#link alttp

HOLY SHIT WAS THIS A BEAST BUT IT WAS ALSO SO WORTH IT. had the lines down over a week ago but had to hold off to do my uni assignments, and was buzzing with anticipation to finish it. this is my (first) love letter to alttp, the story that has captivated me in all of its old zelda storytelling charm. i havent even finished the dark palace yet.

there's obvious symbols here, with link reaching for the triforce as is commanded of them, and his rescue of zelda in tandem with his bunny form, moments both of them were vulnerable and felt trapped. but i also wanted to convey more of their relationship in this, how i see it - the complications of zelda only able to rely on link, but also how it is inextricably tied to his duty and ability to fight for her (represented by the sword), not any sort of connection they have as companions or friends. link is looking away from her, to the goal, the only thing he has that is sure, the only thing he has to keep pushing towards, unable to stop and consider what has happened to him, to them - and zelda looks at a viewer, in the same way as in the cell, trapped by what they must do, and what may have always been a destiny. the golden triangle reflected in her eyes, ears pointed up to the heavens. and, as well, how everything is bracketed by those that came before them: the castle pillars, the knights and the king, the adults and those of the prior generation having failed those of the current, leaving them with no choice but to pick up the shattered remains of the kingdom. a whole world of light, and darkness, and infinite colour, streaking across their minds like lightning