#schvlar

"Zelda.." the name seeped through his sharp teeth like dreaded poison to the ears. His piercing eyes pinned on her as he tilted his head." I've crossed this so called 'line' long before you truly existed. Or..should I call you 'Sage of Time'?"

His eyes shut slowly as the gloom spread quickly from his feet towards her. Gloom hands finding their way from the muck before they stopped inches from her. The eyes on the palms blinking and staring at her. Studying every inch of her.

Escorting her to the statue of the Goddess in Akkala should’ve been a routine duty. Another small piece in the growing weight of responsibility laid on their shoulders as Hyrule teetered toward war. And yet, as hooves struck soft earth and wind played gently with her white cloak behind him, it didn’t feel routine. It felt like a moment caught between two tides before destiny claimed them, before the silence between them hardened into necessity. He knew he shouldn’t think of her this way. She was the Princess, daughter of the royal line, bound to her own battles with divinity and duty. But Link was only flesh and blood, and in these rare, quiet moments, his heart betrayed him.

He dared not glance back at her. If he did, he might forget to keep his distance. Might forget the lines carved into place by crown, by prophecy, by the growing shadow on the horizon. Still, every movement he made, the steady grip on the reins, the way he positioned himself between her and any hidden threat, the pace he kept just fast enough to shield her from what might come, was touched by a devotion he would never voice. The temple rose ahead in the clearing like a relic of better days. Link slowed, dismounting in one silent motion. His hand hovered near the hilt of his sword, not out of fear, but because it grounded him. It reminded him of who he was; her protector, her knight. Nothing more.

Your Meeting with the Chieftain

😊 [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] — not intimidating at all

protective prompts ( @schvlar )

What can she do, indeed ?

" You've got those sealing light powers or whatever, right ? "

Kohga's arms are tight around the footsoldier who's gone limp in his grasp, the injured Yiga's weak coughs the only indication that there's life in him still. Too much exposure to malice, these damn monsters just keep coming, it's overwhelming—

. . . he can't afford to lose another man on his watch. Not like this, not when there's so few of them left and the idea of losing just one more is enough to make Kohga want to wretch—

This guy's got siblings. Parents. People who care about him. Just like Kohga does.

Zelda seems to be positively glowing before him, radiant to a fault with her new powers unlocked. To think there was a time he wanted to see that light snuffed out. Now it might be the only thing that saves them all. . . humbling, really.

" So, does that mean. . . can you help him ? " Kohga asks softly, but voice no less urgent. " Malice has gotten to him. I-it's bad. " Hang in there buddy— Kohga murmurs to the other Yiga.

It shouldn't hurt to ask for help, but it's not a thing the Yiga have ever had any luxury of for as long as Hyrule scorned them, and they in return, with centuries of relying on no one but themselves. It's always suited them just fine. Until now.

But this kind of help is all any of them have left now. What choice does Kohga have but to reach with his own hand and clasp the other one held in front of him ? It's a start, and maybe a glimpse of a future, too.

@schvlar has entered. ❛ Never forget that you’re worth more than any man who’s lucky to marry you. ❜

"We're more than just beautiful gems to adorn their jewelry, you and I."

A smile graced the young Zora's lips as she let out a small laugh. Yes, that statement was true, factually and figuratively. Mipha would outrank any suitor that crossed her path lest she were to marry a king of some foreign land! But nay, her father wouldn't dare allow her to leave the lands she's grown and lived in for her entire life, nor would he allow just anyone to take his precious daughter's hand.

As heirs to their prospective thrones, the Zora and Hyrulean Princess were destined to marry someone to continue their lines. Whispers of their debut in a more formal setting were not uncommon, nor were they dismayed by the oncoming conflict. In fact, Mipha was one who quietly enjoyed the idea of a forthcoming court season to announce that she was eligible for marriage. And that she had already chosen one to receive her special armor.

The armor that she currently grasps in her claws.

( @schvlar )

' Master Kohga ' he wants to correct but doesn't quite have it in him to be so testy when the princess is giving him those doe-eyes with a voice as sweet as honey. Ugh. He's starting to feel like a traitor to himself, becoming all soft for a royal of all people. But for all the times he and his clan have attempted to take her life, she approaches him without a shred of fear, all earnest sincerity and an eagerness to learn.

It's hard not to like her.

"Vavent-ir..." Urbosa cursed softly under her breath, wrist curling around her Goddaughter protectively. The cave-in didn't seem to have injured her, or their equipment, but it still sealed them into near-complete darkness. They still had one torch, luckily made from luminous stone so it wouldn't eat their air.

"Are you alright, princess?" Mentally or physically, frankly.

Once she was assured Zelda was well enough to keep herself upright, Urbosa bent over for the torch and began running a hand along the walls. The cavern they'd gotten sealed in was perhaps ten feet high - comfortable for Urbosa, if not a little stiffing - and seemed mostly round, about 200 feet from edge to edge. She cast the lantern up high, casting shadows of stalagmites and stalactites across the walls like trees in a forest. Her free hand stayed on her hip, lest then uncover some cave-dwelling fauna or worse.

Fairies and Festivals

"I have no doubt that you will be, little bird."

It was not like Urbosa to be terribly sentimental, especially by other cultures' standards, but she couldn't help it. Zelda had grown into such a kind, concerned, intelligent young woman. It was hard for her to believe that she had once held her in her arms, just as it was to see her own Etanna grow into a general.