#zelink poll

TP Zelink is a really fun one to me, I wish I would finish my WIPs of them already. ^^" I know they get the "hardly interact" treatment a lot, but I think there's a lot more potential there!! From the start, they seem to have a peace with each other most characters in the game just don't possess. It's definitely not love at first sight or anything (considering he was literally a dog), but it's the start of a mutual respect we see all the way through to the end! Zelda puts her trust in Link and Midna to the point of literally giving them her soul— and when it is returned to her body, she bows to Link in respect and fights alongside him. I like to imagine Zelda really began to catch small feelings for Link when she watched his feats through Midna's eyes, when they were one. And, for Link... I can't imagine watching somebody fight the King of Evil with a bow and arrow while also riding a horse without a saddle. The immense strength that takes, he had to at least be a little smitten (< protecting). Though, really, I don't think any small crushes they may have becomes anything real until the aftermath. All of Hyrule has essentially been reborn; the castle was destroyed and must be rebuilt, sure, but both of them have been changed forever, too. It's why Link can't bear to stay in Ordon permanently anymore. These two, throughout the game, were stripped of their agency (and their bodies) and lost people important to them. They both felt responsibility to avenge these people or get them back, no matter what it cost them. I think, after Midna is gone, they only have each other who can understand the battle against Ganondorf.

(Also, funny story, while making the poll it glitched and made all the results "fanfiction" 😭)