#botw!link

In flesh, blood and bone.

Omg i’ve literally been obsessed with this since you sent this in!! Finally got around to it (after a while, admittedly) but I hope you enjoy!

Tw: Description of decomposition and gore.

☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★

word-count: 1.8k

summary: sheikah!reader x selectively mute!Link. Reader is assigned by Impa to accompany Link on his journey through hyrule. You see mipha’s grace in action when you’re attacked by a group of Yiga.

warnings: canon-typical violence (reader and link fight the Yiga), blood, use of weapons

author’s note: it’s winter, which means it’s time for the return of my comfort breath of the wild phase. i hope you enjoy reading this as much as i enjoyed writing it!

The air is ripe with the sweet smell of autumn as you travel through Akkala, and Link smiles and nods when you comment on it. The horses are calm and well-rested from the night spent in Tarrey Town, and they eat up the path of Kaepora Pass in an energized walk. You find yourself leaning into the gait of your mount more than usual, reveling in the feel of the sun warming your back and the gentle swaying back and forth of the mare Link procured for you at the beginning of your journey together a few weeks ago. 

When Link leaves you to conquer the shrine on Rist Peninsula, you’re happy to stay behind and mind the horses. You leave them to graze freely on a ridge above East Akkala Beach where you can faintly see Link moving around the spiral of the peninsula, nothing more than a blue blob carrying a glowing orange orb. Only when all of the monsters have been dispatched and your friend is “safely” inside the shrine do you let yourself lay back on the grass and enjoy the unseasonably warm day. 

By the time Link returns, the sun is nearly down. You’ve just fed the horses each an apple from your pack and are peeling one for yourself when Link pulls himself over the edge of the ridge. “Hey. You greet him with a smile, and he responds with a wide grin. “Someone’s chipper. I’m guessing you didn’t have to fight anything?” He shakes his head. “Good thing it’s your turn to cook dinner tonight.”

When Link groans dramatically, you’re expecting it. You even feel a giggle beginning to bubble up inside you all of a sudden, but you’re quick to take a bite out of your apple to hide it. 

What you’re not expecting is for Link’s groan to cut off suddenly and a semi-familiar voice to roar: “Get down!”

Sounds of battle slowly ebbed to silence. Even then, you did not emerge from the hiding place a villager had stuffed you within, echoes of the attack warning bell still hauntingly ringing. Time was lost as you simply sat in the cramped cellar, passing solely with the counting of your own heartbeat, until a new sound, the clops of horseshoes against stone, approached. Someone was approaching.

Were they friend or foe?

Instinct that every living thing was born with was oddly quiet, leaving you numb, as they grew louder before coming to a stop. A huff sounded, closely followed by the thumps of boots hitting the ground, crunching of dried leaves and other small debris filling the air momentarily blocked any other sound for you. And yet you remained hidden as silence fell once more. The double doors above your head tinked, as if something had touched them from the outside, before the sound of a metal singing pierced the air. Most likely a sword, you mused, meaning most likely a bandit or scavenger was looking for valuables.

You were partially right.

The doors opened to reveal a mighty blade which shone brightly in the blood moon’s crimson glow as it was lowered. Its motion downwards to return to its sheath brought to your attention its wielder. Brilliant blue eyes were what caught your attention first; the way they calmly met your curious gaze then slowly filled with an emotion akin to acceptance as you remained unmoved despite the showcase of such a mighty weapon. Golden blonde hair was speckled with lingering traces of dried blood, most likely belonging to those who had fallen before the sword’s swing since he appeared unharmed. Despite the gear and armor, there was no mistaking that the figure before you was masculine. Those lean muscles faintly visible thanks to the rips in his sky blue tunic and pants and his stoic features made that much obvious. He was truly a magnificent sight as he slowly lowered himself to one knee so that you were closer.

Behind him loomed a large shadow before a soft muzzle met the top of your head. Soft nickering tickled your ear courtesy of the horse who nudged her nose against your cheek, as if to assure you that her rider meant no harm, and obediently backed away when he placed a hand against her shoulder. Her gentle eyes seemed to beckon you to follow, to trust in the swordsman, ears pointed toward your hiding place.

A voice, most likely that of a shopkeeper you’d come to know, rose within your mind that warned to not trust such figures. Nothing was known about this man, he’d given no explanation yet of who he was or what his purpose was here. Most would be weary and perhaps fight against him.

Yet you didn’t.

One of his gloved hands extended, palm facing upwards as if in offering to assist, and without hesitation your hand found it. Something near mythical happened when your fingers laced with his. All crimson of the blood moon’s glow ebbed until it had returned to its normal pale glow. Fireflies had risen from the grass, their own hiding places, until they were dancing upon a breeze which played with both of your hairs. A sensation of warmth spread through your being from where he touched, impulsing you to take a breath and unsteady step that was intended to bring you upwards to step outside, resulting in you stumbling forward.

He swiftly caught you with a tug to the hand still within his hold, allowing the other arm to wrap around your waist so at to keep you close as he steadied your imbalance. Your gazes still held despite the actions as he helped you to stand, wordlessly offering support when both your hands gripped his wide-set shoulders. Warmth radiated off his being the longer you two remained physically close. The night’s chill attempted to come between your figures however it failed when the blue eyed Hylian slightly pivoted so the breeze met his back instead of your face. Bubbling emotion rose within your veins when his eyes widened for the briefest of seconds before returning to a stern state when a sound made you nearly glance away.

Look at me, they seemed to convey, you don’t need to see.

A deep inhale brought to your senses the scents of iron, copper, burnt wood, and something that made your gut twist: death.

Within your mind arose a picture that made your being quake; buildings and wagons burning to ash, villagers and monsters alike slain laying in pools of their intermixed blood, innocent animals and people alike victims to the blood moon’s wave of power.

His arm tightened more until your front met his, the hand holding yours giving a squeeze. It’s alright, they said as calloused fingers eased your eyes to close, you are safe now. Soft whistle slipped between his lips, earning the horse to come close enough so that your shoulders met the mare’s side. He lifted you with ease, as if you weighed nothing more than a feather pillow, until you were seated within the saddle with both hands resting upon the horn. For several seconds there was silence until a familiar huff sounded just a second before weight and warmth settled behind you. On either side of you appeared his arms, one hand taking the reins while the other secured itself around your waist.

Nothing remained for you in this village.

So you did not stop him as he spurred the horse forward with a gentle kick.

….

The sun was approaching its high noon place as several Sheikah Tribe members greeted the horse and rider upon entering Kakariko Village, however their warm welcome became weary when spotting your slumbering form protectively tucked within his hold.

Camping had been out of the question since he’d caught sight of a Moblin while exiting your destroyed village, most likely it would gather reinforcements and come after the two of you. Not that he doubted his abilities in battle, it was how fragile you appeared when someone would pass along the trail. Obviously trauma of that night would plague you for a while, he was no stranger to such things, and had opted to travel without pause if it meant putting your mind at ease. That was how you fell asleep with your face nearly completely tucked against his neck, allowing your senses to become permeated with his natural musk interlace with herbs and leather. Epona had seemed happy to carry the both of you, not the slightest bit bothered by the combined weight, even ecstatic that she was carrying you. Rider and horse ensured none interrupted your slumber from insects to possible threats of monsters or Yiga in disguise. Even when entering the lively village they had both quickly silenced those who approached by means of ears tilting backwards or a finger against his lips.

Impa raised a questioning eyebrow when he refused to allow anyone to touch you, dismounting while still ensuring that your position remained unchanged, before walking towards the nearby inn. Weathered eyes closely watched as he placed you gingerly upon a bed, moving slower than a river snail so as not to jostle you, until his arms were freed, something shifting within Impa’s face when he quickly shed his traveler’s hood at your stir but settled once the cloth was tucked around your form. She waited until exiting the room before deciding to start conversation with the silent swordsman. “Take a bath then come find me. You’ll start at the beginning,” the chief sighed as pillows were procured so they could converse comfortably, “and then we shall decide what should be done.”

Once he returned once removing all the traces of battle, time passed accompanied by refreshments and snacks, candles and torches lit with sparks from flint pieces as night fell outside.

“I see, so you found her within the aftermath of the recent blood moon. The village she resided within was completely destroyed, meaning that she may have no family to take her in or anywhere else to go.” Impa inhaled deeply through her nose before exhaling slowly, a faint stream of smoke slipping between her wrinkled lips courtesy of the small pipe she held. “I understand.” Her sharp eyes locked upon the door where you’d been about to knock. “I trust you’re well rested now? That bath and a fresh set of clothes work wonders upon a person.”

You’d woken no more than an hour ago, finding yourself alone within a strange room but with his article of clothing tucked around your form as his arms had been calmed your panic. A familiar whiny sounded from somewhere in the distance, one that you recognized as the horse he rode, meaning the swordsman was nearby and hadn’t left you alone after all. The name of a shy girl who poked her head in to check in on you escaped your memory but she was kind nonetheless as she assisted in helping you bathe then dress in similar clothing to her own. That was how you found yourself standing on the opposite side of the door where an elder woman’s voice could be heard. Curiously, and cautiously, you slowly entered and instantly found the silent swordsman sitting across the village’s elder.

The sword he had been cleaning and caring for was returned to its sheath with a ringing note of metal, the same sound you’d heard back within what had once been your home, those blue eyes meeting yours the moment you’d entered. He made to stand but remained seated when you quickly moved to sit at his left, offering him the clothing that had been offered to keep you warm while sleeping, earning a slight bob of his head while accepting the dark hued hood. That brilliant gaze of his drifted across your being before they met Impa’s.

“It’s the least we could do for her.” An expression of sternness filled the older woman’s aged features. “I assume she will be left within our care?”

Panic pierced itself into your chest like an invisible blade. Stay here? Is that what they had been talking about while you slept? The hands resting within your lap clenched into fists. You hated being a burden, especially to those who had been so generous, so if it meant your paths had to separate then you’d willingly accept this choice. He’d already done so much for you. It wouldn’t be right to continue to cling—

A curt shake of his head cutoff the rest of your internal sentence.

Silence fell heavily as your gaze, which had fallen to rest upon the tatami-like floor, rose to find the Hylian’s face unreadable but an unrelenting glint within his azure gaze. Was he truly objecting to the elder’s wisdom filled words? Brief doubt took root within your chest, making it suddenly harder to breathe, when recalling how helpless you’d been during the attack. It was overshadowed by determination as you readily met his glance that was sent over a shoulder as if to check if you agreed. That was what you wanted more than anything, to travel alongside the man who had saved you from being alone.

Impa, modestly surprised by his action, narrowed her eyes. “Remember that traveling and battling with another adds with it more stress alongside resources. You have much to accomplish still. Having someone, no matter who they may be, might compromise—”

Blue eyes narrowed. She stays with me, they said, if you feel so strongly against my decision than try to take her by force.

This was certainly a shocking turn of events to Impa as she watched your expression of panic melt into one of gratitude. Within your gaze she saw willpower that spoke of determination; the shifting colors within your eyes spoke of how you made internal promises to learn combat and horseback riding, anything if it meant you would remain beside the silent swordsman whose gaze softened ever so slightly when they met yours. Her pipe tapped against the nearby tray, emptying the spent ash, as she huffed. “I can tell when my breath should be spared. Clearly the two of you have your minds made up and if I know the Champion like I do, then nothing is going to change that stubborn head of his.” A smile raised her aged lips when your head tilted and the Hylian stiffened slightly while shifting slightly so he was partially facing you. “Oh, so you didn’t know?” The elder woman’s glee increased when he attempted to divert your attention to the hood you’d returned, fixing it to your shoulders instead of his own. It was clear that he wanted you to discover for yourself just who he was so for now she decided to play his game. “Very well. I’ll have the supplies gathered and then the two of you can head out in the morning.” Her hands rose when receiving both yours and his pointed looks. “Tonight then.” It was then that she excused herself to oversee preparations for your departure, leaving the two of you alone.

Your fingertips rose to brush against the hood’s rim after he ensured it was properly secured courtesy of some small straps and a knot of strings near your collarbone. He was really giving it to you? The briefest of nods confirmed your unvoiced question, his hands lingering upon your form for a second too long for it to be considered innocent, calloused fingers carefully tucking a tress of your hair behind an ear before withdrawing to take up the scabbard which had been resting across his lap.

It was a beautiful weapon, seemingly made of flawless materials and radiating such strength that befitted the swordsman who wielded it. There was something special about it though that seemed different than most. As if it were alive in some way. That was when you extended a hand, asking permission that was granted with a nod, and placed your palm upon the highly polished metal.

So faint it was almost missed a sound filled the air that created sceneries of cloudless skies within both of your minds.

His blue gaze met your own when a shout that preparations were complete courtesy of an old woman elder. Anticipation rose within them the longer they remained locked with your own until you gave a small, assuring smile. Traveling with him was what you wished to do, so long as he would have you, but it would be hard to do so without proper introductions. The swordsman’s breath stalled slightly when your name, and voice, filled his ears. Both were so befitting of you that it left him stunned for a moment. How could such things worthy of ownership by a deity or higher being belong to the young woman who sat before him? Deep within his chest grew a seed that quietly slumbered but grew warm when surrounded by the internal repetitions of your name within his mind. The lids of his eyes closed for a brief moment, as if committing your name and voice to memory, before they rose once more to reveal gem rivaling blue that bore into your own. “Link.”

Calming dusk filled your mind as his voice, though spoken softly, permeated the air with such pure energy that it left near visible aqua and mint colored tendrils. They twisted and danced like the fabled fairies you’d heard tales told of while sitting around campfires with visiting travelers. Yet somehow, beyond the beauty of those translucent aura wisps, your mind was filled with the glittering innards of a precious emerald who bathed the two of you within its calming green hue. Despite the breathtaking sight of fragmented gemstones, your gaze always returned to the faint teal tendrils that danced on wind that neither of you could feel.

So that’s what the elder meant when calling him “Champion”. He was the Hylian who had been chosen to not only be Princess Zelda’s knight but one of the Five Champions of Hyrule selected to fight against the Calamity. Now you could see the heavy shadows of darkness and feel the pressure of expectations that lingered within the fading trails of blue that came close enough for you to touch. You’d heard of stories where nearly a century ago he and the princess had mysteriously disappeared when Calamity Ganon had taken over the castle.

One of your hands rose to gently brush your fingers along a wisp as it approached, ever so gently caressing it with your fingertips, making it seem to tremble while radiating with hesitation. You could feel him there, attempting to surface and fight against the near drowning pressures or expectations thrust upon him, and that was when your palm met his cheek. The skin here was soft, warm, a bit dry from being exposed to the sun’s harsh rays. That was on the outside though. Beneath it you could feel his want to—

“Didn’t you two hear me the first time?” Impa’s call broke the spell.

Both of you blinked as the visage vanished, revealing the room’s decorations and four walls once more. Azure was unable to look away from your gaze as, in unison, the two of you stood. It was as if you had been seeing his very soul just now. He hadn’t felt alarmed, or angry that you were capable of seeing beyond his outer exterior. If anything he looked relieved while offering you his hand once more as he had back in the village. Nearly every person he’d encountered across Hyrule expected him to speak as some fabled hero of legend, which he’d come to accept that he was so-to-speak, whose sole purpose was to serve and protect their princess.

Not you though.

He somehow knew you could see the ancient hero’s green interlaced with his much more blue tinted aura. However you seemed more fascinated and intrigued with the parts that were his alone. As if the person you solely focused upon wasn’t the phantom of a long passed hero but the man in front of you instead.

Your hand slid itself within his offered one, giving it a squeeze. “Teach me?”

If your words surprised him, he didn’t show it. Instead the warrior fixed a look of warning, I will not be an easy teacher and the training will be difficult. He was met by your determined nod followed by the straightening of your spine. Conviction shone brightly within your gaze as it readily met his own. The Master Sword was secured upon his back, it’s rightful place, as his being tilted towards the door. Let’s not dawdle then, his eyes seemed to smile when you quickly fell into step alongside him as he began walking, best not to keep Impa waiting any longer.

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

Hello, loves! This one was SFW and minor friendly but there will be a future part unfit for those ratings. I will be sure to mark them appropriately! See you next time! -Suntory

ahhhhhhhhhh

his tranquil mood was the opposite of what I felt while I frantically attempted to paint this

i'm glad you liked it!! here's a continuation of the Tigo AU?? i guess you can call it that??

LMAO anyways! thank you for another request!

~~~~~~

MASTERLIST

Little Lynel Man (part 2)

[Link x genderneutral!Reader]

warnings: none!!

note: it'll be pre-calamity for this one!

~~~~~~

Explaining to the other Champions that you had a domestic Lynel wasn't as terrible a task as you thought it would be

Besides the fact that Zelda was absolutely terrified of Tigo but she got over it eventually

The Champions thought it would be a good idea to train Tigo in different aspects of combat and support, mirroring what a wild Lynel could do