#purple rupee

[dreamyangel-stims]

please make a stimboard for this card!!

(staying close to your feelings luka)

[Staying Close to Your Feelings] - Megurine Luka

💜 🩷 💜 | 🩵 🩵 | 💜 🩷 💜

[funsizedcrow]

twilight princess link be like "man 50 rupees...too bad my wallet is too full...anyway time to put this giant ball and chain into my little bag!"

[just-another-bored-killjoy]

honestly i would rather be called slurs in public than being called "hey rockstar"

[cutebutalsostabby]

Zeldas Ranked By Their Rupee Value

1st place (gold rupee/300 rupees): Skyward Sword Zelda.

2nd place (purple rupee/50 rupees): Ocarina of Time Zelda, Echoes of Wisdom Zelda, Four Sword Adventures Zelda.

3rd place (blue rupee/5 rupees): A Link to the Past Zelda.

Last place (rupoor/-10 rupees): Minish Cap Zelda, Phantom Hourglass Zelda.

[theecholegend]

LU UPDATE LU UPDATE!

Wars: Are we there yet?

Wind: No.

Wars: ...Are we there yet?

Wind: No!

Wars: ...How bout now?

Wind: NO!

Rulie just up and gone. Honestly though this is so like him. "Hm? What's this?" *Doesn't tell anyone and proceeds to walk through a wall*

DAN NA NA NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Legend stepping up and being the first to warn Wild

I find it interesting how Wild was so quick to shrug Legend off and almost... make fun of him. Maybe I'm reading into it wrong but the whole "Well, WiTh An ExPeRt HeRe, I wOn'T hAvE tO wOrRy" and then Legends expression

And then Wars speaks up and he's suddenly "Oh right sorry!" Makes me wonder... now I would kind of like to see Wild and Lege paired together.

Finally, I'm still so excited to see what groups they get paired off into! These boys would definitely all fight over a purple rupee or something. Also, the way Four looks up at Time he's so small

art credit goes to @/linkeduniverse

[linksthoughtbrambles]

HUMMMMMM

What about Links to Zelda’s point of view of pre relationship after calamity BOTW, where everybody and their brother (AND SISTER) is in love with Zelda and hits on her, she’s oblivious of course because, yknow super in love with Link.

Every place they travel to post calamity, poor links cheeks STAY clenched.

Thanks for the prompt, @raziasark! I have been very slow, so I decided to post this one in installments. This first one is about 1100 words. I hope you enjoy the beginning and I'll try to be less slow 😂

Thanks @newtsnaturethings for bouncing ideas back and forth with me!

---

The Princess Vibe

At first, Link didn’t notice. He had a lot to deal with, and he was disoriented. Who could blame him? He’d just shot a giant purple boar on magenta-fire with magical golden arrows which somehow emerged from his soul while riding Geranium (who had somehow materialized in Hyrule field despite Link knowing for a fact when he last left him, he was happily munching hay at Riverside Stable).

Zelda’s arms around him were even more disorienting.

“Thank you, Link. Thank you,” she said, over and over like someone still half-dreaming, her voice muffled against his shoulder.

He held her firm, but so, so careful—she deserved every ounce of support he had in him, but she was his Princess, half-remembered and half an ethereal vision from his life before. Was it real? Was she real? Did he love her? He thought he did, but nowhere in all those glimpses of his past life had he said or done anything about it.

He could be imagining things, especially if they were in the past.

His head could be coping with all that secondhand drama.

Past-him might’ve just been doing his duty.

Past-her might’ve expected him to do his duty, too, and that was it.

Now-her might be glad he finally finished his duty, but that’s all.

Zelda shook like a dry, crackling leaf against him.

Link stroked her hair without thinking. He winced, waiting for an objection, but she just kept thanking him. He swallowed the taste of malice-fire, acrid and sulfurous in his dry throat.

She was free for the first time in a hundred years. She deserved that freedom. He wouldn’t foist his own feelings on her.

Later, he found himself wishing everyone else would see it that way.

--

They arrived, filthy and exhausted, at Riverside Stable.

“Huh?!” Ember said, his mouth agape as they approached on the unmistakable giant horse. “When’d you take him out?”

“Snuck him out like a thief in the night, eh?!” Gotter said, squinting at Link. “Why didn’t you ask us like normal?”

Zelda’d been half-dozing against him in the saddle, but her head rose at that. “Indeed not. I teleported him.”

“You-“

“What?!”

“I apologize for any inconvenience,” she said.

They stared at her.

As Link dealt with Ember and the logistics of re-boarding the horse, Gotter seemed unable to stop staring at Zelda, who’d sunk onto a stool to rest.

“Eh- do you- teleport often?” the portly stablehand asked in a strange tone of voice.

“Only recently,” Zelda replied.

“O- oh. I see, so- eh-“ Gotter wrung his hands and took a step closer to her. “What kind of things have you- tried?”

“Only Link and that horse.”

“Oh! You can teleport people?!”

“Not anymore,” she said.

“Eh? Why not?”

“I suppose it must be due to my renewed corporeality.”

Gotter scratched his head with a befuddled squint.

Link finished exchanging rupees just in time to see Zelda listing sideways. He rushed over, thinking to scoop her up, but she hugged his leg instead.

“Thank you,” she said.

He blinked. “You’re welcome.” He rubbed the back of his neck and looked up to see a sort of intense vacancy on Gotter’s face, totally fixed on Zelda.

Link hadn’t planned on staying there overnight anyway, but it gave him the creeps. He whipped out the Sheikah Slate. “Ready?” He asked.

Her face turned up, her eyes glazed and smeared face pale. “For what?”

“Let’s get you somewhere to rest.”

“Oh! Oh, there are beds here!” Gotter said.

Zelda started pulling herself up with Link’s thigh as anchorage. He helped her. Gotter reached out a hand, then pulled it back with an odd little…

Giggle?

“Oh- you have it, haha,” Gotter said.

Link had enough of the weirdness. “Ready?” he asked again as her arms wrapped around his neck. At her nod, he reached around her shoulders and tapped the icon for the Myahm Agana Shrine.

He adored her little gasp by his ear as the blue energy shivered through them. It was lucky, really—he could pass his own shiver off as that, instead.

--

They spent days just recuperating.

Zelda slumped onto a seat at his table as soon as they walked in, but he didn’t let her stay there. He carried her to his bed, deposited her there, and took her sandals off for her—she was already asleep.

He wrapped the comforter around her, grabbed a bedroll, and laid it out on the floor beside her. (This, it turned out, was unwise, since she stepped directly on his bladder about two hours later when she awakened to empty her own).

That incident aside, they each slept the rest of the night and morning away. Link awakened to the gentle pat of Zelda’s fingers on his cheek, and he turned to find her hanging partway off the bed to reach him.

“Where do you get your drinking water?” she asked.

Link was up like a shot and trotting to the well around back for her. He drew three hot baths that day, too—two for Zelda and one for him.

Time passed in a complete haze while they got used to being rested, clean, fed, and safe again. Link kept startling with this sudden feeling he’d forgotten to do something important—a false sense of urgency, leftover signals rattling around his nervous system (except on that first day, after Zelda’s first bath, when he realized with horror the only women’s clothing he had was his vai outfit, and he would feel like a monumental ass if he offered her that, so he offered his typical day clothes instead and that was worse—the way she looked coming out of the bathhouse with his undershirt and—shorts?!).

“Oh, uh,” he'd said with a nervous tremor in his voice. “Yeah, so those are undershorts, the pants are-“

“Too tight, I’m afraid,” she’d said with a furious blush (Link felt awful for embarrassing her), “around my- ah- posterior.”

Link had started to sweat as he feverishly searched his brain for the meaning of the word “posterior," which he knew he knew when his internal monologue wasn't screaming.

“Perhaps,” she’d said, “you could spare those Sheikah tights instead? They ought to stretch.”

“Oh! Sure,” he’d said, extremely happy for the excuse to escape any potential revelation of his temporarily-depleted vocabulary.

He later had a small moment of enlightened panic when he realized how she must’ve known about his tights (“every step” of his journey? Every single one?!).

There were quite a few other small panic attacks involved in not looking at all, not one little bit, at how those tights fit her. Eyes up, straight out at all times, absolutely no looking anywhere below neck-level at Zelda. None.

But apart from those things, his jumpiness was nothing but leftovers.

At first.

---

[To be continued! Not sure how long this will be, but clearly a multi-installment fic!]

[ohnoitstbskyen]

A quick list of favorite video essays on YT?

You fool! You have activated my trap card! Now suffer the flood of recommendations!

We'll start with the more famous ones and work our way down to smaller and smaller creators as we go:

The Nostalgia Critic and The Wall by Folding Ideas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rokAtlFGa7Y

Violence & Protest by Philosophy Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh4G1Gjv7bA

Mel Brooks, The Producers, and the Ethics of Satire about N@zis by Lindsay Ellis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62cPPSyoQkE

Weighing the Value of Director's Cuts | Scanline by hbomberguy and Shannon Strucci: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6OT77T7YlE

Incels by Contrapoints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD2briZ6fB0

POLYBIUS - The Video Game That Doesn't Exist by Ahoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7X6Yeydgyg

Disney's FastPass: A Complicated History by Defunctland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yjZpBq1XBE

Dropping the Bomb: Hiroshima & Nagasaki by Shaun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCRTgtpC-Go

The Alt-Right Playbook: How to Radicalize a Normie by Innuendo Studios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P55t6eryY3g

TRAINWRECKORDS: "American Life" by Madonna by Todd in the Shadows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCMNzdm_RKo

The Speedrun Where Link Stares at Rupees for 17 Hours by Lowest Percent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2nRW3wKnVY

The Simpsons and the Death of Parody by Jonas Čeika - CCK Philosophy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi_fxwLBSFo

CATS & The Weird Mind of TS Eliot | An Analysis by Maggie Mae Fish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tYcPuVYDHw

Fashion in Final Fantasy by ThorHighHeels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3Yl0Moy_ic

action button reviews boku no natsuyasumi by Action Button: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=779coR-XPTw

Transvestigation: The Conspiracy Theory That Everyone Is Transgender by Mia Mulder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5-MDXzfmg

The Matrix Sequels Are Good, Actually by Sophie from Mars and Sarah Zedig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0VnYcMHuDc

The Last Unicorn: Why Must You Always Speak In Riddles? by What's So Great About That?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNrTM74pdTk

Bisexual Lighting: the Rise of Pink, Purple and Blue by KyleKallgrenBHH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gU3IA4u-J8

I Watched ALL the Swan Princess Sequels by Laura Crone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saM3afhPfO8

Knives Out: The Simple Art of Trolling Everyone by let's talk about stuff: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_2kzuC3GM0

Crime & Humanity in Yakuza by HeavyEyed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbElfOjJJbw

FAKE FRIENDS EPISODE TWO: parasocial hell by Shannon Strucci: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLA-uFKjQ-g

Left Wing White Supremacy? by JohntheDuncan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZaOCR-mUm8

How Will Games Be Preserved? | Capturing the Frozen Flame by Transparency: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVo4M57wWLc

Queer Relativity by Aranock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di1aTOJUncM

[caramel-catss]

comma flirting

on ao3

word count: 4.4k

a collection of letters between link and ravio; ravioli falling in love

Mr. Hero,

I’m writing to inform you that your rental on the Sand Rod has expired. My assistant, Sheerow, has come to collect this item, and it will be available for re-rental at 50 rupees.

Best,

Ravio

Ravio,

I’m in the middle of assfuck Desert Palace and writing this on your envelope. Enclosed is a purple rupee. I have the rod.

Link

Mr. Hero,

Sheerow is coming again to pick up my Hookshot. Please don’t wrestle with him this time.

Best,

Ravio

P.S. Please visit the shop for purchases you make.

Ravio,

I’ll be there tomorrow.

Link

Mr. Hero,

Don’t worry when you open this letter - no rentals are due - though I’m sure you will anyway. I’ve been meaning to ask this since they’ve been in season for a while, but you haven’t been around recently. Is it alright if I harvest your apples while you’re out? You can trust me not to sell them, heh.

Thanks,

Ravio

Ravio,

Go for it, I won’t be home anytime soon. Juicer’s in the basement. Sell them and I’ll kick you out.

Link

Mr. Hero,

Since my retirement, I’ve been moving away my tables and letting the actual house part of your house take over. I’m excited for you to see the place! 

Your orchard produced beautiful apples, but there’s so many I’m not sure what to do with them. I’ve never seen so much fruit in my life! I’ve learned some baking recipes from the locals, so I’ve been trying a few of those. Let me know when you’re heading home soon so I can make pie!

Stay safe.

Ravio

Rav,

I’m fine; that gash from last month is just a scar now. I’m as safe as possible. I’m going home next week to pay you for that red potion even though you refuse.

Link

Link,

Don’t pay me back for that red potion. You were unconscious from blood loss.

Do come back home though, before Sheerow gets into the pie.

Ravio

Ravio,

I’m on my way right now. Note the purple rupee in this envelope.

Link

Mr. Hero,

You’re insufferable. I’ll see you soon.

Best,

Ravio

Ravio,

I’m writing this in case your stupid bird manages to find a portal before I do. Hylia knows he will. I miss your apple pie.

I hope Lorule’s doing okay. I hope your Triforce is actually back. It’s finicky. The Goddesses don’t like to fully honor wishes I wonder if you hold Courage.

I’m sorry. This is stupid. This is a stupid letter. You’re never getting this.

Link

I changed my mind I need to keep writing before I go insane

Zelda wants me to move into the castle. I don’t want to but every time I try to bring that up I feel like there’s sand in my throat. Like that one time at the Desert Palace. I still have that letter from you. I can’t believe I always wrote on the envelopes.

She’s officially queen now and says I should retire from being Hero and reveal my princehood to the public. Fuck, I never admitted that to anyone. It’s not like you’ll see this letter. Are you Hilda’s brother too? Nevermind.

I really, really hate the castle. Is that a selfish thing to think?

My uncle died there

I’m running out of parchment so I’m throwing this away. Goodnight, Ravio.

Ravio,

I guess you’ve become my diary now. Writing things out helps, I think.

Zelda and I fought today. I think I pissed her off. Who am I kidding. I pissed her off. I told her I’m already figurehead enough as the Hero and being a prince is too much shit for me to handle. She got real butthurt and almost sad? I don’t know. I’m bad at this shit. She kicked me out of the castle and said we could talk about it later. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.

I never actually told you about the brother thing, did I? We found out a while ago. My first adventure, I think. Been a while.

I know Lorule needs its Triforce but please don’t rely on it to solve everything because it doesn’t.

I need to get a notebook or something. Or just suck it up and buy more parchment in Kakariko. I’m harvesting more apples tomorrow because it helps me not to think. I miss your apple pie. I miss you. I miss not being alone in that house.

Maybe I’ll just write more letters. Oh well. Goodnight.

Link

Ravio,

Kakariko was out of parchment for a while so it’s been a month since I’ve written things down. Zelda and I worked out the prince thing, I guess, because we didn’t discuss it any more after that day. As it stands, I’m still the asshole who saved the country more than enough times.

I’ve been reading up on these legends about Heroes. I wonder how it was like for them.

Other than that it’s been boring. I decided to juice half the apples and sell the rest. You better show up soon so I don’t have to sell the next crop.

Zelda says there’s a disturbance by the Sacred Realm entrance. Almost like there’s a crack between worlds there. By the Goddesses, Ravio, what are you and Hilda doing? Just don’t be stupid and don’t get yourself killed.

Please.

Link

Link,

I can only imagine your embarrassment when this letter reaches you. The thought makes me giggle, which I know will make you more embarrassed, which makes me giggle more.

Sheerow flew through the crack as soon as Hilda and I opened it. He arrived back to me a few hours later with three envelopes that I don’t think you intended to send.

I miss making pie, and baking in general. Retirement didn’t last long after I returned home to my post serving Hilda. I hold Wisdom, not Courage, and the Triforce is doing wonders for Lorule. I’m sorry it hasn’t treated you well. You deserve better than that. I’m sorry about your uncle, too.

I’m proud you stood up for yourself. No, I’m not blood related to Hilda, as far as either of us know. But you’ve been living life fine without being a prince, you’ll continue to live fine without it. Just stay safe in your Hero business. And for the other Heroes, I don’t know. Lorule has no Heroes, other than you. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for them, though.

I’m sending Sheerow back with this letter before I officially leave Lorule with Hilda. We’ll both be in the castle. I’m sure Zelda has discovered the crack, but if you may, please tell her we’ll arriving with Lorulean soldiers and nobility. I’ll visit you as soon as possible. I miss you too.

Sincerely,

Ravio

Ravio, you bastard,

I will be at Hyrule Castle at the asscrack of dawn and if you aren’t there I will fight you.

Link

Dearest Link,

This letter hopefully won’t arrive to you via Sheerow as I’m leaving it in your pack. Inside is food, weapons, the rings you asked for, and other items that you needed. Thank Lolia your bag has an expansion charm, because even my amazing packing skills wouldn’t have cut it. For the love of the three, stay safe out there. It’s been months since you’ve last been on a journey.

As Lorule’s ambassador, I’ll be at the castle most days, but I’ll take care of the house and continue baking. Zelda has been teaching me recipes from the castle kitchens, and they’re quite lovely!

Also as Lorule’s ambassador, I request you send reports on the happenings in Hytopia so that we may bring sufficient aid. As Ravio, I need to know if you’re safe; you know how much I fret.

Please write.

Sincerely,

Ravio

Dear Ravio,

You’re the craziest worrywart I’ve met, and Queen Zelda is my sister. I’m happy to supply reports, both of Hytopia and my own health, but I promise you that I’m fine. This is either my sixth or seventh adventure. I genuinely lost count.

As the Hero of Legend, I report that Hytopia is suffering from a “fashion crisis”. The two others operating with me are sufficient in their help, and I am currently confident in our quest to save Princess Styla. I estimate six months, maximum, will be spent on this journey. I will reach out if foreign aid is needed.

As Link, I need you to know with utmost honesty that this place is fucking crazy. There are two bitches following me anywhere, and by the Goddesses are they amateurs, claiming to be the Hero of Legend. I’m so tired of them. The princess is crying and hiding around town because she’s wearing a fucking brown jumpsuit and she can’t take it off. I feel like I’m slowly losing my sanity as each day passes, but what else is new? 

The fights are fine and easy. I’ve had to wear a skirt for the past week for complicated reasons, but I’ve found that this shit is actually practical. Who would’ve thought?

Write me back so I don’t go insane.

Link

Dearest Link,

I cannot deny that I’ve had to read your letter multiple times over to get through it without laughing. You never fail to take any boredom from my day, even when all I do is talk to nobility and worm my way through politics. 

I’m not sure what to write about. I’ve tried apple turnovers for the first time, but they haven’t come out the best. I’m spending time with the castle’s baker and pastry chef whenever I can. I’m sure you’ll be happy once you’re home. Speaking of home, Sheerow’s starting to relieve himself in the house again. I don’t think he likes the bird cage, but I haven’t had time to fix this problem yet. Please give me your blessing to let him fly free again.

Stay sane,

Ravio

Dear Ravio,

Make that bird promise to stop shitting on my carpet and you have a deal. 

I’ve had to wear more green in the past month than I’ve ever had to in my life - they made me dye my hair, for Goddess sakes - and I’m ready to never see that color again. Can you burn down the forest for me so the grass is brown? Don’t do that, Zelda will have our heads.

Apple turnovers aren’t too hard, I’m sure you’ll get it soon. Send one over if Sheerow can fly fast enough.

I’ll be home before year’s end.

Link

Dearest Link,

You’ll be pleased to hear that the forest is gone and we’ve both been banished to the Dark World. 

I’m kidding. I’ve been discussing with Zelda on the prospect of me gaining Hyruleian citizenship, and Hilda says she requests you receive Loruleian citizenship as well, seeing as you’re our Hero. The process for both is very complicated and apparently the Queens can’t just write us down for both without backlash from nobility, enough that it won’t be worth it. I’ve been looking for the easiest ways, and including the benefits on tax, marriage ironically comes up. I’ll keep searching.

I got the turnover recipe down; Sheerow should be arriving with a package of them for you and your “hero” friends. Enjoy!

I’m glad you’ll be home soon, even though it’s only summer. Stay safe out there, as always.

Sincerely,

Ravio

Dear Ravio,

I don’t know Hyrulean law well but I think you can keep citizenship after divorce. I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t give a shit. We could marry for the benefits and if either of us sorry fucks finds someone, we divorce.

Link

P.S. Those were the best turnovers I’ve had in my life. Keep making them.

Dearest Link,

It’s a decade of marriage before citizenship becomes unconditional, so if you’re fine with that, I don’t mind either. I’m glad you liked the turnovers, I’ll send more once the orchard produces more apples. Also, how are you doing in Hytopia?

Sincerely,

Ravio

Dear Ravio,

I’ll be dead within the decade, so fuck it, let’s do it. I’m leaving a ring in the envelope. For my ego, please pretend like this is the best damn proposal you could have ever dreamed of. 

Hytopia is doing well and Princess Styla is back to normal. I’m avoiding the ports and taking the scenic way home, so I’ll be back in two weeks.

Link

Dearest Link,

Don’t joke about that, please. I’m glad you’re on your way. I’ll see you soon.

Your proposal has had me swooning and I spent three days in recovery at the castle. On a real note, Zelda and Hilda are both confused and slightly furious at us. I believe we simply found a unique situation to this problem.

Sincerely,

Ravio

Rav,

I’m at Kakariko this morning to pick up bread. I didn’t want to wake you up. I should be back by noon.

Link

Link -

Emergency call from the castle, some monster invasion. I’m sure you’ll hear about it soon.

- Ravio

My Ravio,

Killing the monsters you had a meeting about yesterday, then Zelda wants me at the castle for wedding stuff. I’ll see you tonight.

Link

I have a dinner tonight so I’ll be gone when you get off work. Pie is in the oven for you. “My”?

- Ravio

We’re getting married, aren’t we?

Link

Link and Ravio,

I wish you the sincerest congratulations on your marriage, though the circumstances of it are definitely exploiting a loophole that I’d have half a mind to fix. Regardless, may you both be blessed with peaceful and long lives. My brother, I am so proud of you for how far you’ve come. My brother-in-law, you are an amazing friend, and I’m excited to be family with you. 

Peace and prosperity for you both!

Sincerely,

Zelda

Ravio and Link,

I am amazed that this is happening, for multiple reasons. I suppose it is my fault for being surprised, however, knowing my advisor. Hero of Hyrule, I request you take care of Ravio; Ravio, I request you take care of Link. Perhaps your personalities are only compatible with each other after all.

Best wishes for you both,

Hilda

Link,

It’s been a week with no word from you, and I’m beginning to worry. I’m sending Sheerow off with this letter but I’m unsure if it’ll reach you, so if it does, I can only beg you to write back. These new monsters, the black-blooded ones, have been retreating some. Zelda is recruiting small forces of people to make them back off from towns, and it’s worked so far. We are all worried about you. Zelda and Hilda have been asking me where you are, and I don’t know how to explain that I don’t know.

I can only assume you’ve ended up in one of those portals they’ve emerged from. Your pack is missing, as well as some of your rings, armors, and gears. You left your extra pair of boots behind, I have them for you. I have your extra weapons, too. Please come back for them. Please come back.

I miss you. I hope you’re okay. Sheerow is pissing on the carpet again.

Yours,

Ravio

Dearest Ravio,

Time travel is fucking weird, so I have no idea when this’ll reach you. I’m fine. I’ve been pulled into another adventure, this time with my own kin. When the portals spit us out back home, I’ll sit down and have a long talk with you. We promised not to keep secrets from each other, remember? I trust you, but I have limited parchment so I can’t write it all down right now. 

In summary, though, I’m with other Links from around history. I met my fucking descendant. It’s crazy. They call me Legend; there’s 9 of us. I’m the veteran, apparently.

I’m sorry this is short. I hope I’ll be home soon. I miss you. Tell Sheerow to stop shitting himself, and while you’re at it, tell Zelda to stop shitting herself too. I’ll be okay.

Yours,

Link

My dearest Link,

I’m relieved you’re alright. Zelda laughed when I passed on your message, and she’s in a better mood now. Hilda also seems relieved. I’m awaiting your coming home soon. 

Your descendant? I expected those portals led to different dimensions, not across time. What is he like? I would consider you a veteran in your field, Link; you’ve saved more than 5 separate nations.

I made Sheerow promise not to piss on the carpet anymore, but I don’t think a bird will hold his word well, haha. 

We all miss you. If When you and your traveling companions come by, I’ll be here to welcome you all. I’ll see you soon.

Yours,

Ravio

Dearest Ravio,

Stop worrying about me, damnit. The Goddess will keep me around long enough to keep running errands for her. Sheerow, you stupid bird, it’s cage for you if you don’t shit outside. I’m glad Zelda and Hilda are okay.

We call him Hyrule, the Traveler. He’s some centuries down the line, the next Link, and I’ve been to his world. It makes me worry about the future. Rav, I’m really, really worried. I don’t think I’ve done enough 

Stay safe.

Yours,

Link

My Link,

You’ve done enough. More than enough. Never forget that.

If Hyrule falls, then at the very least, you defended it with all your life. You gave it precious time to be prosperous. You’re the Hero of Legend for a reason, Link.

Zelda wanted to include her own message on this letter when she heard that you’re distraught, so I’m leaving the rest of the space to her. Stay safe.

Yours,

Ravio

Link -

Hyrule’s history consists of both golden and dark ages. The Heroes of past all fought hard and performed their duty, and sometimes, the Kingdom falls regardless. However. Hyrule always rises again. I understand your worry for us, for Hyrule; but even when we fall in the future, a new Hero arises, right? Hyrule will be okay. You’ve done everything asked of you, and that is more than enough.

My doors are open if you need comfort or advice. Please, if you need to, seek me out. I’m here for you, like I’ve always been, always remember that.

Your sister,

Zelda

Dearest Ravio,

I’m sorry I worried you. I’ll be home soon. I’ll tell you everything then.

We’re in my Hyrule right now. I can tell from the magic, but we’re far out from the kingdom. Prepare ingredients for 9 - we have a cook, don’t worry - and expect me home within week’s end.

Yours,

Link

P.S. Zelda, we need to talk. There’s a curse. I’ll be at the castle promptly.

My dearest Link,

Please note the package attached to this letter. There’s two apple pies for you all, rupees for the Smith’s payment, and the Captain’s scarf which he couldn’t grab before you were all whisked away. Zelda has also left rings with protective charms for the others with none.

One more thing. The hibiscus plant is flowering, but I forgot to pick one for you earlier. I placed a stasis charm on it, so I hope it’ll be okay when it reaches you. I tried to pick the best color from your description; I hope I did her justice.

Best wishes for you all!

Yours,

Ravio

Dearest Ravio,

The hibiscus is perfect. Thank you.

The Captain thanks you for his scarf (he was whining like a toddler without it), and the Smithy sends you back your change. Pass on my thanks to Zelda for the rings. Your pies are delicious, as always.

Nothing much has happened lately, nothing worth writing about. We’re in the Champion’s Hyrule, and it’s so large that I feel grateful for the distance between our Kingdoms now. I never want to walk again.

Yours,

Link

My dearest Link,

I, once again, am entirely unsure if this will reach you. I’m writing from my bunk. It’s been an interesting past week.

I’ve been thrust through a portal of my own, thankfully able to prepare first. I met the Captain again; I can see why he recognized me now! I’m doing okay, and I’m fine and safe. I’ve run into Wind, too, and a boy who almost looks like Time. 

Link, I think I met her too. She matches everything you described, hibiscus and all. I don’t know how she’s here, either. She’s kind.

I’ll write as much as I can - it should be more exciting, now! - and I hope we’ll both be home safe soon.

Yours,

Ravio

My dearest Ravio,

Excuse me, you’re fighting in the fucking War of Eras!? Tell Warriors if he puts you on the front lines I’ll kill him. Slowly. By the Three, you better not get killed or hurt or ANYTHING along those lines. And you need to get home safe as soon as possible so the chance to is gone.

I don’t know what to say about her. I don’t know how she’s there, either, but be kind to her. And tell her I say hi, I guess, if she remembers me. Don’t let her go ba

Don’t open any time paradoxes, I know I’ll be the sorry fuck who saves you. Stay safe, damnit.

Yours,

Link

My dearest Link,

You never fail to make me laugh. And you call me a worrywart! I’m fine, don’t worry. Everyone is sweet and they take extra care to keep the ones from other times alive. Unfortunately, I think informing Mr. Captain Hero Sir of your threats would create a time paradox, as he doesn’t know you yet. Feel free to threaten him after-the-fact in your group, though!

Marin remembers you. She tells you to stop being a grump, and that’s only after my few descriptions of you! She also congratulated us on our marriage, though it’s been a year since. She appreciates the hibiscus plant and your pursuit of music when you’re home. She also says you should retire.

I understand why you care for her, Link. Really, you are a sweet person.

Yours,

Ravio

My dearest Ravio,

The Captain laughed in my face, because he’s an asshole. I would bet on my life that he’ll keep you safe, though; he’s captain for a reason. And maybe I do worry too much, but I have good reason to.

I’m glad she’s alive. This is selfish, but ask her if Koholint is doing okay, please. Tell her I’ll retire when the ladies upstairs let me.

I don’t know how to reply to your last line, Rav. But thank you, I guess. It’s hard to be kind in this world.

Yours,

Link

My dearest, Link,

I’m sorry I haven’t been able to write for a while. Sheerow went missing, and with no time traveling postbird, I haven’t been able to send letters. The war has also kept me busy and the paper has been scarce. I miss you so, so much.

I’m home. I don’t know how long it’s been for you, but it was around a year and a half for me. Sheerow is safe; he’s been at home this whole time. I’ll be waiting for you here again.

I like to think I discovered a bit of courage for myself while out there. Maybe the amount you rubbed off on me finally paid off, yeah? I’m really tired, I’m going to stay here for a while and rest. This is all over the place. I’m sorry.

Marin went back to Koholint. I don’t know if she’s alive there, but I’d like to hope she is. I’m sorry you two didn’t get to meet again. I’m apologizing a lot.

Have you been around? Our house looks the same as ever. I hope you did get to visit, at least for a little, in the time I’ve been gone.

I pray for your safety. I miss you, Link.

Yours,

Ravio

My dearest, Ravio,

I can’t put my relief into words. I’m still out, but nearing the end of this adventure. I can feel it coming to a close soon, and this one feels final. Maybe I’ll actually be able to retire.

I’ve missed you so much. I thought you were dead, or hurt, or Sheerow was dead or hurt, and I swear I couldn’t sleep for months. I’ll never let that damn bird out of our sights again. Please rest, Rav. I understand how you’re feeling right now. I’ll be home to help as soon as I can - you can’t recover from something like that alone.

Marin being alive or dead is more of a discussion if she is real or not real. I find that thinking over those kind of questions too much will only lead to feeling worse. It’s better to just accept that she’s gone. I’ll be there for you.

I’ve visited some, not as much as I wish I could. There’s never much time to relax, and our house feels wrong without you there.

Never apologize again, that’s a threat. I’m so glad you’re okay.

Yours,

Link

P.S. Did you think I wouldn’t notice you flirting with me? “My dearest, Link,”?

My dearest, Link,

Thank you. I’m harvesting apples from the orchard again, and I made pie for the first time in a while. Sheerow is carrying it over for you. 

It’s been hard, this past week, but I think I’ll be okay. I just need time to re-adjust. Don’t rush your adventure for me, okay? I’m glad you’ll be home soon, though.

I’m looking forward to see you again.

Yours,

Ravio

P.S. I can’t help but notice that you also placed a comma after “dearest”. Besides, aren’t we married?

My dearest, Ravio,

The portals have begun to place us in our own times, and we’re having our final goodbyes. You’ll be happy to hear that I’ll be home within a fortnight. I’m excited to see you again, finally. I love your pie; it’s amazing, as always.

I’ll see you soon.

Yours,

Link

P.S. We are married, and we’ve signed off as “yours” for over a year. Are you surprised that you’re my beloved?

My dearest, Link,

Hurry up and get home, you flirt. First you propose over letters, now you confess?

Yours,

Ravio

My Ravio,

I’m in Hyrule, three days out from home. Don’t you forget that you initiated everything. 

I can’t wait to see your face again. I love you.

Your husband,

Link

My Link,

I won’t bother to send you this letter, because I’ll tell you in person, but you can go ahead and find it on our counter when you arrive tomorrow.

You said “my Ravio” again, like you wrote on a note before our marriage. Don’t think you’re not as much to blame for this as I am.

I’m waiting for you, dear. I love you, too.

Your husband,

Ravio

[sapphicseasapphire]

How does the chain meet Wild? Did they just come across him? Did they seak him out? Did they catch him trying to steal something?

Okay so by the time Wild joins the Chain, the Chain consists of Time, Legend, Four, and Hyrule. Twilight, Sky, Warriors, and Wind have not yet been discovered.

So the portal takes the four heroes to Wild’s Hyrule, post-Tears of the Kingdom. And they’re all disoriented and half of them are very affected by the portals, so they stop to take a breather. They set their weapons/armor/items down and care for their sick companions.

But then, after a few minutes, Legend notices their pile of Things is getting smaller. This is obviously upsetting, so he goes to investigate and sees that their things are going missing!! But he can’t see or hear anyone nearby… while Time cares for Four and Hyrule, Legend takes his sword and marches into the forest, ready to find the thief.

In the distance, he hears the shrieking of monsters. Well, he doubts that monsters were able to sneak up on them and steal their things, but it’s something to investigate, so he rushes to the scene. And before him, he sees a glowing figure fighting off a group of ‘blins, its opalescent hair shimmering in the light and its blue skin shining through its torn clothes. It moves quickly and SILENTLY, and it’s-

It’s using HIS Flame Rod to kill the monsters. And that beautiful hair?? Stuffed full of HIS magic items- he can see various weapons and jewelry poking out between the strands.

When the fighting is done, Legend calls out to it, and the figure whirls around to meet him. Glowing yellow eyes meet his own purple ones, but these are nothing like he’s ever seen. The face is completely blank, eyes wider than they should be, and the figure stands still.

At least, it stands still for a moment. And then it dashes off, faster than Legend could predict. The veteran chases it, but his stupid legs just aren’t fast enough.

This goes on for DAYS!! Legend goes back to camp, grumbling under his breath. As the others recover, he tells Time what he saw. Their things keep mysteriously disappearing. It’s Time who eventually makes contact with the new hero, and Legend counts every rupee from then on.

Sorry if this seems very rough, I said I was doing better but then I crashed again. I’m really really trying to come back haha!!

[crab-crab]

Ravio's New Clothes

“Mr.Hero!” was all Legend got before his arms were full of purple and gold and his back was hitting the ground. 

Legend cursed as he lay sprawled on the grass while Ravio clung to his front. They’d just reached Legend’s house after being spit out by the most recent portal and the vet was craving the comfort of his own bed and the warmth that Ravio brought. Said man had finally pushed off of Legend and was staring down at him with that same familiar hood. 

He pushed at Ravio so that he could sit up and batted at the hands that reached to help “Get off me you overgrown rodent” Legend grumbled as he was finally able to stand and brush the dirt from his tunic while Ravio’s laughter rang out in front of him. “Hello Heroes! Please come in come in!” As the rest of the chain moved into the house with suppressed laughter (Sky) or not suppressed laughter (Warriors) Legend took the time to look at his roommate. 

He could feel his ears turning red. Instead of the ever-familiar floor-length purple robe and bunny hood with the blue stripped scarf, Ravio had on something new. The merchant seemed to have finally settled and decided to use the rupees he hoarded because his new outfit left Legend speechless. He wore a closer-fitting tunic that split just above his hips. The tunic had billowy sleeves and the gloves Ravio wore covered his hands and middle and ring fingers. The merchant's pants were baggy and comfortable looking and freed up movement by having open space along the insides of his legs and were those leggings??

Legend could feel the moment that all coherent thought screeched to a halt. Ravio looked comfortable and cute, Legend just wanted to-

“What do you think?”

He looked up to see that Ravio was in front of him now, having finished seeing the other heroes in, and was watching with an amused smile peeking from between his hood and scarf. Oh, he knew. Ravio could tell what Legend was thinking and he wanted to watch him suffer! Two can play at that game Legend thought as he stood straighter and dragged his gaze up and down over Ravio, relishing when he saw the smile wobble and the faintest pink tint peeking from the rabbit hood. 

Ok, Link, you can do this. Saying something suave. Just don’t say cute.

Ravio was rocking back and forth on his heels, the ears on his hood would twitch every so often and Legend could feel the merchant’s gaze sliding over him in return, serving to make Legend’s thoughts stutter.

Don’t say cute, don’t say cute, DO NOT SAY-

“Cute”

-

-

-

Damn it, Link!

Legend could feel his face light up as Ravio started to hop in place and a grin replaced his previous smile. He could hear Warriors cackling from the house and just knew there were rupees being passed around. 

“Terrible! Horrible! Cold!” Legend sputters and he knows his face is getting redder as he tries to cover his earlier slip as Ravio bounces closer and closer. “They’re poorly crafted!” He squeaked and he could physically feel the heat radiating from his face. Ravio had stopped in front of Legend and his grin was clear as day. Oh, what Legend wouldn’t give to see under that hood right now, to know what Ravio looks like, if his eyes light up when he smiles, if his hair is messy from wearing his hood all the time, if his ear’s flush when embarrassed.

A light pressure against his cheek drags Legend from his spiraling thoughts to witness Ravio pulling back and hiding behind his scarf. “Thank you, Mr. Hero” Ravio hums and all Legend can do is watch as the merchant turns and scurries back into the house. Legend was left to process the interaction, jumping into movement when “I didn’t know the Vet could be left speechless!” Came from the house and sent Legend marching into the house shouting “I’m going to leave you speechless when I throttle you with your own scarf!”

[maple-the-awesome]

While the Night is Young ||

Pairing: Legend x Reader

Words: 2,079

Requested by anonymous: Can I have a sad fic with Legend (LU) reminiscing about dancing with the reader on koholint? he's my fav so he has to suffer 😞 One mildly depressed Legend coming your way because everyone knows the first rule to being in a fandom is enjoying watching your favorite characters suffer go through character development 💜

Zelda Masterlist 💛 Fandom Masterlist

Crowds are never much fun. Who actually likes being sandwiched between sweaty bodies, constantly elbowed, stepped on, or tossed around by obvious idiots who only ever react with a half hearted apologies? It makes such a simple task like walking down the street a total nightmare, although there might be a good exception for it today given that it’s currently the summer solstice festival in this quaint little village the boys have recently stumbled across.

After many long days on the road, most could understand the heroes’ excitement upon seeing the then bare streets lined with wooden stalls and colorful banners overhead. A local explained the situation, promising plenty of fun games and unique carnival foods if the group decided to stay overnight when the festivities would begin. At that point, there was little choice in the matter. Seeing the expressed joy on many of the youngsters’ faces (a great contrast to their original wear earlier), Time just had to give in to their pleas, agreeing that a deserved break could do them some good. 

So, as the sky began to mirror the colors of summer, from bright reds to pinkish purples, the once empty stalls began to open and the streets became filled with residents, many more than what was expected for such a small village. 

Wind and Sky, determined to win their loved ones some adorable stuffed animals, have been taken to blowing all their rupees at different game booths. Four and Warrior, on the other hand, have made a full on competition of this activity, betting who can win the most games by the end of the night. They managed to drag Hyrule into the fun, too, but only because of his utter amazement with everything going on (after all, he’s never seen any festivals quite like this before).

Wild couldn’t show any restraint when teased by so many wonderful smelling foods, in fact he had already snuck away for something called a ‘corn dog’ before Time could even finish laying down the ground rules for how everyone was expected to behave. Fortunately, Twilight has since stayed close to his mentee’s side to prevent any disasters like Wild poisoning himself or setting fire somewhere. He also may or may not have allowed himself to be roped into trying some very questionable and overpriced snacks (but Twilight won’t admit that for the sake of his own dignity).

As for the Old Man himself, he seems to simply find joy in everyone else’s from afar, although overtime, a few of the boys have managed to get him directly involved in festivities, particularly Wind who insisted Time tries winning Malon an adorable stuffed alien from a shooting game (he succeed on his first attempt followed by many other effortless wins once he got addicted, much to the little sailor’s awe and jealousy).

The only hero to not partake in any aspect of the festival is Legend. Interestingly enough, such a colorful celebration has actually seemed to have the opposite effect on him compared to his brothers, resulting in quite the sour mood shown through his bitter scowl as he stands outside the crowd’s reach.

He curses himself for even bothering to leave the inn earlier, only having done so to shut up Warrior’s claims about him ‘pouting’ as he’s apparently been doing this entire week…Okay, so maybe Legend can internally admit that he hasn’t been exactly ‘overflowing with friendliness’ lately, but he refuses to say it’s because he’s ‘pouting’; that makes him sound childish. He’s not pouting, he’s sulking (big difference) and it has nothing to do with this festival. He just doesn’t care to lose the entire contents of his wallet to rigged games and food poisoning on a buttered stick, that’s all!

If that’s the case, one would think he’d just sneak back to the inn already. No one’s keeping him here on a leash, in fact most of the boys are too busy losing their patience playing ring toss to even notice whether Legend stays or goes. Why continue to stand around being unsociable in the background, grumbling against a wall as others clap and tap their feet to a melody currently played by musicians near the village fountain ahead, especially when it’s making him so grumpy?

“Don’t you just love music? It’s almost too beautiful to be real - at least I think so anyway.”

Legend glances to his side, curling his lip in poorly mocked disgust that earns him the undeserved gift of an angel’s laughter. Even after all these years of developing tough skin, he can’t stand strong against such a sound.

“Oh, don’t be like that! I’ve seen you playing some of those instruments of yours, so you must be a fan. How many do you own? Must be enough to open your own music shop by now,” You tease, your voice somehow becoming the only sound around him despite all those who stand practically shoulder-to-shoulder in front of you both singing and laughing loudly…yet even you pay no attention to them, your eyes locked solely on him as if he’s actually someone special.

“I don’t have that many.”

“Well, as someone who doesn’t even have one, I’d say it’s a lot,” You’ve never bothered with personal space, too used to knowing everyone to wonder why it would be important, thus you’ve always practiced the same beliefs around him, showing no care as you lean against the wall next him, letting your arms brush enough to make him flinch at first before ultimately relaxing.

“Is it because you’re shy? I mean, you have no reason to be since you play wonderfully, but I still get it if you are,” You theorize aloud, still stuck on the same topic Legend wishes you’d change. Surely there’s other things you’d be interested in aside from his personal life. He’s only a simple traveler, after all, although the more he thinks about it, that’s probably what appeals to you so much. He imagines it’s rough being stuck in one place your entire life, never knowing much about what lies beyond the horizon until a strange, stranger washes up at your feet.

“I’m not shy,” He rubs the back of his neck, glancing away from you when he decides eye contact is too bothersome, “I just like my privacy.”

You tilt your head cutely with a hum before gazing back into the crowd (much to his relief). For a long moment, you keep your eyes closed and listen to the music, waiting to break the comfortable silence between you both until the song changes into something slower and more intimate than the previous, “...Do you at least dance in front of others?”

“Dance?” He scoffs.

“Yes, dance! You know, that activity where you move your body to a particular rhyme? The thing Hylians usually do for fun? …Or are you unfamiliar with that word, ‘fun’?”

“I know it.”

“Oh, do you now?” You challenge, leaning forward in an attempt to catch his expression, yet he turns his body away while biting back his smirk which surely mirrors yours; he can hear it in your voice, “Show me then.”

“Show you?” He laughs, “What? You can’t just trust me?”

“Nope,” You pop the ‘p’ then roll your eyes when Legend dramatically grabs his chest and flops his head back against the stone wall (something he does with more force than intended, yet he forgets about the pain quickly).

“I’m hurt! Here I was thinking I’ve moved on from being a hostile in your eyes only for weeks of effort to swirl down the drain -!”

“- You’re not a hostile, just an idiot,” You push yourself off the wall and extend a hand to him, “Regardless, I’m afraid I’ll need a demonstration in order to believe you.”

Legend glances at your hand, biting down his nerves which he prays you don’t notice. It really is a simple request and it’s not like you’d both be alone. Other couples are already dancing, some showing creatively in how wildly they move while others move slowly as if joint as one…It shouldn’t be a big deal to take your hand, but for some reason it is, the thought making his heart race.

“Please, Link?”

Your eyes are pleading and soon he finds himself too weak to ignore them anymore. Reluctantly, he accepts your hand and puts up no further fight as you then eagerly drag him into the crowd. 

Standing amongst all these people, Legend finds himself a bit bashful, wondering if perhaps this is going to be a mistake because surely if anyone notices you together, they’ll mention it later on and he’ll be forced to question exactly what this interaction means, but that’ll have to be a worry for later. Once you find a suitable spot close to the music, you turn around with a bright smile which is plenty to convince him it’s too late to back out; he’s already in too deep.

And so you both dance. Your hands placed upon his shoulders, his delicately holding your hips. You’re clearly no stranger to this art form, moving perfectly in sync with the rhythm while guiding Legend to do the same. He, himself, has danced plenty of times before during his journeys, but with you it feels different. It feels more special and natural with you as his partner. There’s a slowness to the world, one he feels all too often when in your presence yet this time, it’s amplified. He truly hears nothing from the crowd. Even the music is a distant echo completely overshadowed by your beauty as you sparkle under the colored lights above.

Legend normally isn’t one to let others close, often keeping them at arm's length in fear that nothing good will come from making friends, especially friends who he meets during his travels. You shouldn’t be different. He met you only weeks ago and isn’t quite sure how ‘visiting’ will work considering he ended up here by total accident. Despite every rational thought telling him he shouldn’t be getting his hopes up towards you, it’s all ignored when you allow him to twirl you around with ease until you return right back in front of him, the difference being you’re now closer, pressed against his chest instead of being kept at arm's length. 

You’re intoxicating. Like an alcoholic who treasures his last beer bottle, Legend can’t seem to let you go. He can only find himself smiling in a dazed sort of way - dazed by you simply being you as you slip your hands down to his chest and rest your head upon his shoulder. 

“...Can I say something that might sound weird?”

“Everything you say is weird.”

Despite his teasing tone, you move your head off his shoulder to look into his eyes with such a gentle smile that, for a second, he’s convinced he’ll melt, “I’m really happy you washed up on our shore. I…really like having you around.”

“I -...” The words feel trapped in his throat, wanting so desperately to be said as you wait patiently for some kind of response. He knows you won’t mind not getting one since you understand him as being the quiet type anyways, but regardless, “...I like being here with you, too.”

You beam - like a sun rising over the ocean, your eyes lit up and your smile glows. It not only means the world for you to hear that from the man who’s always been so reserved around you, but it’s also important for him to say himself. He really likes you. You’ve quickly become the music in his life - the rhythm he wants to forever move to and melody he wants to forever cherish. He’d be fine if you keep resting your head against him, humming along to the song that’ll forever haunt his mind…That’s how he wishes things had stayed.

In reality, he had remained silent that evening and for all those following, refusing an answer you unfortunately never pushed for. Maybe you already knew, maybe you didn’t, however neither outcome changes his inner desire for you nor the pain he feels every day without you by his side. He’s not sure what hurts the most anymore: the fact that you’re gone or the fact that you never existed to begin with. Now, he’ll never get to hold you again, never get a chance to swallow his fears and just confess his feelings to see how you would’ve reacted. All he gets is this agonizing memory that haunts him anytime he hears festival music similar to that night he spent with you during that summer solstice on Koholint…

[adrift-in-thyme]

@skyward-floored remember that anon asking about a birthday fic yesterday? That was me :D

I wrote you a little something to celebrate your special day! I hope you like it!

Happy Birthday!! 🎈🎉

Ao3 link

———————————

Normally, Warriors would leave a guy to think. After all, he knows better than anyone the way working in a group can become a bit…suffocating. Being constantly surrounded by people will grow inevitably exhausting. It’s only right for one to go off on their own, seeking out some blessed solitude.

So, normally, if he had come across a certain hero sitting beside a quaint little stream, he would leave him to his duck watching and his thoughts and collapse onto his bedroll. But he has just come upon a certain hero sitting by a quaint little stream and he looks so absolutely pitiful that Warriors swears that he’s impersonating a kicked puppy.

And he can’t just leave him there, all sad and hunched over and shivery.

(Time and Arty are right, he guesses, he’s a hopeless softy.)

So, he sets aside his dreams of turning in early and starts toward him.

“Rupee for your thoughts, rancher?” He calls once he is within hearing distance.

Twilight startles and turns, blinking rapidly as though that will free him from his daze. Warriors keeps an easy grin on his face as his eyes roam the hero, cataloging what he sees.

Flushed cheeks, a light sheen of sweat on the brow, tremors running through the body, a glazed look in the eyes…and now a painfully hoarse voice as the rancher croaks his name in greeting. The captain suppresses a sigh. There can’t be any doubt about it, the rancher is sick.

He should’ve seen that coming — honestly, he had, though he’d shoved the suspicion back behind countless other strategies and worries and tasks. But he knows he isn’t the only one who picked up on Twilight’s less than perky attitude these past days. He had lagged behind the rest of the group, opting to plod along beside Sky instead of his usual place by Wild’s side. And that alone had arisen Warriors’ suspicions.

But he doesn’t comment about all that just yet. Even when Twilight turns away from him to cough harshly into his elbow. Wordlessly, he settles down beside him.

“You alright, Twi?”

He sets a steadying hand on his back as the coughs subside. Twilight takes a minute to catch his breath, his shudders growing more violent. But the glare he dredges up is no less severe than his usual.

“I’m not sick if-if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Warriors chuckles. “Well, now I’m thinking maybe you are. Because I alluded to no such thing.”

Twilight hums, looking completely unconvinced. Warriors doesn’t miss the way he leans into his touch, however, or the way his next exhale trembles. And he certainly can’t ignore it when, surreptitiously, he moves closer.

“I should’ve brought a blanket,” Warriors comments, mildly, when a few quiet moments have slid by. “You seem a bit cold. Too bad I left my scarf back at the camp.”

Twilight huffs a sigh. It quickly turns into another explosion of coughs.

“You should be back at the camp,” he grumbles, when he can once again drag in air, “not hanging around me. You’re gonna catch somethin’.”

A smirk lifts Warriors’ lips. “Ah, but I could’ve sworn that I just heard you claim that you weren’t sick.”

He senses more than sees Twilight’s eyes go wide. Then, the rancher lets out an annoyed groan.

“I swear y-you’re as bad as the old man.”

“Oh no, I can be worse.”

Another series of shiver races through him and Twilight ends up slumped against Warriors’ left side, teeth chattering audibly.

“S-somehow…I can believe that.”

Warriors chuckles. Carefully, he slides an arm around Twilight, holding him close. The hero practically melts into him.

“It’s a beautiful night at least,” the captain murmurs, gazing up above them.

The sky glows with the beginnings of twilight. Orange and purple and pink travel in streaks of dazzling fire across a canvas of deep blue. Upon the water, the display wavers, like paints just barely mixed upon a palette.

The air is temperate too, a warm breeze blowing through like a caress. He can’t help but be thankful for it. He’s almost certain that they all have had to endure sickness in a less than forgiving climate. In such circumstances, things seldom go well.

(He can’t help but think of Mask’s tale, told haltingly late at night after a dreadful nightmare. A tale of climbing a mountain with frostbitten feet and fingers and collapsing shivering and feverish at the door of a blacksmith’s hut.)

“Captain,” Twilight pipes up beside him, the word sounding positively painful, “do…do you ever feel a certain sadness at this time of day?”

Warriors hums, dragging himself from his thoughts. Something about that sentence sparks a memory within him, of a princess of twilight with the body of an imp and a heart of gold kept carefully concealed.

“I suppose so. Why?”

Twilight is smiling slightly when he looks at him, and there is sorrow in the expression.

“There’s another realm out there…”

“The Twilight realm.”

Twilight starts up, feverish gaze landing on Warriors. The captain laughs.

“Yes, I know of it. I knew it’s princess, as a matter of fact. We fought together during the war.”

Suddenly, Twilight looks more alert than he has all night. But then he shudders again and nearly loses his balance. Warriors pulls him close again, wrapping him in a half-hug.

“Midna? Y-you knew Midna?”

“I did.” The captain smiles, fondly. “She was a ferocious fighter…and a good friend. Though” — A teasing grin lifts his lips as he looks down at his brother “ — I always wondered why she chose to ride a wolf of all things into battle.

“But it makes a little more sense now.”

Even through his pallor, he can see Twilight’s cheeks flush. His face is a hurricane of emotion that Warriors feels he has little right to see. So, he turns back to the pond and watches as twilight overtakes the light of day.

“Did-did she mention me at all?” Twilight murmurs, finally.

Warriors cocks his head, weighing which words are best.

“No — not to me at least. But I think Midna was one who liked to keep things close to the vest. I think the wolf she rode was her way of…saying that she missed you.”

Twilight is silent for a few moments. Quiet reigns over the small clearing, save for the sounds of the rancher’s slightly congested breathing.

He should get him back to camp, Warriors thinks, get him some warm blankets and a potion and maybe some of Wild’s soup. But Twilight speaks up before he can voice any of those thoughts.

“I’m glad you got to meet her.” There is a tremulous smile in those words, a strength that the rancher always possesses, even when his energy is drained. “She…she was really somethin’ else.”

“Indeed she was.”

Twilight moves closer, resting his head on Warriors’ shoulder, and Warriors can’t help but feel that some unseen boundary has been broken from between them. Perhaps, this secret had weighed more heavily on the rancher than he had thought.

Well, that and the uncertainty of the princess’ feelings for him. That shattered mirror Twilight had spoken of hadn’t been the only thing broken.

“You know,” he says, as Twilight’s eyelids begin to droop, “next time you’re sick and missing your girlfriend, maybe just talk to someone instead of sitting out here all miserable and alone. I know a certain someone would call you an idiot for doing so.”

Twilight chuckles.

“She would, wouldn’t she?” He chokes out between hacking coughs. “She never held back.”

“No, she really didn’t.”

Warriors holds his trembling shoulders until the coughs are gone again. Then, he pats his shoulder.

“Alright, rancher, let’s get you back. You need your rest.”

Reluctantly, Twilight allows the captain to help him to his feet. He leans heavily against him, exhaustion dragging at his feet. And as the first star blinks itself awake, Warriors turns them toward the warmth of the campfire and their brothers’ company.

The shadows themselves seem to gather in their wake, a protection and an embrace.

[breannasfluff]

Four Rabbits Meet

I came across @minart-was-taken's post about Four Swords + Lorule Ravio and fell in love with the concept. For writing purposes I changed Blue's name to Cyan so it's not confused with the actual Four Colors. ~

“So!” Purple claps his hands together and gives the rest of the group a bright look. “Should we head back to Link’s place? There’s a portal near here we can hit up.”

Three identical faces in different colors stare back. A fourth stares at the clouds.

“Are you kidding me?” the newly dubbed Gold says. “We’re four separate people and whoever…that is”—he waves at the one staring at the sky—“instead of Ravio and you just want to move on with life? What about our treasure hunt?”

Purple’s smile is a little strained, but he still nods. “Standing out here in the woods isn’t doing us any good.

Cyan’s voice is barely above a whisper. “I don’t think taking this sword was a good idea.”

“But it’s treasure!” Gold immediately flips sides, examining the sword in his hand. “We could sell it.”

“It’s magical,” Cyan says.

“And there’s four of them. So, we get four times the profit. Hey, Pink, you don’t want your sword, right?”

Pink glances between all of them and curls deeper into his hood. “Shouldn’t we figure out how to be—Ravio again?”

They all turn and look at Cyan, who shrugs. If there’s a magical answer, he doesn’t know it.

Purple takes the lead. “Look, we aren’t going to solve this out here. Let’s head back to the house. Link’s been on so many adventures, I’m sure he’s heard of something like this.”

Gold rolls his eyes, but sets off down the path. Purple and Cyan fall in behind him. Only Pink stays where he is, until Purple glances back at him. “Pink? Coming?”

“What about him?”

Right. The fifth one. He nearly glows pale yellow, and he’s still staring at the clouds. Even with this whole mess, there’s no sword in his hand to match theirs. Also, he doesn’t seem to be the…brightest lantern in the bunch. Mostly, he ignores them.

Purple doesn’t even attempt a smile, just sighs and waves at Pink. “Mind grabbing him? Maybe you can think of a nickname for him.”

The color brightens and runs back to grab the fifth’s hand. It takes a few tugs, but he follows, placid enough.

With a final glance, Purple hurries down the path to rejoin Gold. A quick portal to Hyrule to figure this out and they can get back to their travels. Link will know what to do.

Link is not home. He’s gone on a journey for an unknown period of time. The note to Zelda on the table is already covered in a light layer of dust. Either she came and left, or hasn’t noticed Link is missing.

The four—five colors stand in a circle, staring at the note.

“Well, we better head out.” Purple really likes Link’s house, too. It’s nicer than Ravio’s.

“What? No, we aren’t leaving!” Gold snatches the note, then crumples it into a ball.

“But Link is gone! We can’t stay here without permission.”

Gold’s eyes take on the crafty gleam Ravio does whenever he’s about to make an excellent point. “Who would watch over Link’s stuff while he’s gone? What if someone breaks in? Look how dusty his house is! And with so many magical items…”

Purple can practically see the rupees in his eyes. Link better have magical items to come home to. “But permission…”

Slinging an arm around his shoulder, Gold steers him out of the kitchen. “We’re helping, Purple. Link will be happy! We’ll keep things clean and protected while he’s gone; maybe make him a little money. We don’t want him to lose his rent income now, do we?”

“We don’t pay rent,” Cyan points out. Gold stomps on his foot.

“Okay, we’ll stay. But if Link comes back and wants us to leave—”

“Yes, yes, we’ll deal with it then. Now, about that money…” Gold turns back to the front room and—yep, he’s out.

Pink is still in the kitchen, holding onto the fifth one’s arm.

“Got a name for him?” Purple asks as he comes back in. He might as well make some tea; they need it.

The color perks up and nods. “Gleam! You like that, don’t you?”

Gleam stares at him and blinks slowly. “Link?”

“Link’s gone,” Purple says. He waits till the teapot is full before continuing. “We’re going to keep the place clean for him till he comes back.”

“Back?”

“…yes. When Link comes back.” He turns to Pink with a frown. “He understands Hylian, doesn’t he?”

Pink gasps and clings to Gleam’s arm. “Of course he does!” Then he turns to Gleam. “You do…don’t you?”

Gleam stares at him a touch too long, then nods. Lolia, is he that dense, or just an airhead? Well, Pink needs something to do, so— “You mind watching over Gleam for me? Sure would be a help.”

The color’s face lights and, wow, is that what Ravio looks like when he’s happy? Huh. It’s not a bad expression. “I can help! Leave it to me!” Then he turns to Gleam and squeezes his hand. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

Pink may have Gleam, but who’s got Purple? Why did today have to be the day the goddess pulled Link onto a new journey?

Something crashes in the front room and Gold screeches about merchandise. Right. Because Ravio as a whole is cursed.

Sighing, Purple pulls out more teacups. They are going to need it.

The following weeks bring them no closer to figuring out how to rejoin. Purple takes over running the shop—he looks the most like Ravio. While their robes changed color when they split, there’s still an extra robe he wears.

Looks-wise, it’s not a problem. Money-wise…well, Purple just wants to help people! And sometimes that means giving them a good deal. Gold loses his temper the first time he checks the books and starts training Purple on how to barter—or at least not give items away.

Link returns and Purple finds himself at sword-point from a variety of strangers. The other colors are out for the day; Cyan wanted to practice some spells with the swords. The hero doesn’t even seem pleased with his unexpected guest. Really! Who does he think dusted everything?

Purple draws on every acting skill he has—and channels a lot of Gold—to make it through the conversation long enough to get official permission to stay. Link has a new nickname, Legend, and the one called Four has a sword that looks suspiciously familiar.

The group is there for barely an hour before someone yells about a portal. Link—Legend switches out more items in a hurry and shoves the extra into Purple’s arms. “Don’t sell these!” Then he squints at him. “And stop being weird around my family. Just be yourself.”

Time calls for him and Purple is left standing in an empty house.

“Link came back.” Purple explains the short encounter to the other colors when they return.

“Why didn’t you tell him what happened?” Cyan comes back with two cups of tea and passes one to Purple. 

“You think Link would believe him without all of us there?”

Pink sits on the floor and leans back. “So, what do we do now?”

“We’ve got each other.” Purple puts his cup down and brushes off his robe. “Either we figure out how to become Ravio again before Mr. Hero returns, or we figure out how to adapt and live like this. That hero, Four, had a sword similar to the one we found. If we have to, we’ll wait till they come back and ask.”

There are nods and smiles from all the colors. It’s not much of a plan but—well, it will have to do for now.

Gleam steps forward and shoves a handful of berries in Purple’s hands. “For you.”

“Gleam, these are poisonous.”

The color just gives him a thumbs up, because of course he does.

~

Gleam is my special little problem child. We'll see this group pop up a few more times for flufftober as well!

[skyward-floored]

For prompts Link loving/collecting shiny treasures please? I feel like I remember you saying that he doesn’t necessarily hoard things but I love the idea of him liking fun trinkets and treasure like a dragon might

Tysm <333

Mask looks curiously at a strange rod with what looks like a wave on the top as the captain wanders deeper into the tent, and Tune lingers at the front, watching the rain pour outside.

“...got all sorts of items at a discount, badges, arrows, bombs with extra powder... I’ve even got some special potions in from the apothecary!” Ravio continues as he waves items in Tune’s face, and Tune rolls his eyes.

“Ravio, we’re just in here to get out of the rain, we don’t want any of your over-expensive items,” Tune says with a huff, and Ravio hums, tapping his hand on the counter.

“You sure Mr. Sailor Hero? Not even a nice gift for that lovely pirate friend of yours? I’ve got a few knives here—”

“No,” Tune says pointedly, and the strange bunny merchant sighs.

“Well all right, but you don’t know what you’re missing— Mr. Captain Hero! I see you’ve found something to catch your eye!”

The captain had been crouching down and looking at a shelf, and at Ravio’s call he jumps like he’s been caught doing something he shouldn’t have. Tune moves closer to look at the object Link had been looking at.

It was a small piece of dark purple stone, in an unusual shape, almost like a crescent. It shines in the lantern light when Tune picks it up, a small hole in the top, a shiny purple gleam running across the surface.

“This is really pretty,” Tune says, and Link scratches the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.

“Yeah, I guess so. It’s just a rock though, and I don’t have the rupees, so...”

“How much?” Tune asks Ravio. The captain balks.

“Tune, I don’t need a—”

“Consider it an early birthday present,” Tune says with a hand wave, and ignores Link’s mutter of how his birthday was a few months ago, turning back to Ravio. “So? How much?”

Ravio leans on his counter, scratching the little bird that keeps him company under the chin.

“For you?” he says, and Tune is sure he’s grinning under his hood. “A mere 8,000 rupees.”

“Eight thousand?” Mask shouts, stomping up to the counter. “That’s highway robbery and you know it!”

“I have to keep this business running somehow,” Ravio shrugs.

Tune crosses his arms. “Five hundred.”

Ravio gasps. “A mere five hundred? Mr. Sailor Hero you wound me, do you know the effort I went through to retrieve this item? The sweat I shed? The tears I shed?”

Tune snorts. “You probably found it on the ground somewhere, Ravio. One thousand.”

Ravio crosses his arms. “Six thousand.”

“A thousand five hundred.”

“Five thousand.”

“A thousand seven fifty.”

“...four thousand.”

Tune slams a bag of rupees on the counter. “Two thousand, take it or leave it.”

Ravio stares at him in silence, a hand thoughtfully rubbing his chin. Then his hand shoots out and takes the bag.

“Deal.”

Tune nods, and swipes the shiny purple stone, turning away from Ravio. “Thank you very much. And now that the rain has stopped, we will be going.”

Mask nods decisively, and the captain follows him and Tune out of the tent, Tune setting the stone in his hand.

“You didn’t have to do that,” the captain says gratefully, and Tune shrugs, a grin twitching at his lip.

“It’s no big deal. Turns out yellow rupees are worth way more here then in my time, so I’m basically loaded,” Tune grins, and Mask laughs, Link shaking his head with an amused smile. “So, is there a reason this caught your eye?”

Link shrugs, stepping around a puddle as he admires the stone.

“I found a few like it when I was in Skyloft, but in a different color. They’re all orange, and I’d never seen a purple one until now, and it’s shiny in a different way, I... thought it was nice,” he mumbles.

Tune holds back another smile. He’s well aware of the captain’s little collection of treasures. And he’d noticed he hadn’t been able to add anything to it recently, so the sudden rainstorm where the only shelter was Ravio’s tent just happened to be good luck.

“Well I’m glad you like it,” Tune says as he stretches his arms behind his head. “Happy birthday.”

Link laughs. “Thanks sailor.”

[across-violet-skies]

a birthday fic for the lovely @a-manicured-lawn!!! I've never written spirit before, so I hope he's written alright <3

I hope you have an awesome birthday!!!

preview under the cut!!

Wild groaned, holding a hand to his head. His brothers were in similar states. They had been tossed through a portal without warning, landing them next to an unfamiliar village.

Slowly, each of them stood up, some getting help from others. As Twilight helped Four, the last of their group, to his feet, Time glanced around. “Does anyone recognize this village?” He asked.

A chorus of “no”s and “nope”s sounded, eight heads shaking in denial. Time sighed.

“Another unknown Hyrule?” Warriors questioned, squinting.

“Looks like it.” Time scanned their group, gaze flickering to the nearby village. “We’ll head into town; ask around and see if there’s anything strange going on.”

Wild nodded. “We should also stock up on potions and supplies,” he reminded.

“That as well.” Time agreed. “Captain?”

Warriors stepped forward. “Alright, listen up! We’ll split into teams: the old man, Four, and I will interrogate the townsfolk; see what we can learn.”

“Interrogate is a strong word,” Time replied. “But we will ask around, yes.”

“Sure.” Warriors waved a hand. “Wild, Legend, you two will restock our potion and healing supplies.”

Legend balked. “What? Why us?”

The Captain rolled his eyes. “Because you and Wild have the rupees to afford it,” he answered simply. “And that slate-” he pointed at the Sheikah Slate attached to Wild’s hip. “-has the storage capabilities for whatever you two end up purchasing.”

Legend grumbled to himself, but didn’t argue further. Warriors continued. “The rest of you will find someplace for us to stay. As many beds as we can manage.” He eyed Twilight and Sky, getting an affirmative nod from both. With both Wind and Hyrule in that group, Twilight and Sky would likely be handling the actual task while the other two wandered around the village. At least it wasn’t a difficult task.

“Everyone got that?” Time asked. His eye swept over the team, getting some sort of acknowledgment from each of them. Wind and Hyrule were already glancing at each other with mischievous eyes. “Alright. Once you finish with your mission, head to the inn. We’ll try to settle down early tonight so we can get a head start tomorrow morning.”

Wild hummed to himself. He could do that. Working with Legend would be… frustrating, to put it gently (the vet had been in a pissy mood ever since his spare Fire Rod broke), but at least their task was simple. He dragged Legend by the elbow, leading him up along the cobbled village streets. The veteran snatched his arm back with an indignant huff, but continued walking alongside Wild. The two of them meandered through the town, glancing around at various shops and stands set up along the main path.

“Oh!” Wild exclaimed, grabbing a fistful of Legend’s tunic (much to his dismay). “Potion shop! Found it!”

Legend bared his teeth, slapping the Champion’s hand away. “Quit that!”

Wild quickly quieted down. He and Legend made a beeline for the potion shop in silence, both of them separating to collect their various potions. Legend went to grab red potions, while Wild went to get… wait. Where were the green potions? All he saw were yellow and purple potions. What?

“Um, Legend?”

-> read the rest on ao3!!

[bepisbee]

A Mini sh date!

read on ao3

A tiny voice talked to the hero in purple from his shoulder. It was almost too soft to hear and in a different language entirely. He tilted his head towards the small black dot on his tunic and listened before nodding. He held a wood weave basket on his elbow as he went through town on the opposite side. As they went through town, actually.

Sitting on his shoulder, holding on with tiny black claws, was Shadow in a minish form. Since the town was still wary of him, they had the idea to hide him like this when it was less than two heroes to one Shadow. Less stress and stares. He looked like a tiny version of Minish Link, in black and purple. His eyes were red and blue and he was adorable. The bustling early evening was peaceful, despite the bodies and rush. It felt nice to just be apart of the crowd.

At a vendor stall Vio picked out some fruit Shadow had just requested. It was his new favorite thing since becoming a real tangible being. He had a sweet tooth like no other. Instead of dealing with him having toothaches ans scaring the local dentist with his fangs, suoer sweet fruits came in handy. He looked over the options. Mostly apples, being mid fall of course. He chose a few of those but some way overripe plums and peaches. Those had to be shipments from out of the city, since that was an odd choice for the orchards around here. He hummed and also added cherries.

“Are you sure you want those? It’s awfully ripe, won’t last the week!” The woman wasn’t being subtle in her admiration and favoritism. Vio’s eyes glinted in amusement. It wasn’t his first time being subject to the locals. Esepcially now that they had reached their late twenties.

“Aha,” he chuckled warmly, thinking of Shadow’s little fangs biting the giant soft peach. “Thank you, but yes. I’m sure it won’t even last the evening. The overripe ones are sweeter, and a favorite in the household.” He placed the goods in the basket after handing over a red and blue rupee. Shadow chirped to him a thank you.

“Oh I see! You’re so smart dear!” She handed back the change and held his hand for too long. “Have a lovely day now, and come back soon!”

“You as well,” he stepped away to find the next vendor they needed. Humming as he went over their list again.

“She was totally flirting with you,” Shadow teased. He pinched his cheek with his tiny hand. “How cute. Too bad for her! You’re mine.”

Vio smiled, but unable to answer without seeming strange in public, he gave a quiet “Mmhm.” He should stop at Pita’s, he decided. They could share a croissant and maybe get a kinstone prize.

He continued to gather their list, wordlessly greeting any Minish they saw as they went. Shadow gave a friendly wave to the ones that spotted him. 

Vio stopped for a nice conversation with Librari who was dusting the shelf outside his book house when he was returning something to the library. Shadow hopped off and helped while they chatted. He’d really made some good friends in town with the local Minish while hiding from angry townsfolk a few nights. 

Shadow climbed back up his arm and onto the shoulder spot as they left. The list was done,  but he headed in the direction of the bakery. Shadow made a questioning noise at him. He just smiled and kept going. It smelled like fresh baking bread and yeast as he opened the door. Warm delicious air hit their faces. Shadow stood up, using Vio’s collar for balance.

He bought them some treats and waved to the hard working couple as they left.

“You sneak! You said no sweets!”

“Bread doesn’t count,” Vio defends, sitting in a park under the shade of a large tree. He held out his hand for Shadow to hop onto and put him on his criss crossed knee. “I know you slept all morning and didn’t eat yet.” he put the croissant on a napkin next to him.

“Aww.” He tore off some and sat with him as a chill breeze rolled in, rattling the orange and red trees. A leaf flew by and smacked him in the tiny face. Vio’s laugh is sudden and warm. It was the best kind.

“Fuck! stupid nature.” he didn’t mean it. he crossed his arms and huffed. Vio ruffled his hair with a finger. Shadow gave him a mock glare and chomped his fingertip.

“Ow! Shit your teeth are sharp!”

Shadow cackled and climbed back up to his spot. “That's what you get!

The sun was starting to set, they really needed to start heading home. It was only around six, but mid fall could get surprisingly cold at night.

They made their way to the Castle Town entrance. Vio packed the basket goods in the horse saddle bags and secured the basket before hopping up. He took out a light scarf and wrapped it around for a bit of warmth but also for something to secure Shadow better as he horse jostled them around.

“It’s really nice out,” Shadow was snug and close enough to his ear he could properly hear him. “This was kinda like a date.”

“Mm. Yeah, duh. It is a date love.” He snorted. “It’s a bit chilly now.” He knows that's what Shadow prefers. After spending so long on a hot mountain, he started enjoying fall and winter the most. “Especially for you, tiny mouse Shadow.” he snickered.

“That’s cute tiny mouse Shadow to you!” he corrected. Vio felt the poke of his tiny claw on his neck. “Annnd don’t you forget it.”

“Haha, of course.” he brought a hand up and felt Shadow grab onto his finger and playfully bite again. “Ow! haha hey! You’re more of a cat than a mouse honestly.” He scolded but kept it there for their sort of hand hold. It was also an assurance he wasn’t falling off from the movement, it was another hour to get home after all. The dark grew around them as a peaceful night rolled over. The lantern on his hip and the crescent moon their only light as they entered the forest path.

They had taken it enough times though, and had no problems. Soon enough they emerged to their shared house, lights on a muffled talking.  They were home.