#morning twilight

[thegoblincave]

[dk-thrive]

Daybreak. 34° F, feels like 24° F with wind gusts up to 38 mph. 7:05 to 7:15 am. March 11, 2024. Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT. (@dkct25)

[heavenly-garden]

Blooming heather in the Netherlands by Albert Dros

[fwoosheye]

Holiday Piece for @limited-hero's discord prompt "Christmas". I just feel like Ordon probably have some version of the Yule Goats, considering it's a farming community with a lot of goats, goat themed decorations, and a goat shaped guardian spirit.

Happy Holidays y'all!

[seamonsterart]

15 days of friends at the table - 01 Departure

So long Seattle.

[foxtamer113]

Yor: I want to wake up with you every day for the rest of our lives

Loid: I wake up at 4:30 AM

Yor:

Yor: I want to see you at some point every day for the rest of our lives

[stevetwisp]

good mornin twi

[sictransitgloriamvndi]

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Wild looked up, bewildered, when music started to gently serenade him. He glanced at Twilight, who clearly had turned it on with his phone, as his friend stared intently at the screen.

“What are you doing?” Wild asked.

“I gotta learn the lyrics to this song,” Twilight said seriously.

Wild scrunched his nose as he listened to the lyrics. “That’s Zoran. You can hardly speak Hylian with your accent sometimes.”

Twilight threw him an exasperated look. “It can’t be that hard. Since when did you know Zoran?”

“Since I just heard it,” Wild huffed with a smirk, though hearing the language brought a twinge of pain to his heart. Whatever memories were locked away… they…

“Oh, is that Life in Pink?” Malon called from upstairs as she came into the living room, a smile on her face. “Ah, I remember hearing this in my honeymoon.”

“Twi wants to sing it,” Wild said, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Got yourself a date?” Malon asked with a smirk, hands in her hips.

Twilight rolled his eyes. “No. It’s for a patient. She’s a Zora girl, she’s far from home, and she said it’s her favorite song.”

“Aw honey,” Malon said gently, putting a hand to her heart. “That’s so sweet of you.”

“Twi… you can’t sing,” Wild noted, staring at his friend with his eyebrows scrunched together.

“I know that song,” Time hummed as he entered from the kitchen.

“Yes, it’s from our honeymoon!” Malon confirmed cheerily. “Twi’s learning it for a patient.”

Time blinked a few times, mouth moving as if he were about to speak, and then he thought better of it.

“He was gonna say it too!” Wild noted, pointing at him.

“I can sing just fine!” Twilight grumbled.

“I’m trying to figure out if you’re gonna make her laugh or cry,” Wild cackled.

Twilight crossed his arms, growing steadily grumpier. “Ilia’s gonna be singing with me. She’s learning it too.”

“Oh good,” Wild sighed in relief. “That’ll make it better.”

“You’ve never even met Ilia!”

“Her singing has to be better than yours.”

Twilight huffed, turning to ask for Time and Malon’s input, when he caught sight of the couple slow dancing in the background. Wild paused and turned, and the two men smiled at the pair, who were lost in each other’s eyes and living in a time past as the music floated in the air.

[breannasfluff]

Early Riser

AO3 Link

It’s five a.m. when the chain stumbles out of the portal. Well, actually it’s four minutes past five and counting seconds, but Time’s pretty sure no one cares about that. It was somewhere in the middle of the second watch when the portal appeared on the opposite side of their campsite.

Warriors, who was on watch, bore it with the grace of someone used to terrible hours in the army. Those that were woken up were in…less useful states. Wind was mostly asleep standing upright. Legend’s glare could light rain on fire and Hyrule’s arm around his waist might be the only thing restraining him.

Four drooped against Sky, who was also mostly asleep. Maybe he’s gained the ability to sleepwalk; Time wouldn’t put it past him. It takes him three slow blinks to claim the era. “We’re in Skyloft.”

Time doesn’t point out that this is obvious as the predawn light is lighting up the clouds. A cold wind bites at his fingertips; no wonder the chosen hero wears so many layers up here.

“Why is it so early?” Wild burrows into Twilight’s arms—ah, he’s trying to get into the wolf pelt. His successor isn’t magnanimous enough to give it up but wraps Wild up in his arms.

“Aren’t you made for early mornings?” Legend glares around Hyrule. “You’ve got a shit sleep schedule.”

“Just because it’s bad doesn’t mean it’s a choice.”

“Sleep, asshole!”

Time sighs and says, “Language, vet. I know it’s early.”

“Self-righteous piece of—”

“Legend!”

His only answer is a feral hiss. The vet is not pleasant without coffee in the morning. Time turns his attention back to Sky, who’s still staring blankly. “Where can we go this early?”

“The market—” a yawn interrupts him. “The market is setting up by now, so we can hang out there. Or we can try the Academy.”

“Which is closer?”

“Market.”

Time waves Sky forward, then leads the way when the hero doesn’t move. “Market it is for now.”

The cloth walls of the market block out the chill, although it’s still dim inside. They congregate in a corner, still yawning.

“Good morning! Oh, look at you all! Link! I’ve missed you!”

Time drags his attention to the approaching girl who has, frankly, far too much energy for this time of day.

“Hey, Zelda.” Sky yawns halfway through and slumps into her hug.

“Aww, who’s a sleepyhead?”

“It’s like, dawn. That’s when people sleep, Zelly.”

“Nonsense! This is the perfect time to get up and get going for the day! Smell that crisp air?” She takes a deep breath to demonstrate. “We just need to get you all moving, you’ll see.”

Legend’s moan is full of so much pain that Time whips around. Did he miss an injury? Did something happen after they landed?

The vet does look physically ill as he says, “Oh no, you’re a morning person!”

Hyrule pats his shoulder. “It’s okay, Legend. Remember, Sky has to deal with her forever.”

Zelda makes a face, then makes another when Sky only sighs sadly instead of defending her. He nuzzles her shoulder. “I’ll bear the burden. Learn to sleep through it.”

She steps back abruptly, letting Sky fall to the ground. “Well. Some of you don’t appreciate the benefits of a good morning.”

“Zelly! Why?” Sky rolls on the ground, arms wrapping around her ankle. “Do you have no pity for your hero?”

Legend steps forward, possibly deciding Sky needs backup. “It was the middle of the night when the portal came! Do you know what’s important? Sleep!”

“I like waking up early,” Twilight pipes up.

“Shut up!” No less than three glares are turned on him, and one from the champion still leaning into his fur.

Zelda senses an ally and zeroes in the rancher. “You get it, right?”

“Yeah. I help out on the ranch so there’s no late mornings for me.”

Wild, unwilling to be pulled into the discussion, leaves the protection of Twilight’s fur and barrels into Legend and Hyrule. They easily absorb him into their group and slump against each other.

Time watches the group drift around, blinking slowly. Zelda and Twilight’s conversation grows more animated and starts to pull in those heroes who are at least functioning. Good, they can take care of themselves.

Leaning against one of the tent poles, Time lets his eye slide half shut. It was the middle of the night when he got up. Safe in Skyloft, he can afford to be a little lax. Actually, the Academy has that great bathhouse. Maybe an early morning bath?

It’s too bad Malon isn’t here. Or if they had a bathhouse like that in their era. Large pools of water…steam from the fire…yes. Just the two of them alone. He could help her wash that beautiful red hair.

Time shuts his eye fully, losing himself to a drowsy fantasy of warm water, soft hands, and carefully detangling hair. Maybe he can rub her shoulders; Malon pushes herself too hard on the ranch.

After the bath they could get breakfast…maybe ride on a loftwing…

“Time!”

He jerks and whacks his head on the pole. Zelda is grinning at him. “You awake, hero?”

“I was thinking.”

“Mmm. With your eyes closed.”

“That’s the best way to think.”

She rolls her eyes, but gestures. “Come on, let's head up to the academy. You can either stay up a bit for breakfast or go back to sleep.”

The word sleep has the magic effect of motivating the other heroes to brave the chill morning air. They troop out of the market and up the hill to the Academy. Sky keeps Zelda tucked against his side; cape wrapped around her shoulders.

Time smiles to himself as he watches them. They aren’t like he was with Malon, but that’s okay. What they have is pure and sweet. When he first started courting Malon…well, he was a mess. It’s a miracle she put up with him, much less agreed to marry him.

“Good morning! Oh, Link, it’s good to see you! And friends! What a delightful surprise this morning!”

A booming voice breaks him out of his thoughts and inspires groans from the heroes.

Legend goes back to practicing his fire-setting skills through glares. “Of course, Zelda’s dad is a morning person, too. Sky, your kids are cursed.”

Silently, Time has to agree.

[glorfys-glorioushair]

I know there are a lot of serious stories and theories about how Loid and Yor have their identities revealed (and holy hell do I love those), but here’s a possibility of how I think it would be funny to go down.

Master spy Agent Twilight and assassin Thorn Princess are fighting in an dark enclosed space and they can’t see each other’s face. Either a third party turns the lights on or they wind up outside but once they see the other’s face, they know.

But instead of fighting again or anything their first aloud thoughts are “Anya!!”

Because they hadn’t assigned a sitter that night at home. Because they didn’t know both of them would be gone. So they race home together to ensure their daughter is safe.

Then once everything’s settled, they sit awkwardly in the living room and go “soo…about that…”

I just really love for dumb comedy like this to happen. We’d still get an epic fight between the two, but instead of the whole freaking out over each other’s true identities, they go “oh shit we’re horrible parents!” And it’s one of the few times their communication aligns perfectly.

I may be writing a fanfic of this now that I’ve had this thought 👀

[thegoblincave]

[dk-thrive]

Twilight. 33° F. 6:24 to 7:00 am. December 31, 2023. Cove Island Park, Stamford, CT. (@dkct25)

[hugsandchaos]

Twilight is definitely the one to say “Good night” and “Good morning” to the group before falling asleep and right after waking up. It’s becoming a habit. If he doesn’t say it, the group immediately worries that something’s wrong.

[regionalsnake]

the struggle

[smilesrobotlover]

AO3

<<Prev Next>> (coming soon)

Chapter 6- Hold Me so I Feel Safe

Uli watched anxiously from her home as Colin and Talo paced at the entrance of Ordon. Mayor Bo wanted the two to be the backup for Link and Rusl in case anything happened, meanwhile Beth and Bo would protect the village if there was an attack. So far, no monsters have invaded the village, but Rusl and Link haven't returned either, even when the sun went down, plunging the village into darkness. Uli should’ve slept, and she tried to, but waking up to her husband still missing in bed kept her from being able to. All she could do was watch the entrance as Colin and Talo waited impatiently. Every minute that passed felt like an hour, and her worry grew with every second that Rusl and Link weren’t there. Soon, the sun began to break the horizon, and Uli felt a lump in her throat. She watched Colin and Talo waste no time to move out, with Beth and Bo watching the entrance as they left. Dread rested in Uli’s stomach as she watched her son leave the village, possibly facing something dangerous enough that kept Link and Rusl from returning. She didn’t doubt Colin and Talo’s ability, but their fighting skills weren’t as great as Link and Rusl’s. If something happened to them… how would Colin help? What if he got hurt? What if Rusl and Link were hurt? What if she lost all of them simply because Bo and Coro practically forced them to investigate the woods at night?

“Mama?”

Uli looked behind her where Rela and Kori stood, watching her with worried eyes.

“Is papa still gone?” Rela asked in a small voice, her hand clutching onto Kori’s as his eyes got watery. Uli bit her lip and looked up at the entrance, hoping that Rusl and Link would walk right through, laughing and alive. She took a deep breath when nothing changed, and she faced the children. She couldn’t cry about this, she needed to be strong for them.

“Yes, Rela, they’re still searching the woods,” she said, praying that they were still searching and weren’t fighting for their lives.

Rela frowned. “Maybe I can help Colin to find them! I have a wooden sword! I can fight bad guys with it!”

Uli quickly shook her head. “No, Rela, you will stay here until they return, ok?”

Rela pouted and Kori looked down, his bottom lip quivering. Uli’s heart broke and she knelt down to be at eye level.

“Kori, baby, they’re going to be ok.”

Kori sniffed and rubbed his eyes. “I— I want my papa.”

Uli pulled him into a hug. “I know you do, sweetheart, I know you do.” Uli held him for a moment as he cried, and she looked over to see if anything had changed. It didn’t. She stood up and gestured to the kitchen. “How about we eat breakfast, ok?”

Kori nodded glumly and he and Rela sat at the table as she started making food for them. Uli was constantly looking out the window every chance she got, anxiously seeing if the boys had returned, but there was still no sign of them. After she made breakfast, she sat at the window, watching the entrance as if her life depended on it. Kori and Rela finished their breakfast and started playing silently, making Uli far more anxious. Goddesses, what if she had to live the rest of her life like this? What if they never returned and she was the only one who could take care of Kori and Rela? What if she lost all the happiness and joy she’s had for years now that her family brought. She couldn’t imagine losing all of that in seconds, she just couldn’t!

Before she could spiral further into the horrifying thought, Uli saw Beth shoot up and run to the entrance, and her heart beat against her chest as if it were trying to escape. She held her breath in anticipation, and she saw Beth enter Ordon, then Talo, then Colin, and finally, Rusl and Link. Uli let out a cry when she saw the two and she ran out the door, sprinting to the group.

“Rusl!” She shouted out, and she pulled her husband into a hug, crying into his shoulder from relief.

“PAPA!” She heard Kori yell as he sprinted to his father, with Rela following closely, and she heard sighs of relief coming from everyone.

Rusl leaned into Uli, resting his head against the crook of her neck, his arms wrapped weakly around her. He felt tired. Uli pulled back and cupped his face so she could observe him. His eyes were half open and bloodshot, heavy bags were beneath him, and overall, he looked exhausted.

“Oh spirits above, what happened out there?” She asked, looking at Link who looked a tad better, but not by much.

“Ma, make sure he gets some rest, ok?” Link said, pulling away from the group and moving towards his house.

“Link—“ Rusl called out for him but Link stopped him.

“I’m going to tell everyone and write the letter, ok? You get some rest.”

“You need rest too.”

“I’ll get rest when I’m done, I promise!”

The two seemed rather agitated, but they didn’t argue further. The group watched Link walk away, and Uli frowned.

“Tell us what? What letter? What’s going on?” She asked, and Rusl let out a heavy sigh.

“I… don’t… don’t go to Faron woods,” he said simply, and Uli looked at everyone else, specifically Bo who looked worried.

“What do ya mean, Rusl? What did you two see out there?” The mayor asked him, and Rusl shook his head.

“‘m too tired to explain it just… stay away from Faron woods. Especially at night, please.”

Beth and Talo gave each other a worried look, and Kori and Rela pressed themselves up against Rusl’s legs.

“Well, let’s get you to bed, ok Rusl?” Uli finally spoke up, she gestured for her kids and Kori to follow. “I assume you’ll be staying with us, dear.”

Kori nodded and looked down, fidgeting with his fingers. Uli didn’t know what happened, but she couldn’t help but feel worry over what was happening. But at least her boys were alive.

Thank the spirits they were alive.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Uli stared at Rusl’s folded clothes in front of her. She spent a good chunk of the morning trying to wash them, but they were stained black. His shirt, his headband, his trousers, his beloved ordon obi and sash, it was all covered in black splotches. Uli figured that it was all mud, but no matter how hard she scrubbed, it wouldn’t come out. His shirt and pants were ripped in some places as well, and she came to the conclusion that his clothes were a lost cause. But she figured she could keep these until Rusl confirmed for her to throw them out. So she folded up them up and set them down on the table after they were dried. And she simply stared. Everyone in the house was quiet and the air was tense. Rusl passed out as soon as he got to bed, Colin sat in a chair watching Kori and Rela protectively, and the two kids simply stared at their toys. Link had been running around the village talking to everyone and even making Coro stay with Fado. But he never swung by to talk to the family, she assumed he was saving them for last.

The silence was suddenly interrupted by screaming coming from Uli’s room, and she felt her heart leap to her throat. She and Colin stood up and rushed to the door, swinging it open to see Rusl wide awake and panting, clutching his chest as his eyes looked around frantically. They landed on Uli and Colin and he relaxed slightly. Uli gave Colin a look and he nodded, returning to his spot by the children, who looked terrified.

“It’s ok, dears,” she said softly to them, entering her room to where Rusl was. He was silent as she sat down next to him, and he avoided her gaze.

“Rusl?” She said softly, resting a hand on his shoulder. He smiled slightly, but it looked forced. He gave her hand a gentle pat.

“I’m ok… just had a nightmare.”

Uli frowned as he looked away, clearly disturbed by the nightmare. She began to rub his back which made him relax, and she let out a sigh.

“Are you ready to tell me what happened?” She asked. She was willing to wait, but she and Rusl made sure to tell each other everything. If something was out in Faron woods, she needed to know.

Rusl shook his head, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Uli nodded and stood up. “Get some rest, darling,” she simply said, beginning to head to the door, until Rusl gripped her arm, stopping her. She looked over at him confused, and he had a desperate, almost embarrassed look on his face.

“Uli… could you… um… just… stay with me?” He asked, quietly. Uli smiled and sat down next to him, opening her arms to him. He relaxed and rested his head on her chest, allowing himself to be held by her. She rubbed his back and neck, ruffling his soft hair. The motion seemed to soothe him, and he was back to sleeping. Uli continued to hold him, not wanting to leave his side. She wanted to be here when he woke up again, she wanted him to feel safe by another person being beside him. Rusl began snoring softly and she giggled quietly, resting her head against his and closing her eyes. She’ll be here for him, and when he’s ready to talk to her about what happened, then she’ll still be here to listen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Colin glared blankly at the ground in front of him, his sword resting in his lap as if something would attack any second. Rela and Kori were chatting quietly about their toys, and his sister glanced at him.

“Colin? Do you think papa will be ok?”

Colin looked up at her, interrupted from his staring. He sighed and shrugged. “Yeah he should be.”

“Why was he screaming?”

“Nightmare.”

Kori and Rela glanced at each other worriedly.

“I get nightmares too, maybe I can sing grandpa a song?” Kori suggested, beginning to stand up, but Colin stopped him.

“Not right now, Kori. Let gramma take care of him, ok?”

Kori pouted and sat back down, petting his cat plush gently.

“What do you think happened?” Rela asked quietly, staring Colin down. He simply shrugged.

“I don’t know. They wouldn’t say,” Colin frowned at the memory of him and Talo finding the two men. They were by the Faron spring, both looking filthy and exhausted. Colin nearly got tackled to the ground by Link when he ran up to them, clearly jumpy from whatever happened that night. No matter how hard Colin pressed, they simply brushed his questions away. It couldn’t be a bear, they would’ve said so, and he was sure that if it was, they wouldn’t have been gone all night. At least not running around the woods, which was clearly what they were doing.

The door opened, causing Colin to flinch. Link was in the doorway, his cheeks flushed red as he glanced around the room. Kori got up and hugged Link’s legs, and he quickly gave his son a squeeze. Colin joined the two at the doorway, anxious to finally know what was going on.

“Link—“

“I gotta get mine and Kori’s things, I’ll be right back,” Link cut him off, giving Kori a kiss on the head. “Is there anything you need from the house?”

Kori looked at his toys and shook his head. Link nodded and left before Colin was able to register what was happening.

“Wait—“ he started, but Link was already gone. Colin let out a frustrated huff as Kori returned to his place next to Rela. The door to his parent’s bedroom opened and his mother peeked her head through.

“Was Link just here?”

“Yeah.”

“What’d he say? Did he tell you what happened?”

“No, he just left.” Colin returned to his place on the chair, glaring ahead. Uli tilted her head at him.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, just… worried. And confused.”

Uli walked over to him and ruffled his hair, pulling him into a side hug. “We all are.”

“Is pa ok?”

“Yes. I just came out here to grab another blanket for him.”

“Did he tell you what happened?”

“No, he doesn’t want to talk about it yet.”

Colin groaned. “All this waiting around is just making me anxious.”

“Me too, dear. But right now, your pa needs time to open up about it.”

Colin sighed as he leaned against his mother, staring at the doorway.

“Where was Link going?” His ma asked.

“To get his and Kori’s things.”

“Well… maybe he needs help?” She suggested, giving Colin a look. He glanced at her confused.

“I think he’s fine—“

“Go help him, Colin. See if he’s willing to open up to you.”

Colin’s eyes widened in surprise and he sat up. “Will you be ok with the kids?”

Uli gave Rela and Kori a smile. “Of course I will. You talk to Link, and I’ll talk to your pa when he’s ready. That way they won’t have to repeat everything to us.”

Colin smiled slightly and nodded, heading out the door to follow Link. The air felt eerie as Colin walked to Link’s house. The people that were out were speaking in hushed tones, watching Colin as he silently walked. He was relieved to reach the clearing that held Link’s treehouse, away from the stares. Epona was pacing the ground, clearly feeling the anxieties in the air, and Colin heard rummaging coming from the home. He jumped up the ladder and knocked on the door before letting himself in. There were bags sitting in the middle of the floor, and he heard noises coming from the basement.

“Link?” Colin called out, certainly not wanting to surprise him with his presence. There was silence, then grunting as Link emerged from the basement, carrying another bag.

“Colin? What are you doing here?”

“I… just thought that you could use some help,” Colin muttered, suddenly getting nervous about asking Link what happened. His older brother furrowed his brows, then looked at the bag around his shoulders.

“There’s not a lot. I can handle it just fine.”

Colin sighed and looked down. “Link I… I just wanna know what happened.”

Link stared at him for a moment, then shook his head. “I’ll tell you when I bring our stuff over—“

“No you won’t. I know you won’t. You’ll just tell us to avoid the forest and then head out to deal with it with the rest of us feelin’ confused.” Colin blurted out without thinking. He immediately regretted it, but where he was expecting anger, Link’s face only held exhaustion.

“Listen, y’all don’t need to know everything,” he said quietly.

“If there’s something going on in the woods, don’t you think I should know what it is?” Colin pressed. “I’m not the scared kid I was before, I can protect myself and Ordon, and I want to. But I can’t do that without knowing everything!” Link’s face was blank as he stared at Colin, and he quickly added more, “I can relay the message to the others so you won’t have to explain everything again.”

Link stared at Colin for a long moment, a concerned expression on his face. His jaw twitched as his eyes looked back and forth, and he opened his mouth slightly, before closing it again. Colin raised an eyebrow as Link turned his head away.

“It was… just a monster,” he mumbled, and Colin rolled his eyes.

“I know it wasn’t just a monster! You and pa would’ve said something!”

Link glared at him for a moment, then plopped his bag with the small pile on the floor and sat down, rubbing his eyes. Colin watched him patiently, staying in the same spot with his arms crossed.

“Colin… it… it was a shadow beast.”

Colin’s blood ran cold and he felt his eyes widen. Fear took hold of him and memories of hiding in the sanctuary from black monsters flooded in.

“H-how?” He asked quietly, and Link shrugged.

“I don’t know. I don’t know how it slipped under my radar after all these years.”

Colin felt himself sway a bit, and he sat down on the ground, his legs crossed. “Are— are you sure?”

Link nodded. “Positive. It let out a scream to paralyze me and pa, I’d recognize that scream anywhere.”

Colin looked away, remembering the battered men when he found them.

“So… what happened?”

Link gave Colin a look and opened his mouth to explain the story. He explained them searching around the house, he explained being paralyzed by a shriek, he explained looking for pa after it took him, and he explained fighting it until the sun began to rise. Colin listened to every word, his stomach sinking lower and lower as Link talked. He felt himself grow nauseous as he explained the beast vomiting Rusl up, and the implications made him lightheaded.

“Is this thing… eating people?” He asked, his voice shaking slightly.

“I…. I’m not sure. The scent it…” Link trailed off, staring blankly at a spot on the ground. “None of it makes sense.”

Colin tilted his head at Link as he grew silent, his expression blank.

“Why didn’t it go after you?” He finally asked, and Link shrugged, staring at his left hand.

“I have some theories,” he answered, before letting out a heavy sigh. “How’s pa?”

“He’s fine, he had a bad nightmare but he's resting.”

Link nodded and smiled slightly, staring at the pile of bags with an exhausted look. Colin pursed his lips and stood up.

“Resting seems like something you should be doing too. Come on, let’s get this stuff to our house.”

Link’s eyes held a hint of stubbornness, but his exhaustion got the better of him and he nodded. Colin grabbed some bags and gave Link a small smile, before moving to the door.

“Colin.”

He turned around and saw Link glaring at him.

“You know how serious this situation is now. I need all of you to stay away from Faron woods. Stay together and do not go out at night. You understand?”

Colin nodded slightly. “I understand. If… me and the others can help you and pa fight it—“

“No, it may be a shadow beast, but whatever it was doing for ten years made it strong. Me and pa are going to castle town tomorrow to make a plan of attack, but for now, stay away from it.”

Colin looked down, feeling slightly disappointed that they were leaving so soon. “Alright. I’ll try to keep everyone safe.”

Link smiled slightly and gave Colin a quick hug, patting him on the back before pulling away.

“Thanks Colin. I hope I can solve this soon.”

“I know you will, you always do,” Colin said encouragingly, and Link looked down bashfully.

“Sure…”

Colin wrapped an arm around Link and guided him out the door. “Let’s go, you look like you’ll pass out any second now.”

Link chuckled and let himself be led out, his arm wrapped around his little brother.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He was in a tight space, he couldn’t move his arms and legs. His body was bent at an awkward angle and the air was thick with moisture that he couldn’t breathe. He struggled to move, to crawl out of his prison, but he couldn’t no matter how hard he tried. Something wrapped tightly around his body, but he couldn’t see. It was pitch dark, and he felt helpless as tendrils snaked around him, coiling around his neck. He tried to scream for help, but he found he had no voice. He couldn’t break free, and even if he could, he wouldn’t be able to crawl out. He was hopeless, he was going to die, it was all over for him.

He was dead.

Rusl jolted awake, breathing heavily as the feelings from the nightmare lingered. His heart was beating quickly against his chest as he looked around the dark room. He squinted his eyes and went to sit up, but he felt something; something wrapped around him. He nearly panicked again, but he heard breathing, and realized that it was just Uli. He was in his home, with his wife laying behind him, one arm under his neck and the other under his arm. He let out a sigh of relief and laid his head back on the pillow, holding onto her hands. He was safe, he was ok…

Rusl closed his eyes, trying to relax in his wife’s hold, but he couldn’t. His mind kept returning from the night before, the beast that he saw, that attacked him, that Link saved him from. It’s black, eyeless face, it’s snarling yellow teeth. Rusl shuddered, flinching at every creak his house made. What if it was in Ordon? Watching him through the window? What if it came back for revenge? He looked behind him at his window, expecting to see a black beast snarling at him, but he found nothing. There was nothing, he was safe. But he didn’t feel safe, not even in his own home.

A desire to protect his wife and family overcame him, and he spun around, wrapping his arms around Uli. His wife began to stir from the sudden movement, and she pulled away, staring at him with tired eyes.

“Rusl?” She asked softly, looking around. “Is everything alright?”

Rusl bit his lip and sighed. He didn’t mean to wake her up….

“No, it’s ok, Uli, I’m sorry I woke you up… I’m just…”

Uli frowned and traced her fingers along his face. “What’s got you acting like this, darling?”

Rusl sighed. He should tell her. He knows he should tell her. But he didn’t want to talk about it, he didn’t want to relive that moment. Uli picked up on his hesitation and gave him a peck on the forehead. He melted into the kiss and hugged her tighter. Goddesses above he loved this woman. He loved her and she deserved to know what happened. He let go and sat up, staring at the dark room, only feeling comfort with Uli beside him. He never hated the dark…. But now…

“Rusl?”

Rusl took a deep breath and began to explain everything to her. When he and Link went to Coro’s house, when the creature shrieked and paralyzed them both. Rusl’s senses were clouded when that happened, and he barely got a good look at the creature with his torch. But he does remember when it grabbed him and snuffed out the fire. He tried to gloss over when he was inside the thing, since that was the part that got to him the most, but instead he spilled all his words out describing it. Describing the tendrils wrapping around him, keeping him in place he tried to escape the tight stomach. He didn’t know how or why the tendrils suddenly let go, but he was able to wiggle out of the stomach enough for the beast to vomit him up. The memory got too much for him at one point, and he himself felt like he was going to vomit. Uli held him as he tried to get ahold of himself, and he went back to explaining what happened, but in a much more disorganized manner. He truthfully didn’t remember much after he was pulled free from the mouth of the beast. His eyes were covered in black slop and he blacked out after a sharp pain went through his leg. He vaguely remembered something tightening around his ribs to the point where he couldn’t breathe, but he couldn’t tell if he imagined it or not. Then he woke up to his son watching over him worriedly, and it was over. It was the morning and the beast was gone.

He looked at Uli awkwardly when he was finished. He hoped it all made sense, but he wasn’t focused on explaining it in an organized manner. Uli was silent as she thought about all that he told her, her hand never leaving his back.

“So, what are you going to do? Link mentioned letters.”

Rusl nodded. “Me and Link are heading to castle town to tell the resistance about this first thing tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Are you sure it’s safe?”

“No. But we can’t sit in Ordon afraid for our lives while this thing takes people and—“ Rusl stopped himself. What was it doing to people? Devouring them? He was inside its stomach. If Link didn’t save him would he be…? He shuddered. He couldn’t think about that.

“Are you sure you’re fit to go to castle town? It sounds like you went through a lot, darling.”

“I’m sure. Link found fairies to heal us. We’ll be fine.”

Uli rubbed his back for a moment and sighed. “Alright, I take it you want us to stay out of Faron woods?”

Rusl nodded. “Avoid Faron woods, especially at night. Try to stay indoors and try to stay together, ok?”

Uli nodded, her brows pinched together. Rusl hugged her and rested his head against hers. Uli melted into the embrace and pulled them both down onto the bed.

“Please be safe,” she muttered, closing her eyes as she buried her face in his neck. Rusl didn’t reply, he just laid there holding his wife, listening to her beginning to snore softly. But Rusl couldn’t fall back asleep. He was on edge, he kept feeling like he was in danger, and eventually he pulled away and walked out into the living room with a spare sword in his hand. He spotted Kori resting against Link, and he smiled slightly. He didn’t think about them being out here, but he shouldn’t be surprised. Link was too far away from Ordon, it was safer with them both here. Rusl gently sat down in the armchair next to the couch, watching the door intently.

“Pa?”

Rusl turned and saw Link wide awake, holding his son in his arms.

“Can't sleep, Link?”

He shook his head. “Kinda hard to. I’m anxious to get to castle town.”

“Me too.”

Link sat up, laying Kori down and tucking him into the blankets. “So are we gonna talk about what happened?”

“I already discussed it with your ma, I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“Oh… ok, but…” Link stopped himself and sighed. “Never mind.”

Rusl frowned and studied his face. “Do… you want to talk about it?”

Link pursed his lips. “I just… I’ve been thinking about it all day and… I don’t know…”

Rusl sighed. “What do you want to talk about?”

“I just… that creature that attacked us… I… it can’t be…”

“What?”

“Well, I keep thinkin’ about it, and that thing was a shadow beast, but… it was so different.”

Rusl faced him fully. “Shadow beast? Aren’t those the Twili creatures that attacked us at the temple of time?” Link killed those creatures quickly before Rusl was able to comprehend what was happening. They were terrifying, bigger than a normal human, with otherworldly masks covering their face. He didn’t recall the beast that attacked them being the same, but then again, Link said they were different.

“Yeah, those are shadow beasts. Being around one as a light dweller will turn you into one, but… I don’t know, this thing didn’t seem to turn you into anything…”

Rusl shook his head in confusion. “Link, you’re not making any sense. You say it was a shadow beast, and though they’re similar, they were too different.”

Link shrugged and let out a sigh, leaning forward. “Sorry, I’m just thinking. It didn’t have a mask, it was big, and it seemed more powerful than a normal shadow beast. It… felt like a shadow beast that’s gotten powerful over the years. I’m just confused on how I missed it…I fought all the ones Zant sent to me, but where did this one come from?” Link frowned and looked up at Rusl, his blue eyes filled with worry. Rusl gave him a small smile, not fully understanding what Link was saying. His boy was rambling his thoughts out without thinking about how clear he was being. Link’s eyes suddenly got watery, and he turned away.

“Link?” Rusl shot to his feet and gathered his son in his arms, who melted into the embrace while crying. Rusl rubbed his back as he cried in his shoulder, rocking him back and forth.

“I–I was s-so worried ‘bout you,” Link whimpered, clutching Rusl tighter. “I thought you… you were gonna die and–” Link sobbed, interrupting his ramblings, and Rusl gave him a kiss on the head.

“I’m ok, son. I’m ok, thanks to you.” Tears were streaming down Rusl’s face as well. He thought he cried himself dry already, but apparently there were more tears to be shed. They held each other for a long while, the relief from his son being safe finally crashing down on him. Although it was an awful experience, Rusl would go through it over and over again if it meant his family would be safe. Though he began to wonder why the beast didn’t attack Link, and why it went for Rusl instead. He stopped crying as he thought about it, hearing his eldest hiccup quietly. He supposed it didn’t matter in the end, his son was safe, he was safe, and that was all that mattered. After a moment of crying, Link finally pulled away.

“Sorry,” he muttered, and Rusl scoffed affectionately, giving him one last squeeze.

“You don’t need to apologize, my boy.”

Link smiled and looked at his son, who was wrapped head to toe in blankets.

“Hope we didn’t wake him, we weren’t being quiet,” Rusl said with a chuckle, and Link shrugged.

“He’ll be fine…. Hopefully.”

The two chatted quietly the rest of the night, discussing their plan for the next morning, and how they were going to fight this beast with the help of the resistance. Rusl’s fear melted into fury as they discussed it, and he was ready to fight this thing. As soon as the sun began to rise, Rusl got up and started to get his things together. The sky was a dull gray as Link and Rusl strapped their things to their horses, explaining the situation to the confused residents of Ordon. Link was speaking to Kori quietly, giving him a hug and a kiss as Kori sadly hugged him back, while Rusl bid his farewells to Uli and Rela, and as he pulled away from his wife, she gave him a stern and worried look.

“I’ll be back, Uli. I trust you can keep them safe?” He said softly, and she smiled slightly.

“Yes, please be careful, darling.”

Rusl kissed her lips and nodded. “I will.”

When Rusl went to Colin, he was staring at the ground blankly, and Rusl tilted his head. “What’s wrong, Colin?”

“I– Link told me everything that happened and… I want to go with you guys!”

Rusl was taken aback. “You want to go with me and Link?”

Colin nodded. “I–I want to! I want to help you guys!”

Rusl smiled slightly, seeing courage in his once timid son, seeing passion in his eyes when there used to be content, it made him proud. He almost said yes, but he stopped himself. His smile fell and he gave Colin an apologetic look.

“Colin, I would love it for you to come, you’ve grown so strong and capable, but… It’s too dangerous, and I need you and the others to stay here to protect Ordon in case something happens, ok?”

Colin looked down sadly and nodded. “I understand.”

Rusl sighed and pulled him into a hug. Goddesses, his youngest son had grown up so much. He was mature, wise, and brave. Rusl couldn’t be more proud of him.

“Next time, next time I’ll take you with me,” he promised, giving him a firm pat on the back. “You’ll be a great addition to the resistance.”

Colin gave him a squeeze and pulled back, a sad smile on his face as Rusl pulled away to get on his horse. He and Link gave their family a nod and took off, silently riding to castle town.