind, a Rito figure soon came into view, soaring into the Flight Range's side door with a sweeping wingspan and three balancing flaps. As eyes focused on the Rito, they found her beautiful. A thin braid of light teal feathers trailed down her right shoulder and chest, the back corners of her almond-shaped green eyes dark with gorgeous long eyelashes and her hay-colored beak, about half as long as Revali's, curled down to a pointed tip that was a peach-like hue.

"Khosha." Revali's voice was uncharacteristically soft. "Welcome."

A small chuckle was heard. "Revali." She looked around. “And Champions.” She lifted the medium-sized pot that she was gripping with her right foot. “I’ve brought a meal.”

Dishes were served and warriors were fed. Finally, Revali sat down near the group.

“It is wonderful to finally meet you all face to face. We don’t often interact with other tribes. Revali,” she nudged the bird. “Are you going to introduce me to your companions?”

The Champions were distracted from their meals for just a moment. Khosha must be a friend of Revali’s indeed, a simple villager should not have had the comfort level to ask Revali for an introduction.”

“Of course.” Revali set his bowl to the ground. “You are already aware of Princess Zelda, a Hylian from Central Hyrule. Sitting on her right is Princess Mipha, a Zora from Lanayru. On Zelda’s left is Link, Zelda’s bodyguard and the Hylian Champion. He’s actually a Wolfbred, from far east Necluda, but he was appointed as the Hylian Champion. Next to him is Urbosa, the Gerudo chieftain. And finally, Daruk of Goron City in Eldin.”

“My!” Khosha took the tips of Revali’s wings in hers. “You’ve become quite well-traveled, my dear.” She gestured softly towards Link. “I had heard the Kingdom reabsorbed your tribe. How has your tribe been adjusting?”

Link’s scarred lips pulled back slightly, but not enough to show any teeth. Zelda reached over his back and pulled him a little closer, as if to reassure him that the multi-colored Rito was not going to jump at him. The sudden touch brought a soft clicking sound from Link’s mouth, and he looked toward Zelda.”

“My apologies, Khosha. The Wolfbred can be… quite anxious. The people of my kingdom have not been as willing to accommodate them as my father and I have been, which only heightens their stress.”

“Ah, so the ban of the restraints has not changed public opinion much at all, has it?”

“No, sadly. In fact, I think my father’s decision to ban muzzling of the Wolfbred has only worsened opinions of him and his people; not to mention him being selected to represent Hyrule in battle. Pardon any offense, but I am surprised you know of such a matter.”

“I find none, Your Highness. That incident spread far throughout the kingdom. I believe almost anyone could identify the Champion by his scars alone.”

Link seemed noticeably more uncomfortable by this statement.

“That is… unfortunate for his safety, if Link might be identified so readily by such a permanent fixture on his body.”

Urbosa shuffled into a new position. “We’ve talked about the soldier boy, now what about you? You seem quite close to Revali.”

“I suppose now’s a good enough time as ever,” Revali mused from his piece of the floor. “Everyone, meet Khosha: my wife.”

~~~~

Evening came upon the village. Even though the snowstorm was long gone, the temperature continued to drop. After a long day of council, the Champions eventually ventured out to tour the Tabantha region, with an even more self-confident Revali soaring on the bygone storm’s remaining breeze. Of course he would act in such a manner. As fine of a warrior he was, a young Rito he remained. Last spring’s molt had taken her fledgling markings from her visage, but his remained as red, almost pink really, as ever. They too would be gone in the next few years, and she knew he’d continue to smooth over as they faded from his face. His personality had already mellowed significantly from their first encounters as fledglings. The Wolfbred warrior, Link, he seemed about Revali’s age. Perhaps that is why Revali had taken to such grandiose presentation after she’d been introduced to them. For any warrior, to be suddenly paired with a mythical warhound would be quite the shock to their ego, especially a perfectionist like her dear. Perhaps the two would grow close as they prepared for the Calamity’s arrival, close enough at least that Link’s presence would soothe Revali instead of leaving him with ruffled feathers.

The Princess and her warriors would be returning soon, as the sun would sink below the mountains before too long. After picking the Great Eagle Bow up from the bowyer’s shop and purchasing a full quiver’s worth of arrows from his wife, the fletcher, Khosha made one final stop near the village’s entrance, overwhelmed by thoughts from meeting Hyrule’s Champions that she must bring before her Goddess in order to find peace.

Oh Hylia, my mind is uneasy as I see the Champions appointed by your divine blessing gather. All of them… they have their peoples behind them… they have laid down lives that can still amount to so much… all for this cause.

Hyrule's princess, your incarnation descended, seems… ill of the mind. There is a darkness in her unnatural to her age. I suppose I should not be surprised. The Hyrulean Royal Family is broken. The King and Princess are fighting. The Queen has been dead for ten long years. I’ve heard rumors… rumors that the Princess was found in a silent rebellion with one of the knights… while I can only imagine that this is just a lonely girl crying out for love, I can’t help but worry on how far it may go… or how it may end… whether it warrant no consequences at all, whether someone will wind up in prison… or the bloodline extended…

…My apologies, Hylia, my mind wanders. Take my worries away from her, Hylia, she has an unimaginable share of other frets to manage on those small shoulders of hers. She has an entire world watching her every move, eagerly waiting for the divine glow of her birthright to illuminate an uncertain time. It is this power, this divine, glowing power, that causes the darkness in Princess Zelda, even more so than the lingering scars of her mother's death. She does not have access to it as her father demands. Your holy inheritance… a power intended only for goodness… yet it has caused only pain and sorrow for her and all in the castle… and possibly beyond.

Why do you leave her like this, Hylia? I know this darkness in her can be purged, I see it chased back like evil in the legends of old whenever she is presented with research… or she becomes newly aware of her knight's presence. That light in her eyes… I know it so well. It is the light of love. Love for relics of old, learning their forgotten purposes and watching them return to life… and love for him, Link the knight. It is his purpose to defend her, but I can see that she'll go out of her way to do the same for him. Seeing this light… it gives me peace for Hyrule's future…

Protect them, the Princess, the knight, the Champions… so that they all may return to their people from these ancient wonders of holy war… grant the Princess her power… the wear in her young body declares that she had proved rigorous dedication… the introduction to every battle and legend of old declares the need for the knight and the princess… As much as the Guardians and Divine Beasts will aid us in the fight to come, it is not them but her that is irreversibly needed. The legends dating back even to your original incarnation… The Divine Beasts aren't inscribed, but the Princess and Knight are. She needs this power, Hylia… why do you withhold it from her?

~~~~

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

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sunset-peril · 8 months ago

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The Wolfbred Chronicles - The "Lost" Tribe - Part Two - To Zora's Domain

“What do you mean, ‘Link can’t speak Hylian?’”

“Well, if the Gerudo were cut off from Hyrule for ten thousand years, we wouldn’t speak Hylian either.”

“Then what does he speak?”

“That… I don’t know. I thought they were extinct until the moon revealed Link’s markings. If anyone would know, I’d assume it’d be the Zora royal family since most of the Wolfbred in the King’s service were relocated there.”

“Well then, I must make a trip to the Domain then, with Link in tow.”

“Would you like me to accompany you?”

“I thank you for your offer, Urbosa, but I feel Link and I should travel alone. Besides, you have your people to tend to, and the journey should give me a chance to review Link in a new light.”

~~~

“Yes, that is correct. The Wolfbred have a language all their own.” Mipha smiled fondly at Link as she affirmed Zelda's words. “I'm surprised that you did not know.”

“Ah, well, the knights are not particularly chatty when in my presence.”

“Oh, I did not mean that, Zelda. I meant that I am surprised your father did not tell you.”

“Father gave me… virtually no information regarding Link. He told me that Link is descended from my mother’s best bodyguard, and that he would be assigning Link as my bodyguard. That was it.”

“Oh, dear… probably just didn't want anyone to find out what Link is.”

“What language does Link speak? It would be irresponsible to have such a barrier between me and him, considering he has given his oath to serve me until death.”

“My apologies, but I don't know what it's called. Goponga in the wetlands has become a very Wolfbred heavy settlement since the guards were sent here, but I'm not sure if we currently have any guards in the Domain itself who can speak in both. It is a… guttural language, I will say, only high-ranking Wolfbred soldiers typically learn both. Your mother's personal bodyguard, Link’s father as you said, was one, for example. He knew Hylian. Most Wolfbred don't really want to learn it unless they have to… they don't want to know what the Hylians are saying to them. Did your father tell you anything of Link’s father?”

“Not exactly but I… vaguely remember Mother's bodyguard. Or rather, he was her favorite bodyguard. She had quite a few guards, but he was typically the one who followed her around like Link does with me. Of course, he wasn't on duty when Mother…” Zelda shooed away Mipha's offer of comfort when it was offered. “Maybe things would have been different if he'd been on duty that evening… I can see why they prefer to know only their native tongue, Hyrule blames them primarily for her death.”

“They are not seers. For Hyrule to have expected such foresight from them, it is a frustration that many of the Wolfbred stationed here have expressed. They were denied agency to do anything but follow orders, so even if they had been given such foresight, they likely could have done nothing but watch.”

“I do remember Mother continually scolding Father on the matter, that he could not order them to be dogs and expect them to act Hylian. I must have faith that some of her wisdom reached him… there is nothing I can do if Father disregards her.”

“Perhaps my father knows if any Hylian-speaking Wolfbred are in the Domain. We should go and ask.”

Zelda tentatively turned towards Link. She may not necessarily be fond of having a strange, werewolf guard follow her every moment for the rest of her life, but that didn't mean he was unworthy of basic communication with her. Father had mentioned that he was about her age, just thirteen. He deserved for her to try.

Perhaps the Goddess heard this unspoken prayer, unlike all the others, because she heard footprints and a resounding bark.

“Ah, Sir Pryze! Good morning.” The red Zora waved out towards a Hylian-looking guard who approached them.

“Morning, Princess.” The knight bowed to Mipha. When he saw Link, Zelda noticed Link's eyes lighting up. The knight had a surprising amount of splatter-like markings on his face and arms. Perhaps an accident?

Mipha helped him tuck a lock of his red hair back into his helmet. “Perfect timing, Sir Pryze, we were just talking about our need of a Wolfbred. Link does, unfortunately, not speak enough Hylian for a smooth transition into a bodyguard.”

Zelda could feel the fluttering in her chest rise. “Sir Pryze is a Hylian-speaking Wolfbred?”

“Small.” Pryze pinched his fingers before casting a quick glance over her figure. “Bigger, Princess.”

“Yes, Sir Pryze. Princess Zelda has grown quite a bit since you've been to Castle Town.”

Link looked towards Zelda for approval, then bowed to Pryze once she nodded. Pryze bowed in response to him, then a few sounds varying from woof-like to more of a chuff came from him. Link nodded.

Pryze simply turned towards Mipha after his exchange with Link. “King know more Hylian.”

“Yes, I'd figured the same, Sir Pryze. We should meet with my father.”

~~~

“Hmm, you wish to know more of the Wolfbred people? Yes, I believe I may be able to oblige.”

“A full recount is unnecessary, King Dorephan. If you would, just briefly, provide enough information for Link and I to transition into these new roles without being overly transparent of their history. I would wish for Link to provide whatever history he considers sacred by his own will.”

“But of course. How open your heart must be to him and his people. Very well. The Wolfbred have a communal society much like that of the Zora. To see a solitary one such as Sir Link here is unusual. Traditionally, they prefer to remain in groups with other Wolfbred and like an assigned duty. Many of them, if they lived outside their homeland, served as foot soldiers in the Hyrulean army for these two reasons. I supposed it was how they were made.”

Zelda looked over at Link and Pryze. While Link had never been more than a few paces away from her since they left Central Hyrule, Pryze had also drawn ever closer to Link. It did make sense, she too would prefer a familiar face if the lands of Hyrule were unfamiliar to her like they were to the Wolfbred, but the way Dorephan implied that they grouped together by design raised a million questions to her scientific mind. She cleared her throat, stepping forward so that the Zora king might allow her a question. “‘Made’, Your Majesty?”

“Ah. That is a history that I… am not sure I am at liberty to explain. But there are records from long ago that suggest… They might be proof of the claim that the Sheikah rivaled the power of the Goddess. Of course, any definitive records were lost when the Sheikah and Wolfbred were chased out of Hyrule, and I dare not threaten our relationship as the Wolfbred’s sole ally for mere speculation.” Almost instantly, another Wolfbred who carried a large bag of fish in her mouth trotted into the throne room, bowing on all fours as she offered the large catch to Dorephan. “Ah, thank you for your generosity, Kokiri.”

Zelda’s eyes widened as she glanced towards the fish-bearing woman. Her shoulders were open as she looked up at the Zora king, something she’d never seen Link do naturally. She’s seen him do it hundreds of times, of course, a knight must appear strong and confident on duty. However, it was always a forced stance.

Pryze finally stepped away from Link’s side, helping two armored Zora carry the catch to wherever they needed.

Dorephan resumed his conversation with Zelda once Kokiri, Pryze and the Zora guards had gone off to their other matters. “I will say to you, there is a painful curse that has bound Wolfbred for hundreds of generations. A chain that only Link can break. He would never ask for such, but for the sake of our dear allies, help him, please.”

“A… curse?”

“Yes, a very painful one. Link is the first of his kind to even have a chance to break it, and I fear it may take an act of the Goddess herself for him to be able to do so. Surely, you will learn of the curse in its entirety as you and him age.”

“I… see. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“But of course. Anything for Hyrule’s princess.”

~~~~

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

#fanfiction #booksivewritten #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #hyrule's final stand #my stuff #the legend of zelda #wolfbred #wolfbred line #link imperial hyrule #zelda esmerelda hyrule #princess mipha #botw mipha #king dorephan #yes all of the wolfbred have twilight princess names I did that on purpose #except for pryze because his is kinda a joke name

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sunset-peril · 1 year ago

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The new cover art for Trial of the Zora Armor is here!!

This is cover #1 out of 3 that I am commissioning Blizzard-Chill on DA for, and I am so happy with the result!

This is book 1 out of 3 in the Hyrule's Final Stand Trilogy.

Click here to read the story on Ao3

Click here to read the story on Tumblr

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

#fanfiction #booksivewritten #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #zelink #link x zelda #zelda x link #pregnancy #princess zelda #princess mipha #botw link #link imperial hyrule #zelda esmerelda hyrule #royal wolfbred family of hyrule #trial of the zora armor #hyrule's final stand

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sunset-peril · 2 years ago

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Overview - Hyrule's Final Stand

~~~~

"A Wolfbred fights only for his Queen, you know."

~~~~

Several hundred years prior to the Calamity of 10,000 years ago, the Royal Family became concerned for the safety of themselves and their kingdom, so they build the Divine Beasts, Guardians, Shrines and Towers. In secret, they also began a breeding program to create the ultimate breed of soldier, known as Wolfbred, using the Hero of Time's descendants through the Hero of Twilight (henceforth referred to as the Twilight Soldier). After the Calamity, however, they became afraid of these "unnatural" creations; burying the technology and banishing the Sheikah and Wolfbred to Necluda. However, two Wolfbred escaped being exiled, due to being the Princess of 10,000 years ago's sons.

Just about 10,000 years later, the Royal Family received a foreboding prophecy that a second Calamity was to come during the lifetime of their newborn princess. While the King set off to recover the old Divine Beasts, the Queen turned to diplomacy. She strengthened long term allies with the Four Races of Hyrule, and rekindled connections with the betrayed Sheikah and Wolfbred, allowing the former to serve the Royal Family once more, and revoking the exile placed on the latter. The Sheikah gave their all in researching the artifacts recovered from the King's efforts, and the Wolfbred (genetically hardwired to serve a Queen till death) gave up their resources and lives as they joined the Guard once again to protect the woman who had given them dignity once again.

When the Queen was assassinated by the Yiga Clan, most of the Wolfbred fled Hyrule once again. King Rhoam helped many escape Hyrule by reassigning them to Zora's Domain, and those unemployed by the Royal Family generally returned to Hateno. Those who stayed in Hyrule were typically bodyguards and nannies for five-year-old Zelda, too young to understand why her mother was gone. Ordon was the only one who remained in the Royal Guard proper due to him finding some buddies in the guard who took him in as he was. Ordon eventually became a Captain of the Guard because he was an astoundingly good soldier (due to literally being born for war), although he would retire suddenly after the death of his wife to raise his two pups.

Around the age of 13, Link pulled the Master Sword from the Korok Forest after getting lost during a scouting trip with his father and sister.

Due to being the Hero of Legend, and wanting to be a knight like his father, Link was knighted at 15 as given the honor of Zelda's personal knight shortly thereafter (which Zelda, nor Hyrule, appreciated). Over the next two years, as he became the Hylian Champion (despite not being Hylian), grew closer to the other Champions and grew as a knight, Link learned that Zelda was suicidal as a result of the Kingdom's pressure on her, and jaded being hurt by others in the Castle. Having grown close to her after two years of (albeit negative) time spent together, he wanted to help his princess. As time went on, hostility turned into a genuine appreciation, and then feelings of romance. Of course, an ancient law prohibited Royals and Knights from being romantically involved with each other, due to the Ancient Royal Guard being primarily Wolfbred at the time of the law's authorship. However, being Princess and Guard didn't allow them not to see each other on the daily, so their devotion grew stronger until Link (again, genetically bred specifically to serve his Queen, which in the modern age would be the equivalent of his wife) physically could not take the nagging at his heart any longer and began to court her secretly. The pair soon learned from Urbosa that a loophole to the rule existed: due to Zelda's mother and Urbosa being the best of friends, the Queen had a decree specifically put in place that would give Zelda the legal rights of a Gerudo woman should her mother pass before Zelda reached 17 (Hyrule's age of consent). This would allow Urbosa to take Zelda in if she was ever in trouble after her mother's death. This created the following loophole: If Zelda took a husband under Gerudo law instead of Hylian law, she could marry whomever she wished, regardless of tribe or occupation.

Of course, once that had begun, their relationship progressed quickly. Not even a year later, they knew they wanted to marry and the Gerudo agreed to help. Near the end of their engagement, during a training session in the Spring of Courage, Hylia demanded they bear a child together immediately to preserve the future of Hyrule. Not wanting to anger the Goddess after hearing no guidance for years, Zelda heeded the demand. The Calamity struck Hyrule five months later, killing Link and the Champions. Even with the Royal Family and its Champions gone, Hyrule did its best to rebuild and adapt to their new post-apocalyptic world. The families and friends of lives lost (known as Survivors) picked up the remains of their physical world while their loved ones' descendants (known as Successors) rebuilt their homes and hearts to accommodate their loved ones no longer being with them. The Gerudo turned against Hylia, Her faithful then fled. The hole in the Rito Milita left behind by Revali was filled by his widow, the first female Rito warrior. The long-lived Zora laid stunned as a princess who should have lived hundreds of years more was lost to them.

Why is this starting to sound like a poem I gotta focus.

Impa married the Sheikah Court Poet, Horacio (Kass' teacher) and had a son, Temitri, who became Paya's father.

Revali's widow, Khosha, became the first female Rito warrior and hatched Revali's only son.

Their son, Revali the Second ("Reva" or "Revarie" in his teen/young adult years) put down his father's bow for an accordion, and became the grandfather of Kass and Reede after marrying the Hero's sister.

Kass became an apprentice of the Court Poet, using Reva's accordion to learn the Songs of the Hero

The Hero's younger sister, Sydnei Imperial, rebuild the village her brother left behind in his honor, a place where Wolfbred belonged and Hylians were welcome. Ex-Gerudo Captain Esosu lived here after fleeing Gerudo Town. She became the grandmother of Kass and Reede, with the latter inheriting her leadership position.

Zelda's soul stayed suspended in the Castle due to her body being with Ganon in the Sealed Realm/Sacred Realm (IDK my copy of the Historia is on my WiiU which is in a box.) Ganon's spirit takes the form of a Lynel and the seal separated his original Gerudo soul from his Malice, allowing him to develop a working/begrudged relationship with the princess he was supposed to kill, even doing little things to care for her in Link's absence. (As caring as the King of Evil and a pregnant demi-goddess can be lol) Sometimes when she annoyed him he'd banish her spirit into the possessed Dragon Naydra, where she would be tended to by Naydra's patron spirit, a smaller dragon named Sirie who had once been a Zonai priestess in an age long past before being transformed.

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

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sunset-peril · 6 months ago

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I wrote this before I decided on Ordon's name

So have fun with my trying desperately to use other ways to refer to him 😂

Trial of the Zora Armor - Chapter Six - Calling in the Calvary

"Your Highness!" Impa cried as she raced into the Zora inn. Seeing Link and Zelda in the room, she bowed down at the entrance and greeted again. "Your Highnesses."

Link nodded. "Impa." She rose.

"Impa… I'm glad to see you…" the weary princess greeted.

"How are you feeling?"

"Not well, I'm afraid…"

"Well then you take your rest, Prince Link and I will handle things from here." She turned towards Link once Zelda nodded. "Your father and sister are on their way with the midwife from Hateno Village, it was determined that she would be a better advisor on the Princess' and her baby's health than any Sheikah from the Castle."

"Thank you, Impa. We should both hope they arrive quickly."

"Of course, Your Highness. Now, may I ask what is already being done for her?"

"We are all stationed here until the midwife has determined her well enough to travel, then we'll make our way back to the castle. Mipha has some commonplace remedies in place to help her pain and ensure she still meets her nutrition requirements."

"That is good. I will await the midwife’s arrival and let her know of this." Impa stepped back out of the room, Link reached over and rubbed Zelda's ear again.

"You seem exhausted, Link. Why don't you rest here with me? We're not going anywhere…"

He smiled softly. "Would that make you feel a little better?"

"I think it would make you feel better…"

He chuckled, then climbed into bed, snuggling up next to her. "Just let me know if I make you too hot." He then closed his eyes. "If for some reason I'm asleep when she gets here and you're not, shake me awake please."

Zelda chuckled softly, kissing his forehead. "Of course."

~~~~

Around noon the next day, the tired party from Hateno Village arrived.

"Welcome, weary travelers." Mipha greeted. "It's been quite a while since I've seen you."

Link's father nodded. "Now you go play, Sydnei."

"Okay, Daddy." She then ran off to find Sidon.

"We traveled as fast as we possibly could. How are they doing?"

"Link is fine, just weary and concerned. Zelda is… stable."

"Stable is good. Stable opens the road for recovery."

Mipha nodded, turning to the midwife. "I will lead you to her room, we can go when you are ready."

"Let's go now." She replied. "I don't wish to keep Her Highness waiting."

They walked into the inn at this time, Link's father just standing in the square as he tried to keep his mind from wandering. He wasn't sure if Sydnei knew what was going on, but he wanted her to stay peaceful. He caught sight of a Goddess Statue up above and walked to it, mentally crying out to Hylia to save her final two descendants. Don't take them from us… they're both so young… don't end your line… don't take Hyrule's only hope… don't take my son's newlywed wife… don't take their baby…

He heard a gasp and rose. "Lady Mipha? Please, you are alright."

"My apologies, Sir Knight, I just wanted to see how you were doing. I am sorry I interrupted your prayers."

"No matter… I am just distressed. The Princess, though she has only been family for an incredibly short amount of time, has become painfully dear to me."

"I understand… I have only known about Zelda’s pregnancy for a mere two days, yet my heart is attached to her child already."

“I worry for them all: my son, his wife and their baby.”

“He hurts as long as she does, I’m sure. I have not heard anything too terrible from Link yet, so I can only assume she’s still doing decently.”

“Will he be delivering the news to us?”

Mipha nodded “Of course, Zelda is not to move and the midwife must monitor her.” She then touched his shoulder. "If you would come on down, we could wait and talk together."

He nodded. "That sounds lovely, actually."

They walked down the stairs, constructed of luminescent gemstones, and sat down at a table in the armor shop. "I assume you've known about the pregnancy for a while?"

He chuckled. "Only if 'a while' is subjective; she hasn't been pregnant all that long. But that's not to say I didn't have suspicion at their wedding."

"Indeed," Mipha stirred the drink in her cup. "she was not well during the first month. I'm surprised I didn't suspect it sooner."

"You say that like she's fine now."

"What I meant was, she was nauseous all the time, had horrible cramps… several of us thought she had gotten food poisoning… but no one really knew and she still had to train and travel just as hard… It was rough. It's still rough now but at least all of us are supporting her." They both paused for a while. "You said you were suspicious at the wedding, how'd you react when they told you?"

"To be honest, I thought Link was pulling my leg for a while, he kept dropping hints but I didn't pay much mind… till the letter with the royal emblem arrived… then I thought 'Oh sweet Hylia… they weren't kidding.' Let me see if I can describe it to you."

~~~~

The early morning sun rose close to midday in the sun, Link's father was tidying up the house, preparing for lunch while Sydnei was playing with Mr. Cucco, her pet Cucco.

A royal messenger had ridden up to their home, then asked Sydnei if he might speak with her father. "Sure!" She had replied, calling as she ran into the house. "Daddy! There's a messenger here for you!"

The former knight stopped what he was doing, ruffled his daughter's hair and went outside.

"Message from Master Link, Sir." The stoic guard said while handing the letter, sealed with the Emblem of the Royal Family, to him.

"Thank you, soldier. May Hylia be ever with you."

The messenger nodded and rode off.

Sydnei gasped in awe. "It's from Link?"

Her dad chuckled. "Yes, now let's go eat. Make sure to wash up."

She giggled, responding "Yes, Daddy!" as she went to get ready.

Going inside, he looked the letter over. "Strange to get a letter so soon…" He wondered aloud. "What could it be?"

"All done!" His daughter called, sitting down at the table. He carefully slid the letter open, unfolding it to reveal Link's penmanship.

Dear Father, The letter began, much more formal-sounding than a letter from Link typically read. Thank you for attending the wedding. It meant so much to both me and Zelda to see you two.

Ah… a thank you letter?

I deeply regret that we are unable to tell you the news in person, but the times and circumstance forbid.

...What news? His brain asked.

We are so excited to tell you, and I hope you'll be just as excited for us.

Zelda found out she's pregnant. I'm going to be a father.

He gasped and covered his mouth in shock, tears of joy forming in his eyes.

"Daddy? What's it say? What did Link say?"

Her father stepped down the stairs, then bent down to her level with a smile on his face and joyful tears in his eyes. "Your brother's gonna be a daddy… Zelda's gonna have a baby."

Her tiny heart flew up her chest in excitement. "Zelda's gonna have a baby!" She repeated in awe.

"Uh-huh, and you're gonna be an auntie."

"Ooh! Yay!" She clapped before scratching her head. "Wait… so what will that make you?"

He laughed. "A granddad."

"When do we get to meet Link and Zelda's baby?"

He laughed once more. "They'll be in Zelda's tummy for quite a while, so I guess you can meet them whenever we see Zelda next. I don't know when exactly she's supposed to have her baby, but I know it will be quite a while."

“...They? Zel is gonna have a bunch of babies?”

He chuckled slightly “No, she’s just going to have one, at least as far as Link knows. He just doesn't know whether she's having a boy or a girl, and we just don’t wanna call our new family member an ‘it,’ do we?”

Sydnei thought for a second and shook her head, satisfied with the answer. "Is her tummy going to get really big?"

"Eventually."

"Oooh, I hope we see them soon! I can't wait to see them again, and to meet their baby!"

He smiled softly at her. So naïve… so innocent…

He, of course, was excited to see his son and daughter-in-law start a family, but he was worried for Zelda. It was a dangerous time and she was now in a dangerous place… however, he still vowed to love and support her with all his heart… she was family now.

No longer just the Princess of Hyrule who both father and son were paid to defend, she was Zelda Hyrule, wife to his son, sister-in-law to his daughter and mother to his grandchild.

~~~~

"Awww, that's sweet… it sounds like you were quite conflicted."

He nodded. "I've really tried to be excited around both of my children, especially because her father hasn't been so accepting, but I've been worried about her since the beginning."

"We all have."

"Miiiiphaaa!" A small, male voice suddenly called out. The tiny Prince of the Zora, Sidon, ran up and jumped into her lap. "Did you hear Sydnei's gonna be an auntie?"

"Why, yes! Isn't it sweet?" Mipha responded.

Sidon nodded, showcasing an adorable grin.

“What’s going on in here?” A deeper male voice asked, chuckling slightly.

“Link!” Mipha called.

“Link!!” Sydnei ran up to him and wrapped up his leg in a bear hug. “How are you?”

Link bent down and hugged his sister. "I'm alright."

"How's your sweet wife, son?"

"The midwife says she's just overstressed and having a rough first trimester. Wants to move her to Hateno to ensure she's in a happy, safe environment with minimal stress, even though I told her we need to go back to the castle. With a little rest, making sure she's eating well and keeping her stress under control, both Zelda and the baby should be good as gold. She said that, once Zelda's better, she still needs to avoid overexerting herself. Told the both of us to keep her in bed for a while and make sure she stays hydrated. Didn't put her on bedrest, thankfully."

"Oh! That's a relief to hear!" Mipha responded, Link's eyes snapped open.

"That reminds me! Mipha, would you know where to find some voltfruit, a fortified pumpkin and some milk, meat and eggs?"

The question was so random and awkward that Mipha began to laugh. "Link, I'm sorry! I don't know why that struck me so funny."

"Ah, welcome to pregnancy cravings, my boy!" Link's father laughed. "Come on, I'll help you get everything for her."

"I has voltfruit," Sydnei said with realization. "Let me get it for you." She ran off to dig through her bag, then returned with several of them.

Link smiled. "Thanks, guys." He then laughed. "She's had such a sensitive stomach her whole life, for her to request something so wild is kinda unexpected."

Everyone, even Sidon and Sydnei, chuckled before leaving to help Link gather the things that Zelda had requested, him telling them the story to pass the time.

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sunset-peril · 4 months ago

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Hyrule's Caste System - HFS - Character Masterlist

Note - Includes only HFS characters who are in a caste. Uncasted HFS characters are not mentioned.

Part of the greater HFS Character Masterlist system. Includes character names, caste, and a basic description. Designs are not included (I'd go over the 30 image limit)

~~~~

Hylia

Farore

Din

Nayru

The Seven Heroines

Zelda the First (Rauru and Sonia’s daughter, not to be confused with Zelda 1 from Zelda 1 & 2)

Zelda Imei (Hyrule’s princess of the past Calamity, first royal to marry a Wolfbred after the caste system’s implementation)

Shamia, the Disgraced (first-born of Kakku and Zelda Imei, first female to be removed from the Line of Hylia, responsible for the Sheikah and Wolfbred genocides and exiles; had her soul destroyed by Hylia herself)

Karu, the Unshakable (middle-born of Kakku and Zelda Imei, first male to jump his sister’s place in the line of succession)

Kumi (last-born of Kakku and Zelda Imei, usually mistaken as Karu’s son)

Zelda Mineru (daughter of Karu, born after her people’s exile)

Zelda Miranda (last ruling queen, assassinated ten years prior by the Yiga Clan)

Zelda Esmerelda (current high priestess and crown princess)

Zelda Ivee (future, currently unborn)

Dinraal (Zarru, pre-draconification, priestess of Akkala and Eldin before draconification; it is said that despair drove her to commit draconification on the Altar of Power, but what caused that despair only Hylia knows)

Farosh (Tikkiru, pre-draconification, priest of the Spring of Courage; prior to Rauru’s establishment of Hyrule, he was convinced to commit draconification)

Naydra (Toma, pre-draconification, priest of the Lanayru Promenade and Spring of Wisdom; received a vision of the Zonai’s impending doom and sought out Vammira to assist with the tasks both Hylia and Nayru brought upon him. The first to draconify. Rauru was never aware of any of this, and he and Sonia met due to Rauru’s struggle to comprehend what had happened: Sonia’s knowledge of sacred acts and divine commands brought counsel and peace to the last two Zonai.)

Sirie (Farore, pre-transmutation, a disgraced attempt to scientifically bring the Zonai back from practical extinction via cloning and appointed by Queen Sonia as Tikkiru’s replacement several years before the Imprisoning War. Became the Guardian Saint of Wisdom after transmutation and serves the Spring of Wisdom)

Berlon (Fray, pre-transmutation. Became the Guardian Saint of Courage after transmutation and serves the Spring of Courage)

Tyrvori (Became half the Guardian Saint of Power after transmutation and serves the Spring of Power with his wife)

Mursi (Became half the Guardian Saint of Power after transmutation and serves the Spring of Power with her husband)

Regent (A spirit ordaining rulers of Hyrule; it is believed that no one ascends without his approval)

Vammira (A spirit seem as a bad omen, as it is believed she manipulates potential saints to commit draconification)

Kazuli (Wolfbred husband of Zelda the First)

Kakku (Genetically edited Zonai-Wolfbred husband of Zelda Imei; descended from Mineru by genetic engineering)

Rhoam (Current King Regent of Hyrule)

Link (Originally from the Half-Citizens caste, Arvador and basically prince of the Wolfbred with none of royalty's benefits)

Urbosa (Originally from the Foreign Royals caste, dear friend of Zelda Miranda, ally to Hyrule and mother figure to Zelda Esmerelda)

Mipha (Originally from the Foreign Royals caste, heir to the Zora throne with a unique tie to the disgraced Wolfbred)

Revali (Originally from the Peasants caste, a Rito with a control over wind thought to be impossible)

Daruk (Originally from the Lower Class caste, a Goron with the power to create a true force field)

Rassill Alder (A member of Princess Zelda’s personal guard)

Jack Alder (A throne room guard captain)

Tarim (A Castle Town guard captain with obvious Gerudo blood)

Francesca (Link’s swordmaster from AoC)

Drazden (A former suitor of Zelda’s)

Dorephan

Sidon

Impa

Purah

Akeku (Urbosa’s niece and heir to the helm of the Gerudo)

Tith (Rito elder)

Kohga (only in AoC AU)

Esosu (Urbosa’s Captain of the Palace Guard, basically Urbosa’s Buliara)

Khosha (Revali’s wife, elevated to Foreign Noble after Revali's ordination)

Tarotis (Related to Daruk, elevated to Foreign Noble after Daruki's ordination)

Lillemor

Horacio (The Sheikah Court Poet)

Robbie

Elra (one of Purah’s subordinates)

Kohga

Sooga

*none*

Irra (High-ranking Yiga, although Yiga ranks don’t influence the system)

Astor

Caphia (A young Hylian girl living in Goponga)

Tavo/Vyrtuka (An elderly Zora living in Goponga who’s been adopted into the Wolfbred tribe)

Modern -

Midna Marie (Link’s mother and the head of the Elder’s Ring of Hateno. Prophetess and historian, although on the brink of insanity due to what the Circle forced her to do. Died suddenly at thirty-two when Link was twelve, suspected to be genetic-related organ failure.)

Ordon (Link’s father, and a blacksmith by trade. Once a highly decorated Royal Guard and a favorite of Queen Zelda, he laid down his sword to raise his children after his wife’s sudden passing. It seems he always has a look of guilt etched onto his face…)

Link (before Ordination)

Sydnei (Link’s eight year old sister, almost ten years younger. A lover and raiser of Cuccos as well as her brother’s biggest fan. Link would do whatever it took to save her from the realities of the modern Wolfbred tribe.)

Talo (A member of the Elder’s Ring of Hateno)

Quinari (A member of the Elder’s Ring of Hateno)

Pryze (Sir Pryze is one of the Castle's last Wolfbred knights. He is a mentor to Link, and ten years older. Uli is his mother. A throne room guard until the assassination of Queen Zelda, then relocated to Zora’s Domain with the rest of the Wolfbred knights until Link summoned him back as part of Princess Zelda’s personal guard.)

Uli (Cousin of Midna Marie, although she's like a sister to her. What happened to Midna because of how the Sheikah dehumanized their tribe in ages long past makes her very willing to lash out at the Shadow People. Wants nothing to do with Hyrule. In her words, if Link is only a "half-citizen," then the kingdom can only demand half his life for their wars. Pryze is her son.)

Twili (The apothecary of Hateno Village. Mistaken to be Link's mother several times by non-Wolfbred, due to misinterpreting the Wolfbred's affectionate culture (and the fact that Link acts less shy with Wolfbred) to be a family relationship between the two.)

Kokori (A senior (30+) Wolfbred living in Goponga Village. Considers her home among the Zora, serving as an assistant to Goponga’s general store owner. The fourth youngest Wolfbred. Colin is her husband)

Colin (Kokori’s husband and a fisherman in the Lanayru Wetlands)

Sage (Link’s spiritual advisor, teaches and leads him through his Arvador duties and takes them over when he becomes a Champion. Fifty years old, which is considered ancient to the tribe who only lives through their thirties.)

~~~

Ancient -

Perfection/Failure (Don’t get me started on him, just read the post)

Mable

Lon Lon/Lenora

Mabe

Sanidin

Saria

Arbiter

Karusa

Koma

Mezra (A member of the founding Elder’s Ring of Hateno, said to have garnered a personal connection to the Twilight. The Wolfbred’s afterlife beliefs primarily stem from her and Hami)

Hami (Founding ruler of Hateno Village, if you listen closely under the full moon, perhaps you will hear her call. Said to be spirit-bound to a Twili, she heavily influences the Wolfbred’s afterlife beliefs along with Mezra. Often depicted as a ghost-like wolf.)

Poe/Raven (A female Wolfbred with Arvador-type duties. While the Arvador title is unique to Link, this lady is in charge of the spiritual aspects that are most closely mirroring the Arvador: burials of puppies, spiritual work, etc. She maintains all the funeral rites and death tasks for Hateno Village.)

Ranvu (Hami’s husband)

Risoka (A former chamberlain for the Royal Family whose love for caring for and serving others became the basis of Hateno’s communal society)

Callisto

Jia (A member of the founding Elder’s Ring of Hateno, and Hateno’s first historian, transcribing history into song to prevent its loss. Her most notable “song” was a warning given to King Rauru by the Priestess Farore shortly before he died)

~~~

Deities excluded from the Pantheon and Pantheon Saint castes -

Celeano Orientalis

Neclutoph (also in Sheikah mythology, escorted the two tribes to Necluda after being cast from Hyrule and protected the tribes throughout exile)

Tilir (an eel-like Zora said to have protected puppies from being put to death)

~~~

Individuals who died before the institution of the caste system (earlier than 10,000 years before BotW) have no caste and are organized by sub-kingdom; except for the Pantheon, Lineage of Hylia and both Royalty castes

Individuals born after the Great Calamity have no caste, nor sub-kingdom

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

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sunset-peril · 7 months ago

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Social Makeup Study - Hateno Village (HFS, TotK)

Village Structure

Leadership system: Eldership and a monarchy-like structure both appear to be used at once. An electoral system has become popular with some citizens, and Hyrule's monarchy has begun to restore itself, both further complicating the matter. Traditionally, Hateno used an eldership system exclusively, but Hyrule's sudden destruction 100 years ago brought elements of a monarchy (primarily that there is one leader who inherits the position).

Leader/Ruler: Reede Imperial (leader/mayor, under dispute), Link Hyrule (elder, under dispute, King of Hyrule)

Economy: As a former land of exile, Hateno is traditionally non-exporting. However, the village became known for agriculture and dye production after the Age of Burning Fields. Recently, the village has become a hub for textiles such as clothing and hats. The past century has brought significant changes in this area, which has also brought unease.

Demographics: Historically was 100% Pedigreed Wolfbred, although the modern village has a makeup of approximately 50% Wolfbred/Wolfbred Hybrid and 50% Hylian. This shift was also brought about in the last 100 years.

Beliefs and Afterlife: A Hylia-worshipping village. Wolfbred mythology depicts them having been created by the Twilight's interaction with their ancestor and believe that the Twilight became heritable through his line. Although the Twilight Realm is not an afterlife realm (nor was it intended to be), the Wolfbred still believe their ghosts will be returned to the Realm when their bodies fail because of their own Twilight, and believe that Midna created the Celaeno Orientalis constellation (a wolf-like constellation that appears over Hateno) as a replacement for the Mirror of Twilight to help their souls return "home". Due to the Mirror of Twilight's destruction, there is no way to confirm or deny this belief; however, it appears to have been reinforced by Link's successful command of both Wolfbred-like spirits and Hylia's Honor Guard (souls of past heroes) in battle.

Citizens

Link (Imperial) Hyrule: The last documented male Wolfbred, and the last Wolfbred born under exile. For this reason, he’s referred to as the last “Pedigreed Wolfbred”. Champion of Hyrule/Hylians, despite not technically being Hylian, and beloved mate of Princess Zelda. Died during the Great Calamity, but not before becoming King of Hyrule. The first Wolfbred King since Kakku. Cause of death: fatal battle wounds. He was resurrected 100 years after his death, and reigns over Hyrule today with his beloved. The Sheikah crowned him King Sovereign before Calamity Ganon was sealed for good, as the throne would pass to whichever of King Rhoam's heirs/relatives was found alive first. Called "Grandpa" (sometimes written "Grandpaw") by his extended family. Has developed blindness in one eye as well as joint pain, two common signs of a Wolfbred's aging, and is technically retired from all soldiering.

Zelda (Esmerelda) Hyrule: The first Hylian to marry into the tribe in 10,000 years due to the exile, and mother of Hyrule's first (chronologically-speaking) Wolfbred-Hylian hybrid: Zelda Ivee. Said to be the only true Hylian who could speak the Wolfbred tongue fluently before the Calamity. The Sheikah's crowning of Link restarted the Kingdom of Hyrule, so this Princess hasn't seen a need to rush her ascension to the Queen's throne. Her temper was found to be of Wolfbred descent, as she is Karu’s descendant. A beloved teacher at the newly build Hateno Schoolhouse.

Zelda Ivee Hyrule: King Link and Princess Zelda’s beloved little girl and the new Princess Zelda. She is the first Wolfbred hybrid since her distant ancestor Karu, and her soul is over a century old despite her age of five. Her upbringing will likely shape the future of Hyrule, as her parents come from such different backgrounds. Current studies regarding her aim to identify whatever might trigger the aggressive tendencies her family tree is infamous for, so her exposure to such triggers can be limited.

Reede Imperial: Leader of Hateno Village and descendant of Sydnei (Link's sister). He retains a strong desire to stay in tune with his heritage and prides himself on keeping Hateno just the way it was during the exile: a safe haven for the Wolfbred. He inherited the antagonistic tendencies of his family. Although he is generally a very peaceful, vegetable-loving man, he has recently begun to display aggressive behavior, and has gotten in a few fights. (Now that the villagers think about it, so has Link.)

Clavia Imperial: Reede's wife and the mother of Karin. Clavia is Hylian, but has been accepted into the Clan as if she was Wolfbred. While her daughter is in school, she spends time at Link and Zelda's, often helping tidy the place so the half-blind Link can keep his last good eye on his pup. Besides, she believes it does Link good to have someone other than Zelda to talk to.

Karin Imperial: Reede and Clavia's daughter, and a pupil of Zelda's. Currently, Karin is not affected by her family's tendencies. Purah aims to prevent exposing both her and Zelda Ivee to whatever causes those tendencies to develop. Although, considering how riled up their fathers have suddenly gotten, Purah and her fellow researchers may have to work fast to identify the cause and isolate it from the girls.

Sophie and Cece: A pair of Wolfbred-Hylian sisters. Cece is eldest. Their existence greatly influences modern Wolfbred-Hylian relations as Sophie is considered legally Wolfbred, while Cece is the first hybrid to not be legally Wolfbred, at least within the village. Surprisingly, Sophie is the more docile of the two. Cece recently moved back in after traveling the world to study fashion. Village opinions are mixed. Link and Sophie are friends. Link and Cece are not.

Ivee: Daughter of the family who runs East Wind General Store. It's rumored that she was actually named after Zelda Ivee, as Hateno thought she'd been killed in-utero during the Great Calamity.

Pruce, Amira and Azu: Family of Ivee, runs East Wind. Ancestor was a dear friend of Ordon, which strengthens the rumors about the origins of Ivee's name. Father, mother and younger brother, respectively. Azu has taken fondly to "protecting" the village, a tendency that often develops in Wolfbred males as they approach and reach puberty.

Tamana: A former Cucco rancher, and Teebo's mother.

Teebo: A very polite Wolfbred pup and Tamana's son. Has shown an immense interest in weapons and the warrior arts since he was very young, and now fills a slot on the day-shift Hateno guard. His apparently innate interest in warrior arts and protection have brought him and Link into a mentor-mentee relationship.

Medda: A tomato-raising farmer, and Aster's father. His wife passed many years ago, but he and his daughter seem to be doing well.

Aster: Medda's daughter. Loves tomatos and froggies, and recently moved next door to Link and Zelda.

Dantz, Koyin: A family of Wolfbred who live outside the town on a farm in the forest, completely devoted to the ways of their ancestors. Father and daughter, respectively.

Sayge, Senna and Sefaro: Family running the Kochi Dye Shop. Sayge and Senna are devoted artisans, who are thriving with Hateno's new textile based market. Sefaro, however, is a much more studious soul who prefers to read history books at the schoolhouse. He's tried to badger Link into teaching him more sensitive history like the Great Calamity, Wolfbred Exile and Sheikah Fallout; currently to little-to-no avail. Perhaps when the little historian is older... or when other tensions in the village smooth over....

Prima: Said to be the prettiest Wolfbred after Midna Marie. May be related to Linky due to the strong facial resemblance to his mother, but is clearly not of the Imperial family.

Worten: Prima's husband. A Wolfbred-Hylian hybrid like his wife, which was seen as a milestone for the species (as hybrids had become distant enough to interbreed again)

Uma: An elderly Wolfbred-Hylian. One of the first hybrids to be born, and has lived since the Age of Burning Fields. Full of knowledge about the village and its history, with a priceless ability to see multiple perspectives for almost any conflict in the village. She usually attempts to soothe Link and Reede when they are riled, often with more success than their wives.

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

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sunset-peril · 9 months ago

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To Heir is Champion - Urbosa

Gerudo Town. A gleaming, all-women city in the middle of the unforgiving Gerudo Desert. Once said to have been the origin tribe of Calamity Ganon, the Gerudo people were now the closest ally to Hyrule, proven by the fact that the tribe had raised the last princess of Hyrule almost to adulthood.

Lady Urbosa was chief of this proud tribe and also the adoptive mother of Princess Zelda. As the closest friend of Zelda's late mother, she was granted a maternal role for the future matriarch after her mother's sudden death. Urbosa cared very much for Zelda, enough to bend more than a few rules and traditions in order for Zelda to marry the love of her life, Champion Link of Hyrule.

Near the end of their engagement, Zelda had fallen quite ill. Worried for her daughter, Urbosa had taken her aside and examined her to find that the little princess of Hyrule was already expecting her first child. With such news in mind, she increased security among the Gerudo to ensure Link and Zelda's wedding would occur on time. She hoped this would be enough to secure their marriage with enough time to settle before she became obvious.

Urbosa had promised to deny any knowledge of Zelda's pregnancy for as long as she wished, and thankfully for the excited grandmother-to-be, Zelda was about to relieve her of such a task.

"Lady Urbosa," Esosu, a high-ranking and highly trusted palace guard, entered the throne room. "a letter from Princess Zelda has arrived."

Urbosa smiled softly, always happy to hear word from her vehvi. "Do bring it here." She held out a strong, yet gentle, hand for Esosu to place the letter into.

Gerudo Chief Urbosa. The letter began with a striking formality, but Urbosa knew that such formality was demanded of Zelda. You've no idea how thankful Link and I are for your continued support of us throughout the years since Ganon's return was foretold.

The smile on Urbosa's face grew larger and brighter. She was always willing to give both of them support. Zelda's life had been a struggle ever since her mother's assassination ten years before, and Link had his own demons to battle. For them to fully know Urbosa loved them was all her heart desired.

We both wish to thank you for your role in our marriage and our lives, which is why we've decided that you would be the first that we told.

Her mouth began to tremble with joy as she realized what the letter was for.

I, Princess Zelda, and my husband, Prince Link, are beyond proud to announce that I am expecting the next descendant of Hylia. We expect the child to arrive in about two seasons' time.

Urbosa began to cry. It was official now.

"Lady Urbosa? What is the matter?" Although armor covered her face, her eyes shone with concern. "Do I need to prepare the troops?"

"No…"

"Then what brings my chief such emotion?"

Urbosa looked down at the words on the page, making sure they truly existed, before replying. "The princess is with child."

"Oh! Our little missy is expecting her first! Truly happy news, Lady Urbosa!"

Link has some training business with the knights, so I will be coming down for a few days until his business is through. I look forward to being in Gerudo Town again.

Her Divine Highness, Princess Zelda Esmerelda Hyrule, Descendant of the Goddess Hylia and Heir to the Hyrulean Throne

Right below where Zelda signed her full title, the Hylian Emblem appeared, proving that the parchment originated from Hyrule Castle.

"Esosu. Princess Zelda is coming to Gerudo Town for a few days while Prince Link tends to business. We must prepare for her arrival."

Esosu nodded. "Yes, Chief."

"I leave you in charge of the guards. Do as you see fit."

"Thank you, Chief." Esosu then left the throne room to prepare.

Urbosa quickly read over Zelda's letter again, becoming giddy before heading up to her bedroom.

Zelda would surely be arriving soon. She needed a good place to rest and some cool clothing for the desert heat. Now that she was with child, her whole being was a little more fragile.

Looking around, she saw no suitable place for Zelda to stay, then remembered Zelda's old room was downstairs. She headed back down in order to see what needed to be cleaned up, mind wandering to other tasks.

Urbosa needed to break the news to the Canteen, so that no worker there would accidentally give Zelda a drink and hurt her growing baby.

A Noble Pursuit actually sounded amazing right now.

Urbosa headed down to the Noble Canteen, to fulfill both items on her list.

…

*Some time later… Gerudo Canyon*

"Link. I'm feeling quite alright. Don't worry so much." Zelda brushed her fingers along the braids on the top of her head, still appearing the same as she always did when traveling for non-training reasons. The two had ridden at a decent pace the whole trip, now approaching the Gerudo Canyon Stable. Although the whole trip had gone without incident, not even Zelda getting nauseated or a Bokoblin attacking them, Link rode very close to her, often placing one hand on her shoulder or rubbing her belly while they were in motion.

"I'm a knight and your husband. It's my job. Besides, I'm not going to see you for almost a week."

"I'll be fine! I'm in very good hands with Urbosa."

His hands tightened around Epona's reins. "Right now, I can't feel like any hands are as good as mine."

"I can tell that. Relax. The Gerudo have taken excellent care of me over the past ten years, the little one and I will be as well cared for as if you were doing so." She slowed Skyloft down a little and placed a hand over her stomach.

Link matched the pace change instantly. "Are you okay? Do we need to stop? What's wrong with the baby?"

Skyloft stopped, Zelda muttered in frustration. "Link. Nothing is wrong. Stop please."

The two horses whinnied in agreement.

"Ugh. Master's never been like this before. He's making me look bad." Epona muttered to Skyloft. "You'd think this foal was the end of the world."

"Tell me about it. I have to carry her around everywhere and you don't see me psyching out over this foal." Skyloft shook out his head. "Actually I'm kind of proud about it, I get to carry both remaining Goddess descendants on my back."

"Can we trade? I want the heavy salty one instead of this worrywart."

"She's not actually any heavier, even though this stomach of hers is already bigger." The white stallion turned his head to nuzzle Zelda's stomach.

"Aww, Skyloft! Look Link, Skyloft's bonding."

"Heh. Sure is."

"Of course she isn't. All she's done for the past month has been puke her guts up. I'm surprised that foal's even still alive… and that she's actually held her rice today."

"Maybe that's why they're growing, because there's a few scattered days where Mistress keeps a meal down."

"Maybe… oh, I hope Master's foal turns out alright. He'll never forgive himself if something happens." Epona also nuzzled Zelda's belly, in part to keep Link's hands off.

"Heh. Looks like someone's popular." Link smiled at the two horses. They had sensed Zelda's pregnancy when she was only about five weeks, surrounding her body until Link became scared enough that they realized the strange lifeform inside Zelda also belonged to him.

…

"Ugh. It's probably just stable fever but, does something seem off with Mistress?" Skyloft looked towards Zelda's slim figure with confusion as she walked in the stable.

"...Yeah. I feel it too." Epona tilted her ears towards Zelda.

As Zelda drew closer, the feeling intensified.

"Mornin' Epona!" Link greeted. "Look who's finally well enough to go riding with us."

"Mistress has been ill? Why haven't we heard anything, Epona?"

"I don't know… lemme get closer. " Epona focused her ears on Zelda's body, using her heightened senses to try and solve the mystery. "Her stomach doesn't sound right… what did she eat?"

As soon as Link removed the latch on Epona's stall, she raced out and approached Zelda.

"This sound, Skyloft, I've heard it before… but not since… Hateno… It almost sounds like… no… I haven't heard this sound since I was a filly, but it must be the same."

"What? Tell me, Epona!"

Epona nickered in realization and reared slightly. "It's a foal, Sky! Princess Zelda's carrying a foal!"

"Woah, Epona! Epona, down!"

"A foal?! Mistress is with foal?!"

"There's a heartbeat in her stomach, it could only be a foal!"

"Epona!" Link dropped everything and motioned for him and Zelda to back up before she hurt herself or either of them.

The stress made Zelda double over her stomach, trying not to retch.

Skyloft whinnied at Zelda, then unlatched himself and raced over to her. He surrounded her stomach, keeping his muzzle down over it.

"Skyloft? What are you doing? What's gotten into you and Epona?" Zelda wearily asked, unable to get a hand to her stomach.

"I'll protect your foal, Mistress." He turned his head to Epona. "I hear the beat too!"

Epona was able to dodge Link and also placed herself around Zelda, the two forming a wall.

"Zelda! Zelda!" Link's panic was rising, all the horses in the stable could sense his terror.

"Master thinks we're going to hurt her." Epona realized. "Skyloft, let my master through."

The horses separated just enough to let Link in, who proceeded to snap.

"Back! Get back, shoo!"

They took a few steps back. "I've never seen Master get so scared he started yelling… I wonder if he knows about the foal too."

Once they were a few steps from Zelda, Link cradled her body. "Are you hurt? Did they hurt you?"

"No, Link… they just spooked me a little… all they did was hold their noses on my stomach, I think they can sense the little one."

Link helped her to her feet, then held his hands on her belly, unable to relax.

"Master's heartbeat is racing. This is so strange for him… but why's he holding her like that?"

"Maybe he's worried about her foal. Maybe he's trying to protect it."

Epona snorted in confusion. "Hylians don't just get that way around each other… especially around another Hylian's foal."

"Link… I'm okay… we're both okay." Zelda leaned forward and kissed his lips.

Both horses stomped in realization. "Your master sired my mistress!" Skyloft whinnied.

"Master sired the Princess' foal!" Epona replied at the same time.

The two Hylians chuckled. "Didn't know we're a thing?" Link asked. "I thought you two knew that we just got married."

"I think they're still uptight about the baby. Herd animals, according to Castle research, can detect pregnancy among their members."

He smiled and nodded. Zelda had already learned so much about horses. "Maybe. C'mon, Epona! Let's all go for a ride." He slid the blanket and saddle over Epona's back, then scratched her neck. "I'm sorry I snapped earlier, girl."

...

"The horses have been interested in the little one ever since they freaked out in the stable that first time. They're probably curious."

"Yeah, Epona was little the last time she encountered a pregnant female… and that one happened to be a cow. Skyloft was bred at the Castle, correct? He's probably never encountered such a thing."

Zelda nodded, then pulled at her reins. "Okay, Skyloft, keep moving. It's getting hot." She exhaled loudly and fanned herself.

"Here, honey." Link pulled out a boomerang from his pocket. "Use this." He then instructed both horses to move faster, trying to get through the stuffy canyon gateway before Zelda got nauseous.

The horses had to stay at the stable, they all said goodbye before Link and Zelda stepped into the Desert Gateway and headed for Kara Kara.

"Ah, there you are!" Urbosa called when the couple came into view.

Zelda ran up to Urbosa and hugged her tightly. The two embraced in a long hug.

"Let me see that baby of yours!" Urbosa bent down and rubbed Zelda's stomach. "Ah, you've already got a bump… how cute." She chuckled. "Are you being nice to your momma? Or are you making her regret getting pregnant with you already?"

"Both. Most days I can't keep any food down, but today my stomach's been alright. I already love this little one so much… I didn't even know I could do that."

"Ah, a mother's love is a powerful thing." She chuckled. "You're getting so big already. Either you're just that tiny or you've got a big baby in there."

"I'm getting a little worried that she's already showing, we've barely gotten to settle from the wedding… haven't even started on how we're going to tell the King."

"Oh yes, he's not going to be very pleased… you stay alert, Link, even one strike could kill this miracle here."

"Urbosa. He's already panicking, I need him to be able to leave and not have a heart attack… please don't stress him out." Zelda then winced, pressing one hand on either side of her bump. "Ooohh." She shuffled over to Link's side, panic flashed in his eyes.

"Little bird!" Her and Link instantly tried to soothe her pain. "Link… can you help her over to the water?"

She took short, sharp breaths. "I'm okay, I'm okay…"

"Still. Let Link help you to the pond." With Urbosa's words, Link lifted his wife and carried her to the cool waters, letting them surround her hips.

Once Zelda had floated for a while, the pulsing pain subsided. "...Thank you, Urbosa."

"You're welcome, little bird… I think you may have gotten overheated. These early cramps can get ugly, and the heat never helps. We'll be a little more careful on the way to the town." She rubbed Zelda's shoulders and looked at Link. "You probably need to head on, don't you?"

"...Yeah." Link kissed Zelda's forehead. "Stay safe, okay? Don't go near the Canteen, I don't want it to tempt you."

"Alright, Link. You try and have fun, okay?"

He looked pained to reply. "Love you."

"I love you too."

He stood up, Zelda did too, and he hugged Urbosa before placing his hands on Zelda's bump and kissing her lips.

The two women watched him leave, Urbosa with an arm around Zelda's back. "C'mon, little bird, let's get to the town before it gets any hotter. I've already had someone make a cooler maternity outfit for you."

"You're too kind to me, Urbosa."

"Anything for you, little bird, I want you to be as comfortable as you can."

~~~~

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

#happy 7th birthday botw #breath of the wild #legend of zelda #fanfiction #booksivewritten #hyrule's final stand #zelink #loz epona #epona #botw epona #zelda's horse botw #urbosa #gerudo town #pregnancy #honestly some cute fluff #this time link's the butt end of a joke #this is my favorite one so it goes first #this one is actually pretty old

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aikoiya · 5 months ago

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Mipha really is an example of the concept of Muditā here.

That is "vicarious joy," in which one takes joy in the success & happiness of others rather than begrudge them.

Which, I hope that selfless & kind spirit lives on in the Zora.

Trial of the Zora Armor - Epilogue - Revelations at Vah Ruta

Author's Note: I wanted to mention something before this Epilogue began. Both Sidon and Dorephan's quotes that follow Link's request to hear about Mipha are direct quotes from Breath of the Wild. They can be accessed after "The Champions' Ballad" is unlocked by the player prompting Link to ask about Mipha. The opening lines are also a direct quote from the game. They can be accessed by re-defeating Waterblight in "The Champions' Ballad," but are randomly accessed along with four other interactions with Mipha.

~~~~

*One Hundred Years Later*

~~~~

Link... How much do you remember of what took place between us one hundred years ago?

Do you know why that Zora Armor fits you so perfectly?

His head snapped up. Link looked over both shoulders in expectation of finding someone there. He then looked down at himself, expecting to find the Zora Armor he was not wearing, before remembering that the voice came from deep inside Vah Ruta.

There are many things I hope you will remember, but if you can't recall those memories, I suppose it can't be helped.

As for me... I shall never forget.

Confusion slowly spread through his mind. What happened one hundred years ago that people couldn't stop talking about?

Zelda was important, sure, she was the sole reason this world still existed.

But why was everyone always wanting to talk about her and the Hyrule of one hundred years ago? It made no sense! That world was long gone, its ashes had become this world's new ground. There was no way to bring the Champions of old and their Royal Family back, even he had acclimated to this new world instead of holding onto the past.

Was this world so captivated by that destruction that they lay obsessed? Were the Champions, their surviving family and descendants, and the few Sheikah who were still alive just incapable of letting a kingdom that had died so abruptly go?

Maybe there were still too many pieces of his memory missing. King Dorephan was alive, both now and during that time, perhaps asking him about Mipha and the past would unlock something deep inside him to answer the burning questions he had. He headed down the mountain, then remembered the Shrine inside the Domain and teleported into the heart of the Zora Kingdom.

"My dearest friend! Hello!" A large, red Zora greeted almost as soon as the teleportation was complete. "How lovely of you to visit the Domain even after Vah Ruta has been tamed!"

The visitor wasn't exactly who he wanted to talk to, but he wasn't an enemy face. Sidon might even be able to give him a starting place.

"Sidon." His voice was soft, confused and anguished, as he looked up to meet the Zora's gaze and walked out of the small room. "Tell me about Mipha."

"You wish to speak of my sister? Yes, I am always happy to do so."

This brought a little peace.

"Actually... I recently remembered something, a fuzzy memory from my early childhood. There was a swordsman that came by every so often and spent a considerable amount of time with Mipha. At the time, it felt like he was stealing my sister away from me. I know better now. But... that swordsman... It was you, Link. I am certain of it. I do hope my bluntness has not offended you. Had things gone differently," Sidon trailed, Link felt a new tension bubble up. "You might have been my sister's husband... My brother-in-law... Oh! My apologies. I got carried away and let my imagination run wild. Please forget my childish musings, my friend!"

The apology came too late. The uneasiness that came upon Link whenever Mipha's romantic feelings were mentioned had already struck.

He found himself feeling worse than before. "Alright... thank you, Sidon." Link headed to the throne room as soon as Sidon nodded in acknowledgement. "Your Majesty..." Link bowed deeply, allowing his right leg to become flat on the ground.

"Link... How good it is to see your face. What is on your mind?"

Link cringed, hoping that his question would not devolve into yet another 'You know Mipha loved you, right?' conversation. While most times he could brush off the uneasiness, nod casually or be completely affected, right now he needed a helpful reply. "...Could you tell me about Mipha?"

"Yes, of course you wish to hear about our dear Mipha. I am sure it would bring her peace to know she is on your mind." The king took a deep breath. "Mipha was always kind, from the day she was born. She was equally as kind to her own as she was to complete strangers. When you first took to visiting us, back when you were but a child, she adored you like a brother. However, as you know, Hylians age much faster than us. Eventually you grew so much, she began to look up to you... As Mipha's diary plainly states... it was not long before she developed strong feelings for you. A Zora princess falling in love with a Hylian swordsman... It reminds me of a Zora legend of old. That is why I welcomed the idea of you and Mipha becoming husband and wife. It is a shame you two never had the chance to see what might have been..."

Oh great. Link was starting to lose patience with the only people who remembered him. Maybe Impa would have been a better idea. Or Purah. Or pretty much anyone else. "Mipha's Diary?" He hoped he didn't sound as peeved as he felt.

After all, Dorephan didn't have to discuss his late daughter.

"Ah, of course. Mipha's diary was found just recently. Its discovery brought me much joy. It is on that table over there." Dorephan pointed to a conspicuous table that Link felt stupid for not noticing earlier. "I do not mind if you choose to read it. I am sure Mipha would forgive you anything."

Finally. Something helpful. Link would have to scrunge through all Mipha's romantic-related thoughts about him, but it would be her words and not someone's edited version of them. He went over, trying hard not to appear like he was making a beeline by walking towards the exit and glancing over several times like curiosity was taking over. He flipped it open, scanning through the pages. He could take it all in later when he was feeling better.

Him visiting when he was four... another visit ten years later when he already had the sword... a Ploymus Mountain adventure... oh great, here it all comes...

Link flipped faster until he came upon a retelling of the Zora Legend about the Zora princess falling in love with a Hylian swordsman, a prayer for the princess' courage... and a scribbled out page. Behind that page, another had been torn out. Both seemed so uncharacteristic for Mipha. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a pocket's opening near the spine of the book. Carefully, he pried it open and a multitude of different things fell out.

The first he noticed was the ripped out page.

Link visited the Domain once again. While I am always elated to see him, my heart felt somewhat disturbed. Perhaps this is because Zelda came by only about a week or two ago.

She had seemed a bit nervous as her time here passed, and although the whole reason for her solo trek was to speak with me, she seemed to avoid my gaze.

When the time came that we found a moment to ourselves, she asked me for a blessing. A blessing to propose to Link. At first I thought she was kidding, but just one glance told me she was somberly serious.

Zelda is the future sovereign of all the nations, no other ruler can be given a title that outweighs hers outside their own boundaries, yet she gazed into my eyes as if she hinged on my permission. I cannot understand it.

Of course, I gave the blessing to her. I wish she could see the power of her position in a way where she does not feel the need to grovel, and I wish for her happiness just as much as my own. I have lived for her entire life, I saw with my own eyes how she shut down after the assassination... Within these past two years, she's come back to life. I dare not be the reason that darkness returns.

This... was much different from the Mipha the Zora had been so eager to help him remember. Had the kingdom she left behind altered her words that drastically? Could he even trust what he'd learned about his fallen friends?

I could have turned right around and given the armor to Link before Zelda could get a chance to propose... her relationship with him is illegal, unlike mine. But I didn't. My whole self allowed her to go first.

I guess I didn't expect him to say yes.

Link stumbled back and blinked.

"Oh ho! What did you find, Champion?"

With the paper clutched tight, Link's eyes focused on the Zora king. "I-I was... engaged? T-To Zelda?"

"Mmm, much more than engaged, you two were married."

Link's voice fell apart even more. "M-M-Married? But... she's the princess!"

"As was our dear Mipha. Prior to the Calamity, you and Princess Zelda were happily married. She was even expecting your first child. Ah, how those last months were full of turmoil... but you loved her and the baby dearly... what did you two name them again? Hmmm, let's see..."

Link looked down at the spilled contents of the diary. Had this all been hidden away because it showed he loved Zelda instead of Mipha? And a child? Was there anything about them? He set the ripped page down and scrambled through the remaining papers and pictures. Sure enough, he found a small picture of his wedding. He recognized the spot as what was now the Sand Seal Racing Track. There was Daruk, Mipha, Revali, Urbosa, a female Rito that he didn't quite recognize... and in the middle of the group were him and Zelda. They had hands clasped lovingly, as if they were posing for their own picture in the midst of the rest, and she was wearing the most beautiful dress he'd ever seen. Well, obviously he'd seen it before, but not since his memories were taken. Her head was snuggled up onto his shoulder, his heart began to race as if the picture had been the something he'd been looking for all his life. Link felt every part of his being wanting to cry at the sight. All of a sudden, he felt a burning need to hold her close and feel her warmth. He shoved that picture back into the pocket before it rendered him unable to press through the rest of the material. Maybe he'd come back for it later.

There was another picture attached to yet another paper containing Mipha's handwriting. The picture was of her and Zelda, Link wondered where he would have been. It was clear that Zelda was pregnant, a large, woven embellishment on her otherwise plain white dress curved along with her belly; her hand was gently held at the curving's base. There were deep, dark rings underneath her eyes. How long had it been since she'd slept? Link wondered before reading the attached note.

It's been about a week since the attacks at the Castle. According to travelers, everyone who lived in the Castle returned safely. I am truly relieved to hear such a thing. Zelda is incredibly close to her fifth month... all the recent strain has surely worsened her health. I pray fervently for peace and security to come upon her until her time arrives. I recently received a letter from Link. The baby is doing much better than their mother. He seemed to speak endlessly about how active and strong they have become, it is truly a marvel. I believe he has spoken more since their engagement than he had for the two years prior.

While I am elated for the child's health... hearing such news makes my heart ache for Zelda. She is so weakened by the events of the past month, and carrying the child of Hyrule's strongest knight seems not to offer her much opportunity for rest and recovery. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she has spent the last week in bed. Link said that she wasn't doing terribly, but the way everything was written hinted that she wasn't quite alright. In response to this, I sent back a letter requesting a council with them both. I have finally decided, along with some guidance from Father, what to do about my armor predicament.

I hope Zelda will be well enough for me to visit.

Beneath the words Link had already read, there was a retelling of how Mipha felt the council went. A familiar feeling rushed through him. A memory was returning.

"No, Zelda!" Link held Zelda's shoulders and legs down onto the bed, she struggled. "Quiet." His voice was hushed, but the tension was still felt. He leaned his body over hers, her right hand curled up against her stomach. The treated bandages that concealed her rash now covered from her knuckles to her mid-forearm.

The footsteps outside grew louder. The door opened and Link lowered his body further.

"Oh!" A soldier was standing there, analyzing the threatened form of his prince. "My deepest apologies for startling you in this uneasy time, Your Highness. Lady Mipha has arrived."

Link retracted his body, looking at Zelda with a worried gaze. Deep, dark bags fell under her eyes, which were duller than normal.

"I suppose we should greet her," Zelda replied. "she did not have to travel all this way." She reached out for Link's hand to pull her upright, then straightened her white dress before heading down.

Mipha glanced up at the small staircase where she heard footsteps, finding gold flats and the trim of a white dress alongside black boots. "Link, Zelda... how good to see you both."

Zelda beamed at seeing the friendly face and quickened her pace. "Mipha!"

The two princesses embraced. "Oh, you look wonderful," Mipha complimented. "even as exhausted as you must be."

"Thank you..."

"How's the little one? Are they still doing well?"

Zelda dipped her head for a single nod. "Yes... they've become very active..."

"You wouldn't believe how hungry they've made her." Link added jokingly.

"Link." She muttered in annoyance. "For such a glutton, why do you tease me so much about my own diet?"

He sighed, rubbing her back. "You know I love you, right?" Link kissed her softly on the cheek.

"I do." She turned back towards Mipha, the hand on her stomach revealing all her child's movements. "How is the Domain?"

"We are all well." Mipha noticed Link's expression flash as he found a daybed and motioned her and Zelda over.

"Thank you for offering to meet us here." Zelda gave into Link's demands and tiredly stretched out on the mattress.

"No worries, I knew Link would not allow you to travel."

"She's still recovering," Link defended. "she doesn't need to be traveling anywhere. Especially if she wants to travel for her birthday."

Mipha only nodded.

"I am looking forward to seeing if the Spring of Wisdom is the key... but I also know, regardless of the outcome, that I will probably be put on rest afterwards until Little Hyrule arrives."

Her loving husband rubbed her side. "It's been a rough pregnancy... for all three of us... and you know if I don't get you on rest now, Rhoam may send you to a Spring after you've started having contractions." He kissed her softly. "I just... don't want you to go into labor early or in a place that's not safe for either of you. "

Seemingly at the mention of childbirth, Zelda winced. "Oooh, that was a strong kick... they haven't ever kicked that hard before..."

Link began rubbing Zelda's stomach. "I bet... but it's a good thing. It means they're getting stronger." As he felt a few more strong kicks, he pulled Zelda's head onto his lap.

"We're getting off topic..." Zelda half-groaned. "My apologies for that... What did you wish to meet with us about?"

Mipha's face flashed with concern. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine... Little Hyrule's just certainly got their father's strength... and they're already so restless..." She sighed, looking at Link. "I can see why you want me on rest already."

"Here, we'll take you to bed. We can have our council there, I do not mind. I would rather you be comfortable and well than to fulfill all these strict social norms." Mipha helped Zelda get to her feet.

Zelda blinked out her disappointment in herself. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be, Zelda..." Mipha insisted before her and Link braced her back and led her to her bedroom where Link laid her in bed, removed her heels and pulled a thin blanket over her. "Any better?" He quickly asked. "Is there anything else you need?"

"...I'm fine, thank you. Really, Link." She waited for him to pull back and sit down. "So, what did you want to discuss?"

Mipha smiled. "Alliance. We are both set to become queens, and our people have been allies for millennia. My father and I would like to reinitiate that alliance, to show we truly value Hyrule for reasons other than tradition."

Zelda beamed. "I would love an alliance with you, Mipha. It would be an honor."

Link nodded too. "We'd love to be allies. I may not know too much about politics and alliances, but I do know the Zora are welcoming and trustworthy people."

"Wonderful! To symbolize our renewed alliance, the Zora Kingdom would love to gift you both Zora armor. Zelda, I will begin yours after Little Hyrule is born. Link, if I could get your measurements..."

"That's easy." He laughed, a welcome release from the tension, before leaning over Zelda's stomach. "Mommy and Daddy are gonna be allies with Auntie Mipha." He whispered to the child and received a loving coo from deep within Zelda's throat.

Zelda suddenly turned towards the door. "Impaaaa!" She screeched without much need, startling Link.

Impa rushed in and bowed. "What is it, Princess?"

The princess smiled softly, resting her bandaged hand on her swollen stomach. "Please inform Father that Prince Link and I have confirmed a formal alliance with Princess Mipha of Zora's Domain."

A soothed smile made its way to Impa's pale complexion. "Of course, Your Highness! May the alliance with the Zora be forever admirable." She headed back out.

Link rubbed the back of his neck. "Warn me before the royal shrieking starts next time, alright, dear?"

She nodded. "Alright."

Link felt himself return to reality. "Little Hyrule." He muttered first.

"What did you say?"

"Little Hyrule. We named them Little Hyrule."

"Ah, yes! That's what it was! Now that I think about it... I believe Mipha mentioned that you had already chosen an official name for a daughter... but I cannot remember what... anyways, I've told you all that I can, and I hope it helps even in the slightest."

"You were very helpful, thank you so much, King Dorephan."

"Of course! Let me know if there's anything I can do."

Link stepped out of the throne room, then teleported back to Vah Ruta to think upon everything he'd just uncovered. Upon arriving, he sat down in Ruta's shadow and looked up at the Divine Beast. "I remember, Mipha..." He whispered after some time had passed. "I don't remember everything... but I remember enough."

"M-Master Link?" A soft voice called. "Is that you?"

Link whipped his head around to discover a young Sheikah woman who was a whole head taller than he was. "Paya? Why are you here?"

"Grandmother had a strange feeling yesterday. She sent me here, to the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, and told me that you'd be in need of me by the time I arrived."

"Dorephan told me everything..."

"Everything, Master Link?"

His breath hitched. "About Mipha... and Zelda..." A long pause followed. "...Paya?" His voice was tiny and small. "Did I really have a child?"

"...Y-Yes, Master Link. When the Great Calamity struck, Princess Zelda was five months pregnant. According to Grandmother, and even Father when he was still around, she always looked further along than she ever was. Oftentimes, she was mistaken to be seven months pregnant by her own servants."

Link cringed. "Are... are they alright?"

"As far as I know. The Sheikah have told stories about her for almost one hundred years now. She is regarded as a legend outside of Kakariko, and Hateno tells her story as such, but everything I tell you actually occurred to the Sheikah head family. If you are ready to hear, of course."

"Please ." His voice sounded insistent, desperate.

"It started about fifteen years after the Calamity. Father had just been born and the surviving Sheikah celebrated the return of life. Later in the evening, Princess Zelda appeared. She was illuminated with holy light and bore a soft, weary smile on her face. One of her hands tucked neatly at the bottom of her stomach with the other held out gently. Auntie Purah, who had come to celebrate the birth, called out to her. The Princess softly spoke "Purah... how good to see you again." and the whole house shook at the sound of her ever-soft voice. She approached Father's crib, looking in with a warmth that only a mother could possess. Although most memories of our first years of life are forgotten, Father distinctly remembered her voice. "Hello, little one." She greeted softly. "You've come along at a beautiful time." Her words were true, the Age of Burning Fields was coming to a close. The Calamity was long over." Paya's hands tightened as the poignant story continued. "Princess Zelda looked up at Grandmother, a deep loving gaze that requested to hold the newborn. Grandmother readily accepted and Zelda tried to pick Father up. However, her figure kept passing through him like she was nothing but air. Eventually, Father was bothered enough to cry. Princess Zelda stumbled back, her light seeming to flicker, before she cried out "I'm sorry..." before turning around and running through the door. A Hylian traveler discovered her sobbing at the cemetery just outside our village, and ever since the whole world has believed that she died right by your side on the Blatchery Plain. A legend soon was written that you both sacrificed yourselves for each other and succumbed to your wounds side by side. They believed that she had been buried in the Kakariko cemetery because her actions prior to the Calamity had barred her from being buried with her holy ancestors. The legend did not specify where you were buried, but I assume they expected you to either be enshrined like the ancient monks or buried alongside your princess." She paused the story for a second to see Link beginning to cry. "Master Link? What has upset you?"

"...She's dead? Zelda and our baby are dead?" Once he got the words out, the tears came flowing.

Paya placed an arm around him, getting a sudden rush of nervousness for being so close to him and for producing a somewhat romantic gesture while knowing he was married to her princess. "That is just a legend the people crafted to explain the Calamity's events. Princess Zelda is very much alive, and so is Zelda Ivee."

Link snorted through his tears. "Zelda Ivee?"

"I know you don't remember, but that was the name you both chose one hundred years ago for your child should they turn out to be female. And during the Calamity, about an hour or so after your death, that is just what the Princess discovered. We Sheikah did not learn so until about forty years later, when she returned to us."

Link blinked. He had a daughter! Would she look like her mom? Would she look like him? Was she strong? Would she turn out clever? ...Did she remember him even after all these years? ...Did she even know he was her dad?

"Father was just about twenty-five when she returned. She came in through the door, literally through the door. They didn't necessarily notice her until she gasped in pain and sounded this stunningly loud groan. The entire family whipped their heads around and saw her somewhat hunched over her stomach, glancing down at it. Father rushed over to her, recognizing her enough to call her 'Princess,' and tried to escort her to what is now my room. According to Grandmother, she was great with child. She looked like she was going to deliver any moment. Father was convinced she'd just gone into labor. He gently put a hand on her stomach, softly telling her she would be taken care of and that she just needed to focus on birthing her baby. Princess Zelda chuckled a little, and told him she wasn't in labor. She waved her hand over her stomach so he could see the little princess fighting, thrashing even, inside her. " We're here... in Hyrule Castle. For all these years we've been fighting... but I'm starting to grow weary... Please... keep an eye on Link for me. Tell him we're okay... but we need him to come to our aid..." She looked down at her unborn baby with a gentle, soothing gaze. "She's got her father's strength... She's been quite a blessing in this battle... but I hope she stays in. The Castle is no place to deliver her as it is now." After that encounter, the Sheikah began to make pilgrimages to the Spring of Wisdom to pay respects to the Princess. Because of Nayru's decree, a Sheikah cannot ascend Mount Lanayru until their seventeenth birthday, so any younger than that go no further than the Lanayru Promenade. Every year, on the anniversary of the Calamity, the Sheikah would gather in these two places to pay tribute as she lamented for the lost souls from her place upon Mount Lanayru's peak. Now that the number of Sheikah who remember Zelda has diminished, only the head family and their inner circle head to the peak. Lasli's grandmother often comes with us." She sighed. "Father was targeted by the Yiga ever since the first encounter. They believed he was blessed by her. When he was killed by the Yiga, Grandmother decided that no one could go out at night. Only I do so to tend to the deities and Goddess Statue. Princess Zelda is very much alive. Her power is still extraordinary in those who know this. The Yiga keep tabs on her, targeting everyone who seems to receive her blessings... they don't want your child born. If Zelda never has a child, then the bloodline never continues and Ganon will be guaranteed a victory the next time he revives."

Link held his legs and tried not to cry. All this time, he had a wife and child! They were dying inside the Castle while he fooled around doing whatever.

"I believe you will save them, Link. Grandmother believes with all her being. Zelda knows you will save her. That is why she still fights. She knows it will be some time before you are able to fight Ganon, and she is willing to hold out until then."

Link dried his eyes and nodded, standing up to look directly at Vah Ruta.

He had needed to know who he was ever since first hearing Zelda's voice in the Shrine of Resurrection. It had been one of his most important goals, he needed to know but also wasn't sure if he was ready to remember. But he remembered now. Who Zelda was, to the Kingdom and to him, what Mipha was alluding to, and why he had not received the armor one hundred years ago. He remembered why he was strangely at peace in Hateno and why he was always drawn to the children there... and why he felt a small burning inside when he saw them return to their parents.

Hyrule's fate had been sealed by tradition. But it was also tradition that allowed him, Zelda, the late Champions and every survivor of the Calamity to make their mark, though it often required a tradition to be repurposed.

Mipha was gone, as was the past in which she was his political ally and closest friend, but her memory remained even throughout the trials; giving him the strength to fight for what he could save... Princess Zelda, Little Hyrule and the survivors who still believed them dead.

Hyrule's Final Stand Masterlist

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