#uli's kitchen

[skyloftian-nutcase]

For a quickly dessert mix hot chocolate powder with hot water and then mix this hot chocolate with plain instant oats, stir, and wait for a bit

Chocolate oatmeal

Oooo yum! :D

[silvrash-797]

We made chicken salsa tacos last night that were delicious and they are stupidly easy to put together:

2 lbs chicken breasts (about 5 pieces)

2 Tbsp taco seaoning

1 jar salsa (any flavor or strength you want!)

That's it! Rub the taco seasoning over the chicken, place them in a crock pot, and dump the jar of salsa over top. Cook on low 6-8 hours. (The recipe says 6-8 hours, but it's done whenever the chicken hits an internal temp of at least 165°F - ours topped out at just over 200 by the end of the 6th hour).

Shred the chicken (there was a lot of liquid in the pot by the end of the cooking time, so strain if you want. It's not necessary, though) Serve with whatever taco additions you want (we used taco shells, shredded cheese, and fresh tomato)

It made enough leftovers that my family of four can have it again later this week!

@skyloftian-nutcase another for Uli's kitchen!

Do any of u have decent recipes that are like 5 ingredients (not including spices) and take 45 mins or less to prepare i gotta stop eating sandwiches for dinner

[weepylucifer]

Remind me to at some point do something about that ficlet i have knocking around in my head where ulixes surprise-visits steban at his mom's place during semester break and steban gets extremely flustered about it

[descendantsramblings]

Just a short cute thing where Fem! Reader and Maleficent are dating and Mal just loves teasing her gf by turning into her dragon form in small

Pure fluff, thank u :>

“Short cute” is speaking my language rn. So glad to be back to writing long stuff but between these and writing a layout for a Dead Boy Detectives fic I needed a good head canon or Drabble 🖤

Also I wrote and edited this whole thing while on the clock at work so forgive me if something is a little odd, I HATE typing on mobile because it’s easier to get typos.

Play

Maleficent x Reader

Pronouns used: she/her/hers

Summary: watching her girlfriend study can get just so boring

Warnings: descriptions of Maleficent turning into a dragon but it’s really nothing (at least as a horror and body horror fan it’s absolutely nothing but I’ll warn you just in case), fluff

Word Count: 1.1K

Pic because finding gifs of my girl (who’s almost always background or literally on Hades lol) is so hard

She can’t say no one warned her. Of course, Maleficent thought her girlfriend hung the sun, she was humanities own light source. All aglow when she was excited and warm enough that the dark fae was constantly convinced she had a fever. She was obsessed with her, but that doesn’t mean the rest of her friends lied when they said dating a hero kid could get so boring. Not that (Y/n) in general was boring, it was actually pretty easy to get her running around with the villains, but when she felt like being good? She could get obnoxiously good. Like straight As helping out in soup kitchens type of good. Which if the pixie was honest, she found that side of her girlfriend extremely endearing. Sometimes she even wonders if that sweet half of her is what saw Maleficent as worthy for her. Not that she’d ever admit to that out loud, it would wreck her image. If the fact that she could watch the girl complete mundane tasks in complete infatuation didn’t already kill her image. Or at least she normally could watch her like that.

The girl had been studying for an hour, rewriting her notes in a decorative and color coded way that she swore made it easier for her to study. “Rewriting it makes me think about it harder, Mali. Engraves it into my memory.” It sounded like an excuse to her, seemed to her that the girl just liked to look at pretty things. Not that she minded, whatever she wanted to do was fine by her, (Y/n) was her own woman. And Maleficent loved to be the pretty thing she was looking at, so who was she to complain about other ones? But Mali was starting to wonder if she and Tinkerbell had something in common. If she didn’t get her girlfriend’s attention soon she was sure she’d just fall over and just die. She was growing weaker by the second, she was positive of that. And getting the girl’s attention away from swirling pretty calligraphy into a notebook was proving to be impossible.

Every nuzzle to her neck was met with a playful push. Kissing her face just earned the pixie a “Mali, doll, I’m working.” It was infuriating. Why let her in if (Y/n) only planned on ignoring her? Her pale arms make their way around the princess’ waist, face falling against the girl’s back with a dramatic sigh. “I’m almost done, Doll. Just two more pages.” Two more? That won’t do, she needs more attention now. “Come on,” she drags the word out pulling away from her girlfriend with a whine. “Since when are you so good?” “I’ve always been good, Doll. You’re the villain between us, remember?” She uncaps a different pen, readjusting the notebook before her. “You don’t seem so good when you’re out running around with me and the other VKs. You ask how high when Uliana says just just like Morgie does.” It gets her a hum, pen tapping against the page in the speedy pattern. “Yeah well, if I make Uli happy she’ll do my hair. No one else here can braid like she can.” Mali laughs, “Fine, then if we can’t cuddle, let’s go see if she’ll do your hair. Give me something.” “I’ll be done soon.” She scoffs, lightly smacking the back of the girl’s shoulder, “You said you were doing homework.” (Y/n)’s eyes roll, sparing the girl a look over her shoulder, “Studying is homework, Mali.” Now her eyes roll, throwing herself back on the bed, “This isn’t studying. Studying is reading over notes, this is some other thing.” She hums, “Maybe that’s why my grades are higher than yours.” It’s a playful remark, the girl poking her tongue out at the pixie before turning back to her work.

She wants to play? Okay, they can play. She cuts a look to the girl, a pen cap held loosely in her mouth as she delicately drags a pen brush across a page. She was distracted enough. Turning into a large dragon took far too much energy from her, but a small one? One that could fit right in the girl’s lap? That was easy. Maleficent could barely feel it as her bones gave way. Shoulder blades and vertebrae stretching out to form the structure of wings. Purple scales forcing their way through pale skin, tearing their way into veins to beseen. She hasn’t let wings of any kind come out in so long, it felt heavenly. The stretch making her suppress a whimper. She desperately needed to do this more, instead of just when she felt the need to harass her way into getting what she wants.

Slowly, careful not to make too much noise, she flaps her wings, once, twice. By the third time, when she realized the sound wasn’t alerting (Y/n), she knew she could take flight. Fluttering through the dorm, she lands on the girl’s dresser, blowing a small puff of flames onto a candle then settling beside it. Waiting, glowing green eyes trained on the girl who had playfully become her prey. The smell of smoke would alert her, it always did. Lilac and smoke slowly and softly fill the air, making the princess look up, worried eyes glancing around the room before landing on her dresser. “Really? You’re that desperate for me?” Desperate? No, she was anything but that. While her eyes are away from the page, Maleficent takes flight again, swooping up the pens the girl was using before fluttering over her head.

“Mali, you’re just prolonging how long it will be before I can lay back and cuddle with you. You know that, right?” Her hand shoots up for her pens and the dragon flies closer to the ceiling. “This is ridiculous, you are being ridiculous.” Pens clatter into the wastebasket by the girl’s desk, the dragon swooping in to fill the girl’s lap before she can get up to retrieve them. “Are all fae this needy or just you?” The question is met with a nuzzle against her stomach, the dragon refusing to get too close to her skin in case she’d scratch the delicate stretch of flesh.

Sighing, the girl closes her two notebooks, pushing them to the side before she lays back. “If I take a little study break will you let me finish my work without whining?” The dragon crawls up her stomach, tilting her head to the side. Sweeten the deal. “If we cuddle?” Letting out a sigh, Mali curls up on the girl’s chest, her head laying just so close to her heart she feels as if she’s hearing the lubb-Dubb of it in her own head. “You’re not gonna turn back into a girl for me? Made you wait so long that I only deserve scales?” It’s not a complaint, not a real one at least. Her nails digging into the space between two wings, a glorious scratching sensation that makes Maleficent’s eyes lull closed. She was never above playing if the Royal wanted to play. She was always the winner of the girl’s long games.

[smilesrobotlover]

Part 2 (part 1)

Transcript:

Page 8:

Link: and then she said no, and he lived as a lonely god for the rest of his life—

Edmund: NO! That did NOT happen! The nobleman’s daughter accepted his proposal! And they lived happily-ever-after and so on and so forth. The end.

Uli: great story-telling, your highness!

Illia: wow!

Rusl: did you know that we believe that the golden goat is our light spirit Ordona?

Edmund: I did not know that! How fascinating! Though it calls into question about the other light spirits.

Page 9:

Illia: how interesting! I didn’t know that about our wedding an

Edmund: it is quite an interesting tale to hear! Labrynna weddings mirror the legend. One the first day, the husband goes hunting for boar and returns to prep it. The second day, the husband begins making a meal for his soon-to-be wife which is traditionally served during the feast. The second night is the elaborate party and feast where the husband dances for his wife. Then the third day, the husband gifts his bride a beautiful treasure and they get married at dusk.

Josh: so that’s why our wedding was so long

Illia: oh, but it was fun!

Josh: easy for you to say! You didn’t do much!

Illia: hey, I was fine with a Hylian wedding!

Page 10:

Link: that’s cool! But Ordon weddings are just a tad different. For the meal, both the husband and wife make the meal, and it doesn’t have to be boar. Then the two dance together, and the gift is just decorated goat horns, kind of like a Hylian wedding ring, but you don’t wear it, obviously.

Edmund: oh, interesting! It does make things a bit more even, yeah?

Zelda: indeed. I, for one, did like being served, even if Edmund’s cooking was terrible.

Edmund: HEY! I’m not a bad cook! I just… don’t do it often!

Zelda: haha, well, I’m honestly glad you didn’t do the dancing bit. I wouldn’t have been able to keep a straight face.

Edmund: Labryn, it’s so embarrassing! Why must that be apart of the wedding?

Page 11:

Uli: haha, well dancing alone is never fun! Though I’m glad we don’t do the meal but. I couldn’t keep down Rusl’s food if I tried!

Midna: well I’m lucky that my husband made the best food ever!

Link: yeah, and I had to keep you away from the kitchen lest you blow it up.

[rinthelonely]

Shade was driving on the quiet road, exhausted and frustrated. He had to overwork. Again. His work payed well but recently he has been thinking about finding a new job. No one seemed to do their share of the work so it all fell on Shade to do everything. He could only hope that Twilight is in bed and not waiting for him in the kitchen.

Shade finally parked his car in front of his house and noticed that there was one light on in the house. The kitchen light. 'Of course he's in the kitchen.' He has told Twilight that he doesn't need to wait for him on these days when he has extra work but, well, bad habits die hard.

Twilight was, in fact, in the kitchen sleeping on the table. Across from him was a plate with two appetising breads which were clearly for Shade. Shade couldn't help letting a fond smile creep up on his face. He always worried that Twilight would get tired of him working late almost everyday but every time when he came home Twilight always greeted him with a smile. He really needs to stop listening to what other people say. His coworkers always lamented how hard it is for a child to be alone for so long because his father doesn't have time for him. Even his younger brother, Time, often said that Shade is a terrible father to Twilight. Dark... well Shade doesn't know what Dark would say, he hasn't seen him in for years and would prefer to keep it that way.

After eating the breads, Shade picked Twilight up and carried him upstairs. They share the same bedroom which is very uncommon and unheard-of that a sixteen year old still sleeps in the same room as their parents. Well, parent. Shade had said that they can turn one of their rooms into Twilight's bedroom but he refused. Instead, they got another bed in their bedroom so that Twilight can have his own bed but still be with his father.

Just as Shade lowered Twilight on to his bed, the boy stirred a bit. "Mm... dad?" Shade hummed. "I'm here, little pup." Twilight rubbed his eyes a little before opening them. "How was work?" The father chuckled. "Same old, nothing interesting, only boring work." The son let out a tired laugh. "Have you considered getting a new job?" A playful scoff. "And have you considered fixing your sleep schedule before highschool?" A dramatic groan. "I don't wanna go to school." Shade shook his head fondly. "You don't have much of a choice, pup. Now, off to Dreamland with you." Just as he said those words, Twilight was out like a torch.

It was these tender moments that made Shade think that he is a lucky man to have a son like Twilight. He may not be a perfect father or a perfect role model, but he was good enough in Twilight's eyes. His job may be tiring and frustrating but coming home to see his son waiting for him always managed to make him feel warm inside. And with these warm thoughts, he got ready for bed.

----------------------------------------------

I tried my hand on a modern linked universe au. It's not good but it was pretty fun to write.

Little info on present and mentioned characters:

Shade: single father of Twilight, visits Rusl and Uli whenever possible, has a... complicated relationship with Time.

Twilight: only child of Shade, Time is his uncle and Wild is his biological cousin, honestly prefers to spend time with uncle Rusl than uncle Time.

Time: husband of Malon, biological father of Wild and has adopted other children (gee, I wonder who these other children are), the only reason why he contacted Shade again is because of Twilight.

Dark: Older twin brother of Time, could possibly be a wanted criminal, pretty much disappeared without a trace.

[crazylittlejester]

I sometimes imagine Twilight herding both Warriors and Hyrule to Uli's kitchen like a sheepdog. He would make sure they sit at the kitchen and insist that they help Uli by sampling the food. This is probably not the best method, but it makes Twilight feel better if they pretend. Every time he expects that this will be the trip they both gain a much needed five lbs.

forcing them to eat isn’t something that would work, and it would probably make things worse, but creating a safe environment where they both feel comfortable eating some of the food provided? that would be very sweet of him to do. Twilight is definitely someone who tries his best to take care of people and he wants his brothers to feel comfortable for sure

[ynandfics]

Hook & yn

———————-

“He will love this, castlecoming you’re gonna practically kill him from looking too good” Mali said as she finally saw the dress I got from Briget and Ella.

“He better, these corsets and diamonds don’t come cheap” I laughed as Mali started untying my dress.

“Well black don’t come cheap here either, I think I’m the only other person that’s wearing black with you” She smiled at me, something she usually wouldn’t do with anyone.

“You alright Mali, you’re smiling for once” I looked at her skeptically.

“No im good, just invisioning how tomorrow night will be for you and your pirate.” She laughed.

“What about you and Hades? Got anything good for him?” I laughed with her.

“Well I’m usually wearing dramatic clothes, so this time I got a fluffy black dress. You’ll see it tomorrow, we’ll get dressed in my dorm.” I nodded at the witch in front of me.

“Good, get there at 6pm yeah?” I nodded smiling at her.

————————————————————————

“Do you see any of the crew?” I asked Mali, she was next to me in a truely beautiful gown dress.

“Uh there’s Morgie right there, we can hang with him until our boys are here” Mali said, walking already.

“Well I guess I’m following” I smiled.

“Hello ladies” Morgie looked nice, his usual toe was black, fitted with a lovely black shirt and suit pants.

“Hey Morgie, how are you?” I asked.

“I’m doing good, but the crew haven’t arrived yet” he quirked his eyebrow in confusion.

“Well we’re here now so how about some drinks and get the party started” I smiled at him, he already had one in his hand but the person handing out drinks was close by.

“Well why don’t we walk to them before they run out of drinks?” Mali suggested as we looked at the person handing drinks.

“I got you girls, stay here” Morgie said.

“Always the gentleman huh?” He smiled as he walked off. James and Hades arrived right when he left.

“Hey lass, you look beautiful.” I smiled at him, he was at least a foot taller than me.

“You are so late babe” I told him.

“Well I was waiting at your dorm, then i remembered that you said to meet here” His face flushed a little red.

“Aw how romantic of you to try and get me at the dorms” I turned around to face him.

“Well lass, that’s something a good pirate like me should do for his lady” He smiled down at me.

“You are very right, excuse my cunning behaviour for the next formal event” He laughed, whilst I smiled at him.

“Lass your behaviour is something I love about you. Make’s me sure I don’t run into their fields again.” He showed me his hook.

“Oh Peter Pan is a nut case. My family is way better to be around.” I leaned into James.

“Sorry to interrupt your cute moment, but remember why we’re here?” Uli’s voice broke our moment.

“Right yes” I said. A wicked smile on my face.

“Your smile’s really scare me sometimes” Morgie said.

“Well anyway.. who is game enough to go back to the kitchen and poison those cakes?” Uli looked at us all.

“Me and Hades will go. The kitchen isn’t far away and the poison he is able to hide his jacket.

“Well I guess we’ve just volunteered” Hades stood up. Uli handed him a bottle which was growing red.

“Don’t be too long” Uli said.

“Those idiot girls are meant to be handing out the cupcakes so they will be poisoning not only themselves, but everyone in this room” Uli smirked at the three of us that were left.

“So we reject the cupcakes then?” I said.

“Obviously” Uli gave me a look that basically gave anyone the shivers but me.

“Well that’s easy then, grab other food to pretend we’re still eating them” Morgie said, which a sentence like that usually doesn’t come from him.

“Yeahhhh” I said as I grabbed food from a passing lady. She had to stop just for the six of us.

“Easy plan, there’s Mali and Hades now” I saw the two of them looking red in the face.

“We ran into the girls, they’re on the way here with the cupcakes” Hades said.

“Why you so red in the face then?” I looked at the two of them questioning them.

“Had to pretend we were making out as they passed us” Mali answered.

“Well, definitely looked like you did. You’re red in the face, and they just got here” James said. His arm still wrapped around me.

Witnessed as each person changed from a pink on their clothes and violating looking monster. The girls didn’t notice until lights were shown on the opposite side of us.

“Oh god, we are definitely not eating those damn cupcakes” I mumbled.

The girls looked freaked out, checking all the cakes if they were tampered with.

“As funny as this is, should we get out of here?” Hades asked the group.

“I kind of want to see how this ends but surely it will be the talk of the school for a while” Uli said as she got up from a stool she was sitting on.

“Yeah let’s go, it’s looking…ugly” James said behind me. He practically carried me to the door, trying to get out faster.

“Oh my god Jamie” I looked at him once he finally set me down near the steps to the hall.

“Hook, that was entertaining…you’re definitely one uping me in relationships I swear” Hades spoke from behind us.

“Was there any other way” James smirked down at me.

“Okay you two, go outside or to the dorms for whatever you think to do” Uli said to both of us.

“Yes ma’am” I smiled at her and then transported me and James to where my dorm was.

“Safest place to be right now huh?” I looked at him.

“I think so, look outside people are running still” James moved your curtain’s out of the way to see better.

“Is it that bad?” I asked him.

“None of the affected students seem to be out, maybe the teachers and Merlin got them contained before they could get out.” James kept looking outside.

“Do you think what we did this time was too much? Or risky?” I asked.

“Lass, I love being with our friends but you know I have a good heart with you” He moved over to me, leaning on the banister which held one side of purple curtains.

“I know, but I thought we were only effecting Bridget, not like 100 other kids” I looked down to my hands, they hand been fidgety ever since the event.

“Okay, I agree that some of our pranks do screw up and the result is worse than expected. Tonight basically proves that.” James lifted my head gently with his hook. “But I know if anything goes way to far, it’s Uli’s planning without us knowing…”

“You think so?” I looked into he’s eyes.

“Lass, I know so” he hugged me gently.

“Get up here idiot” I patted the empty space next to me.

We ended up cuddling for about 30 minutes before both of us fell asleep.

[sunfloweraro]

LUtober day 2: Pumpkin

Wild has been homesick lately. Sky and Twilight try to bake something for them that reminds the two of them of home.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 .

“Are you sure you know how to use this?” Sky asked, stepping back as Twilight brought out… Sky couldn’t even name the thing he tore from Wild’s slate.

“Positive,” Twilight said with confidence. “Wild showed me how to use these ‘electric mixers’ from their time, and it’ll save us hours of work.”

“The sooner we get this to Wild, the better,” Sky agreed, moving back to Twilight’s side. “Do you think we have long before they wake up?”

“Cub should be out at least another half hour,” Twilight offered with a shrug. “I gave them my strongest chamomile.”

“And you definitely remember the recipe from Uli?”

Twilight laughed. “How could I forget it when we baked it every weekend together? Can you get the spices from their slate? I just need to press this button here…” Tongue sticking out in concentration, Twilight lowered the ‘electric mixer’ into their bowl of wet and dry ingredients, flicking a switch on the side up.

And everything went wrong.

“Turn it off!” Sky threw his hands over his head to save himself from the flying chunks of pumpkin—maybe they should have mashed it up before trying to use Wild’s tool.

“It’s not stopping!” In his panic, Twilight lifted the mixer, and chunks of barely-mixed pumpkin pie ingredients went flying into Sky’s face.

“Get it away from me!”

“I’m try—Wild!” Twilight threw the mixer behind his back, eye twitching as the mess spilt down his clothes. “Hey…”

“Give it here,” Wild grumbled, tired and still irritable.

Twilight passed it over wordlessly. In a heartbeat, the nightmare was over.

“What are you guys doing?”

Sky shared a look with Twilight, won the silent battle between them. “We were trying to make you pumpkin pie.”

“What?” Wild asked. “Why?”

“Well, you’re homesick,” Twilight began, lips thinning when Wild’s shoulders and face dropped at the reminder. “And pumpkins remind the both of us of home, so we thought… It feels stupid now.”

Sky rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry for making a mess.”

“You were doing this for me?” Wild asked, eyes wide and glistening. Sky and Twilight knew their way around a hug and were by Wild’s side in an instant, arms around their shoulders.

“Of course, Cub.”

“We hoped it would help you feel better, but…” Sky looked at the mess around them, at the flour and batter and pumpkin pieces scattered around Malon’s once-clean kitchen. “Sorry. We’ll clean this up. You can go back to your nap.”

“I can make you some more tea if you think it’ll—Cub?”

Wild’s shoulders were shaking. Sky shared a panicked look with Twilight. “Wild, is everything—”

Wild burst into laughter. They bent over double, clutching their stomach, and Sky’s face burned in time with Twilight’s in embarrassment, alongside a bright smile, the kind that accompanied a job well done. Wild was laughing again, and that was more than they could have hoped for.

“You guys are hopeless,” Wild said, and Sky smacked them over the head for it. Lightly, since they were still a bit upset. They pulled themself upright again, glanced between the two of them with shining eyes. “But… thanks.”

“Phew, about time they’re smiling again.” Twilight shared a high-five with Sky, and Wild rolled their eyes at their antics.

“I’ve some pie in my slate already,” Wild said, to which the both of them groaned. Why hadn’t they thought to check for that first? “How about we share that instead?”

Twilight squeezed their shoulders. “That sounds great, Cub.”

[ulyflynn]

closed for: @heyits-asher

where: out by the pool at aiden's, during the world's most unfun double birthday party

Drip, drop, drip, drop.

There's a Hansel and Gretel'd trail of blood drops that follows Uly from the kitchen through the back door, crimson breadcrumbs that no one would ever choose to follow -- except for the one person he was seeking out.

When he tells a gaggle of four to move, they do so without complaint and he pushes passed through with unbridled aggression as he spots Asher near the water.

"You."

The easy affection that usually slipped into his tone that made them Uly and Asher, Asher and Uly has vanished along with Uly's better judgement as his mind races faster than he can discern.

There's a red handprint on his white shirt where his damaged hand pats just above his chest, like he could tap out some sort of Morse code message to himself that he might actually be able to hear, even the low effort motion causing a painful flare that felt like it spread right up to his elbow. He can't bring himself to care if he's broken it.

( What magnitude is the break of a hand following the break of a heart? )

"You trying to fuck my ex?"

[hanayori89]

Let Love Be

*Ordon Village*

Link finally arrived back in Ordon after an exhausting wedding outing. He wondered where to look for Y/N. He kept his eyes peeled around Castle Town, but to no avail. Link was certain she had left. She had to be somewhere in the village.

I'll check the spring. I should stop home and grab towels in case she went swimming. There's someone I need to talk to first. Link turned in the direction of Rusl's house.

The only father he ever knew.

The faint glow of torches beckoned to Link as he approached. Rusl's house had a well lived-in feel, something Link's own house lacked. The only camaraderie to be had was between Link's two feet stomping around on his wooden floor. His thoughts constantly spoke to him, no matter what he did. When he ate. When he did chores. When he relaxed. When he tried to sleep. Which, as a result, gave Link crippling insomnia. He couldn't escape the constant chatter of his mind that bellowed throughout his empty home. Aside from Ilia, who, if she had her way, would move in with Link, Colin would visit sometimes. Of course, if there was Colin, there were also Talo, Malo, and Beth. But Link's bare house held little desire for rambunctious children. It held little desire for Link himself.

Link tapped lightly with his fist on Rusl's door. The door hovered slightly in a cracked position before slowly opening. Link was greeted by the googly blue eyes of Colin.

"Link!" He jumped up as high as he could in order to embrace him. Link knelt partially, scooping Colin in his arms. "Hey Kiddo. Is your dad here?"

"Aww, shucks, Link! We are supposed to train! What if evil comes and we aren't ready!" Colin folded his arms. "Hmph!" He lifted his chin away from Link to emphasize his displeasure. Link let out a helpless cackle. "Heh. I haven't forgotten about you, Colin. I promise. Let's just say I am working on some top-secret stuff that I can show you soon?"

"Pinky promise!" Colin stuck his pinky up. Link retrieved it with his own pinky. "I pinky promise."

"Colin! Come eat!" Uli appeared from the kitchen and called out to Link, "Hello Link!" Her face was pleasantly round and aglow from the life settled inside her womb. She held a wooden spoon and wiped a sweat bead from her forehead. "Can I offer you dinner?"

Link shook his head. "Hello Uli. No thanks. May I speak with Rusl for just a moment?" Rusl walked in from another room, greeting Link. "There's my boy. What brings you here?" He sashayed over to Uli, licking the wooden spoon in her hand and grinning. "Link, this is delicious. Are you sure you don't want to stay for some stew?" He dotted kisses across Uli's forehead as she giggled, "Rusl! Just think this will be you soon Link."

Link couldn't contain the ugly frown that appeared on his lips. Rusl caught sight of it, excusing himself from Uli and Colin. "Let's step onto the porch." Rusl offered.

Once they were away from prying eyes, Rusl inquired, "What's eating you, boy?"

Link nervously tousled his hair. "What do you mean?"

"I may not be your biological father, but I've known you long enough. That bruiser of a frown you gave us in there. That isn't the first time it's appeared. Any time we mention your engagement, it's visible like a flock of birds in the sky. "

They both watched the serenity of the breeze that passed through the trees overhead. Rusl continued, "You aren't in love with Ilia."

Link didn't deny or confirm Rusl's accusation. Rather, he conceded it with another question. The question he kept asking himself yet couldn't answer. "Do you think I'm a fool?" Link grabbed Rusl's railing, bouncing himself up into the breeze. He took a whiff of the pine and oak, which tickled his senses. Link continued, "Ilia is beautiful. She's prestigious. She's been my friend since I could walk. We can be comfortable with each other. Why do I not want to marry her? What's wrong with me?"

"It takes more than beauty and prestige to capture a heart. I do have a theory. Care to listen?" Link took one more bounce into the breeze, closing his eyes. "Tell me."

"You're attracted to that girl that appeared in our village yesterday. I may have said some things, which, again do not repeat to Uli. She's very sensitive right now. It's evident Fado also said some things. I can guarantee that out of the two of us, neither one of us looked at her the way you did. I can also guarantee she looked at you the same way."

This got Link's attention. "What are you saying, Rusl?" Is my attraction that obvious?

"I'm saying you both feel the same pull towards one another. I'm saying that pull is dangerous for an engaged man. I'm saying that I know my boy is one of valor. You would never hurt Ilia, this I know. There may come a choice though. The choice is whomever your heart chooses."

Link looked down at his feet. His bangs hid the contempt he felt toward himself. "Princess Zelda has requested that I accompany Y/N on her journey. Rusl, she is of twilight. We can never be. Wouldn't that settle the choice?"

"Link, love can always be. I love the way the sun hits the water. I am a human, and the sun, a star. Does that mean I cannot love the sun? That I cannot love the water?" Rusl rested his hand on Link's shoulder and gave him a supportive nod.

"Do right to all parties involved. Let love be."

*

You weren't sure if returning to Link's home was a smart idea. You really didn't have anywhere else to go. You secretly couldn't wait to get away from Aryn. He spoke ad nauseum about the wonders of Lake Hylia, as though he were a scholar and not an ice cream vendor. You were also starting to feel uncomfortable from the constant double takes of your body.

So, why had you agreed to go on a date with him tomorrow? Since he was friends with Ilia, you didn't want him to see you go to Link's house. You had him drop you off at Fado's ranch instead. Once Aryn departed, you couldn't help but revel in the relief.

What have I done? Did I agree to that date for the experience, or to get back at Link? What was I getting back at him for, exactly? Ilia had been in his life for a long time before I came along. Why is the light bringing out so much ugliness in me? You made your way to Epona's stall, praying she was there. She wasn't.

With Link not home yet, you weighed your options. Should you try to find lodging elsewhere? Link was already upset. You may as well compel his request to stay lodged together. You were also a bit disturbed by how he acted. You wanted to make sure he was okay, especially after he stormed off. You also wanted to assuage your own guilt. You had no right to treat him the way you did. Not for his life that existed before you came into it. Everything you felt was so bewildering. You tried to pinpoint what you were feeling.

You made a compartmentalized list of things you'd ask Midna. The first being the disgust at seeing Ilia and Link together. It bothered you that they bothered you so much. Then there was the way Link acted. Which was accompanied by a gnawing sensation to soothe things. To see him smile again. Also, what did one do on a date? You would have to ask Link to help you. Midna might not be useful on the subject.

There was something else that had been bothering you. A small betrayal of sorts. Midna had distinctly told you she had the only piece of the Mirror of Twilight that remained. If Princess Zelda obviously had one, why did Midna lie to you? What was she trying to cover up with her lie? And more importantly, were there other shards of the mirror? You weren't sure if you'd bring it up to Midna or if you'd hold off until a more appropriate time. Whenever that would be.

"Y/N?" You turned to see Fado shuffle toward you.

"You know the ranch is closed? Unless you enjoyed working here that much, I could find other things for you to do." He gave you a wiggle of his eyebrows to appear suggestive. Then he laughed off his flirtation. "Ah, Epona is not here. You are not with Link?"

"Link is not happy with me." You responded glumly.

"HA! This proves my point that Link has been intolerable since news of his engagement broke. I'm sure he is not mad at you. He's just under stress. Pre-wedding jitters and all that." Fado walked towards the barn door and began to fiddle with the lock. A cucco clucked at Fado from behind, startling him.

"HEY! If you don't get back in your coop, I'm going to make dinner out of you!" Fado threatened the clueless cucco. He gave him a surly cluck before he pranced around Fado. Fado chased him towards the coop. You felt the same bubble of laughter clog your throat. Just like the first time you met him when he fell. People in the Realm of Light were, if anything else, amusing. You felt the bubble burst as the cucco pecked at Fado's behind. You began to laugh uncontrollably.

That's when a wonderful idea settled in your mind. You thought about how Link asked what you ate in the Twili Realm. You would cook him a delicious dinner. One that was more substantial than bread and fruit. It wasn't your place to judge, but you secretly wondered why Ilia wasn't cooking him meals.

"Fado?" You called out. He walked toward you, his chest puffed out. "That little bugger! Did you need me Y/N?"

"Would you happen to have any cucco meat and potatoes?" You began to rummage through your pocket for some rupees.

"Ah, ah. None of that. I do have some cucco meat and potatoes. They're on the house, if you promise to save me a plate?"

On the house. Of course. You gave him a warm smile. "Yes. Of course."

Fado blushed at your sincerity. "Wait here for me!" He stumbled inside his house, leaving you alone for a brief moment. You were excited to try your hand in the kitchen. Twili food may not be lavish like Hylian food, but it was filling. Comforting. Link needed comfort. You should only hope you can get it done before Link arrives home, as the sun was beginning to set.

You've heard the phrase,"The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach." At least Midna had picked that up here in the light. You decided to test this theory. You were hoping that the quickest way through Link's mood would also be through his stomach. If you happened to capture his heart as well, that would be a welcome bonus.

A/N: Edited 11/13/22

Thanks to the imparted wisdom of Rusl, a determined Link makes his way back to you to make things right. Meanwhile, thanks to the generosity of Fado, you are also inspired to try your hand at a peace offering with the hero. However, unbeknownst to the hero, your peace offering comes with a price. Will the invigoration you both feel be enough to get the train back on the right track? Or will news of your upcoming date lead to its derailing?

Check out my other completed OOT Zelda work- No Woman Beyond

[telemna-hyelle]

Easy pizza!!!

Invented by yours truly, at 11, one day while Mom was out shopping and I needed to make my own lunch and didn't want a sandwich. So, basically, so easy a 11 year old invented it.

Ingredients:

Soft tortillas

Pizza sauce (leftover spaghetti sauce works in a pinch, or if desperate, ketchup with pizza herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic)

Cheese (shredded works best, sliced works too)

Directions:

Take the tortilla, spread sauce on with a spoon, and sprinkle cheese on top. If you're feeling fancy, you can toss on other toppings. I often use bacon bits. You can also add spices liek garlic or red pepper flakes to dial up thr pizzaness

Then microwave it on 9 for a minute or more as needed, and voila, pizza!

It will be a bit floppy, but no less good. If you want a crisper one, just toss it in the toaster oven or thr actual oven. I don't bother tho, my mom is thr one who does it that way sometimes, so I don't know the times. It's probably only for five minutes or so on 350 or smth.

And then, enjoy! Nice easy pizza 🍕 <3

Wolf Link wants everyone to share easy recipes so we can all make sure we eat! Uli will ensure the house doesn’t burn to the ground 👍🏻

[nancyheart11]

I wish I had more to offer but I can offer you some Ordon Fam that’s been sitting in my drafts:

Rusl always knew that whenever he came home, there would be warm food and an even warmer hug waiting for him. Whether it was from working in the forge, delivering something to Castle Town, the more covert affairs of the Resistance, or more recently the shroud of darkness that had engulfed Hyrule, Rusl could always rely on Uli to hold the fort at home.

Of course, he tried to pitch in as best he could. When he wasn't doing any of the aforementioned activities, he at least tried to maintain cleanliness in the house, and of course he always looked after the children when he had time to do so. Uli generally managed the home happily on her own, though, and he thanked her for it every day.

So it was a strange and concerning thing when, one evening, Rusl returned home to find Uli sitting on the sofa, no fire crackling in the fireplace, no food to be seen or smelled, and a general dark atmosphere to the space.

"Uli?" he questioned, walking towards her. "Are you alright?"

Uli jumped, startled, having been lost in thought. "Oh! Dearest, I--I'm so sorry, I just--"

His wife paused, sighing and sagging a little in the sofa. Rusl knelt in front of her to be at eye level and looked her over. She seemed very out of sorts. "What's wrong?"

Uli shook her head. "I'm just tired. I'm sorry. I'll work on dinner."

Rusl laid a hand on her knee. "If you're tired, then rest. I'll take care of dinner."

Uli's posture changed, stiffening a little as she shot him an uncertain, questioning glance.

Rusl tried not to be offended by the look. "Just because it didn't quite go that well last time doesn't mean I can't make something for you. Go rest in bed. I'll take care of everything."

Uli watched him a moment longer before sighing and nodding. Rusl kept an eye on her until she vanished into the bedroom, and he nodded to himself, setting to work. The cleaning could wait until after dinner. As for the children, he knew Colin had Hana as he usually took babysitting duty around the evening. He saw them outside just a moment ago. So that just left dinner.

And a bit more from that story…

Colin paused, expression growing worried. "Is Ma okay?"

"She'll be fine," Rusl assured his boy. He had to smile at the child's concern; Colin had such a big heart. Although it was a valid question since Uli usually never faltered, Rusl did know his wife had her slumps just as much as anyone else. He was more than happy to take care of her and the family until she recovered. "But we can make the load easier for her for a little while."

"Where are we going?" Colin questioned next.

"Well..." Rusl paused as they found their way to the last house in the village. "I figured I'd recruit some help."

Rusl and Link had both been on their own journeys now, after the attack on Hyrule. Rusl usually got by with scrounging together something somewhat edible, but he could just as well go a day without eating until he reached a settlement. Link might have better experience - the boy used to help Uli cook when he was younger.

Rusl was humble enough to admit he was a terrible cook, after all. But he was certain they could make something together.

Link was inside munching on a carrot (Rusl sincerely hoped the boy wasn't just going to eat that for dinner). After a brief explanation and another assurance that Uli was, indeed, going to be okay, the three put their heads together on the matter.

"What about an omelet?" Link offered. "It's better than just boiling them."

"How about egg stew?" Colin picked up a glass of milk and shook it. "Ma always says milk is great for stews."

"I've never heard of egg stew, I'm afraid," Rusl laughed. "Is that something you had in Kakariko?"

Ahhhh Lofty you're so sweet!!

I love how Rusl wants to help Uli, but isn't afraid to ask for help in the kitchen.

[weepylucifer]

steban and uli. prompt 17

17. “Looks like we’ll be trapped for a while…”

They're squeezed inside a broom closet, uncomfortably close to each other, where Cindy pushed them in, locked the door and ran away, vowing not to open said door until they "deal with their feelings", whatever that means. Naturally, Ulixes isn't going to take that lying down, and is searching the door for anything - structural weaknesses, a way to force the lock open.

"The cleaning lady has a second key," Steban supplies. "And she comes here every day when her shift starts and ends."

Ulixes pauses running his fingers down the edge of the door and says, "This is good news."

"Yes, well, the bad news is that she probably already turned in for the night." Steban scrunches up his face in silent apology, as if this situation is his fault. "Maybe we should just... do what Cindy says and discuss 'our feelings', whatever that means?"

Panicking, drowning on dry land, Ulixes says, "I have no idea what she might have been referring to."

"Then we best get comfortable... looks like we'll be trapped for a while..."

---

They're hunkered down with their backs to a barricade that's not even really meant to be A Barricade writ large, just a few apartment buildings' worth of people - it's becoming increasingly en vogue to think of them in terms of 'civilians' - who have banded together to block off their street by haphazardly piling up furniture in a desperate bid to defend their doorsteps from the roving mobs of all political persuasions, the burnings, the break-ins, the random violence. But to Coalition ground response, a barricade is a barricade: a sign of resistance. They are under orders to dismantle barricades as they find them. Slowly but surely, the defenders are being hemmed in. What at first looked like a refuge to the people here is turning into a kettle.

Uli knows that Steban knew that this would happen. They're here anyway. The alternative would have been abandoning these people to their fates.

"How's that radio coming along, Ulixes?" Steban asks as he peers out beyond the barricade through the scope of a rifle. (His fingers have grown disturbingly steady on the gun and Uli doesn't like it at all.)

He sighs. "I don't exactly know how this thing works, Steban." If he sounds a little snippy, surely the circumstances will excuse it. "I just saw a comrade handle one at the aid station."

"There we go, you're practically an expert." Steban pats his shoulder. "Look, if you can't get this thing to transmit, there'll be no way to call on the unions for help."

"I..." Ulixes begins, but is interrupted by the sound of a gunshot tearing through the air. It comes from outside.

Steban scrambles to his feet, hissing what is undoubtedly a curse in Mesque. "Shit, they're starting to breach." He turns to his squadron, grabbing their weapons, and the locals cowering in fear. In that beauteous and disturbing new command voice he acquired when they were separated, Steban shouts, "Alright, everyone who has a gun to the front here, please! Children and the elderly in the back! Ulixes, you can grab your medical stuff and set up a field hospital behind the bombed-out car over there and keep at readiness. Vamonos!"

Ulixes grabs his crutch and rises, groping for his bag of scavenged medical supplies. Who knew it would turn out like this? He doesn't even have a weapon on him apart from the knife he uses, mostly, to cut bandages. "What about the radio?" he asks.

"Work on it whenever you find the time, but prioritise the wounded." Steban is already trying to affix his bayonet. He seems to be anticipating close combat.

"But if we can't signal for reinforcements..."

"Yeah. Looks like we'll be trapped for a while."

---

They're sitting at the kitchen table of an apartment that's still cramped by most standards, but leagues larger than what they used to have - they have a kitchen now, and enough space to put a table in it. There's even a bathroom, and a tiny balcony. Accomplished men, they are.

"If I manage to get elected, apparently there will be a small salary," Steban is saying.

It has astonished Ulixes somewhat that, after finishing their degrees together, Steban hasn't wanted to stick around and lecture like Ulixes is doing. That he'd get this embroiled in political work that is, quite obviously, not going to be leading much of anywhere. Sure, a part of Steban is very fond of quibbling over ideological minutiae, but to make a career out of that...?

"I know what you're thinking of our new parliament... I wholeheartedly concur," Steban says now. "But this'll be a decent enough recruiting ground for the next coup attempt."

"Do you think there will be one?" Ulixes asks.

"If no new attempt at revolution is forthcoming, we shall manufacture one," Steban replies like it's self-evident, like the war didn't suck any desire for violence out of him (Ulixes fears it didn't, but rather added desire where there used to be none). Steban looks good now, with his sleek hair and crisp shirt and neatly trimmed beard, but Ulixes perceives his eyes and knows he can become what he became in the Return again.

"This new so-called independence is nominal only, and people will realize that," Steban continues. "We exchanged a foreign occupant for a domestic one, that's all. Sure, we can form political parties, even communist ones, but there's no real power to them. People will see. Maybe not tomorrow, but eventually."

"So we go back to hiding." Ulixes sighs. How disappointing.

"For now. Best if people think we've settled down. I'll take a small, meaningless post in parliament, and let our friends in the RCM believe I've given up on real revolution. It happens all the time, people grow older, they start to compromise, they start to let reaction take hold and abandon their radical ideas. It'll look convincing. Once they believe us to be harmless, we'll make new plans."

It's probably good to tread carefully for now - there had been voices in the new security oversight council, staffed with ranking RCM members and their friends, calling for putting them both in prison. Still, a part of Ulixes, the one that was louder before his injury, clamors in frustration. "And there's nothing else to do right now."

"Not right now, not anytime soon," Steban says glumly. "Looks like we'll be trapped for a while..."

---

"It looks like," Steban begins, "we'll be..."

"Don't say it," Uli interrupts him. "There is absolutely no need to say it."

"We are on the Western Plain, Ulixes, and life as we know it has ended. Grant me this one affectation."

"I need grant you nothing," Ulixes says. As he nests in middle age, makes himself comfortable in it, he finds curmudgeonliness suits him. Their conversations have, after two decades of quasi-married life, a levity to them that they didn't have at the start. Back then, Ulixes would have never imagined they'd bicker one day. They're fonder of each other than ever.

In less harmonious news: everything else.

A patch of... well, of what? Of matter, of being, of reality extends outwards from them. To their knowledge, this is the last speck of real world that is left. The pale is diffuse, but Ulixes could swear he can physically feel it, pressing against their little sanctuary, threatening to squash it into nothing, into itself. The perimeter holds, for now, but there is no guarantee - no guarantee at all - that it will continue to. Will he be feeling that pressure forever from now on, every passing moment, until he dies or the perimeter collapses, or the world, through some miracle, changes again? For a moment, fear almost chokes him.

How can they possibly presume to be strong enough to keep this up? Who are they to entertain such hubris? They're just some guys. How can they possibly be able to beat back entropy?

Steban squeezes his hand. "It's okay," he murmurs. "It'll be okay. As long as we stick together."

He turns to the small group of people huddling behind them, frightened, grieving, untethered. Friends, comrades, followers and whoever they managed to grab and pull along.

The remnants of the world.

And the last people in it.

Steban doesn't give a speech, not really. He just says, in his soft voice that always manages to sound like he's talking to everyone here confidentially, "Alright, we knew this day would come. We practiced for this. We cultivated our plasm. I know you're scared, I know you're asking yourselves where we can go from here, if we have what it takes to keep this up, if we can make the communal effort. And I know that we can try, and we have to try."

"What now?" someone pipes up from the back.

"Now we will build a tower." Suddenly, quickly, Steban leans in and whispers in Uli's ear, "Because it looks like we'll be trapped for a while."

He smirks and dodges as Ulixes bats at him with his cane and an inarticulate shout of indignance and, Ulixes thinks, maybe with Steban, even the pale will be bearable.

They roll up their sleeves, and get to work once more.

[cynsualc829]

If you missed Tuesday show, well the Chef has prepared another menu of musical scrumptiousness with HOTNOTIC smooth grooves. Please tune in for The Smooth Jazz Kitchen Radioshow - Groove Me. You can catch it today 1pm EST, 12 pm CST, 10 am PST, 7 pm UK time on WPUR-DB PULSE INT'L RADIO The Listening Experience.

Bon Appétit!

🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇩🇪 🇮🇹 🇬🇷 🇸🇩 🇿🇦 🇨🇦 🇧🇶

𝐖𝐏𝐔𝐑 - 𝐏𝐔𝐋𝐒𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓'𝐋 𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐎

www.pulseintlradio.com

#thesmoothjazzkitchen #brucebuege #Wisconsin #chef #menu #deliciousrecipes #SmoothJazz #contemporaryjazz #radio #radioshow #pulseintlradio #radiostation

The Smooth Jazz Kitchen Radioshow - Groove Me

00:00 Hank Bilal feat Michael Lington - Groove Me

00:04 Gabriel Mark Hasselbach feat Marion Meadows - SunSeeker

00:08 Jeff Golub - Silhouette

00:13 Jazmin Ghent - UpGrade

00:17 Keith Eatmon - People Gotta Move

00:23 Bob Baldwin - Turn Up The Positive

00:28 Joyce Cooling - Camelback

00:32 Fabian Chavez

00:36 J. Thompson - Tell Me The Truth

00:41 Bob James - Skidaway

00:47 Terry Disley - Razzle Dazzle

00:51 Jeff Kashiwa - Dream Within A Dream

00:55 Spyro Gyra - Cafe Amore

01:01 Gino Rosaria - Bring It On!

01:05 Brian Tarquin - Sanctuary

01:10 Jessie Laine Powell - Something Special

01:14 Najee Ali - Gina

01:18 Uli Brodersen - City Lights

01:22 Mindi Abair - Come As You Are

01:2 Amandus feat Arno Haas - Ready To Move

01:30 Nelson Rangell - Old School

01:35 Justo Almario - Naima & Jazmin

01:40 Charles A. Kelly - City Night

01:44 Paul Brown - Angel

01:48 Evelyn Rubio - Touch

01:52 Warren Hill - Tamara

[smilesrobotlover]

AO3

<<Prev Next>>

Chapter 6- Hold Me so I Feel Safe

Uli watched anxiously from her home as Colin and Talo paced at the entrance of Ordon. Mayor Bo wanted the two to be the backup for Link and Rusl in case anything happened, meanwhile Beth and Bo would protect the village if there was an attack. So far, no monsters have invaded the village, but Rusl and Link haven't returned either, even when the sun went down, plunging the village into darkness. Uli should’ve slept, and she tried to, but waking up to her husband still missing in bed kept her from being able to. All she could do was watch the entrance as Colin and Talo waited impatiently. Every minute that passed felt like an hour, and her worry grew with every second that Rusl and Link weren’t there. Soon, the sun began to break the horizon, and Uli felt a lump in her throat. She watched Colin and Talo waste no time to move out, with Beth and Bo watching the entrance as they left. Dread rested in Uli’s stomach as she watched her son leave the village, possibly facing something dangerous enough that kept Link and Rusl from returning. She didn’t doubt Colin and Talo’s ability, but their fighting skills weren’t as great as Link and Rusl’s. If something happened to them… how would Colin help? What if he got hurt? What if Rusl and Link were hurt? What if she lost all of them simply because Bo and Coro practically forced them to investigate the woods at night?

“Mama?”

Uli looked behind her where Rela and Kori stood, watching her with worried eyes.

“Is papa still gone?” Rela asked in a small voice, her hand clutching onto Kori’s as his eyes got watery. Uli bit her lip and looked up at the entrance, hoping that Rusl and Link would walk right through, laughing and alive. She took a deep breath when nothing changed, and she faced the children. She couldn’t cry about this, she needed to be strong for them.

“Yes, Rela, they’re still searching the woods,” she said, praying that they were still searching and weren’t fighting for their lives.

Rela frowned. “Maybe I can help Colin to find them! I have a wooden sword! I can fight bad guys with it!”

Uli quickly shook her head. “No, Rela, you will stay here until they return, ok?”

Rela pouted and Kori looked down, his bottom lip quivering. Uli’s heart broke and she knelt down to be at eye level.

“Kori, baby, they’re going to be ok.”

Kori sniffed and rubbed his eyes. “I— I want my papa.”

Uli pulled him into a hug. “I know you do, sweetheart, I know you do.” Uli held him for a moment as he cried, and she looked over to see if anything had changed. It didn’t. She stood up and gestured to the kitchen. “How about we eat breakfast, ok?”

Kori nodded glumly and he and Rela sat at the table as she started making food for them. Uli was constantly looking out the window every chance she got, anxiously seeing if the boys had returned, but there was still no sign of them. After she made breakfast, she sat at the window, watching the entrance as if her life depended on it. Kori and Rela finished their breakfast and started playing silently, making Uli far more anxious. Goddesses, what if she had to live the rest of her life like this? What if they never returned and she was the only one who could take care of Kori and Rela? What if she lost all the happiness and joy she’s had for years now that her family brought. She couldn’t imagine losing all of that in seconds, she just couldn’t!

Before she could spiral further into the horrifying thought, Uli saw Beth shoot up and run to the entrance, and her heart beat against her chest as if it were trying to escape. She held her breath in anticipation, and she saw Beth enter Ordon, then Talo, then Colin, and finally, Rusl and Link. Uli let out a cry when she saw the two and she ran out the door, sprinting to the group.

“Rusl!” She shouted out, and she pulled her husband into a hug, crying into his shoulder from relief.

“PAPA!” She heard Kori yell as he sprinted to his father, with Rela following closely, and she heard sighs of relief coming from everyone.

Rusl leaned into Uli, resting his head against the crook of her neck, his arms wrapped weakly around her. He felt tired. Uli pulled back and cupped his face so she could observe him. His eyes were half open and bloodshot, heavy bags were beneath him, and overall, he looked exhausted.

“Oh spirits above, what happened out there?” She asked, looking at Link who looked a tad better, but not by much.

“Ma, make sure he gets some rest, ok?” Link said, pulling away from the group and moving towards his house.

“Link—“ Rusl called out for him but Link stopped him.

“I’m going to tell everyone and write the letter, ok? You get some rest.”

“You need rest too.”

“I’ll get rest when I’m done, I promise!”

The two seemed rather agitated, but they didn’t argue further. The group watched Link walk away, and Uli frowned.

“Tell us what? What letter? What’s going on?” She asked, and Rusl let out a heavy sigh.

“I… don’t… don’t go to Faron woods,” he said simply, and Uli looked at everyone else, specifically Bo who looked worried.

“What do ya mean, Rusl? What did you two see out there?” The mayor asked him, and Rusl shook his head.

“‘m too tired to explain it just… stay away from Faron woods. Especially at night, please.”

Beth and Talo gave each other a worried look, and Kori and Rela pressed themselves up against Rusl’s legs.

“Well, let’s get you to bed, ok Rusl?” Uli finally spoke up, she gestured for her kids and Kori to follow. “I assume you’ll be staying with us, dear.”

Kori nodded and looked down, fidgeting with his fingers. Uli didn’t know what happened, but she couldn’t help but feel worry over what was happening. But at least her boys were alive.

Thank the spirits they were alive.

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

Uli stared at Rusl’s folded clothes in front of her. She spent a good chunk of the morning trying to wash them, but they were stained black. His shirt, his headband, his trousers, his beloved ordon obi and sash, it was all covered in black splotches. Uli figured that it was all mud, but no matter how hard she scrubbed, it wouldn’t come out. His shirt and pants were ripped in some places as well, and she came to the conclusion that his clothes were a lost cause. But she figured she could keep these until Rusl confirmed for her to throw them out. So she folded up them up and set them down on the table after they were dried. And she simply stared. Everyone in the house was quiet and the air was tense. Rusl passed out as soon as he got to bed, Colin sat in a chair watching Kori and Rela protectively, and the two kids simply stared at their toys. Link had been running around the village talking to everyone and even making Coro stay with Fado. But he never swung by to talk to the family, she assumed he was saving them for last.

The silence was suddenly interrupted by screaming coming from Uli’s room, and she felt her heart leap to her throat. She and Colin stood up and rushed to the door, swinging it open to see Rusl wide awake and panting, clutching his chest as his eyes looked around frantically. They landed on Uli and Colin and he relaxed slightly. Uli gave Colin a look and he nodded, returning to his spot by the children, who looked terrified.

“It’s ok, dears,” she said softly to them, entering her room to where Rusl was. He was silent as she sat down next to him, and he avoided her gaze.

“Rusl?” She said softly, resting a hand on his shoulder. He smiled slightly, but it looked forced. He gave her hand a gentle pat.

“I’m ok… just had a nightmare.”

Uli frowned as he looked away, clearly disturbed by the nightmare. She began to rub his back which made him relax, and she let out a sigh.

“Are you ready to tell me what happened?” She asked. She was willing to wait, but she and Rusl made sure to tell each other everything. If something was out in Faron woods, she needed to know.

Rusl shook his head, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Uli nodded and stood up. “Get some rest, darling,” she simply said, beginning to head to the door, until Rusl gripped her arm, stopping her. She looked over at him confused, and he had a desperate, almost embarrassed look on his face.

“Uli… could you… um… just… stay with me?” He asked, quietly. Uli smiled and sat down next to him, opening her arms to him. He relaxed and rested his head on her chest, allowing himself to be held by her. She rubbed his back and neck, ruffling his soft hair. The motion seemed to soothe him, and he was back to sleeping. Uli continued to hold him, not wanting to leave his side. She wanted to be here when he woke up again, she wanted him to feel safe by another person being beside him. Rusl began snoring softly and she giggled quietly, resting her head against his and closing her eyes. She’ll be here for him, and when he’s ready to talk to her about what happened, then she’ll still be here to listen.

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

Colin glared blankly at the ground in front of him, his sword resting in his lap as if something would attack any second. Rela and Kori were chatting quietly about their toys, and his sister glanced at him.

“Colin? Do you think papa will be ok?”

Colin looked up at her, interrupted from his staring. He sighed and shrugged. “Yeah he should be.”

“Why was he screaming?”

“Nightmare.”

Kori and Rela glanced at each other worriedly.

“I get nightmares too, maybe I can sing grandpa a song?” Kori suggested, beginning to stand up, but Colin stopped him.

“Not right now, Kori. Let gramma take care of him, ok?”

Kori pouted and sat back down, petting his cat plush gently.

“What do you think happened?” Rela asked quietly, staring Colin down. He simply shrugged.

“I don’t know. They wouldn’t say,” Colin frowned at the memory of him and Talo finding the two men. They were by the Faron spring, both looking filthy and exhausted. Colin nearly got tackled to the ground by Link when he ran up to them, clearly jumpy from whatever happened that night. No matter how hard Colin pressed, they simply brushed his questions away. It couldn’t be a bear, they would’ve said so, and he was sure that if it was, they wouldn’t have been gone all night. At least not running around the woods, which was clearly what they were doing.

The door opened, causing Colin to flinch. Link was in the doorway, his cheeks flushed red as he glanced around the room. Kori got up and hugged Link’s legs, and he quickly gave his son a squeeze. Colin joined the two at the doorway, anxious to finally know what was going on.

“Link—“

“I gotta get mine and Kori’s things, I’ll be right back,” Link cut him off, giving Kori a kiss on the head. “Is there anything you need from the house?”

Kori looked at his toys and shook his head. Link nodded and left before Colin was able to register what was happening.

“Wait—“ he started, but Link was already gone. Colin let out a frustrated huff as Kori returned to his place next to Rela. The door to his parent’s bedroom opened and his mother peeked her head through.

“Was Link just here?”

“Yeah.”

“What’d he say? Did he tell you what happened?”

“No, he just left.” Colin returned to his place on the chair, glaring ahead. Uli tilted her head at him.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just… worried. And confused.”

Uli walked over to him and ruffled his hair, pulling him into a side hug. “We all are.”

“Is pa ok?”

“Yes. I just came out here to grab another blanket for him.”

“Did he tell you what happened?”

“No, he doesn’t want to talk about it yet.”

Colin groaned. “All this waiting around is just making me anxious.”

“Me too, dear. But right now, your pa needs time to open up about it.”

Colin sighed as he leaned against his mother, staring at the doorway.

“Where was Link going?” His ma asked.

“To get his and Kori’s things.”

“Well… maybe he needs help?” She suggested, giving Colin a look. He glanced at her confused.

“I think he’s fine—“

“Go help him, Colin. See if he’s willing to open up to you.”

Colin’s eyes widened in surprise and he sat up. “Will you be ok with the kids?”

Uli gave Rela and Kori a smile. “Of course I will. You talk to Link, and I’ll talk to your pa when he’s ready. That way they won’t have to repeat everything to us.”

Colin smiled slightly and nodded, heading out the door to follow Link. The air felt eerie as Colin walked to Link’s house. The people that were out were speaking in hushed tones, watching Colin as he silently walked. He was relieved to reach the clearing that held Link’s treehouse, away from the stares. Epona was pacing the ground, clearly feeling the anxieties in the air, and Colin heard rummaging coming from the home. He jumped up the ladder and knocked on the door before letting himself in. There were bags sitting in the middle of the floor, and he heard noises coming from the basement.

“Link?” Colin called out, certainly not wanting to surprise him with his presence. There was silence, then grunting as Link emerged from the basement, carrying another bag.

“Colin? What are you doing here?”

“I… just thought that you could use some help,” Colin muttered, suddenly getting nervous about asking Link what happened. His older brother furrowed his brows, then looked at the bag around his shoulders.

“There’s not a lot. I can handle it just fine.”

Colin sighed and looked down. “Link I… I just wanna know what happened.”

Link stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. “I’ll tell you when I bring our stuff over—“

“No you won’t. I know you won’t. You’ll just tell us to avoid the forest and then head out to deal with it with the rest of us feelin’ confused.” Colin blurted out without thinking. He immediately regretted it, but where he was expecting anger, Link’s face only held exhaustion.

“Listen, y’all don’t need to know everything,” he said quietly.

“If there’s something going on in the woods, don’t you think I should know what it is?” Colin pressed. “I’m not the scared kid I was before, I can protect myself and Ordon, and I want to. But I can’t do that without knowing everything!” Link’s face was blank as he stared at Colin, and he quickly added more, “I can relay the message to the others so you won’t have to explain everything again.”

Link stared at Colin for a long moment, a concerned expression on his face. His jaw twitched as his eyes looked back and forth, and he opened his mouth slightly, before closing it again. Colin raised an eyebrow as Link turned his head away.

“It was… just a monster,” he mumbled, and Colin rolled his eyes.

“I know it wasn’t just a monster! You and pa would’ve said something!”

Link glared at him for a moment, then plopped his bag with the small pile on the floor and sat down, rubbing his eyes. Colin watched him patiently, staying in the same spot with his arms crossed.

“Colin… it… it was a shadow beast.”

Colin’s blood ran cold and he felt his eyes widen. Fear took hold of him and memories of hiding in the sanctuary from black monsters flooded in.

“H-how?” He asked quietly, and Link shrugged.

“I don’t know. I don’t know how it slipped under my radar after all these years.”

Colin felt himself sway a bit, and he sat down on the ground, his legs crossed. “Are— are you sure?”

Link nodded. “Positive. It let out a scream to paralyze me and pa, I’d recognize that scream anywhere.”

Colin looked away, remembering the battered men when he found them.

“So… what happened?”

Link gave Colin a look and opened his mouth to explain the story. He explained them searching around the house, he explained being paralyzed by a shriek, he explained looking for pa after it took him, and he explained fighting it until the sun began to rise. Colin listened to every word, his stomach sinking lower and lower as Link talked. He felt himself grow nauseous as he explained the beast vomiting Rusl up, and the implications made him lightheaded.

“Is this thing… eating people?” He asked, his voice shaking slightly.

“I…. I’m not sure. The scent it…” Link trailed off, staring blankly at a spot on the ground. “None of it makes sense.”

Colin tilted his head at Link as he grew silent, his expression blank.

“Why didn’t it go after you?” He finally asked, and Link shrugged, staring at his left hand.

“I have some theories,” he answered, before letting out a heavy sigh. “How’s pa?”

“He’s fine, he had a bad nightmare but he's resting.”

Link nodded and smiled slightly, staring at the pile of bags with an exhausted look. Colin pursed his lips and stood up.

“Resting seems like something you should be doing too. Come on, let’s get this stuff to our house.”

Link’s eyes held a hint of stubbornness, but his exhaustion got the better of him and he nodded. Colin grabbed some bags and gave Link a small smile, before moving to the door.

“Colin.”

He turned around and saw Link glaring at him.

“You know how serious this situation is now. I need all of you to stay away from Faron woods. Stay together and do not go out at night. You understand?”

Colin nodded slightly. “I understand. If… me and the others can help you and pa fight it—“

“No, it may be a shadow beast, but whatever it was doing for ten years made it strong. Me and pa are going to castle town tomorrow to make a plan of attack, but for now, stay away from it.”

Colin looked down, feeling slightly disappointed that they were leaving so soon. “Alright. I’ll try to keep everyone safe.”

Link smiled slightly and gave Colin a quick hug, patting him on the back before pulling away.

“Thanks Colin. I hope I can solve this soon.”

“I know you will, you always do,” Colin said encouragingly, and Link looked down bashfully.

“Sure…”

Colin wrapped an arm around Link and guided him out the door. “Let’s go, you look like you’ll pass out any second now.”

Link chuckled and let himself be led out, his arm wrapped around his little brother.

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

He was in a tight space, he couldn’t move his arms and legs. His body was bent at an awkward angle and the air was thick with moisture that he couldn’t breathe. He struggled to move, to crawl out of his prison, but he couldn’t no matter how hard he tried. Something wrapped tightly around his body, but he couldn’t see. It was pitch dark, and he felt helpless as tendrils snaked around him, coiling around his neck. He tried to scream for help, but he found he had no voice. He couldn’t break free, and even if he could, he wouldn’t be able to crawl out. He was hopeless, he was going to die, it was all over for him.

He was dead.

Rusl jolted awake, breathing heavily as the feelings from the nightmare lingered. His heart was beating quickly against his chest as he looked around the dark room. He squinted his eyes and went to sit up, but he felt something; something wrapped around him. He nearly panicked again, but he heard breathing, and realized that it was just Uli. He was in his home, with his wife laying behind him, one arm under his neck and the other under his arm. He let out a sigh of relief and laid his head back on the pillow, holding onto her hands. He was safe, he was ok…

Rusl closed his eyes, trying to relax in his wife’s hold, but he couldn’t. His mind kept returning from the night before, the beast that he saw, that attacked him, that Link saved him from. It’s black, eyeless face, it’s snarling yellow teeth. Rusl shuddered, flinching at every creak his house made. What if it was in Ordon? Watching him through the window? What if it came back for revenge? He looked behind him at his window, expecting to see a black beast snarling at him, but he found nothing. There was nothing, he was safe. But he didn’t feel safe, not even in his own home.

A desire to protect his wife and family overcame him, and he spun around, wrapping his arms around Uli. His wife began to stir from the sudden movement, and she pulled away, staring at him with tired eyes.

“Rusl?” She asked softly, looking around. “Is everything alright?”

Rusl bit his lip and sighed. He didn’t mean to wake her up….

“No, it’s ok, Uli, I’m sorry I woke you up… I’m just…”

Uli frowned and traced her fingers along his face. “What’s got you acting like this, darling?”

Rusl sighed. He should tell her. He knows he should tell her. But he didn’t want to talk about it, he didn’t want to relive that moment. Uli picked up on his hesitation and gave him a peck on the forehead. He melted into the kiss and hugged her tighter. Goddesses above he loved this woman. He loved her and she deserved to know what happened. He let go and sat up, staring at the dark room, only feeling comfort with Uli beside him. He never hated the dark…. But now…

“Rusl?”

Rusl took a deep breath and began to explain everything to her. When he and Link went to Coro’s house, when the creature shrieked and paralyzed them both. Rusl’s senses were clouded when that happened, and he barely got a good look at the creature with his torch. But he does remember when it grabbed him and snuffed out the fire. He tried to gloss over when he was inside the thing, since that was the part that got to him the most, but instead he spilled all his words out describing it. Describing the tendrils wrapping around him, keeping him in place he tried to escape the tight stomach. He didn’t know how or why the tendrils suddenly let go, but he was able to wiggle out of the stomach enough for the beast to vomit him up. The memory got too much for him at one point, and he himself felt like he was going to vomit. Uli held him as he tried to get ahold of himself, and he went back to explaining what happened, but in a much more disorganized manner. He truthfully didn’t remember much after he was pulled free from the mouth of the beast. His eyes were covered in black slop and he blacked out after a sharp pain went through his leg. He vaguely remembered something tightening around his ribs to the point where he couldn’t breathe, but he couldn’t tell if he imagined it or not. Then he woke up to his son watching over him worriedly, and it was over. It was the morning and the beast was gone.

He looked at Uli awkwardly when he was finished. He hoped it all made sense, but he wasn’t focused on explaining it in an organized manner. Uli was silent as she thought about all that he told her, her hand never leaving his back.

“So, what are you going to do? Link mentioned letters.”

Rusl nodded. “Me and Link are heading to castle town to tell the resistance about this first thing tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Are you sure it’s safe?”

“No. But we can’t sit in Ordon afraid for our lives while this thing takes people and—“ Rusl stopped himself. What was it doing to people? Devouring them? He was inside its stomach. If Link didn’t save him would he be…? He shuddered. He couldn’t think about that.

“Are you sure you’re fit to go to castle town? It sounds like you went through a lot, darling.”

“I’m sure. Link found fairies to heal us. We’ll be fine.”

Uli rubbed his back for a moment and sighed. “Alright, I take it you want us to stay out of Faron woods?”

Rusl nodded. “Avoid Faron woods, especially at night. Try to stay indoors and try to stay together, ok?”

Uli nodded, her brows pinched together. Rusl hugged her and rested his head against hers. Uli melted into the embrace and pulled them both down onto the bed.

“Please be safe,” she muttered, closing her eyes as she buried her face in his neck. Rusl didn’t reply, he just laid there holding his wife, listening to her beginning to snore softly. But Rusl couldn’t fall back asleep. He was on edge, he kept feeling like he was in danger, and eventually he pulled away and walked out into the living room with a spare sword in his hand. He spotted Kori resting against Link, and he smiled slightly. He didn’t think about them being out here, but he shouldn’t be surprised. Link was too far away from Ordon, it was safer with them both here. Rusl gently sat down in the armchair next to the couch, watching the door intently.

“Pa?”

Rusl turned and saw Link wide awake, holding his son in his arms.

“Can't sleep, Link?”

He shook his head. “Kinda hard to. I’m anxious to get to castle town.”

“Me too.”

Link sat up, laying Kori down and tucking him into the blankets. “So are we gonna talk about what happened?”

“I already discussed it with your ma, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“Oh… ok, but…” Link stopped himself and sighed. “Never mind.”

Rusl frowned and studied his face. “Do… you want to talk about it?”

Link pursed his lips. “I just… I’ve been thinking about it all day and… I don’t know…”

Rusl sighed. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I just… that creature that attacked us… I… it can’t be…”

“What?”

“Well, I keep thinkin’ about it, and that thing was a shadow beast, but… it was so different.”

Rusl faced him fully. “Shadow beast? Aren’t those the Twili creatures that attacked us at the temple of time?” Link killed those creatures quickly before Rusl was able to comprehend what was happening. They were terrifying, bigger than a normal human, with otherworldly masks covering their face. He didn’t recall the beast that attacked them being the same, but then again, Link said they were different.

“Yeah, those are shadow beasts. Being around one as a light dweller will turn you into one, but… I don’t know, this thing didn’t seem to turn you into anything…”

Rusl shook his head in confusion. “Link, you’re not making any sense. You say it was a shadow beast, and though they’re similar, they were too different.”

Link shrugged and let out a sigh, leaning forward. “Sorry, I’m just thinking. It didn’t have a mask, it was big, and it seemed more powerful than a normal shadow beast. It… felt like a shadow beast that’s gotten powerful over the years. I’m just confused on how I missed it…I fought all the ones Zant sent to me, but where did this one come from?” Link frowned and looked up at Rusl, his blue eyes filled with worry. Rusl gave him a small smile, not fully understanding what Link was saying. His boy was rambling his thoughts out without thinking about how clear he was being. Link’s eyes suddenly got watery, and he turned away.

“Link?” Rusl shot to his feet and gathered his son in his arms, who melted into the embrace while crying. Rusl rubbed his back as he cried in his shoulder, rocking him back and forth.

“I–I was s-so worried ‘bout you,” Link whimpered, clutching Rusl tighter. “I thought you… you were gonna die and–” Link sobbed, interrupting his ramblings, and Rusl gave him a kiss on the head.

“I’m ok, son. I’m ok, thanks to you.” Tears were streaming down Rusl’s face as well. He thought he cried himself dry already, but apparently there were more tears to be shed. They held each other for a long while, the relief from his son being safe finally crashing down on him. Although it was an awful experience, Rusl would go through it over and over again if it meant his family would be safe. Though he began to wonder why the beast didn’t attack Link, and why it went for Rusl instead. He stopped crying as he thought about it, hearing his eldest hiccup quietly. He supposed it didn’t matter in the end, his son was safe, he was safe, and that was all that mattered. After a moment of crying, Link finally pulled away.

“Sorry,” he muttered, and Rusl scoffed affectionately, giving him one last squeeze.

“You don’t need to apologize, my boy.”

Link smiled and looked at his son, who was wrapped head to toe in blankets.

“Hope we didn’t wake him, we weren’t being quiet,” Rusl said with a chuckle, and Link shrugged.

“He’ll be fine…. Hopefully.”

The two chatted quietly the rest of the night, discussing their plan for the next morning, and how they were going to fight this beast with the help of the resistance. Rusl’s fear melted into fury as they discussed it, and he was ready to fight this thing. As soon as the sun began to rise, Rusl got up and started to get his things together. The sky was a dull gray as Link and Rusl strapped their things to their horses, explaining the situation to the confused residents of Ordon. Link was speaking to Kori quietly, giving him a hug and a kiss as Kori sadly hugged him back, while Rusl bid his farewells to Uli and Rela, and as he pulled away from his wife, she gave him a stern and worried look.

“I’ll be back, Uli. I trust you can keep them safe?” He said softly, and she smiled slightly.

“Yes, please be careful, darling.”

Rusl kissed her lips and nodded. “I will.”

When Rusl went to Colin, he was staring at the ground blankly, and Rusl tilted his head. “What’s wrong, Colin?”

“I– Link told me everything that happened and… I want to go with you guys!”

Rusl was taken aback. “You want to go with me and Link?”

Colin nodded. “I–I want to! I want to help you guys!”

Rusl smiled slightly, seeing courage in his once timid son, seeing passion in his eyes when there used to be content, it made him proud. He almost said yes, but he stopped himself. His smile fell and he gave Colin an apologetic look.

“Colin, I would love it for you to come, you’ve grown so strong and capable, but… It’s too dangerous, and I need you and the others to stay here to protect Ordon in case something happens, ok?”

Colin looked down sadly and nodded. “I understand.”

Rusl sighed and pulled him into a hug. Goddesses, his youngest son had grown up so much. He was mature, wise, and brave. Rusl couldn’t be more proud of him.

“Next time, next time I’ll take you with me,” he promised, giving him a firm pat on the back. “You’ll be a great addition to the resistance.”

Colin gave him a squeeze and pulled back, a sad smile on his face as Rusl pulled away to get on his horse. He and Link gave their family a nod and took off, silently riding to castle town.