ripclaw300

[ripclaw300]

Zelink Week 2025 Day 7: What Once Was

The last challenge for Zelink Week 2025 @zelinkcommunity! This was a very fun and enlightening way of challenging myself! Thank you for all your likes/kudos and comments as I take my first official steps into writing!

A contrapuntal poem about how sad it is that the Link and Zelda in Skyward Sword loved each other so much, only to reincarnate in Breath of the Wild, and they initially don’t like each other.

[ripclaw300]

Zelink Week 2025 Day 4: In a Bind

Time for my big Zelink Week showstopper @zelinkcommunity! It’s my first attempt at a multi-chaptered fic!

People seem to agree that even as the leader of New Hyrule, Tetra cannot resist her pirate tendencies. This prompt made me think, surely that would land her in a bind? One that Link would need to save her from…

(Fic takes place in between WW/PH and ST) After an unexpected event involving Malladus, Anjean gives Tetra the Spirit Flute, and the authority of the land that will eventually be known as New Hyrule. But this new sense of responsibility intimidates Tetra, and so, she decides to have one last pirate adventure before she’s locked into duty forever…

This fic is 6 chapters long, so I can’t put it all here (head to my AO3!), but the first chapter is under the cut!

Big thanks @echoingvoids for beta-reading this fic!

The earth rumbled as the speeding train broke out of the treeline.

Its aged, terrified conductor urged the machine onward faster, streaking down the rails that split the field, dragging its one cargo car along.

“Link! Tetra!” he cried, anxiously glancing behind his shoulder.

Link and Tetra burst forth from the cabin, leaning on the car’s railing as they looked behind them.

“There they are, the overgrown swine!” Tetra cried indignantly.

Two hefty Bulbos charged out of the forest’s shadows, still carrying their Bulblin riders.

Even with the train at full speed ahead, they immediately caught up to flank it. One of the Bulblins nocked an arrow into its bow and fired at the engine.

Link and Tetra were barely able to back into the cabin in time for the arrow to whistle past between cars. A sudden boom sounded where the arrow landed.

“Bomb arrows!” the conductor shrieked, cowering as low as he could to the engine’s floor.

“Hang in there, Aurus! Keep the train going!” Link shouted as he ducked back into the cabin.

Kneeling on the floor, he looked at Tetra.

“Can you hit them with your arrows?”

“They’re too far back for me to aim at them. I can’t reach far enough around the car.”

The ground shook again as the Bulblins fired another arrow.

“How do you want to do this?”

Tetra’s eyes scoured the cabin, stopping on a pile of rope in the corner of the empty car.

“I know what we can do, but you’re going to have to trust me.”

Calm settled in Link’s eyes.

“Of course I trust you. Just tell me what to do.”

Tetra smiled and grabbed the rope, fastening one end to her left hand.

“Tie the other end of this rope to your right. On my signal, we’ll climb up to the roof of the car.”

Link nodded in understanding.

They stepped back out of the cabin, Tetra clinging to the right side railing as Link clung to the left.

“Aurus, put on the brakes!” Tetra commanded.

“What?!” Aurus gawked at her from over his shoulder.

Another boom sounded near them as another one of the arrows missed.

“Just do it! Hang on, Link!”

Aurus groaned and pulled the train’s brake.

Tetra braced herself against the railing as the train suddenly slowed on the tracks, sparks flying almost high enough to meet her.

Russet flashed in her vision as the Bulbos sped past.

“The roof, Link!”

The pair climbed onto the cabin roof, steadying themselves against the shaking car. The rest of the long rope shook loose and free between them.

Up ahead, the Bulbos crossed each other at the track, doubling back to hit the train again.

“Speed up, Aurus!” Tetra called down at the engine.

Now Link was looking at her with a cocked brow.

“Wait, Tetra-”

He crouched down to steady himself as the train lunged forward.

“The rope, Link! Drop down now!”

Tetra drew her cutlass with her free hand, the blade facing the train’s right flank. Link quickly followed her example, drawing his own iron sword.

The two jumped off the opposing sides of the roof, bracing themselves upright against the walls with their feet and the now taut rope supporting each other’s weight across the roof.

The Bulblins struggled to get their arrows in place as their enemies were suddenly approaching fast.

With a swift flash of blades, Link and Tetra slashed through the Bulblins as they passed either side. Their bodies slumped and fell from the Bulbos, who ran wildly on.

Pulling themselves back onto the roof, Link and Tetra saw them crash back into the forest.

“We’ll need more than just swords to take those things down. But without their riders, they’ll probably leave the passing trains alone.” Link sighed and faced Tetra.

“This isn’t the craziest thing you’ve pulled, but couldn’t you have at least told me the rest of the plan?”

Tetra winked at him.

“How many times would you have gone with my crazy plans if you knew about them first? Besides, where’s your sense of adventure?”

Link rolled his eyes at her.

Untying herself from the rope, she swiftly crossed the roof and dropped down to the engine’s floor.

“Hear that, Aurus? Those things shouldn’t be bugging you anymore.”

“Oh, thank the Spirits.” Aurus sighed, standing up from the floor.

Tetra leaned against the railing, taking in the sight of the rolling green meadow as Aurus slowed the train down so it was puffing along the track at a steady pace. She closed her eyes as she breathed in the sweet air that blew through her hair, finding herself back on the pirate ship she called home most of her life. Nothing could compare to the rolling cerulean waves that sprawled across the horizon, the kiss of salt spraying from the sea, but Tetra had come to realize this was the next best thing.

Aurus’s voice broke her from her reverie.

“So are you two heading back to camp, now? I can drop you off.”

Tetra peered over the wide plain, bordered by nearby mountains. Peeking through them was the Tower of Spirits.

“Stop by the Tower of Spirits. I’d like to update Anjean about the Spirit Tracks.”

Aurus nodded affirmatively at her before directing his eyes back on the path ahead.

Tetra felt Link lean next to her against the railing.

“Can you believe this place has been our home for five years?” she heard him murmur.

Tetra scoffed. “We can’t call it our home yet, not until Anjean and the others approve of us. I know we’ve been doing favors for the native people for five years, but it’s still their home. We’re just desperate scoundrels who washed up on their shore.”

Link looked at her.

“From what you’ve told me about Anjean, she thinks much more highly of you than a scoundrel.”

“I doubt she thinks highly enough of me to call me her leader…” she muttered.

Link playfully leaned against her.

“We think highly enough of you to call you leader.”

Tetra shook him off, giving him a ghost of a smile before gazing back to the passing landscape.

“How do we know this land is supposed to be the next Hyrule?”

Link studied the clouds above them.

“I don’t know, but we should fulfill the promise we made to the King.”

He gave her a gentle nudge.

“Don’t you think it would be exciting to build a kingdom here? Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Tetra opened her mouth to counter him, but was interrupted by Aurus.

“Here we are!” he called, slowing the train to a gentle halt in front of the Tower of Spirits.

Tetra hopped off board.

“I’ll be back quick.” she reassured them as she passed through the tower’s broad double doors.

“Anjean, where are you?” Tetra finally called inside the dark lobby.

There was no sign of the old sage anywhere.

Tetra eyed the stone train statue that stood in the middle of the floor–the Spirit Train, as Anjean called it. Tetra would usually find her meditating behind it.

Rounding the train’s edge, Tetra suddenly jumped back as the sound of clashing metal came from behind.

She backpedaled hard into the room’s center as she narrowly dodged a jagged broadsword lunging out of the shadows, which slammed into the train as it cut through air.

“A Phantom guard?” Tetra gasped.

As if in response, the animated armor stepped out in front of her, lifting its sword into a defensive position.

Tetra drew her cutlass as the Phantom swung its sword down at her.

Dodging the blade by flipping back, she waited for the sword to crash into the ground before leaping forward and nimbly running up the Phantom’s arm.

She swung her cutlass against the Phantom’s helmet.

Jumping down, she saw it clatter to the floor, the rest of the armor quickly following suit.

“But what could’ve caused this one to go rogue-”

She was interrupted by the Phantom’s body suddenly glowing a familiar lilac as it began to reassemble itself.

“Anjean?!”

A croaking laugh came from behind the Spirit Train.

“I see your skills are still sharp, my friend.”

The shrunken old woman creeped out of the shadows, her hand glowing the same lilac that emanated from the Phantom.

Tetra scowled at her as she sheathed her cutlass.

“Anjean, I just had trouble with a bunch of Bulblins, now you’re throwing a Phantom at me?”

Anjean released the Phantom, and it lumbered back to its original post beside the tower doors.

“Didn’t think you’d use your precious guards for a silly little prank like this.” Tetra teased.

Anjean winked at her.

“If it means keeping you on your toes, my dear, it’s worth the trouble.”

Tetra feigned an exasperated look, but her smile betrayed her amusement.

“Link and I were able to check up on the Spirit Tracks; all seems ship-shape in the Forest and Ocean Realms.”

Anjean nodded approvingly.

“I can sense the energy flowing from the north, so I harken a guess the tracks remain strong in the Fire and Snow Realms. I was just going to strengthen the energy here.”

Anjean plodded towards the tower’s spiraling staircase, ascending a few steps before she turned to face Tetra.

“Care to join me?”

Excitement sparked in Tetra’s chest.

“I’d be honored to. I’m sure the boys can wait just a little longer.” she said as she waved a dismissive hand.

Anjean led Tetra up the tower’s copious floors until they entered a golden chamber illuminated by fractals of merigold light, cast by a stained glass mural surrounding the door leading outside, as if the doorway were encased in amber. In the middle of the room was a painted dais, cyan and maroon forming a flowered pattern, and eight carved jade pillars stood at each corner. Tetra marveled at the sight previously unforeseen, not expecting the top floor to look so ethereal.

“That’s only part of it, my dear.”

Anjean was grinning at her, eyes shining with delight, an expression Tetra mirrored back at her.

The path continued past the stained glass up a flight of stairs circling the outside upper reaches of the tower. The stairs led to the tower’s very top: a stone altar sheltered beneath the tower’s pointed roof. Pillars instead of walls supported the roof; a wooded pavilion that allowed the high winds to blow over the altar. Anjean stepped towards it, her cascading lavender hair blowing in the cool breeze.

“This is where the power chaining Malladus in his earth prison is at its strongest. You know that the Lokomos of each realm use their sacred instruments to energize the Spirit Tracks that bind him, alongside the Force Gems at their temples. This is how I energize the power within the lock for his cage.”

Anjean then produced a pan flute in her hands, holding it out for Tetra to admire.

The six wooden pipes were pale and smooth, each sporting a band of painted color where they crossed the polished bronze handle, each respective color lining the pipes’ ends as well. Twin teal braided ropes flowed from either side of the handle, decorated with gold and wood beads.

“This is the Spirit Flute.”

Then Anjean brought the flute to her lips, and began to play.

Fair notes whistled through the open air, ringing around the pavilion.

Tetra sat on the steps of the altar, allowing the song’s melody to fill her ears.

She began to hum the song as Anjean played, feeling something well up inside her as she did. Something warm, yet intense, almost primal. An energy she thought was long gone.

But before the pair could finish the duet, an unknown force powerfully shook the tower.

Anjean stumbled, dropping the flute.

Tetra rushed towards her to keep her from falling.

The once well-lit pavilion was now shrouded in darkness, blocking out the natural light that shone through the pillars.

Tetra clung to Anjean in horror as she looked above the altar.

Between the churning blackness she could just glimpse a skull-like face materializing from the shadows, grinning down at her with flaming crimson eyes.

Malladus.

[ripclaw300]

Zelink Week 2025 Day 4: Intertwined

The middle of Zelink Week 2025 @zelinkcommunity!

This is the first work I did for this challenge, and “Intertwined” just made me think of the souls of Link and Zelda, so I figured a poem would work better than a story. But I also wanted to make it special, so this is my first try at a Shakespearean Sonnet! Not every line is in iambic pentameter, but I think I did a fair job. Let me know what you think!

A Shakespearean Sonnet about the nature of the cycle. Link and Zelda’s presence always means the appearance of evil and danger, but their love is intertwined as well, alongside their spirits.

Full poem under the cut!

A terrible curse infects this world

A vicious cycle of good and evil

As saviors arise, malice unfurled

Destined to always cause an upheaval

The souls of the heroes can never rest

Forever bound by melancholic fate

But devoted companions on a quest

In tandem, they triumph over hate

Together they are written in the stars

Be the land and each other’s protection

Downfall wrought by betrayal and scars

Revival found in tender affection

Reborn is hate that shakes the sky above

Always intertwined is the birth of love

[ripclaw300]

Zelink Week 2025 Day 3: Forget Me Not

I couldn’t write anything for Wish, but I was able to do Day 3 @zelinkcommunity!

This was one of the harder ones to write, I had ultimately based it off of an alleged fairytale detailing the origins of the name for the forget-me-not flower. I eventually decided to make a short story about OOT Zelink.

A one-shot where Link and Zelda meet in secret, courting away from disapproving eyes, only for things to go wrong.

Big thanks @echoingvoids for beta-reading this fic!

Full fic under the cut!

Tension coiled my muscles as I stalked the carved stone passage, my breath caught between the sorrel and clover.

Rounding the corner, I pounced into the first hall of the maze-like corridor with a “Ha!”

But to my surprise, Link wasn’t hiding here.

Curiosity pierced my playful mood as I approached the mouth of the maze, peeking past the moss-covered rock walls. The entrance to the Sacred Forest Meadow was also empty.

I called out for him, my voice laced with concern. Link would never leave me alone in the Lost Woods, and I knew better than to wander off by myself, but I was still prepared to do so if anything had happened to him.

But before I could move, I heard a loud SPLASH behind me, and I turned around just in time to see Link wrapping his arms around me.

We both fell onto the plush sourgrass, mirth rising in our throats. He had chosen to hide in the small pool tucked into the valley wall at the far side of the hall. I did eventually shrug him off of me as the cold water he was soaked in began to seep into my clothes.

The sun’s warmth could shine unblocked on us in that clearing, but Link had a special place he wanted to show me before our outing was over. Arm-in-arm, he led me through the Lost Woods, until he told me to close my eyes. I didn’t need to have them open to sense his excitement; I could sense it in the way he clasped my hands.

I felt the sun’s heat on my face once more, the light brightening behind my eyelids as I was led out from under the wood’s ever-reaching canopy.

“May I open them?” I asked, not being able to hide my grin.

I felt Link’s grasp slip away from my hands as he stepped behind me.

“Now.” he whispered in my ear, his tone betraying his own smile.

Opening my eyes, I drank in the sight before me, my breath stolen away.

By now, twilight was beginning to fall upon the forest, the sun setting the clearing ablaze with gold. A small rock wall obscured the trees enclosing the glade up front, and fine threads of crystal water cascaded down into a small pond that stretched across the hollow. Duckweed and lilies encircled the still surface, the blossoms glowing in the half-light. The grass was carpeted by a myriad of small, multicolored flowers. Trees surrounded the glade, providing mottled shade, the sunlight setting emerald green leaves alight against the stark blue sky. Though there was still some daylight, fireflies danced wild and free through the air, and my vision was peppered with the blinking of blue and yellow lights.

“Oh, Link…” I breathed.

“Do you…like it?” he asked quietly, his gaze unsteady and his arms slightly crossed in a self-hug.

I pulled his hands away from his arms, taking them in mine.

“It’s beautiful.” I purred, and he gave me a coy smile as he led me further into the glade.

We settled near the water’s edge, buried in the sweet smell of wildflowers.

I gently traced the round petals of a light blue one with a bright yellow star center, the clustered blooms dotting the grass.

“These flowers are beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one in Hyrule, let alone the gardens.” I said as I admired them.

Link nodded, watching my movements.

“I don’t think I’ve seen many of these flowers outside the Lost Woods. Those I have really only seen here; I asked Saria, not even the Kokiri have a name for them.”

Interest sparked inside of me, and I pulled my attention away from the flowers.

“How is Saria? I haven’t seen her since we were children.”

My sudden turn-around caused him to straighten after realizing he had begun to lean towards me, but he spoke without apprehension, returning to a more laid-back demeanor.

“She still prays at the Forest Temple. But nowadays she mostly just talks to the Deku Sprout. He is growing stronger everyday.”

He let out a sigh.

“But I haven’t seen her very recently either. Haven’t had the chance between training and patrols. And seeing you, of course.”

He flashed me a boyish grin, and I looked away bashfully, before uncertainty stirred in my belly.

“You know I sent you back in time to live your life freely; are you sure joining Hyrule’s military is the right choice? I wanted to spare you from war and fighting.”

He laid his hand reassuringly on my shoulder.

“Hyrule is at peace; I’m in no danger. Besides, I like that I get to use my skills this way, to protect our people. And I can be closer to you.”

“But then maybe we would not have to hide away like this.”

He removed his hand from my shoulder, becoming lost in thought. Finally he piped up:

“I’ll get better as a soldier! The captains say they’re impressed with what I can do. Maybe if I become one, we’ll be able to meet under more normal circumstances…”

I weighed the possibility in my mind, my thoughts interrupted when he spoke again.

“And when have you ever cared about what other people think, Sheik?” he murmured mischievously.

I gave him a playful shove at the name, and he responded with amused laughter.

“You’re the one who devised a whole plan to defeat Ganondorf when your own father didn’t listen to you.”

“And you are the one who listened. Trust me, if I cared about what he had to say about us, I would not be out here with you. But maybe Father would approve if you were someone of higher ranking…”

Link gave me an amused smile.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Our excitement died down, and we glanced at the sights around the glade, an awkward silence suddenly falling upon us. I turned his proposition over in my mind, wondering if it could be true. My father could probably approve of a friendship between us if he was a more respected soldier, as long as friends were all we could be. However, part of me couldn’t help considering the possibility of something more…and heavens knew I wanted it. The thought made my face flush, but it faded as Link spoke again.

“Do you think we’ll always be like this?” he said tentatively.

I sighed as I gazed out across the gently rippling pool.

“I want to stay like this forever. But regardless of what happens, you know our circumstances will only change as time passes.”

Link stretched himself out on the grass, letting the sun dry his clothes.

“You once told me that the only thing that doesn’t change with time…is memory.”

He slowly trailed his fingers along the stems of the delicate blossoms before turning his head to face me.

“Is that what I will be?” he breathed, the shade of his grief-stricken eyes not unlike that of the flowers in the glade’s dusky glow.

I leaned over him with a cheeky smile.

“You know what I also said about the passage of time?” I whispered.

Link sat up to reveal a fistful of the dainty blue flowers, and he gently threaded one into my hair, a sad smile on his face.

“That nothing can stop it…”

My heart fluttering, I held his hand to my face as he began to pull away, staring deep into his eyes.

“That it turns young love into…”

I trailed off as surprise rippled across his face, locking his eyes to mine.

Time seemed to slow as we stared into each other’s souls, and an unknown force began to steadily push our faces closer together, my heart fluttering in my chest all the while. Our noses almost touching, I felt my eyelids fall…

Only for them to snap back open as the sound of thunder rolled through the air.

Link and I drew apart as we searched the clear sky.

“Must be a distant storm…” he muttered, keeping his face to the heavens, though I didn’t miss the blush that was spreading over his cheeks.

“We really should be going either way…before it gets too dark. Impa can only cover me so much.” I murmured coyly under my own blush.

Link stood, offering a hand to pull me up. The flowers shook in my hair as I rose, and I gently pulled them out before they could fall.

I let my sight rest on them in my hand, before I turned my gaze back to him.

“I’ll keep these, so I’ll always remember this moment.”

Link smiled as he offered his hand, and I gave them to him so I could draw the Ocarina of Time with my free hand.

Encircling our arms together, I played a triumphant melody, and we were swept away by a golden wind.

That was our relationship, a sprightly dance on the line between lovers and friends.

The evening in the glade was one of the first of our secret outings, but it only confirmed our feelings for each other. We continued to meet under the cover of days off duty, dedicating time to prayer, and any excuse Impa could make up to cover me. Through afternoon swims in Lake Hylia to rides through the countryside, I found that our time together had taken on a different tone, one resembling more of a courtship. Clandestine as our relationship was, we refused to let the rules of others stop us. Our love was true, and I could never treat it as something wrong. I could feel us getting closer and closer, and many times we would throw our cares about our responsibilities to the wind in exchange for innocent affections. But our getaways were always tainted with fear. Not just due to the risk of getting caught, but also because we knew this couldn’t last forever, for better or worse.

I pondered how I could keep our precious connection as I sat in front of my vanity, fingering the now pressed flowers Link had given me. Despite spending days wedged between the pages of my journal, they still kept their azure hue.

I never let my father’s orders stop me, and why should they stop me now? I would always fight for my love, for Link’s love.

A knock sounded at my chamber door.

I quickly tucked the flowers back into the pages of my journal.

“Enter.” I called, hurriedly closing the vanity drawer.

One of the maids stood in the doorway of my chamber.

“Your Highness, His Majesty has requested an audience with you. You are to meet him in his chambers.”

Surprise fluttered in my chest, but I made sure to not let any of it show as I rose from the vanity.

The maid led me down the elaborate halls to my father’s chamber, briefly opening the door to announce my presence. With a curt bow, she left us alone in the room.

My father, with his flowing grey-streaked hair and gold trimmed coat, stood tall and imposing against the burning hearth. With a rumbling voice devoid of anger or pleasure, he addressed me.

“You have been late to suppertime, and just a few days ago you were almost late to court. You had always been punctual before. Care to explain these sudden disappearances?”

Internally I kicked myself for not being more careful about how long I met with Link, but I managed to remain composed.

“I…have been losing track of the time. It will not happen again, Father.” I said as I bowed my head.

My eyes closed, I heard him let out an unconvinced “Hmm…” before his footsteps moved to the chamber’s tall window.

“I have received word from the neighboring kingdoms. One of them has agreed to present their prince here as a suitor for your betrothal.”

My eyes snapped open, and I slowly drew my gaze up.

“When he arrives, the council and I will judge how worthy he is as a potential husband for–”

“And if I refuse him?”

My father turned his head to glare at me. I would hardly ever openly disobey him like this, but my passionate rejection of being forced into a loveless marriage broke my composure.

“You have the right to refuse him, however you must realize it is your duty as Hyrule’s future queen to marry and produce an heir. However many you will meet, I expect you to accept one.”

My brows furrowed and my hands balled into fists as I glared back at him in rebellion.

“And if I fall in love with another? Someone who is not of royalty–”

I was interrupted by him pounding his foot against the floor, and I flinched as he raised his voice.

“The Royal Family of Hyrule has had pure blood running through its family line for as long as time itself. You are a princess; I will not allow anything less than a prince for you.”

He advanced towards me, towering over me so I had to crane my neck up to look at him.

“You must never forget your duties, Zelda. You can not allow even love to interfere with them.”

My throat began to burn, and I forced my gaze down in frustration.

My father seemed to sense my displeased attitude, and he returned to his place at the window, his back facing me.

“You must understand, this is what is necessary to secure our future happiness.” he murmured in a more gentle tone.

I said nothing as I clenched my teeth, my sight fixed to the floor.

He let out a malcontent sigh.

“You will be notified when your suitor has arrived. You are dismissed.”

I barely heard the words when I ungraciously rushed out of his chambers, just taking care to not slam the doors.

Forcing my feet to walk steady back to my chambers, I took deep breaths in an attempt to quell the onslaught of tears, the feeling of tension in my brow. Though after I was out of sight of scrutinizing eyes, I threw myself on my bed.

I was out of time.

Conflicting emotions warred within me. Over the course of my life, I was never one to mindlessly obey whatever command my distant father would give me, at least not without secretly doing something else he would disapprove of. He never understood me, nor did he ever really try to. My heart screamed in defiance; that I couldn’t stop seeing Link, not after everything we had gone through.

But every time it would, my logic countered it. My father was right that I had a duty to my people; I could not abandon them, not like how I did those seven years locked away in time. I felt devotion for them too, and they did not deserve to suffer for something as selfish as my love.

Then my thoughts drifted to Link.

He could climb the ranks of the Royal Guard to its very top, my father made it clear that a union between us would never be approved, not by him or the Council. I had already begun to draw suspicion in regards to our meetings; continuing them while courting a suitor would be extremely difficult if not impossible without getting caught in the act. Even more so should I marry. Should we be found…

I shuddered at the thought. My father was a benevolent king and he recognized Link’s exceptional military prowess, but if our affair was discovered, Link’s life would be threatened.

I curled up into a ball, burying my face in my knees as I compelled myself to accept what I must do.

I had to protect him, even at the cost of our broken hearts, our incomparable bond torn asunder.

Despite being dried out, the pressed flowers still kept their azure hue, glowing periwinkle in the moonlight. I sat on the steps of the castle courtyard, my figure still, save for my fingers as I caressed the stems. I kept my gaze on them, trying my best to not resume my crying, only looking up when footsteps on the courtyard’s stone entrance sounded above the moat’s running water.

Link stepped out of the shadows and into the moonlit clearing, illuminating his face, handsome features lined with concern.

“You used telepathy to tell me to meet you here. You haven’t used telepathy since the night Ganondorf attacked…”

Words catching in my throat, I looked back at the flowers, keeping my eyes on them once more even as he approached and took a seat beside me on the steps.

“And we haven’t been here since we first met.”

He let out a soft chuckle.

“Wish I could say the guards have gotten more observant.”

I could feel his stare boring into my side, but I could not bring myself to look at him.

He leaned around me, trying to glimpse my face, but I turned my head away, screwing up my eyes and pressing my lips together.

“Zelda, please, tell me what’s wrong.” he gently pleaded as he took my hand.

The ache in his voice cracked my heart, and taking a deep breath, I forced myself to look at his worry-worn expression.

“One of the princes from the neighboring kingdoms is coming here. He is to be my suitor.” I said quietly.

Link said nothing, but his slowly widening eyes betrayed his shock.

“We can’t risk ourselves seeing each other anymore–”

Link’s face hardened into a mask of determination.

“Zelda, wait, what about what we talked about? I’ll get stronger, better! I’ll climb the ranks, I’ll be someone worthy of being yours…”

He trailed off as I sadly shook my head at him.

“Father is adamant that I marry a prince.”

Link softened, his eyes downcast and shifting, as if searching for a miraculous solution hidden in front of him.

I swallowed, trying to keep my resolve.

“He has also started noticing how I’ve been gone. Link, if he finds out we’ve been seeing each other…you could get killed.”

Link looked away, and I heard him let out a sigh.

“Don’t you know I’d rather run the risk of being caught and killed than risk never being with you…”

He spoke the words with such hurt, such defeat, and tears began to cloud my vision. Self-loathing suddenly pounced on me, overwhelming.

“Oh Link, I should have fought harder for you.” I began to ungracefully blubber, screwing up my eyes.

“You were right; I never let him stop me, not when I knew I was right…when did I get so weak–”

I stopped when I felt Link’s hand cup my face, opening my eyes to glimpse his tender look.

“You’re not weak, Zelda. You…have to be one of the strongest people I know.” he gently soothed as he swept his thumb underneath my eye, wiping away a tear that slid from it.

He drew me into an embrace, and I buried my face in his shoulder.

“You have no idea how much I want to…run away from it all.” I wept.

Link softly hushed me as he slowly stroked my hair.

“You would never abandon our people, and I know you would never willingly put me in danger. I’m just worried about you. Being forced to marry someone you don’t love…”

I pulled myself away, keeping my sight on his perturbed expression.

“Our meetings–being with you was the happiest I’ve ever been…but Father said I should never let love interfere with my duties. As much as I hate to admit it, this is what I have to do…to keep you safe.” I said, keeping my voice steady.

Link closed his eyes and sighed once more, his hands still clasping mine.

Finally, he reluctantly stood up.

“I should go…before anyone hears us.”

We held each other’s gaze for a while, neither of us wanting to say goodbye; the words caught in our throats.

Then he solemnly turned and began to walk back to the gardens, leaving me still sitting on the steps.

I couldn’t bear to see him go, to accept that this would be the last time we knew each other as friends, as lovers, so I turned my face down in shame, my vision falling once more on the flowers I still held in my hand.

Something inside of me jolted, spurring me to my feet, the same unknown force I felt in the glade all that time ago.

Link spun around when he heard my footsteps, and I met him in the middle of the moonlit courtyard.

I wordlessly extended the flowers toward him, letting my guilt show on my face, but he gently pushed them back to me. We locked eyes once more, a sorrowful, yet bittersweet air clinging to us as he spoke.

“Keep them, so you can always look back… and remember…” he murmured, bringing his hand softly down the side of my face. His fingertips held my chin as the dull acceptance in his eyes flared to a pained desperation. “Zelda, please do not forget about me.” he whispered.

The affliction in his voice pierced my throbbing heart, and I resolved to give him a better answer, a more deserving farewell.

In response, I stood on my tip-toes and cupped his face, closing my eyes as I brought our lips together.

I sensed his surprise, his reluctance to give into me, but I pushed forward, and eventually I felt his hands wrap around my waist, drawing me flush against him as he deepened the kiss.

Heat blossomed in my chest as we kissed again and again, warming me from head to toe. I desperately sought to feel him, to memorize the tender softness of his lips, the protective strength of his arms as he held me, the shy sweetness in his voice as our quiet moans harmonized. For what felt like an eternity, we knew nothing more than the feel of each other, our figures moulding together.

Growing breathless, we broke the kisses, our eyes still closed as we rested our foreheads against one another.

Finally, I opened my eyes, my stare fierce in the emotions I sought to convey.

“I could never forget you, Link.”

He brightened gratefully at me, love reflected in his eyes, but his pleasant mood fell once more as I gave him a gentle push.

“Now go, before I decide to never release you.” I urged, my voice breaking slightly as the tears returned.

He began to step back to the courtyard’s entrance, not letting go of my hands until only our fingertips touched.

Finally, we were drawn apart as he backed into the shadows, giving each other a subtle wave as our hands remained hovering in the air.

An apology was written over his misery-wrought face, an image I mirrored back at him.

Then Link turned around, and disappeared into the gardens.

That was the last time we ever met each other.

As the years dragged on, we became strangers. I would eventually rise as the Queen of Hyrule, fulfilling the duties my father expected of me, while Link climbed the ranks in Hyrule’s military, eventually becoming Captain at an age unparalleled to even the youngest promoted captains in history. Still, our new responsibilities only further isolated us from each other.

Without his presence to soothe me, I felt myself becoming a husk of who I used to be, my days moving past me in painful monotony as the fire of a rebellious princess died out, and as I ever saw Link stone-faced and rigid (the rare chances I did see him), I could only wonder how he was getting on. Every part of me longed to talk to him, to care for him, to know him as I once did, as no one else ever could. If nothing else, just so that I knew he was alright. We were both still so young, and already he was leading our troops to war…

I drew my furred cloak tight around me as I walked through Kakariko Village. The loud crunching of the dry leaves beneath my feet could not overpower the metallic clank of the armor of the guards behind me, which haunted my every outing since I took up the mantle of queen. Their armor was colder than the autumn breeze chilling my bones.

The sight of Kakariko struck me with a devastating wave of nostalgia, but I couldn’t let my feelings overwhelm me. Not as we reached the graveyard.

Although the overcast sky allowed no sunlight to grace such a dreary sight as the dead’s resting place, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth as I approached the most recently dug grave. The grave of an exceptional captain of Hyrule’s military who curiously lacked a house name, taken far too soon in battle.

Tears welled up in my eyes as grief and guilt lodged themselves in my throat, but even in his death, I couldn’t let anyone know how I felt about him.

Parting my cloak, I held the pressed forget-me-nots out in the open air.

By now they had become disheveled, and the ends of the petals were beginning to wilt. I took great care as I laid them down on the grave, as the now brittle stems threatened to snap.

Despite the age and hardship they endured for years, they still kept their azure hue.

[ripclaw300]

Zelink Week 2025 Day 1: At First Sight

This is my first work (first time ever) writing for Zelink Week @zelinkcommunity! I’m so excited to finally be participating in this event!

So I recently started back on reading the TP manga, and this prompt reminded me of the scenes of when Zelda first meets Wolf Link, as well as the scenes where they see each other for the first time as Hylians.

A prose poem (though mostly just an eloquent description) of Zelda’s feelings upon seeing Wolf Link for the first time, and seeing him again in human form at the end of the game.

Full fic/poem under the cut!

Your love wasn’t seen at first sight.

Your vision was clouded by the engulfing haze of twilight. A cloak to match the shroud draped over your head. A shroud that hides you from the world you betrayed. A prison you’ve always known, yet swallowed whole by ubiquitous blackness. Losing touch that balances on the line of familiarity, yet drags you down into recognizable anguish. Your vision was fixed on the unreachable horizon, blinded by shadow so garish. But something just noticeable enough caught your eye.

The glimpse of the ferocious animal of a wild wolf should have shocked you to your core, or otherwise have frozen your soul. However, between omnipresent evil and the fleeting sense of a friend, you can look the brute in its human eyes. His vision is clouded by the broad glaze of confusion. A cloak to match the marbled coat covering his body. A coat that hides him from the world he covets. A prison he’s never known, yet forced to face. You can’t fear the intimidating monster before you; you know inside beats the gentle heart of a man. A man you don’t know, but you know you’ve done wrong by him. And you get the crushing displeasure of realizing it’s all your fault.

Yet the wolf does not bare his fangs at you, nor does he cower in his newborn skin. He stares back as you level your height with his; his gaze not one of ridicule, but sympathy. The mysterious, uncanny eyes are brimming with determination from his lupine face, a resolve in which you resolve to mirror.

Watching afar, you come to realize the spirit you felt more than saw could only fit in the body of such a proud, honorable creature as the wolf. The beast that fights, but fights to protect. The beast with unfailing stamina to match his bravery. The beast that effortlessly tears through his enemies, but remains gentle with the ones he loves. You can feel admiration in such actions, but there is something else lurking in your emotions. Or rather, sleeping in your memory. Indeed, you felt something intimate with this spirit and yours. Something…or could it be someone…inside you that you can’t explain yearns for him.

You get a ghost of “why” when you see him again.

At the miserable, guilt-fraught journey’s end, he rescues you from endless darkness in human shape. Tunic spattered with blood and filth, he’s too humble to show himself to you. But you resolved to do right by him, and your vision has never been clearer. You let him stand before you without judgement, looking upon him only with eyes of gratitude.

Your love wasn’t seen at first sight.

It was upon first seeing his pleasant, yet strangely familiar human face, his kind yet animalistic eyes perfectly befitting of the noble beast that saved you.

[ripclaw300]

I doodled my squishmallow :)

[ripclaw300]

Domaystic 2025 Day 13: Rainbow

Paint me the red in the vase of columbine

Brick, garnet, and wine

Wind your arms around my waist

Reassure me that you are mine

Hold your strong hands against my hips

Paint me the passion in grounding lips

Paint me the orange in the burning embers

Honey, cider and amber

Lay with me beside the fiery hearth

Charge me with warmth and pleasure

Set my body alight with play

Paint me the wood floors, the sunset-washed bay

Paint me the yellow in the sun shining bold

Cadmium, canary, and gold

Rouse the energy in my belly

Banish away the cold

Change my mind to a confident view

Paint me the daylight as it streaks through

Paint me the green in the rustling leaves

Pine, moss, and tea

Look for me in the sheltered woods

What you give you will receive

Caress my heart with kindness and love

Paint me the tree that houses the dove

Paint me the blue in your gentle eye

Azure, lapis, and sky

Listen to my voice as I sing

Brush away tears I cry

Fill my ears with words of devotion

Paint me the calm of the deep ocean

Paint me the indigo in the starlight ether

Iris, midnight, and heather

Gaze into the darkness with me

Entwine our souls together

Grant me insight upon my head

Paint me the connection in dyed thread

Paint me the violet in the home we made

Lavender, mauve, and nightshade

Harmonize your spirit with mine

Bless me with the dream I prayed

Now I allow my senses’ release

Living with you, I am at peace.

[ripclaw300]

Domaystic 2025 Day 1: Constant Yawns

This is my first fic @domaystic for this year! I decided to go with the alternative prompt "Constant Yawns."

This one goes out to the BOTW/TOTK Zelink fans! Fatigued with all the swordsman duties and side quests, Link can't stop yawning. When Zelda notices, she resolves to help him as he's helped her and many others, and Link eventually gets his well-deserved rest.

I'm doing Domaystic to properly hone my writing skills. This is my first time officially writing fanfic, so please tell what you think! I want to know where I can improve!

Fandom: The Legend of Zelda

Ship: Link x Zelda (better known as Zelink)

Word Count: 2,226

https://archiveofourown.org/works/65182708

Full fic down below!

“There they are! Ms. Zelda is back!”

Teebo’s high-pitched cry from the village arch pierced the still night as Link and Zelda rode up the sloping cobblestone path. Spotting the child’s small figure, Zelda chuckled to herself as she led her horse to one of the entrance’s stone pillars, where Hateno’s second guard stood slumped against it. Tamana was nearly half-asleep, jumping up and clutching her broom when Zelda addressed her. 

“Good evening, Princess!” She spluttered. “Everything has been well since you left. No exciting activity.” 

Momentarily startled by Tamana’s sudden reaction, Zelda’s gaze softened as she smiled down at the skittish woman. “That’s a relief to hear. We spoke to Purah; she thinks she may have found where the Gloom is coming from. Link and I will be leaving again to investigate it soon.” Zelda glanced at Link, who was in the middle of a yawn as she spoke. He quickly stopped and gave Tamana a courteous nod.

“Very well then, better get some rest.” Tamana concluded. “The night is still long for us…” She gestured tiredly to Teebo, who already had his eyes glued to the village pathway, on the lookout for any suspicious activity. 

Bidding the pair goodnight, Link and Zelda continued through the village, picking their way through the houses and shops until they reached the bridge that led to Zelda’s house. 

After stabling their horses, Link walked Zelda to the front door. “Is there anything you need, Princess?” he asked gently. 

“No, I’m alright, Link. Why don’t you head to the inn? You heard what Tamana said; we should rest.” Zelda suggested. 

Link smiled but shook his head. “Tamana is the one who needs rest; I’m going to go take over guard duty for tonight.” 

Zelda’s own smile faltered. “But you have been traveling all day. Are you sure you’ll be alright guarding the entrance for the rest of the night?”

Link nodded. “I’m more used to staying up than she is. She’s already spent the whole day guarding the entrance, and is clearly exhausted. I can take over for one night.” 

After considering this, Zelda reluctantly agreed, and the two bade each other goodnight, with Link heading out to relieve the amateur sentries of their posts. However, not before she heard him let out another yawn as he left…

Seeking refuge from the noon-high sun, Zelda busied herself with taking care of the horses. Furrowing her brow, she worked a comb through a knot in her horse’s mane, only looking up from her work upon hearing approaching footsteps. Steeling her vision against the afternoon glare across the grass, she felt a grin spreading across her face as she made out Link’s lithe figure walking towards her. “Did anything happen last night, Link? Were you able to rest well?” 

Link nodded, returning her smile, though Zelda couldn’t help but notice how his eyes seemed to lack their usual luster. He reached for Epona, who nuzzled her nose into his open hand. 

“I already fed and groomed her.” Zelda mentioned as she returned her attention to her own horse. She felt a pang of worry as she heard him yawn once more, but the rustling of a saddle and reins pulled her thoughts away, allowing her to glimpse at Link leading Epona out of the stable. “Link, where are you going?” she called after him. 

Link mounted Epona and turned to face her. “Bolson will be leaving soon to head out on his journey. He asked me if I could gather a few supplies for him before he goes.” 

Zelda stepped out of the stable. “You have spent the entire night awake, it’s only the afternoon; you should rest a little more before you head out again.” 

Link averted his gaze, and Zelda heard him yawn again.

“I’m going to be stopping by the school to check up on Symin. Perhaps you could accompany me there…?” Zelda proposed, a pleading note in her voice. 

Link faced her with an apologetic look. “It’s the least I can do for Bolson.” he reasoned. “He’s already done so much for us; I wouldn’t even have been able to give you the house if it weren’t for him and Hudson.” 

The hope in Zelda’s chest dropped. Defeated, she bade him farewell and allowed him to leave without any more of a fight. 

She didn’t see Link again until the following morning. In between polite bows and friendly chatter with the village folk, Zelda spotted Link leaving the general store with a freshly equipped quiver of arrows. A small sensation of excitement fluttered inside her, as she so often felt when seeing him, only to almost immediately die upon closer inspection of his unusually weak figure. 

His eyes were dull and drowsy, his hands worked slowly to fasten the quiver, lacking their usual military swiftness and precision, and he had to pause to yawn yet again. Concern quickly overtaking her excitement, Zelda approached to help him with his quiver. 

“Thank you, Princess.” Link replied as he let her finish, his voice a mixture of surprise and gratitude, though Zelda didn’t miss how it also sounded a little hoarse. Dread seeped into her heart.

“How was Bolson?” she asked, hoping to lighten her mood. 

Link gave her a small smile. “He set off towards Faron. He told me to send you his gratitude for everything.”

Amusement sparked inside of her at this, but she pushed it down when she saw Link approach Epona, who was obediently standing still nearby. 

“Where are you off to this time?” she demanded more than asked, inwardly flinching at the harder tone she adopted.

Link’s eyebrows flashed in response, but his voice remained calm. “While I was helping Bolson, I received a message from Purah. They’ve done some investigation of the Royal Passage, and it leads deeper underground—don’t worry, they haven’t gone any further. But the researchers that had gone down were overwhelmed with Keese. They want me to help get rid of them and any other monsters there-” 

“Link, you’ve been very busy these past few days.” she interrupted without thinking, much to her bewilderment, but her stubborn need to care for him only fueled her persistence. “You’ve been working so hard; you should take this day to rest, we’ll be heading out for that passage soon enough anyway.” 

But Link didn’t falter. “That passage will be safer for us and the researchers if it’s cleared beforehand-” he paused as he broke into another yawn. 

Now frustration began to edge Zelda’s mood. “Look, you haven’t been able to stop yawning! How can I be sure you’ll even be able to fight in this state? I told you, there’s a fine line between courage and recklessness-” 

“I’m not about to let Purah and the others down! I can’t refuse a direct request for help, no matter how tired I am!”

Link’s eyes were bright with his own irritation, but they softened with regret as Zelda's eyes widened, stunned at his outburst at her. 

The pair glanced around them as they realized some of the village folk had stopped their activity upon noticing that the princess and her favorite swordsman were arguing. 

Link mounted Epona. “Princess, I’ll be alright.” he reassured her, any sharpness in his attitude dulled away. “I should be back come nightfall.” 

Disappointment and unease clouded Zelda’s thoughts, blankening her stare. All she could manage in response was a heartfelt “Please be careful, Link.”

Link nodded before spurring Epona forward. 

Zelda had returned to the house briefly to ponder her feelings and next actions. She hadn’t snapped at Link like that since before the Calamity struck, now over 100 years ago. Sitting at the dining table, she sighed as she recalled a distant memory. 

Link had defended her from an entire horde of monsters, felling each and every one without gaining anything more than a scratch. “There is a fine line between courage and recklessness.” she had told him after checking him for wounds. 

Such words never stopped Link’s determination, she realized. Not when defending her, not when protecting Zora’s Domain from a vicious Lynel, not when dispatching a field full of rogue Guardians. Even after the Calamity was sealed, Link never left her side, never turned down the opportunity to offer aid to those who needed it. 

Zelda had a feeling she could never truly stop him from selflessly helping anyone. But perhaps in that case…she could help him. 

After furiously checking on every institution in Hateno Village (both out of genuine care for the people and to ensure that no one could ask Link for any more favors), she stopped by the general store to pick up some fresh milk. 

As the sun set over Hyrule, Zelda used the old cookbook Link had when the house was still his to prepare the decadent Creamy Heart Soup, using the milk and ingredients Link had brought her from previous expeditions. She was just dishing up the soup when she heard the muffled sounds of a horse’s footsteps outside the house. 

Stepping outside, she saw Link leading Epona into the house’s stable. Link dismounted her, and Zelda quickly ran to assess his condition. True, he didn’t have any obvious injuries, but at this point his fatigue was apparent; his eyes were dark and half-lidded, his movements slow, heavy, and lacking coordination, uncharacteristic from his typical steady form. She began to fussily pat the dust from his hair and tunic. 

“Princess please, I’m alright.” Link softly chided. 

Zelda ceased her fretting, and for a moment the two stood together in an awkward silence. 

Link sheepishly scratched the back of his head. “I’m sorry I shouted at you earlier. That was out of line.” 

Zelda looked at him, her expression a mask of sympathy. “No, I shouldn’t have tried to order you around. I know how you are so attentive to our people’s needs, it is something truly admirable about you.” 

Life seemed to return to his features as a delighted grin spread across his face, and Zelda looked away with a blush, not expecting to be so forward. 

Remembering the dinner, she gestured to him to follow, and upon opening the front door, there before them were twin place sets on the dining table, the room cloaked in low lantern light. 

Link’s eyes widened at the sight, but when Zelda encouraged him to take a seat, he shook his head almost apprehensively. “You’re too kind, Princess, but I should be heading to rest now-” 

“You should at least eat something before you go…” Zelda interrupted, a hint of smug satisfaction rising up in her as Link eyed the soup. Finally, Link conceded, allowing himself to stay just for the dinner. With that, the two took the opposite seats at the table, and began to eat together. 

By the time they emptied their bowls, Link had nearly begun to nod off. 

“You’ve been getting very good at cooking since I last taught you.” He nodded politely, slowly lifting himself out of his chair. “Thanks again, Princess. I’ll be off now-” 

Zelda’s heart began to thump loudly in her chest. “Why don’t you stay the night?” 

Link stared at her, astonished that she would even make such a suggestion. 

“You could sleep in my bed, I’ll use one of the bedrolls.”

Link adamantly shook his head. “Oh, no…you’re a princess, I shouldn’t…I can’t-” 

Zelda raised her hand, silencing him. “You are my knight and my friend. I’m not going to accept anything less than the best for you. Let me care for you.” she stated firmly against her growing blush, wanting to make it clear to him she meant every word. 

Color began to grow on Link’s face as well, though was interrupted by yet another yawn. Seemingly too tired to fight her anyway, he nodded gratefully at her, and ascended the stairs to the house’s loft. 

Heat overtaking him as he approached the bed, he looked over the loft’s rails at Zelda. She was busy tidying up after dinner, but he noticed how she had to pause gathering up the bowls to let out a yawn of her own. 

Warmth spread inside his chest as he stepped away from the rails and into the bed, breathing in Zelda’s scent as he almost immediately drifted off to sleep. 

Link awoke to the golden rays of the sun streaming through the window onto his face. 

After sliding into a stretch, he rolled over on the bed, trying to avoid the sun’s reach. His heart nearly leapt out of his chest when he opened his eyes to see Zelda sleeping next to him on the opposite side of the bed. 

Not wanting to wake her, he sat up to steady his breath, quelling his rapidly beating heart.

Concern spiked inside him as he wondered how long until he could venture out on his next quest, wherever he may be needed. 

Then his gaze shifted to Zelda; her calm expression, the slow rise and fall of her chest as she slept soundly. Looking at her filled him with his own sense of tranquility. Comforting darkness still shrouded the house, and the bed was warm; the room felt safe. 

Care and gratitude filled his chest once more as he settled back down next to Zelda. Perhaps he could stay and rest a little while longer…

~

[ripclaw300]

Pokémon: My Shinies (Gen 1)

#4 Charmander

Shiny

Why put another warm color?

My shiny

Basically Charizard’s shiny. Sorry for the bad quality on these ones; they were one of the first ones I did, and I was still getting the hang of the coloring app.

[ripclaw300]

Pokémon: My Shinies (Gen 1)

#3 Venusaur

Shiny

This shares the same problem with Bulbasaur and Ivysaur’s shinies for having an overwhelming amount of green, but I feel like this shiny is even worse for including such an ugly shade of yellow as well.

My shinies

Thought the white with pink spots stood out and looked nice

Because this is the continuation of sunflower Bulby, I based the flower’s colors off of sunflower seeds (I also made the trunk a darker and richer brown)

Red because of Toothless’s prosthetic. I think the hot red stands out a lot against the black and dark green.

[ripclaw300]

Pokémon: My Shinies (Gen 1)

#2 Ivysaur

Shiny

My shinies

You can see my reasoning for these shinies in the #1 Bulbasaur post.

[ripclaw300]

Pokémon: My Shinies (Gen 1)

Hi, I’m just using my blog to store an old project of mine. Feel free to give me some feedback on these shiny alternatives! I only did the Pokémon that had shinies I disliked or could’ve been better.

#1 Bulbasaur

Shiny

Too much green…

My shinies

To appeal more to the Poison type. The red bulb is supposed to be a nod to a corpse flower. The grey bits are supposed to be white, I just didn’t know how to properly use the coloring app at the time.

Sunflower bulby!

Because someone said Bulbasaur’s face looked like Toothless (the gray pupils are supposed to be black)

[ripclaw300]

[ripclaw300]

What’s my type?

I don’t exactly know how this works, but I wanted to know other’s opinions, so here I go. Post 9 of your favorite characters and let people guess your type! These characters are ones that I have or have had crushes on at some point in my life. What’s the connection between all of them? Have fun and let me know what you think!

(From left to right)

Sonic—Sonic the Hedgehog

Link—The Legend of Zelda (specifically this incarnation from Twilight Princess)

Pit—Kid Icarus

Toboe—Wolf’s Rain

Lapis Lazuli—Steven Universe

Karlach—Baldur’s Gate 3

Halsin—Baldur’s Gate 3

Flora—Winx Club

Helia—Winx Club

[ripclaw300]

A question for my fellow autistic peeps:

So, my mother is a dietitian, and she believes most of society’s illnesses is caused by poor diets. While I’m not about to refute that, she also believes that the “symptoms” of autism can be “improved” by a better diet. I myself am autistic (“mildly autistic” as my mother insists on calling it despite me telling her to stop using “mild”) and while she knows autism can’t be “cured”, she still thinks I can get “better” with a healthier diet.

I feel a number of things about this that I’m not sure I can summarize here, but I would love to hear thoughts from actual autistic people. Do people who believe diets can change autism have a point, or is it just another form of ableism? Or is it something in between?

[ripclaw300]

What I was thinking re-watching this scene

[ripclaw300]

So I saw Tecna’s new design, and it’s easily the best out of the Winx, but I’ve noticed people questioning if they are going to make her a robot due to the look of her limbs. I don’t think her arms are robot/prosthetic limbs due the fold near her hand (which I think would be a bit strange for what’s supposed to be a metallic arm) and if you look really closely on the knee joint of her pink leg, there looks to be a crease near the edge, which there would be on pants in that position. So I think they’re just really cool prints, maybe with some magic to enhance the effect.