Link furrowed his brow and bit his lip, wordlessly gesturing down at his ridiculous striped trousers and snapped one of the suspenders with an irritated snort.

“I swear that I forgot we were doing the lynel costume together!” Revali insisted, a laugh lacing the edges of his words. “Besides, I think we can both agree that this suits me much better.” He flourished his wings and a dazzling array of sparkling beads danced in the light, causing a glittery array of shapes to bounce around the room.

While it was true that Link wasn’t looking forward to a face full of tail feathers during the costume contest portion of the party, he had put a lot of work into the homemade ensemble.

“So what are you supposed to be?” Link struggled to keep his voice level.

Revali smirked with a shrug. “Does it really matter? The costumes that catch the most eyes are the ones that win the contest.”

“Then what do you suggest I do about being half of a lynel?” Link could feel the frustration burning in his chest.

“Leave the contest to me! I’ll win for sure, and I’ll even pick up your tab to make up for it.”

Folding his arms, Link couldn’t help but imagine the discarded front half of the lynel costume in his mind’s eye.

All those hours late into the night designing and stitching...

“Come now, do you really expect anyone to outshine me? Let’s go inside before they start the judging!” The beads and sequins jingled as Revali strutted into the bar, casting bright reflections all around.

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Link didn’t join the competition, and he found that he stopped caring as he downed his second Chateau Romani. It was creamy, sweet, and left a comfortable warmth in his belly.

“Slow down, little guy,” Revali chided, “you’ll be drunk before it even gets dark!”

The challenging smirk on his face make Link scowl as he waved the bartender over for another drink. “You said drinks were on you. I’m getting my money’s worth.”

“Whatever you say. I must away to the dance floor – the party needs me!” Revali turned on his heel and strutted out to the crowd, the beads on his costume swishing as he moved.

Link rolled his eyes and took another sip of his drink.

“Are you sure you don’t want to dance?” A woman dressed as a Great Fairy placed her hands on her hips with a slight frown.

A voice emerged from under her friend’s floppy hat as they took the empty seat beside Link. “I think I need to calm down a bit from being in front of that crowd,” came the reply.

Link observed their costumes – a tastefully bejeweled Great Fairy and swamp hag complete with moss hanging from the hat, obscuring her face. “One of you two definitely should’ve won that contest.”

The fairy laughed heartily. “That would be my friend here – she’s a wizard with a needle and thread. She designed both of these – an absolute genius!”

The hag seemed to sink into her clothing, ducking her head. “Urbosa, you’re really too kind. I try my best. I hope I’m worthy of a title like that someday.”

“Zelda…” Urbosa smiled sadly at her, placing a gentle hand atop of the mossy hat. “Join me on the dance floor when you’re feeling better.” She eyed up Link with a grin. “And bring Lynel Butt if he turns out to be cool.”

Link felt his face flush, remembering his attire.

“She really is too kind,” Zelda murmured.

As Urbosa waved goodbye to them, Link turned toward her. “I think you’re being too hard on yourself. One thing I’ve learned is that if your friends offer you praise, you should accept it.”

“Ah, do you think she thought I was rude?!” she cried in tremulous tones, whipping her head toward the dance floor.

“I didn’t get that impression at all. I think she just wants you to have more confidence in your abilities.”

“Your costume is impressive as well. I know it’s only half of the whole thing, but I can tell a lot of care was put into crafting it.”

Link was unable to fight the goofy grin on his face. “Thanks. I really enjoy sewing and make a lot of my own clothes… Not that I wear the back end of a lynel out to the grocery store or anything!”

He could hear the grin in Zelda’s voice. “Well, you’re in good company. I’ve been practicing costume design. I’d love to make them for theatrical plays someday.” A sigh escaped her. “Ah, we still both lost to that cocky… what was he supposed to be anyway? A pile of rupees?”

Link rolled his eyes as he looked out on the dance floor – Revali was surrounded by others as he danced under the lights, clearly having the time of his life. “That pile of rupees is my friend…”

Zelda gasped as her hands flew beneath her hat, likely concealing her already hidden face. “Goodness, I’m so -”

“… My friend that refused to wear the front half of this costume that I worked really hard on,” Link finished. “He’s picking up my tab tonight, so that would include buying a drink for a fellow tailor.”

Zelda removed her hat, causing her blonde locks to fall loose down her back. She placed the hat on her lap, giving him a rueful smile. “I’ve already had a bit of liquid courage to convince myself to stand on stage to show off my handiwork.”

Startled by her beauty, Link tore his eyes from her, his face blazing. “Well, in that case, he can pick up the tab for our snacks.”

Zelda eyed up the menu with a smirk. “I hear this place serves really tasty desserts, but they’re a little pricey.”

Link didn’t miss a beat. “That’s funny – I’ve been thinking a large order of their signature tarts would go well with what I’m drinking.”

“Thank you… Ah, I’m sure you don’t go by Lynel Butt on a regular basis!”

“It’s Link. Nice to meet you.”

“And you as well!” She paused, blushing deeply. “Goodness, and I haven’t introduced myself! My name is Zelda!”

“Well, Zelda, how about we let that pile of rupees pay for a large order of assorted tarts?”

“That sounds fabulous! And a plain glass of milk for myself.”

He cast her an impish grin. “Sounds great! I’d love to hear more about your costume designs.”