❝ it seems shadow has been moved by light. ❞ ( so there are options! )
IT WAS THE ORDER OF THINGS, HOW THIS CIRCLE THAT NEVER SEEMED TO COME TO AN END WORKED. The demon king had finally been defeated, and the hero was the one who remained standing. As the smoke cleared, he emerged from the haze, with slightly torn clothes and dirt and sweat smearing his face, illuminated by a gleam of blue light. The battlefield, now visible all around him, was a testament to the ferocity of their clash, with charred earth and shattered stones bearing witness to the struggle.
All of his muscles should be resenting from it — begging him from some well deserved rest. Though perhaps the adrenaline coursing through his body was what was keeping him from collapsing right there and then. What was giving him the necessary strength to address the question that had been gnawing at his mind ever since he had learned of the destiny awaiting him ❝ tell me, ❞ the knight began, turning around as he placed the legendary sword back in its sheath when he heard their voice from behind.
❝ is it truly over now ? ❞ Link asked between heavy breaths, his voice a mixture of both hope and doubt. Sapphire eyes remained steady, locking onto those of the sheikah. Their enemy had been sealed but, would it be enough ? And if it was only temporary... how long would peace last before Hyrule had to face such chaos and malice once more ? As he awaited their answer, he could feel his heart pound quickly inside his chest. Yet, regardless of what it might be, he wanted, needed to hear it.
[ listen ] !!
HE CAN'T HELP THE SHORT LAUGH THAT ESCAPES HIS LIPS WHEN THE HORSE PLAYFULLY NUDGES HIS CHEST WITH HER VELVETY NOSE. Epona had been by his side since she was just a filly, and that had created a connection that makes them more than just rider and mount. THEY ARE COMPANIONS. Ones who know each other perfectly and help the other when needed ❝ See? They have their own language, just like us ❞ he begins with a smile, glancing at Kenneth while he pats her forehead.
❝ They pin their ears back when they are angry, they whinny when they are happy, they drop their heads when they are tired... ❞ he explains. They were simple signs that spoke volumes if you were willing to pay attention to them and that now are telling Link that, despite the joy of seeing him, what Epona is really interested in is the smell of carrots coming from him. So he takes one from his pocket and gives it to her, stepping back once she takes it so that the horse can enjoy it in peace.
❝ You just have to learn it, ❞ something easier said than done, even if it came naturally for the hero, since it was indeed a challenge that required both patience and consistency. THERE WERE NO SHORTCUTS, NO EASY PATHS. Their trust had to be earned slowly, one step at a time ❝ and they will not only listen to you but also like you and see you as a friend ❞ which, in the end, was the reward that made every bit of effort worthwhile. For they no longer stayed with you because you commanded them, but because they had decided to follow you.
THE KNIGHT MOVED SILENTLY THROUGH THE MOONLIT ANCIENT RUINS. The air was cool and crisp, the stillness of the night broken only by the distant hoot of an owl. As he navigated the labyrinth of pathways, he eventually noticed a large open courtyard where vines twisted around old pillars, and the remnants of what might once have been a grand fountain lay at the center, now dry and cracked. They had told him that he may be able to find clues that helped him understand what had happened to her there. But where ?
He began examining the area though suddenly a chill ran down his spine. As if there was a palpabable energy there, an undercurrent of magic that made the hairs of the back of his neck stand on end. He had company. His hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword, drawing it out of its sheath and readying himself for anything that might come ❝ whoever you are I suggest you come out ❞ Link's voice broke the silence that had reigned up to that instant. And, despite his calm demeanor, there was an unmistakable edge to his words — a subtle warning.
@lenfaer liked for a small thing!
HE LISTENS INTENTLY, THE WEIGHT OF THEIR WORDS SINKING IN AS DEEPLY AS THE EXHAUSTION IN HIS BONES. He walks quietly behind the sheikah, the distant sounds of the battle still ringing in his ears, like echoes from another life. Yet, there was a new softness in his eyes, a mixture of weariness and relief that he does not think he has felt until that moment. For the first time since he had picked it up, THE SWORD FELT LIGHTER, as though the immense burden of duty it carried ( and which had driven him forward for so long ) finally began to ease. He could feel it in the way his shoulders began to relax, in how his breath came slightly easier and his mind began to quiet. He had served his purpose. Every battle had been fought, every trial overcome. The realization washed over him like a warm blanket, comforting and profound: he had done enough.
He sits down slowly on the grass, allowing the coolness to embrace his weary limbs if only for a second. The soothing touch offering a rare moment of comfort as, with a subtle nod, he acknowledges both the wisdom and the carefulness in what they say ❝ that is enough for me, ❞ he murmurs, his voice low but full, carrying a sense of completion. He does not need many words, for he has never been one for them himself. His silence spoke volumes, a language of its own that conveys more than any speech ever could. And when it would not suffice, he let his actions show his message and intentions, as proven by the scars, both seen and unseen, that he bears ❝ knowing everyone will be fine is all I need ❞ he adds, and there was the true essence of his journey. HE DID NOT FIGHT FOR THE GLORY, NOR FOR THE PRAISE OR ADMIRATION OF OTHERS. He fought simply to ensure that their land and those he cared for would have a chance to heal and grow.
Though perhaps that was why his mind could not help but move foward, contemplating the next step he had to take in this new chapter of his life ❝ but...what now ? ❞ he wonders aloud, the question lingering in the air as he leans forward, elbows resting on his knees and fingers interlaced, and stares at them ❝ what will be needed of me now ? ❞ The princess' role was as clear as it was crucial. She would be the beacon of hope guiding people in the new era that was about to begin. The one to restore their faith after all the suffering they have faced. BUT WHAT OF HIM ? He longed to help, to stand by her side and contribute to the rebuilding of Hyrule. Yet, WHAT USE DOES A WEAPON HAVE IN A TIME OF PEACE ? He had to find out before seeing her again. He could not face her with doubts, if only to avoid making her carry all the weight of their future alone.
the dust cloud settling is a momentary event. nothing sticks around in this land but the evergreen fact that everything returns some day, maybe later rather than sooner, but return it will. they have seen the rise and fall of this kingdom several times over, a land growing back from its own ashes, in the vice of ganon's darkness only until the hero and the princess would rise to defeat it once again. this is how the story has been made, even if they were the one to write it down they had no hand in crafting it, and there is nothing to it besides the rare sense of contentment that is meddling within their usually calm veins to remind them that a period of peace is about to descend once more. all for the hero and his valiant effort, this sword that never rests when darkness roars, and his undeniable sacrifice to go the entire distance even when he knows the least about the mechanism at play, even when he rises up with no prior awareness, when all he knows is what is happening at hand. his hand has led them, all of them, with only the princess being the one to lead him - a light on this bravery, on the rarity of his person.
hyrule never wants to take the easier route, it always needs a trial by blood. he looks the part - too young for his wounds and for this torch he is carrying but all the more vivid in his victory, tragedy of his years having been stolen only meeting a small remedy in this but there is now an entire life ahead of him that is not cast in the burning hatred that has infected this land from deep within the demon's king greed. " anything you have experienced is over now, yes, " they tell him to his exhausted face, their own well-hidden with half of it in cloth and mostly their gaze expressing their own keen awareness of what happened to him, of what he has done for all of them. they are the last to coddle him, always the first to push instead, but they are keeping away from it now as they can see how much the past hours have taken a toll on his especially.
they are never one to heap sugar-coated kindness onto anyone, least of all him, so they are quick to continue as they walk with him away from the battlefield he left behind ( the princess couldn't be far away ) and into a quieter part of the fields in front of the castle, where walls may have fallen and the grass has been razed not too many metres from here but there is a patch of surviving green that would give link the opportunity to sit or lie down, put his sword away if he wished or needed to, and to just listen if he'd really want to indulge them into philosophical visions about this land that means so much to them. he'd probably fall asleep hearing them talk, but he might see this as an advantage to engaging them. " i can't tell you how long it will last. you have done well, everything that was needed of you is what you did. know that it may take more than a lifetime before this darkness returns. "
↪ 𝑺𝑬𝑻𝑻𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑷𝑹𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑻𝑺 , HISTORICAL 〳 FANTASY edition ! ( a collection of 25 settings based upon the period 〳 fantasy genres ; meant to inspire drabbles or be used as prompts . WILL be updated . )
001. the interior of an elegant carriage .
002. seated at a large dining table set with an elaborate meal .
003. the shadowy corner of a lively tavern .
004. the top of a light house during a raging storm .
005. along the dimly lit corridor of a large manor .
006. the damp , dark brig of a pirate ship .
007. the ruins of an ancient structure lost to time .
008. a theater hall brimming with attendees .
009. the bustling streets of a market town .
010. a sun - drenched vineyard .
011. along a boardwalk overlooking the sea .
012. a moonlit cemetery full of weathered graves .
013. on horseback , deep in the woods .
014. a luxurious drawing room smelling of tea .
015. a sprawling dragon roost , hidden atop craggy mountain peaks .
016. a war - torn battlefield .
017. a beautiful cathedral bustling with churchgoers .
018. within a crammed opera box during a performance .
019. an elegant tearoom serving afternoon refreshments .
020. a lakeside pavilion on an especially hot day .
021. a sprawling network of underground catacombs .
022. a hidden glade in the middle of the woods .
023. the deep , dark dungeon of a castle .
024. a market square full of fruit and fineries .
025. a baker's shop smelling of wonderful pastries .
026. the quiet stables of a large estate .
027. on the outskirts of a magnificent water fountain .
028. in a dimly lit library , hidden amongst the books .
029. among the high walls of a hedge maze .
030. at the front desk of a warm , homey inn .
031. under the protection of a gazebo as it rains .
032. on the landing of a busy train station .
033. a gambling hall alight with raucous laughter and drink .
034. a pristine infirmary , mostly empty .
035. on board a huge ship making a long voyage .
+ 20 more setting prompts : 6 / 01 / 2024
036. in a sunlit garden adorned with blooming flowers .
037. at the edge of a serene forest lake under a starry sky.
038. within a quiet corridor of a castle during a lavish ball .
039. in a bustling blacksmith's forge , sparks flying .
040. on a rocky cliffside overlooking a vast ocean .
041. in a quaint village square during a festival .
042. within a secret chamber hidden behind a bookshelf .
043. in the grand atrium of a luxurious hotel .
044. along a narrow brick alleyway in a crowded town .
045. within a busy marketplace in a desert town .
046. on a tranquil beach at sunrise .
047. in a cozy cottage with a crackling fireplace .
048. at the helm of a majestic airship soaring through the clouds .
049. in a grand library filled with ancient tomes .
050. on a bustling harbor dock as ships come and go .
051. within a magical forest where the trees glow softly .
052. in an apothecary's shop filled with herbs and potion .
053. at a secluded cabin by a dangerously quick river .
054. within the opulent throne room of a powerful ruler .
055. in an enchanted glade where fairies dance in the moonlight .
❝ i have a dragon’s temper, that’s all. you must not let it frighten you. ❞
TARGARYENS HAD ALWAYS HAD FIRE RUNNING THROUGH THEIR VEINS, AND HIS QUEEN WAS NO DIFFERENT. It had passed down through generations and to extinguish it would be to rid her of the very essence that made her who she was. A leader who inspired love and loyalty in anyone around her. But fire could be as dangerous as it was magnificent if allowed to blaze without control. As her servant, the knight felt it was his responsibility to shield her from that double-edged sword.
❝ If I may speak freely, your grace ❞ Link began, with the respect she was due ❝ it is not your temper that frightens me ❞ After all, without the strength she seemed to draw from it, he was sure it would have been impossible for anyone, let alone someone so young, to accomplish what Daenerys had. She was the girl who saw solutions no one else was capable of — the girl who had walked into the flames with three stones and walked out with three dragons. How could she not believe she was destined for great things ?
❝ but rather it leading you to danger ❞ her growing conviction in her own infallibility had made her ignore her advisors' arguments more than once. It had blurred the fine line between bravery and recklessness and caused her to step into many risky situations because she believed her fate was to sit the Iron Throne and nothing would stop her before that. Yet fate was a fickle thing, as changing as the wind. And it wouldn't be the first time the world had witnessed the fall of a dragon.
I know I have few mutuals here as I'm keeping this dash very small but... plotting call maybe?
🎁
You got People you know by Selena Gomez !
AND WHAT HURTS THE MOST IS PEOPLE CAN GO FROM PEOPLE YOU KNOW TO PEOPLE YOU DON'T…He may have regained a few of his memories. Something that should bring him joy, but instead, it comes with a bitter ache ❝ They were my friends, ❞ he murmurs, the companions meant to stand by his side, fighting together to vanquish the Calamity once and for all. But that wasn't how it ended, was it ? They are dead, and that is a weight that makes him falter. His next words catch in his throat.
His gaze falls, lingering on the ground ❝ and the only thing I have of them are a few scattered moments ❞ Their laughter, their faces, the sound of their voices — ALL OF IT FEELS SO DISTANT. And it is a cruel twist, isn't it ? To remember them again, as if meeting them for the first time, only for those memories to become a painful reminder of what had been ripped away and could never return. Yet the loss doesn't stop with them. It spreads further to the other soldiers of the royal guard in which he had served and every other person who had slipped entirely from his mind, lost to the depths of his forgotten past.
HE REMAINED SILENT AS HIS BROWS FURROWED IN THOUGHT, doubt filling his mind as he contemplated the two options at hand. Though perhaps the fact that he walked over to her in order to kneel beside her was answer enough of what he had decided. An hour wouldn't make much of a difference if she did discover something important, and he would always be at her side to make sure no harm ever came to her ❝ Can I help? ❞ his eyes examined the stone first before travelling to meet hers at the question.
“ oh ... ” disappointment stains her tone , a longing hand lingering upon carved stone , as intricate as it is mysterious . it seems to hum beneath her palm with some ancient hymn , attempting to communicate a message that she cannot glean . she can almost understand , like a word caught upon the tip of her tongue . “ couldn't we stay just an hour longer ? i'm sure that i'm close to ... something . if i just had a little more time ... ”
“Smile! Everyone is waiting for you….“
Sketch Comic for hyruleheart‘s Zelink Week!! Day 2 - Smile