hylialight

[hylialight]

" Booping? Oh, is this like one of those games some of my students used to play? Although, they used sticks most of the time...."

[hylialight]

" Wait--"

" What did....I eat when I was in the sky....? Do dragons like shrimp fried rice?"

[hylialight]

" Oh, I'm sorry I meant no offense, truly! It's just that in this world, this means that the shrimp would have had to eat their own bretheren to perfect the flavor! And wouldn't that make them sad?"

"Hey, since when do the mammals get to speak for us?! The squid noodle bowls at Robo ROM-en are great!"

[hylialight]

" Seafood can't fry rice, especially if it's seasoned to taste like them because that means they have to know what they taste like and I doubt such consumption would be ethical in their society."

[hylialight]

when she left her housing, Zelda had confidence. as a matter of fact, what she felt was quite like what she had experienced for so long in the village of Hateno, eagerly greeting the day and spending it doing what she loved. no worries, no troubles, nothing weighing on her shoulders so heavily that it stole the air right out of her lungs. it had been a long, long time since she's felt such a thing and it was addicting. not even the cold of the weather bothered her, the gentle sting welcome on her cheeks. yes, after everything that's happened, things were....normal again. as normal as they could be for both her and Link and it was something Zelda didn't want to give up any time soon.

and while that feeling still remained in her chest, the moment her eyes found the knight, that confidence quickly crumbled as if it was a house of cards.

not from anything bad, mind you. no, there could be nothing that would make Zelda feel any sort of negative emotion whenever she looked at Link. the one who has always been there for her as best he could, always looking out for her, always willing to put himself in harms way for her sake. just the sight of him is enough to ease any worries that enter her mind, releasing the tension from her shoulders and pairing it all with a smile that only ever really came out around him. but now there was something that couldn't be described in words.

he seemed....different. not enough to be alarming-- his appetite remained the same and his eyes still held that steadfast vigor she admired. but whenever they were together, it was almost as if he was nervous in her presence. Zelda couldn't fathom why, no matter how hard she thought on it. they had been together for years. nobody knew her better than him. she trusted him with just about everything. so then what was causing the change? it bugged her just enough to be a lingering thought in the back of her mind and while she debated asking him numerous times, she could never come out with the right thing to ask. whenever their eyes met, words just seemed to.....fade away.

and he was wearing her gift. just as she thought, it looked perfect on him-- too perfect. it's not that Zelda was trying to stare but she just couldn't tear her eyes away, nor form a proper response. because in that moment, she sees how far he has come from that silent knight assigned to protect her so long ago. there's a tug at her heart but she doesn't linger on it. now was not the time to get lost in such thoughts, right? she snaps herself out of it. " Not that cold that I need another jacket. " his concern was cute-- a thought that puzzled her. since when did she find it cute...? since always, goes unacknowledged. casting it to the side for now, the princess focus on what's important: the sweets. one hand quickly reaches in to snag one, unwrapping it in no time to plop it into her mouth, sighing in content as the sweetness hits her tongue. oh, it truly was divine. she didn't want to indulge too many sweets but how could she deny the offer?

" These are really good! Do you think they're selling them somewhere? We should pick up some more afterwa--" words come to a halt as her gaze lands on the corner of Link's mouth. he must have enjoyed them a lot, given the fact some remnants still remain. and without thought, nor any hesitation, does Zelda reach out. fingers curling slightly underneath his chin while her thumb brushes away the evidence with a feather-light touch that lingers. her smile softens a fraction, followed by a quiet laugh as she speaks softly. " They go in your mouth, Link. Not on it."

▼ :   —   ( @hylialight )

It would be a lie to say that Link had stopped thinking about the kiss Zelda had given him after they exchanged gifts with one another-- and though it was one she had placed upon his cheek, the gesture had remained in his mind ever since; swearing he could still feel the gentle warmth of her lips against his skin, no matter the amount of time that had passed. When their eyes met, when she laughed, when she smiled at him-- Link could feel his heart racing, unable to take his gaze off of her for very long. They were.. feelings he was not entirely unfamiliar with, however.. had he ever felt them this intensely before? In his life before this one, in the years they had spent together in the present-- being with her was such a natural thing that the hero had not once thought against it. To live together, to travel across Hyrule with one another; that was the life Link had wished for, and yet..

His certainty in his time with her never allowed him to feel like.. this. Nervous. Warm-faced. Cautious of his every move. Aware of her shoulder brushing against his, of her fingers clasped around his hand. Though it wasn't as if the hero thought of them as bad, just.. different.

Link's life felt complete with Zelda at his side. He felt happiness being near her, knowing now that after all the pain she endured.. they could find peace with one another again. If that was the case, then.. was this something more? A certain beat of his heart that he didn't realize was there until now? And what exactly.. was it?

Though, the hero wouldn't have much time to think about it, as Zelda's visage soon came into view; the pace of his heart once more quickening at the sight of her. They had made plans to see one another that day, to take part in what remnants of the winter festivities were left; and on that night, they agreed to meet in front of a very grand looking crystal palace. He couldn't help but smile, briefly, knowing how curious she must have been about it.

"Princess," Link stepped forward to meet her halfway, dressed in the cloak she had gifted him recently. "Are you warm enough? It's still quite cold in this area."

.. realizing something, Link quickly offered Zelda a bag he'd been holding onto; remnants of the treats inside sitting around one corner of his mouth. "Here. They were giving these away by the entrance, in case you're hungry. They're sweets."

[hylialight]

how does your story end?

unfinished

cut down too soon, questions unanswered, desires unfulfilled… what a tragedy you are.

[hylialight]

birb

[hylialight]

"The subject of humanity has been a hotly debated one for a long time, in fact. For example: Ofiuco is not "human" but she had developed "humanity". One doesn't simply need to be a human to exhibit it. So under what circumstances might that "humanity" be tested? Perhaps... an event that must be survived at all costs? And can this humanity be retained if one's container is changed?"

It finally seemed like the cold winter's grasp was finally beginning to loosen its hold over the city. How was it that an island that had to be so relatively close to the equator even experienced winter in the way that it did? A question that plenty had asked themselves who lived in the city and yet the only answer was just to not worry about an answer.

At the stroke of midnight on that Friday night things began to seem odd. Had a new chill set in? Things became very cold very quickly, with frost gathering on windows and a terrible blizzard raging. But to make matters worse? Power across the entire city flickered and immediately shut off and communications were powered down. It became concerning because how would they brave the cold if it continued? Maybe things would look better in the morning?

It might have. If the morning ever came.

6am came and went. Then 8am. And 10am. And while the blizzard had finally calmed and opened up the sky, the Northern Lights that had emerged merely continued to dance across the starry sky. The city was frozen over and blanketed in an excess of snow. Everyone's lives were clearly at risk.

CHOOSE ONE... A GUARDIAN.

Everyone's phones should have been drained of their power and yet a voice called out from the phone's speaker. The screen would flicker to life it taken out, and options were displayed. Creatures. Animals. Were these supposed to be the "Guardians"? What did they do? Could they help? Who had sent them? With little other option, many began to make their choices and were rewarded with a warmth that allowed them to go on.

But with time? More than mere warmth would be provided to them. Accepting the help of a Guardian came with an undisclosed cost.

How much of your humanity are you willing to shed to survive?

-----------------------------------------

BRR... WHAT'S GOING ON?

Haunted by an eternal night, the entire island has fallen to a deep, dangerous cold overnight while simultaneously being buried in a heavy snow. The city's power and communications systems have also gone down with no signs of being restored anytime soon, making things rather dicey since temperatures are dropping as low as -37F (-35C). Adding to all of this? Abilities don't seem to be working. Needless to say this is a matter of survival.

But the city and the surrounding branches have become a proper arctic biome. While powerless buildings still tower high above, wildlife typical of a frozen climate that couldn't have even existed before thrives. And the night sky is filled with stars and the Northern Lights when not covered with snowy clouds.

And so it's a good thing that a mysterious benefactor has prepared a way for the citizens to survive. Taking temporary control of the otherwise inactive cellphones, they offer the people a choice. Choose a Guardian. And beneath that text? A list of animals that thrive in cold climates.

Upon selecting one of these animals you'll receive a number of benefits:

the extreme cold feels significantly less taxing, making surviving easier

you'll be able to sense others who have chosen a guardian nearby, making it easier to find and collaborate with others

you'll be able to sense sources of food, although in some cases it will need to be hunted

This all sounds convenient. Maybe a little too convenient for there not to be a trade off and, typical of the antics of the Stars, there is. As the minutes, hours, and days tick on it becomes difficult to ignore the signs. Perhaps your ears become similar to those of the Guardian you have selected, or maybe you grow similar fur at first. But with time these traits spread and worsen. And some instincts begin to develop that could hardly be considered "human". Seemingly you have borrowed the power of your guardian...

...But at the risk of becoming the very same critter you've selected. Because what can survive better in the extreme cold than a creature who evolved to thrive within it?

FAQ

Which animals can be chosen for our characters? You can select any animal so long as they survive in cold climates normally! Things like arctic foxes, snowy owls, seals, whales, penguins... You aren't limited to mammals alone so long as you abide by that rule when picking them! However they must be real animals that actually exist, not things like dragons or yetis.

How quickly do the side effects occur? It's up to you! You could have them onset immediately, or have them develop gradually over the event's course. There's no timeline beyond what you personally would like to do with them!

Can we choose more than one animal? Can we switch them mid-event? You cannot select more than one animal at a time. However you can swap your Guardian one time during the event if you aren't feeling it, or if you want to try something else.

What if my animal is already not a human and aren't affected by the cold enough to select a Guardian? The cold is so deep that it should be enough to bring about substantial risk for most citizens even if they aren't made uncomfortable by the cold itself. Machine lifeforms would function less efficiently, and even the more adept to the cold might struggle with all of the snow. If you need a reason to make your character select one, you can always speak with some friends or contact the masterlist for an idea in a worst case!

Do I need to select a Guardian for event participation? You don't! You could have your character not pick one at all. That said, you could also have them pick one and not show any side effects, as...

What is the minimum and maximum amount of side effects we can inflict on our characters? As mentioned previously side effects aren't required and you could leave your character unaltered! On the opposite end, you could completely shift your character into their Guardian animal if you'd like. Anything in between is fine too, so go as little or as hard as you would like!

"Instincts" are also mentioned. What would those entail? Essentially these would be things that would make them act more like the animal they are becoming. Like burying food in the snow to keep it safe, or hunting using certain methods if their animal is a born hunter. Again, these are optional and you could shift your character into an animal's form while retaining their human sense.

So powers aren't working during this event? Nope! But any weapons your character has retained are still available!

Would characters who are non-biological in nature gradually become biological? That's up to you! If that's an angle you'd like to explore with your character becoming flesh and blood then feel free!

Will the event have a part 2? No! However we will be posting "weather events" over the event's course that will change the conditions in the city in extreme ways temporarily, be it a blizzard or an even deeper chill. It isn't necessary to acknowledge these if you don't want to though!

When does the event end? The event ends at 11:59:59PM on Friday, March 29th.

[hylialight]

" Eating rocks....?"

" Huh. Well, one could say that those who do would end up with a hard stomach!" that was so bad. she knows it was so bad. please excuse her for the forseeable future.

[hylialight]

" So the doll has a mind of her own?" Zelda couldn't help it. the moment the plush had spoken, her brain had gone into overdrive, spurning forth with a desire to know just every last little detail about the white-haired man's companion. outwardly, she was composed and mostly calm (if you didn't count the way she leaned forwards ever so slightly, hands clasped tightly together with wide and searching eyes). after all, she didn't want to scare the man nor his companion.

" Or is it linked to your own? Oh, or is it like the situation of the soul of someone you know is place inside of the doll? "

@schleckermaul

[hylialight]

" Evo..........line.........." brows furrow for a moment as fingertips carefully glide against the fur of a plushie from this new product line, her cheeks growing rosy as her mind drifts. " A festival for bonds, so...it'd be okay, right...?"

[hylialight]

𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑐 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑐𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑡𝑠

Feel free to add context if needed! Add "Reverse" to any action to swap the roles!

[BRUSH] Sender offers to brush receivers hair

[STYLE] Sender offers to style receivers hair

[ADJUST] Sender straightens/fixes receivers clothing (Tie, coat, hair accessory, etc.)

[FASHION] Sender brings over an outfit for receiver to try on

[EAT] Sender brings receiver food while they're focused on another task.

[KISS] Sender kisses receiver on the cheek

[FOREHEAD] Sender kisses receiver on the forehead

[HUG] Sender suddenly hugs receiver

[REST] While out on a walk, sender guides receiver to sit down somewhere and rest.

[OPEN] Sender opens something for the receiver (pickle jar, package, etc.)

[GIFT] Sender gives receiver a small gift (Make sure to name what it is!)

[PAY] Sender pays for receivers meal

[HOLD] Sender hugs receiver and holds them close.

[LIFT] Sender picks up receiver princess style

[HIGH] Sender gets something off the high shelf for receiver

[WATER] Sender brings receiver a water bottle

[HAND] Sender takes receivers hand so they don't get lost in a crowd.

[hylialight]

almost without thought does her hand drift up to her neck, fingertips touching bare skin as the ghost of a feeling settles. where once was the choker, holding the tear, there is nothing and it feels......odd.

she remembers so little of that time. thousands of years circling the skies above, sacrificing all she was to restore what once was broken. unlike those one hundred years keeping Ganon at bay, looking back on this time is......empty. and yet, there is that inescapable weight of exhaustion that bursts forth whenever she does.

it hurt. the transformation is the only vivid part Zelda can recall and even now, it sends chills down her spine. it was as if the sun itself was trying to break free from her chest, threatening to consume her whole if she refused. but she held on, because she had to. it was something only she could do. and, if given the choice, would do so again. even if the thought still terrifies her.

a shaky breath is released as fingers curl, as if clutching something. ".....I hope I never have to use it again."

[hylialight]

" Would this be considered some form of unethical consumption?"

most would face this activity of eating magically enchanted marshmallows as just that: an activity caused by the mischief of others. but for Zelda, she can't help but wonder just how it's come to be and if the flying marshmallows are sentient. they seem to have some form of thought, actively going after poor passerbys and aiming strategically. and yet, as she bites into another, all she finds is a sweet treat. chews are slow as eyebrows furrow, thoughts going a mile a minute as her gaze turns towards the one sheltering behind a large hedge with her.

" They are good, though.....is it wrong to not feel bad?"

@roshield - nom ranching

[hylialight]

time to ask link telepathically what a microwave is at 3 am

[hylialight]

Though the tradition was not one that followed them from Hyrule, Link still felt the need to participate while the two of them were on the island-- it was, after all, a way to show someone that you cared for them.. and actions were something Link long sought for when his words failed him. Without much of a sound at all, the hero nervously neared Zelda's side; a strange emotion for him to feel in her presence these days, however.. he wanted to make sure the gift he'd gotten for her was right. Something she would enjoy to the fullest.. even if it was not the most extravagant thing in the world. "The pixies in the Mistwood made this," gently, Link would hand Zelda a very familiar flower-- a single silent princess. It was made entirely from ice, though one would find a strange sense of comfort from holding it, instead of the sharp sting of cold. It sparkled magnificently in the light; the magic from the fairies woven into its very being.. and though it looked vastly different from the ones that grew throughout the hills of their home, the shape of the petals and its center proved it to be exactly what Link had hoped; while neatly wrapped around its stem was a satin blue ribbon. "The ice.. will never melt. So, in a way, this flower will also never wilt."

A piece of home for her to carry.. no matter where she may have ended up. That would stay by her side for eternity.

".. I hope.. this is alright." Though his cheeks felt warm, though his heart thundered loudly in his chest, Link refused to tear his gaze away from Zelda's for even a moment; a gentle determination shining brilliantly in the blues of his eyes. "Merry Christmas, princess."

truth be told, she couldn't wrap her head around Link acting nervous around her. even when he was newly appointed as her personal knight (and she was less than pleasant with him), not once did she detect an ounce hesitation from him. for a moment, the princess wonders if perhaps she had done something wrong or accidentally messed up a custom of this new world. yet before a question could pass her lips, she sees the gift he so carefully hands her, and for a moment, the world falls silent.

"Oh....."

for Zelda, despite her best efforts in getting acclimated, homesickness was a common emotion felt often. did she miss the fighting? no. did she miss the few years of peace, teaching and enjoying a mundane life as a new time of tranquility was slowly being ushered in? yes. as.....advanced as this world was, there were times where Zelda wanted nothing more than to wake up to the sounds of birds singing outside the window of the home she had made together with Link. having him by her side once more helped to ease that longing, but it too could sneak past his defenses.

so to see the silent princess once more, even in this form, was more than enough to take her breath away. fingers carefully wrap around the sculpture, lips parting in awe at the strange warmth that greeted her touch. she was almost afraid to hold it tight, as if it would shatter. " It's beautiful, Link." somethin of a half-chuckle falls from her lips as her other hand rises, fingertips trailing along the shape of the petals. " I didn't think I'd ever see something from home again, so for you to....."

words trail off as a lump forms in her throat, one quickly swallowed back. she can't quite let herself get caught up with emotion just yet. offering a smile, with her free hand, the princess reaches into her bag. Zelda had also prepared something for the knight and this saves her the trouble of looking for him. inside the carefully wrapped box, he would find a hooded cape. sewn by Zelda herself, it's designed much like that from their world, the only difference being that this one was lined inside with faux fur meant to keep him warm in these cold months. on the back, he would find the symbol that had been on his tunic prior, the blue of the cape matching his eyes with perfection as flowers outline the edges.

" It's not as great as what you gave me but I still wanted to give you something. It should help keep you from getting too cold and it even has pockets on the inside! So you don't have to carry so much on your belt." not that they're out exploring like before but she knew he liked to be prepared.

and despite her heart thundering loudly in her chest, the slight flush that met her cheeks, Zelda comes to a decision and steels herself. free hand resting carefully atop his shoulder, she leans in to press a chaste kiss to Link's cheek, lingering for a moment before pulling away quickly. her eyes shine bright, smile impossible from growing any bigger.

" Merry Christmas to you too, Link. And....thank you. For being here with me."

[hylialight]

" Why not just gather some more then?" well, duh Zelda, of course he's already thought of that. " I mean, I'm sure if you move aside some snow near your feet, there will be enough to finish the nose."

      ❛   Prooobably should've made sure I had enough before I started...  ❜     GREAT.   Since he's run short of pebbles, now it just looks like this snowman's nose-less and perpetually shocked about whatever's in front of it.