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. "
WARNING: spoilers !
❝ there doesn’t seem to be any danger at the moment. ❞ ❝ history and legend sometimes blur together. ❞ ❝ i think you’ve caused quite a stir since your arrival here… ❞ ❝ i think you do look weird. so there, chew on that. ❞ ❝ i feel like i should apologize for dragging you into this mess. ❞ ❝ there’s no need to get so worked up. ❞ ❝ you allowed your heart to falter. that is the quickest way to fall on the battlefield. ❞ ❝ i’ll fight by your side till the very end. ❞ ❝ as with any leader, it is my duty to safeguard and protect my people. ❞ ❝ you are burdened with a mission of monumental importance. ❞ ❝ it was my hubris that set us on this path. ❞ ❝ i get it, you’re young — you feel invincible. ❞ ❝ i thought you had harder bark on you than that. ❞ ❝ this little village used to be as quiet as a dusty old tomb. ❞ ❝ i don’t know who you are, but i’m sorry you have to see me like this. ❞ ❝ i feel a lot better after talking to you. ❞ ❝ you should have seen the look on your face. ❞ ❝ please, no need to look so petrified. ❞ ❝ you’re alone too, right? alone is good. ❞ ❝ you have disgusting, unwavering commitment to do ‘good’. ❞ ❝ i apologize. i keep getting lost in my thoughts. ❞ ❝ you’re finding this all a little scary, aren’t you? ❞ ❝ did you hear me singing? how embarrassing. ❞ ❝ you might want to make other plans…if you value your life. ❞ ❝ i suppose fate really wanted the two of us to run into each other again. ❞ ❝ you use your power to crush the weak…to serve evil. ❞ ❝ you will die knowing that you failed. ❞ ❝ you heard that strange voice too, right? ❞ ❝ this is a lot to learn all of a sudden, i know. ❞ ❝ did you know if you put your ear to a well, you can hear the wailing of the dead? ❞ ❝ i see the shadow of death upon your face. ❞ ❝ it seems skill and confidence is in short supply. ❞ ❝ that pride will be your downfall. ❞ ❝ i’ve gotta say. your stories are always so wild. ❞ ❝ did i manage to keep a smile on my face? ❞ ❝ you take for granted the godlike power you have in your hands. ❞ ❝ nevertheless, i can’t shake this strange tightness in my chest. ❞ ❝ why do i get the feeling we’re being watched? ❞ ❝ sorry you had to listen to me go on and on like that. ❞ ❝ anyway, i’m sorry for teasing you. ❞ ❝ uh…what’s with the face? ❞ ❝ what was it you wanted to discuss with me in private? ❞ ❝ were you looking for me? i’m honored! ❞ ❝ one cannot accomplish great feats without allies at one’s side. ❞ ❝ it’s important to help each other in times of need. ❞ ❝ i hate the way rain feels, but i don’t mind how it sounds. reminds me of waves crashing on the beach. ❞ ❝ you look distracted. what’s wrong? ❞ ❝ things with ‘legendary’ in the title are usually just stories. ❞ ❝ do you really think i hadn’t realized your deceit? ❞ ❝ what are you doing in a place like this? ❞ ❝ i never thought i’d see such a marvel with my very own eyes. ❞ ❝ thank goodness. if something had happened to you…i… ❞ ❝ how did you find this place? what cruel ploy are you plotting? ❞ ❝ it seems that the world is still in a wretched state. ❞ ❝ enough is enough! you are not acting like yourself! ❞ ❝ i can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. you are yielding to the fear of losing someone you love again. ❞ ❝ i can see it in your face. i don’t hold that special place in your heart. ❞ ❝ light and dark - one cannot exist without the other. ❞ ❝ do not get lost in the past. you must keep moving ever onward. ❞ ❝ it is best when those who care for each other are open and honest, even when it is difficult. ❞ ❝ push yourself too hard and you become your own worst enemy. ❞ ❝ look at all those scars…you must have fought a lot in your life. ❞ ❝ i am hesitant to admit it, but our success was thanks to your support. ❞ ❝ you look very pleased with yourself. ❞ ❝ i was giving in to my fear of once more losing someone i love. ❞ ❝ hold still, and don’t fret. i’ll take care of everything. this won’t hurt a bit. ❞ ❝ did you think i’d deceived you? perish the thought. ❞ ❝ i’m always here. should you ever have need of me, you need only ask. ❞ ❝ it’s amusing, isn’t it? our little back-and-forths. ❞ ❝ i just don’t want anyone to drop dead right in front of me. that’ll give me some nasty dreams. ❞ ❝ there it is. that inexplicable smirk upon your face. ❞ ❝ what were you praying for? long life? wealth? ❞ ❝ you get even cuter when you’re blushing. ❞ ❝ it is all right. i swear it. i am not going anywhere. ❞ ❝ i never thought…never dared dream…that i’d live to see the day we could all laugh together again like this. ❞ ❝ i’ve seen enough faces in this job that i can tell from looking at one if someone’s lying to me. ❞ ❝ you’ll come visit me again, right? ❞ ❝ i hope that ours will be a long and profitable relationship. ❞ ❝ this must be what the end of the world looks like. ❞ ❝ there’s nothing wrong with asking if you can help, you know. ❞ ❝ i knew there was a bright smile in there somewhere. ❞ ❝ let’s not pretend it won’t look absolutely dashing on you. ❞ ❝ no matter. you will not live to see another sunrise. ❞ ❝ you cannot hope to escape your fate. ❞ ❝ i’m sorry. i know i’m always throwing you into dangerous situations. ❞ ❝ hear my name and tremble in fear. ❞ ❝ it seems you have met with great danger once more. ❞ ❝ i actually…secretly followed you. ❞ ❝ there’s no shortage of strange happenings these days. ❞ ❝ anyone tell you it’s rude to stare? ❞ ❝ sitting here feeling sorry for myself won’t solve anything. ❞ ❝ at my age…well, very little surprises me. ❞ ❝ there are more mysteries waiting for us down here, i know it. ❞ ❝ i’m only telling you this because you seem like a trustworthy sort. ❞ ❝ we are bound by fate, you and i. ❞ ❝ i’d have preferred to stay with you a while longer. ❞ ❝ you will have to do something about that fear eventually. ❞ ❝ now i live for vengeance. ❞ ❝ so you’re our saviour, eh? i thought you’d be tougher looking. ❞ ❝ sorry about that. the sadness just gets to me sometimes. ❞ ❝ you were involved, weren’t you? ❞ ❝ i’m sorry, i’m just surprised. i mean, you don’t seem all that strong. ❞ ❝ did i…see what i thought i saw? ❞ ❝ just forget it. it’s not important. ❞ ❝ we cannot afford to stand still at a time such as this. it is imperative that we act. ❞ ❝ disappointed that i wasn’t shocked and aghast at the very sight of you? ❞ ❝ you must be pretty strong beneath the surface. ❞ ❝ what happened? is this your doing? ❞ ❝ i can see right through you, whether you want me to or not. ❞ ❝ just watching you move, i can tell you’re no ordinary person. ❞ ❝ whatever is troubling you? why are you hesitating so? ❞ ❝ good…evil…that’s the futile perspective of narrow-minded beings. ❞ ❝ are you here because you’ve heard about me? ❞ ❝ one difficulty has been overcome, and yet another has appeared in its wake. ❞ ❝ once i rest up, i’ll be hitting the road again. i’ve stayed here too long as it is. ❞ ❝ we have to train. we have to get stronger. we have to get ready for what’s next. ❞ ❝ is everyone all right? nobody’s injured? ❞ ❝ i’m the one who made such a mess of things, after all. ❞ ❝ it is a mighty opponent, certainly, but we must not falter. ❞ ❝ what’s with that look? you don’t think i can do it? ❞ ❝ what’s the matter? you can tell me, weirdly handsome dude. ❞ ❝ why is everybody so quick to believe the silliest things? ❞ ❝ i dearly wish that i could believe what you are saying. however, at present…i simply cannot do that. ❞ ❝ wow, listen to me. with every breath, i spew out brilliance. ❞ ❝ for a long time, i have been concerned that you are holding yourself back. ❞ ❝ i feel like you weren’t getting what i was going for there. way to kill the mood. ❞ ❝ can’t talk my way out of this one… ❞ ❝ this is normally where i’d give you a chance to respond, but i’d like to talk about me instead. ❞ ❝ never forget that we are all standing beneath the very same sun. the only distance that matters is the distance between our hearts. ❞ ❝ i lost my head a little there. i’m not too proud of the way i behaved. ❞ ❝ i’m sure an answer will come to you. wisdom takes time. ❞ ❝ i must truly be getting on in years to have allowed a mere monster to catch me off guard. ❞ ❝ you really don’t know your place, do you? ❞ ❝ do you really think we hadn’t realised your deceit? ❞ ❝ you heart is like a chicken’s egg — easily given but easy to break. ❞ ❝ your wounds were severe…i am relieved to see you escape death. ❞ ❝ i’m told that your skill in swordplay is unmatched. ❞ ❝ what, you’ve never heard of me? ❞ ❝ where were you? you disappeared on me so suddenly. i was worried sick. ❞ ❝ oh my. i’m surprised to hear you say such a thing. ❞ ❝ i wonder how many times we’ve met in our past lives. ❞ ❝ so what if you don’t say what you really think. i won’t hold that against you. ❞ ❝ though our time together has been brief, i am so happy that we finally met. ❞ ❝ what’re you thinking, strolling into this war zone? ❞ ❝ you’ll keep your trap shut if you know what’s good for you. ❞ ❝ i sense a fierce battle ahead, the likes of which we have never before faced. ❞ ❝ i can feel the moonlight pouring down, cleansing my spirit. ❞ ❝ you’re not needed round here any more. ❞ ❝ that mystery just leads us straight into another. ❞ ❝ it is very difficult to rest peacefully when things like this happen. ❞ ❝ sometimes i’m so smart, i scare myself a little. ❞ ❝ ever try getting info out of a boulder? well, that boulder’s ME. ❞ ❝ i prefer to keep work and my personal time separate. ❞ ❝ sure, you look like a strong breeze could blow you over, but you are solid as stone. ❞ ❝ that pride will be your downfall. ❞ ❝ i’ve been abandoned by love…by luck…by happiness. ❞ ❝ at last…i have been waiting for you to arrive. ❞ ❝ i am stunned. i am in complete and utter awe with you. ❞ ❝ despite all we have endured, my feelings for you have never altered. they never shall. ❞ ❝ am i some sort of villain? or a force for good? ❞ ❝ i’m just fated to be unhappy. steer clear or you’ll catch my misfortune. ❞ ❝ you’re your own worst enemy sometimes. ❞ ❝ i will crush any opposition. i will rule. ❞ ❝ that’s an old dangerous road absolutely crawling with monsters. ❞ ❝ now that you’ve seen it, i can’t let you live. ❞ ❝ you look like a gentle soul who wouldn’t hurt anything. ❞ ❝ my body…my mind…everything. i’ll sacrifice it all to destroy you. ❞ ❝ i had almost forgotten the thrill of battle. that feeling as blood surges in my veins… ❞ ❝ i bet evil always scatters when you show up. ❞ ❝ it’s important to remember that luck and love aren’t things that run out. sometimes they just take the long way to get to you. ❞ ❝ i’m gonna make my ancestors proud today. ❞ ❝ this world should be shrouded in darkness, not bathed in insufferable light. ❞ ❝ it would have been more…satisfying to overcome a worthy foe. ❞ ❝ a mere mortal will not stand in my way. ❞ ❝ you’d walk away…from someone in need? ❞ ❝ you have proven yourself, and you no longer need me. ❞ ❝ i have some heartbreaking news to share. this will be tough to bear, but i ask that you stay strong. ❞ ❝ you might think of this as ‘hush money,’ and…yes. that’s what it is.. ❞ ❝ now, let’s both pretend like this never happened. ❞ ❝ you might think i’m a hopeless coward…and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. ❞
Honestly one of my favourite fights is dark Link because of how it represents how there is darkness even in the kindest of people and how it's your choice which side you listen to (which is why Link always wins, because his desire to do good will always be stronger).
Also, nobody knows you better than yourself and having to defeat someone who has your same resources, knowledge and strength/speed is way more difficult than it may originally seem.
❝ i am just a lost traveler, seeking rest for the night. ❞
THE CAMPFIRE CRACKLED SOFTLY IN THE HEART OF THE NIGHT, ITS GOLDEN LIGHT CASTING DANCING SHADOWS ACROSS THE SURROUNDING TREES. Link sat cross-legged on the cool grass, the flames reflecting in his eyes as Epona stood nearby, her ears flicking occasionally at the distant sounds of the wild. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the crisp night air, and the world seemed quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Suddenly, a faint noise ( too deliberate to be the wind ) broke the stillness. Link’s sharp instincts immediately took hold and he rose smoothly to his feet.
That's how the stranger would find him, standing with calm yet watchful eyes studying her for a few seconds before finally breaking the silence ❝ You are free to stay if you want ❞ the words were as straightforward as they were simple, spoken without hesitation or pretense. It was almost surprising...his lack of questions, his absence of suspicion. But perhaps it wasn't so strange; anyone with ill intent would likely have been far less obvious in their approach. And if you looked closely, his sword, though seemingly out of reach, was positioned perfectly for a quick draw, even if he had stepped slightly closer.
It didn't take long for the hero to return to his spot by the campfire, settling back onto the grass with the same unhurried ease as before ❝ though I'm afraid I don't have much to offer ❞ he said, pausing for a moment before adding ❝ just some food, if you are hungry ❞ while gesturing toward the freshly caught fish cooking over the flames. Their edges crisping in the warmth. It was a humble gesture, but genuine, and he hoped it would be enough. The only other thing he had were a few carrots which were meant for Epona and, therefore, NOT SOMETHING HE WOULD SHARE.
❝ this is your fate. don’t feel discouraged, even in the darkest of times. ❞ ( from zelda ! )
HE MAY HAVE BEEN CHOSEN, BUT THAT FATE WAS FAR GREATER THAN HIMSELF. A mantle of responsibility bestowed upon him by forces beyond his understanding that, at times, seemed almost too heavy for any shoulders to bear. How could anyone in his position not have doubts ? Not wonder the reasons why it was them and not someone else ? NOT BE AFRAID OF NOT BEING ENOUGH IN THE END ? The questions swirled incessantly in his mind, each one more haunting than the last.
However, courage was not the lack of fear, but continuing despite of it. And it was the moment she said those words when the hero felt it coming back to him. Her calm and resolute voice carried a faith that made the path ahead, which was still daunting, now seem a bit less insurmountable. She was the same as him. Both thrust into roles that intertwined their lives with the destiny of their land. She understood what he was going through, he was sure. And that was perhaps what gave her the power to lift some of the weight from him.
❝ I will not fail you nor Hyrule, princess, ❞ Link finally spoke, letting go of her hand as he stood from his knee and regained his full height ❝ I promise ❞ his voice was soft yet resolute, carrying a tone of personal conviction along with the determination, which was now unmistakable in his eyes, that revealed that his words were far more than a mere declaration of his duty. They were a pledge of unwavering commitment, not just because it was expected of him, but because he believed in the cause.
↪ 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 .
Been thinking for a while on making each version of Link more unique (like the Hero of Time would be more childish given that he is actually a kid who hasn't really grown even if 7 years passed or the Hero of the Wild would be more serious given that we know he feels a lot of pressure due to his position not only because of his crucial role in defeating Calamity Ganon but also because he wants to be a good example for the rest of the people) and so I will probably make detailed verses posts explaining this type of things and take a bit longer to add more verses (both from the games and other fandoms)
* send META + a word , a name , or phrase and i will write a head canon based off of this !!!
Just saw the new trailer for echoes of wisdom and let me just tell you that it's looking even better than it already did.
The fact that you actually know about Link and Zelda's age in totk because of a character from a side quest you may never do will always be so funny to me
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