#her zora child will be named after mipha

[noirandchocolate]

All the Champions’ demises at the Blights’ hands are tragic, but Mipha’s is forever the one that fucks me up the most when we play BotW because out of the group she is the only one that, one hundred years after the Calamity, should not be dead.

By the time that the game is taking place, Urbosa, Revali, and Daruk would have passed of old age even if things had gone right. But Mipha would still be in her early prime. Not even Queen of the Zora yet! Now that’s not to say her death is more compelling simply because she had a longer possible lifespan ahead of her. All of our companions were taken unjustly, too soon. No, what destroys me about her story every time is that…

Mipha has living family and friends.

The others are celebrated among their people, but only the Zora explicitly have citizens who personally remember their Champion. While Daruk has an entire mountain carved in his likeness, Revali has many admirers among the Rito, and Urbosa’s people speak her name with reverence, Mipha is still actively mourned. By people who knew and loved her.

Her now elderly teachers, who remain angry over her untimely loss. Her young-adult peers who recall playing with her and Link as kids. Sidon, who still wears the whistle he had as a child and who, after you complete the Vah Ruta mission, never tears himself from the plaza before his sister’s statue. King Dorephan, who asks Link about Mipha’s fate, because even after a century, he never fully gave up hope that she might be trapped, but alive.

Mipha should not be dead, but she is, and her death remains a fresh wound.

And she knows it, too. And that’s why, even when her spirit is freed, unlike with the others her story has such an air of melancholy amid the eventual triumph. She looks down upon the Domain from atop Vah Ruta, and…

“Father…are you well, I wonder? I want you to know... I have always followed my heart. I'm sorry I made you worry... I wish I could see you again... Even just once more..."

She could be there. With her father, with her little brother who is so big now, and who is trying so so hard to be like his sister. But she’s not. And she is terribly missed in a way that’s unique among the Champions.

God, it just rips my heart to pieces.

#kidk says stuff #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #this post brought to you by I’m watching olizandri’s let’s play of age of calamity and crying over Mipha and Sidon’s scenes together

[multbasa]

Tears of the Kingdom confirms that 100 years old is about middle age for Zora which is perfectly in line with what information we had been given in BotW regarding Zora age and growth.

Rivan was the only Zora to give a concrete age being "over 130" and claimed that he and Link swam together as childhood friends when Link stayed at the Domain along with the rest of the "Big Bad Bazz Brigade".

"Well, it has been 100 years since then. And now I'm over 130 years old..." / "We used to swim together when I was but a child... Remember?" –Rivan

Furthermore, Rivan has a daughter named Dunma who was very adamant about being not yet 100 years old. She claims that she doesn't speak like those over 100, and now in TotK, another Zora mentions that Zora over middle age of 100 speak differently, more "eloquently".

"We Zora tend to speak more eloquently after reaching middle age." / "I hope that when I reach 100 years, I will also speak as beautifully as our elders. Unless that is too...OLD-fashioned, heh." –Fronk (TotK)

[edit: I got the quote off my Switch after work]

It's hard for me to tell in English, so I can't tell whether Dunma has changed her manner of speech which could suggest she is now 100 years old—she didn't seem that far from the milestone in BotW.

"*sigh* Let's just say I'm less than 100 years old. Can't you tell?" –Dunma

So we can get a good picture of Zora age to maturity with Rivan: he was over 130 in BotW, his daughter was under 100 meaning that he conceived her in his 30s to 40s which suggests that full Zora adulthood is about that age like adult humans hitting about 20 years old. For simplicity, I assume Hylian 20 is about Zora 40.

We can use Rivan to determine how old he was when he called himself a child using Link's age. I assumed that Link was younger than Zelda at first because he is so short, but it turns out he is older since Paya's age was actually influenced by Link so that there be a character around his age:

"Initially, Paya was to be a very young girl, but due to a lack of girls around Link's age in the world, she was changed to be a young woman between 18 and 20 years old." –Creating a Champion

So I will assume Link is about 19 for simplicity.

If Link was 19 during the Calamity and was 4 when he first arrived at the Domain, then 15 years ago, Rivan who was (approximately) 35 during the Calamity would have been 20 years old. Considering that he was approaching 40 when he had Dunma, 20 years old for Zora may align with Hylians at 10 years old.

Since Rivan belonged to a group of friends along with Link, they were probably around a similar age. That includes Gaddison and Bazz in the "Big Bad Bazz Brigade"

"I must ask something of you, traveler. If you know it, speak it now. What is the Big Bad Bazz Brigade password? Fluffy white clouds! Clear blue..." [Zora] "Yes! There is no mistaking it! You are, indeed, the real Master Link!" / "[It's true.] I knew it! The only people who know that password are members of the Big Bad Bazz Brigade!" –Bazz

I will also include that Mipha died very young for a Zora since her spear is meant to accentuate her youth being taller than she is. Her short hight is a large part of it, but did you know that initially the adult Zora were meant to lose their tailfin? In the Creating a Champion book, the standard adult Zora design doesn't have a tailfin and their is a comment on the child Zora concept art states that all child Zora have the tailfin "like Mipha". This tailfin detail was not kept since all the Zora have tailfins in the game probably because their bare butts look pretty funny, haha.

Since Rivan had a child in his 30s-40s quite soon after Calamity while Mipha was still so short, it seems that she was younger than Rivan.

It's hard to put a number on Mipha's age since we don't know when Zora hit that "growth spurt", but it is safe to say that she is in the middle of that growth. She did say that Link always seemed to grow a lot faster than she did, so this growth that she is going through isn't very fast compared to Hylians.

...

I would like to mention the elder Zora especially Dorephan who was incorrectly depicted in Age of Calamity. Age of Calamity simply reuses his model from BotW, but it is wildly inaccurate to how he is described 100 years ago in BotW.

The elder Zora seen in BotW were in their prime during the Calamity 100 years ago. Their generation was the one defending the Domain at the time, and Dorephan was described fighting a Guardian some time after the Calamity which resulted in his forehead scar seen in BotW. This event is stated to have happened 100 years after he became king and since Sidon appears to be taking on that title in TotK (I haven't finished the Domain, so this was gleamed from his appearance in the last trailer), then it may be safe to assume that Dorephan was about a similar age to Sidon when he became king being over 100 years old (middle aged).

"Around 100 years after King Dorephan ascended to the throne, a stray Guardian crossed Upland Zorana into our domain." / "You can still see the scar he earned that day on his forehead—a token of his triumph." –History of the Zora, Addendum 1

Rivan is yet again a good example of Zora age and maturity since his father Trello is in BotW and is wrinkled and old like the other elders while he and his daughter look quite similar in age.

This shows that Dorephan who is part of the same generation as Trello would not be so old 100 years ago like he was depicted in AoC—with that forehead scar no less. (I liked AoC but this detail irritates me)

Considering the info available to us in BotW and TotK, Dorephan is likely over 200 and is in his elder years. It is safe to assume that Zora pass away before reaching 300.

So there you have it, an analysis on Zora age and maturity. They are still considered children in their 20s while they reach maturity around 40, they are middle aged at 100 and die of age before 300.

#breath of the wild #tears of the kingdom #botw #totk #the legend of zelda #zelda #zora #mipha #king dorephan #sidon #zora age

[eve-of-halloween]

TOTK/Tears of the kingdom spoilers below the read more (Zora Domain)

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- (edit made as well. art below)

Ok so While the reveal of his fiance/wife Yona hit my Sidon simpin ass like a fucking freight train. I’m actually not angry about it. There’s a part of my heart screaming it should a been me and a part of it going “good for my boy.”

while its an arrange marriage which makes alot of sense given that he is royalty and this is not the first time its been used. I actually genuinely like Yona. She’s really sweet and really cute and I like that she’s not afraid to to be like “JUST DO IT!”

My biggest issue with her in all honesty is just some color choices. I would a made her just a little less saturated to work better with the render engine and personally would have done yellow dots over her eyes as I’m not feeling the pastel pink. But that’s minor nitpicks that do not hinder her for me. (tho I do wish some of the plot/dialogue was written a little better i feel they made the Zora talk to one another way too formally even people who are close. I personally would a liked more organic speech but that’s more an issue with the writing) And I love the sidlink ship too. I adore so many sidlink artist as well. But what I do not like at all is how much hate I’ve seen to Yona. Like she doesn’t deserve all the hate. I also do like the idea some people have that Link and Sidon are more brothers than lovers due to Link being betrothed to his sister Mipha.

I like both sides of the exploration with sidon and link be it romantic or platonic in nature. But i really don’t like some of the nasty views I’m seeing stir up. Tho the welcome home cheater memes funny as hell to me. but all the hate i’m seeing for Yona does full my spite NexGen tendencies and I am very tempted to make them a child who is named Link because Sidon would 100000% name his kid after link. EDIT: Caved and made him. Meet Prince Link. I’ll develop him more after I finish my last batch of commissions.

Used design elements from his Parents and Grandfather. Green and Banded like his mother (saturation duller and darker tones due to his fathers coloring) With Cyan and yellow fins like his Father’s family and his father’s face and golden eyes, but with a head tail much like his grandfather’s.

#totk #totk spoilers #zelda totk #tears of the kingdom #tears of the kingdom spoilers #spoilers #zelda tears of the kigndom spoilers #prince sidon #king sidon #yona the zora #sidon the zora #zora #prince link the zora #nextgen #next generation #ng oc #ng #king dorephan #queen yona #botw #botw2 #sketch

[thediminishedheretic]

Pretending Zelpha is Canon: Part 1

You know the Mipha's Grace cutscene where Mipha is healing Link on top of Vah Ruta? Well, she never actually says Link's name in the custcene.

But you know who else in the game could easily fit into that cutscene with nothing changed?

Zelda.

"This reminds me of the time we first met. You were just a reckless child . . . always getting yourself hurt at every turn"

As a princess, Zelda would have probably spent quite a bit of time in the domain with Mipha, who is also a princess around her age (at least in terms of maturity and Zora years).

They easily would have met as children and spent substantial time together (you're going to need to build relations with the Zora if you want to fight the Calamity together).

And Zelda is kinda reckless in the game: she's a scientist (she would definitely get injured doing science), she abandoned Link to travel to Gerudo Town and almost got killed by Yiga in the process, fainted in freezing waters from desperation to unlock her powers, tried to make Link eat a frog, etc.

"Maybe things can go back to how they used to be when we were young"

This line could easily be about how Dorephan let them have fun together when they were younger but as they both grew up they had to get more involved in politics and spend less time doing what they wanted together.

By why would Mipha say this to Link if she was talking about Zelda?

BECAUSE MIPHA WAS PRACTISING WHAT SHE WAS GOING TO SAY TO ZELDA WITH LINK

And that's why she pauses and sometimes repeats words in the cutscene. She's still trying to get the right words out, and still feels nervous.

She's a princess, and Kass says in the Champions Ballad DLC that she was kind but also known to be quite strict. So wouldn't she be more eloquent if she meant those words to be for Link? (notice the difference between her lines after death and lines in the cutscene)

Also, people do ramble a lot to Link. He's a good listener. So it's entirely plausible that he would help her out like that, that's the kind of bestie he is.

This (delusional) interpretation of the scene can even connect to the Champions Ballad DLC!

Mipha has a line where she tells Link to, "tell the princess that I wish I could have told her . . . all of the things I never said".

But like, how would Link know all the things Mipha wished she could have told Zelda?

Because Mipha literally said those things! Right to his face! In the cutscene!

In summary, the Mipha's Grace cutscene is totally about Mipha practising her confession to Zelda with Link.

Thank you for making it this far, this ramble was brought to you by a delusional Zelpha shipper.

#legend of zelda #breath of the wild #loz #botw #mipha #botw zelda #miphzel #zelpha

[sherbet-shark]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#sidon x yona #tears of the kindom spoilers #Queen Yona #king sidon #prince sidon #loz totk #sherbet writes #botw mipha #legend of Zelda #botw

[carriedreamerxx]

-Sleep-

****

The house was humble and not at all worthy but… 

He needed to get her warm and so this would just have to do. Her ceremonial garb was in tatters, his own tunic was torn beyond repair, but by the Gods he was going to try. 

He could see their eyes on him, his friends, his colleagues, were they at last at peace? Did they see Link struggling to get up a mere flight of stairs holding their own beloved Princess by the waist with every ounce of his remaining strength. 

"Link…" her voice was weak, and exhausted and propriety be damned -! 

He swept her into his arms fully and crossed the last few steps towards the bed, under the watchful eye of Lady Urbosa who had likely already cursed Link's ill mannered handling of her precious little bird. 

…. A fitting name really, especially at this moment, she shivered on Link's worn sheets, as he knelt at her side. 

"Princess." He murmured. "We need to get you warm, will you accept my cloak?" 

"Link…"  was her only answer. 

I will take that as a yes.

He swept his cloak off and covered in mud as it was, it was at least of thicker material than the thin silk of her gown. 

…he hated this gown. Was it wrong he hoped it would be deemed unsalvageable and that they would have no choice but to throw the wretched thing in the fire. 

A gown to honor the living goddess… 

More like a damned funeral shroud. 

Her skin was cold when he removed her sandals, the leather thongs so tight and frayed, they were cutting into her flesh, he bit back a curse. 

These he threw down to the bottom floor, these he swore would be repurposed. He'd buy instead the softest leather boots he could afford and once word arrived from Impa and the Sheikah escort came to collect the Princess… 

She was still shivering, she'd barely gotten that last whispered plea out before she'd collapsed into his arms, and… 

I didn't answer. 

There hadn't been time. Gods forgive him she'd gone down so fast and what had his first instinct been but to trust in his steed to get them to safety-!

Safety as in Kakariko not… 

A mountain homestead was not the right place for a princess to recover from a twisted ankle let alone a one hundred years constant vigil-! 

I didn't even sweep the damn floor! 

Again those eyes bore down on him, he could almost feel the piercing gaze of Revali especially - 

Fool. 

She was asleep at least. Her breathing was steady, he wondered when she'd wake up, the days after the blights despite his best efforts almost always he'd been swept into town and Link had slept like a lazy dullard for hours he'd never get back! 

Hours….the princess could never get back. 

Fool. 

"Aye, I'm a fool Master Revali, I admit." 

Don't be so hard on yourself. 

His lip curled wanly, "You say that Princess Mipha but you're a wee bit biased it seems." He shifted his gaze to the other tattered silver and blue Zora armor hanging in the makeshift closet. The chainmail was in pieces from a silver Lizalfos bite and tear, that's what he gets for playing cuckoo with a damned mean lizard with a pointy stick in your face. 

That wasn't that smart little guy. 

"Aye, I know Daruk." Link sighed and crossed his arms. "I know." 

The floor was dusty. His clothes were everywhere. The flower on the table was droopy. By Hylia's mercy was Link a grown man or a wee child! 

This is not a place for a Princess to wake up in. 

At the very least he'd dust a bit in here. So what his own limbs ached, he had slept but last night when was the last time his-....the Princess had slept?

What had even happened to her - how was it she looked yet the same? 

Link…Link was no scholar, aye truth be told Link could barely spell but…these were mysteries far too advanced for even the most brilliant of castle theologians let alone…a simple young man from Hateno. 

Her wisdom, what he could remember of it at least, transcended time and spirit. She knew both the old and the new, what once was all the way to what must be-... She'd sacrificed…so much. 

…so much. 

The least she could have is a nice clean house to wake in. 

"Link…" 

He froze in mid step. 

"...princess?" He murmured. Her voice was small…thin with fatigue, her eyes were still closed, was she even aware? "Please rest." He whispered back. 

"...Link." Another whisper. 

"Aye, I'm right here Princess."

"....Link." it sounded yet so... Sad. He frowned.

"...what can I do? She sleeps so fitfully I don't want to see her in any more pain, how can I make her see she's... She's free?"

"Stay with her. " The voice in his ear was low. Maternal. "You have done already what must be done, now stay with her Link."

".... Link."

He took a step closer. "Princess, you must rest. Please, it is over now and you have had a long trial now please milady…rest." 

".... Remember…me." 

"... I do. I do Princess. I remember not much… if anything… but I do remember you." 

"....Link. Don't…don't leave." 

He drew the blankets further over her before dragging a chair over. 

"I won't. Never again. I swear it. Now please, just rest. I'll be right here when you wake up. I promise."

Her hand was soft, and so….so damned small yet he knew within dwelled a power so profound it had saved them all…kept them safe for one hundred long…long years. 

She had kept the beast at bay…Link had merely come in with a sword and swung it at the right time. 

"The hero of Hyrule…" he murmured. "Aye Zelda… you are indeed." 

****

Word count: 950 words

Fandom: Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild .

Notes: I'm a sucker for these two - at this point I'm going to do drabbles and one shots for them every time I have writers block lol

...which is a lot. Lol ah well.

#my writing #legend of zelda #legend of zelda fanfiction #botw zelink #drabbles #zelink

[alasse-earfalas]

Miphlink is grooming and we need to acknowledge this.

Unintentional grooming, yes. But it's still grooming.

I used to be sympathetic to Miphlink. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I had no real issue with it. I thought it was cute and a valid possibility and merrily went on my way.

But then I read Mipha's diary. And learned that she and Link had first met when he was four years old. After that, I noticed other things, other examples that made it clear that they had known each other since Link was a child and Mipha was not.

To be clear: I do not view Mipha as a bad person. I do believe that, being a Zora, she had no understanding of what she was doing. However, that does not change the fact that a romantic relationship between the two would be very very bad for Link. If Link did return Mipha's feelings, given her presence as a regular teenage or adult influence in his life while he was growing up, then that would mean that Link was successfully groomed by her.

"But the diary isn't canon!! It's just DLC, it doesn't count!!"

Fine, let's ignore that. What about Link's memory of her in the base game?

In that memory, Mipha mentions that she's been healing Link since he was a child. Zora age much slower than Hylians. Based on the approximate ages of the other Zora pre-vs-post Calamity, if we estimate a roughly 10:1 ratio (10 years of growth for a Hylian = 1 year of growth for a Zora), then that means that, mentally, Mipha had matured less than two years from the time she was frequently healing Link's wounds as a child, to the time that she was crushing on him and making him the Zora equivalent of an engagement ring.

She was a regular teenage or adult influence in his life when he was a child. This is canon.

"But Link feels the same way!!"

First of all, if true, all that would mean was that Link was successfully groomed. Which, we can all agree that's wrong, right? (Right??)

Secondly, the more attention you pay to what happens in the game, the more it becomes clear that Link did not have romantic feelings for Mipha. All signs, instead, point to him seeing her as a beloved older sister.

He saw her as family.

Having lost an older sibling myself, Link's reactions to everything he hears about Mipha in BotW is exactly in line with what one would expect from someone who was experiencing that kind of loss. Link being visibly distressed, shaking from grief, after the memory. Defending her name from an ignorant passerby. Telling her father that he'll never forget her; or, alternatively, reminding her father (or possibly even consoling himself) that they are united now, both from Link receiving the magic of Mipha's Grace, and in the purpose of defeating Ganon, along with the other Champions.

Romantic feelings are never mentioned.

#legend of zelda #botw #botw link #botw mipha #alassë rambles #sorry just had to get this off of my chest #it's such a squicky ship for me #and yet I see it defended everywhere #nobody wants to admit that it's grooming #and I find that deeply disturbing #again I don't hate Mipha #in fact her archetype is one that I typically really like #what I hate is that people act like this ship is okay #or that it's cute #when it would mean that a child was groomed by a caregiver #and that should never be okay

[avionvadion]

Okay. So ya’ll know how in AoC Terrako just… time travels, abducts the new champions, and tosses them in the past- thus creating a new branching timeline??? Similar to how the “adult” and “child” timelines are a thing???

Imagine Iliana figuring out how to play the Song of Time and Hylia deciding to just yeet her into the past the second she gets the notes right.

She would be so confused.

One second she’s playing by the statue, the next the statue’s gone. Sidon is a baby. Mipha’s alive. Link has no scars and is no longer missing part of an ear. King Dorephan doesn’t recognize her. Zelda hasn’t awakened her powers yet.

Doesn’t take long to figure out what just happened.

But oh BOY she has no idea to get back. How doth one play the Song of Time backwards??? Will Hylia even let it work if she tried??? No idea. Probably not. Iliana has many concerns.

Her biggest one, though, having not met Terrako yet as she appeared in the Zora’s Domain, is how the she’s gonna keep Mipha alive. Also who keeps giving baby!Sidon weapons ten times his size???

Iliana: “What are you holding?”

Baby!Sidon, ready to go hunt a Lynel: “A spear.”

Iliana: “No-!”

Also lowkey Mipha wondering if she’ll ever get to see Iliana in the future and Iliana honestly not knowing because her being there is literally due to divine intervention, and with the champions saved there’s really no reason for Hylia to save her life in a hundred years.

Iliana: “…Okay, so, give it like… ninety-seven, ninety-eight years. Lurelin Village. To be safe. Because in a hundred “I” might be dead.”

Mipha: “What.”

Iliana: “Yeah, no, it’s a whole thing. Pretty sure Bokoblins are the cause. Anyway; go to Lurelin, find a pair of twin boys; they’re “my” little brothers. “I” should be there too. Link won’t be there for me to travel with to get me to go to Zora’s Domain since he’ll be an old man, so ya’ll are gonna have to search for “me”, lol.”

Que Mipha being confused in 98 years after Sidon returns from Lurelin with two tiny twin kiddos and a woman who should be Iliana but is named Iliandra, and they all look like they’ve been through hell- with the exception of Sidon, who appears very angry over something.

And then Mipha raging when Sidon tells her what happened and she just fucking adopts Sarian and Medkah right off the bat because how dare anyone hurt a child, they’re her kids now, she’s healing them and raising them, and no one can tell her otherwise. Grandpa Link is amused.

Iliandra has absolutely no idea why she’s here in Zora’s Domain or why a pair of shark siblings are being very doting and protective towards her and her lil’ twin bros, but anywhere is better than where they were before.

Also they’re very pretty.

Iliandra did not know she had a thing for Zora until ten foot tall gentle giant Sidon showed up in Lurelin and just fucking growled at her parents, showcasing his very pretty and very sharp teeth, before telling her he was here to take her and her brothers somewhere safe and she just went, “y’know what? Sure.” because she was literally debating whether she should try running away soon when he appeared. A shark man can’t be worse than her parents, right???

She just wasn’t expecting him to be a prince.

A prince who is trying very hard to woo her, and is the absolute sweetest to her little bros. Also his sister, the crown princess, is so nice??? Mipha and her super old Hylian husband treat her like she’s an old friend. It’s kinda weird, but also Iliandra doesn’t hate it. Mipha makes sure Iliandra knows how to fight too, in case she ever gets attacked. Sidon teaches the boys how to use tridents.

Iliandra had no idea she was so good with a bow.

#my phone autocorrected Terrako to Terranort alsjsksnsks phone pls #botw aoc #BotW #BotW oc #loz age of calamity #older sidon shows up and sees Iliana coming to Mipha’s rescue ‘so this is where you were!!! I was worried’ :( #seconds after :D ‘let us three defeat the Waterblight together!! I know we can do it!’ #prince sidon #prince sidon x oc #princess mipha #I’m crying over how cute baby Sidon is like I just wanna pinch his chubby lil cheeks #srsly tho who keeps giving him weapons stop that he’s like two feet tall

[sunset-peril]

Successors - Chapter Three - In Ruta's Shadow

The Champion’s Festival. 

The rest of Hyrule might share a similar day of remembrance for the Calamity’s casualties, Horano did not know, but this one was strictly Zora. 

It was to honor the sacrifice of Princess Mipha, who surrendered her long life to a set of Hylians that had not done any grand endeavors to win her favor. 

Princess Zelda and Prince Link, they were dear friends of her lovely Mipha. But the elders had already turned against them. Stripped Link of his title, even. They were still angry about Mipha’s death, but Horano assumed they held a grudge against the gentle Wolfbred.

After all, he did reject Mipha’s marriage proposal. 

But in the Hylian prince’s defense, he was already engaged to another. It was only fair to Zelda, who may have even been with child by that time. Horano did not know whether the golden little woman was expecting at the time Mipha proposed to Link, but that changed nothing. Link was already engaged to her, and had he been in love with Mipha instead, he wouldn’t have said yes. 

Neither of them deserved the elder’s punishment, which involved “forgetting” to remember that Link was the Prince of Hyrule and Zelda’s husband. Not even Rhoam tried to make the world forget his daughter was married. 

No doubt the elders would work to change Hylian history in the minds of future Zora youth, but that would not work on her: the shadow of the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, inactivated in the Rutala Dam’s waters, reminded her of the truth. 

Horano truly believed that Mipha’s death was not a malicious act by either Link or Zelda, but rather a tragedy that was accounted for when Mipha accepted their plea. She was not a selfish soul, after all. While it did not lessen Horano’s mourning, especially on this special day, it was important to remember alongside. 

Zora were beginning to gather at Mipha’s newly-finished statue. She wondered why they did not gather at Vah Ruta. Later today, she decided, she would visit the place where her princess fell. As she went to pick up the Lightscale Trident, she stumbled upon the small Prince Sidon. “Oh, my prince. Are you alright?”

His young eyes looked up at her. “I miss Mipha…”

“I do too… we all do.” 

“Why did she go?”

“Because Hylia needed her…”

“Will Hylia need me?” His voice was so vulnerable. 

“I don’t know, Sidon… but maybe. You’re the future of the Domain, if by some reason the Royal Family survived, Hylia will likely need you to help the kingdom.” 

“Will I see Mipha again after?”

“Maybe. Only Hylia knows.” She braced his back. “But today, let’s celebrate your sister, how about that?”

…

Although the entire domain made an appearance at their late Champion’s statue, she was the only soul sitting in Ruta’s shadow. The quiet fit the somber mood, but she also wished someone had come. 

After all, what better way to remember a late Champion than by spending time at their Divine Beast?    

“Excuse me?”

Horano’s attention flipped to a tall woman standing at the entrance. At first glance, the woman’s clothing made her seem like a Hylian, but striking red hair and a muscled body revealed her to be a middle-aged Gerudo. She had been a confident soldier, it seemed, but she no longer had that Gerudo fury. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Would it be alright if I came and sat by Vah Ruta? I didn't know if it was Zora-only or not."

"You're welcome to sit here. It would be lovely." 

"Thank you, kind Zora." The Gerudo came and sat beside her, looking up at Vah Ruta. 

“If you don’t mind me asking, who are you?”

“My name is Esosu. Former Captain of the Gerudo Palace Guard.”

“You’re from Gerudo Town?”

“I used to be.”

Horano blinked in confusion. “Used to?”

“I fled when Chief Akeku succeeded Lady Urbosa. She rules the Gerudo with an iron fist, forcing them to abandon Hylia and Hyrule. I now live in Hateno Village, been there about a year.” 

“Ah! We share something in common. Our elders are trying to force us to forget that Champion Link was married to Princess Zelda and Prince of Hyrule. They are angry at him for refusing her marriage proposal and then taking her to that fateful battle.” 

“It’s sad enough that my people have turned against Hyrule. But the Zora have been long-term allies with them…”

“The King is still in favor of Hyrule, it is just some of our elders that are not.” 

“Ah!” Esosu nodded in some relief. “What is your name?”

“I’m Horano. I’m a guard for the Zora Palace.” 

“A small world!” Esosu declared with a few claps. 

“Indeed.” They looked back up and the elephantine mechanical beast that rested noiselessly in the reservoir. “Do the Gerudo visit Naboris?”

“Not that I am aware of. We tried to find it right after Lady Urbosa fell, but couldn’t find it in the blowing sand. I left shortly afterwards; I don't know if they ever found Naboris.” 

“How is the late prince’s family doing?”

Esosu startled a little at the sudden subject change, but promptly responded. “They still hurt. I don’t know if his father will ever heal… He didn’t lose just his son, but his son, his daughter-in-law, and their baby. I believe it was too much loss for his old heart. The Duchess will be alright, but I don’t think she’ll ever move on. Even a year afterwards, she still pulls me aside to show me something new that reminded her of her brother. The whole village still grieves, he was beloved by all of them.” 

"Ah," Horano sighed sadly. "I hope her father will soon find peace, and that she will heal enough to live. She's got so much life ahead of her, it all will be wasted if she can't move on from her past… when her brother was alive…"

Edited - 04/14/2024

#fanfiction #booksivewritten #legend of zelda #breath of the wild #successors hfs #successors #hyrule's final stand #zora oc #botw oc #mentioned mipha #prince sidon #horano #oc lore #lore building #world building #pre botw #pregnancy #zelink #mentioned zelda #mentioned link #tw death mention #esosu #mentioned sydnei imperial #divine beast #vah ruta

[karikitdemon]

Time to Wake Up

And more. This is the last one tho. What a ride. @eradition also, kinda sorta spoilers for the game at the end. Sorta.

———-

Link and Kari traveled to the last Divine Beast, Vah Naboris, on horseback as swiftly as they could. They stopped at a nearby stable for the night only to leave their horses behind and travel on foot to the Kara-Kara Bazaar. Kari chuckled, remembering when she first met Urbosa. She was wounded from a fight before entering the bazaar only for Urbosa to find her, bandage her up, and take her home.

“–ri?” Link called.

“Hah?”

“You okay? You kinda spaced out there.” Link asked, a bit worried about her.

Kari nodded. “I’m fine. Just feeling a bit nostalgic. It’s been over a hundred years since I’ve been here.” Kari gave a small smile. “Nothing’s really changed now that I look closely.” She giggled happily. The two went to the town, only to have Link be turned away due to the no voe rule. But Kari was allowed in. Link was left to find a way in on his own while Kari got information. She looked around and saw so many places that made her remember hanging out with Urbosa, or just doing her own thing. The shops, the open areas. It made her happy that it was all so familiar. Then she saw something near the center of town. A large carving on the ground of the town’s center. Kari gulped when she relized what it was. A carving of her symbols, which were shaped like waning crescent moons. A little explanation was written off to the side.

“This symbol is in remembrance of Champion Urbosa’s adoptive child, Kari. The girl who froze herself in time to prevent an enemy from threatening the champions from a possible early defeat. May she forever be remembered by the gerudo people and maybe even across all of Hyrule.” Kari gulped and stared at the carving for a while.

“Sav’aaq.” A woman called upon seeing the child staring at the ground. Kari looked up.

“Ah, Sav’aaq.” She replied fluently, startling the woman slightly.

“So fluent. Ah, sorry. I don’t meet many Sheikah vai who are that fluent with our language. Much less a child.”

Kari giggled. “I can only imagine.” She smiled kindly.

“I just came by to see if you wanted me to further explain the–” The woman gasped and widened her eyes slightly upon seeing the symbol on the child’s forehead, which was also on her torso, back, backs and palms of her hands, and tops and bottoms of her feet. That same symbol depicted on the ground. “P-pardon, what might be your name, young vai?”

“Kari.” She smiled. The woman widened her eyes more and bowed. “H-hey, n-no need to bow miss. But, Sarqso for the gesture.”

The woman stood. “My apologies. I-I just never thought I’d ever meet someone such as you.”

Kari smiled nervously. “Mama must’ve bragged about me while I was frozen. I swear to Hylia mama you can be a bit dramatic… She must’ve missed me. Can’t blame her.” She thought and sighed.

“Would you mind coming with me? I believe there is someone you should meet.” The woman escorted Kari to the chief’s house happily. There she was introduced to Riju.

“So, you are Kari. I’ve heard stories about you from my mother. She from her mother and so on.” She smiled kindly. “I never thought I would actually meet you. You are spoken of highly throughout the whole gerudo race to this day.”

“Oh boy, mama seriously. Even after one hundred years you still manage to embarrass me.” Kari chuckled shyly. “W-wait. If you heard stories of me through your mother, and she before her… Nah, probably just rumor or spread of the stories.”

“If you are suggesting that Lady Urbosa and I are related, then yes. Though, you would have been the younger sister to my ancestor. Urbosa’s birth daughter left on a journey to find a husband long before you arrived in Kara-Kara Bazaar and met Lady Urbosa.” Riju giggled. “Anyway, I suppose your fight with that follower of ganon went well? Core, am I right?”

Kari, who was still shocked she had an older sister at some point, shook her head. “N-no.” She replied. “Well, I dunno. When I unfroze from energy loss Link managed to chase him off since I had gotten weak. It’s hard maintaining a small area frozen in time. I’m surprised I stayed that way for so long.” She sighed.

Riju hummed. “Well, that is no good. But at least you are alive. That is something to be grateful for.” Kari nodded bitterly.

“I mean… I guess…” She replied. “Anyway, I’m here to get information on how to calm Naboris. Mama’s trapped there and I gotta help her.” Riju chuckled.

“I’ve heard of how determined you are, it’s very infectious.” The Gerudo Chief informed. Kari blushed. “Anyway, I know of a few things. It can’t be reached on foot so a sand-seal would be best for this trip. And since it uses lightning, you will not be able to get too close to it unless you want to be struck down on the spot.” She informed. That was when another vai walked in. Kari stared at the vai and sighed.

“… Looks good on him. Blue really brings out his eyes. Though he’s wearing it rather sloppily.” She thought, eyeing the disguised hero. Riju swiftly found out about Link’s identity and decided to have him stay, since he could calm Naboris. She gave them more information on how to approach the divine beast, using an item called the thunder helm, which could protect them from the lightning. However, the two would have to get it from the Yiga clan, who stole it from them. So, the two set out to get it. While exiting the building, Kari wrote something down on a piece of paper after hearing a woman pleading for help from a guard nearby. Something about her husband being ill and needing Molduga guts to cure him. Kari would do this while on the way to the Yiga clan hideout.

Not long later, the two encountered one. “Kari, seriously?!”

“Shut it, I won’t be long!” Kari called and raced towards the giant beast, swiftly killing it with a few hard hits from ranged attacks. It took her about thirty minutes to kill the beast, grab the guts and other items, and head back to Link.

“And you complain about my side quests.” Link huffed.

“Hey, this one was to save a man’s life. Yours were mainly about giant horses, rupees, and shrines.”

“Hey don’t hate my horse! He’s giant and strong and can easily plow through enemies!”

Kari rolled her eyes. “Yeh, and he’s also slow and doesn’t listen well.”

“Venice doesn’t listen. You even did that quest to get him.”

“Hey, Venice and I get along just fine thank you! Just because I bash you about your love for side quests doesn’t mean you can bash my horse!” The girl growled.

“Fine, fine. I will admit, I do more quests than you. But it does keep a stable income, so you shouldn’t complain too much.”

Kari grumbled. “Fine.” She looked around. “I think we’re close.” She mumbled and put her guard up. The two managed to sneak in and snoop around. They then found a secret area that held the leader, called Kohga. The three fought, ending in a victory for Link and Kari. They left, grabbing all of the Yiga clan’s loot along the way and their mighty bananas as well. Once finished they left back for town Kari gave the guts the woman who gave Kari three hundred rupees in return and said she would name her child after her, if she ever had one. Kari blushed at the outcome and watched the woman run off to get her things to head back to her husband. After that Link and Kari gave the helm back to Riju, who used it to help Kari and Link get on Naboris.It took some time, but the two managed to get on the divine beast and look around. Kari smiled widely as a memory resurfaced.

“Mama, what’s it like being a champion?”

“Hmm? Why do you ask?”

“It seems hard. I mean, it’s a lot of pressure, yeh?”

“Well, yes, it is a lot of pressure. The lives of so many people are riding on my and everyone else’s shoulders.”

“Sounds stressful. But you show so much passion in doing it.”

“Yes, it is stressful, but it is worth it. … Kari, listen to me. When you find something you are passionate about promise me one thing. Go for it. Full force. Put all of your passion, energy, everything into it. Work hard, be smart, be brave, don’t be afraid to take risks. But also take care of yourself and stay healthy. If you are truly passionate about something, the stress won’t really matter in the long run. You’ll hit rough patches and sometimes it will be hard, that is true for life. But that will make it much sweeter when you succeed.”

“I promise! If I ever find something like that I’ll work hard at it! Just like you, mama.”

“That’s my Vehvi.”

“Hey, Mama.”

“Yes hun?”

“You’re lap is super comfy.”

“Haha! It’s like a bed to you, isn’t it? I mean, you are rather small.”

“AM NOT! I’M A GIANT!”

Kari chuckled happily at the memory. “… I’ll work hard, mama.” She mumbled.

“Well, well, well. Link, I was wondering when you’d show.” Urbosa’s voice echoed followed by a gasp. “K-kari?!” She sounded surprised and relieved, yet also worried.

“Mama, I’m here. Don’t worry, Link and I will free you! I promise!” She called out and rushed onward with Link, getting the maps and terminals like with the other divine beasts then going to the last terminal. Kari narrowed her eyes, stopping Link before he activated the main terminal. “Link, if things follow the same pattern as the last three divine beasts.” Kari’s eyes showed pure rage. “Then I will take this enemy down. Alone. Please.” Link gulped and sighed.

“Kari… Just, please be careful. Okay?”

Kari chuckled. “If push comes to shove I’ll just freeze myself again for a while so you can kill it.” She replied.

Link sighed in defeat. “Please don’t let it come to that.”

“We’ll see.” Kari shrugged and Link activated the terminal. An enemy formed and Link took cover while Kari stood her ground, ready to fight.

“Kari, that is Thunder Blight Ganon. It is insanely fast, so be on your guard.”

The sheikah child nodded. “Hey!” Kari called. “You may be strong, but I’m stronger!” She roared, her eyes forming three silver rings around her pupils which were now slits. “Because I have a reason to fight!” Kari vanished and reappeared behind the beast, only to have it zip away. It then raced back to strike the girl, but she blocked and attacked with her scarf ends in the forms of blades. Kari was doing her best to keep up with the beast’s speed. Attacking, dodging, blocking, doing everything she could to avoid much damage. It eventually started to use metal pillars as lightning rods to get the girl down. Kari gulped and did her best to avoid the attacks, but she was struck last second by one of the attacks.

“KARI!” Urbosa called as the child yelped in pain. Kari laid on the ground for a moment, eyes wide as a bit of static circulated her body. Thunder Blight Ganon approached the child to finish her off. “KARI, GET UP!” Urbosa called. Link rushed in to attack, but was quickly shoved away by the enemy.

Kari groaned and shakily stood as Thunder Blight Ganon raised its sword to attack. The child smirked. “I’m not d-dyin here. N-not in front of mama. She won’t have to feel that pain again.” Kari managed, gripping her scarf. Both ends pierced through Thunder Blight Ganon and swiftly ripped through it, upward, killing it instantly. Kari gasped and stood on both feet while Link sighed in relief and reclaimed Naboris from Ganon.

Urbosa’s spirit then approached the two. Upon seeing Kari she gulped and raced to her. Kari did the same. The two cried and did their best to calm each other. “Kari, my sweet Kari. Are you okay? You’ve been eating enough, right? You look a bit skinny. Nothing broken? Are you warm or cool enough?” Urbosa asked.

“I’m okay Mama. Nothing’s broken. Link’s been making sure I eat enough. Yes I’m cool enough. And I’ve been this skinny for a while. It might be a temporary side effect of being frozen in time for so long.” Kari replied with a sniffle.

Urbosa sighed solemnly. “I-I’m so sorry you had to see me like this. I thought our reunion would be different.”

Kari sniffled, wiping her nose on her sleeve. “I-it’s okay mama. I’m-I’m just happy to see you, even if it’s just your spirit. But… I’m also sad because I’ll never be able to hug you again a-and you’ll move on without me eventually.”

Urbosa gulped sadly, collecting herself before speaking again. “Just because I’m dead physically does not make me dead permanently, Kari.” The child blinked out of confusion. “Someone only truly dies when they are forgotten. Not when they are killed. That person lives on in the memory of others. That is why I told stories about you to the gerudo people and to those who would listen. So, in my heart and theirs, you lived on. I was unsure back then if you were… physically gone. I knew you were just frozen but I was not sure if that would last, so I did what I thought was best.” Kari teared up and hiccuped.

“Aw, mama. Sarqso.” She smiled and hiccuped. “S-Sarqso.” She repeated.

Urbosa smiled happily as she saw her daughter’s pure smile for the first time in one hundred years. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

“I can only imagine.” Kari replied, wiping her eyes and nose again. Link sighed.

“Hey, uh, hate to break it to you guys. But we gotta go.”

Kari looked up at Link. “Ya know. I’ll stay here and talk with mama. You can go back and do those quests and shrines and all that. Okay? I… I wanna catch up with mama. Tell that to Riju too, I think she wanted to talk with me some more when shr had the chance.” Kari informed then approached Link and handed him a whistle. “Here. I made this myself. It has my power imbued in it so when you blow it I’ll hear you wherever you are and warp to you. Only use it when you’re about to fight Ganon, okay?” She informed and smirked. “Because I wanna help bring down the man or beast or whatever responsible for all of this.” She said. Link nodded and took the whistle.

“Got it. You take care of yourself. Okay?” Link smiled and waved goodbye to the two. Urbosa drove Naboris to a good spot to lock onto the castle and crossed her arms. Once that was done she sat down with Kari with a smile.

“So, where should I start? Oh I know, so I woke up about three months ago and–” Kari began telling Urbosa her adventures she had with Link happily. Making gestures and a few jokes and enjoying the time she had left with her mother. Eventually the time came when the two had to part ways so Kari could defeat Ganon with Link. It was a long and hard battle, but they won barely. As for Core, he was not seen or heard from. He must have fled when Ganon was sealed again. But, he might return when Ganon threatens Hyrule once again.

Years had passed since Ganon’s defeat. Kari was living in Zora’s domain with her husband, Sidon. She was now technically one hundred and twenty seven. She had gained a good amount of muscle from fights in the past and training as well as a few scars. Things were peaceful now, still a few monsters here and there, but still overall not as bad as they were. Everything was going well with Hyrule now.

“Mama!” A young voice called behind the sheikah woman as she walked home from training.

“Mama, mama!” Another voice called. The woman turned and smiled. A young gerudo girl and a young rito boy raced to her side. “Mama, what’s for dinner?” The rito boy asked with a smile.

“Not sure. How about you two help me decide?”

“I wanna eat something with volt fruit in it!” The gerudo girl giggled happily, her long hair flowing in the gentle breeze and her piercing teal eyes shimmered in the light of the sunset.

Kari chuckled and the rito boy huffed, ruffling his silver and white feathers. “No way, those are gross!” He stuck out his tongue in disgust while his sky blue eyes squinted slightly.

“Says you, Revba! Volt fruits are delicious!” The gerudo girl stuck her tongue out at her brother in a taunting manner.

“Stop that!” The rito boy growled, apparently named Revba, while ruffling his feathers more.

Kari chuckled and sighed. “Alright, settle down you two. Urboha, don’t antagonise your brother, you know how he hates it. Now come on, you are both helping me with dinner.”

“Yes mama.” The two called in unison, following the sheikah woman happily.

“Hey, hey mama.” Urboha called happily while pulling up her long hair into a high, floofy ponytail. “Tell us about granny Urbosa again while we cook! Please!”

“No, no, tell us about Great Uncle Revali!” Revba called while trying to flatten his feathers to the way he liked them. Kari rolled her eyes at the two.

“How about I tell you something else? Your father and I thought about adopting two more kids. A goron and a Zora. Maybe a third, a hylian. But nothing is certain.”

“Really?! Awesome!” Revba chuckled, a wide smile on his face. “I can’t wait to have a little sibling!”

Urboha smiled. “Yay, more siblings!” Kari giggled at her children’s happiness. “Hey, are we gonna see Uncle Link and Aunt Zelda any time soon? Or Uncle Yunobo? Or Aunt Riju? Or even Uncle Teba and Aunt Saki?”

“I dunno. Maybe. Your aunts and uncles are very busy you know. So if they can visit, I’m sure they will let us know.” Kari smiled. “Right, let’s get cooking. My mama taught me this recipe so it should be delicious.” Kari smiled and cooked with her two children, telling them stories about the champions from so long ago while doing so.

You’ve grown so much, Kari. I’m proud of the vai you’ve become.

#//i cry #urbosa #kari #kari named her gerudo daughter after urbosa #and her rito son after revali #her zora child will be named after mipha #and her goron child after daruk #aaah! #link #zelda #revali #teba #mipha #sidon #riju #daruk #yunobo #eradition #time to wake up

[maplemarcher]

Reconciliaiton

Words: 4,486

Rating: T

Warnings: Mild violence, blood

Summary:   rec·on·cil·i·a·tion/ noun 1.the restoration of friendly relations.

Notes: So, uh. I really love the roleswap au from @yumoirail​. I hope they like this, if they see it!

     It’s been one week since Ganon’s siege on Vah Ruta ended. Not a drop of rain has fallen in that time, allowing the ground to dry out and the swollen Zora River to slowly return to its natural state, banks once hidden by muddy flood waters revealing themselves once more and its current slowing. The divine beast that had previously instilled unease and dread upon all who looked at it stands proudly above the domain, trunk raised to the heavens and its sights set on Hyrule Castle, waiting for its companions to be brought back to the light and for the hero to venture into the castle’s depths and rid it of the dark force within. Repairs from the unprecedented torrent of rain are well under way. Joy has returned to the hearts of the people of Zora’s Domain as they feel the sun on their scales for the first time in what seems like an eternity.

     There is only one that still carries a considerable weight.

     Sidon spends his days on the perimeter of the domain, gazing out into the world beyond, wondering. His nights are spent either in the town square staring up at his sister’s statue or in his chambers, once more looking out past the borders of the land of his people. After seeing Ruta make its way to the mountaintop (by Mipha’s hand, who else could it possibly have been, only she could control it with such grace), he’d expected  to see Zelda again, despite what she’d said just before making her way inside the massive piece of ancient machinery. He’s desperate to know what had happened, if Mipha’s spirit is truly free, if there is even a tiny fraction of a threat still hanging over his people regarding Vah Ruta, if Zelda is—

     Sidon shakes his head and runs his hands down his face haggardly as he turns away from the railing of the balcony just outside his chambers. He shouldn’t care where Zelda is. He should be beside himself with joy that he’ll never have to see the one who failed his sister, failed all of Hyrule, and cost Mipha her life, ever again. Instead, he’s worried about her. He may even go so far as to say he misses her.

     The water of his sleeping pool is soothing as he steps into it, but it does nothing to clear his mind. Nothing has been able to that as of late—not having one-sided conversations with his sister’s likeness immortalized in luminous stone, not training with his spear until his arms tremble with exhaustion, not the thrilling weightlessness of the apex of an arc out of the water, just before the descent. His thoughts are occupied with golden hair and green eyes full of determination and sadness. The conversation he’d had with Bazz a few days prior plays over in his head.

     Hope. She gave me hope.

     Sidon sighs and walks down the steps into his sleeping pool, laying back and letting the water support him. If he floats in the right spot, he can see the night sky. The way the stars are glittering reminds him of the adornments on the Lightscale Trident. Memories of Mipha that belong to him rather than his father or the elders are few and far between, but he remembers watching her train rather clearly. She’d been unmatched in her spearmanship, her movements smooth and graceful, the trident shining as it arced through the air. Mipha’s prized possession hasn’t seen the sun in as many years as she’s been gone—it sits on a special mount in the armory, slowly gathering dust.

     A splash interrupts the silence as Sidon rises out of the pool and makes for his father’s chambers. King Dorephan is most likely asleep, but that doesn’t occur to him as he walks through the palace halls, water still dripping from his scales and void of any of his adornments. He knocks twice on the king’s chambers before entering, unsurprised to see him rubbing sleep from his eyes as he groggily lifts his head out of the water.

     “Sidon?” Dorephan says. “Is something the matter?”

      “It’s my doing that Zelda hasn’t returned,” Sidon says. “I treated her so harshly—I refused to let her near Vah Ruta, despite what you and Muzu said. Just before she entered it, she told me she wasn’t coming back, and she was gone before I could protest.”

     “My son. Calm yourself.” Dorephan swims to the edge of his massive sleeping pool where Sidon stands. “I am sure that you are not the only reason she has not returned. This place must hold many memories for her that are painful now, and she has other work to do.”

     “Even so, I want to make things right. The things I said to her, Father—I—”

     “My son,” Dorephan says again, softly. He rests one massive hand atop Sidon’s head. It’s an act he hasn’t performed in years, not since Sidon would easily fit in his whole hand. The prince can’t help closing his eyes and letting out a long, shaky breath. “I have not seen you so troubled in a long time.”

     “I feel like a fool,” Sidon confesses. “I spent so long blaming her for Mipha’s death and the state of Hyrule. The prince and other Hylians as well, but Zelda especially. I hated her, Father. The mere sight of her made my blood boil.”

     “As much as it saddens me to hear that, I do understand,” Dorephan says. “We lost so much. You lost so much. The influence of the elders certainly did not help.”

     “I shouldn’t have let their opinions become my own.”

     “You were a child, Sidon. You cannot blame yourself too much.” Sidon sighs once more and nods. “Now, while I do not at all mind you seeking comfort, I cannot imagine that is all you came for.”

     “Indeed,” Sidon agrees, straightening his spine as Dorephan returns his hand to his side. “As I said, I intend to make things right. While I can’t say my feelings toward Zelda are all positive, I can acknowledge that she was undeserving of my harsh words and disdain.”

     “I am glad you realize this,” Dorephan says with a nod. “How is it you intend to make things right?”

     “By giving her the Lightscale Trident,” Sidon answers. “I know you intended to gift it to her upon her return. It’s what Mipha would have wanted, and therefore it’s what I want.”

     “And you intend to deliver it to her?”

     “With your permission, yes. I—I want to see her myself. Whether she accepts them or not, I want to offer her my apologies personally.”

     “You are a noble soul, my son,” Dorephan says with a pleased chuckle. “You have not only my permission, but my insistence. With the threat from Vah Ruta lifted and many of the monsters around the Domain slain by the hero herself, we will be well protected.”

     “Thank you, Father,” Sidon says. “I promise not to be gone for too long.”

     “Take all the time you need.” There’s a twinkle in Dorephan’s eyes that Sidon can’t quite decipher, so he dismisses it for the moment. “She may be difficult to track down with that curious slate at her hip. Prepare for a long journey, and take heart.”

     “I will,” Sidon reassures. “I apologize for barging in at such a late hour.”

     “Not at all,” Dorephan dismisses with a wave of his hand. “You can always come to me.”

     Sidon smiles. “Yes, Father. I know.” He bids the king goodnight and turns to leave, only to be stopped by a call of his name just before the door.

     “I am proud of you, my son,” Dorephan says with a warm, if tired, smile. “I know you shall make a fine king someday.”

     Sidon is struck speechless by this. Rather than answer with his usual eloquence, he simply ducks his head and stammers out a thank you. Dorephan nods and slowly sinks back into his pool, and Sidon takes that as his dismissal. His father is snoring even before the door closes behind him.

     Sidon departs the Domain several days later, carrying the Lightscale Trident as well as his own spear and a silver bow. He also bears a bag packed for him by Kodah and Marot, one of the innkeepers and the owner of the general store, respectively. It contains all manner of supplies, cooking ingredients, and meals made for the road. His final and arguably most valuable gift is a small wooden chest contained in his bag that holds many an elixir crafted by Laflat. They’re different from the one Sidon had (begrudgingly) given Zelda at the start of her journey to the Domain—they actually work for Zora. Laflat had explained what she’d done differently—something about making the base with water from the Domain, or perhaps putting a few of her scales in the mixtures—but Sidon can’t recall exactly what she’d said. If he’s being honest, he’s not sure how much of it he understands. He isn’t unintelligent, but his mind is more catered to battle strategy than magic or science.

     Tracking Zelda down does in fact prove to be a tricky feat. For one thing, nearly everyone he approaches stares up at him with wide eyes and a slack jaw. He supposes that many of the people he encounters haven’t seen a Zora in person before, let alone one of his stature. When he does manage to get people to answer his questions about having seen Zelda, they give him vague answers, unable to remember her face in the sea of travelers they see each day. Sidon nearly gives up after days of unsuccessful searching, but the sight of Ruta in the distance is enough to spur him on.

     He’s lost track of how long he’s been gone when he sees a most unusual sight. From downriver, it had looked to be an enormous insect, but upon closer inspection, the creature stuck on its back and flailing on the bridge above him is a Hylian wearing a frankly enormous backpack in the shape of a beetle. Sidon leaps from the water and onto the rickety wooden bridge, landing just short of the Hylian’s head. He takes hold of the beetle backpack’s horns and pushes, helping the Hylian to stand upright.

     “Oh, thank you!” the Hylian says, dusting himself off.

     “No problem at all, my friend,” Sidon says with a smile. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you find yourself in that position?”

     The Hylian seems unfazed by his height or the fact that he’s a Zora as he cranes his neck to look him in the eye, much to Sidon’s relief. “Someone on horseback came barreling by and knocked me onto my back!” he huffs. “They didn’t even stop to see if I was alright. Imagine if a monster had come by, or if I’d fallen into the river!”

     “Dreadful,” Sidon says with a grimace.

     “Yeah,” the Hylian agrees, sighing. “But, anyway! Thank you so much for helping me! My name is Beedle, by the way. I normally sell the things I carry here, but as payment, I can give you something for free as a thank you!”

     “No need,” Sidon says, raising his hand to stop Beedle from reaching for the straps on his pack. “But if I may ask you a few questions, I’d be quite grateful.”

     “Of course!” Beedle says enthusiastically, drawing another smile from Sidon.

     “Do you travel around Hyrule frequently?”

     “Do I? I’ve been just about everywhere you can go!” Beedle gesticulates grandly, seemingly unfazed by what must be the massive weight on his shoulders. “From Hebra to Faron, I go wherever things can be bought and sold!”

     “Then have you encountered a young woman by the name of Zelda? Golden hair, green eyes, and carrying more weapons than should be strictly possible?”

     “Oh, yes! I see Zelda quite frequently,” Beedle says. “She’s my most loyal customer! I don’t know exactly what it is she gets up to on her adventures, but she’s very kind to me. She even gave me this!” He reaches into a pocket on his backpack and presents Sidon with a bright yellow beetle contained in a glass bottle along with a few leaves. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

     “It is,” Sidon agrees. “Would you mind telling me where you saw her last? And if you happen to know where she’s going?”

     “Only if you tell me why you’re looking for her,” Beedle says as he lovingly puts the beetle back in its little pocket. “My heart may belong to Hyrule, but I still don’t want to see anything bad happen to her.”

     Sidon sighs and scratches at the back of his neck. “Zelda helped me and my people in our time of need. Despite all of this, I was—unkind to her. I wish to mend our relationship as best I can.” Beedle studies his face with a scrutinizing eye for a long moment before nodding.

     “You get good at reading people after meeting as many as I have, and you seem like you’re being sincere,” he says. “The last time I saw her, Zelda said she was headed to Hateno Village. Follow the river south until it leads through the Dueling Peaks, then go east.”

     “Thank you,” Sidon says. “Truly. When you see her next, would you tell her I’m searching for her?”

     “Sure, but you’ll probably see her before I do! That, and I don’t know your name.”

     “Oh! Forgive my rudeness. I am Prince Sidon of the Zora.”

     “A prince? Wow! I don’t think I’ve ever met royalty before!”

     “Perhaps not,” SIdon chuckles. “Thank you again, Beedle. I wish you safe travels.”

     “You too!”

     With that, Sidon gives Beedle a wave and dives back into the water. The gasp of wonder that meets his ears as he twists through the air brings a smile to his face once more. Over the course of his journey, the grip of hatred and anger over his heart regarding Hylians has begun to loosen. He still can’t quite fathom completely forgiving those responsible for what had happened a century before, but he’s able to set aside his negative feelings aside for those such as Beedle, who are simply trying to live their lives in the wake of tragedy. It’s too easy for him to forget the relative brevity of their lifespans compared to his.

     Sidon follows the river south, just as Beedle guided him, keeping an eye out for the Dueling Peaks. The occasional lizalfos or octorock blocks his path, but he makes quick work of them with his spear. They’re nothing compared to the behemoth he’d faced years prior. The next few days pass like this: swimming for long periods, dispatching enemies as they come, and asking passerby for directions to ensure he’s heading in the right direction. Before long, he reaches the stable on the other side of the Dueling Peaks. He inquires about Zelda and is directed again to Hateno. The river grows too small for him to swim in as it passes through a fort surrounded by the decayed remains of guardians, so he’s forced to continue on foot. He finally catches up with her as he emerges from the forest surrounding the fort.

     It’s a rather violent reunion—there’s a massive explosion below the cliffs on the other side of the river followed by the pained screeching of bokoblins and the stench of burning flesh. Sidon catches a glimpse of yellow and a high-pitched chime before a red barrel adorned with a white skull and crossbones hurtles toward the monster camp below the cliffs, exploding on impact. The screeching doubles in volume, and the prince watches as Zelda descends upon the monsters making the noise.

     Even from the river on the outskirts of the camp, Sidon can hear the wet thud of blade meeting flesh and smell the metallic-sulfur of monster blood. Zelda wrenches her sword from the torso of the first bokoblin and dodges a strike from another just before it hits her. She’s behind it before it can retaliate, bringing her blade down upon its head. It catches on the horn atop the creature’s skull, causing the already chipped metal to splinter and break off. Zelda takes this in stride, shoving the now jagged blade in the bokoblin’s neck. It falls with a pig-like squeal, its bat falling out of its grip and into the fire at the center of the camp. One last monster flees for its life, but arrows riddle its back before it can get far. Zelda stands in the center of the destruction, breath coming in pants, purple blood smeared across her face.

     Just as Sidon climbs onto the shore, he spots a stray bokoblin out of the corner of his eye. It’s severely burned and limping, but alive. Its bluish-green skin is colored red as it nocks a fire arrow and aims for a bomb barrel that had escaped the initial detonation, laying on its side behind a pillar. Out of Zelda’s field of vision. No more than ten paces from where she now crouches, wrenching the fang out of the charred remains of a bokoblin.

     There’s no time to think. Sidon charges toward Zelda, grabbing her around the waist and hauling her up with one arm. She (expectedly, really) lets out a shriek of surprise as she’s lifted off the ground. Behind them, the fire arrow whizzes through the air, carrying with it the sound of roaring flames. It explodes upon contact with the bomb barrel at the same moment that Sidon leaps into the air, aiming for the river. White-hot shrapnel makes contact with his scales. The pain barely registers as he and Zelda crash into the water, breaking the surface a moment later. Zelda squirms out of his grip and hauls herself up on the bank opposite the camp, coughing.

     “What in Hylia’s name—” she wheezes.

     “You wouldn’t have noticed in time,” Sidon says through gritted teeth. The source of the tension in his jaw isn’t sourced from any frustration with her, but the feeling of wooden splinters and a few rather sharp rocks embedded in his back. He hisses as he climbs on the bank beside her, collapsing on his stomach.

     “Don’t move,” Zelda says. There’s no trace of harshness in her tone as there had been before, but an edge is still present. Sidon obeys without question. Now that the adrenaline is no longer coursing through his veins, he has no desire to move. “This isn’t going to feel good, but it will help.”

     Sidon grits his teeth as Zelda begins pulling the shrapnel from his back. She works efficiently, only taking a few minutes to finish. Sidon moves to sit up, but she stops him with a single touch. Soft blue light radiates from her hands as she passes over his wounds, bringing with it the soothing coolness of running water and the scent of salt. It feels like—

     “Mipha’s Grace,” Sidon says softly. Zelda merely nods, eyes flitting to the trident strapped to his back. She sits back on her heels when she’s finished, and Sidon takes that as his cue to sit up.

     “That was incredibly stupid,” Zelda says. “But thank you.”

     “No need,” Sidon replies. They stare at each other for a long moment, tense silence stretching between them. Words refuse to come to him no matter how hard he searches.

     After what seems like an eternity, Zelda gets to her feet and motions for Sidon to follow. They go back the way he’d come, into the trees and to a hastily-made encampment standing near a small pond. Zelda sits on a moss-covered log near the fire, turning a spit skewering a few Hyrule bass. Sidon’s mouth waters. It’s been too long since he’s had freshly caught fish—he’s been so focused on his task of finding Zelda that he hasn’t bothered with anything other than the rations packed for him.

     “What are you doing here, Sidon?” Zelda asks finally.

     “I was looking for you,” he answers. “I have been for a little while.”

     “I see,” she says, eyes intense and unreadable. “Why?”

     “A few reasons.”

     Sidon retrieves the Lightscale Trident from his back as he sits on the log next to her. It glitters in the light of the fire, magnificent as ever. Zelda turns her attention from the fish to stare at it. Silence descends upon them once more. Sidon is the one to break it this time.

     “This belonged to Mipha, as I’m sure you remember,” he says. “My father intended to give it to you upon your return to the Domain, both as a reward for freeing Vah Ruta and a hope that Mipha’s spirit would guard you as long as you carried it.”

     “She already does.” Zelda stares at her hands, refusing to look him in the eye.

     “Even so, I’m certain she would want you to have it,” Sidon says. He presses the handle into her hands, and she finally looks up at him. “So please.”

     “If you insist,” she replies. She holds the trident close to her for a moment before gingerly resting it on the ground behind them. “But I must ask—why deliver it to me personally? I thought you made it clear that you never wanted to see me again.”

     “I…”

     Sidon has thought about what he’d say to Zelda when he finally found her ever since he left Zora’s Domain. He’s run through the speech in his head time and time again, so sure that she would be impressed by his eloquence and grant him forgiveness without a second thought. Now, though, the words so carefully crafted in his mind refuse to come to him. It’s entirely too difficult to plan what he’s going to say when she’s looking at him like that, emerald piercing straight into him, straight through him— 

     “Sidon?”

     “I’m sorry,” he blurts, decidedly un-princelike. “I let my pain and anger blind me and I lashed out at you. What happened all those years ago can’t be changed, and staying angry with you isn’t useful to anyone. I nearly stopped you from doing the very thing that set Mipha’s spirit free. I may be undeserving of your forgiveness, but all I can do is ask for it.”

     Zelda stares up at him, eyes wide. Sidon doesn’t waver, though he still feels as if she’s seeing right into his soul. He nearly yelps in surprise when she surges forward and wraps her arms around his neck in an embrace. It’s a nearly perfect recreation of their last interaction before Zelda boarded Ruta, but this time, Sidon returns Zelda’s gesture. All he can hear is the gentle crackling of the fire, the wind blowing over the cliffs, and the croaking of frogs, though he’s sure his pounding heart is loud and clear in Zelda’s ears.

     “I’m going to make this right,” she says. “I won’t fail again. I’ll free the rest of the Champions, just as I did Mipha, and vanquish Ganon once and for all. This I promise you.”

     “I believe in you,” Sidon says, prompting her to tighten her grip. “Know you are always welcome in Zora’s Domain.”

     “Thank you,” Zelda whispers. She releases her grip on him, wiping her face with the back of her hand. Sidon averts his gaze, giving her a moment of privacy.

     The charcoal-like scent of burning food wafts through the air, accompanied by a curse from Zelda and the sound of her scrambling back to the fire. The fish aren’t burned too badly—there’s only a faint black mark on one side. Zelda sighs and removes them from the spit, offering one to Sidon, who gratefully accepts. They’re plain, lacking even a bit of salt, but the flesh is hot and deliciously flaky as well as the only freshly prepared food he’s had in days.

     “I’m normally a better cook than this, I promise,” Zelda says, and Sidon chuckles. She sends him a glare out of the corner of her eye, but there’s no anger behind it. She may even be smiling. The fire hisses and pops as water is poured over it and the ashes scattered.

     “Thank you for the fish, regardless of them being burned.” Sidon laughs when Zelda glares at him again.

     “I was going to offer to take you back to Zora’s Domain, but perhaps I’ll retract my offer,” she sniffs in faux haughtiness as she finishes clearing her encampment.

     “I assure you I don’t need an escort.”

     “Oh, I don’t doubt that. But I can get you there much more quickly than you could ever get there on foot.”

     “And how is that?” Sidon asks, head tilted slightly.

     Zelda doesn’t answer. Instead, she pulls the Sheikah Slate from her hip and pulls up the map, tapping on one of the many blue icons. She extends her hand and looks up at him expectantly. He takes it a bit hesitantly, taking note of the way his hand dwarfs hers. Before he can ask her what it is she’s planning, she taps on the Slate once more and the world dissolves into blue light.

     Sidon stumbles a bit when he and Zelda materialize on the pedestal of the shrine in the Domain. He doesn’t realize how tightly he’s gripping her hand until she visibly winces, and he relinquishes it with mumbled apologies. Were it not for the twinkle of amusement in her eyes, he’d feel a bit more guilty. His scales prickle as he runs his hands up and down his arms as if to check that all of him is there.

     “Well,” he says, “you certainly weren’t kidding.”

     Zelda laughs, and his chest tightens a bit. The ghostly blue of luminous stone combined with the faint glow of the Sheikah Slate’s display playing off her face makes for a captivating picture, made only more so when she looks up at him with a smile. The shrine chamber of the Domain gets very little daylight, but Sidon swears he can feel the sun’s warmth on his scales.

     “I should get back,” Zelda says, snapping him out of his reverie. “I believe I’m on the brink of deciphering one of the puzzles a shrine is locked behind. Something about a statue and dark light.”

     “But you’ll be back?” Sidon nearly bites his tongue, embarrassed by his overly hopeful tone.

     “I’ll return,” Zelda promises. “And Sidon...thank you.”

     Sidon nods, and with one last smile, Zelda dissolves into strings of blue light that ascend through the ceiling of the shrine’s chamber and out of sight. Sidon stares at the spot she was just standing for a moment before making his way to the throne room, eager to inform King Dorephan of his success. He laughs at the startled reaction from the guard outside the shrine chamber as he passes, and the final cloud hanging over the Zora’s Domain finally parts.

#maplewrites #botw

[lorelylantana]

A Blindsided Engagement Chapter 2: Engagement

Chapter 1

Chapter Rating: G Overall Rating: G

Ava Vanguard was surprised to see Link return to Hateno a full month ahead of schedule. She was a bit disappointed when she read that her husband and son would assist in clearing the damage of Calamity and it would be some time before she could see her family again, but the relief that they survived was enough to keep her content. News that her family still stood was all she could ask for as a military wife and mother. She was just sitting down to lunch when none other than her son walked through the door. 

Link seemed well, better than she’d ever seen him, in fact. He was dressed smartly in boots she recognized as standard issue for the Royal Guard and the Champion’s tunic he was so fond of. Ava was a bit perplexed at the circlet gleaming on his forehead, but shrugged it off. After slaying Calamity, her son no doubt received gifts of all kinds. Link carried a garment bag in his hands, which he hung on the hook by the door before hugging her tight. 

“Hi, Ma.”

“Let me look at you,” she said, taking his face in her hands. She was glad to see a quiet joy in his eyes that she hadn’t seen since he drew the sword that hung over his shoulder. It made her happy to see bits of the son return to her after he walled himself off. “Tell me everything.”

Link managed to explain the story of Calamity’s downfall between bites of their split lunch, which is how Ava knew he was nervous. Now that Calamity was soundly defeated, there were very few things that Ava could think of that would cause such reticence.

Did her son find a significant other? Had he come to ask for permission to bring someone home?

“You're earlier than expected,” she prompted, gauging her son’s reaction, “Is there anything you wanted to tell me?” 

Link cleared his throat, hand coming up to the back of his head.

“I’m engaged.”

Well, she wasn’t that far off.

Ava gasped, “I had no idea you found someone special! You should have written!”

“It was really sudden,” he admitted, “Honestly, I’m still shocked she said yes.”

Ava laughed, made euphoric by relief. She was aware of and lost countless night’s sleep over the walls her boy had put around himself. Her heart broke to see that forced apathy in his eyes. Yet here he stood, joy written in every line of his face, no sign of restraint in sight.

It was a shame she couldn’t stop to admire it, as not a moment later her son straightened.

“I have to go, the wedding planning’s been keeping me busy. I thought I would invite you to the engagement feast personally, but I have to be getting back,” he nodded toward the garment bag, “I thought you could wear that to the banquet. A tailor in the castle can alter it if it doesn’t fit.”

With a hug and a kiss to his forehead, Link was gone. Vanished out the door, and once again she was alone.

For a moment, a bittersweet moment, she was still. Her little boy had grown up, and she didn’t get to see it. Still, the melancholy thought was drowned out with the elation that came with the knowledge that her son, amid the chaos, found a safe harbor to bare his soul to.

Ava shook her head and moved to the garment bag. She had a nice dress, so she didn’t know why he gave her a new one.

At least, that’s what she thought before she opened the bag.

She had never touched a fabric so fine. Her fingers glided over deep velvet and silk, gazing in awe at the gold detailing along the sleeves. A dress fit for royalty.

Ava smiled to herself. Her son was always such a sweet boy, though perhaps she should scold him. There was no need to spend so much money on her.

It’s not like she could wear such nice clothes very often.

-

Captain James Vanguard wasn’t really surprised when he received an invitation to a banquet and instructions to wear his dress uniform. He’d been expecting it. His son was the Hero of Hyrule, of course he’d be invited to the victory celebration. He was taken a bit off guard when the footman informed him that said celebration would be held that very evening, but James Vanguard was a soldier through and through. It took him a quick thirty minutes to change out of his armor, scrub the day’s grime from his body, and slip into the red and blue suit that had been issued upon his knighthood and he was ready for the grand occasion. 

Despite his quick response time, the party was already in full swing when James entered the Sanctum, lit up by blue flame, giving the ancient hall an ethereal glow that was at once new and old. For a moment he was silent, letting the fact that they were at peace sink in at long last. Perhaps now he could retire without the guilt of letting his country down. Spend his days holding his wife instead of just thinking of her.

The King’s approach snapped him out of his reverie. James bowed, “Your Majesty.”

“Good evening, Captain! Are you enjoying the festivities?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the occasion. More than I expected, to be frank.”

The King threw his head back and laughed, “I can imagine. You must be proud of your boy, hm?”

“Of course. He’s exceeded every hope I had for him. That said, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried for him.”

James had lost many nights’ sleep thinking of how his little boy seemed to curl under the weight of his destiny. In his more fanciful thoughts, he’d believe that the burden would be lifted, but his years as a soldier had taught him that it wouldn’t be so simple. 

He knew that the physical scars were the easiest to overcome.

King Rhoam hummed, “I can imagine, but I’m sure our children will pull through. We’ll be there to advise them after all.”

And with that, the King was gone, off to speak with the other guests. James shook his head. This was a happy time, and he was told Ava was here. His energy should be spent towards finding his wife.

Ava looked around, completely unprepared for the grand scale of the celebration before her. She was told her husband would be in attendance as well, so she searched for him, feeling like a fish out of water.

“Mrs. Vanguard, it’s so lovely to finally meet you!” 

Ava turned to see none other than Princess Zelda herself, walking towards her in a fluttering violet gown the exact same shade of the coat her son now wore. The Champions likely coordinated their attire. Ava hurried to curtsy the best she could, but the Princess merely waved a hand.

“Oh there’s no need for that, please. I’ve been eager to finally speak with you. You must be so proud of Link, I certainly am. 

Ava blinked, pleasantly surprised that the Princess held her son in such high regard. Eager as she was to finally discover who her son’s bride was, Ava wasn’t about to refuse a request from the Golden Princess, so she talked for hours about her favorite moments of Link’s childhood.

“You must tell me what Link was like as a child, and spare no details!”

Ava wasn’t about to deny a chance to relay some of her fondest memories, especially at the princess’ request. They talked for what seemed like hours. She wasted no time telling the Princess about Link’s childhood escapades. She was just about to explain how five year old Link rode a bear through the village street in nothing but shorts when Princess Zelda was called away for a speech.

Ava sighed, alone once again. Perhaps she could spot her son in the crowd?

“Ava!”

She turned, a smile growing on her face and her husband’s arms wrapped around her. She kissed him, alight with affection and relief at seeing James and feeling his beating heart against her chest. 

The war really was over.

“I missed you,”

“I missed you too.”

As blissful as the moment was, it was cut short by the King addressing the crowd.

“I hope all of you are enjoying the evening. I can’t think of a better way to mark the end of the Calamity’s reign than with an engagement, and so we gather to-”

Confused, James leaned into his wife’s ear.

“Who’s getting married? Anyone we know?” 

Ava turned to look at him with that expression she wore whenever he said something stupid, which he thought was unwarranted for once given the situation.

“It’s Link, James.”

“What?”

“What did you think this party was for? It’s to celebrate Link’s engagement!”

“His what?”

“Our son is getting married,” Ava said, “Since he’s one of the Champions, the royal family was kind enough to celebrate with him.”

Vanguard was reeling, “Who’s he getting married to?”

Ava tutted, “He didn’t mention her name, I was going to ask him tonight, but Princess Zelda wanted to talk and I’ve been sidetracked all evening. She really is such a lovely girl.”

Before he could ponder this revelation further, King Rhoam commanded the room’s attention.

“I would like to thank you all for celebrating this wonderful occasion with us. After such dark times, it gives me great joy to hold this feast in anticipation of a union I have no doubt has the support of all Hyrule-”

As the king spoke, the Captain scanned the Sanctum, trying to spot his son’s mystery bride. Could it be Mipha, they had spent some time together as children, and he wouldn’t be surprised if it grew to something more. James thought better of it as soon as he spotted the Zora in question. She was beautiful, dressed in her Champion blue, but there was an air of melancholy about her that was impossible to ignore. Captain Vanguard hoped his future daughter in law wouldn’t look so forlorn at the engagement party. 

“-and now, without further ado, I ask that you all join in as we celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my dear daughter, Zelda Lana Hyrule, and her loyal Champion, Link Vanguard!”

Wait a minute.

His son’s name was Link Vanguard.

Captain Vanguard blinked as the room erupted with applause, looking up to the man standing beside the Princess and king.

Well, there he was, standing where the Princess’ fiance was supposed to be with his arm linked with. Before he could process the implications of these observations, a butler came by to guide James and his wife to a private banquet hall. They sat down next to each other and were told to wait. It was strange, to be sitting at a table he’d spent countless hours guarding. James shifted in his seat.

“To clarify,” James began, “Our son’s going to marry Princess Zelda?”

Ava nodded, “I think so,”

Link and Zelda walked smiling through the door, and the room descended into chaos.

#Zelink #zelda #botw zelda #aoc zelink #botw link #botw zelink #fanfic #A Blindsided Engagement #LantanaLore

[oattytrees]

Hi! Could you do a Prince Sidon x male reader, where the reader is runaway royalty who was betrothed to someone when he was young, But he no longer wants to go through with it after he met sidon, so he runs away to be with him (whether anyone knows he's royalty or not is up to you. Also could it be like, when he ran away their relationship was entirely platonic, But then it turns romantic? If that makes any sense?) Thank you!

Our Connection

Sidon X Reader (Breath of the Wild)

Happy Late New Year! I love how creative this request was. Also, please forgive me, I didn’t follow the request to a T. I made them have a romantic bond before reader ran away. I only realized this when I was practically already finished.

I’m thinking about making a part 2 about Sidon finding out reader’s a runaway prince. However, I want to work on other things first.

*TAKES PLACE POST CALAMITY*

_________________________________________

"As the prince, you have a responsibility to your kingdom. Do you understand, [Name]?"

"Yes."

No.

You don't want to understand. Curse this royal title. Curse your fate. Curse yourself most of all.

For the sake of your kingdom, everything was planned out before you were born. From a young age, the seed of responsibility and duty was ingrained in your head, which relieved the people of your kingdom.

You were to be wed to a princess from a kingdom far away, to straighten and secure the ally ship. The marriage was to benefit your kingdom and it was made clear that this was the path meant for you.

Why couldn't you just be normal and follow it? 

A simple trip to the neighboring kingdom, Hyrule, wasn't supposed to end this way. If you hadn't been curious to venture, you wouldn't have made it to Zora's Domain, and you wouldn't have met Sidon.

From his passion to his unwavering kindness, he was almost impossible not to get along with. From the get-go, you knew he, as a prince, drastically differentiated from you. He had a good relationship with his father and his people.

The feeling of butterflies in your stomach and warm cheeks almost distracted you from the reality of your situation.

You were completely enamored with him.

And because of that, you never mustered up the courage to tell him your true identity because he was the only thing that made you feel normal. To him, you were just a traveler from the neighboring kingdom far down South. Not part of a royal family with life-changing responsibilities. Sidon isn't in your future that was already set in stone.

"I knew I used too much spice for the stew!" You jump when Sidon curses down at the food on your plates.

"H-Huh?" You look at the meal in front of you in confusion. "Is it too much for you?"

"Is it for you? I saw the pained expression on your face!"

"Oh no no! The food's delicious!" You shake your head. "Sorry about that; Didn't mean to worry you."

You shift your position on the striped blanket as you laugh your thoughts away. Might as well just enjoy yourself while you can. You didn't want to ruin his planned picnic on the grassy plans overlooking Zora's Domain. You could see Vah Ruta in the distance, gaze fixated on what remains of Hyrule castle. It's pilot, remaining in the hearts of many.

His expression grows even more concerned as you quickly scoop a bite into your mouth. "Are you well, [Name]? Is something on your mind?"

You swallow thickly, covering your mouth as you burped. "Nah, I just remembered I'm leaving soon and got bummed." That wasn't exactly a lie.

"Ah, don't you worry, my dear friend! You are welcome at Zora's Domain anytime!" He gestures a hand at Zora's domain while using the other to wrap around your shoulders. "No matter how far away your kingdom may be!"

You chuckle and your cheeks redden at his closeness. You still can't handle yourself when he gets this close to you. He gets back to his spot to dig in. You watch him chew for a moment before getting back to your plate. The bright red of his scales stood out from the environment around you. It's color matched his personality: Passionate and outgoing.

"Sidon?"

"Yes?"

"Would you miss me if I was gone?"

"What?! Of course! How could I not miss my dear friend?"

You softly smile at that, "I'd miss you too."

With your gaze fixated on the ground, fork being played between your fingers, you didn't notice Sidon wrapping his arms around you until the last second. You drop the fork and place your hands on his head that went to rest on your shoulder.

"Please visit me again." He breathes upon you. You couldn't see his expression, but you could feel the longing. 

You smooth your hands over his head and whisper, "I promise."

------

You couldn't sleep.

You couldn't sleep properly for the past month since you left Hyrule. 

The memory of his tender embrace and your fading promise was driving you mad. Your marriage was ever-growing nearer and you couldn't wrap your head around the fact that you couldn't back down.

Your body never failed to become stiff at the undesirable truth. You had no one to talk to about it. No one to care. A duty you didn't want, a wife you didn't want, a future you didn't want.

You weren’t crazy; You two had a connection.

You grip the blanket, its cloth wrinkling under the pressure. The castle walls were growing smaller and smaller around you every time you blinked. It's so quiet that you can hear your heart beating and your breathes growing ragged. Your head was starting to pound, and you clutched it in agony. You sit up in discomfort, squeezing your eyes shut. 

All your life, you were nothing but a tool for your kingdom.

In the heat of the moment, you got up and kicked your towering bookshelves, ignoring the few books that fell out.

As expected, a rush of guards came by due to the sudden crash. "What happened!?" No words came out; You were too ashamed to talk. "You are really red... Quick! Someone get the nurse!"

"I-I'm fine! I just got up for some water and bumped into the bookshelf."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Please leave me alone so I can continue to rest." You huff and bend down to put the books back.

"As you wish, Prince [Name]." The guard says as they take a short bow, "Please rest and feel better, for you have a big day ahead of you." You could hear the smile in his voice.

"I know."

The door closes, leaving you alone with your thoughts and something in hand. A paper slipped out of a geography textbook. 

A map.

------

How did you manage to escape the castle and pass the guards?

You don't know.

How did you make it this far without anyone questioning who you were?

You don't know.

It seems like luck was on your side for once, and by all means, you'd take anything to reunite with Sidon. You'd travel whatever lengths to see him. However, the weight of guilt made things difficult, and you often considered turning around due to second thoughts. 

Third thoughts.

Forth thoughts.

All thoughts went back to Sidon.

You didn't want to admit it, but traveling by foot was easier said than done. You were exhausted and your feet were terribly aching. Whenever you saw a stable in the distance, you rested and recovered energy. You wanted to keep the stops quick, but your body said otherwise.

Days passed until finally, your destination was in sight, blue and glistening under the moonlight. Suprised Zoras followed by whispers were the first things you saw as you walked down the long hallway. You approach the illuminated statue of Mipha as you felt your eyes start to wet.

What did I just do?

What's going to happen now?

They'll definitely find me for sure.

"[Name?]"

"Sidon..." You look up at him, shaking.

"Are you okay?!" He stumbled over his words. "Forgive me, but you look horrible!"

"S-Sidon..." You clench your fists and look down at your torn-up boots.

"[Name]," You sob when he bends down to counsel you, "You're safe here. I'm here, I'm here."

I did it.

I made it.

"I'm so h-happy to see you!" You give him a wet smile. "I needed to see you again."

His golden eyes softened as he reached to pet the back of your head. "Truly, I felt the same... What have you been through?" 

You shake your head, "I don't care. As long as I'm here, I don't care anymore."

"I'm taking that you've been feeling what I'm feeling?" His face inches closer to yours.

"Well, if I wouldn't have made this far if I didn't." You both chuckle as your faces only get closer.

"WOAH IS THAT THE [NAME]?!?!"

You both quickly separate, the realization of where you are right now coloring your cheeks.

"Tumbo!! Shush!" A Zora mother grabs her curious child in embarrassment. "My apologies!"

"It's quite alright, please excuse me," Sidon reassures her then turns to look at you with a wink. "Perhaps, this isn't the right spot for that."

"Dammit! I'm never gonna live that down." 

"Well then! That means we have to make it better!" He excitedly grabs your hand, "Let's get you something to eat."

#sidon x reader #botw x reader #sidon #breath of the wild x reader

[silentprincess17]

A Proposal Gone Awry

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | AO3 

Summary: Link has been touring the breadth and width of Hyrule to clear out the remaining monster camps, and soon enough, he reaches Zora’s Domain. Mipha asks him to wait before he heads back to the castle, which he was intending on doing... but some mischievous children may have other plans. 

Part 2: 

Mipha thanked Lord Jabu Jabu and Lady Hylia that she had managed to send Link away, as she slowly set about healing all the various Zora Captains that had been injured. Healing was a calming art and she needed to remain in the correct headspace for it. It wasn’t something that could be rushed. And really, seeing that she mostly thought of Link whilst she was healing, well, that helped make the time pass by pleasantly anyway. As he reassured the guards and soothed them with her Grace, she let her thoughts wander, and a smile crossed her face as her thoughts inevitably turned to Link.

He was too pure-hearted and had remained by her side; only after she conjured up some excuse for him to leave and insisted on it, did he actually depart. Perhaps she was reading too much into it but that was a good sign, right? Despite her wishes to stay with him whilst he was at the Domain, she needed time to prepare. She knew this was one of the last occasions he’d come back to here for a while at least and she didn’t want to impose on him – she knew he was busy with all his quests to end the influence the Calamity had over Hyrule and she didn’t want to detract him from that goal.

It was admirable, truly, his dedication to duty. It was part of what made him so appealing to her after all, his steadfastness and perseverance… he would make such a good King of the Zora’s when the time came. And to top it all, he wasn’t just a kind, generous man, but she could freely admit to herself that he was incredibly handsome too. She’d grown to be fond of him when she had first met him, all the way back when he was but a reckless child, spending the summer in the Domain, where she’d healed him every single time he’d had a fall. And seeing him all grown up when he’d escorted the Princess to ask for her father’s permission in naming her a Champion had made her re-evaluate the fondness she had for him then, with the new feelings of affection and love she had now. And those feelings only grew after he helped her protect her home. Oh, to think of how they could rule alongside each other…

Since then, she tried to show him her feelings. She’d attempted to walk with him more often than not when all the Champions went on quests together, such as when she’d accompanied him in the Lost Woods. Though, sadly, they never had much of an opportunity to talk. He was always focussed on what might happen next, or how to protect Princess Zelda, which she understood. She truly felt for the Princess- if it wasn’t the Yiga, then it was corrupt Guardians, and if not those then it was chunks of ceilings… And Link was the Princess’s Appointed Knight after all. Although she’d be lying if she didn’t feel just a twinge of jealousy, because she couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if Link was touching her. Of course, Link was a respectable, honourable man through and through, so all his touches were all for the sake of protection… at least, that was what she told herself, but she’d do anything for him to do the same for her. It wasn’t fair though, Mipha knew that, at least she hadn’t been at risk of severe injury like Princess Zelda had throughout their quest together.

Mipha understood that in the grand scheme of things, her feelings for Link were not an immediate focus. So, she held back and reined them in. But now, after having fought with him multiple times today to remove the last of the monsters, she couldn’t stop the surge of affection that swam through her.

She wanted to give him her White Scale. She wanted to promise to protect him, not just through her Grace, but through her own being too.

So that is why she needed time to prepare. She hadn’t been expecting Link to come today- she’d assumed he’d come at the end of all travels. That way, they could spend some time together, but she guessed he was busy or otherwise forgot. Or maybe the castle had ordered him to come here today, and to be fair, the monsters had mounted a last-minute attack of sorts, so it was a good thing he had helped them out. But that meant she still had a few things to pack, namely she needed to collect the Blue Nightshades. She wanted to lay them on top of her armour as they glowed beautifully in the dark. Plus, the colour scheme would match with the navy shade she’d gone for so that her White Scale stood out all the more. Oh, and she needed to polish all her silver to make sure it was pristine- she couldn’t forget that!

Mipha had just about finished polishing the last segment of her armour in the garrison on top of the mountain, and she was armed with her Blue Nightshades. She’d paid special attention to the new clasp she had recently added after removing her white scale. It was a weak point in her scales, so it needed extra protection. The scale would grow back soon enough, but for now, she would make do.

All she had left to do was collect her Zora Armour and then… give it to Link. Her heart rate spiked, and she almost sat down again, dear Goddesses, she was ridiculously nervous. She prayed to the previous Zora Princess who’d proposed to the Hero of her time that she would have the courage to see it through and… that he would accept. Mipha’s intentions were to propose marriage, yes, but she didn’t want this to happen immediately. She wanted to present her armour to him as a dedication of her love, as proof, of how firm her feelings were. Essentially, she wanted him to know she was serious about this… and she could only hope he’d feel the same.

She climbed down the mountain, choosing to walk instead of use the waterfalls like she normally would. She didn’t want to be dripping wet when she talked to him after all, and she wanted her armour to shine, not glisten. No, she wasn’t just walking because it would take longer and therefore delay her actual confession.

As she reached Mikau Lake, with the bridge connecting to the Domain just up ahead, she spotted water splashing all the way along the waterfall. In and of itself this wouldn’t have been an unusual occurrence, especially considering the recent attacks on the Domain meant that the Zora Guards frequently used the waterfalls for ease of access…

But she would recognise that crop of blonde hair anywhere and she just couldn’t believe what she was seeing. As she scrutinised the scene before her more closely, she recognised Sidon. It still threw her off slightly, imagining how Sidon will look when he would grow to adulthood, but for now she had more pressing concerns. How was Sidon even swimming up the waterfall? He didn’t have the right scales yet. And wait, now she was closer she realised he was actually strapped onto Link’s back. What? Her eyes hadn’t been deceiving her. But how-

She had too many questions, so she connected to the water reserves under the Domain and swam through so that she reached the lake quicker. As she zoomed in, she realised that Link, in fact, had multiple Zora children strapped to him, and they were all squealing as he swam up the waterfall. She could just about make out the glint of silver from his Soldier’s Greaves, which left her even more confused.

HOW?! Mipha wasn’t one to shout, she always remained calm, cool and collected, she was blessed with Grace after all, and it wasn’t graceful to yell, but she just couldn’t comprehend what was going on and she found herself screaming inside.

She reached the bottom of the waterfall, just as Link reached the top, and he pulled out his paraglider, all the children screamed with delight. She could hear Bazz from this distance, “MOMMY!!!”. And the rest of them were laughing at him. She watched, with increasing incredulity as Link leisurely paraglided down, landing with a smile. And she got her first proper look at what, exactly, he was wearing.

Mipha thought she might faint. Or vomit. Or cry.

He was wearing her armour.

All that preparation…

The flowers fell from her suddenly weak fins.

He was actually wearing it. His hair was slicked back to the right, soaking wet from all the swimming, and he looked devastatingly handsome. She couldn’t help but admire how perfectly the armour moulded to his form and how beautiful he looked. He looked like a King. Her King.

Link finally seemed to realise she was there. His face morphed from its previously calm, relaxed and happy demeanour, into an aptly horrified one. All the children stopped squabbling over each other too, as they stared at her.

She stared back, incredulous.

Link couldn’t have known the significance of the armour he was wearing. The children must have set him up for this. They had been begging everyone around the Domain to bring them to the waterfalls, but all the adults had refused, simply because the risk of monsters wasn’t worth it. Of course, Link being Link would not refuse them anything, especially as they were his childhood friends.

A heavy silence descended on them. Mipha just didn’t know what to do. How was she meant to confess now? They’d ruined it. He had the armour already. What could she even say?

He unstrapped Sidon from the right-side of his back, Gaddison from the left, Bazz from his right shoulder and arm, and Rivan from his left. He placed them down gently.

And then he pulled off the armour.

Mipha nearly had a heart attack.

All that water cascaded down his front, and she stopped breathing.

He meekly came up to her and pressed the sodden armour back into her hands, wincing as it squelched. “I’m sorry.” She felt her heart restart. Link had spoken to her! And then he stepped back, and all she wanted to do was move closer, and press his lips to hers. To spread her fins over his muscles. To feel the water dripping down him. To –

She shook her head. “Will someone explain what is going on?” Her voice embarrassingly lilted at the start. Was it her fault though, if she lost some composure in front of such a view?

Rivan and Gaddision shoved Bazz forward. He turned back at them and made an obscene fin gesture. Where had he learnt that?! She would have to discipline him later.

“We’re all sorry Mipha. We wanted to ride the waterfall. And-and we knew Kodah had made a Hylian Zora Armour, but we wouldn’t be able to find it in time before Link had to go and Sidon knew where you kept yours so-so it was easier, and it just happened to fit, so we went with it and Rivan said that you were the sweetest so you wouldn’t mind and Gaddison said we were only going to use it once and then give it back and it was only meant to be borrowed and either way it didn’t matter because your White Scale regrows so that means you can have more than one engagement and-”

She had to stop him, “Bazz. This Armour is precious- we do not just make them for no good reason. And you know that borrowing something without permission is wrong? It becomes stealing then? And what is this about having more than one engagement?”

Link paled. Considerably. She wanted to reassure him it wasn’t his fault. To her surprise he spoke again, in a quiet soothing tenor that she already loved and knew she would spend hours replaying in her own mind, “Mipha, I- I didn’t understand how much the armour meant to you. I-”

He bent his head down, “I knew it was wrong, but I didn’t stop them, it’s my fault. I didn’t see the harm in playing with them for a while, because I thought it was just one of many gifts you’d give and Kodah had one too, so I assumed it was a common thing- like you practice on Hylians because we’re smaller and then craft a full-sized one for the Zora, but it was very insensitive of me. I’m sorry for wearing armour that-that only your husband should.”

Mipha was stunned. That was the most he’d ever spoken to her. Even the children were looking at him in shock. And she felt her heart shatter. He didn’t- he didn’t feel the same way. He thought this was a practice run. He thought the armour made for Hylians didn’t count because they weren’t Zora and Zora would only marry other Zorans. That meant he didn’t think they could ever be together. What was she supposed to say now? She couldn’t help but realise the irony of this situation- she used to dream of Link talking to her, and now that he was, she was the one that didn’t know what to say.

She’d try again later. That was the only solution to this. She wasn’t about to propose and confess in front of all the children. It should be a special occasion and she would make sure that he had no uncertainties about where her feelings lay. She simply smiled, “It’s okay. I’ll see you at the castle next week for the Celebratory Ball, Link?” She saw him nod, and then she turned and left. She couldn’t bear looking at him right now. Not when the evening had turned out so differently to what she envisioned.

No matter. She would have to explain everything properly on the night of the ball. She just couldn’t process everything right now, and she needed some time to mull over what he had said. That, and she needed to do a little investigation into who, exactly, Kodah had made armour for. She had her suspicions and if she was correct, she would have to ascertain if Kodah was actually being serious or not. Lady Hylia knew that girl had her head stuck in the sand under the sea.

Next (Part 3)

#a propsal gone awry #zelink #zelink fanfic #zelink fanfiction #botw #botw fanfic #aoc zelink #hwaoc spoilers #loz aoc #link #mipha #onesided mipha x link #silent writes

[corpsentry]

ao3 mirror

fandom: age of calamity, botw rating: g starring: prince sidon and mipha note: spoilers for both games

"You know, Daruk’s my idol,” Yunobo says. He pumps his fists in the air like a kid at a fun fair in line for the big pirate ship ride. “They say he was the coolest Goron there ever was. Plus he had a beard. I think beards are awesome.”

“Great,” Sidon says. He stops peeling the mandarin in his hands for long enough to look up blankly at him. "Mipha was my sister."

the age of calamity, side b.

The thing about time travel is, even if someone stands in front of you and tells you point-blank that there’s a way to bring your dead sister back to life, you’re probably not going to believe them.

“I don’t believe you,” says Sidon.

“Okay,” Teba says patiently, fluffing his feathers with an absent glide of his wing. “Try harder.”

Sidon stares at him. He tries harder, though he’s not sure what that entails and so doesn’t end up really doing anything. “I don’t get you.”

“Which part don’t you get?”

“I get to see Mipha again?”

Teba’s eyebrow twitches. “Let me put this as simply as I can, Prince,” he says, a little too loudly. The soldier stationed at the bottom of the staircase turns to look at them. “We’re going to go back to the point a hundred years ago at which the four champions were killed in their divine beasts. We’re going to save them. We’re going to make sure they defeat Ganon before he can send Hyrule into ruin. And then we’re going to leave.”

By now, they’ve caught everyone’s attention. It’s been a long time since a hundred years ago, but here in Zora’s Domain it still feels like the events of last Tuesday, to be recounted over salt tea and fish skewers, to be mourned over an empty coffin. Everyone’s staring at the big white bird with the angry eyebrows, a little curious, a little apprehensive. For what he’s worth, Teba is indifferent. This much will not faze him.

Sidon twiddles his thumbs behind his back, where Teba cannot see them and the guards at the bottom of the staircase can point and laugh all they want. To be honest, he heard nothing. His heart stopped when he heard ‘killed in their divine beasts’, at which point a watery monster punched its way into his skull and crushed his brain. The monster is nothing concrete, nothing crystal-clear, just what little Link has told him, bits and pieces of a history he was prevented from taking part in. It’s been several months since the kid dragged his beaten-up body halfway across Hyrule and kicked Ganon’s ass, though they’re still feeling the after-effects of that particular calamity today. Mipha’s statue still looms over their heads, a reminder of what it means to die alone and far away from home.

“So,” Sidon starts, hearing his voice echoing in his ears like metal slicing through air. “What you’re saying is, I get to see Mipha again.”

Teba looks like he wants to grab one of the guards’ spears and stab Sidon in the face, but for what he’s worth, he reigns it in. “Yes.”

“Okay.” He grins. “I’m in.”

::

He tried to fight a lynel when he was fifteen. The domain had been overrun with monsters who had arrived for the pre-party to Ganon’s return, including an outstanding number of wizzrobes, several moblins, and a tall, intimidating figure which spat electricity from its pink-tongued mouth and whose name he couldn’t recall. While his father, the king, and his sister, the princess, breezed through the area like a lightning strike, reclaiming keeps and stabbing moblins with silver teeth so their generals could forge a path ahead, Sidon reveled in the wonder of being left unsupervised at four a.m. in the morning. And then heard the familiar, haunting roar of a lynel. And then decided to go and say hi.

It was a mistake, of course. The lynel was so tall he couldn’t make out the gear on its back. Its face was all squished up, like a birthday cake that had been stepped on, and its horns were too big for its thick, blocky nose. This was funny for all of five seconds. Then the lynel extracted a bow from that unknowable space behind it and aimed the sharp end of an arrow at his face, and it became a problem.

“H-h-h-hi,” said Sidon, holding up his Kid Spear, which was strictly for Kid Use Only, and had the offensive capabilities of a stick.

“RHOOARHGHHGHH,” said the lynel.

He jabbed the Kid Spear at the lynel’s leg. The lynel spat at him, though probably unintentionally, as it seemed preoccupied with the arrow it was trying to send into his face. It was stuck. The big scary lynel’s bow was stuck.

Emboldened by the stupid scary lynel’s broken bow, Sidon decided to try again. “Please go away, Mr. Lynel,” he said in his best and most charming Kid Prince voice, twirling his Kid Spear like a sweet jellyfish skewer.

“RHOAHOARHAGHOGHHHH,” said the lynel, who sounded significantly angrier than before.

“I understand,” Sidon said politely, and then closed his eyes and sent a prayer to the goddess Hylia (the way he had been taught to since he was old enough to speak, the way every child in Hyrule knew that there was a place for them to go to after they left this world behind). He braced for impact, which he hoped would be of the violent sort, earth-shattering and brisk enough to break his bones and leave nothing breathing in its wake. He was fifteen, not five. This was Ganon’s era. Every living creature in Hyrule knew this, the way their ancestors woke up and knew which direction the sun would rise from. Not if, but when. When the Calamity strikes. When your people die. When the knight emerges from the woods with the sacred sword in his hand, and saves you all.

But none came. When he opened his eyes, and he did so reluctantly, adrenalin coursing through his veins like thunder, the world was pitch black. In place of the cool blue moon was his sister, her ceremonial gear glittering darkly, the Lightscale Trident glowing like a star in her right hand.

“Holy shit,” whispered Sidon the kid. Mipha stabbed the lynel in the face.

She hugged him when it was all over and they had put the moblins and the wizzrobes and the electric moblin (so that’s what it was! Terrifying) back to sleep. Their father was upset, but he was frequently upset at Sidon and so it didn’t bother him as much as it could have. Sidon was not Mipha. It was all right if he got things wrong, as long as his sister never did. Coincidentally, the Hylian princess had been in the area at the time of the attack, accompanied by a knight with blue eyes and a Sheikah warrior who looked like she would throw a knife at a fish for sport. It was a good thing Mipha had been at home, and not visiting one of the other tribes or hunting for crabs near Lurelin. It was a good thing she had intervened when she had, lest the pre-party become the real thing.

“Thank you,” said the Hylian princess, trying her best to smooth her brow and failing. She looked anxious, though she had only come to pass on her father’s word, though the word that she had brought was victory.

Mipha smiled at her with a face full of sun. “It is my pleasure.”

::

He wishes the egg could talk. If the egg could talk then Teba would have less reason to talk, and if Teba talked less then Sidon would have less of a raging headache, which which would make him less of an asshole, which would make their discussions go much more smoothly than the janky, sputtering mess they’ve been all week.

“As I was saying,” says Teba, continuing whatever train of thought he picked up on their way up to Goron City and then dumped unceremoniously by the side of the road. As he does this, Death Mountain spits a chunk of lava out of its steaming gaping top, which lands a few inches shy of his breastplate. He hops backwards without missing a beat and begins fanning himself with one wing.

Riju stops fiddling with the diamond circlet in her hands for long enough to give him a look of inquiry. “As you were saying?”

“I can’t wait to see Daruk.” Yunobo scratches his arm. It makes a sound like two large boulders grinding together. Riju drops the circlet.

“You’re only going to see him for a short while,” Teba comments over the sound of the egg blowing its top at Riju and Sidon plugging his ears with his fingers. “No point getting all worked up about it.”

“You’re just as worked up yourself,” Riju counters. Patricia barks. Teba flinches.

This is true. There are two things Teba won’t shut up about. In ascending order of importance, they are 1) when they should depart for the alternate timeline in which they will prevent their respective ancestors from getting their spirits trapped in giant mechanical monsters for a hundred years, and 2) how incredible Revali is. Because Revali was the most powerful Rito warrior that ever walked the land (or flew over it, or blasted bomb arrows at it, whatever). Revali singlehandedly invented an entire style of aerial combat which involves launching yourself into the air with an updraft that defies the laws of the universe and then setting your surroundings on fire. Revali killed god.

Teba looks like he wants to go back to his wife and kid in Rito village. Good for him. Not all of them have bodies to put in coffins. “I just want to meet him once,” he says quietly.

Yunobo laughs, and it sounds like two extra large boulders grinding together. “Me too, brother.” He picks up the diamond circlet from the floor and puts it on his head like some kind of weird hat. “I’m going to tell Daruk how great he is. And then I’m going to go home.”

::

One time when they were much, much younger, before he woke up one morning and Mipha was three times his height, one of the guards brought back some durians. The durians were misshapen and spiky and smelled intimidating, though Sidon wouldn’t go as far as to say that the smell was unpleasant. The guard had obtained them from a merchant in the Faron region. He hadn’t meant to purchase them, but they were the last of her stock and she said she could only head home once she had sold everything. He empathized her.

At first they tried to open the durians with their hands, but this only produced several pricked fingers and left ominous and eerily substantial bloodstains everywhere, so someone brought out a spear, almost drove it through the table, and someone else brought out a carving knife. Halfway through the spectacle of watching one of the guards, who was thirty-seven and enjoyed collecting glowing stones as a hobby, attempt to de-spike an entire durian, the crowd parted abrutpyl.

“What are you all doing?” Mipha put her hand absently on Sidon’s head. He had been watching the ongoing debacle out of some kind of morbid curiosity, standing on tip-toes so he could peek over the top of the table, though now he had apparently been relegated to armrest.

“Trying to open this durian, your highness.”

Mipha laughed. His sister’s laugh was a delicate, heartrending affair, like trying to pull weeds from the bottom of a lake without breaking them at the stem. The weather at home was always more or less divine, but whenever Mipha laughed, Sidon swore it blasted a hole right through the clouds. If there were no clouds, then the hole appeared in the fabric of the sky instead. Mipha, at her brightest, was a walking catastrophe of sun.

Still chuckling a little, like she’d been made privy to a secret that none of them knew about, Mipha stepped up to the cutting board. “You have to do it like this,” she said cheerfully, digging her fingers into a seam in the durian’s shell like she’d been dealing with danger all her life.

Cue gasping. Cue the horrors of childbirth.

The durian was sweet. It was also a little goopy, but Sidon was no stranger to things which stuck to your fingers and refused to let go (he was one of those objects when it came to his sister, who he could rarely be found more than an arm’s length away from on any given day), so he felt for the little spiky fruit, and decided that he would make an effort to bring some back home when he went traveling himself in the future. While he examined the inside of the durian’s shell, which had been hollowed of fruit and had the texture of rough sandpaper, the guards crowded around Mipha and demanded that she share her secret to not getting stabbed to death by the fierce and terrifying durian. But either she didn’t know how to explain it to them, or they weren’t very good at listening, because she remained the only one capable of cracking open a durian with her bare hands for many, many years, up until she died while fighting a watery manifestation of Ganon inside the divine beast she had been told by the king of Hyrule to pilot to victory’s end. Then it was someone else’s turn to take over.

::

Painkillers for fish are a tricky affair. To begin with, charmingly little research has been conducted into the biology of the fish-person because the Zoras simply aren’t interested in how their bodies work, and while others have offered to do so in their place, among them several enthusiastic Sheikah researchers and one Hylian with a thing for huge glowing orbs, his people have never cared enough to give their consent. It’s a unique kind of apathy, one which stems from a place of privilege, or denial. They are, as a general statement of fact, very good at both.

“This will help.” Yunobo hands him a rock roast. Where did Yunobo get a rock roast from? Sidon frowns. They’re in the middle of the desert.

“Thanks,” Sidon says. Smiles. Kind of, like, holds the roast up to his mouth and gives it a sniff. It doesn’t smell half as good as durian. He puts it down.

It takes him several days to make sense of the convoluted sequence of events that Teba presented to him that day on the front door of the world he had rebuilt from scratch, surrounded by mystique and glamor and promising, in a breath of cold air, to bring his dead sister back to life. This makes it sound like he’s finished making sense of it all and will thus never be confused ever again, but if he’s to be entirely honest, he still doesn’t get it. He wants to. He’s scared to. He won’t look Teba in the eye.

“We should get going soon, don’t you think?” says Riju, who is twelve and somehow more put-together than all four of them combined. She pulls another book from the shelf and leaves it on the pile on the desk.

Yunobo shrugs loudly. “Doesn’t make a difference when we leave, does it? We could leave for Hyrule in twenty years, and we’d still end up at the same place.”

“But I want to save them,” Riju says earnestly. The pile behind her has been growing all afternoon, and will soon overtake her in height if she is not stopped. Mission preparation looks like archaeological excavation when you’re traveling backwards in time, and not forwards to some yet unknown destination. Ancient Sheikah records. Research journals. The writings of people who were obsessed with the events of a hundred years ago despite having no personal investment to speak of, and whose words carry with them a hint of reverence, even as they choreograph the funeral song of the old king. This is all that’s left of those ruins, aside from Link, who they’ve all quietly decided to keep uninformed of the current proceedings. Hyrule itself has been kept in the dark. No need for them to know about the maybes and the what-ifs and the could-have-beens. No need for more people to go crazy.

Sidon shuts the book in his hands with a thud. “But why?”

Riju’s eyes go wide. Drama queen. “Why what?”

Sidon opens his mouth, closes it, and opens it again. There’s a heat rash on the back of his neck which he can’t quite reach on his own. The elders had warned him about the desert, but the charm he received from Link has proven to be effective in all areas except for maintaining good skincare. He blinks dumbly at Riju, who has begun to flicker like the glassy surface of a pond. His eyes hurt.

“I mean, why do you.” His eyes hurt. His throat hurts. There’s something large and horrible stuck in his chest, and he can’t get it out. “Why do you want to save them?” There’s a durian in his rib cage. It must have lodged itself there when Teba glared at him like he was an idiot as he came face to face with the cruel reality of the universe, and it dawned on him like a dead body falling out of the sky that he would get to see Mipha one last time, and then he would have to come back. To a Hyrule without her. To the stupid stuck-up world that had to try again and again and again, coughing up blood and dragging itself through the dirt on bruised knees, before it could defeat the monster. “It’s not like they’ll come back to life,” he says, each word a silver knife in his mouth. “They’ll stay dead here. They’re already dead.”

Silence.

Riju has let everything go, including the diamond circlet, the topaz earrings, and three volumes sheathed in gold. Yunobo’s mouth is open so wide, you could stick your head inside and take a look around if you leaned in close enough. For the first time since he met him, Teba is at a loss for words. His chest rises and falls erratically, his hand on the bookshelf quivering, his eyebrows doing a little dance on his forehead. He’s sweating. Of course he is. They’re in the desert.

Riju, Hylia bless her soul, is the first to speak.

“It’s the spirit of things,” she says softly. She looks sadder than any twelve-year-old should ever have to look. But then and again, Sidon was barely old enough to hold a spear with both hands when his sister died and everything went to shit. Then and again, everything goes away eventually.

Sidon stares at her helplessly for a moment, gulping the humid air of the library like a fish out of water, then gives up and walks out of the room. He spends the rest of the afternoon blowing bubbles in the pool beside Kara Kara Bazaar while the other three continue their work, and then buys a durian from one of the vendors and hacks it open with his spear. You can’t crack open a durian with your bare hands, unless you’re Mipha, in which case you can do anything. It’s a good thing, then, that she’s gone.

::

When they were children and they got into trouble, his father would always scold Mipha far more harshly than Sidon. Mipha was the older sibling, after all. She should know better. This dynamic remained firmly established between them even as Mipha grew into her role as princess, future ruler, and eventually, champion. Of course, the reprimandings grew less stern, but Sidon had a penchant for winding up in places he wasn’t supposed to be in and Mipha had a penchant for being with him whenever this happened. He secretly resolved to pay her back when he got older and was finally able to stand up to his father, and therefore explain that most of the things they got into trouble for were his idea. He would be the one to weep at his father’s feet while his sister looked on with a horrified expression, and in that moment she would understand how much he loved her.

Then she died. You can’t tell the story of Mipha without this part. Mipha was a humble, kind girl, and then she died. Mipha could crack open a durian with her bare hands, and then she died. Mipha was the pride of their people, and then she died, and she died, and she died.

You can’t change the past with the wave of a hand. You’re not a bird. You’re not a fortune-teller. You’re a fish-person with an empty coffin for a sister, and in a few weeks’ time, you’re going to save her specter.

::

“...What if I brought her back with me?”

“Huh?”

“Hahajustkidding. No way I’d do that. Not a chance.”

“Um. Do you need painkillers?”

“Thanks, but they don’t work on me. I’m over a hundred years old, you see. Us Zoras, we’re different.”

::

The day before departure. They’re back at Zora’s domain. It’s raining. Teba is running through a checklist of items to bring with them which is so long, he has to hold it above his head to prevent it from touching the floor. Riju is feeding Patricia mandarin peels.

“You know, Sidon.”

Sidon looks up from his mandarin. “Mm?”

Yunobo grins at him. “Daruk’s my idol,” he says proudly. He pumps his fists in the air like a kid at a fun fair in line for the big pirate ship ride. “They say he was the coolest Goron there ever was. Plus he had a beard. I think beards are awesome.”

“Great,” says Sidon, as enthusiastically as he can, because he genuinely wants to be happy for Yunobo who is finally going to meet his idol and has clearly dreamed about this moment for some time. He wants to be happy for all of them. He fucking wants to. This is a rescue mission, not the imprisonment Princess Zelda walked into in Hyrule castle, not the hundred-year nap Link took on the Great Plateau. This is a happy ending, even if it’s not theirs.

Daruk the idol. Urbosa the warrior. Revali the bird. Sidon pictures them in his head, the way Link described them to him once, his voice carrying across the water like beams of light.

“Mipha was—”

He stops peeling the mandarin in his hands, his nails still embedded in the soft skin of it, the white-tinged flesh peeking out like a wound. Outside, the rain keeps falling. A river of tears from the sky.

Yunobo tilts his head to the side. “Mipha was?”

Mipha was the pride of their people. Mipha was the first person he wanted to live forever. Mipha was the only one he knew who could crack open a durian with her bare hands, like she was peeling open the heart of a monster, only to reveal that it had been something soft and scared all along. Mipha was a flesh-and-blood person. Mipha was the light of their world. Mipha is an empty coffin with a name inscribed on the lid, a house with the lights off, a memory drenched in ocean.

Yunobo prods his shoulder, though he barely feels a thing. “Mipha was?” he repeats kindly, herding him along to the end of the line, to the boat at the edge of the water.

Sidon puts the mandarin away. He stares long and hard at Yunobo, and hopes that his eyes will convey the wound his body no longer knows how to carry.

“Mipha was my sister.”

::

Let’s say you’ve been entrusted with the future of your kingdom. There’s a bad guy coming, and everyone’s scared to death, so you learn how to pilot this big robotic elephant which shoots turrets of water like a machine gun, and you get really good at it, and when the bad guy arrives on your new friend’s birthday suddenly you can’t do it anymore. You’re trapped inside the giant elephant. You’re bleeding out all over the floor. Your chest hurts like something awful, and your vision is beginning to blur. Sensing your despair, the monster closes in on you, wielding that big blue trident like fury. It holds the sky up over your head, and as it does so you close your eyes. You send a prayer to the goddess Hylia (the way you have been taught to since you were old enough to hold your little brother in your arms, the way every child in Hyrule knows that there is a place for them to go to after they leave this world behind). You brace for impact, which you hope will be the gentle sort, a slap to the wrist that’s conclusive enough to break your bones and leave nothing breathing in its wake. You’re twenty, not five. This is the end of all things as you know it. Every living creature in Hyrule knows this, the way their ancestors woke up one day and knew that this world would come to ruin. Not if, but when. When the Calamity strikes. When everyone you’ve ever loved dies. When you walk into the mouth of the elephant, and the elephant changes its mind, and decides to keep you in its belly forever.

None arrives. You open your eyes slowly, hesitantly, fear a living memory in your bones, but you are not faced with the stinging end of a trident. In its place is a boy almost three times your height, his eyes glittering darkly, the spear in his right hand shining like a star.

He is not your brother. But, Hylia bless you all, he is.

So what can you say, when the evil has been defeated and you are standing on the balcony of the castle, smiling up at him through tears while this big overgrown baby stares at you like you’re the answer to the universe, except:

We’ll definitely meet again, won’t we?

He flinches, but you don’t ask, and he doesn’t say why. He pulls you into an earth-shattering, bone-crushing hug. It’s a beautiful day to be alive, the sun shining like sin, Hyrule’s beaten but stubbornly breathing carcass laughing up at you from the fields below. He takes your hands in his. He’s shivering. He’s shaking from head to toe.

Of course, he says in the kindest, saddest voice you’ve ever heard, though he has only come to pass on someone else’s words, though the word he has brought is salvation. From now on, I’ll always be by your side.

: : : : :

You smile at him with a face full of stars.

#hwaoc #hyrule warriors age of calamity #age of calamity #aoc #botw #breath of the wild #zelda #the legend of zelda #prince sidon #mipha #sidon #how the fuck else do i tag these #tloz #my stuff #my writing #aoc spoilers #age of calamity spoilers #im all spent tbh go check out the ao3 end notes for more i have little else 2 say #what else. if you read this i automatically love you. here is my spine #thats all from me today folks #adios

[starshineandbooks]

This Is part of the sidlink exchange ( @sidlinkgiftexchange ) and is for @naobara He seems awesome and I'm excited to give this to him!

Link paces, impatient as always, if better healed, he’s so close to getting to see Sidon again, but what if he doesn't like him anymore? What if he found someone else? What if the prince realizes Mipha’s death is all Link’s fault?

    “Are you done pacing?” Myrah asks, looking up from her scimitar she is cleaning, “I promise, he still loves you, the royal zora siblings have a very specific type, you.”

    Link turns to look at his friend, one of the few left from the before calamity times, she was frozen in time by magic, neither of them is too sure how, but their ages seem to be tied together with eachother’s and Zelda’s, and the trio seems to age more like Zora than hylians now.

    She raises a brow, gold eyes appraising him, different from the usually playful gaze she has.

    “I- what?”

    She snorts, “Come on, Link, you need to get ready, you need to finish collecting the stones.”

    “I guess.” He shifts, arms crossing as he blows hair out of his face to avoid making eye contact.

    “I’ll be with you, we’ll make a day of it, who gets more shiny rocks vs lizards oir something.”

    Myrah sets the blade down, standing up to her half hylian half gerudo glorious height of much taller than Link as she strides to him, hand settling on the hero’s shoulder with a comforting little tune she hums.

    He narrows his eyes at her.

    “Oh alright, we’ll spar too.”

    He smiles, “Good.”

    She shakes her head, then, “Come on, I have a surprise for you.”

    “You do?”

    “Yeah, I do.”

    Myrah stands her hair falling over her shoulder, he can see her gerudo half prominent in her face and hair.  She leads him through her house, and into a room he’s seen a few times but rarely is in.

    She stops then, “It’s okay if you don’t like it, or think it’s too much… I just- Here.”

    Myrah moves a sheet out of the way and Link stares, awed.

    Several things are there, a set of matching swords, one made for Link and the other for Sidon, obvious in the size. A set of voice and vai clothes, both for link. A painting, Sidon and Link dancing at a ball, both draped in fancy jewels. Several pieces of jewelry. And oddly enough, a small box wrapped in silk.

    “Go on,” Myrah smiles gently.

    Link steps forwards, finding the swords first, silver, with gold decorative vines on the hilt, pretty but functional. He tests the edge, sharp, dangerous. He tries the smaller sword, and finds it balanced perfectly for him, a one handed sword, the light glints off of it.

    “Where did you get all of this?” He asks.

    Myrah smiles softly, “The painting is Kaori and Zelda’s gift. I had Ashley in gerudo craft the jewelry, I enchanted them myself. The box is my own doing, and the clothes are things- My mother made them for you years ago. Likely before you remember.”

    Link gasps, “Your mother?”

    “We grew up close as siblings,” Myrah says, “She cared for you like her own.”

    “Oh.”

    “The zoran black smith made the swords, I designed them and enchanted the metal.”

    “You can enchant weapons and jewelry?”

    She laughs, gentle, and nods, “Of course, it was my aunt’s craft, and useful.”

    “Wow.”

    Link opens the box, and stares at the keys, identical, “What is this?”

    “I made you your own hidden, private home in the domain, for you and Sidon.”

    “You did?”

    She nods, “Of course.”

    “Myrah-”

    She smiles, “There’s- one more thing.”

    “What?”

    Myrah turns, grabbing something before handing it to Link, “Sidon asked me to give you this the day before you are reunited and married.”

    Link stares at the rolled up scroll, eyes a little wide.

    ‘My dear sapphire,

                    Without you I am miserable, even when you are only gone a week, I cannot imagine how this year has affected me, yet I doubt it has been easy for you either. You are truly my most prized companion, and should you for any reason wish to not be married, I hold no ill will.

    However, I am excited, because I know if you are reading this we’re almost guaranteed a marriage. I have missed you greatly, even if I have yet to separate this fatal year at the date of writing this, I know I ache for your embrace.

    I hope you are well, I know the princess will take care of you, your friends have never been too patient with your moods that l;ead to taking ill care of yourself. And if I know you, you are either staying near Zelda, or Myrah, likely both, and I know neither will hesitate to make you take care.

    Anyways, I am likely at my wits end, I find you make me better and without you I get- irritable. So, if when we reunite I seem off, I assure you I am fine.

    I know you are busy, just as you know I am. I love you more than all the stars in the sky, the fish in the sea, and the blades of grass you love.

    -Sidon’

    Link doesn't realize he’s crying until he feels the tears hit his hand.

    “Get dressed,” Myrah says, “We’re going on a trip.”

    -------

    It isn’t until Zelda is walking him down the aisle that Link finally breathes again, and the worst this is he has to keep in the proper role, he can’t just rush Sidon and tackle him into a hug, no, that would be ‘improper’, and ‘rude’, and ‘uncivilised’.

    Myrah gives him a little snap followed by a wave that he tunes back in.

    But Sidon’s blinding smile is enough to keep Link anchored, and he’s standing opposite his beloved prince quickly and yet not soon enough.

    And the ceremony is long, and boring, and Link really isn’t sure what’s said, too focused on Sidon.

    Sidon’s usual regal parephnelia is gone, instead it is still silver but it is all sapphire, and he wears his father’s headdress, with silk tied about his ankles, wrists, and wasit.

    Myrah elbows him sharply, “Link,” SHe hisses.

    “What- Oh, yes, I do.”

    Sidon laughs, and then he’s being picked up by SIdon, their foreheads pressed together, and then Myrah is breaking costumes by cheering scandalous things. Zelda smacks her.

    But Link doesn't care, not when he gets to kiss Sidon’s nose and be carried away gently by his prince, his husband now. 

    Husband! They’re married!

    Sidon holds him close, walking through the hidden halls, and he breathes deeply, saltwater and fish, but it smells good, home like even.

    “You’re here.” Sidon says.

    “Of course I am.” Link says, and it’s sincere, just like it should be, just what Sidon needs.

    “I love you. I was- well surely there were other things, people who caught your interest over the years.”

    “Never.”

    “I- Really?”

    “Never, Sidon. I missed you.”

    “I missed you too,” The prince whispers, nuzzling against Link’s face, smooth scales offering solace that had previously seemed miles away.

    “I can’t wait for a forever with you,” Link says, and he means it, he’s finally home. The Calamity is beaten, Zelda and Myrah are happy together, everyone is safe, the champion’s spirits are freed, and he’s in his husband’s arms.

    Everything is well.

    -------

    Link’s used to ridiculous things, okay? The wars of the goddess do that. And so does the fact that he married a shark puppy that’s ten foot tall and more muscled than anything or anyone else Link knows, and he’s best friends with several gerudo soldiers.

    But really, this, this has to take the cake.

    “You what?” Link asks, and it’s tiring.

    “I found this in the spring of courage.” Sidon says, holding up a golden sphere that is clearly a large zora egg.

    “Oh,” Link nods, because really, what else did he expect?

    “I think it’s for us!”

    Link just nods, and turns, leading Sidon to their chambers, and they are easy, setting the orb into a pool.

    “I wonder what they look like?”

    Link nods, of course Sidon wonders, he himself does too.

    So, they sit down, and really, what’s the worst that getting a child could do? They just, will lose sleep, and time. At least the child will be a Zoran, Link reasons, after all, they live longer.

   

    “What do we name them?” Sidon asks.

    Link tilts his head, unsure then, “Lymphina?”

    Sidon hums then, “Maybe.”

    And whatever made the strange egg see fit that it should hatch, as a small Zoran child begins shrieking, a guppy like shape.

    They both turn, and there is a guppy with golden scales to match Link’s hair, red fins like Sidon’s coloration, and striking blue eyes that almost seem to glow. A nurse shark then. Like Mipha had been, gorgeous.

    Sidon gasps, “Oh my goodness, Link!”

    Link nods, “She’s a beauty.”

    “She’s perfect!”

    “What about- Mipha?” Link asks quietly.

    Sidon chokes, “You- really?”

    Link nods, of course he is.

    “I love it. Mipha, she’s going to be as wonderful as her aunt!”

    Link laughs warmly, nodding, because this is wonderful. His beloved husband, and a daughter, his bestfriends ruling hyrule, everything is well. He is safe and so is his family.

    And the little golden guppy with her aunt’s name is going to grow up so loved.

#ssb writes #gift exchange #sidlink #sidlink gift exchange #marriage #magic baby #accidental baby acquisition #shameless fluff