#rose plays botw

[citiirose]

Typa shit I've been on as of late

[rosezemlya]

TotK impressions

Officially finished the game! Thoughts under the cut. Potentially light spoilers.

Mechanics fun, visuals beautiful, everything related to the story... weak.

If I split the story into two parts - part one being the ideas and maybe like a bulleted list of events, and part two being the actual "writing", like dialgoue and how the world reacts / interacts with the story: Part one (ideas), good. A lot of promise. Cool thoughts / interactions / images potential. Neat additions to existing lore (usual mixed of bag of confusing additions to, but welcome to Zelda, I guess). Plenty of opportunities for interesting character development or emotional growth or world building.

But the second part (execution) is where it all kind of falls down for me. In the first BotW, the flashbacks ADDED to the story, they didn't repeat each other, they interacted additively or multiplicatively with each other, but they could exist on their own. They tended to define or elaborate on character and relationship dynamics, with only light touches on plot points, which you were mostly getting through the modern-day interactions. I think that's probably most of how it didn't wind up confusing no matter what order you found them in.

I found in TotK the flashbacks were repetitive as Hell and often confusing. At first I thought maybe I was just finding them in a bad order, but then I found them all and I was like, oh, no, it wasn't the order. They just were trying to tell a certain kind of story with a vehicle that's either ill-suited or else they didn't know how to use it properly. I was so confused so often and there were so many things I just had to accept because it was clear the game was never going to offer anything more on the subject.

There was very little character development. I think I was supposed to care about Mineru waaaaaaaay more than I did by the end. This is the closest I've come to liking a Rauru in a Zelda game, and I actually think I could get there with this one, except there was a weird kind of vibe that left me feeling like the was stealing attention/thunder/story from Zelda that made me low key awkward, even when he was being cool.

The tone shifts in the flashbacks were wild, and there was little to no build-up to those shifts. There didn't feel like there was any real emotional continuity or arc between them, even though they had an order, and were relaying a linear narrative.

The world in general utterly failed to acknowledge ANYTHING I had done or knowledge I had at any point, and that significantly contributed to my confusion. I knew where Zelda was and what was going on with the stories about where she was waaaaaaaaaay before I got to the end of those questlines. So why did the world act like I didn't? I had the Master Sword and the world kept pretending I didn't yet.

I am EXTREMELY confused about how this game fits into the official timeline. With the note for those who are somehow here and yet not aware of my general position about the timeline, which is that I don't care about it and don't consider it much overall. But they made an official timeline, and there's supposed to be some sort of internal logic to stuff based on it. So why did this game feel SO MUCH like a complete retcon replacement of OOT? Is it supposed to be? Because it felt like it. Except it can't be. But it kind of has to be? But it's not. But I think it's meant to be? I'm confused.

Where'd the Divine Beasts go? Where'd the Sheikah tech stuff go? Why do people who I definitely knew very well in BotW not know who I am?

Why are the original sages wearing masks all the time and they don't get to be actual characters or people?

I just have a lot of questions and I'm honestly annoyed at the waste of a Zelda story with such good bones.

[mira-hildegard]

[suniix]

one bed | (botw) link x reader

synopsis | you and link stop by an inn to rest, but there’s one small problem

word count | 1.3k

note | thought about it too hard so i wrote a fic about it (based on this little comic! pls look at it it’s so cute)

As the moon rose, the world beyond your hotel window fell into a peaceful slumber. The faint sound of crickets could be heard singing their calming melody. The peaceful night ambiance would’ve been enough to put you to sleep had it not been for your frantic beating heart.

In front of you lies your traveling companion, Link, whose back was practically against the wall, arms wrapped around himself as if afraid to accidentally touch you.

The silence in the room was deafening, neither of you knew what to say in this situation. After sleeping on the hard ground for weeks the two of you had agreed to spend the night at The Great Ton Pu Inn. The rain that quickly followed your decision only fueled your excitement for a comfy bed as the two of you rushed up the hill leading to Hateno Village. What neither of you expected was for every room to be booked, every room but one with a single bed.

Despite both of you being tired from traveling, neither of you could fall asleep because of the awkward tension that hung in the air. Ignoring it was proving to be impossible, someone had to say something, but you were hesitant to break the silence for fear of making things awkward (as if they weren’t already). You had been traveling with Link for weeks, months even! The two of you have shared several nights close together under the comfort of the stars, what makes now so different?

Maybe it was the smirk the front desk lady had given you both after handing you your key, maybe it was because despite how much you prayed for a room with two beds to miraculously become available you were secretly happy to share a bed with the Hylian boy, or maybe it was because despite you looking everywhere but him you could feel his eyes on you.

Just say something, anything!

You clear your throat, shuffling nervously under the blanket. “Um.. Rupee for your thoughts?” You asked in a hushed voice, an awkward smile making its way onto your face.

Link blinked rapidly in response, likely surprised by your sudden question. He continued to stare at you in silence, now tense as his cheeks turned a bright red.

Thinking you made him uncomfortable you quickly rise out of the bed. “Sorry! You know what maybe I should just sleep on the couch—”

Before you had the chance to remove the blanket from your body Link quickly sat up in bed and reached out to grab your wrist, shaking his head furiously. You stop when he does, slightly surprised to see how fast he had reacted when he looked so tired earlier. Your eyes fall on his hand which, despite the quick reaction, holds your wrist just tight enough to keep you from leaving but loose enough for you to pull away if you so wished. Realizing what he did he slowly pulls away. You immediately miss the warmth.

He looks down, blush remaining on his cheeks as he nervously fiddles with his fingers. “Don’t go, I..” he pauses, unsure if he should finish his thought. He looked up to see you staring at him patiently, waiting for him to finish. That was one thing he loved about you; you were always so patient with him. Although he was more talkative than he was 100 years ago he often found himself struggling to express what he wanted, likely an unconscious habit that stayed with him through his century-long sleep. Despite this you never hurried or pressured him into talking, allowing him to do it at his own pace. Taking a deep breath he continued. “.. I like being close to you.”

As soon as the words left his mouth you felt your cheeks burn. Did you hear him right or was it just a hallucination caused by the late hour of the night? You thought about pinching yourself, but the way he nervously played with his fingers (a habit you found adorable) and the way the ends of his hair curled up just a bit revealing a small scar on his shoulder made it too real to be a dream.

After a few moments of silence Link looked up, seeing your shocked expression. He quickly backtracked, thinking he made you uncomfortable with what he said. “Unless you don’t! That’s fine!—”

“I do!”

Link freezes upon hearing your response. You awkwardly clear your throat. “I-I mean, I also like being close to you..” you nearly whisper, feeling your ears burn with the embarrassment of blurting it out earlier.

Then the room went silent. Your heart was frantically beating against your chest; you hoped Link couldn’t hear it.

Your fear was proven false (unbeknownst to you) as Link was currently lost in his own mind. Link had become so accustomed to seeing you in that golden campfire glow that the current sight of you left him breathless. He thought you looked even more captivating in the moonlight.

He slowly nodded his head, eyes refusing to leave your form. “Ok.” He responded in a daze. It was the only thing Link could think to say as his mind was still elsewhere.

“We should probably sleep now..” You looked past Link and out the window, seeing the moon high in the clear sky. “It’s getting late.”

Link hummed, snapping out of the trance he was in and nodding his head in agreement. You settled back under the blanket and he followed your actions. Despite your earlier conversation, there was still a good chunk of space between the two of you on the small bed.

Wanting him to come closer, you begin to think of a way to convince him. “You know, it’s kind of cold in here.” You whispered (a small lie, it was the middle of summer), but you knew Link heard you when he looked back at you. Deciding to take a chance you scoot closer to him and you hear his breath hitch. “So I wouldn’t mind if.. you came closer.”

Hesitantly, Link listened and with a smile scooted just a little bit closer. You breathed out a sigh of relief you didn’t even know you were holding, moving closer to him again. Beneath the blanket, your hand slowly moved to reach his. As your fingers slowly grazed his he flinched. You were about to pull away before he intertwined his hand with yours. There’s that familiar warmth.

He pulled your hand close to his chest, gently tugging you closer. You complied, wordlessly moving closer to him once again. The distance between your bodies was minimal now; you were so close you could see the faintest freckles gracing his cheeks.

“Are you still cold?” He asked in a low whisper. You nodded your head (another lie, you were already beginning to feel sweaty). You couldn’t help it, now that you’ve experienced what it’s like to be close to him you crave more. Being greedy just this once wouldn’t hurt.

Link lets go of your hand, wrapping his arms around you to bring you against his chest. Your eyes widen at the sudden action, but you don’t pull away.

“Better?”

You nodded, slowly wrapping your arms around him in case he flinched away. When he didn’t you fully wrapped your arms around his torso and snuggled into him, a painfully large grin stretching across your face when he did the same. Your palms were sweaty as they tightly gripped his shirt. He smelled earthy, like damp dirt with a hint of smoke. You sighed in contentment, not caring that the two of you would likely wake up sweaty tomorrow. You didn’t release your grip and neither did he.

You silently thanked Hylia for not answering your prayer earlier before falling into a deep sleep.

thank you for reading till the end! :D

masterlist

[st-hedge]

I said a while ago that for totk’s one anniversary I would write a weird little review of the game in which I throw roses at it while simultaneously slandering it. So I made an attempt which is very abbreviated

Disclaimer: I’m not telling u how u should feel about totk or what’s the right way to feel about it, I’m just trying to make sense of why the game frustrates me and putting it into words. It’s completely fine if u disagree with me, I’m not pitching an argument but just putting words on paper

Totk is one of the best games I’ve ever had the opportunity to play. The mechanics, the music, the designs, the revised world of hyrule, makes me want to curl up on the floor and cry. It is stunning and done with so much love. Where botw had lacked, totk has improved and gone above and beyond. It had frustrated me that botw only allowed us to explore the ground surface, but botw was an exploration into open world games which allowed for totk to happen. The caves, the boats, the islands, and the depths add so much to already such a vast world. I only wish there was also diving but beggars can’t be choosers beh

Although it still doesn’t make too much sense to me why all weapons are suddenly corrupted, I do love the new weapons system. I love how it gives more variety to explore. Materials which previously sat unused in the inventory are now key and nothing feels like a waste to collect. Even rupees have found another use. I’m not the biggest fan of the zonai devices but the addition feels like a love letter to the creativity of the fan base and it feels at place. They help to traverse an otherwise huge and intimidating world. But at times I feel like they give too much leverage and break down too many boundaries and leave little to solve and explore. What im basically saying is fuck the rockets.

I feel that totk doesn’t have enough progress boundaries that make u pause and explore what u have at hand. I found myself just pushing and pushing, forgetting and leaving behind areas I barely touched. It felt too easy getting into the sky and returning to the islands and they lost some of their mystery to me. I think this would have been a great opportunity to reintroduce the loftwings from skyward sword. I’ve talked before about how much this would make sense for totk. The loftwings could be a means to cross boundaries and explore new territories, but it takes time to catch and tame one as a companion. But like horses they should have their limits, presenting new boundaries u need to overcome again

Where the totk’s hyrule begins to confuse and disappoint me goes hand in hand with my main issue (confusion?) with the game. Although botw felt incomplete (the world was a little sparse and one dimensional), the story was comprehensive and clear. Meanwhile, totk has a complete and lively world but it doesn’t have a story to carry

Totk’s story doesn’t have an identity I can grasp and understand. It’s like it doesn’t know what it wants to tell the player, what story it wants to direct them to. On one hand, it seems to want us to know about the origins of hyrule and the mysterious landmarks and characters that are permanent fixtures in this world (castle, ruins, dragons) but at the same time it suddenly wants to do a retelling of OoT and about the sages and these secret stones. But the game never completes any of these stories. Maybe it wants to tell us these stories through the environment, but there is just not enough embedded into the world to grasp and tie together into a narrative. Which is ironic considering how big the world is

We begin to be told the story of the dragons, we suddenly understand how they came to be (the secret stones). But we are never told about the events of their creation (an act of desperation, like Zelda’s) and we are never close to understanding them. Then we are told about the sages, but meeting them tells us nothing new. No new cutscenes, no new items or lore directly related to them. The new sages are found, but didn’t we just discover the divine beasts with them? Suddenly another layer of importance is added to them which makes the ties between legacy and the current sages muddier. I wish there had been focus on them creating their own legacy instead

I think totk could’ve had a very interesting story to tell if it chose what it wants to focus on. Maybe the secret stones were introduced just as a way for Zelda to become a dragon? I dunno

There are so many new places that feel like fantastic opportunities for moments of pause and to uncover lore, unearth memories. But instead they’re brisk puzzles or empty sites. Like the graveyard underneath the desert, the forge islands, the factories, and the fucking poe statues. Tell me as much as u want that I can’t read environmental story telling, but I’ll just keep saying there’s nothing to read into cuz the game doesn’t know what it wants to say. There’s no thread to follow in the way there was with, for example, the graveyard at the spirit temple in OoT. We could’ve been just left with a strange well and a graveyard and told to figure it out, but a thread is laid down that these are the skeletons in the royal family’s closet.

Totk does have amazing moments, like Zelda meeting her ancestors and giving up her identity to become a living legend to revive the master sword, the discovery of the ancient temples, the story of the zonai and their origins. But these are just pieces with many loose ends around them that go nowhere. Even Ganon is left as a loose end where there was so much opportunity to say something worth saying. He seems comically evil with bogstandard bah I want to rule the world lines. If u want to make a case for evil for the sake of evil, u can at least show me a character repeatedly making horrible choices which lead them to the current predicament. Just like totk’s hyrule, he is lovingly designed but he tells absolutely no story

If the reason behind the lack of story is that the devs/writers wanted us to make our own story out of this, then I think this is a case where it was a poor choice. The fans can make theories, hcs, pick up pieces and make AUs, but we also love the stories told by the games and it’s what inspires us to uncover more stories (hey wanna talk about tp and why we hear Malon’s song at night, or what’s up with the empty desert)

I’d love to see totk from the perspective of someone who had never played or known botw. Did it really help to remove any traces of sheikah tech besides the labs and the guardian limbs in the towers. Although the zonai devices and the sheikah tech are from different time periods, totk was a perfect opportunity to marry the two elements together. The shrines and the divine beasts could’ve collapsed into the depths, but instead they have just vanished like erased history

Totk’s story doesn’t have an identity in the same way botw’s does. Even though botw’s hyrule was much smaller and emptier, we found stories there cuz we knew what that game was trying to tell us. If totk is about making sacrifices, then this message feels obsolete by the end. U should make sacrifices, but u will only be happy again if it all goes back to exactly how it was before

As happy and sweet the ending is, it made all the worry and sadness I felt seem pointless cuz of course everything would reset back to the norm cuz how else would this game have a happy ending. What was there to worry about. Yeah so what that Zelda became a dragon losing herself, she was just asleep the entire time and effortlessly she becomes her normal self. So what that link lost his sword arm, of course he would miraculously get it back even though it took him 100 years to recover from a mortal wound. No trace of the things they withstood and lost, no mark, nothing.

I loved the final battle and spectacle of the dragons struggling against each other in the sky. The battle went from the deepest depths to the highest reaches of the sky and I thought it was perfect. But once again how the story concluded and the logic behind it me made me feel like I was chewing on sand and the idyllic ending just made me look about in confusion

TLDR; totk is an amazing game with a stunning world that lacks a comprehensive story to tell

I hoped that I would get a better understanding why I’m so frustrated by totk, but instead I just feel even more confused by it and I think that’s just how I’ll have to leave it

[bagerfluff]

The Memories

BotW Link x Male Reader

Prompt - Remember

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3

Link laughed as you told another joke. They weren't the best but Link loved them. "And that's why I'm banned from buying fruit" you finished with a smile. Link loved it when you made him laugh. He was so stressed with becoming a knight and being destined to protect the princess that smiles and laughter was rare.

Nobody saw it, expect you. You were special. You had know Link since you were both children. You and Link were great friends. Always hanging out with each other.

Link trusted you.

You were his best friend, he trusted you more then anyone.

Right now you and Link were under a tree over looking a cliff. It was peaceful The sun couldn't shine down on you as well and the flowers made it smell nice. But Link noticed that your weren't happy. So he taped you on the arm to get your attention.

You looked over at Link and smiled a bit at the fact he was worried about you. "I'm fine Link" you said but Link didn't believe you, he knew you better then that.

"I'm scared Link", you pulled your legs to your chest, "What if you leave and never come back".

Link frowned at that and promised that he would never to that. "Promise?" You asked and Link nodded. You pulled Link into a hug and wrapped your arms around him, Link doing the same to you. "Never leave me" you whispered.

Link nodded. He would never leave you. He loved you to much for that. Link pulled away from the hug and looked over to the right. There was a flower. A white rose. Link picked up that flower and placed it behind your ear. You smiled then started laughing, making Link laugh leave.

He'// never leave.

He'// never leave this.

He'll never leave you.

Never

Link woke up with a gasp. That dream. It was a memory, wasn't it. That was the same tree, the same cliff, the same flowers, the same person. Link thought he looked beautiful.

His h/l h/c hair that slight blew in the wind. His e/c eyes that looked beautiful, even when they were sad. So the boy and him were friends. Good ones at that. But them why did butterflies in his stomach when he thought about you? Then why did he think you looked beautiful?

Why did he want to kiss you?

Link shook his head at that. There was more to that memory. He said he would never leave him, and he did. Link was saddened by that thought. He broke his promise. Link had to find him! Link had to find that boy and apologize.

But how could he?

Link had no idea where to start looking or who to start asking. He didn't know the boys name. But Link was determined. He stood up from the ground, his body immediately hurting because of the way he slept. Then Link whistled, calling his horse.

When his horse got there Link jumped on the back and rode them down to the village that was at the base of the mountain. The lady that told Link about the boy lived there. Maybe her or other people knew about the boy.

Anything.

Link would take anything. Eventually Link made it to the town and stopped his horse at the beginning of the path that lead to the mountain. Link looked around, there were few people out. Kids were playing.

People were talking and buying stuff. Maybe one or two travelers like Link were walking around. But Link tried to look for the lady or anyone that could tell him anything. But Link found nothing. Link sighed then jumped a bit as something touching his shoulder.

"Hello Hero" said a old man with a very bushy beard. "Looking for something?

He asked and Link pointed to the mountain. "Ahh. Y/n. You looking for him?" He asked again and Link nodded.

Y/n.

Link liked that name

Link felt giddy when thinking about it. "He sat at that mountain everyday for years. Olay coming down to eat and shower. Never for anything else. He watched Hyrule Castle" the man said with a sad expression. "But one day he left. Never came down anymore. People went up to look for him but they said he wasn't there.", the man looked back at Link "the only thing there was a flower crown made up of white roses".

Link nodded. So the boy, Y/n, was no where to be seen. But if nobody had seen him then he could he dead. Link frowned at that thought. The man noticed though. "But they did find tracks leading to that near by forest".

There was a shout before the man looked behind him, bid his farewells to Link, and walked to a woman that Link assumed was his wife.

The forest!

He might find Y/n there. Link had a bright smile on his face as he called his horse. Link ran over and jumped on his horse as it was moving and quickly told it to run to the nearby forest.

Time to find Y/n.

[aspiring-writer-hidden-voice]

BOTW Link X F!Reader ~ Pt. 1

Sounds of battle slowly ebbed to silence. Even then, you did not emerge from the hiding place a villager had stuffed you within, echoes of the attack warning bell still hauntingly ringing. Time was lost as you simply sat in the cramped cellar, passing solely with the counting of your own heartbeat, until a new sound, the clops of horseshoes against stone, approached. Someone was approaching.

Were they friend or foe?

Instinct that every living thing was born with was oddly quiet, leaving you numb, as they grew louder before coming to a stop. A huff sounded, closely followed by the thumps of boots hitting the ground, crunching of dried leaves and other small debris filling the air momentarily blocked any other sound for you. And yet you remained hidden as silence fell once more. The double doors above your head tinked, as if something had touched them from the outside, before the sound of a metal singing pierced the air. Most likely a sword, you mused, meaning most likely a bandit or scavenger was looking for valuables.

You were partially right.

The doors opened to reveal a mighty blade which shone brightly in the blood moon’s crimson glow as it was lowered. Its motion downwards to return to its sheath brought to your attention its wielder. Brilliant blue eyes were what caught your attention first; the way they calmly met your curious gaze then slowly filled with an emotion akin to acceptance as you remained unmoved despite the showcase of such a mighty weapon. Golden blonde hair was speckled with lingering traces of dried blood, most likely belonging to those who had fallen before the sword’s swing since he appeared unharmed. Despite the gear and armor, there was no mistaking that the figure before you was masculine. Those lean muscles faintly visible thanks to the rips in his sky blue tunic and pants and his stoic features made that much obvious. He was truly a magnificent sight as he slowly lowered himself to one knee so that you were closer.

Behind him loomed a large shadow before a soft muzzle met the top of your head. Soft nickering tickled your ear courtesy of the horse who nudged her nose against your cheek, as if to assure you that her rider meant no harm, and obediently backed away when he placed a hand against her shoulder. Her gentle eyes seemed to beckon you to follow, to trust in the swordsman, ears pointed toward your hiding place.

A voice, most likely that of a shopkeeper you’d come to know, rose within your mind that warned to not trust such figures. Nothing was known about this man, he’d given no explanation yet of who he was or what his purpose was here. Most would be weary and perhaps fight against him.

Yet you didn’t.

One of his gloved hands extended, palm facing upwards as if in offering to assist, and without hesitation your hand found it. Something near mythical happened when your fingers laced with his. All crimson of the blood moon’s glow ebbed until it had returned to its normal pale glow. Fireflies had risen from the grass, their own hiding places, until they were dancing upon a breeze which played with both of your hairs. A sensation of warmth spread through your being from where he touched, impulsing you to take a breath and unsteady step that was intended to bring you upwards to step outside, resulting in you stumbling forward.

He swiftly caught you with a tug to the hand still within his hold, allowing the other arm to wrap around your waist so at to keep you close as he steadied your imbalance. Your gazes still held despite the actions as he helped you to stand, wordlessly offering support when both your hands gripped his wide-set shoulders. Warmth radiated off his being the longer you two remained physically close. The night’s chill attempted to come between your figures however it failed when the blue eyed Hylian slightly pivoted so the breeze met his back instead of your face. Bubbling emotion rose within your veins when his eyes widened for the briefest of seconds before returning to a stern state when a sound made you nearly glance away.

Look at me, they seemed to convey, you don’t need to see.

A deep inhale brought to your senses the scents of iron, copper, burnt wood, and something that made your gut twist: death.

Within your mind arose a picture that made your being quake; buildings and wagons burning to ash, villagers and monsters alike slain laying in pools of their intermixed blood, innocent animals and people alike victims to the blood moon’s wave of power.

His arm tightened more until your front met his, the hand holding yours giving a squeeze. It’s alright, they said as calloused fingers eased your eyes to close, you are safe now. Soft whistle slipped between his lips, earning the horse to come close enough so that your shoulders met the mare’s side. He lifted you with ease, as if you weighed nothing more than a feather pillow, until you were seated within the saddle with both hands resting upon the horn. For several seconds there was silence until a familiar huff sounded just a second before weight and warmth settled behind you. On either side of you appeared his arms, one hand taking the reins while the other secured itself around your waist.

Nothing remained for you in this village.

So you did not stop him as he spurred the horse forward with a gentle kick.

….

The sun was approaching its high noon place as several Sheikah Tribe members greeted the horse and rider upon entering Kakariko Village, however their warm welcome became weary when spotting your slumbering form protectively tucked within his hold.

Camping had been out of the question since he’d caught sight of a Moblin while exiting your destroyed village, most likely it would gather reinforcements and come after the two of you. Not that he doubted his abilities in battle, it was how fragile you appeared when someone would pass along the trail. Obviously trauma of that night would plague you for a while, he was no stranger to such things, and had opted to travel without pause if it meant putting your mind at ease. That was how you fell asleep with your face nearly completely tucked against his neck, allowing your senses to become permeated with his natural musk interlace with herbs and leather. Epona had seemed happy to carry the both of you, not the slightest bit bothered by the combined weight, even ecstatic that she was carrying you. Rider and horse ensured none interrupted your slumber from insects to possible threats of monsters or Yiga in disguise. Even when entering the lively village they had both quickly silenced those who approached by means of ears tilting backwards or a finger against his lips.

Impa raised a questioning eyebrow when he refused to allow anyone to touch you, dismounting while still ensuring that your position remained unchanged, before walking towards the nearby inn. Weathered eyes closely watched as he placed you gingerly upon a bed, moving slower than a river snail so as not to jostle you, until his arms were freed, something shifting within Impa’s face when he quickly shed his traveler’s hood at your stir but settled once the cloth was tucked around your form. She waited until exiting the room before deciding to start conversation with the silent swordsman. “Take a bath then come find me. You’ll start at the beginning,” the chief sighed as pillows were procured so they could converse comfortably, “and then we shall decide what should be done.”

Once he returned once removing all the traces of battle, time passed accompanied by refreshments and snacks, candles and torches lit with sparks from flint pieces as night fell outside.

“I see, so you found her within the aftermath of the recent blood moon. The village she resided within was completely destroyed, meaning that she may have no family to take her in or anywhere else to go.” Impa inhaled deeply through her nose before exhaling slowly, a faint stream of smoke slipping between her wrinkled lips courtesy of the small pipe she held. “I understand.” Her sharp eyes locked upon the door where you’d been about to knock. “I trust you’re well rested now? That bath and a fresh set of clothes work wonders upon a person.”

You’d woken no more than an hour ago, finding yourself alone within a strange room but with his article of clothing tucked around your form as his arms had been calmed your panic. A familiar whiny sounded from somewhere in the distance, one that you recognized as the horse he rode, meaning the swordsman was nearby and hadn’t left you alone after all. The name of a shy girl who poked her head in to check in on you escaped your memory but she was kind nonetheless as she assisted in helping you bathe then dress in similar clothing to her own. That was how you found yourself standing on the opposite side of the door where an elder woman’s voice could be heard. Curiously, and cautiously, you slowly entered and instantly found the silent swordsman sitting across the village’s elder.

The sword he had been cleaning and caring for was returned to its sheath with a ringing note of metal, the same sound you’d heard back within what had once been your home, those blue eyes meeting yours the moment you’d entered. He made to stand but remained seated when you quickly moved to sit at his left, offering him the clothing that had been offered to keep you warm while sleeping, earning a slight bob of his head while accepting the dark hued hood. That brilliant gaze of his drifted across your being before they met Impa’s.

“It’s the least we could do for her.” An expression of sternness filled the older woman’s aged features. “I assume she will be left within our care?”

Panic pierced itself into your chest like an invisible blade. Stay here? Is that what they had been talking about while you slept? The hands resting within your lap clenched into fists. You hated being a burden, especially to those who had been so generous, so if it meant your paths had to separate then you’d willingly accept this choice. He’d already done so much for you. It wouldn’t be right to continue to cling—

A curt shake of his head cutoff the rest of your internal sentence.

Silence fell heavily as your gaze, which had fallen to rest upon the tatami-like floor, rose to find the Hylian’s face unreadable but an unrelenting glint within his azure gaze. Was he truly objecting to the elder’s wisdom filled words? Brief doubt took root within your chest, making it suddenly harder to breathe, when recalling how helpless you’d been during the attack. It was overshadowed by determination as you readily met his glance that was sent over a shoulder as if to check if you agreed. That was what you wanted more than anything, to travel alongside the man who had saved you from being alone.

Impa, modestly surprised by his action, narrowed her eyes. “Remember that traveling and battling with another adds with it more stress alongside resources. You have much to accomplish still. Having someone, no matter who they may be, might compromise—”

Blue eyes narrowed. She stays with me, they said, if you feel so strongly against my decision than try to take her by force.

This was certainly a shocking turn of events to Impa as she watched your expression of panic melt into one of gratitude. Within your gaze she saw willpower that spoke of determination; the shifting colors within your eyes spoke of how you made internal promises to learn combat and horseback riding, anything if it meant you would remain beside the silent swordsman whose gaze softened ever so slightly when they met yours. Her pipe tapped against the nearby tray, emptying the spent ash, as she huffed. “I can tell when my breath should be spared. Clearly the two of you have your minds made up and if I know the Champion like I do, then nothing is going to change that stubborn head of his.” A smile raised her aged lips when your head tilted and the Hylian stiffened slightly while shifting slightly so he was partially facing you. “Oh, so you didn’t know?” The elder woman’s glee increased when he attempted to divert your attention to the hood you’d returned, fixing it to your shoulders instead of his own. It was clear that he wanted you to discover for yourself just who he was so for now she decided to play his game. “Very well. I’ll have the supplies gathered and then the two of you can head out in the morning.” Her hands rose when receiving both yours and his pointed looks. “Tonight then.” It was then that she excused herself to oversee preparations for your departure, leaving the two of you alone.

Your fingertips rose to brush against the hood’s rim after he ensured it was properly secured courtesy of some small straps and a knot of strings near your collarbone. He was really giving it to you? The briefest of nods confirmed your unvoiced question, his hands lingering upon your form for a second too long for it to be considered innocent, calloused fingers carefully tucking a tress of your hair behind an ear before withdrawing to take up the scabbard which had been resting across his lap.

It was a beautiful weapon, seemingly made of flawless materials and radiating such strength that befitted the swordsman who wielded it. There was something special about it though that seemed different than most. As if it were alive in some way. That was when you extended a hand, asking permission that was granted with a nod, and placed your palm upon the highly polished metal.

So faint it was almost missed a sound filled the air that created sceneries of cloudless skies within both of your minds.

His blue gaze met your own when a shout that preparations were complete courtesy of an old woman elder. Anticipation rose within them the longer they remained locked with your own until you gave a small, assuring smile. Traveling with him was what you wished to do, so long as he would have you, but it would be hard to do so without proper introductions. The swordsman’s breath stalled slightly when your name, and voice, filled his ears. Both were so befitting of you that it left him stunned for a moment. How could such things worthy of ownership by a deity or higher being belong to the young woman who sat before him? Deep within his chest grew a seed that quietly slumbered but grew warm when surrounded by the internal repetitions of your name within his mind. The lids of his eyes closed for a brief moment, as if committing your name and voice to memory, before they rose once more to reveal gem rivaling blue that bore into your own. “Link.”

Calming dusk filled your mind as his voice, though spoken softly, permeated the air with such pure energy that it left near visible aqua and mint colored tendrils. They twisted and danced like the fabled fairies you’d heard tales told of while sitting around campfires with visiting travelers. Yet somehow, beyond the beauty of those translucent aura wisps, your mind was filled with the glittering innards of a precious emerald who bathed the two of you within its calming green hue. Despite the breathtaking sight of fragmented gemstones, your gaze always returned to the faint teal tendrils that danced on wind that neither of you could feel.

So that’s what the elder meant when calling him “Champion”. He was the Hylian who had been chosen to not only be Princess Zelda’s knight but one of the Five Champions of Hyrule selected to fight against the Calamity. Now you could see the heavy shadows of darkness and feel the pressure of expectations that lingered within the fading trails of blue that came close enough for you to touch. You’d heard of stories where nearly a century ago he and the princess had mysteriously disappeared when Calamity Ganon had taken over the castle.

One of your hands rose to gently brush your fingers along a wisp as it approached, ever so gently caressing it with your fingertips, making it seem to tremble while radiating with hesitation. You could feel him there, attempting to surface and fight against the near drowning pressures or expectations thrust upon him, and that was when your palm met his cheek. The skin here was soft, warm, a bit dry from being exposed to the sun’s harsh rays. That was on the outside though. Beneath it you could feel his want to—

“Didn’t you two hear me the first time?” Impa’s call broke the spell.

Both of you blinked as the visage vanished, revealing the room’s decorations and four walls once more. Azure was unable to look away from your gaze as, in unison, the two of you stood. It was as if you had been seeing his very soul just now. He hadn’t felt alarmed, or angry that you were capable of seeing beyond his outer exterior. If anything he looked relieved while offering you his hand once more as he had back in the village. Nearly every person he’d encountered across Hyrule expected him to speak as some fabled hero of legend, which he’d come to accept that he was so-to-speak, whose sole purpose was to serve and protect their princess.

Not you though.

He somehow knew you could see the ancient hero’s green interlaced with his much more blue tinted aura. However you seemed more fascinated and intrigued with the parts that were his alone. As if the person you solely focused upon wasn’t the phantom of a long passed hero but the man in front of you instead.

Your hand slid itself within his offered one, giving it a squeeze. “Teach me?”

If your words surprised him, he didn’t show it. Instead the warrior fixed a look of warning, I will not be an easy teacher and the training will be difficult. He was met by your determined nod followed by the straightening of your spine. Conviction shone brightly within your gaze as it readily met his own. The Master Sword was secured upon his back, it’s rightful place, as his being tilted towards the door. Let’s not dawdle then, his eyes seemed to smile when you quickly fell into step alongside him as he began walking, best not to keep Impa waiting any longer.

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

Hello, loves! This one was SFW and minor friendly but there will be a future part unfit for those ratings. I will be sure to mark them appropriately! See you next time! -Suntory

Next: Distant Howls

[zeldamomoe]

MFW people call my Riju cosplay "Urbosa" 😂 With her being such a big character in TotK, I'm shocked it still happens so often.

Happy 7th to Breath of the Wild💖 Thank you Nintendo for bringing Gerudos back!

I haven't worn Riju other than this 2020 shoot; and honestly the pics are PERFECT so that's fine. The moment I'm ready to do TotK Riju, I'm modifying this costume & shipping this wig back to Rose to restyle into her TotK haircut for me XD But I still haven't even played Tears yet! I played BotW 3 years after it came out, so I suspect it will be the same for Tears for me 😅

Riju wig & crown: PhasedRose Link: Waking Nightmare

[zellink]

all the bells say

a pre-calamity zelink longfic. [chapter 1 of 28 // Act 0 of 5]

>> Read Act 0: "Genesis / Heavy" on AO3

Summary:

Rating: M Main Tags: canon compliant / angst with a happy ending / character study / romance / slow burn / all the goddamn tension. / mutual pining / self-doubt / following all the botw memories / Zelda is an unreliable narrator / Link is so hopelessly in love (until it's not) What will you do with what you've been given when the story forever tolls the same way? Link and Zelda, the Calamity, and their tale of inevitability and doom, and most of all, of love.

Notes:

Here I am, 7 years late to the party, 3 years after witnessing my boyfriend first play BOTW, with a Starbucks in hand and yet another pre-Calamity long fic that absolutely nobody asked for. But I have to do it. I have to bounce these two blonde elves in my head indefinitely and breathe life into my many, many headcanons.

All my love and thanks to my trench buddy and writing soulmate @1up-girl for all your invaluable beta'ing, brainrotting, and everything in between—I seriously owe you forever and ever. Thousands of thanks to the lovely @mustardcheesedog for your amazing energy and hype as an early reader and the daily zelink brainrot.

I also wanna to thank @milkywayes for doing the beautiful banner art for Bells; for understanding my vision and for all the conversations we've had about zelink—headcanons concocted in our DMs that I eventually adopted into this fic.

Fic title taken from the famous John Berryman poem, "Dream Song 29".

~~~ Please go to the fic page on AO3 and read the extended author's note in the beginning for warnings! ~~~

Anyway..... here's Act 0, y'all!

Act 0: Genesis / Heavy

There sat down, once, a thing on Henry's heart só heavy, if he had a hundred years & more, & weeping, sleepless, in all them time Henry could not make good. […] Ghastly, with open eyes, he attends, blind. All the bells say: too late. This is not for tears; thinking. “Dream Song 29” - John Berryman

Link is no stranger to death.

At five years old, he’s already witnessed more than his peers ever would. Growing up at a farm can do that to a kid. Cows, lambs, cuccos—all to the slaughter for sustenance, for profit. He stations himself beside Father and Mother as they butcher them to sell at the family shop. He’s also seen Father shoot countless deers and elk during their leisure hunts whenever Father is back home from Castle Town. More often than not, Father would let him borrow his old bow, and Link would contribute to their hunt, too.

But then Link’s pet fish dies one afternoon—a fat white freshwater carp with gold and black splotches he named Goldie—and he weeps and weeps in Mother’s lap. Goldie was his friend. Goldie was always there in the morning when he would wake up, and was there at night before he’d go to bed. But now Goldie is floating in the pond, its tiny mouth agape.

Mother strokes his hair. “It’s okay, Link. Goldie is with the Goddess, now.”

“Can I be with the Goddess, too?” he asks. Snot runs down his nose.

“Well, no.” Mother huffs a laugh. “Where Goldie is… we cannot go there. But what you can do is pray.”

Link withdraws his head from Mother’s lap. He wipes the tears from his face with the heel of his palms.

“Can we pray together, Mom?”

At that, something unreadable passes through Mother’s face. Her blue eyes turn steely.

“You can pray, Link,” she says, something sad about her small smile. “I won’t join. But we can arrange a funeral for Goldie, if you would like that?”

So they spend the rest of the day gathering flowers from the brambles that surround their estate until Mother’s wicker basket is full of white roses, blue nightshades, and armoranths. Mother also allows him to use the small wooden box that sits atop her vanity—a coffin perfect for Goldie. Mother says that it’s a box that used to house a necklace she bought and gave to Father long ago, but that necklace is long lost, so she has no use for it now.

Link wraps Goldie in an old rag and lays it gently inside the box. Then, they dig a hole in their backyard and bury the box and Goldie in it. He cries again, but not as hard as earlier. He clasps his hands in front of his chest, shuts his eyes, and utters his prayers aloud.

“Goddess Hylia, please welcome Goldie in your loving arms, give it many, many worms to eat, and bring it back as a strong and healthy fish in its next life.” Let its next life start tomorrow, please, Link does not say aloud.

When they make it back inside the living room, Father is already there, sitting at the dining table with a cup of coffee. He asks about what they have been up to, and Link answers honestly. Father doesn’t press on, and he looks rather exhausted, so Link goes back into his bedroom and closes the door behind him.

He climbs into his bed and crawls toward the far end of the wall, looking out from the window and into the backyard. He sees it—a small grave by the shrubs, complete with a rock roughly the shape of an oval as the tombstone, with flowers surrounding the little plot of land.

He hears voices from beyond his bedroom door.

“I don’t think it is best for us to go soft on him.”

“Wha— soft? He is five and his pet just died!”

“And you helped him throw a funeral. For a fish.”

“Because he’s just a child!”

There’s a grating sound—a chair being dragged on the floor. “Well, he’s always said that he wants to become a knight. Then we must prepare him for such an occupation.”

“Being a knight does not mean he can’t feel emotions.”

“Eleana, being a knight is not easy. He will see hundreds of deaths in his lifetime. The next death he’ll witness won’t be of a fish, but of a comrade. I just want to prepare him for when he eventually becomes one.”

“Well—” a pause, “—then I hope, for Link’s sake, he never becomes one.”

Link, however, doesn’t pay much attention to his parents’ conversation. Instead, he imagines Goldie wiggling its way past the layers of cloth and wood and soil, flopping around the backyard until it finds its way to the pond again. Once everybody is asleep Goldie will rise up from its grave, he thinks. He prayed to the Goddess, after all.

But come morning, the pond is still empty, and Goldie remains lifeless in its little coffin.

And he never sheds another tear after that.

****************

Link is no stranger to death, and no stranger to funerals, either.

A year after Goldie’s humble funeral in his backyard in Hateno Village, Father must attend one of the most important funerals in the kingdom for as long as Link can remember.

(Well, six years is quite long for him, anyway.)

So here he is, holding Mother’s gloved hand, in the congregation at the Grand Chapel of Hyrule Castle. It’s a sad occasion, of course—everyone’s wearing black, all the women have their faces obscured with a veil, and he can hear sniffles from the crowd. But Link also can’t wait to tell his friends back home of his first real experience in the castle.

There are speeches, sermons, hymns, and many, many other long-drawn-out processions that he has no choice but to zone out on. But once the burial is over, Link is rather excited, because the Royal Guards (and by extension, Father) must accompany the Prince Consort to the Sanctum for an intimate reception.

The Sanctum is grand—big, luxurious, grand. Red velvet is draped everywhere—the thrones, the floor, the curtains, the banners. There’s also a lot of gold, and streaks of blue here and there. Link likes the blue the most.

When Father makes his way through the crowd to find Link and Mother, Link knows it’s time. He straightens his back, draws his chin a little bit higher, and follows Father.

“This is pretty exciting, right, Mom?” Link whispers. “Meeting the Prince!”

“The King,” Father corrects him. “He was the Prince, and now, without the Queen, he has become the King.” He sounds annoyed. “Please don’t make that mistake in front of His Majesty.”

Link clears his throat. “Sorry, Father.”

He gazes up at Mother again, but she’s quiet, and it’s hard to look past her veil.

They climb the grand marble staircase leading to the floating dais above the room, and find a large man standing in front of the throne.

Father and Mother immediately drop to their knees. Link follows suit.

“Your Majesty,” Father says, his head bowed.

“Sir William! Please, no need for this,” the King’s voice booms. Father rises, followed by Mother, and then Link. “I am very pleased to see you again, Lady Eleana. It’s been too long.” The King sounds friendly, but there’s a lot of sadness at the edge of his voice. That makes sense, Link thinks. He just lost his wife.

Then, the King sets his eyes on Link.

Link’s hands feel clammy, all of a sudden.

“And you, young boy—how you have grown! It was not that long ago when your father brought you as an infant to the Castle to celebrate my daughter’s birth,” he says. Link can only muster up a nod and a shaky smile. “Speaking of—” the King turns around to shoo something from his back. “Don’t just hide! Introduce yourself.”

From behind the King’s robe, a little girl emerges, clad in a black dress and a black surcoat. Her face, however, isn’t covered with a veil like the other women, and the first thing Link notices is how golden her hair is compared to the rest of her outfit. It’s almost blinding.

The second thing Link notices is how green her eyes are. Very green. Like grass, like trees. Like the forests that he likes to spend time in.

The girl extends a gloved hand. Palm facing down.

“I’m Princess Zelda,” she says. “Nice to meet you.”

Link takes her hand in a gentlemanly way that Father has taught him when greeting noblewomen. His thumb pad rests on her knuckles. His left hand rises to splay over his right breast. Then, he puts one foot in front of the other and bends his knees, bowing his head.

“Nice to meet you, Princess,” he says. “My name is Link.”

As he straightens up again, Link finds it hard to let go of her hand. The Princess doesn’t, either; her forest green gaze is still piercing through his eyes. It feels like vines are growing out of his wrist and twining around his hand and the Princess’.

“Hello, Link,” she says.

Oh, his heart is racing.

Father lets out a cough, and the vines vanish. Link withdraws his hand as if shocked by a jolt of electricity. The Princess lets her arm fall limp at her side once more, but her eyes are still on him. Mother grabs him by his shoulders, pulling him back to stand next to her again.

“Your Majesty, once again, Eleana, Link, and I would like to offer our deepest condolences for your loss,” Father says. “For this kingdom’s loss. The Queen is—was—a strong and wise monarch, and as a people, we shall mourn her absence forevermore.” His lips are trembling a little, Link notes. He’s never seen that on Father before.

“Thank you, Sir William,” the King says. “You were a steadfast presence in her life, truly.” At that, Mother’s grip tightens. Link tilts his head up to look at her, but is met with that layer of veil again. “Well, I must be on my way. Duty calls upon us all, after all.”

With one last bow from Father, Mother, and Link himself, the King makes his way toward the other end of the dais and descends the opposite staircase. The Princess follows, her back straight and steps never once faltering.

She doesn’t turn back to cast one last glance at his family, but Link watches and watches and watches. He’s still watching as she disappears beneath the grand archway that leads further into the castle.

On the walk back to Castle Town where Father resides, Link feels something heavy settling in his gut. Like his little inconsequential life makes sense, all of a sudden. Like being six years old doesn’t really matter because, in that moment, he feels like there are hundreds of ancient men residing within the confines of his bones. And all those men are whispering the same name over and over.

The name he heard just a half hour ago.

So he speaks up.

“Father, I think I’m ready to really train,” he says. “I really wanna be in the Royal Guard.”

Father laughs.

Mother, beneath her black veil, stays quiet.

>> Continue reading on AO3

[happybunny999]

The goddess with pink hair and rose gold eyes

(Hyrule warriors age of calamity x human goddess reader fanfic) (various x reader) botw alter universe

Part 1

( the reader is a powerful goddess with in inner god of her own abilities and was in the multiverse looking over people and when a strange portal opens and brings her to hyrule where she must find a way back to the multiverse and help hyrule’s warriors with their problem against the calamity)

Calm , quiet, peaceful… is what you can call the void I am in as I watch over the multiverse and keep it protected from any thing that might pose a threat to it and I find it interesting that with the entire multiverse and everything in it is at my command and control but I’m not corrupt I just find it enjoyable to watch over it.

I have been keeping the multiverse in order for a very long time and yet still look the same as I did before as I still have the appearance of a 17-18 year old girl and have been caring for the whole multiverse at a very young age since then. And I still have extremely beautiful, long, light pink hair, and light dark skin. Wearing a beautiful,cute, and colorful three layered flowing and frilly pink and sky blue dress (that resembles an alternative version of madoka kaname goddess dress) with tights and pink and white Thigh boots that go above my knees and long finger gloves and on my right hand is a symbol of a big star with 8 sides and 4 dots on the point angles with white wings in front of it and lastly My beautiful yet powerful rose gold eyes. (The rest of the design is up to you if you want) (the star on your hand represents the law of cycle and cause and effect along with everything else. I took the symbol from madoka’s law of cycle) 

Oh, and while I do watch over the multiverse I also use my power to summon video games for me to play with to keep myself entertained but my most favorite game the legend of Zelda game series especially the DLC called “Hyrule warriors; age of calamity”

“I love this game so much but I wise I could help them” I said with a bit of an hopefulness but I knew that would never happen.

Suddenly As I turn around to check the multiverse for the one hundred times I saw something that I hadn’t seen before it was a purple and black portal that appeared out of nowhere and it started pulling me towards it as I tried to get away but it was too late as the portal pulled me in and everything went black.

-

A warm and bright light is what greet’s when I slowly open my eyes confused and wondering about what was going on as when my eyes full opened and adjusted to the bright sun above me and the feel of dirt and grass

Wait…sun light, grass, dirt… my eyes shot open and I immediately sit up from where I was laying down quickly looking around my surroundings and saw a pond and crawled over to look and saw how my appearance had changed my dress had turned into a white, small, frilly dress with golden sandals laced up my legs (to which I didn’t like at all) and also realized that I’m in an open field with lots of grass and beautiful flowers and as I stand up I caught sight of a castle not to far way from me which made me confused and started to remember the strange portal that I got pulled into and realized that I might have brought me to a different world so I take a deep breath and close my eyes and try to use my ability to see which world I’m in and not the void. As my eyes were closed and take a calm and focused stance I could feel the wind start to whirl around me as I open my eyes start to glow bright and as I peer through the eyes of a random person and what I see shock and excited me at the same time because the castle from afar had a familiar symbol that I knew immediately as the Hyrule Triforce symbol and I couldn’t help but smile with excitement because I couldn’t believe that I’m in my favorite game?! “Omg I’m actually in Hyrule!” I shout with pure enthusiasm.

After a few seconds I had calmed down and started to think what to do and how to find way back to the void since I had no clue until I hear loud and destructive noises from the village just a few feet away from me and see monsters attacking the people who lives there so decided that I should help them so quickly used some magic and changed clothes I was comfortable with which was a modern long sleeved shirt and style pants along with soft boots and created a pink cloak and put it over my head so that I covered my face so it would be hard to see my face.

As I made my way to the village I see monsters everywhere and the soldiers having a hard time fighting them with their large numbers and some tried to attack me but with my abilities I defeated them easily and help the wounded soldiers by using healing magic as they looked on shock and confusion about my sudden appearance and my ability but I didn’t answer their questions and just started running and fighting the other monsters while helping other people until I found my self outside the gate of Hyrule Castle and turn to see the all too familiar egg shaped teapot laying on the ground powerd down for now and when I approached it to use magic on it to start it without the skein slate(sorry if I miss pronounce it wrong) but as soon as I tried to power it I hear foot steps and turn to see a young man in armor and bright sky blue eyes, dirty blonde hair with his sword drew at me and I recognize him immediately as my favorite character Link.

As we both looked at each other I could see that he is confused and suspicious upon seeing me and my weird looking outfit with my cloak covering my face and doesn’t lower his sword but I didn’t want to blow my cover just yet so I tried to walk away but heavy and loud footsteps caught my and Links attention as we both turn to see a whole group of monsters chasing a young woman with white hair and wearing a ninja outfit she look at us and called for our help while running towards us and ends up tripping over and allowing the shaekin slate to fly in the air. I watched as Link runs forward towards the woman named Impa ( I learned the name with the ability to see the future) as I watched the tablet fly in the sky in slow motion and stare back at the small robot start to power on and the ground begins to shake leaving both Link and Impa confused as I looked on unfazed then a monster try’s to move towards to attack and Link was ready to defend and I start to smile as a huge tower erupts from the shaking ground while Link and Impa looked on surprised and confused. Me and Link turned around to see that Terrako was standing and happily beeping at us and it made me smile even more.

After that “dilemma” Impa was looking up at the tower wondering and Link was keeping an eye on me and Terrako as I played with the small robot with a big smile on my face. Soon Impa turned her attention towards me and started to ask me questions “um… hello there who are you” and “what’s with the weird clothes you are wearing” as Link looked at me suspiciously with his hand close to his sword but I didn’t pay attention to it and was already running with Terrako to the castle with Link and Impa chasing after us yelling to stop. (This is going to be a fun adventure)

I said with a smile.

[hurricane105]

🎃 trick or treat! 🎃 😁

A treat for you! Y'all are going to drain my wip pile lol.

This is a character study of Cefie, Link's mom in my BOTW longfic (that still needs a ton of work). Andran is Link's father/her husband.

"Maybe he just needs more activity," Andran suggested. He wasn't on leave nearly as much as Cefie wished. "A chance to run around with other kids. I'm doing a week-long training detail to Zora's Domain - he could come with me, see the sights."

Her first impulse was to say no. Link was only six, and still woke up sometimes with nightmares, crawling into bed with her until morning. And if he wasn't with her, she couldn't protect him.

Andran read the hesitation on her face. "I was his age when I became a page. Lots of military kids do mini tours like this one."

Worry curdled in her stomach. She trusted Andran to keep Link safe, but the visceral need to keep him close was instinctive, as strong as a rubber band. But on the other hand, she couldn't keep him next to her forever. And maybe it would be good for him, being around adults who weren't his parents. She took a deep breath. "All right."

**

"We're home!"

Relief washed over her. Cefie turned from her easel, as though she hadn't been checking out the window every few seconds. "Welcome back!" Link walked in, sunburn on his nose, Andran behind him. "Did you have a good time?"

"Yeah! I got to play with a real sword, and eat sushi, and sleep on a cot in a tent! I wanna be a knight when I grow up!"

"I'm glad you had a good time."

"And I joined the Big Bad Bazz Brigade! I'm second in command. Bazz is the captain, but he only ever gives fun assignments like "dive into the lake," and "race to the top of that mountain."

"Is Bazz an adult?"

"No, he's a kid like me. Well, he's a Zora though. Did you know they live for a really long time? Bazz said he's thirty-five! But he won't be an adult until he's fifty. We had a duel with swords, and I beat Bazz and Rivan and Gaddison. Rivan got a scrape and Princess Mipha healed it for him."

"Princess Mipha sounds very nice."

"She is. She's got a new baby brother Sidon. He's only this big! He can't swim yet, but Princess Mipha said he'll probably start learning next year. Why don't I have a baby brother?"

Andran set down their packs with a grimace. "Because you don't. Do you want to tell your Hateno friends about Zora's Domain?"

"Oh yeah!" Link ran out the door, still talking a mile a minute.

Andran sank into a chair, suddenly looking old and gray. Cefie studied him worriedly. "What's wrong?"

"A lot of things happened." Andran ran a hand over his face. "News arrived from the castle. The queen prophesied the return of Calamity Ganon."

"The myth?"

"Apparently it's real."

"Will you have to fight it?"

"Probably. But we don't know when it will arrive - just sometime in the next few decades, probably." His gaze rose to look at her. "It gets worse."

She wondered how it could possibly get worse.

"Every time Calamity Ganon rises, there's always a princess with the sealing power and a hero with a sword."

Cefie nodded. She knew the stories. She had even sketched out her artistic representations of fights from eons past, although she hadn't finished painting them.

Andran's gaze was as serious as she had ever seen it. He looked very tired. "I think Link is the hero."

"Our Link?"

He nodded silently.

"But he's just a child!" He was still so young!

"All the heroes were children once."

Cefie took a deep breath. "What makes you think he's the hero of this age?"

"I went up to collect the kids from where they were playing. When I got there, they were all standing around a pile of hinox guts. Turns out a hinox had wandered into the clearing. Link took a sword and fought it. And won."

She could feel the blood drain from her face. She should never have let him go somewhere he might be hurt. "But he's never used a sword before!"

"Exactly."

"Why didn't they run away?"

"It didn't occur to Link. He saw a danger and decided to take care of it."

"How on earth did he defeat a hinox?"

"The kids all said the same thing - he just moved really fast, and when he stopped, the hinox was dead."

"Did he know what he did? Does he now?"

"He knows he fought a hinox, and that it's a little unusual for one person to defeat it. I don't think he realizes how strange it is that a kid could do what he did. I don't know of any knight who could take one down solo."

"Is there any way to confirm that he is the hero?"

"That's another thing. Since the queen prophesied the return of the Calamity, they're requiring all current military and all new recruits go to the forest to try pulling the sword."

[sherbet-shark]

|〘 ⋇Genre: Drama〙|〘 ⋇W/C:5.2K〙|〘 ⋇ Format: Fic 〙|〘 ⋇Content: 〙 | Yona doubts the authenticity of Sidon’s love after a run-in with a few Hylians suggesting otherwise.|

|〘 ⋇ Content Warnings: 〙This fic is riddled with personal HCS about Yona’s vague home and herself and her relationship with her attendants. This fic has light spoilers from both, BOTW and TOTK Zora Quest line, and general totk. |

|〘 ⋇ 〙 Summary: Yona’s devotion and love for her new home and husband knew no bounds; the pair had been childhood friends but are now being thrust into an arranged marriage. Was it all too fast? The young queen dwells on her doubts, amplified by cruel words.|

|〘 ⋇ 〙 A/N: Hey guys, I’m sorry for dropping out of the plane of existence, I got really busy, stressed and burnt out from writing, school and irl. This is my first Canon x Canon fic ever and I am so freaking proud of it. I cannot wrap my head around this fic being 5.2k words at all, like 😳 jfc. Also!! YONA lovers unite!! She’s very cute and sweet I hope I did our girl justice. Pspsp @enigmaticfossil FOOD. This should go without saying but if you don’t like this couple scroll past. |

"The Zora Domain was once again saved from tragedy by your heroic Swordsman and our beloved King Sidon… I wonder what you might have said seeing your brother and him fighting side by side. While most unproductive, I cannot help that my mind often strays to what could've been, Lady Mipha."

Yona's words swell with bittersweet wonder as she wistfully sighs and peers at the Champion's memorial. Yona's speckled amber eyes searched the tranquil statue's face. What for? She didn't even honestly know herself. Perhaps a sense of relief, or Yona wanted a sign that their demure Champion was watching her brother thrive. What would Yona's childhood hero have said to their union? So many questions that would stay unanswered, the foreign Zora concluded. Her mind wandered to her dear husband, the stars to her night sky.

Despite his unending enthusiasm and carefree air, the Queen knew her husband well to know there was so much more lurking underneath his energetic and hopeful personality. From the outside, it seemed even fear allured him. If only they knew it was the very opposite. Sidon was and still is profoundly affected by his sister's tragic passing, more to say, the fear it caused. Who would blame him for his fear? One hundred years were a blink of an eye for the Zora. Yet time did not heal all. The emptiness in everyone's hearts still aches, just not as much anymore. Everyone can say her name and recount their memory of Mipha with a smile, but her presence would still be longed for.

Finally, Sidon resumed his monthly visits to Mipha's Court, something he hadn't done in a while, even prior to his fight with Ganon. It may be silly for some to speak with a figurine. But this simple action always made Zora fondly smile, recalling days when Mipha would always listen with kind words and a warm aura as she always did before her death.

At the Champion's memorial, Yona recalls an instant from their shared childhood when heavy rains poured down a river they played next to. The torrential downpour rose above the bank, capturing the tiny crimson-screaming prince down the waterway. The foreign Zora was the first to swim after him, willing her smaller verdant fins to move her faster. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she reached her fellow royal. The current lashed the young children, but undeterred, Yona carried him into a small cape. A moment of peace after a hurricane of freight, the water continued to thunder behind them. The tiny child tried to calm the quivering Sidon in her arms while attempting to mend a wounded foot of her own. Then, as all hope seemed lost, frenzied cries welcomed the duo as a frazzled Mipha and royal guards caught up quickly. Mipha soothed their cries, touching their cheeks and promptly healing any injuries.

"My Queen, it's well past the early evening hours. We wouldn't want the subjects, least of all His Majesty, to worry about your disappearance." Webbed footsteps lightly tread behind the Queen as Khira stirs the royal to the present, her voice woven in respectful concern for Yona. Her attendants always stayed close to each other and their Lady out of duty and fondness for each other's company.

Even if Chroma's youthful airheadedness got on the latter's nerves, it was still a comfort brought to the Domain.

Their homeland was nearly unattainable to those who couldn't breathe and tread water as swiftly as the aquatic race. In contrast, Zora's Domain flourished to the elements. While New Bay seldom had hazardous weather. Their home had air pocket caverns filled with seashell shops nestled deep into the sea's safe tides and swaying colors, hidden from the land and its residence—a true secret treasure amongst the merpeople.

"Yes, yes. Of course, I wouldn't wish for Sidon to worry. My apologies to you both. It is late, Chroma, Khira. You did not have to accompany me to the Court. No monsters have dared step foot after that Sludge Like." Yona turns, smiling at her loyal, protective attendants. Her golden headpiece jewelry gingerly clinks as she steps down the stairs; verdant hands glide down the polished handrails. The Caregiver knew full well her guards knew their way around the weapons and their water magic, but still, she felt bad for her friends staying with her so long. Yona was no stranger to marksmanship or training herself in purifying wounds and tainted water.

"Please don't worry about it, Lady Yona! We like looking after you; you're our friend, plus his Majesty asked- Ow!" The youngest Zora cheerfully bubbles, and the older guard swiftly jabs her. The new Queen tilts her head, sighing to herself. Even now, Sidon's still quite protective, isn't he? But still, a loving gesture all the same that makes her heart flutter and cheeks warm.

"Hush you! Do you not know when to flap your lips and when not to? On that note as well, how many times must I lecture you? It is Queen Yona, no longer 'Lady.' Have you no respect or idea of the importance of these titles? My goodness, do my words fall on deaf ears?" Exasperated, Khira shakes her head while glaring at her fellow attendant. The trio starts their short journey home as Yona's muffled laughter spills from her lips, watching her dear friend's antics. The young women stare down the waterfall leading down Lulu Lake.

"Please, be nice. Any more of your reprimands, and I'll go deaf." Squeaks the distraught retainer, dark gray eyes pleading to their Queen for help as they descend through the waters.

Even from an immense height, the radiant city's glow softens the carved-out cliffs, and the bright ore deposits dot the wet landscape, becoming a beacon of beauty and splendor. The sun's wonderous warmth far retreated past the Domain's reach, a touch of cold breezes caressing Yona's skin. Coming to the halfway mark, the Caregiver answers her friend's silent pleas. Standing before the marbled platform, the Zora Queen shifts her attention to her bickering friend.

"Khira, come now, I believe that's enough, we wouldn't wish any harm, and it is only the three of us. You can indeed allow one moment of reprieve. I need not worry about titles, my precious friends." Yona coaxes her friend's long-winded lectures, seeing the elder Zora sigh in defeat and allowing this rare moment of informality, much like the old times. Marching down, Khira and Chroma flank their Queen's side, scanning every direction for any monster or Yiga sneak attack. The clansmen weren't interested in the Zora royal line, but being cautious with the newly crowned royalty never hurt.

Their serenity shatters as a high-pitched undignified whine carries through, cutting into the air as they swim down the final waterfall. The young guards perk up and quickly unsheath their weapons, pushing their Queen further near the falls, providing a swift escape. "Your Majesty, Chroma, stay here. I'll go investigate." A hushed command tumbles from the dark dolphin Zora's lips, eyes narrowing and head tucked down for intimidation.

The royal guard crawls out of the pool, spotting a cluster of thick foliage suitable for an ambush. Rushing to the forest green bushes, Khira ducks down to spy on the ruckus while Chroma guards Yona with her spear, guiding her safely away from the unseen danger. The new ruler braces herself, summoning water to snake around her sharp claws.

"I can't believe Sidon's married already! Come on. He's hitched to some random Zora girl we've never heard of? It doesn't sound like a union from love, y'know? And that, too, he doesn't talk much about her. I don't know; it sounds so fishy. That wasn't supposed to be a pun, by the way." A brown-haired Hylian woman clad in some strange mushroom hat walks into sight, and it seems she isn't alone. The woman's other companions stroll by, a pair of other Hylians complain, and another person in glasses fiddles with their leather satchel.

This group seems relatively young while they remain unabashed, glad to blabber, Khira thinks. Anger wells up in her as the group's voices had no intention of stopping with their ill-meaning talk. She knows that Yona could hear this noise. How could she not? Even a Bokoblin would understand their mad rambles.

"Well, I mean, Khole, we don't know much about Zora's politics, so I don't know if it may be an arranged loveless wedding," The glasses wearing sheepishly, state as they twiddle with short brown hair looking back at their friends. It seems this group was returning from visiting the East Reservoir.

"Amia, you're talking as if we know about our own. After all, our Princess had up and disappeared. Only Hylia knows where she is. Of course, she's nice, but if she were our Princess, she would try to reinstate the crown rather than twiddle around in Hateno. We've been in shambles for a hundred years, and only now are we starting to come back. If my great-grandparents could see how this panned out, they'd give Zelda a big lesson about responsibility. I know they lived on the outskirts of Castle Town. They saw she didn't put her all into protecting us from the Calamity." Another crude voice cuts into the cloud of gossip, and the tallest of the group groans. This one must be Khloe, according to them.

"Khloe, that's not nice. She does some things like building the school. I appreciate that, and even the fact she's somehow alive makes the older and more devout folks more invigorated." The shortest man answers the group, trying to reel in their chat, eyes darting around the wandering travelers.

"I like that she made the school too, but that's all our Princess does; twiddle around, now poof! She's gone along with her silent little knight throwing everyone in all corners of Hyrule for a loop," The mushroom-wearing Khole snorts, not taking the hint and wrapping her arm around the small man.

"Besides, there's only so much teaching can do if they don't know how to fight; you're dead. But I don't even know if this royal has done anything substantial to this, 'Zora Queen.' She appeared out of nowhere too, and I heard the women who had their little fan club are still reeling." Yona has had enough of this slander, slashing into the dancing streams around her hands, instantly dropping into the tide. The young Queen knew their last statement wasn’t true in the slightest, reminiscing the many moments the club members loudly fawned over her and the coupling.

The Zora, as she evades Chroma's eased guard, at brazen conversation in their Domain where these Hylians should be more mindful. These ignorant speculations about their Princess; they didn't see how Zelda collapsed to her knees, too choked on her grief to properly beg forgiveness from former King Dorephan and the royal line. When she emerged from the ruins of Hyrule Castle alongside Link, they didn't see the solemn strength and wisdom that welled behind those teary eyes, renewing her vow of protecting everyone no matter the cost.

But what pained her more was that, deep down, their prodding at the royal coupling hit a sore spot in her heart. The optimistic prince and herself had no say in their engagement. Of course, they had visited each other's kingdoms as young teens. Her heart never wavered in her affections for him and his people, but she often wondered what he felt when King Dorephan told him. The royals scarcely had time to talk and be with each other in private, away from others, along with helping the ill-stricken Zora from the sludge, repairing the Domain and Sidon becoming the Water Sage, and finally helping Link defeat Ganon.

Years after the Calamity and its sting aftermath, they grew dearly fond of each other. He changed, his glowing with unending enthusiasm and the occasional naivete all genuine. But he seemed to hide his deeper emotions from the public, even with his dear father. Either for fear that it would make him seem inexperienced or because he wished to truly earn the crown, Sidon's grown used to hiding his whole heart even now. Yona hoped she'd prove herself to him and eventually be blessed to reach those parts of his soul, knowing he was safe with her.

They've had many conversations about their situation and the future after Link helped Sidon slay the beast that floats in the sky. But old habits formed from grief and feeling inadequate die hard. The King still hides from the outside, so much so that he loathes to admit it. After the kingdom's announcement, she doubted if he truly loved her the same way as she did him as the century passed and their visits grew prevalent. Throughout their youth, they eventually graced each other with the title of a beloved friend.

Did his heart worry for her out of genuine care or for appearances or necessity? Did he yearn to have her beside him as his bride, Queen, and equal because he loved her? Would there be a day that Sidon would smile and proudly show his love to the world like Mei and Fronk?

Yona understood betrothal gifts were essential to the Hyrulean Zora culture, but she wasn't taught that way. Only learning how to mend the armor from other fish scales, her people learned a sacred courtship dance to show their interest. Yona summons her rapid heartbeat to the clearing out of the pooling water, allowing them to see her. Chroma whispers for Yona to stay but emerges from the pool trailing her Lady.

"Enough of your useless babble," The zealous guard seethes, lunging at the group from the overgrown shrubs. Jumping out of their skin, the rowdy quartet leap into each other's arms. They shudder like leaves, eyes firmly screwing closed, far too absorbed in their well-being.

The Zora spear inches away from the supposed root of all this meaningless noise, "You have shown an inexplicable disrespect and regard for both your Princess and our Queen. Your prattle proves nothing among you and your ilk. Your eyes will never see the true nature of these critical figures, and perhaps that is not your desire," Khira grits her sharpened teeth, even the air around them stilled in anticipation.

The grip on her spear tightens with every passing breath as the group hesitantly opens their eyes. The spear aimed at the frightened woman pulls back, and the guard's posture loosens, showing a reluctant sign of mercy and growling while pulling her weapon back. "But I will allow you this grace as well as one warning. You will not sully any of the royal's names here—especially Queen Yona. One would think that Princess Zelda's diplomatic nature would pass for all her subjects. Consider yourselves lucky. I want to avoid pushing more work on their Majesties, so relieving the burden of taking your tongues is out of the realm of possibility."

"Khira! Enough! Stand down." Yona calls out to her fearless attendant; in her mind, she notes how uncharacteristically aggressive the Zora woman is and how strange it is to see her threaten visitors. The Hylians take shaky steps back, looking at the emerging figure. Startled gasps erupt as the attendant glances over her shoulder. Faltering in her angered resolve, seeing the smaller Zora's displeased face. Lifting the sharp spear away, the Caregiver walks in front so the visitors can see her, bowing her head to the cluster of people as they stay silent. The royal could feel their pensive eyes staring into her as if trying to figure her out by tearing her apart.

"I sincerely apologize for my attendant; this is the first time I've seen her act out in such an unsightly manner. This will not go unreprimanded, while this flagrant threat does not deserve quick forgiveness. Please do not think lowly of us. I seem to have pushed my guard to the brink of exhaustion, so much so that one believes violence would be the answer if I can do anything to appease you. You need only ask, and I will do it. But know that I am Queen Yona." The Queen steadies her breath as she lifts her head, jewelry gently clinking. Scanning their faces, Yona watches the group hastily cover their jabber. However, their words have done their damage making Yona feel miserable but still overwhelmingly riddled with uncertainty.

"O-oh, no, no, no, we're sorry. Uh, you don't need to do that. It was immature of us to talk like that. Sorry, you heard that, but you seem nice, but we're just going to go."

The group leader nervously chirps up as she eyes the serious Khira. Another ally of Khloe's speaks up, nodding and clinging to each other's arms. "Thanks for not hurting us. Bye." Making their escape, crossing the connecting bride to the city. Yona's forlorn eyes linger on their retreating forms.

"What was that? That wasn't an apology at all! And Khira, what in the world got into you." Chroma scoffs as she perches her weapon on her back, eyes frantically scanning her two friend's faces trying to understand them. The younger guard pouts to herself and quietly mutters, "And you always get after me for not bringing shame to the Zora name..."

Despite the rowdy crowd's departure, the young women felt the air thick with tension. Meekness gnaws at Khira as she ducks her head down, too ashamed of her reckless actions and making Yona speak for her. She would indeed badger the younger guard, but to think she would act so brutishly was beyond hypocritical.

"I am profoundly ashamed that you had to see that, your Majesty. But saying I feel guilty for silencing their larks would be a lie. I will not tolerate such belligerence towards you and things they don’t wish to comprehend." The Zora grits her teeth, spitting out a response, rising to look at her liege's back. The young woman partially turns, sapphire flecks eyes glance at her taller lady-in-waiting, Yona dutifully declares.

"Allowing emotions to cloud and open the way to conflict isn't like you, and I understand your reasoning. I find myself appreciating the wild gesture, but I will not tolerate any of your outbursts. Lest you want to stay in my service, being the head of state, is to preserve the peace to all that come and go from Zora's Domain, even to those without respect. We must rise above and show kindness," Light Green's side fins sway as she shakes her head. Yona's hand waved for Chroma and Khira to follow suit. She swallows the biting taste in her mouth, cupping her hands before her chest. She absentmindedly picked at her claws; the sound of clicks enveloped the girls as they fell in line, resuming their protective flank. Exchanging worried looks between each other.

"This should go without saying, but please don't tell Sidon. He's been busy, returning from his valiant battle alongside the other sages protecting the land and handling a kingdom. Something so small should not plague his mind. I'm certain I will forget this soon enough." Yona sharply inhales as she tries to lift her spirits, but her words drip despondence. Her heart twists in painful knots, knowing she's going back on her promise of being truthful and open to her love.

"We won't breathe a word." The duo candidly answer as they make their way across the pristine bridge. While a robust familiar figure happily waves in the distance, welcoming them blissfully unaware of what occurred.

The sinking feeling did, indeed, not disappear from Yona's mind. Their words echo in her head, and the festering sense of inadequacy and insecurity lurks in the corners of her mind. It had been a few days since her encounter, and she knew allowing such heated words to get to her was folly. Yona couldn't help her mind slipping into the depths of her doubt. Even to the point, her melancholic air alarmed the elderly councilmen and Exalted Dorephan. The new Queen lacked her signature sweet nature, replacing her charming aura with an absent mind.

While busy creating safe pathways and removing the debris strewn along the narrowing passage from the mainland to their Domain. Sidon grew worried for his Yona. It's been hard not to notice his citizens concerning whispers about her well-being circled the Domain, and his dearest barely stayed by his side after she visited Mipha Court. She seemed off-put and fidgety whenever he was near her. Even the little ones seemed fretful with Yona's unusual behavior, and her attendants acted peculiar, seemingly hiding something.

The warm afternoon sun beams down on Zora's Domain, an occasional breeze passing through his magnificent home. It's almost ironic that the weather contrasts the new King's worrisome thoughts.

"Naydra's eyes, What am I missing?" Sidon mutters, standing before the pristine balcony overseeing the Domain. His sharp eyes longingly linger on Zora's soft green form, watching her speaking with the fisherman, Mei. He was beyond glad the forgetful citizen returned from the Floating Fish Island. Admittedly busy, ensuring his best soldiers to Lookout Landing returned, Sidon remains steadfast in giving his people protection and grace as those before him. He was dutiful in looking after his people's well-being.

So many things happened in a whirlwind of events; first, it was the Upheaval, then the vile sludge desecrating his home, and finally, his unexpected coronation and marriage to his beloved, then assisting Link in his fight against Ganon. The royal Zora ponders if it was as overwhelming to her as it was for him. The young King certainly has no regrets, but the stress of it all tends to invade his mind even when the epic battle has ended.

Rambunctious giggles erupt from below, stirring him from his daze. His sharp eyes flicker between Mei waving to the young King and his darling Queen, now turned up to see him. A magnetic force pulled their eyes to meet, and he could feel his heart stop, breath hitch in his throat when a ghost of a bashful smile graced Yona's lips. Her golden adornments shine, accentuating her beautiful features. His cheeks flushed against his cold skin, and a heart-stopping smile painted his face. It could be only them in the world.

The moment broke too soon for his liking as Yona shyly averted her gaze. It looked like the floor was more enticing to her now; soft laughter rolled from him, uncaring of the whispered swoons and muttering about young love. Unable to tear his gaze away from Yona as the giggling fisherman bows and parts from the royal Zora. Nodding to something Mei told her, the young woman walks the stairs. Sidon's eyes follow her each step, and soon she stands by his side, making the void of her absence the past few weeks far more prominent than before.

"May we speak in private?" Yona's soft, tantalizing voice asks, her eyes peering up at him with sorrow and meekness clouding her usually cheerful aura. Sidon observes her expression, questioning what caused her heart such sadness.

Nodding to her request, he pauses, thinking of places for a private conversation. He knew the open grandeur of the Domain wasn't much for a solitary chat, so they had to travel somewhere close in case a danger arose but far enough so no curious ear listened. Coming to a solution, the crimson Zora answers, nodding to his Yona. "Of course, I'll have the guards notify my father if they need us."

The couple stroll beside each other to young Zora guarding the stairs to the Throne room. "If anything arises from my absence, find Queen Yona and I atop the Veiled Falls. Please tell the Exalt, thank you." Sidon instructs, giving them a polite smile and watching the faithful sentries obediently comply. In the corner of his peripheral vision, he hears the young woman's gasp. Yona’s eyes widen slightly at his chosen place.

"Now, shall we depart, Yona?" Sidon looks to his side. She doesn't meet his gaze but nods all the same. 'Still absorbed in her thoughts. I wish to know what's plaguing you so, my love.' The perplexed Zora thinks to himself, making their short journey to the Falls.

The two sit on the edge of the Veiled Falls. Sidon surveys the landscape before them, the glistening architecture proudly towering as his head turns. An overwhelming sense of pride and wonder swirls in him, overlooking his gorgeous home. The loud water tirelessly tumbles down the Falls, creating white noise and protecting them from potential eyes and ears, allowing them to speak as they please. The extroverted man feels the atmosphere melt away into a reflective air. His sweet empathic nature shines through, but so does a familiar nervousness, worrying he may say something unintentionally unkind. It's truly a marvel how Yona's mere presence reduced him to his shyer, composed side like they were still children.

"I know that I have been busy and thus haven't been with you by becoming crowned king, but it doesn't allow me to negate my husbandry duties… Now love, what plagues you so?" He tenderly questions his wife, seeing her steady her breath, and comes to terms with whatever tortured her.

"My King," Yona starts to wonder aloud, trying to gather the scramble of words in her mind. Her hands are cupping each other in her lap tense, and her shoulders tighten. While Sidon's brow furrows, she never addressed him formally like that before, not even when they were little ones. "I find myself wondering, has our union been too hasty? Am I truly the one you want besides you? Surely someone far more courageous would be a better match." Concern coupled with mere shock overtook him. His eyes widened, looking at her words. He desperately wants to cut her off and ask her, but he holds his tongue, wanting her to feel safe with him. 'Where in the world did this come from?'

"Those days ago, my attendants and I came across a group of people that brought up the validity of our union. I know it's foolish to listen, and in hindsight, it’s minuscule compared to the intrepid battle you returned from only months ago, but I want to be truthful about it." The woman explains. Yona stops turning to look at him. Vulnerability is etched on her face as he patiently waits for her sign to speak.

"If this has made you worry for this long, it’s no small deal. So that's what you've been dwelling on. Do you doubt my feelings?" He politely utters out, the sick tightening in his chest as he waits in anticipation of her answer. Yona says nothing, in silent agreement. She scolds herself for hurting him so much as he rises from his spot, holding his crimson hand for her. The young woman reaches for him as they stand together.

"You recall the importance of this place, yes? This was the last time I saw my sister alive. Days after, we came to mourn after being informed about my sister being trapped in Ruta. I ran to this place to drown in my tears, where no one could hear me. My desperate attempts to swim upstream, this mighty Fall, fell flat. Then miraculously, you came. You found me in the pool,"

"Crying together in each other's arms, I remember. I asked where you were, and I found you here trying to hide." Sidon's large hands engulf Yona's as she jumps in. The young woman knowing this story well, caressing her thumbs around his palms.

"Yes. At that moment, I saw someone I could call a friend. I discovered someone who could see all of me without fearing judgment. Someone that looked at the depths of my sadness and allowed me to grieve unashamed. Someone that I could share my accomplishments with. We were arranged to marry, but I was elated when my father informed me. I could not imagine anyone else by my side. You've continued to be a beloved companion. I fell in love with your compassionate, intelligent, selfless nature. Your ability to know what's troubled me among countless others made me want to return the favor tenfold," Sidon tenderly divulged, finally noticing Yona meet his eye.

The pure warm adoration in his remarks left the doubtful royal speechless. Strings of wispy white clouds pass overhead, shading the two. "I want to continue growing alongside you as the years pass. I want you to know that I will always love you. You, Yona, Are the only one I want to have on my side. I love you with all my heart." Sidon slips his hand away and brushes underneath her side fins, cupping her cheek and stroking her face as if trying to dispel all her worries from her mind. The smaller Zora nuzzles into his calloused hard-working hand, feeling at peace now unyielding to keep her gaze away from his steady eyes.

"I-I should not have allowed a stranger's words to cause such dismay. I'm sorry for doubting your devotion," She pauses, golden eyes fluttering closed, smooshing her cheek into his hand, angry at herself for significantly impacting how she acted towards him and those in the Domain.

"Will you forgive me?" Shame and relief wash over her, watching Sidon nod at her inquiry. His arm snakes around her waist while tugging her close to his chest. She hears the rapid pounding of his heart, feeling tears threaten to spill from her eyes. Willing them away momentarily, she peels from his broad chest, tugging at the gleaming silver prince his chest piece down.

Standing on her tippy toes, Yona wraps her arms around him, leaning into him while Sidon's finned arms securely encase her body in his. They share a sweet moment, their eyes slowly shut, and their lips collide in a kiss. Sparks fly across the two as Sidon deepens the kiss leaning toward her soft lips, wishing to melt into her touch. Quicken groans and gasps escape their lips, and hot puffs of air roll onto their mouths as they kiss again. It felt like gravity pulled them together again, as if it was torture to stay apart for even the air.

Savoring the taste of salt on their tongues, their lungs burn, taunting them to breathe momentarily. Begrudgingly, Yona pulled away. First, labored rasps heave from her petite frame, now noticing that Sidon lifted her from the ground pressing her close to his chest and sitting in his arms. The loud drumming of their hearts pounds in their ears as they silently look at each other. The noisy waterfall downs out their unsteady breaths as they slowly feel a smile perk on their warm faces.

"That wasn't an answer, my love." Mischievously scolding her loyal husband, Yona laughs to herself as he feigns cluelessness. She doesn't want to let go, reveling in his arms and in the love he gave her. "It wasn't? Well, I might need more time to convince you then." Sidon releases a husky chuckle, his voice a tinge of playfulness and desire, his eyes crinkling as his charming smile shines down at Yona, bringing her close again to steal another kiss.

Tagging: @hey-its-cweepy, @millybesippin, @twistthenoches @luvielle @millybesippin @rrasado @cxlemon

Sherbet Shark© all rights reserved. do not copy, modify or repost any of my works - please and thank you

[heart-of-roses-and-quartz]

Voice Lines~

VA Headcanon: Sean Chiplock

Specifically something like his voice for Revail in BOTW

First Meeting: "Hmph. Call me Rose Quartz. One of the Stonehearts of the IPC. I won't be sticking around you long, so don't get too attached."

Greeting: "What? Don't tell me you're about to drag me into something."

Parting: "You’re leaving now? Good. Maybe we'll cross paths again, maybe we won't."

About Self, Prosthetics: "Huh? My limbs...? Ah. Right. You probably haven't seen many people like me. Ah-! Be careful, you-! Ugh...don't just touch them like that. They're...they were expensive, you know? *sigh*....at least warn me first."

About Self, Albinism: "Hm? My eyes? Yes, I've got Albinism. What of it? *sigh* Yes, I'm more sensitive to light than normal people. *long sigh* No, I'm not a vampire. And no, we are not going to test that! Ugh..."

Chat, IPC: "The IPC...? You know I can't just divulge secrets, even if we're...friends, I suppose. Huh? My opinion...? Well, I don't exactly have any strong opinions. The IPC keeps commerce flowing and keeps dangerous criminals from terrorizing planets. My opinion stops there."

Chat, Hair Color: "Ugh...I'm gonna have to dye my hair again. I have time take care I don't stain my bathroom again...huh? What do you mean you thought this was my natural color?"

Hobbies: "Hobbies? Well...I guess you could say that makeup is a hobby of mine. I pride myself on my eye makeup, if you couldn't tell— hey! Don't touch! It took me hours to do it this morning!"

Annoyances: "If you tell anyone I told you this, I'll end you, but...I'm actually very afraid of pinching someone with my joints...huh? I...suppose you can try and hold my hand. Just...be careful, please."

Something To Share: "Ah- ah- *achoo!* Ugh...have you been playing with Miss Ruan Mei's cat cakes again...? Why? Ugh...I'm a bit allergic. Wh- don't laugh!! Rude..."

Something To Share, Pyrophobia: "I'll admit, the sight of fire makes me anxious...huh? Yes, I know I use the powers of Fire, you don't need to remind me. It's...it's complicated."

Knowledge: "I'm actually very skilled at repairing mechanical things. Oh? Don't believe me? Watch. ...aha! See? And just like that, I've detached my hand from my arm. And with this...there. It's back. Didn't I make that look easy?"

About Aventurine: "Ah. Him. An impulsive gambler, a thrill seeker, a smug little...hmph. *sigh* Despite that, we're...actually good friends, if you can believe it. He's...he's not half bad. Wh- what's the look for?"

About Topaz: "Admittedly I haven't had many interactions with her just yet. But she seems to be good at her job, I suppose..."

About Jade: "She's...interesting. Whatever deal she tries to make with you, do be careful; there's always a price to pay with her. Hmph...I should know."

About Dr. Ratio: "The doctor from the Intelligentsia Guild...at first, he seemed unapproachable. However...he's not so bad once you get to know him. And...he's got an adorable little smile...

About Ahanon/Blythe: "That young Fool? They're an interesting one. They practically have Aventurine wrapped around their finger...but they're not a pain to be around, I suppose. Kinda fun, actually."

Added to Team With Trailblazer: "Ah, there you are. I suppose we'll be off on an adventure today?"

Added to Team With Aventurine: "Aventurine. Don't try to gamble with our fates today, yes? *soft chuckle*"

Added to Team With Dr. Ratio: "Ah, Doctor, a bit of a surprise to see you. A pleasant one, though."

Added to Team With Topaz: "Miss Topaz, please don't hesitate to call for my help if you need."

Added to Team With Jade: "Miss Jade? My, my...is there something terribly wrong?"

Added to Team with Ahanon/Blythe: "Oh? Little Mask, funny to see you here. Do be careful. Aventurine would have my head if you got hurt on my watch..."

[watchmakermori]

I was playing tears of the kingdom and minding my own business when those Fucking Hand Things rose up out of the earth, killed my horse, and nearly killed me. Almost traumatised me more than my first guardian encounter in botw

[aspiring-writer-hidden-voice]

BOTW Link X F!Reader ~ Pt. 2

Restless crickets filled the night air with their song as flickering campfire light dancing across your being. The pads of your fingers were so blistered and sore that they threatened to bleed as medicated cloth was clumsily wrapped around each digit. They each stung with white hot pain when coming into contact with the special ointment, threatening to make your eyes water with tears, until a knot secured each to the best of your ability with the aid of your teeth’s tug. Nickering drew your attention to the nearby herd of wild horses who had wandered close out of curiosity to the scents of warmed apples you had cooking atop of sticks. They were such beautiful animals, with their glistening coats and powerful muscles rippling with each movement. Their leader, a mighty black stallion with a piercing gaze, wearily watched as you plucked one of the now darkened apples and tossed it in his herd’s direction. It was he who first approached to ensure it was not a threat and much to your surprise he took the offering to one of the very pregnant mares who was slow to stand. It would not be long before her foal would enter the world it seemed.

A twig snapping turned your head to the right. Whatever it may be, wild animal or traveler, you prepared for the worst possible encounter…only to be met by the wide set eyes of a wobbly foal that looked to be just a few hours old. It’s coat was still damp, making it shiver in the cold night air, its nostrils flaring when you offered a mushy overcooked apple. Large ears that it would eventually grow into swiveled as a tune rose up your throat in a series of hums. You kept your volume low when spotting its mother slowly come up behind it, as if she were curious to what her child was being fed, her ears also tilting every which way in response to your song.

Using a grass whistle would be alarming to them at such close range. It had been a near bizarre concept but watching as the blue eyed Hylian played song after song was enchanting as each note echoed across whatever landscape was before him. A few of the songs had names, such as the one you currently hummed he’d made for Epona, while others remained nameless.

Pain flared within your bandaged fingertips when the foal suckled them, earning several alarmed snorts from the large animals when you hissed softly.

Immediately the stallion was shoving his offspring towards its mother with a warning stomp. His eyes bore into yours, promising that if you repeated the noise punishment would be severe, ears flattening against his skull when you began humming once more. He would not so easily be fooled as the many members of his herd had been. In the campfire, his coat shone brighter than precious obsidian stone that twitched in response to him nearing a point of action if you didn’t do something quick.

What the two of you noticed in unison was the herd of wolves that had slowly appeared from the tall shrubs and grass.

Screaming filled the air as you twirled, hands and fingers exclaiming profusely at the familiar actions when notching an arrow within your bow, the horses shrill panic nearly rendering you deaf as they were joined by hunger filled howls. They scattered when you loosed the arrow, which landed too far to be of any use thanks to a surge of pain up your arm that affected your aim, making you reach back for another when the glowing amber eyes appeared ahead.

This wolf must be the alpha. It was nearly twice the size of the others with dark midnight fur appearing so thick that arrows might be useless against it. Saliva glistened as it dripped from its parted jaws, showcasing sharp teeth that could easily tear away flesh until all that was left was bone and even then they looked capable of rendering a stalhorse to dust. A few wolves that had been following his flank fanned out as if to pursue the horses but they were summoned back courtesy of their leader’s snout rising to the sky with a hair raising howl.

With the campfire to your right and the wolves surrounding all around, there was nowhere to run.

It was time to fight.

A good time as any to test your current skill.

Whistling, the arrow you notched then released vanished from sight was following by a high pitched yelp. You’d taken aim between a pair of amber eyes that were the closest but still too far for the campfire to illuminate. Looks like you still missed. They were still there, however now they were filled with anger as their owner ignored the alpha’s command to stay back. Teeth flashed with a dangerously glint as they made to bury themselves within your forearm if not for your swift dodge. Its speed suddenly seemed sluggish as you readied a different weapon, this one a short sword, and delivered a single strike to its side that sent it rolling out of sight to where the pack’s leader watched with narrowed eyes. Would it attack as a form of revenge for you hurting its comrade?

Almost too far within your peripheral vision to clearly see appeared a wolf that made to attack the foal and pregnant mare. In unison, the stallion and you released battle cries which intermixed as the two of you took action; his deadly hooves taking aim at the wolf’s flank, causing the wild canine to dodge to the side and right into your arrow’s path that had been carefully aimed then fired. An audible crack sounded, signifying that it had pierced through the soft spot of the wolf’s skull, and it fell into an unmoving heap. The pain returned to your now throbbing fingers as you lowered the bow, meeting the gaze of the pack’s alpha. Nature had a law above all else, survival of the fittest and smartest, which it seemed to regard you with now a cautious gaze rather than one of hunger. You weren’t the helpless prey they had thought you were.

Then the wolves were gone with faint bark-like growls as they disappeared completely into the night.

From the herd came a series of nickers before the mare and foal made their way to where you stood. It was the foal who first reached you, giving you a solid head butt to the chest before its chin rose to tap against your shoulder. Then the mare took her turn to bestow her thanks by means of tucking you against her side as if you were her child then dragging a wet tongue across your cheek.

Through the night air a shrill whiny pierced the air closely followed by the sound of thundering hooves against the earth.

And the herd, with its leader casting you one last glance, vanished as if they had been nothing more than smoke.

Only the remaining traces of moisture upon your skin and the faintest of hoof prints within the grass were testimony that the herd had been here at all.

The thundering footfalls slid to a halt, followed by a whiny and familiar sounds of boots hitting the earth, hands turning you around by the shoulders so that your gaze met azure. His and Epona’s quick breathing told of their haste in returning from hunting for dinner meaning that they must have seen everything unfold just now. You held perfectly still as Link looked over you from head to toe, lightly touching with calloused fingers anywhere there could be injury until coming to a halt when you flinched when they found your dominate wrist. Within its inside fold was a steadily growing bruise that bloomed like a flower the more his fingers worked. Blue eyes glanced back towards the fire where they spotted torn cloth and a small bottle containing the same herbal medicine that he himself had made before they fell to your fingers. He’d offered both once training had been done for the day however the magnitude of bandages surprised even him.

With strain, you forced each finger to curl until they loosely enclosed around his much larger ones to the best of their ability, giving the lightest of squeezes. It was your fault for not being a better student. Though the concepts had been simple there were still a few aspects which caused you struggle. Close combat in particular was going to take some getting used to.

The Hylian Champion returned the squeeze then allowed your fingers to slip from his grasp. Though you turned to gather the fallen sword you could feel his gaze watching your motions. He had suspected that you were pushing farther today than usual. Had you honestly thought he missed how your limbs trembled when sheathing the weapon or the grimaces while moving? Without explanation, his hands quickly removed both sword and bow from your possession to place them upon Epona’s saddle where the spares were then slung the heavy saddle off her back with a huff. It was placed within the campfire circle’s light followed by him tossing you a bottle filled with leather polish then he walked off to where the fallen wolf lay.

No farther instruction was needed and you set to work.

Even from this distance he was unable to keep his gaze upon the work at hand. Through the darkness his azure gaze committed every graceful movement you made while focusing upon making the saddle practically shine as Epona settled behind you. The flickering campfire threw dancing shadows across your features as the breeze played with your hair. It’s been a while since the two of you had begun traveling together; nearly a month now if memory served right. He’d seen you make many faces from wonderment of seeing a dragon to the disgust when a recipe didn’t turn out the greatest. Link wasn’t sure which was his favorite but it was the fleeting glances you shared while riding together that made that little seed within his chest warm a little more. That wasn’t entirely true, he inwardly admitted, the expression of determination and focus you wore when protecting the wild horses was photo worthy. Pelt cleaned and portions of meat in hand, he returned to the circle where Epona kept you within and sat across from you with a huff. Of course the swordsman felt you curious gaze as he began wrapping the meat within proper storage cloths or containers for them to be used later. Deep within him rose something carnal the longer his fingers remained upon the pelt. Phantom memories rose of paws instead of his feet sprinting across the ground, growls rising up his throat when an unknown creature made to lash out. Something brushed his cheek, making the blood pound faster within his ears as he growled lowly from the brief flare of pain—

“Link!”

Adrenaline lacing through his system like belladonna froze at your shout. The memories that weren’t his faded until he found himself hovering over you, one hand high above as if preparing to strike while the other pinned you to the ground, his knees on either side of your hips which prevented you from kicking. Firelight illuminated your expression of shock, along with the faint tint of pink within your cheeks and disheveled clothing, almost as if you had been physically wrestling someone. Both of your hands were grasping desperately at his clothing, as if you were trying to shake him awake. One rose to rest its palm against his cheek when his eyes finally met your own. It was the glint of concern within your gaze that tore at his being and caused the gravity of your positions to hit him harder than a Goron’s blow. Anyone else would have been fearful of such a display yet here you were uncaring of another attack while attempting to comfort his racing heart with repetitive circles your thumb traced beneath his eye. Bitter tasting guilt plagued his tongue as the moon above your heads came out from beneath a cloud to expose your flushed skin and a mark that looked an awful lot like human teeth upon your exposed shoulder.

The moment he released you was the instant your arms wrapped tightly around his neck, as if attempting to prevent him from backing away completely as he sat backward with a tremor. You were holding onto him as tight as possible despite him attempting to remove himself. If you let go now, it felt as though he was going to slip away to somewhere you couldn’t reach. Again and again you softly whispered his name while rocking slightly until he relaxed against your form. Though you were smaller it was not so much that he had to bend down completely so that your gazes could meet.

His seemed to beg for forgiveness, maybe even understanding of what had just happened, but above those they seemed to be fighting back tears. This clearly wasn’t the sole time it had happened to him. However this was the only one you’ve witnessed to your knowledge.

You shifted so that your back rested against Epona and carefully maneuvered the doll-rendered warrior until his head rested against your chest as comfortably as possible. The band holding back his hair was removed courtesy of your careful fingers which began to gently comb through his golden locks as his eyes drifted closed when you’d begun to hum softly. Even now you could still see the faint glyphs of twilight lingering within his aura along with the echoes of a hair raising howl. That must have been another hero who had passed in ancient times. Eventually, once his breathing had leveled into the rhythm that suggested he was asleep, your gaze wandered towards the pelt.

….

Rain hammered against your beings, lightning forking across the darkened sky to briefly blind you as Epona neighed with worry when the swordsman stood motionless upon the cliff head. A stable wasn’t too far away which meant that it was the halfway point to Tarrey Town, that’s where you’d been going until a storm swept the three of you up within a vortex of wind and rain. The shared steed rose up onto hind legs when a bolt of lightning struck too close and disappeared into the distance with a shrill scream of terror. Alarm filled you when something akin to elation filled his features when his head rose upwards so the rain fell upon his face, strange cloud shapes appearing within his aura that weren’t supposed to be there.

No matter how many times you called his name, he still acted as though your calls never reached him despite your struggling through rain and wind to get closer. It’s been a little over a week since the last emergence of a past persona, and he had confided in you that they occasionally happen while traveling. What did prove in his growing trust of you was the confession relating to their frequency.

For some reason they were happening more often since you’ve been traveling with the Champion.

But why?

From within the bag upon your back appeared the pelt you’d tucked away, quickly drawing it over your frame and lowering to the ground so that your height better resembled an actual wolf. He’d had a reaction to the pelt before so it would stand to good reason he would have another. Taking the deepest inhale you could, your head lifted high with a howl that instantly earned the gaze of the blue eyed Hylian. They grew wide when finding your form, familiar phantoms appearing within their depths that spoke of rivaling personas. Another howl rose up your throat when he slowly unsheathed the sword upon his back.

Somehow you had to get the Link you knew back.

He rushed forward with a quick step, the blade glistening with rain as it was raised. You knew this stance; he was going for a downward sweep. Meaning that you only had one true option to escape: dodging forward.

Tucking your head lowly, you used the momentum from the dodge to collide against his figure, sending the two of you barreling until empty air met your back. The pelt disappeared from your hold to be replaced by his face momentarily cupped between your hands as the paraglider appeared from his pack. Those azure eyes of his widened, pupils shrinking as they cleared from the haze that had been obscuring them, as you continued to fall despite him remaining within the air. “Come back.”

Even to you, the whisper was lost to the wind and rain.

Yet he somehow heard.

It was enough to make those two presences completely withdraw from him, leaving the golden haired Hylian to stare down at your falling form. “(Y/n)!” The paraglider folded, allowing him to dive at a near neck breaking speed until your form met his own. His arms wrapped so tightly around you as the awaiting ocean rushed to greet the two of you and pivoted so that he took the brunt force from the salty water instead of you. Last he remembered the Lakeside Stable had just come into view when the first few droplets of rain met his being. What had possibly triggered this rise of a foreign persona was beyond his speculation as your unconscious being floated above his own. Your hair was splayed like a halo around you, as were your clothing, bubbles tickling your bare skin as the two of you lay suspended within the water.

A swift kick sent him forward, allowing his arms to cradle your being against his own, just before a current tossed you both to shore.

Sand buried itself into places that would take weeks to remove as he drug you upon the beach, internally making note to apologize for it later, ignoring how his muscles and bones screamed from strain as he hiking up the nearby trail that would lead to where a village lay. He would gladly carry you across Hyrule to make up for the trouble and danger he’d put you through. Brief flickers of memory revealed your lacking of hesitation to bring him back, how you had used the pelt to force another consciousness to rise and battle the one which had taken hold of him, allowing the swordsman a chance to surface and reclaim control.

It was all thanks to you.

His gaze drifted down to rest upon your form. Salt residue had already begun to appear across your skin but it was the heat coming off your form that earned his alarm. Pausing, the back of his hand met your cheek, finding it burning hot. There was a flush across your face as well. It was as he quickened his pace that you groggily woke, finding the Hylian Champion’s face full of worry and concern along with guilt, impulsing you to reach up a shaking hand to brush bandaged fingertips against his skin. The motion earned you his full attention as he still went faster, those azure eyes falling to meet your glazed own as his arms gave you a squeeze. I’ve got you, they said, I will fix this.

A smile raised your lips as the world spun, flesh of his cheek becoming pinched between your fingers. Maybe it was the fever making you a bit loopy but for some reason you found the stretch of his skin entertaining as he raised an eyebrow at your giggle. His soaked hair made him look less like a Hylian and more like an oversized canine as his features morphed for a moment. “Good…boy…”

And darkness rose to claim you as the raised blonde eyebrow twitched. That had to be the goofiest expression he’d ever seen. Bizarre, considering the circumstance, but it still coaxed his own lips to twitch with a suppressed smirk when you woofed softly.

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Previous: Blood Moon Encounter

Pt. 3: Identities Unknown