#Fable/legend

[bokettochild]

I am so conflicted rn

on one hand:

Fable giving Legend little forehead kisses

Fable swooping the vet off of his feet and peppering him with kisses in front of people until he blushes

Legend just leaning against her because she's warm and strong and safe and her magic will react faster than he can to danger

Legend trailing after Fable like a puppy, sitting on the arm of her throne while she's doing business, staying beside her, attending formal events, not to help, because goddesses know she can handle it herself, but just to be with her

Fable refusing to burden Legend with official duties but still feeling safe to rant around him and listen to him make fun of her political enemies to help her calm down

Fable getting defensive and jealous around Legend's many admirers

the castle staff just all agreeing that the hero is basically the queen's arm candy now, and he seems happy that way

On the other hand:

Legend comparing Fable to their mother

The two curling up together on one of their beds after a long day and complaining

Legend teasing and pulling her hair (like brothers do) and her tweaking his ears in revenge

Fable teasing him about his many admirers

Legend getting fussy about boys looking at his sister

Both of them scolding each other whenever the other goes into danger

Fable patching Legend up and fussing at him

Legend telling Fable about their commoner family members and Fable telling Legend about their noble family members

Legend helping Fable when she's tired of her work by taking over anything he understands how to do

Both of them dealing with the eyes of the world on them expecting the royal twins to be something great

the pressure of being the first Prince of Hyrule crushing legend's shoulders, but fable helping him handle it

The fact remains that I see their dynamic shifting so much if he's her lover and not her brother, and both are such beautiful ideas in my head but also.....zhsvdzhwsvhwhcvshcs!?!?!?!?!?!?!

[telemna-hyelle]

i will never recover from this little doodle in that one doodle post jojo made a while back--cheek kiss from the ending of the oracle games my beloved??? it gives my little alttp zelink-loving heart hope to see it.

(art of course credited to jojo and @/linkeduniverse

[inumbrapugnabimus-maybe]

Consistency? I don’t know her :)

[pelicanpig]

Has someone else already done this?

[ailius-suffers-through-art]

so I may have accidentally lost track of time while doodling them and uh,,,, finished the whole piece???

anyways I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS ONE CAUSE THIS ISN’T EVEN CLOSE TO MY REGULAR STYLE GSGHDGSUHJ whoops

@isasan347 voilà, fable/legend in an oddly 90s manga reminiscent style???????

[uniquevoidflowers]

@pelicanpig Here you go!

Zelda put her signature on a scroll and placed it in a pile beside her. There was still more to do, and knowing that only made her eyes feel heavier. She glanced at the window in her room, the ornate frame paling in comparison to the vivid, blue sky. If her hero was here, he would've opened that window and extended his hand to hers.

She sighed, dipping her quill in ink. He wasn't here, and so she couldn't leave until all these papers were dealt with. Zelda noticed a letter from weeks ago, sitting on the shelf, and took it gently into her hands. She reread every word.

I don't know when I'll be back, the letter informed her and she could hear his voice from all the way here. There was ice in her stomach as she knew that there was a chance he might not be back anytime soon. She remembered finding his limp, ashen body, just barely clinging on to life. She remembered a broken raft and the feeling of seeing him so hurt after two months of not seeing him at all and waiting for his return.

She swallowed back her fear and rubbed her eyes. She needed him, and he needed her. Surely, he would walk right in here and help her carefully out the window, before guiding her through his orchard once again. She would listen to his grand tales and his simple updates again, or kiss him softly under the shade of his vibrant apple trees.

A knock sounded and she stilled. There were still tears on her lashes. She cleared her throat, "You may come in."

A servant let herself in, hazel eyes meeting hers with warmth and...something else. "His Majesty requests you to come down to the throne room at once."

"Oh, well, did he tell you the occasion?"

"I apologize if I am overstepping Your Highness, but I think you need to see this yourself. Let me escort you there."

Zelda felt suspicion brew in her gut but she nodded slowly. "You are alright. Let us go, then."

The servant led her silently down the steps blanketed in velvet carpet, though her smile had dimmed long ago. The anticipation was beginning to unsettle her but they reached the throne room. The servant dropped to her knees and the princess saw eight unusual warriors. "Father, you have called for me?" She inquired but her gaze was on the group, searching for a head of strawberry blonde hair.

"Yes. These are the Heroes of Hyrule from the past and future. They are briefly visiting before continuing another quest," The King answered, but his face was shadowed.

Zelda's heart began to race as she didn't see him among the group. "Where's Link? His letter said he'd be travelling with them."

Father's eyes softened, almost imperceptibly. "He has been sent to the infirmary. He arrived in an unstable state, but our healers are doing all they can right now."

Her breath caught, and for a moment there was silence. Father never said what exactly happened to Link. He had never said anything like this before. "Your duties have been dismissed today," The King assured. "Go and see him, Zelda."

Something was very wrong.

She thanked him and took off. Her breath came out shallow as all she could think about was him on that raft.

"Goddesses."

Nightmarish burns wrapped around pale skin. Violet eyes were closed, swelled and red from tear-streaks. His clothing was tattered, and he was thinner than before.

However, when she arrived at his bedside, there wasn't any surface wounds she could immediately see. He was unconscious, face a sheet of white. Purple hyacinths sat in a vase next to him. "I'm here Link, I'm here," She breathed.

Her words went unheard and she sat down, hugging her knees. Her heart didn't calm but her breathing did. She called for him through his mind but he didn't reply, for the second time in their lives. "I've missed you, but you know that. I was going to send you a letter because there's a ball very soon and I know how much you like dancing. The Lorulean royal family is attending, which means Queen Hilda will be there...and probably Ravio too."

The silence was deafening.

"Your Highness? A nurse came in. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am. What--what has happened to him?"

The nurse took off the blankets with a roll of bandages clutched in her hand. "He's got a stab wound but that's unfortunately not the worst of it. He's developed an illness we call Dinnayru."

Fire and ice? Where had she heard that before? "What is that?"

"It's a deadly illness that causes delirium, vomiting blood, and in worst cases, seizures. I don't know if you recall, but the late Queen fell to it."

"Oh," She pressed her mouth into a thin line, blood turned to ice in her veins. "Will--will he be okay?"

"We'll do our best and see what we can do," The nurse tried to reassure.

Zelda blinked back tears and pulled up a chair, it's wooden exterior cold against her back. The light that was once spilling loftily into the room and illuminating the flowers was gone. The room became dim from dark clouds and the warm torchlight fell onto his still face.

"Your Highness?"

She startled and saw a man with dusky markings on his face. She recognized him as a hero from before. "Yes?"

"Our traveller's Life Spell hasn't done a thing for him, so we were thinking of taking him to a Great Fairy."

"That should heal his stab wound," She nodded.

"His illness too, right?" He pressed.

"They tried everything to save my mother but she's gone."

The man's face twisted in sympathy. "I'm sorry for your loss but don't you think it's worth a try?"

"It most certainly is, but we could lose him at any moment..."

"It won't come to that, princess. We'll find a way."

Something about the fire in the man's blue eyes made her rise. "You're right."

"We're at your side, Highness. The ve--er--Link is our brother."

She was ready to leave, until a sudden coughing filled the air. She looked over and Link whimpered, body trembling as he gagged. Zelda rushed over, eyes wide. "Link, say something!"

"Zel..da," He croaked and then blood spilled out of his mouth and nose in a vicious amount.

The red liquid pooled at her feet and she felt horror before her consciousness slipped away from her.

[nyastri]

I just learned that in Oracle of Seasons/Ages, there's this kid who you affect his life outcome. There's a chance he will become a musician, and he says he wants to write a song for Link, so he asks him if he values love or courage more. If Link says love, the kid will start playing the song that's heard when you rescue Zelda. Like???? How did I not know this???? That is honestly so cute.

[mmelete]

Desk

Legend barged into Fable’s study room, no longer caring about being polite. He couldn’t connect telepathically to her, no matter much he channeled his magic. Legend just needed to make sure she was safe—-

Oh.

Fable was slumped over her desk besides a mountain of paperwork. Even in sleep, her face was pale and her eyes wore dark circles. 

Legend took off his cape, draping it over the sleeping princess. He pulled up a chair and grabbed a pen. After all, Legend had accomplished far harder things than afternoon of paperwork.

[whyoneartheven]

Here’s a small Fable/Legend story for you as a late Christmas gift:

Legend woke up and was surprised to find himself wrapped in a silk blanket, on a comfortable bed. Then he remembered he was staying at the castle. Not just any castle but the one in his era. He got up and pulled on his red tunic and blue cap before heading out the door. He knew none of the others would he awake, but Zel was always up pretty early. He headed through the hallways, the sunlight spilling from tall windows with ornate frames. The marble floors led to a just as lavish doorframe, and he knocked gently on it. A few moments passed before a beautiful, warm voice answered, “State your name and why you’re here.”

“Link, and—“

The door swung open and he was wrapped in a hug. He smiled fondly and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Morning.”

“Good morning, you mean?” She corrected. “Now that you’re in the castle you’ve gotta keep some manners.”

“I know, I know.”

She hummed, the sound ringing in his ears. “Could I visit your orchard again?”

“If you wanna deal with that scammer that keeps invading my living space.”

She rolled her eyes. “He has a name you know.”

“I’m trying to warn you about his stupidly overpriced items, because I had to spend everything I had—“

“Which wasn’t very much, was it?” She interrupted, flicking his nose which earned her a pout, to which she just kissed him and the pout easily disappeared.

“Here,” She grabbed his hand and started pulling him through the hallway.

Where are we going?

Just wait and see! Zelda replied telepathically and he nearly tripped over his feet in surprise, forgetting she could do that. The view of the kingdom outside blurred quickly, and his vision spun dizzyingly as they turned a corner. Despite that, he find he didn’t mind, really. It was all worth it for her. Then they came to a lurching halt in front of the grandiose doors to the back. She pushed them open and he saw something in the distance. He stepped forward with her, a bit cautiously but she gave him an encouraging smile which was enough to make his heart soar and follow along. He saw a large  forest of cherry blossom trees, pink petals swept away by the wind. “What do you think?” Zelda put her hands on her hips. “I was planning to show you and your brothers all at once but this’ll do.”

“It’s beautiful. I’ve only ever seen them when I visited Holodrum,” He replied, voice soft and astonished. 

She picked up a fallen petal and with a faint blush on her cheeks she tucked it behind his ears.

A tanned, freckled arm tucking a red hibiscus behind his ears, a warm smile just beyond red hair swept in a light breeze.

Tears welled up in his eyes but he still held a smile. Concern flickered in her eyes but he just shook his head. He thought he had accepted it by now and—“Hey,” She interrupted his train of thought. “Don’t get lost in your head. What’s going on?” 

“I remembered her. You and her are so, so similar. I guess I thought I was over that but…”

Zel’s eyes softened. “It’s okay to still be mourning her. I don’t think that pain will ever completely go away, but now you have me, and we can get through this together. I bet those heroes of yours will also be willing to help if you let them.”

He nodded, taking in her words. “Thank you.”

“Of course.”

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH SO ADORABLEEE

THANK YOU SO MUCH UNI I LOVE THEMMM

[bokettochild]

I know you mostly write legend and fable as siblings but do you have any fable/legend headcanons?

Sure!

(Fable/Legend content below. Do NOT read if you dislike the ship. They are not siblings in these headcannons. This is your only warning.)

As partners, Fable is the more possessive of the two. Legend's high anxiety ass is too busy worrying if he's even worthy of her to actually be bold enough to get mad at people for hitting on her (besides, she's amazing! of course ppl are hitting on her!). Fable, however, is the sort to definitely have words with anyone who makes eyes overlong at her boyfriend. Sure, he's gorgeous, but he's her boyfriend and not up for grabs, so be respectful!

Legend's love language for receiving love is mostly physical touch, but he expresses love through gifts and acts of service. Since he is a hero though, acts of service are sort of par for the course, so gifts are his go to with Fable. He agonizes about what sorts of things to get her, and actually will write down anything he hears her say she needs (new pens, better shoes, lotion for her cracking hands). Granted, she's the princess/queen, so she's rich and can buy her own stuff, but Legend's well traveled and has connections, so he knows where to get the best quality items for her! Only, he just... leaves them where he knows she'll find them rather than making a big deal about presenting them to her. He can't wrap presents for crap after all. Fable always knows it's him of course, and she really appreciates them.

Fable's main love language for receiving love is actually acts of service! She expresses love through praise/compliments though, although generally speaking she loves cuddling as well (they both do). Unfortunately for Legend, he does not react well to praise or compliments and they actually fluster him to the extreme. Fortunately for Fable, she finds this adorable and loves it when he turns red and hides his face. She will go out of her way to compliment him in public as much as possible during events, partially to make the event tolerable, and partially to drive home how very much hers the hero really is.

They love getting dressed up together. They coordinate their outfits for everything. Cabinet meetings? They're matching. Celebrations? Matching. Addresses to the people? They're standing side by side most of the time in corresponding outfits. At this point, the tailors just always make a matching get up for the vet if they make Fable anything.

Legend hates doing public events (introvert), but he suffers through them because he doesn't want Fable alone, nor does he want to risk someone trying to hurt her without him around. Fable is well aware of this and makes sure to thank him for his efforts afterward with either a long cuddle or just doing something nice together.

She's the big spoon.

They spar together at times, and while Legend is easy to fluster, he is good at flirting back as long as he isn't thinking too hard. Putting a weapon in his hands adds to his confidence though, and makes him focus more on the fight than what he's saying. Quite frankly their sparring matches outshine most any witty romance novel anyone in Hyrule can find. They both give it their all, there's never any holding back just because it's their partner. Usually Legend wins (he fights dirty), but when Fable does get a win in, it's because she managed to pin the vet down somewhere, which usually has him speechless even after they've put their weapons away.

Legend tends to linger around the castle in his spare time. Fable has much less spare time, but it's not uncommon to find her using it flopped over across his lap and complaining about something or other, or plotting, while Legend plays with her hair.

She doesn't bring him to council meetings if she doesn't need to, but she consults him about everything that happens in them both before and after sessions.

They're both clingy. Usually, they remain in each other's proximity, and they're touching at all times, by it her hand resting on the crook of his arm, his hand on her waist/shoulders, holding hands, or just leaning against each other.

They love dancing together. Less so at gatherings of state, and more so in private or just while out traveling in the country together.

Fable loves visiting the vet's home. He visits her all the time but both enjoy the countryside far more, away from prying eyes and servants and knights all the time. She loves helping him in the orchard and while she's not very good at it, Legend appreciates the effort. She knows better than to try and help in the house though, and is more content to let him follow his rhythm and do things his way. They both know he won't ask her for help, not in hi own home, but she's aright with that.

She loves getting him books. Gifts aren't her strong suit, but Legend loves reading, so she's one step from gifting him the royal library. The only reason she hasn't yet is that if she does, she'll be out of books to give him.

He's her quirky, nerdy, adorable boyfriend and she's his badass queen. He's basically the only person not scared of her (what they've been through hardened them both, but in different ways) and she's one of the few he trusts enough to let down his walls and relax around. He trusts her to not need his protection all the time (although the more people around, the more he wants to be there as her backup) and she takes a certain pride in being able to defend him when and where she can (mostly verbally).

They're both worry-worts. After everything they'e seen, it's no shock to anyone. She tends to check in on him telepathically somewhat frequently, ad he welcomes it because it acts as an assurance for him too.

They shit-talk people telepathically at matters of state.

She has trouble not showering him in affection/gifts/praise. She doesn't want him to ever doubt her love, and she's got a lot to give. He's wary still about affection in general though and needs to back out and get his space from time to time or else he gets overwhelmed with it. She gets it though, and they've established a system of signals (items placed in certain places or particular gifts spawning on her desk) to signal what's alright or if he's overwhelmed. Legend asked if she wanted a similar system, but she's far more verbal about things than him.

[telemna-hyelle]

What the heck, I’m drawing legend and fable? Wow I haven’t done that in a very long time haha /sarc

HEH

this is very funny to me because I say fiddlesticks all the time

[jl-11037]

More stuff for my Linked Universe x Ever After High au. This time fable/legend

Legend and Fable both like each other, but can’t tell that the other one likes them. They are the only two in the school who don’t know.

Fable knows that Legend doesn’t want to follow his destiny and assumes that means he doesn’t want to date her.

Legend assumes that Fable wouldn’t want to date him because of him refusing his destiny. Now that he refused his destiny there’s a chance that both him and Fable will disappear (Legend doesn’t believe that will happen but doesn’t know what Fable thinks about it).

Ravio is at his wits end dealing with these two. He wants them to stop dancing around the subject and admit their feelings already. He is so close to locking them in a closet until they sort this thing out.

Many people are betting on when Legend and Fable say will that they like each other. There is even a bet about it. No one knows who started the betting pool but rumor is that even some of the teachers are in on it. There is also a smaller betting pool of when Ravio will lock them in a closet (because at this point it seems that's the only way Legend and Fable will admit their feelings).

Post about what this au is here

@isasan347

[pelicanpig]

Wip :)

Isa, this made me squeal so loud!!!!! 😱😱 it's wonderful! I'm excited to see the final product!

[adrift-in-thyme]

Febuwhump Day 14: Blood-Stained Tiles (Legend/Fable)

Ao3

Note: Two quick things! First, this will be my last Febuwhump fic. I’m overwhelmed with life rn and am not in the right headspace to continue this challenge. However, I have extra fics and ideas left over from it that I’m planning to write up later on. So keep an eye out ;)

Second, thanks for @ladye-zelda and @skyward-floored for the idea to do a zelink fic and specially Ladye for suggesting that I write something for flying tiles (and for reminding me that today is Valentines XD). And now onto your regularly scheduled fic

CW for blood and injury, torture, and loss of a finger

————————-

Fable walks forward with steadfast determination. Anger burns in her veins, strengthening the magic that twirls gracefully about her fingertips. Her boots clack proudly across the tiled floor, announcing her presence without fear.

Let them know she’s here. Let them come. She is more than ready to face whatever horrors see fit to leap from the darkness.

More than ready to do whatever is necessary to find Link.

It has only been a short time since she entered the dungeon with him and the hero who calls himself Twilight. Her informants had claimed a group of thieves were making their base there. And as her and Legend had both agreed that no run-of-the-mill thief would hide out in this abandoned maze of deadly rooms, they had decided having some backup wouldn’t hurt.

…or she had stated that some backup wouldn’t hurt. Link had seemed strangely perturbed to have the rancher accompanying them.

“We’d be fine just the two of us, you know,” he had mumbled after Twilight cheerily agreed to her polite request. “It’s not like we haven’t done this before.”

But in the end he had acquiesced her wishes, even if it was with a slight — and rather adorable — pout.

Even having some aid, however, hadn’t been enough. The thieves that they had dealt with in the past were not quite the same caliber as the ones cloaked here. That much had become painfully clear when Link had led them into a room full of his most abhorred adversaries.

Flying floor tiles.

And, well, they had certainly flown. First at him, striking his shield despite Fable’s efforts to direct them elsewhere. And then, suddenly, without any rhyme or reason they had begun to drop.

Link had plummeted with a shout that was quickly silenced when his head connected sharply with another tile.

Try as she might, Fable has not been able to rid herself of the sight of his blood, sharp against the glowing white.

She shakes her head in another attempt now, as Twilight fits the last key into the large door. The door that leads to the place where bosses lurk, eager to devour their prey.

“Well, we certainly got here fast,” the rancher comments. The lock falls away, clattering to the floor. “Either these guys aren’t as thorough as we thought or…”

Fable drags in a shallow inhale. “Or they wanted us to come to them.”

The latter theory would certainly explain why when she and Twilight rushed out onto the tiles to try and save their friend, neither had fallen. The tiles had gone back to their usual state — bothersome and painful on contact, but not at all like the cracked ones designed to plunge you into the depths.

Something is going on here, and Fable has little enthusiasm for it.

The door is gliding up now, however, allowing them to step into gloom. And she has no choice but to square her shoulders and walk through.

There’s no backing down now, no matter what awaits her inside this cursed room. Not that that had ever been a choice in the first place.

Though, when the door slams shut behind her and Twilight and a collection of lanterns flicker on, she almost wishes that it was.

Rather than the gargantuan enemies Link had described to her, in the middle of the room a group of men and women stand. Some glare at her as she advances, the rancher close at her side. Others sneer. But their expressions have no effect on her.

The person kneeling amongst them, however, is a different story.

Fable gasps before she can stop herself.

“Oh, Link.”

Violet eyes meet hers, their usual sharpness dulled, pupils mismatched. A trail of blood streams down a small, angular face, stark against pale skin and blonde hair. A once pristine tunic is now dusty and torn.

They have bound him, both hand and foot, and fitted a gag between his pale lips. But he struggles against them anyway.

That fire of his hasn’t gone out, not yet. It won’t ever, if Fable has anything to do with it.

“Release him.” Her voice shatters the leering silence, the force of it belying the fear within. “Now.”

The cackles that meet her order are neither shocking nor welcome.

“Afraid we can’t do that,” one of the thieves says. He grins, showcasing a mouth of crooked teeth — some of which are missing.

(Fable would very much like to knock out a few more.)

“The Princess’ favorite little hero is too precious a treasure to just toss out.”

Another thief smirks. Something glints in his hand. Fable can feel Twilight grow even more tense.

“But that doesn’t mean we can’t rough him up a bit.”

“Lay one finger on him and you’ll regret it,” Fable snaps, stepping forward. But the knife zips toward Link’s exposed neck and instantly, she goes still.

Twilight’s hand had rushed to clutch his sword. It falls now, back to lie at his side, balled into a fist.

“Try anything,” the grinning man hisses, “and he’s dead.”

Fury is boiling within her now, a surging mass of molten lava about to bubble over. Fable grits her teeth so fiercely she fears they will break.

“What do you want?”

“Simple.” That cursed smile grows wider. The knife presses closer. “We want free reign to do what we want. Without any royals or heroes intervening.”

Fable’s fingernails slice into the palm of her hand. Her magic calls out from within, begging to be set free.

“I cannot allow that.”

It is quiet for a beat. Then, the thief nods to one of his cohorts situated just behind Link.

“Well, ain’t that a pity.”

Everything happens so fast, Fable hardly realizes it. There is another glint of silver, the sound of ropes being split apart. Link’s hand is dragged forward, fingers splayed on the ground. His eyes widen as he tries vainly to break free.

The world slows for the slightest of seconds. The weapon comes down. Blood spurts.

Link’s scream is muffled. But it is sharp nonetheless, hitched at the end like a restrained sob.

Fable doesn’t doubt that it will remain in her mind forever.

“Every time you refuse,” the thief growls as she presses a hand to her mouth, fighting against the furious tears that press at the edges of her eyes. “We take off another digit. He won’t be much use to you without fingers, now will he?”

A low growl rumbles from Twilight. Anger radiates off of him. Fable swallows her own down.

They will have to strike and soon. She only needs to find a way to do so…

“Your Majesty.” The title is mocking and accompanied by a sweeping bow. “What is your decision? Will you grant us what we want or do you still need convincing?”

“Further convincing will not be necessary,” Fable grits out. Her gaze meets Link’s for a split second before she drags it back to his captors. “Set him free, and I will grant you what you desire.”

Twilight whirls, fury and fear dancing in his blue-gray irises.

“You’re just gonna give them what they want? With all due respect, Princess, they should be imprisoned for this, not given free reign!”

Crooked teeth glint in the dying light of weak lanterns.

“Seems someone still needs some convincing, after all.”

The knife shoots upward. Link’s face grows impossibly paler as he awaits its fall.

“No!” Twilight shouts, hand outstretched, panic in his voice. His body is taut, like a bowstring about to loose an arrow. “Don’t hurt him again!”

Fable steps forward and places a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. She can only hope some small reassurance is communicated through the movement. She certainly feels no reassurance herself at the moment.

“Return my knight to me, now. After we have healed him, we can discuss the terms of our…agreement.” She spits the word like the vile thing that it is. A deception dressed up in niceties.

The thief is silent for a moment, thinking. Then, he nods.

“Fine, then. But know if you don’t grant our demands, you’re never getting out of here. We’ve meddled with the magic just for that purpose.”

Self-satisfied chuckles drift throughout the group. Fable smirks, bitterly.

“Very well.”

Twilight glances at her and she meets his fiery gaze.

“Get ready,” she mouths, and his eyes grow large. Just as quickly, they narrow, determination in them. Ever so slightly, he inclines his head.

The thieves bind Link’s wrists again, ignoring his strangled whine as the ropes graze his injured hand. Then, they drag him over, a trail of dark blood weaving in their wake, and cast him at Fable’s feet.

In an instant, she is on her knees. With trembling fingers she undoes his restraints and frees him of the gag. He breathes a shaky sigh of relief as she hurls it away.

“I’m so sorry, Link,” she whispers.

Link offers her what she supposes is meant to be a reassuring grin. It is a flimsy attempt, however, with the blood draining from his hand and running down his forehead, the pallor of his face.

“Not your fault.”

Fable gives his uninjured hand a gentle squeeze. Then, she rises and squares her shoulders.

Magic zips through her veins and streaks outward, roaring about the space. It seeks the places where the spells have been rearranged and warped. The job is sloppily done — never would it have kept two experienced mages and a hero within its bounds — and easily fixed. In an instant, Fable feels the dungeon give a sigh of relief.

The pressure hanging in the dismal air drifts away.

The thieves don’t seem to notice the shift. But Twilight does. A grin lifts his lips, feral and sharp.

He and Fable exchange a glance, before she turns back to their opponents, head held high.

“We cannot grant you what you wish. But we will certainly give you what you deserve.”

Twilight leaps forward and draws his sword in one, smooth movement. Fable sends strands of magic zipping along in his wake. One by one, the thieves crumple, hardly knowing whether their fall was by weapon or sorcery.

They try to fight. Shouting curses and obscenities, they lunge. But their daggers and clubs are little match for the hero and princess. Even their sheer number cannot save them from the onslaught of magic and fierce fight.

And finally, there is but a single opponent remaining. The cursed one with the sadistic grin.

He is grinning no longer. His lips are pulled back in a snarl, eyes glinting as Twilight approaches.

Beside Fable, Link rises shakily, wavering on unsteady legs. It is only her quick hand that keeps him from falling.

“You,” the thief growls, even as the tip of Twilight’s sword presses toward his throat. Even as his companions lie scattered and limp. “You fools think you’ve outwitted us? Oh, you’ve got no idea the power we hold. We’ll bring you down. We’ll bring you all down!”

Scooping up a dagger fallen nearby, he lurches forward, aiming for Link.

Twilight and Fable are fast, but somehow Link is faster. Tightening his grip on Fable’s hand, he brings a booted foot up sharply. It connects with the thief’s chin. His head snaps back and he crumples.

Twilight turns, a slight smirk on his lips. “Nice one, vet.”

Link grins, even as he lists sideways, leaning against Fable’s shoulder. “Creeps can’t take one of my fingers without me getting at least one hit in.”

Fable winces as her gaze travels to the appendage still lying on the bloodied ground.

“I’m not the most knowledgeable on healing magic, but I believe I know enough to reattach it at least.”

“Our traveler can take care of the rest,” Twilight puts in.

“Well, that’s good news,” Link grits out, as the rancher helps him into a seated position. “I don’t have enough room for all my rings as it is.”

Fable’s lips quirk upward just slightly. Gently, she takes Link’s hand in both of her own.

“This may sting a bit,” she says, apologetically.

Link shrugs.

The spell she weaves is a simple one, though one she can easily compound upon, strengthen into something fit to remedy such a severe wound. The glow of it wisps outward from between their clasped fingers in soft clouds of purple.

Carefully, Twilight places the finger back into its rightful place. Link’s eyes flit to the side as Fable’s spell sews torn flesh together and melds broken bone. His pallor takes on a slight green hue.

“It will still be painful,” Fable tells him, when it is finished at last, “but that should hold until we can return to the castle.”

“The sooner, the better,” Twilight says, glaring into the shadows. “We never know what else could be waiting for us here.”

“I agree.”

Fable rises and Link with her. His trembling grip on her hand remains tight. A rush of relief speeds through her at the feel of it.

To think she had come so close to losing him again. Just as she had lost him on the furious seas, tossed about and driven to unknown shores. Far from home. Far from her. Lost in a dream too murky, too thick for her to reach him through.

The tears she has been restraining fight for freedom. Viciously, she shoves them back once more.

Walk forward, she tells herself. Escape this place and get your friends to safety. Then, you may feel the emotions within you. Then, you may break.

“Hey, Zelda?” Link’s voice is uncharacteristically subdued and lacks its usual sarcastic bite. She turns just in time to see him self-consciously rub the back of his neck.

“Thanks for coming for me. And for, you know,” — he huffs a humorless chuckle “— giving me back my finger.”

Fable smiles and it feels good to be able to do so again.

“Of course,” she murmurs, daring to press a quick kiss to his cheek. “I’ll always come for you. You know that.”

His cheeks flush a vibrant shade of fuchsia and he stumbles, tripping over his own feet.

Up ahead, Twilight chuckles. “No thanks for me, vet? I’m hurt.”

“Yeah, well, face it, rancher,” Link retorts, obviously still struggling to regain a more normal complexion, “you aren’t a beautiful princess.”

Twilight barks out a snort of laughter, and Fable feels her own face grow hot. Link’s words seem to hit him in the next moment, because suddenly he looks as though he wishes the ground would swallow him whole.

“Sweet Hylia,” he groans, “this is why I didn’t want you to come along!”

Twilight only laughs. And as they walk toward sunshine and safety, Link’s embarrassed spluttering follows them all the way.

[uniquevoidflowers]

Helpless

(usual link isn't working for some reason)

Summary:

Zelda is tired of leaving Link to save the kingdom. She is tired of being helpless amidst it all. So, when Link is sent on yet another adventure, she plans to join him, to protect him, even though the portals seem to hate her divine blood.

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A Fable/Legend tale where Fable joins the chain in their quest. A lot happens because of it.

[nyastri]

Marin is Zelda but certain aspects of her were changed to fit Link’s preferences and lifestyle. In this essay I will-