#zelink gives me LIFE

[mozzys-studio]

the heroes of hyrule

this was supposed to be a sketch. oops.

[skyloftian-nutcase]

I'm in an Ocarina of Time angst/bittersweetness/learning to live with the pain mood, so have one of my more obscure fics

[jheselbraum]

Like did Link have regrets and probably some buried resentment for Zelda due to associating her with the events of oot, if mm and tp are anything to go by? Yeah. But let's not pretend that adult timeline Zelda didn't help Mr Kid in an Adult's Body Getting Brothel Jokes Made at Him dodge a fucking bullet. And child timeline Zelda's plan only fell apart because Rauru is an idiot.

You know what's worse than seeing some dudebro blaming OOT Zelda for "ruining Link's life"?

A "Zelink shipper" saying the same thing.

It's like being stabbed in the back lmao

I think not everyone understands her character:(

[incorrectsmashbrosquotes]

Rating Non-Zelink and Non-BotW Link Ships in Legend of Zelda Games because they don't get enough love

Malink; Malon x Link: Adorable and somewhat canon depending on who you think TP Link's parents are and what timeline shenanigans you subscribe to. Link's first non-Kokiri friend turning into his soulmate is cute and finding peace after the craziness of OoT is beautiful. Also, Malon is cute as a button. 11/10, love you, funky Horsegirl.

Ilia x Link: Pretty good but feels too much like a reskin of Malink to be really fun. People give Ilia grief for freaking out about Epona but it really isn't fucking deserved. Girl get's done dirty by the narrative and the fandom and she deserves better. Also, memory loss and falling in love all over again is absolute peak. 9/10, you deserve better, baby.

Marin x Link: A child's first taste of tragic ending and hot girls being doomed by the narrative. Very child friendly "Calypso and Odysseus" feel to this one. Still, Marin is absolutely adorable and the idea of falling in love with a literal dream is heartbreaking. 10/10, would cry like a little kid again.

Link x Ruto: Okay, hear me out, this one isn't terrible. Ruto's chld-like crush on the guy who saved her life is pretty cute and being a haughty teenager about it is pretty funny. Also, she understands they can't be together, and sends him off with her love and good wishes, which is surprisingly mature of her. I'm just saying, Ruto isn't the weirdo people make her out to be. 7/10, it still feels like entrapment

Midlink; Midna x Link: TOP TIER! BEST OF THE BEST! ABSOLUTE PEAK ROMANCE! Romeo and Juliet style star-crossed lovers from literal opposing sides of reality. Allies of convenience to friends to soulmates?! PEAK! Adorable evil goblin design for most of the game and then complete knockout reveal at the end?! ROMANCE DOOMED BY THE NARRATIVE?! PEAK, I TELL YOU! PEAK! (Also I headcannon that because Midna looks like a Hylian she's considered ugly by Twili standards so Link finding her beautiful warms her heart). 20/10, best ship, best girl, best love story.

Ganlink; Ganondorf x Link: Objectively the funniest Legend of Zelda ship in existence and I will take no arguments on that. Destined enemies giving the middle finger to fate and falling in love instead? Amazing. Ganondorf hates every minute of it but he's also the happiest he's ever been with this stupid twink and he hates that too. 10/10, something something the Grinch's heart grew three sizes that day.

Link x Zant: Objectively hilarious as Link is seducing his enemies into submission yet again, like any self-respecting bard, but this one feels a little too Batman x Joker like for my liking. I really ship Zant x Therapy but Midna watching her rival give up his conquering ambitions for a twink is objectively hilarious. 8/10, not great but not bad.

Got others you want me to rate? Let me know! Or better yet, rate them yourself and I'll tell you if I agree or not.

[the-phantom-peach]

Your modern Zelink art gives me life omg!!! It's super cute and I adore how you made Epona their cat 😭❤️

ain’t she neat?

thank you so much!

[mylonelydreaming]

For me, Link being "unhealthily obsessed with Zelda and finding her to the point Ganondorf is a footnote" isn't something that I think is "bad" at all, but precisely what makes this version of him remotely interesting (to me) when Nintendo is otherwise so adamant about keeping him a stoic knight most of the time.

It adds a different layer to him, turns him from this perfect, bland stoic boy into someone who only outwardly appears that way, appears like he has everything together, but is in fact flawed inside and a little broken from what has happened to him. A little off. That makes him much more interesting to me. It gives him a major character flaw that can be exploited by his enemies, and what do you know, Ganondorf and the Yiga Clan do exactly that (they even remark on what good bait she makes).

I also find it interesting to think about when he became this way. Was it the years he spent with her in-between games? Was it well before that, when he was aimlessly chasing that "beautiful voice" even before he remembered who he was? Was it some point before the Calamity? Did he become a knight in the first place not merely to follow his father's footsteps, but to one day protect her? I find this compelling to think about. Is making a specific person your life's purpose unhealthy in real life? Yes. It's also very interesting in a story.

And also on that note, isn't him becoming at least a little too obsessed with her a completely natural thing to happen?

For me, if you take away Link's (yes, I'll admit, unhealthy although I kind of like that), obsession with Zelda, then all that is left is the exact ways that people who hate not only zelink but Link himself describe him as all the time: A robot who feels nothing but duty.

And sorry, but I just find that very boring. Dull. Unexciting. I also, then, can't see why on earth Zelda would have feelings for Link if she's just a duty to him and her acts of affection, like sewing him a new tunic, are never returned. Frankly, I think she deserves a lot better than that, to have her feelings reciprocated and a happy ending after all that she's been through.

And to be honest, why would any writer make her feelings unreciprocated when she's basically the main focus of these two games? How does that make any sense? I also doubt any professional game dev working on a deadline would waste precious time writing and coding dialogue about it into the games if it supposedly wasn't meant to mean anything? I honestly rather dislike people brushing off things like Kass's song, because it ignores that it was purposefully written by the game's creators to tell the player something. It not only feels disrespectful to whoever wrote it, but ignores an extremely common convention of video games. I don't think it's really very fair to call it "bad writing" simply because it delivers the information like a video game and not like other visual mediums would have. Video games have always demanded the player to read things, investigate and read between the lines. Especially so when they are more focused on gameplay, which is exactly where Nintendo's focus lies.

And when it comes to "it should have been more obviously shown", well, look how people complain even when it's subtle? If you're someone who hates it, why complain about the romance not being overly blatant? Isn't that good? I mean, clearly an even bigger fit about it would have been thrown if they had been even more obvious, so personally, I think that the way Nintendo went about it was perfectly fine.

[zelinkcommunity]

Zelink Community is highlighting... @wouldyoustilllovemeifiwasawyrm!

"My name is Fyre and I’m a zelinkaholic. I’ve been in this fandom for a little over a year and written a little over two novels’ worth of fanfiction. I’ve loved every second of being in this fun, lively fandom and I look forward to all the Echoes of Wisdom fanart and fanfic that we’ll create!"

Check out some of their work:

A Lullaby For a Princess (Rated Mature) Five months following the end of the events of Tears of the Kingdom, Link and Zelda return home to Hateno, overseeing the rebuilding of Castle Town from afar as the Princess readjusts herself to her previous life. But the past haunts her still, seeding doubts as to her fitness to lead the people of Hyrule. A surprise pregnancy has the hero and his princess running to the Sheikah for advice. Turns out there's a lot more to expanding the royal family than either had imagined. Zelda's doubts follow her like shadows. Even the Master Sword isn't sharp enough to cut through the memories of centuries of perceived failure. Rebuild Castle Town, re-establish the monarchy, resolve unprocessed trauma, and learn how to change diapers? It's a lot for a princess and her appointed knight to handle.

Excuse Me, Princess After the end of the events of the series, Link and Zelda retrieve the Triforce of Power from Ganon's destroyed underworld. With the evil wizard run out of Hyrule and both pieces of the Triforce now safely in Hyrule Castle, what does the princess need her hero for? Apparently, finding a forgotten third piece.

My Lady, My Lady My first day under the Princess of Hyrule was astoundingly unremarkable. Elevated from my previous service by the head housekeeper, Mrs. Ria, who never liked anybody and, I thought, especially not me, I soon found myself led to the princess’s chambers to learn under the senior maid. Elanor desperately wanted to leave the princess’s service and was told in no uncertain terms that breaking her contract with the castle without first training a new maid to take her place would result in a forfeiture of her last month of wages. I assumed that Elanor simply wished to leave the service to marry one of the guards, since she spoke of them often enough at mealtimes. I could think of no other reason why anyone would give up such a covetable position as Princess Zelda’s lady’s maid. I was soon to learn the truth of the matter.

Find Them on Social Media:

@wouldyoustilllovemeifiwasawyrm can also be found on AO3 under fyreflare!

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

[wild-dagon]

TOTK Role-reversal (part 2)

I know I’m late to the party but this idea has been floating around in my head for months. (Also spoilers for the game)

The classic role-reversal with Link and Zelda in TOTK.

Finally my last idea. Link gets the Spirit stone.

I don’t know about you but it bothered me at the end of the game that there wasn’t a new Spirit Sage. They brought Purah up there and then didn’t give it to her? (I was also expecting Paya to get it as all the other Sages were leaders (or the child of the leader) of their respective races. I really wanted to see Paya go from being unsure how to lead her village to an amazing warrior surrounded by other leaders for support but thats a rant for another post)

Anyhow Link.

Let’s tie this to BOTW. Link can see the Koroks (spirits of the forest) he can see the dragons (not everyone can) and in BOTW he talks to multiple ghosts. Heck even in TOTK he is able to interact with the ghosts of solders in the Depths to get weapons.

What if when Link goes back in time, his stone just won’t settle on a specific power. This is weird to Rauru and Sonia as they have never seen some one with so many different kinds of magic. Link is super confused as he doesn’t have magic. The other champions and Zelda have mystic abilities. He doesn’t.

You can stretch this confusion out to them going back to the castle and or you can make the next part happen on the way to the castle.

The one day they get attacked and Link goes to fight (he’s used to protecting people.) but he’s weak from the interaction with Ganondorf.

He’s about to get crushed when his stone turns red and a familiar crystal shield forms around him. “I gotta little buddy” He turns over his shoulder and sees Daruk. He’s in spirit form but he’s here, talking and fighting with Link.

Then the stone turns green. Air burst forth and Revali is up in the air shooting down the foe.

The stone turns orange and a bolt of lightning rains down on the remaining enemies as Urbosa steps forward.

Finally it turns blue as Mipha appears and heals Links wounds.

They are here. All of the champions are here. Link’s stone finally settles on purple.

Mineru explains that Link’s stone couldn’t settle on a color because it was sensing the remains of the champion abilities inside him. But now that the champions spirits have been released his stone has settled on his powers.

This leads to a lot of Mineru and Link bonding as she helps him master his powers. Maybe he can make the other champions corporeal if he focuses hard enough or if he masters his powers. Maybe he can give them a second chance at life. (Here’s where you could have some fun with shipping making it zelink, miphlink, or revalink)

Anyhow. Mineru is Link’s mentor. They both are a little crazy about building questionable contraptions. She starts to view him as her’s. Rauru was always going to have kids, she never expected to have one but Link is precious to her. As is he to Sonia and Rauru. They love hearing about their descendent Zelda.

Maybe Link and the champions are able to save Sonia from Gannon but he still gets his hands on a stone. Either stealing Sonia’s (without the murder) or by killing Rauru or Mineru. Or you could go super angst and have him get Link’s stone cutting him off from the champions (once again Ganon has taken them from Link)

In the final battle Rauru/Mineru/Sonia (who ever is alive) traps Gannon. Link either swallows his stone or stone give to him by another survivor.

Personally I like the idea that Gannon gets Links stone, Sonia seals him promising her descendant will come to stop him (I think Sonia’s faith in future Zelda could be super sweet) Rauru realizing his wife is gone and there is nothing he can do, gives Link his stone allowing Link to become the dragon and heal the sword. Mineru still builds her contraption knowing that Zelda will need a sage of spirit as Link will be preoccupied being a dragon.

Zelda gets guidance from Sonia and Rauru.

When it’s all said and done and Mineru is ready to leave, her stone goes to Zelda becoming the time/light stone. Meaning Link has a spirit stone Zelda covers time and light. The other sages are still around and the champions are back.

Zelda’s journey

You can also make this really fun by having the spirits of the champions guide the sages on their journey.

Maybe while spirit dragon Link is hanging out in the clouds that champion spirits hang out with him. When it’s time for the new sages to awaken they go to their home villages and appear to the new sages. So instead of just hearing a strange voice they see the champion of old.

When Tulin is out on his own he is struggling with a enemy that is suddenly shot from behind. When he tracks the shoot Revali is flying there. Their eyes lock before Revali flies off. Zelda arrives right after this moment, Tulin to tell her about the strange Rito that flew off. Tulin feels like they need to follow him and they do, all the way up to the sky arc. (Picture the Zelda chase scene in the castle but with Revali and sky boats.) Once Tulin gets his sacred stone Revali appears again (allowing for a sweet reunion scene between Zelda and Revali) and offers to stay near and train Tulin on how to use his powers as Revali had trained with the sage of old.

When Zelda arrives in Goron city it’s weird. Why are people talking about Link giving Yunobo a mask. Then she sees Link and chases after him only to find an enraged Yunobo. After getting the mask off of him the two talk about Link before seeing Daruk’s Spirit. Once again they chase him to the fire temple. Things play out much the same with Daruk as it did with Revali.

Arriving at the Zora domain Sidon doesn’t see Mipha until he fights the first sludge monster with Zelda. Mipha had tried to appear earlier but Sidon thought he was just seeing things from over working himself. It isn’t until he lets Yona help him and fights along side Zelda that he finally is open to seeing Mipha’s spirit. She leads them to the underwater cavern and to the water temple proper. Again always just out of reach never a word is spoken until after the sage is fully awaken and the boss is beaten. Once Sidon has his sacred stone Mipha is able to appear and have her reunion with her brother.

In the desert Urbosa is seen many times by other warriors but she cannot directly help them. Once Zelda arrives she appears to both Zelda and Ruji before disappearing. She appears again after they successfully defend the town. After they defend the bazar they see Link walking into the storm. Both girls go to chase after him but Urbosa appears and shakes her head No before disappearing without a word. Urbosa leads Zelda through the sand storm to the different light pillars, and lead them to the light temple. She doesn’t appear again until after they defeat queen gibdo and Riju awakens as a sage.

This build trust between the reader and Zelda and the spirits that are appearing. Which means when Zelda sees Link up on Hyrule castle she rushes to him. He’s leading her through the castle the same way the champions did. It’s unnerving as the champions moved like that because they were spirits and Link should be alive but Zelda is going to ignore that tidbit for now.

She follows Link to the throne room where it is revealed that he is Ganondorf’s puppet.

As they fight the sages and champions appear to help Zelda defeat the phantom Ganondorfs

After this they got to find the fifth sage. Mineru tells Zelda about the Dragon tears and how to view them using the purah pad. This is when Zelda does the dragon tear quest. Up until this point they were just weird geoglyphs but know she can view Link’s memories. She realizes that Link is the Spirit Dragon.

(You can also have a moment where she yells at the champions for not telling her. But how do you tell someone that new?)

She needs to find the Master Sword so she returns to the lost woods hoping Link returned it there in the past. She doesn’t know if the blade will let her pull it but she has to try.

After freeing the lost woods she realizes the sword is with Link. Maybe she goes to get it maybe she leaves it but either way she will be able to use it. It’s with Link and if he’s going to let anyone wield his sacred blade it would be Zelda.

[sunny-porridge]

fics that brought me back to life in June

Retired Assets - by @lele5429

Retired Assets flows like a stream. Ravio as the main character is precious, and the way wordbuilding is weaved in with profound relationships and emotions has made it my favorite this month. Five chapters in, I've already held my heart in my hands as the raw emotions mix in with the plot twists poetic prose. Best of all, it has art! Amazing, wonderful art!

—

Since we are made of the Earth and Rain - by FilipaMariaKecharitomene

"But hairband, clearly you're biased, this was a gift fic for you."

Excuse me, I'm a professional.

This piece made my heart soar. It's short, with nothing but heart and humor to give. It's intensely emotional, but it highlights love and hope and appreciation for the goodness of the world.

Also, this short work is part of a series which I highly recommend. Fair warning - "Travel through the Darkness" is a lot more intense and involves quite sensitive topics. So far, I've found it does so with dignity and respect, but if you do decide to read it, please read the tags!

--

An Unremitting Ululation - by @not-freyja

Surprise, bitch. You thought you had seen the last of me?

They say grief is love persevering. Well, Twilight took that literally.

This may be confusing to follow if you haven't read This is an Adjuration, the first work in this series and the fic of all time.

--

in the manner that people used to dance - by @rebornofstars

You never expect to be hit right in the feels by re-reading a fic that you remember well. I might say I liked this better the second time - I got to pay more attention to so many little details!

This is a story about what happens to love after death.

--

Fairy Chime, Fairy Chime - by koogi123 (drlessy)

This one is for the Fluff truthers. Wild is a fairy. Wild gets fairy brain. Legend gets "must protect fairy Wild" brain. So many cuddles. Literally nothing goes wrong. It's perfect. Go read it.

--

Tell Him I... - by @thesadpuffin

I've read about a million Post-BOTW Zelink fics. I thought that there were no perfect first-words that Link could say to Zelda, but... I was wrong. The perfect words do exist.

Quiet atmosphere, easy banter - real emotions.

--

NSFW ZONE ‼️

Well, I lied. This is technically not NSFW, but it is part of a series that very much is.

Rain Falling like Tears - by Anonymous Author

Wild's last memory, as seen from Wolfie's eyes.

During one of the hardest moments of Wild's adventure, he is comforted by the genuine gratitude of an unsuspecting traveler.

[hyde-nseek]

My headcanon is that every Link and every Zelda falls in love. But it gets a little more complicated than that because I don't think they get together every time. So... Here is how I would justify every Zelink in the Legend of Zelda franchise:

(please note that I'm not saying other ships aren't cool. I personally like a lot of them.)

Skyward Sword: This one is probably as canon as Zelink has gotten so far. I don't know anyone that says that they don't have feelings for each other. These two probably founded Hyrule together. Maybe as a kingdom, maybe just as a small village below the clouds. Either way, the Royal Family traces their lineage back to this couple.

Minish Cap: This Zelink is very cute. I think they dated, and maybe even married. From what I understand about the timeline, though, this Link abandons Hyrule and lives the rest of his life cursed by the mind-shattering properties of the Four Sword. So, it was a relationship for a while, but they didn't grow old together.

Four Swords: There actually isn't a lot of information about this Zelda, but I like to think that they got together after Link saves her. They're cute.

Ocarina of Time: The way Zelda looks at Link at the end of the game is full of remorse. She doesn't want to send Link away from her, but she knows it's the right thing to do for his sake and Hyrule's. Also, the way Sheik looks at Link can't go unnoticed. That ninja isn't good at hiding his feelings.

Majora's Mask: The same as Ocarina of Time, but it's much more brief. I don't think Link ever returns to Hyrule Castle, but it's possible. It's more likely that he founded Ordon with Malon. That means that Malon and Link end up together, but Link's true love was the princess he saved in another time.

Twilight Princess: Zelda and Link barely talk in the game, and when they interact, it's only because Midna put them together. But with Midna out of the picture, I think they would still bond. Ilia gets friendzoned. Sorry.

Four Swords Adventures: I think I'll have to put this one with Four Swords as well. These games are a little weird in that the Links are so affected by the Four Sword that it's hard to picture them in a situation without it. If anyone else has thoughts on this Zelink, please lmk.

Wind Waker/Phantom Hourglass: Tetra and Link get together and found New Hyrule. This one is pretty self explanatory and difficult to argue against. Very cute and I love it.

Spirit Tracks: They were made for each other. They have so much of a connection because of their adventure together. Whether Link becomes an adventurer or an engineer, I think the princess has feelings for the Hero of Spirit.

A Link to the Past/Link's Awakening/Oracles: The cryptic uncle wants you to know that Zelda is your responsibility. Now that we've covered that, I think Link would have been with Zelda if it weren't for Marin. After Koholint, I don't think he really has it in him to have a relationship with anyone.

A Link Between Worlds/Tri Force Heroes: I think that after saving Hytopia, Link returns to Hyrule and asks for Zelda's hand. There's no reason why not to, and I don't think Link would have wanted to stay in Hytopia for the rest of his life. As cool as it is, it's a vacation spot. And Styla isn't the princess for Link.

Hyrule Fantasy/Adventure of Link: Two Zeldas, one Link. This one's kind of weird, but I think he'd rather be with the Zelda from his first adventure. Zelda the First only kisses him as a reward, probably the only reward she can give.

Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom: I mean, they live together. They hugged at the end of both games. What else do you want me to say?

[linktheacehero]

I dare

*pokes you*

drop the oot zelink and magic stuff.

hehehehehe

*cracks fingers*

Oot Zelink. tragic blorbos but I will fucking die on my hill that they get a happy ending and heal from their trauma together.

Theyre so fucking devoted to each other ita not even funny like THEYRE RIDE OR DIE. (all zelinks are too) weird forest fae gremlin child broke into the castle and zelda said "him. I want him" and now youve got the most gender bi4bi couple ever besides botw/totk zelink.

I love em so much man. She's Link's tether and reasoning for so many things its insane. He searches for her endlessly, befriends her AGAIN even after sending him back and is so special to him that her gift is his most precious item.

And Zelda. GODS dont get me started on how much she cares for this man cuz shes just as whipped. Is literally his bestie as Sheik (while giving him the biggest bi panic) and fucking fights a shadow demon and stays by his side until he wakes. Sends him back out of love because she wabts him to regain the childhood he lost while she sacrifices hers (all she wanted was for him to be happy yall😭) and they still stay together in a new life because theyre bond is just that strong.

EVEN IN DEATH YOU SEE IT. Hero Shade misses his wife sm guys, what can I say. The guy literally used Zeldas' lullaby as an entrance to the most sacred weapon of the land and lingers by the castle like crazy (3 out of 7 skills are there)

The manga just speaks for itself, like theyre so in love.

As for magic shit, I just think its neat and its honestly at its core fancy science jdjdkd

[lifepaint]

This is my official summer drawing everyone :> In the middle on August HGEHEH

Soooo if its not obvious, this is another huge-ass drawing I had to overwork myself to finish :'[ Made me so mentaly and physicaly tired I couldnt properly draw for a day. Not that I wasnt able to just.. I really didnt fell like it :/

But anyway, here it is <:) At 1st, I thought whether it could just be based on just one franchise, but ultimatly I decided I wanted to do a crossover with various nintendo franchises haha And as you can see, I went overboard with it :P

1st we have Kirby taunting DK for being stuck in the sand.

Then we have Isabbele getting drunk at a bar- (Thnaks to @artsy-n-smartsy for the idea :D)

Then there is Peach gathering seashells and finds a Korok bc those lil shits are everyhwere-

Then Daisy plays beach ball with Samus...

Midna is laying in the sand.. without even gazing at the sun lmao-

Link and Zelda walk together because I had to sneak in Zelink somehow >W>

Charmander and Bulbasaur build a sand castle :>

Squirtle gives Pikachu some refreshment.

And the Mario bros hangout togetehr :)

So, I have about 9 different drawings combined into one HEHE

..In all seriousmess. going back to what I peviosuly said, this took the life out of me twt

I wasnt doing mentaly well to begin with, and the task I layed on myself was a bit much to go through.. doesnt help that there is so much going on in a single frame with many different characters and colours popping out .-.

Also, this drawing has by far the most characters within a frame. (From my portfolio I mean) totalling to 17 characters! I didnt go into this epxceting it to be this many, but life found a way lmao-

For the two people who read my description they are probbaly thinking why I do this to myself, and the answer is that I wanna make the best art that I can... and I dont want to take forever on just one piece. Everyone has their own tempo of course, and thats ok. Everyone should do what they think is right and good for them.. And I have my own way HHEHEHHEUH

I hope ya'll can spot some easter eggs I put in here, even if there arwnt that hidden HEHE

But ok, thats it form me.. as always, hope oyu guys like this :>

[lindseybots]

Ok i just now found the Wind's Track AU and would like you to consider the following:

Zelda: "Oh for the love of Tetra..."

Wind: "Wait, how do you know my wife/girlfriend/friend/*insert relationship status here*?!

Welcome to The Wind’s Track AU!! I’m so happy you’re here!

This actually gives me quite a bit to unpack. (So this will be long.)

While Wind might do a double take at the sound of Tetra’s name, I think he would know immediately that Zelda is Tetra’s descendant. Zelda’s the princess, and Wind helped Tetra create the kingdom. He knows Tetra was queen during her lifetime.

Wind can connect the dots pretty easily.

In fact, I think Zelda would be in for a bigger surprise than Wind would. When she finds out that this spirit that has apparently been with the newest royal engineer (who can see spirits when almost no one else can by the way) his whole life is actually the famous Hero of Winds, she’s gonna flip out.

I think Wind loves getting to share stories of Tetra with her. They definitely bond over it.

Now for the relationship…

Gonna be honest, I was kinda dreading the day someone brought up the topic of ships in this AU, but I knew it was inevitable. Please don’t take this as you having done something wrong. I promise you didn’t! I’m just using this for the opportunity it is.

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE Telink and Zelink. I love every iteration of them. They are my OTP. WW/PH Telink/Zelink and ST Zelink are no exceptions. I LOVE THEM. In fact, they are both some of my favorite iterations of the ship.

That said, ships get tricky within the context of this au. The thought of both ships happening in this AU doesn’t really sit right with me.

Even if they are not actually related, Wind and Spirit both view each other as brothers. If Wind were to have been in a romantic relationship with Tetra and had a family that eventually led to ST Zelda, then that means Wind has a familial bond with both Spirit and Zelda. If Spirit and Zelda then had a romantic relationship… It just feels icky to me. Y’know?

That said, the question then lies: Which ship do I go with? I can have one, but I don’t like the idea of doing both within this context.

I debated this question for a while, and ultimately decided that I wanted to keep the Spirit Tracks one. Honestly, I love how Spirit is smitten immediately. The first time he sees her in the game, he is noticeably blushing and just can’t look away. That is just one of multiple moments like this in this game. I just think their relationship is such a special part of Spirit Tracks, and I want to keep it.

Plus, I can’t resist the idea of Wind teasing his little brother for having a crush.

That said, Wind and Tetra are best friends in this AU, nothing more. They are both very important to each other, but there were not any romantic feelings involved. Honestly, in the context of this AU, I do not see Wind being romantically involved with anyone.

[aikoiya]

LoZ - Yiga!Link is a Riot

I gotta say that the concept of Yiga!Link is effing hilarious. Especially if it's Zelink.

Because, think about it.

In this situation, Ganon has literally everything lined up perfectly. Link, his eons-long, multi-life arch-nemesis is essentially his minion & he likely doesn't even know it.

Kid's probably deep into the sauce too, man.

Then, either along comes this pretty little princess & he's like, "yeah, sorry bro, but I'm gettin' me some of that." Maybe he was kidnapped as a baby & Link & Zelda met previously as kids? Maybe she did something for him that he'd never forgotten, then when they remeet, she does something for him that seals a huge crush on her, & thus can't bring himself to kill her? I dunno, there's a lot of ways this could go. OR, he learns personally that he's the Chosen Hero, the very person he's supposed to despise & kill. Meaning that if the other members learn about it, they'll likely kill him. His whole life comes crashing down around him. The first blow to the cult's programming.

Like, it'd just be such a power move on destiny's part.

Like, as dangerous as Ganon obviously is, he simply does not win for very long. He always looses eventually.

And this would just cement that fact. Like, he had his effing arch-nemesis in the palm of his fucking hand & didn't even know it & he'll still fucking lose.

I dunno about you, but I'd be pretty damn demoralized after that.

I might just need the next 10,000 years dead before my next reincarnation to mentally recover.

---

At the same time, it does make me wonder. Why do non-Sheikah Yiga stick with them? Like, we know the reason why the Yiga was originally formed. A Hylian King from 10,000 years ago forced the Sheikah to decommission their technology, fearing it'd bring about Hyrule's demise. (Which, despite how unfair it was, he was... actually right. Makes me wonder if he actually learned that the Sheikah Tech could be taken over. Maybe he'd been an accomplished mage & had managed to use his magic to take control of the machines, then realizing that he likely wouldn't be around for the next Calamity, he ordered the Sheikah to find a way to prevent the machines from being possessed by magic. But no matter what they did, they couldn't manage to figure it out, or maybe they did for a while, but the king kept testing them to make sure it was fixed. However, much like hacking in real life, there will always be new ways to exploit the system, thus the king was left with no choice but to decommission them.)

But, anyway, what exactly do they tell their members to get them to want to stay? Hell, why were they even still a thing in BotW? Why hadn't they made their move? There were no more guards, or soldiers, only a few trained Sheikah, all of which were either too old to keep fighting or were swiftly getting there, & there'd been no royal family besides Zelda, who was keeping Calamity Ganon sealed away.

Why didn't they take over the rest of Hyrule, asserting their dominance & killing all the loyalists so that when the Hero returned, he'd be an outlaw, thus making his journey harder? (It certainly wouldn't have been the first time something like that would've happened in the series.) In fact, why reveal themselves to him when they meet? Just wait till his back is turned, then Eightfold Blade him in the back! Or have a Yiga replace the Sheikah & Hylian innkeepers/Stable Managers, then when Link rents a bed for the night, give him a poisoned complementary meal! Then, when he collapses, just execute him!

It's that easy! Or it should be, because they're effing ninja!

I mean, they were perfectly fine with killing Dorian's wife, who Dorian had been a member of the Yiga before, thus they've no issue with the act of killing.

Which, btw, why didn't they instead kidnap her, maybe even his daughters too, & use them as blackmail to keep him under their thumb?

LoZ Wild Masterlist

LoZ My Fanfic Masterlist

[mistresslrigtar]

Written for @hurricane105 for @zelinkcommunity loftwing letters24! Happy V-day, hurricane! I hope you like this post-BotW slice of Hateno life Zelink story. Have a fantastic day☺️

Sowing Seeds of Love

Summary: It's an annual tradition in Hateno for women to offer gifts of appreciation to those they care about on Sowing Day. Little does Zelda know that the gift she gives Link expresses more than platonic affection. Will she realize that perhaps he means more to her than she has dared to realize?

1.6k Read below or on AO3

The pouch slung over Zelda’s shoulders shifted with each step, bouncing against her hip as she walked through Hateno village. Periodically, she couldn’t help but reach inside to ensure the small, white box tied with a satin blue ribbon was safely tucked away. It was a Sowing Day gift for Link she’d chosen at the East Wind on her way home. The store’s merchant, Pruce, had assured her that it was a traditional Hateno custom for women to give appreciation gifts on Sowing Day.

She’d picked a sand seal plushie for Purah and a potted tomato plant for Symin to give tomorrow when she saw them. Zelda’s heart fluttered with memories of Urbosa as she thought of the gift she’d chosen for Link: three rich chocolate truffles imported from Gerudo. They were a delicacy Zelda had always enjoyed, and she hoped they would also bring joy to Link. 

Crossing the bridge to the home she shared with him, Zelda could hear the faint sound of him tending to their small garden at the side of the house. 

“I’m home!” Zelda called as she headed inside. 

Pushing the front door open, the sweet, honeyed fragrance of apple blossoms permeated the air. A vase, filled with the blooms Link must have pruned that day, sat in the center of the already set table. Zelda pulled the box out of the bag and placed it in the middle of Link’s bowl before making their dinner. In the past year, Link had taught her some basic cooking skills since, pre-Calamity, Zelda had never had to cook. She hummed happily, feeling lighter than she had in ages as she peeled and chopped a swift carrot and hearty radish to add to the stewed meat she’d left to simmer all day over the fire in the hearth. 

By the time Link came in from outside, the stew was ready. Zelda placed it, sliced bread, and rice on the table while Link washed up. She took her seat and waited expectantly for him to join her. 

“It smells good, Princess.” His mouth curled into a bemused smile when he saw the package in his bowl. “What’s this?”

“A Sowing Day present for you.” Zelda sat forward in her seat, returning his smile. “Open it.”

Reaching for the end of the ribbon, Link untied the bow and lifted the lid on the box. Zelda’s stomach roiled anxiously as his expression changed from delight to shock to confusion. His brow furrowed, and he blinked several times, clearly processing the unexpected gift of truffles nestled within the waxed parchment. This was not the reaction she’d expected. 

Feeling self-conscious, Zelda stumbled over an explanation. “Urbosa always brought these for me when she visited. They’re my favorite. Don’t you like them?”

Link’s expression softened, and he gave her a shy smile. “I do. They’re my favorites, too.” 

Despite his smile, Zelda couldn’t help but feel she’d somehow upset or disappointed him. “Did I do something wrong?”

Link shook his head slightly and cleared his throat, a hopeful glint in his blue eyes when he looked at her. “Do you know what it means to give chocolates on Sowing Day?”

“Pruce said women gave gifts to show their appreciation. I bought Purah a plushie and Symin a plant. With your sweet tooth, I thought you’d like Gerudo chocolates.” Frowning, Zelda pulled her brows together when Link’s smile faltered, and the brief light in his eyes faded.

“Ah, I see.” Link nodded politely. “Thank you, Princess. We can enjoy them after dinner.”

He set the box aside and spooned rice and the creamy meat soup into their bowls. Zelda’s cheeks flamed, realizing she’d missed something significant regarding her gift, but she was too embarrassed to press Link further. They spent the remainder of the meal discussing how they’d spent their day. After cleaning up, Link declared he was tired from working in the garden all day and departed to the room he’d fashioned for himself in the lean-to behind the house. Zelda spent the night sleeping fitfully, wondering if she’d misinterpreted Link’s response to her gift.

The following day, Zelda rose, intending to ask Link again if he was all right, but found a hastily scrawled note on the kitchen table that he’d gone hunting and would be back later that evening. Sighing, she gathered her satchel and headed to the Ancient Tech Lab. Along the way, she greeted her fellow villagers with a friendly wave and nod. Once past the village proper, Zelda fretted over Link’s odd behavior as she trudged up the winding path, and the rising sun warmed the top of her head.

The clang of a hammer rang in the air before the building came into sight. Cresting the hill, Zelda saw through the open front door ten-year-old Purah standing at her lab table, fully absorbed in pounding a rectangular piece of metal. Spare circuits and wiring were spread over the surface, that wasn’t already covered with pages of schematics. As usual, Symin cataloged his specimens at the back of the room.

“Good morning, Purah and Symin.” Zelda smiled, pulling out the gifts she’d brought them. “Happy belated Sowing Day!”

Purah’s eyes lit up when she spied the sand seal. “Check it!” Grabbing the stuffed animal from Zelda, she ripped it at the seams and pulled out the stuffing. “I love it, Princess! This is just what I needed for my next project!”

“Ah, Princess Zelda, you shouldn’t have.” Symin’s cheeks pinked when he accepted the tomato plant.

“It’s the least I could do for all you two have done for me over the past year.” Their reactions were exactly how she’d hoped Link would have responded yesterday. Biting her lip, Zelda pulled her research journal and the Sheikah Slate out of her bag before stowing it beneath the lab table.

Ever observant, Purah instantly pounced on Zelda’s melancholy. “Is something on your mind this morning, Princess?”

Zelda shook her head as she laid the items on the table. “Oh, I was just thinking about Link. I gave him chocolates for Sowing Day, and he acted strangely.”

“Oh, snap!” Purah pushed her red glasses down her nose and leaned in, peering owlishly at Zelda. “You did what?!”

Taken aback by Purah’s reaction, Zelda flushed. “I gave him chocolates, as a gift, but he was… confused.”

“I bet he was!” Purah's snicker fueled Zelda’s blush. “Giving chocolates on Sowing Day is a romantic gesture!”

“It’s true!” Symin chimed in from his corner, cheeks reddening in sympathy to Zelda’s sudden plight.

“Romantic? I didn’t know that…” Zelda’s mind reeled as she processed this disturbing information. She’d grown to admire Link, but the thought of romantic love had never crossed her mind until now. Recalling the hopeful gleam in Link’s bright blue eyes, Zelda’s heart skipped a beat, and butterflies erupted in her belly. Had she confused platonic love for true love?

“Looks like our princess unintentionally confessed her love!” Purah gleefully clapped her hands and grinned mischievously, tearing Zelda from her reverie. 

Zelda’s cheeks flamed further, and her breath hitched in her chest. “Purah, please! I don’t even know if he feels the same!”

Emitting a most unladylike snort, Purah’s grin widened. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. Right, Symin?”

“It’s clear he’s smitten,” Symin agreed.

“What am I supposed to do now?” Zelda didn’t know how to face Link when he arrived home that evening. Just thinking about seeing him again suddenly made her heart race with nervous anticipation.

Purah tapped her finger against her lips, contemplating the question. After a moment, her eyes brightened, and she waved her pointer finger flamboyantly in the air. “Actions speak louder than words. I say, lay one on him.” 

Zelda gasped, shocked by Purah’s proclamation. “Are you suggesting I kiss him?!”

Purah shrugged. “Why not? Link may be courageous, but he’ll never make the first move. It’s up to you.”

As it was, Zelda could hardly focus on her research for the remainder of the day as visions of what kissing Link would be like consumed her. Finally, she gave up making any progress and headed home. However, as she was passing East Wind, an idea came to her, and she took a detour to purchase a few cooking supplies. The knowing smile Pruce gave her as he wrapped up the goods made her cheeks burn. It seemed an affliction she couldn’t shake today.

At home, Zelda prepared her recipe in the cooking pot outside their house, and sat by the fire occasionally tasting and idly stirring the contents. 

When Link arrived a while later, he paused a few feet from Zelda. Dropping the boar slung over his shoulder, his nostrils flared, sniffing the rich scent filling the air. “That’s… a lot of chocolate.”

Zelda lifted her head to meet his steady gaze. “It’s a fraction of how much I think I may be in love with you.”

If the confection she’d made weren’t already tempered, Link's bright smile would have done the trick. Standing to close the distance between them, the taste of chocolate was still on her lips when Zelda kissed him.

End Cut Scene:

After Zelda left, Purah turned to Symin, a mischievous glint back in her ruby eyes. “If things turn out how I suspect they will, I can’t wait to see what Link gives the Princess on Harvest Day!” 

Her expression turned thoughtful as she eyed Symin. “Speaking of, what are you getting me for Harvest Day, Symin?”

Purah cackled delightedly at the crimson flush coloring Symin’s cheeks that perfectly matched the setting sun.

Author’s note: I loosely based the Sowing Day/Harvest Day Hateno tradition on the Japanese Valentine’s Day/White Day tradition.

[adrift-in-thyme]

Congrats on the follower milestone Trin!! :D

For a fic request, maybe some slightly angsty zelink? I don’t care which flavor, or if it’s lu or not, but I love the way you write them so much <3

-Sky Floor

Tysm Peggy!! <3

I cooked up some Hyrule Warriors Zelink cause I can never resist writing them (plus your update of Castletown Wedding gave me all the feels about them). I hope you enjoy!

CW for mild descriptions of injury

——————————-

Another traitor attack.

The news sets Zelda’s blood boiling. It isn’t an unusual occurrence, at least not lately, but it is an infuriating one nonetheless. To think that the people of Hyrule — her people — would turn on their captain in such a way is incomprehensible to her.

He is the man protecting you, she inwardly berates them as she walks across the camp. It takes every royal bone in her body not to storm toward the medical tent. He is the man ensuring your kingdom does not fall into ruin beneath the hands of a maniac. Use your strength to attack her, to defeat her. Not to tear him apart.

But the traitors are not before her. They do not hear. They are undoubtedly miles away by now, running from the soldiers she had sent after them.

She breathes in a deep, steadying breath. The troops she had spared for that task are loyal and strong. She can only hope that that is enough to bring about some small justice. Perhaps, if the traitors are brought to pay for their crimes, others will be less hasty toward such acts of violence going forward.

But that is a thought for the future. Right now, at this moment, the captain is her priority.

The medical tent is before her. She pushes aside the flap.

The medics stand at attention as soon as she enters, dipping into low bows and straightening stiffly. She waves them aside.

“Give us a moment, if you please.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

Dutifully, they slip from the tent and Zelda turns her attention to searching for the person she came to see.

Her eyes find him easily even in the soothingly dim lighting. He lies on a bed mat in the center of the large tent, shirtless, bandages criss-crossing his torso. His face is pale, and he is holding what appears to be a small bag of ice to his swollen eye. But when he sees her he grins.

“Hi there, princess.”

“Hello, captain.”

She kneels beside the mat, pointedly ignoring the pain in her chest at the sight of him. His state is even worse up close. Her captain should not look like this — as though rising alone will be too much. Even his eyes, normally so vibrant and bright, are glossy with pain and exhaustion.

“Please tell me you didn’t spare a moment from your busy schedule to check on me,” he murmurs and though he is still smiling, she knows that the statement is a serious one.

“Why should I not? You are the captain of the army and you are injured. That is an important matter to be sure.”

“An important matter, huh?” He shifts, then groans. “Don’t worry over me, Your Highness. I’m alright. Just wasn’t expecting to get jumped while walking through Castle Town in broad daylight.”

Zelda is certain that her blood has begun to boil again.

“We are alone,” she says, moving to rearrange the blankets more comfortably over him. “You can lay aside formalities. To you, I am just Zelda.”

Gently, she moves his hand away from the ice and removes it, inspecting the swollen skin beneath. His eye is completely shut. The wound is no doubt painful. Just like all of the others.

Her fingers brush his cheek as she removes her hand. His breath hitches audibly.

“And to you, ” he murmurs, eye never leaving hers, “I am just Link.”

The slightest smile lifts her lips. “Well, Link, I believe you should know that we will be apprehending the traitors soon. I sent my best men after them.”

Instantly, Link’s expression closes off.

“You didn’t have to do that, Zelda. We need all of our men to give us a fighting chance against Cia.”

“Our men need their leader to give them a fighting chance,” she retorts. “And those who tried to take your life almost deprived them of that.”

She pauses, head bowed.

“And nearly deprived me of a friend.”

Link blinks. He opens his mouth to speak, but Zelda plows on.

“I will not lose you, Link.” She raises her head, fire in her eyes. “This great evil that we fight seeks to tear us all apart. It will succeed if we allow it. So, we must protect one another, no matter the cost. Otherwise, we will never win this war. And — ” She leans forward. “— I refuse to emerge victorious at the cost of your life or your freedom and happiness.”

Link is quiet for a long moment, gazing at her with emotions surging and waning across his ashen face. Then, slowly, he reaches out. Trembling fingers entwine in hers. She clasps her hands around them.

“I can’t lose you either,” he whispers and she swears there are the beginnings of tears amidst that crystal blue. “I won’t.”

He swallows, a slight grin making its way onto his lips. “I’m gonna win this war for you, Zel, I promise. I won’t let Cia destroy our home, or anyone else’s.”

“I know.” She squeezes his hand. “I know, Link. I only ask that you do not destroy yourself while doing so.”

“I’ll do my best.” He smirks. “You and Mask would team up and murder me again me if I got myself killed.”

“Indeed, we would.”

As we should.

“You should sleep now,” she says, gently. “You need your rest.”

As if in response to her words, he yawns. Zelda chuckles.

“I can see that you are as exhausted as I suspected. I will leave you in peace.”

She starts to rise, but his grip on her hand suddenly tightens. A pleading look makes its way onto his face. It is almost out of place upon a visage usually occupied by steadfast determination and infallible confidence. But even her captain is a human. Zelda knows that better than most. And no matter how he tries to hide it, this newest glimpse into his people’s sentiments about him has shaken him.

“Could you…can you please…” His cheeks flush and abruptly, he lets go. Just like that, his face is a mask, once more. “I apologize, princess. Thank you for coming to see me.”

Zelda remains motionless for a few short moments, weighing her options. Then, she makes her decision.

“On second thought, given your injuries, I believe it would be best if I stayed a little while longer.” She settles back down by his side, a small smile on his face. “At least until Mask and Toon arrive.”

It is muted, but she swears something bright enters Link’s gaze before he looks away. A flush is still on his cheeks, an almost embarrassed smile on his face.

“Are you certain? You don’t have to. Truly, I’ll be alright.”

“One can never be too cautious, captain.” Zelda’s smile widens. “After all, did I not just say that we must protect one another?”

Link grins. “Indeed, you did.” He sighs and lets his eyes slip closed. “And you’re right. That’s the only way we’re gonna make it through this.”

“Yes,” Zelda murmurs as his breathing levels out, expression going slack. He looks so vulnerable this way. So human. So much more than merely a hero.

Cia would never understand the complexity of the person she seeks to claim.

He shifts and his bangs drift into his face. Ever so gently, she brushes them aside.

It is true. The only way we will succeed is by staying together.

Link turns into her touch and she smiles, something warm spreading in her chest.

And perhaps, that will not be so hard.