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loz-untold-myths · 1 year

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UNTOLD MYTHS: THE MAGE'S LANTERN

A LoZ Fan-Story by Nocturne

Chapter 5 (Novelized)

Expand to Read! (Warnings: Violence, Implied Character Death)

Chapter 5 - The King

In the time before the advancement of the weather, Princess Zelda approached the castle walls. The landmark, along with the partially crumbled town around it, is known for remaining on heavy guard at all times. Her arrival is spotted immediately by the knights outside; all of which seemed particularly on edge. The princess was instantaneously escorted inside upon being recognized, with multiple guards accompanying her entry. Most of this felt like one swift movement to Zelda; one quick conversation between soldiers to another, all leading up to her now being brought before the King.

. . .

Her father, the King of Hyrule, is an older man. A frail one, at that. Although, many suspect he would be much better off if it weren't for the drastic weather conditions. As Zelda is led back to him, he is in the Throne Room; a large room near the center of the castle's maze of hallways with a high roof and expensive decor hanging on every inch of stone and tile. The King is slumped over in his throne, his expression grim with his eyebrows furrowed. His chin rests on his hand as he stares off. The lack of light in the throne room, attributed to the added curtains over every door and window, made for an even more foreboding sense hovering over the room. Even so, the guard leading the party clears his throat to get the monarch's attention.

"...Your majesty! Princess Zelda has returned."

This seemed to snap the King out of whatever he trance was in. His head darting up, the man shifts his widened gaze to the group. Once it settles on Zelda, he immediately sits up and runs over the best he can in his sickly state. The princess feels a heavy wave of guilt hit her as she witnesses such a reaction... But before she can say a thing, she's pulled into an unexpected hug.

"...Zelda! It has been days! Where... Where were you?! Are you alright?!"

"Father– I... I'm alright, more or less." Zelda hesitates to give any clarity on what transpired, but she knows she'd be in trouble if she didn't. "I... Read in one of the library's books about a wand with the power over ice and snow. I thought maybe I could... Maybe I could find it myself and reverse the ice wizard's spell! But when I found it, he was there too, and..." Her voice trails off.

"...And?" The old man's demeanor quickly changes to one of restrained anger. Not with Zelda, but with the wretched mage, "Did he hurt you?" The King has focused on the bloodied cloth over the gash on her face.

"A... little.... But I escaped that night when he tried to drag me somewhere else." Her father is about to interject, but she continues speaking, "I was on my way back here when more monsters began to appear. One cornered me, but one of the villagers from nearby killed it." As Zelda recalls the event, she takes a moment to stop in realization. She must not forget what she owes that boy. "The boy said his name was Link. We have to repay him somehow, I could have–"

Now the King fully interrupts her stumbling words, "Now, now, slow down a little. The mage captured you?" His voice sounds like he's nearly forgotten how to speak. "How did you escape?"

"...I stabbed him in the eye." She says this rather bluntly, as if she doesn't know what else she was expected to do in such a situation.

Blink. That certainly wasn't the answer the King expected, but he's proud. Certainly not more proud than worried, but the description remains. After this brief pause, the king lightly shakes his head to recollect himself.

"Zelda, you shouldn't have taken such a risk so recklessly! Don't you realize what–... You said someone made certain you came back safely?"

Zelda nods, although she thinks it would have been easier for him to listen the first time she said it. Either way, she can't be bothered for long. She's relieved to be home again, after all. The whole situation overall was frightening for her first journey outside of home on her own (even if it was without her father's knowledge).

"His name was Link. He was from a village not far from the Temple of Time. If he hadn't stepped in, I would have been stuck out there much longer..." Her gaze strays off towards the floor now as the King finally releases the hug, but keeps his hands on her shoulders. He is about to speak up regarding this, though his speech comes to a halt before it can even escape him.

It doesn't take so much as a second for the young princess to realize why her father didn't end up speaking. She, too, felt what had distracted him: a cold wind even more bitter than that of the norm. The air is so cold, infact, that even indoors their own breath seems to create a fog. Zelda raises her head and peers around the room– expecting an open window or door– yet there is neither in sight. As per usual, the windows are all sealed shut with soldiers stationed at the sturdy, closed doors. The curtains obscuring them remain intact.

The King stands upright now, his eyes narrowing in uncertainty as he tries to pinpoint what could have possibly caused such an anomaly. Despite his numerous layers of clothing, the chill is enough to make his already weakened body feel as brittle as a thin slate. Merely inhaling the coldness is enough to leave him in a coughing fit, sending Zelda into a temporary alarm. Instinctively, the girl steps forward and decides to help her father stand; just in case.

"Father– Are you alright?? The storm was harming you enough already, but with it now seeming worsened–" She cuts herself off, whispering under her breath, "(...Oh no.)"

"...Don't worry. I'll be fine, Zelda."

"...I'm sorry."

"–What?"

"The mage retrieving the ice rod... It has to be how the weather ended up like this just now!" Looking up to the now paling King, the guilt she felt upon her initial return has finally seeped through and become visible just above skin-level.

"...Zelda, do not blame yourself for this. You cannot control the actions of that vile–" Yet another course of coughs. "That vile... Creature."

"...I thought... With the wand... I could." The princess mumbles, her stare locked at the freezing stone floor for a moment. However, she is soon quick to redirect her attention to her father. She interrupts any attempt he may have tried to make to refute her point. "...But... now we must prioritize getting you somewhere warmer before your illness worsens further!" The princess soon begins to try to lead him deeper into the castle, "Your room has a fireplace, that could at least combat the cold–"

"Zelda–" The King once more tries to interject.

"I'll make sure some of the guards come with us, as well–"

"Zelda!"

"What?" The princess finally looks up to the King, the look in her eyes sending a regretful chill down the King's spine.

"...I believe we may have worse matters to address." The man's voice is low, his gaze having now strayed to the opening entrance doors of the Throne Room, which now unintentionally let in a bit of a draft. Within the large doorway, a group of castle guards now stands. Based upon their expressions, their arrival was one of urgency.

"Your highness!" The closest of the guards calls over to the royals, kneeling, "The curse! It's worsened!"

"...We are well aware." The King places a hand on Zelda's shoulder as a subconscious action of worry for her.

"...Sir, that's not where it ends. An onslaught of beasts have appeared from the storm! They approach the castle as we speak."

Zelda's pupils dilate in her fright. "Then everyone needs to get to the East Passage immediately!" She advises both her father and the guards in a rush, knowing only castle staff know of the secret route to the castle's exterior.

"The army of monsters surrounds the exits," A guard begins, "Even if we took that path, we couldn't guarantee there wouldn't be something waiting for us."

"What other choice do we have?! All of you! Focus on keeping those creatures out! Drive them from the Capital so everyone else may escape with their lives!" The King yells his order, but it spirals him into another violent cough.

Being forced to swallow their concerns and put their duty first, three of the guards go to their ruler to help him and Zelda escape. The rest depart to defend the walls of the castle. Yet, it already seems their time is thinning, as the occasional deep thud echoes through the halls.

One guard travels ahead, the other two sticking behind. The princess intends to lead her father, considering his condition, but he instead begins to take the lead despite this. Once again, the young girl can feel everything happening much too fast for her to possibly keep up. Traversing one hall after another, each of them rushes to beat the ever-louder thuds that trail after them.

...However, as the knights and those they protect enter the Great Hall, a crash like lightning is audible; it repeats back and forth in their ears. No one says a word, but each comes to a halt upon the realization of what it means. The demons have made their way inside. After a pause, Zelda breaks her own despair to remind herself that such stillness will leave them all as easy targets. She silently motions to the guards, urging them to keep going. They follow her order, making a similar connection; only to be met by a raging flurry that blasts through the doors they were about to approach. Knocked off their hinges, the doors fly into the walls before slamming to the stone floor.

Zelda hasn't much time to register what occurred, but feels her father pull her a bit closer so he may shield her from the harsh, icy winds. This only worsens his shivering, but he refuses to care. The armored protectors raise their guard, instinctively drawing their halberds from their backs and taking aim towards the source of the gale. A blast like that... It was greater than anything even the mighty storm could muster. ...No. It had to be that of a sorcerer.

...And, unfortunately, they were right.

As the relenting white finally fades from view, a figure is visible standing at its former epicenter. The silhouette is that of a wizard in many layers of robes beneath a cloak. He bears piercing eyes– one of them scarred and hidden by his hair– and snake-like skin. The all-too-recognizable intruder gains a sinister grin beneath his scarf. "Greetings, Your Majesty." An insincere, mockingly calm greeting comes from him.

"...You." 'His Majesty' responds through gritted teeth, not pleased to see this man whatsoever. The King grows even more protective of his daughter in this moment, bringing out an arm in front of her to create distance between her and the mage. Zelda's gaze darts to her father again in confusion, as she had no idea her father was familiar with this Wizard in specific (although she was aware the King, at one point, had known the mage's commander).

"Ah, yes..." The Wizard begins, "You remember me. I certainly haven't forgotten about you... Not after you ordered the execution of my allies at the hands of your army."

"And your execution was to be among them! Guards!" The King roars out to his protectors, his voice having gained a sickly gravel by this time.

Instantly following instruction, the three guards race towards the enemy with their halberds aimed. They come in succession rather than together, so they may serve as backup to one another. Yet, even with the advance of the soldiers, the wizard keeps perfectly still. ...Still, until the last possible moment he could have acted. Lifting his hands, massive shards of ice cut upwards from the stone around him. The first approaching knight's halberd is caught by the frozen shard shooting upward, effectively disarming him long enough for the Wizard to send him flying into the second with a barreling cold wind. As the third tries to attack the mage regardless, he simply lifts his hand to freeze over the abandoned halberd and send it flying right into the final soldier. With all three now down, the intruder cast another harsh wind swirling around each of them in an attempt to discourage their continued retaliation.

"...I must apologize," the slightly annoyed mage returns his gaze to the uncertain pair of royalty upon making short work of their guards, "I really did not suspect I would have to resort to this whole... 'Storming the castle' thing. Especially after I took care of your little rat." His eyes rest on Zelda, which only infuriates the King further. "Alas... Sometimes plans must adapt. Now, why don't we make this easier for everyone involved? Surrender to me now, and this will not have to escalate any further."

The princess uneasily glares towards the sorcerer, her father then stepping fully in front of her and retorting with a bit of strain, "And allow your wicked forces to rule our land?! I would rather my last breath be taken defending it!"

The wizard seems to pause, before he only becomes more smug. "...Very poor choice of words, sire."

Upon hearing this, the weakened guards take it as a threat– as it very likely is– and force their ways through the harmful winds to stand up to the wizard. In their efforts, they manage to break through. The knights gather before the King and Princess, taking a fighting position whilst enduring the wounds they have already sustained.

The mage looks upon this, wondering if their army truly learns nothing. Supposing he needs to teach them a proper lesson this time, he lifts his fist again. But rather than seeing frost form around them, he looks upon a purple fog that begins to cloud the room. Narrowing his eyes, The Wizard looks between his fist and the fog. He certainly didn't do that.

The darkness grows more dense around the knights as they slice through it, ultimately shrouding them entirely and dealing enough damage to knock them unconscious within seconds. The soldiers collapse at the feet of the king, much to his own shock. He turns to make sure Zelda was not affected, but finds his own legs weighed down by a cold mass of forming ice.

"To spend your last breath fighting for this lost cause... If you insist upon it, Your Majesty, that can be arranged." A new voice speaks up from the other entrance of the room: the one the group entered from.

The origin of the voice is clear to the King immediately. Knowing the stakes have just been doubled, he makes an attempt to free himself– but to no avail. Zelda's heart races at a mile a minute as she takes no time to try and identify them. Her focus has gone to the dropped weapons of the compromised knights. Lifting one, the princess plunges it down into the ice surrounding the King's legs. The ice spikes outward and jabs at her halfway through this motion, forcing her to stumble back and drop the weapon. Finally, she looks towards the second of the intruders, whose arrival seemed to surprise the first.

A Gerudo man stands in their only other potential route of escape, yet another sorcerer with clothing akin to that of a ruler. And, in what only summons a great dread over the princess, he wields a powerful wand of pure ice magic in his grip. His very presence, by contrast, flickers like a living flame. Seeing as he now has their attention, he continues, "...In the meantime, however, I believe we have much to discuss. Shall we?"

"No one wants anything to do with you! Now release my father!" The girl demands this without a second thought. Behind her, the King reaches for the halberd she released and tries to break himself free.

"..." The Dark One is unamused. "...I am afraid you have no choice in the matter, princess." He readjusts his grip on the Ice Rod, the crystal at its peak emitting a dim glow. The collecting coldness at the King's feet abruptly begins to spread, now reaching up to his knees. Hearing this occur, Zelda looks back and witnesses it herself. "I hate for our first introductions to be such an ordeal, child, but I myself have had to make this choice due to your... interference. Make yours wisely. Otherwise, your dear father will become a mere trophy." He takes a step forward, continuing, "Surrender the Triforce of Wisdom to me, and the old man's life may be spared. Refuse... And he will meet a grave of eternal cold."

The princess tenses up, at a loss for what to say for a good minute. Soon enough, she buries her nervousness and decides to speak. "...wh– No! Leave him alone!"

"That is not an answer, Your Grace." The man's voice is practically a growl.

"Zelda!" The King, finding his attempts to destroy the ice unsuccessful, turns his head back to Zelda. "Do not cooperate with him, regardless of what becomes of me! Hyrule's fate depends on it!"

"–I won't leave you here!" The girl is startled from the suggestion even being made.

"SILENCE!" The Gerudo's voice overlaps Zelda's, echoing through the Great Hall. The mage seems to flinch, even though he isn't on the receiving end of the warning.

Seeming unscathed by the demand, the King glares daggers back towards him. "You leave her out of this, Ganondorf! The least you could do is face me yourself instead of hiding in an action of cowardice, you spineless–!" The King is suddenly cut off by his own yelling from the perpetual rising of the ice. It has become painfully numb, certainly not bearable. Zelda grimaces just from hearing her father in such great pain, stepping over to him as if she could somehow comfort him.

"It is not your decision to make." Ganondorf, responsible for once more aiding the process, lowers the wand before pointing it towards the princess. "Your time is running out, little one!" His footsteps draw nearer, showing not even the faintest of second thought.

With Zelda closer now, the freezing monarch warns her in a hushed voice. "(If Ganondorf retrieves your piece of the Triforce, he will be closer than ever to his vile victory... Zelda, you must… you must run)." It sounds like he can barely get the words out. "(Depart from here... Don't look back. Not for even.. For a moment. Protect the Triforce of Wisdom–!)" The longer he goes on, the more Zelda can feel frigid water swelling up in her eyes. It stings her face, practically clinging to it as it drops down.

"(But father–!)"

"(Zelda... The fate of Hyrule rests with you.)" Struggling to move, he shakily hands the halberd to the girl.

Staring to it now in her fists, Zelda finds herself nearly unable to see clearly. She tightens her grip on the halberd as a looming shadow draws closer to them both. Deep down, she understands fully what must be done. But... Every ounce of her wants to renounce it. This cursed power... It now may cost her father his life. And for what? What good could possibly come from this? "(Father, I…– ...I'm sorry. I love you.)" The princess mumbles the words just loud enough to make sure he hears, and whirls around to stab the halberd right into Ganondorf's torso– as he dared to come forth to force an answer from her.

The Dark One had not seen this coming at all, doubling over and letting out a furious call. The Wizard jolts, his eyes snapping towards the girl. Did she seriously just make the mistake of attacking Ganondorf?! He awaits Ganondorf's further instruction as the princess races past where the demon once blocked the way, but part of him wants to chase after her without the command. The dark sorcerer soon rips the halberd right from his body, gritting his teeth as he tosses the now bloodied weapon aside.

"...Very well, then." With no time to spare and not even a glance in the right direction, The Dark One swiftly swings the rod towards the King. It sends one final blast of ice that finishes the job. It envelops the dethroned ruler, one final, foggy breath escaping just before he is reduced to a statue.

It is only after the fact that Ganondorf's gaze shifts to the "sculpture" with a firm stare. "Follow her. She either remains here, or she fails to escape this palace alive. Make certain of it." He does bother to break this stare.

"...With pleasure." The Wizard outstretches both palms to the roof, disappearing in a snowy gale once more to hunt the girl down.

Notes:

The kick off for a character's plotlines is always so easy to nitpick. However, after multiple revised drafts I finally found one I was content with! That, and I got indecisive with the cover... Perhaps I'll share the original cover art at a later time. Sorry for all of the time I took hesitating for this one! ^^"

Now, it seems certain paths must cross again.

First Chapter: Prologue + The Wizard

Next Chapter: The Princess

Previous Chapter: The Lantern

(#loz mage's lantern)(#loz untold myths)

If you like my artwork, check out my main art blog: @nocturnalfandomartist

If you like my writing, here are some one-shots: @writingnocturne

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loz-untold-myths · 1 year

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UNTOLD MYTHS: The Mage's Lantern

A Legend of Zelda Fan-Story by Nocturne

Chapter 4 (Novelized)

Expand to read! (Warning: Illness)

Chapter 4 - The Lantern

Cough.

Aryll barely covers her mouth with her arm as she coughs, focusing her hands more on a needle and thread. She pulls a thread through her brother's sleeve, patching up a ripped up portion.

They sit beside the fireplace again, Aryll having sloppily set aside some sewing supplies she dug up from the closet. She still has most of herself curled up in a blanket, but slouches her upper body out just enough to help repair Link's clothes.

"(Do you know what you're doing...?)" Link quietly questions his sister. Despite his words, he doesn't really have any ill intent... It's a genuine question.

"I'm doin' what Papa taught me." Aryll huffs. "If you could do any better, you'd be patching it yourself!" The girl finishes replacing the section of cloth, before pulling her brother a bit closer by the arm and whispering over. "(...You better hope Papa doesn't see a scratch like that)." It didn't get too deep, but it's too precise to blame on one of their tools.

"(I didn't plan on it getting me...)" He looks somewhat ashamed, now that he thinks about it. But his sister simply narrows her eyes.

"(How am I supposed to believe you really fought off a big monster, huh)?" There's an obvious skepticism in her voice, despite the physical evidence she just helped cover up. Link can only stare in disbelief at such a question, initially. He gives Aryll a rather unimpressed expression, pointing to the patch in his sleeve. "(...Mmm, I guess you could have. But by yourself)?" Link is quick to shake his head. "(Then who else was at Spectacle Rock? Now I have to know)!"

"(...)" The boy scratches his head, wondering if it's his business to tell Aryll what happened. Then again, he barely understood the full situation, himself... Besides, he can't hold back credit where credit is due. "(...The monster was attacking a girl my age at the top of the rocks. It... Looked like she had been attacking it from up there for a while)."

Aryll blinks. "Someone from here? ...Was it Malon?" She has lost all sense of using her inside voice, her curiosity getting the better of her. Link simply shakes his head. From what he understands, that girl was from the castle town... Probably better off that way, too, after he made a fool of himself in front of her. He gets a little pink just thinking about the embarrassing encounter, but his thoughts are cut short by his sister's voice, "Was she pretty?"

"(...Wh– what kind of question is that)?"

"What kind of expression is that? Tell me more, come on!" She tugs on his uninjured arm and sways back and forth, annoyingly trying to tease answers out of him.

"(I'm just... Cold)." Link mutters.

"I'm sure you are... You better get in a blanket, too, then. There's one on the couch." Her brother nods, before he scoots to the couch and heaves himself up onto it. Link tucks the blanket over him, a sense of relief coming from its heat. It almost makes him sleepy.

Although he stays up a while longer to talk to Aryll and avoid her endless list of questions, this coziness eventually does catch up to him. Off he goes, dozing off again... But Aryll is gracious enough to let him get a short nap after he apparently played hero.

. . .

Crackling.

Link is shaken awake by the weight of the noise. The sound of a crackling flame. Yet against his skin, he only feels the sharp touch of the cold. It is as though he floats in a void of wind, but miniscule specks of ice gather. He is burried deep beneath snow.

Yet, even so deep below, that crackling calls out as if a flame would even have oxygen to feed off of in this darkness. It's almost beckoning... A source of warmth that remains nowhere to be seen. His urge is to try and dig himself out of the cold abyss and reach it, soon resurfacing with a gasp as if emerging from a river. When his head pokes out, he finds himself half-buried in a simple mound of snow in the middle of Hyrule Field. The boy blinks, gazing around. A blizzard obscures his vision, but he can recognize the shape of a building in the distance. It is rather large, having three bell towers poking out from where it is flooded over by the snow. Now that he really focuses, he can make out the blurry silhouette of a woman walking towards the place. Link pulls himself from the mound, flopping into the rest of the icy ground. He rushes up in a daze, looking towards the building once more. He reaches out, trying to call for the departing figure– but his voice does not escape him. Rather, the world goes black.

Cracking.

The world of ice around him has shattered, leaving him now in a blank realm. An uneasy desperation comes across his face. What's going on? Why couldn't he reach her? Link shouts out into the darkness, but expects no answer.

This time, however, he gets one.

A spark enters his vision, a flame dancing around him in a blaze of gold and amber yet unaware of his presence. It comes to a halt directly in front of the boy, a thin metal wire structure forming around it before solidifying into a proper object; a lantern. He tries to grasp the handle, but it disintegrates into ash. As his vision sinks into fading embers, words bounce on the non-existent walls– traveling back and forth through his ears repeatedly. He has heard these words before... But from where?

"...But word has come around, that somewhere they have hidden the power of a meteor. Its mere essence may force any bitter winter to cower. One day, it must be found... Or our land's fate will remain in stone."

That voice...

At last, he can speak, "...I'll find you."

Link is stands alone, but the lack of response remains crushing.

...

"Epona!"

What.

. . .

"Epona, cut that out!" Aryll chuckles, but it turns into a cough. She's standing beside of the window with her blanket wrapped over her shoulders.

Link opens his eyes, finding he still remains on the couch. Of course, that was only a dream... It'd be insane if it wasn't. Yet he still finds himself eyeing the embers of the fireplace, staring in utter silence for a pause... Until he processes what Aryll was saying, and the added draft to the room. He darts his head in that direction.

Much to his surprise, Aryll has one of the windows just barely opened, a little horse sticking its muzzle through the crack. No wonder it's gotten so cold in here! Link steps over, "(...Be careful– you're going to get yourself sick!)"

"I'm already sick." His sister pouts, "...But just look at Epona! She jumped the fence again! I think she wants inside." Epona has always been Link's favorite of the horses, as he was the one who helped take care of her when she was first born into such a frigid environment, but admittedly she's gotten a little too confident. How does she keep jumping the fence at her size, anyway?

Link sighs, gently nudging Epona's head back outside and shutting the window. He better get her back into the stable... Making sure to lock the window and pull their makeshift curtains back over it, he motions to Aryll that he'll be right back. Link ignores the subsequent look he gets from her, gathering his boots and hat that he removed when he made it home. Considering it's late in the day, he decides he better go grab some extra layers and a scarf from his room as well. There aren't many rooms in the house, so he's already in him and his sister's shared closet in no time at all. It's an unorganized sea of cloth and torn up clothes, which he internally accepts is his own fault. They've had to make most of what they have from scraps of old clothes, especially with how much thicker cloth needs to be than when he was really little. Link doesn't recall such a time, and Aryll certainly doesn't, but it's hard to get materials other than what everyone already had. Even his current clothes have a layer of blanket stuffing in the inner sections. This mess makes it impossible to find much of anything, though...

The boy can hear the front door to the house open and close, but doesn't quite process it as he scavenges the pile of fabric and leather for his scarf. There are... Other scarves, yes, but he specifically wants to find his own. Link finally spots it, realizing it was actually hung up where it was supposed to be, anyway. It makes him feel a little stupid, but he brushes it off. Then he feels a weak nudge on his shoulder. Link glances to the side, realizing the nudge was Aryll's sickly attempt at pushing him out of the way. He gives her a confused squint of his eyes, although there's an undertone of concern in there for her.

Recognizing her brother's silent lack of understanding, she looks up to him and elaborates, "Papa's home. He got Epona because you took so long."

...Oh.

Aryll continues as she shoves past him and starts digging through the pile, ironically finding what she was looking for right away, "He said we're heading to the old cellar."

"(...Huh? Why?)"

"Ask him!"

Link immediately walks out of the closet and through his bedroom, peeking around the corner of the short hallway outside of it. He spots his father removing their one wall decoration from where it was hung. It's an old painting of a building in a field of green grass... Something unrecognizable to Link.

"(What're you doing?)" Link approaches his father, peering over his arm to see.

His father didn't realize he was there, turning back now with a bit of surprise, "Ah– Well... The weather hasn't been this... Foreboding... Since the day of the Frigid Storm. It's not safe to be up in the house where it could be burried by the coming snow, so I'm moving some things to the cellar. I already told Aryll, it's best we head down there, too. If it's as bad as it was then, we'll be burried in the house... The cellar at least has a ladder to get out with when the weather settles. Go get anything from your room you think you'll need."

Link nods, about to do exactly that, but he stops in his tracks the moment his gaze meets the painting his father holds. That building... A temple with three bell towers. Three...– "(Where is that?)" He immediately blurts as the thought comes to him.

"...Hm? Ah. This is a temple that used to be around here... Your mother and I were married in the field just beyond it." Although he began with a bittersweet smile, it has now faded into a solemn frown. "It was burried with the rest of our old home."

...

"But nevermind that. You need to get your stuff moved." He pats Link on the shoulder, then carrying everything he put together so he can bring them to the cellar. However, the painting of the temple falls as he struggles to open the door. The boy hurries to help his father get through the door with all he carries, then picking up the picture. He hesitates, staring at it for just long enough to know for certain what it looks like. The boy simply places the painting back on his father's stack of items, to which he thanks him and goes on his way.

With him gone, Link is left to let his mind wander just a little too far off. How come he had seen this place? It would have made sense for him to see it as it once was, like in the painting he sees every day... But he saw it as it likely stands now. This fact eats at Link for the entirety of the time that he spends gathering his things together in his room. He slings a satchel over his shoulder to make carrying the load a tad easier, trying his best to focus on packing his clothes, folding his blankets, and the like... But he simply cannot shake away the constant echoing of his dream– A dream that is far too vividly remembered in his perfectly awake state for it to be normal.

The power of a meteor. It drives him crazy. The same thing, repeating over and over in the back of his mind! How does he even remember it so clearly? Why does it sound like someone he knew? Link unsuccessfully continues to try to push it away, eventually caving and turning to face the window with a huff. It already has begun to snow outside again... And it certainly doesn't look welcoming. Like his dream– no, his vision– It's impossible to see a thing. Even so, there's an otherworldly urge to follow it.

...I'll find you.

Link did say that, didn't he? He's already run off once today. It's going to be late soon, too. He can't go out in that. But if this power– whatever it is– really can "force any bitter winter to cower?" His family wouldn't have to hide from the storm anymore. They wouldn't have to be lost to the cold. As dangerous as it is, he knows this has to be important. Something that specific doesn't come about every day. Certainly not, in Hyrule's state... So despite what his father's best wishes, Link comes to the decision to set out and keep his promise to that voice. The boy grabs the damaged spear he had hidden away and opens the window, about to go immediately– only to be hit by a massive wave of icy winds. Forcefully shutting the window, he realizes he's going to need warmer clothes if he wants to survive that mess... He lets out an defeated sigh, unfolding the clothes he just put together. He puts them on under the clothes he was already wearing, just in case his father were to catch him in the act of going far out. Readjusting the scarf afterward, Link fiddles with the torn seams at the end. It may still be less than what he'll need, but it'll have to do. From this point, he'll simply brave whatever stands in the way. He can only hope something– someone– awaits him there.

He returns his sights to the window. Disregarding any prior warnings the signs the weather cast to him, the boy pulls open the window and hops out of it. The boy is sure to shut it behind him, making sure no one is close enough to spot him leaving. It looks as though his father just finished bringing things down to the cellar, as he now works on getting the horses shut into the stable's barn. That may be an obstacle... He takes a deep breath of the crisp air, only to regret it. Link hurriedly buries his face into the scarf. At least that woke him up the rest of the way.

A stab of guilt in his chest, Link mentally prepares himself and heads the opposite direction of the barn. His father would never believe a story about a vision. Link would have no excuse if anyone caught on! While a hard worker, Link's father is one of the survivors of the storm that decided to accept life as it had become and tough it out. He was never the type to believe in some sort of relief from it all, other than hard earned food and shelter. With that in mind, Link will just have to prove him wrong. He'll find... Whatever the vision was trying to tell him about. And just maybe... He can help more than just one person today! Even if it does get him grounded.

. . .

As one would expect, the storm outside is relentless. The young adventurer has a hard time keeping his snow boots atop the surface, and his eyes sting from the temperature despite how used to it he thought he has become. Link pulls his scarf over his face yet again, narrowing his eyes as he pushes through the forming blizzard. He can hear distant roars, but he cannot tell if they're from thunder or from more beasts. He's hoping it's thunder, but reminds himself he is at least armed. The spear is latched to the same belt his satchel is attached to for the time being. It's kind of a pain to drag around...

After what feels like far too long, his village no longer in view behind him, Link's gaze catches the tip of a roof peeking out of a hill of snow. Upon it entering his sight, Link quickens his pace to climb the hill and investigate. He passes a rod atop the exposed portion of the roof, that of one of the bell towers. However, the snow abruptly becomes very deep. The boy trips over himself, nearly being consumed by the snow, before he feels around and re-discovers the rod to hang onto it. He pulls himself up out of the snow, sneezing and shaking his head. Once the snow is more or less out of his face, Link takes another look around. It might serve him well to be careful with all of the hidden drops... The drops seem to have a small decline from the rest of the snow around them. He'll keep an eye out for this as he finds an entrance.

Gazing back towards the highest point, which is the least consumed by the blanket upon the ground, Link barely is able to make out an open window beyond the falling snow. Perhaps he could find a way over there? Cautiously, Link slides down the portion of the roof he stands on– having to readjust his stance again as to not slip– and scans the area for any drops. Link spots a few and is mindful to evade them as he cautiously starts heading across the snowy roof tiles. Even on the roof platforms, the snow goes up to his knees and makes it difficult to traverse through.

Upon finally reaching the tallest peak of the roof, after the one or two close calls, Link peeks down into the dark open window. Before he can entirely process what is down there, a high pitched noise like that of a bat is audible. Surely enough, a wave of Keese fly out of the window in a swarm. Link yelps, covering his head as he ducks. Keese? Of course it had to be Keese! He groans, then standing further upright and readjusting his footing. Lifting his spear, the boy swats at any Keese that come too close. It's a little disorganized and frantic, but it's effective at keeping them away. One of them is inadvertently stabbed through the eye and disappears into dark smoke. As minorly disturbing as it is, he stabs another one as well once it gets too close. When it disappears, its eye is left behind and rolls down into the temple. Ew. Link's face scrunches up in disgust, promptly determining he's had enough. He leans back into the window, where he can barely make out a ladder going down from it in the dark. Hurrying onto the ladder, Link slams the window shut on the remaining Keese once they try to follow him in. They smack right into the glass and fall into the snow.

Eyeing down the ladder, he puts the spear back on his belt. Link slowly descends further into the temple from the ladder. The deeper down he steps, the more dust and shadows seem to collect. He shudders, both from the eeriness of the temple and the urge to sneeze. Barely able to see where he's going, one hand is kept to the wall at all times when he enters the halls. He would rather not stray too far off. One thing is for sure, the temple has been left untouched for quite some time... He can feel the wear in the tiles and the thick layer of dust collecting on them. It's like the place was frozen in time when the Frigid Storm occured...

When he sees some form of light again, it is coming from a room straight ahead. Link quickly approaches said light, bumping into a heavy door that was apparently only partially opened. He has to pull it just far enough that he can squeeze through. Once he does, Link has come upon a chamber with a single window not blocked from the outside. The window holds the figure of a winged blue creature, light dimly streaming from it from the highest portion of the center wall. Beside the stained glass on either side is an array of banners of creatures he doesn't recognize. Most are humanoid, but not enough to be humans themselves.

...

Lowering his vision from the peculiar display, it settles upon something directly before him. A pedastal just below the stained window, with the vaguely familiar symbol of three triangles forming a larger one carved onto its surface. And atop the pedastal, a small pillar that looks like it would usually be used to display a treasure is placed. Instead of any treasure, however, there is... A lantern made of thin metal structures. Somehow, the lantern is already illuminating the room. It's been recently lit. A small gasp escapes Link at the sight.

Link glances back behind him as if to make sure no one is watching, then returns his attention to the lantern. A tad unsettled– yet determined and curious– Link takes a few slow steps towards it. He can't seem to tear his gaze away from the bright flame that blazes in its center...

After a pause of hesitation, Link reaches towards the handle of the lantern and picks it up. He stares at it for a moment, shocked that it didn't fizzle away this time around. His mind is racing with attempts at explanations. Why would this lantern appear in his dream? Did the one he saw light it? What does any of this really mean...? He lowers his face so that his eyes may be in line with the fire, squinting. Before he can do so much as process the stinging of the light in his vision, a voice booms from an unknown direction.

"F i n a l l y!"

Link jolts, nearly dropping the lantern but catching himself. His eyes dart around, trying to find a source of the noise.

"Someone has come to let me out!"

The boy looks ahead of him again, only for his gaze to fix on the fire once more.

The fire develops a face.

The golden shapes of two eyes and a mouth, trapped within the lantern. The ember-filled smile turns into a wide grin. This causes Link to call out in alarm and actually drop the lantern this time.

The lantern hits the floor with a clang, faintly echoing in the chamber. The fire within speaks up. Again. "Augh! Easy, will you? This space is tighter than it looks, corporeal form or not!" It swirls uneasily in the metallic bars of its apparent prison.

The boy stays dead silent, but his eyes are widened so much that they may as well be two plates. He stares for a dreadful amount of time. The sentient blaze finds this a little weird, but ironically doesn't voice this outwardly. It just barely peeks its face out of the bars, now staring back.

"Are you just gonna keep spacing out, or are you gonna open the door?"

...Door? Link thinks. It doesn't take him long to realize the lantern's little "door" is locked. It's... it's just fire. Can't it slip through the bars? What's the point of the door? Uncertain, he lifts the lantern by its handle again as he keeps his eyes solely on the fire. The boy finally blinks, but still is in a fitting state of surprise.

"..." The ember seems impatient, narrowing its "eyes".

This flame... This lantern; Could it really be the solution to the curse his village has faced for so long? Had the fire itself called him here? As these questions dance over Link's head, he feels himself reaching his other hand to the lantern's lock. The action is more subconscious than anything, but he doesn't stop it. As odd as it is, he needs to give it a chance. The exact instant Link slowly opens the lantern, the blaze bursts out in a wild manner. A gust of overwhelming heat hits Link's face for what must be the first time, which certainly startles him.

"AHA! How long has it been? A year? More? Ah, who cares! I'm free, at long last!"

Link calms after a moment, but this mostly due to him being distracted by the fire slowly taking an actual shape. The light shifts itself to almost resemble the snakelike flame of a candle, the face reforming and immediately turning downward to look at him.

"You! Human boy! I can't thank you enough– err... Who're you?" The flame raises a nonexistant eyebrow. This kid obviously isn't who it expected to see...

Link is puzzled, among numerous other things, by the fact the flame felt the need to adress him as if he were calling him out. No one else is here, that Link knows of... He shakes his head, brushing off the thought and clearing his throat– only to still speak with a quiet tone of voice. "(...Link)."

"Link, huh? Sounds... Hm, what's the word? ...Important! Yes. A... More or less weird choice for a name, but an important sounding one!" It is hard to tell if he is joking or not. "I am the fire spirit, Searis. I have been sealed away for faaaar too long... Yet here you are! Hahaha, this must be both of our lucky days! ...But how come someone like... You... Came here?"

Link pauses, as if having forgotten about it for a moment. Eventually, it comes back to him. "(...I think I need your help.)"

"...ah. Figures. But why come to me?"

The rattled boy wonders how to put this, "(I was lead here by something. I think you can help with the... Curse outside.)"

"Care to speak up a little once in a while?" The flame struggles to understand, with how the winds outside create so much noise.

"(There's a curse!)" Link only whisper-shouts.

"Curse? What do you think I am, a mage? I can't undo a curse!"

"(It's all ice.)"

"...Ice."

"(Outside.)"

"Outside?" The fire moves its "head" back towards the window, watching the snow fall past the glass. Searis... Doesn't quite get what Link is saying, though. "...I don't know what you're trying to tell me, kid. How about we head out of this stuffy ol' place and you can show me yourself?" The flame shrinks back to fit in the lantern once more. "Just put the lantern on your belt thing."

Link nods, doing so. He gives the chamber one last look, debating upon his own consciousness, before he turns to go back to the ladder. Double-checking for any lingering Keese, Link peers through the fogged window. Slowly creaking it open, he begins stepping out. Searis's small eyes widened from their usual narrowed state upon seeing the storm outside. It never quite looked like this when he was last out, and... Seeing the severe weather cover all in its path so immensely was nearly frightening.

"...I think I get it now." His voice is almost in awe.

The pair looks out to the somehow worsened blizzard in pure silence other than the howling winds. It takes a minute before Link actually looks down towards Searis, who is staring up at him as if awaiting– no– demanding an explanation. However, he does not receive one. Not yet, anyway.

Searis personally finds this irritating, but not enough to do anything about it. The spirit nudges the door of the lantern to get the boy's attention. This causes it to move forward and nearly slip from his belt, leaving Link to hurriedly have to catch it. The little blaze motions its "head" towards the door. Soon seeming to understand, Link opens the lantern for Searis to fly out and swirl around to Link's side. Link didn't notice this before, but no matter where the wind blew the fire spirit's trail of embers always stayed tethered to the lantern. Huh.

"This is the problem, I'm guessing..." There's quiet for a moment. "And it's all coming from there?" The flame has moved his vision in a specific direction.

"(...What?)"

"...I can't be the only one seeing the massive vortex of clouds above that castle, right?"

This question catches the boy immensely off guard. Link's gaze then follows Searis's as he squints his eyes, trying to see through the rapid snowfall. He can't entirely make it out, but... Just over the horizon, the distant towers of Hyrule Castle are overcome with a structure of clouds resembling a cyclone. While the cold had always found its epicenter there... The castle was beginning to be consumed now more than ever. This causes Link's gut to twist up.

It feels like... Something horrible has happened.

Note:

Sorry for another long chapter! Got a bit carried away. If you liked this, check the rest of this blog to find concept art and other details! Asks are open, and I have plenty of time to answer them! Reblogging is fine as well.

First Chapter: Prologue + The Wizard

Previous Chapter: The Dark One

Next Chapter: The King

(#loz the mage's lantern)(#loz untold myths)

If you like my art, you can find my main art blog here: @nocturnalfandomartist

If you like my writing, I post canon-based fics here: @writingnocturne

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loz-untold-myths · 1 year

Text

Untold Myths: The Mage's Lantern

A Legend of Zelda Fan-Story by Nocturne

Chapter 3 (Novelized)

Expand to Read! (Warning: Just... Ganon being kinda messed up??)

Chapter 3 - The Dark One

The wizard faces the grim wasteland, not a soul or beast daring to cross his path. His rage manifests in frost over the sands with every footstep. Some even branches out from the wound in his eye, which he has kept hidden beneath his hair. He knows fully well that he is the greatest sorcerer– second greatest sorcerer to ever live. Yet... The bitterness of his failure… it rings in his ears. It twists his gut. It lingers in every speck of dust that the air brushes past him! He's been foiled. He's been ruined! Hours of his time have been wasted trying to find that wretched little pest he lost, and now his time very well be cut short for it! The man grumbles to himself, but his frustrated murmurings spiral into muttering reassurances. Surely, this mishap does not mean his fate has been sealed quite yet... No, he was much too close. Trying to keep that thought first and foremost, he stops at the highest point of a dune.

In his view, a tower watches over the bleak desert as its silhouette blends with the atmosphere. It almost seems to lean– appearing to rock with the wind. However, it doesn't move so much as an inch. The tower is an infamous one; its crooked structure rumored by commoners to be formed overnight from the solidifying of a horrific mass of dark magic. The wizard knows well that the idea isn't far from the truth, but this does not intimidate him. There are many things more imposing than the forsaken fortress... Such as those who lie within.

Unfortunately for the mage, of course, he is preparing to face the tower's master himself. I have bought myself time, he tells himself. This wasn't entirely pointless...

He takes a moment to focus his energy, bringing his hands together in front of him. A numbing elemental energy courses through his veins, exiting from his fingertips and curling outward into a culmination of energy. With his power focused, he is able to swing his arms into the air and catch the winds rushing past his palms. The instant the wizard does so, his form dissolves into snow and pulls the gale after it– drifting up to the tower's peak.

. . .

Above, a silhouette looms within one of the many openings of the tower's head. They overlook the land to the Northeast: the land of Hyrule. Just beyond this disgusting realm of decay lies one that once flourished... but now, it has been reduced to a shell. A husk. The power to being forth such disaster... It can only be controlled by one with promise beyond the mortal world's imagining. And to those with such power, the future is often fickle. With every second more that passes, it could slip away.

The figure rests their hands on the sil of the opening, contemplating the time that passes in stillness. Their yellow eyes, piercing through the veil of night, have even begun to stop blinking. As their thoughts dull away, a faint sound begins to echo in the back of their mind. That of... crackling. It remains for quite some time, like whispers of an awaiting demise... but the realization of its presence snaps the silhouette out of it. They brush the oddity aside, remaining in stillness once again for a moment or two after stepping away from the "window". In the quiet air, there hangs a strange feeling... A heavy misfortune.

The haunting, dead silence soon comes to a close, however. The figure's right hand emits a dim glow with a faint ringing, immediately grasping their attention. They turn their hand, lifting it ever-so-slightly to gaze upon the projection of a triangular shape over it. Only one piece presents itself... And it does so dimly. It would be stronger if in the presence of another. That can only mean what approaches is without the sacred relic he seeks.

As a current of snow redirects into the tower, the figure can already sense what has happened. Their hand ceases its glow, clenching into a light fist as the silhouette returns to where they previously stood. They look out upon the rest of the world in an eerie calmness, allowing the inevitable to come.

Surely enough, the collection of snow turns in the air until it re-forms into the shape of The Ice Mage. The wizard takes a second to process his surroundings, almost hoping he will find he is alone... But he is quick to realize he is mistaken. Left to stand there with his master's back turned to him, he takes a cautious step back and clears his throat.

"...I have returned, Master." His voice is shivering, regardless of an attempt he makes to preserve his composure.

A sickening nothingness is all that answers the wizard for a solid minute, before the shadow he speaks to slowly lowers their head. Their voice cleaves the air, low and harsh, "...So you have." Another pause. "...You informed me that you had the upper hand. Yet, Aspen... You return to me with nothing."

They suddenly lift their left hand, a scent like smoke plaguing the room as a blaze sparks into existence over their palm. The fire wildly flicks around, yet remains grounded within the master's control. As their right hand tightens its grip on the sil, subtly cracking its surface, they snap their head back to him. "Why?"

The orange light reflects in the mage's widened eye, an unspoken threat without need of explanation. Aspen struggles to formulate the right words, but eventually sputters something out, "...I assure you, Dark One, I had the vessel in my grasp–"

"I care not if you did! ...I want a simple answer from you, mage." A sharp look cuts through Aspen like a dagger, even though The Dark One does not face him directly. "Have you succeeded, or have you dared to confront me empty-handed?"

At this moment, no fate seems welcoming; not as their hand. But to lie to The Dark One... No death would be more certain. Or more foolish.

"...The rat was seeking the Ice Rod we searched for previously. I learned she had located its hiding place in this very wasteland... but she managed a cheap escape." The Ice Mage mutters, fumbling with his hands. He chooses not to humiliate himself further by mentioning the scar the child gave him.

Despite it being the answer The Dark One expected, it is not what they wanted to hear. They whirl around fully, standing tall over the cowering wizard with an unforgiving, cold expression. Ash trickles behind their movement, the flame pulsating in their left hand before swiftly darting to the right instead. It gains a dark purple color to its base. "Where is she now?!" The composure once held by the figure has snapped away amidst their demanding shout.

Aspen jolts, temporarily bowing his head and lifting his hands. He restrains himself from shouting back, containing his own annoyance with the situation. "...I am...– I- I cannot be entirely sure. ...However!" The mage reaches beneath the outermost cloak he wears, removing something from the inner straps that would usually be used to conceal weaponry. He presents the Ice Rod, a mystical item containing the pure element of ice in the white crystal at its end. Intricate designs make its abilities rather obvious. "...I retrieved what she was looking for. Should you use it correctly, you could have abilities akin to my own." The offer is moreso a desperate request, Aspen hoping this makes up for his mistake. But seeing as he initially receives no response, he continues, "This gives us the advantage, Lord Ganondorf."

The Dark One, Ganondorf, stares for a terrifying while as if he were a statue. When he suddenly flicks his hand, Aspen flinches– but all Ganondorf does is turn his palm and snuff out the kindle. He grits his teeth, inching closer to the mage and swiping the rod from his hands. "I have bided my time for years, waiting for the proper time to hold my destiny in my fist. I have scorched lands without hesitation, commanded the downfall of the most powerful country on this continent... But that girl has the ability to reduce it all to mere history. You should hope you are correct." The man's voice has become a snarl.

"..."

"Master, it is a possibility that she has already returned to the castle to hide behind the King, but I–"

"...Do not waste my time. Get out and be sure she hasn't." His demeanor has yet again shifted, as if extinguished. ...Yet, an undertone of vile ferocity awaits to be provoked once more.

"–Of course!" Aspen responds so quickly that he nearly interrupts The Dark One, disappearing in another gust before he can face even the smallest of consequence for such an insignificant accident.

As the wizard fades away, the dark sorcerer brings his unamused gaze down to the glistening wand in his hold. Despite his anger with the outcome of events, he cannot help but feel his eyes lock on to the Ice Rod. A fierce opposite to the element he already possesses... A duality capable of destroying itself. It's fascinating... But to look upon it reminds him only that he must rely on a fool. At the mere thought of it, he abruptly throws his arm to one side. The weapon charges with energy, sending out an orb of the element from the gemstone and into the wall. It collides with a tapestry in a white blast; some of the ice shattering on impact, the rest collecting into spikes.

How immature, to let his disdain get the better of him... Even so, the results of his outburst get him to consider a thing or two. Although initially thought useless after it evaded him all those years ago... Perhaps the Ice Rod could turn this failure of the mage into a victory. He rotates the scepter in thought, watching the light it emits clash against the skies in his vision. Almost following this image, he slowly steps back to the opening.

A wicked glint enters his eyes, steam seeping through his closed fist around the rod's handle. The room is filled with this suffocating fog amidst his pondering, like clouds after a storm.

The sight is nearly nostalgic. The recollection swirls behind his thoughts.

Ganondorf just barely lifts the Ice Rod towards the stars to mimic the motion of The Ice Mage, beginning to grow lost in his train of thought. The Triforce of Power showing itself once again, energy surges from his palm and erupts through the wand's end. The stars become blotted out by clouds of hail, leaving The Dark One with a feeling as though he has caused the heavens to quake.

It sends a shudder through him. The wind is howling.

The frightening storm he has summoned forth churns around the tower, raging and unrelenting. It consumes his sight, but he is bothered for only a fraction of a second. Despite how it has blinded him, the sorcerer peers to the Northeast. A twisted grin curls across his face, a malicious idea spinning through the gale.

Oh, and to think he believed this to be a setback! Should The Ice Mage fail, it will be of no matter. Ironically, he may owe the wizard... Some gratitude.

Perhaps it is about time he pulled his destiny back into motion.

Note:

If you liked this, check the rest of this blog to find concept art and other details! My asks are always open, as well. There's lots more to come... (I would love to answer questions about timelines and Ganondorf in this timeline. He's not actually Ganondorf Dragmire).

Previous Chapter: The Hero

(#loz the mage's lantern) (#loz untold myths).

First Chapter: Prologue + The Wizard

Next Chapter: The Lantern

If you like my writing, by chance, I just posted the prologue to a re-imagining of The Adventure of Link! You'll find the blog here: Hero Reborn

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