#naburoo

[petitexmagician]

Honestly what was the point for Ganondorf in OoT to make a weird good move by accident or on whim in holding the ranch hostage by making Ingo the new ranch keep? Seriously it doesn’t make any sense if the key players in stopping him are both hidden, dealing with the mess he did in their own turf or in Link’s unwilling case - asleep and in Naburoo’s unwilling case mind controlled by the very women that raised the thief king. 

#ooc // Let's Start the Show! #seriously what was the point for the guy to do that- #like did Ingo roll up to that re dead filled town to get to the castle and snitched on talon making him the new ranch head #because in some sense he was right about talon not taking his job seriously

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 11

No reposts please. Clearly it’s just Fanfiction, but I still wrote it. Thank youz!

WARNINGS: Teen+ for this chapter. Depicts minor sexual violence and themes and Strong language. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ___________________________________

Heart of Wisdom | Chapter 11 | Power

Horses atop a seaside cliff bore their riders who observed the ocean in detestation. The briny air was disgusting, stinging his eyes and leaving the taste of salt and old fish on his tongue. It didn’t help his mood that they’d ridden so far for nothing.

The Warlord had enjoyed burning the village of the Hero to the ground. Watching those he knew that the Hero cared for scream as they died, running in fear… it had been exhilarating. He’d seen some of the men displeased at the slaughter of women and children and taken note. However he needed all the people he could right now, and had stopped in the next town to buy drinks, food and women to celebrate. It had worked for the most part, which until he summoned and gathered an army, would have to do.

“Griffin,” Naburoo said from the horse aside his. Her red hair whipped in the wind and she looked about as happy as he felt.

“Ganon,” The Warlord corrected. The name was right. Comfortable… and he was beginning to feel the power stir within him. He’d been transporting them short distances with magic he’d never before had. It corsed through him, whispering to him in quiet moments and reminding him who he was.

“Of course,” Naburoo sighed, eyes casting out over the corrugated sea. “Are we to proceed?”

Sighing internally, he could feel the Zora Kingdom beneath the waves… but it was too far out. There was no way for them to reach it that for out at the depth it sat. “Not yet,” he grumbled. “Not yet. My power is not such that we can take revenge on that shrew of a mermaid Princess.” Jerking the reins of his enormous black stallion, Ganon turned away from the cliff’s edge. “It will come. The Zora will flock to aid Hyrule. They will come to us, and then, we will have revenge.”

“Will you try and fuck her too?” Naburoo sniped, turning her horse to follow him.

Ganon smirked. She had been so very angry, jealous and bitter since the night his Goddess had quite literally slipped through his fingers. Most men would be annoyed by her bickering and jibes, Ganon merely smirked. He relished her jealousy, and it made her a hellcat in his bed.

“If I so choose,” he chuckled. “But I will be ruler of this land. This World. Intend to do as I please, when I please. That includes who I please.”

Turning to look at her, she fumed from her saddle with a glare that would strike lesser men dead. Reaching out to grab the reins of her horse, she was not fast enough to snatch them away. As his men drew away from the cliffside after his lead, Gannon pulled Naburoo’s horse over to his and reached out. Wrapping his arm around her waist he pulled her from her horse despite her flailing protest and across his lap. She was spitting mad, furious, but he held her fast, chuckled as he bid her to stop fighting, which eventually she did out of realization she was not going to overpower him.

“Who do you think will be my Queen?” he purred. He did have every intention of elevating her to such a status. She was ruthless, dedicated to him, and loyal. She would have responsibilities giving him time to do as he pleased, but she would still be rewarded for her loyalty.

“One of your whores?”

“You, Naburoo.” His voice was enticing, and his lips brushed her neck as he spoke with the intent of seducing her. “I’ll have my lovers, you may have yours, but at the end of the night, you, and you alone will be my Queen.”

She was still tense, but she stopped fighting entirely and sighed. “Queen of the world is an appealing prospect.”

“There is no one else I would trust for such. You above all others have proven your loyalty. All others are merely sweet flesh for me to slake lust. You, you are the only one worthy to be my Queen.” There it was. She relaxed back against him, and Ganon smiled. She was his again - hook, line and sinker. It was almost pathetic. It had been before she learned of his advances upon the Princess Zelda. Since then she’d made it far more of a challenge, more interesting and he loved it.

She turned to sit in front of him in the saddle, taking the reins of her horse as he handed them off, slipping one hand under her cloak and gripping the softer bits of her anatomy inappropriately before shouting to the men, “We ride for Hyrule Castle!”

By evening they had reached the outskirts of Faron Woods. It would be another day’s ride through the woods to Hyrule field and at least a half day to the Castle from there. The Gerudan camp looked out of place amongst the green grass and trees of Faron - but it was what they had. Despite the desert colors and bright accents that were the style of his people, Ganon doubted greatly that anyone would attack them. Woe be to the fools that tried.

The fires were dying down, the plentiful bounty that had been hunted for their dinner had left him feeling full, and after taking his pleasure of Naburoo, the warlord felt satisfied and lethargic. Staring at the fire pit in his tent, Naburoo slept peacefully, nude and nearly on top of him while Ganon let his thoughts wander. There was an itch between his shoulderblades that had begun on their approach to Faron Woods, growing the closer they drew.

The Sword of Evil’s bane.

In his first dreams, the Goddess had been protected by a form obfuscated in light, wielding a sword… it was that same sword he felt now.

The memories were coming more easily now. Being bound on the surface beneath the blissfully ignorant humans the Goddess had sent to the sky. His release but ultimate defeat by Hylia and her Chosen Hero. Then, the soul he’d tied himself to - the original Gerudan warlord who had summoned and merged his soul with darkness. The Legacy that assured his rebirth and made him literally the man he was today.

He remembered seducing the Usurper in Twilight, a time with Hyrule was naught but an ocean, and a few other vivid recollections. There was one however that his mind tried to summon, but every time he thought on it too hard it slipped from him. But the flashes look familiar, images that he recognized from this incarnation of Hyrule. Especially flashes of a temple, the Sacred Temple, where the Sword rest. That was vivid. He would know it when he saw it, though he had no idea how to find it.

Ganon was beginning to believe that perhaps the battles he’d heard about in the heart of the land recently were more than merely a nameless Warlock.

Struck by inspiration, Ganon looked down to Naburoo and carefully extricated himself from her embrace, leaving her sleeping in the bed as he stood to dress. The night was cool, but after his time in the Outlands it was balmy against his skin this far south.

Stealing out into the night, Ganon carried his sword and crept between tents and his men even sleeping out under the stars having had too much to drink. The woods were quiet, but alive with the soft sounds of nature in the evening… it was obnoxious. He far preferred the silence of the Desert, or the whistle of the frozen Outlands wind. And yet, he took one step beyond the tree line, the woods began to fall to a hush. The Lands of the Goddess recognized danger when it approached - triggering a smile from the warlord.

He trekked, unimpeded and quietly through the mossy underbrush, following the growing itch between his shoulder blades. It felt for a time that he was wandering aimlessly, but with a bit of trial and error, eventually he found what seemed to be the right direction.

Through the trees, the temple was revealed in moonlit splendor. The white stones, covered in vines and moss seemed to almost glow in the moonlight. Despite the ruination of the temple, he could see that it had been traversed fairly recently. Not within the last few days, but the boot prints of many soldiers had not yet faded entirely even with the recent storms. It seemed likely that the battle in the heart of Hyrule had included these grounds.

The magical itch here was now enough to be uncomfortable, and Ganon imagined the closer he got, the worse it would be - yet there was something else. He was compelled to continue. Whispers in his mind said there was something here, something he needed to see… to know. His feet moved on, over the flagstones and grass. Nature had reclaimed this place, despite the evidence of recent disturbance, and it somehow made him uncomfortable beyond the magical irritations. It was peaceful, serene… holy. The static opposite of the way his heart desired the world to be.

He never stopped to question why it was he craved darkness, chaos, perversion of purity - they were all lies. There was nothing in this forsaken world that was not an illusion. Justice, Mercy, Duty - all lies constructed by humans to warm themselves at night against the growing darkness and unavoidable chaos, the inevitable entropy of decay and destruction - Survival, Selfishness, Power - those were real. Those were woven into the very fabric of every man, woman, human, Goron, Zora, Rito, beast and plant under the Goddess’s absent eye. Power was the only constant. Those with it thrived and rose to the top. Those without were crushed underfoot. Be it the deer tracked, chased and killed by the more powerful wolf, to the goblinkin he enslaved, Power was the key to life. IT was more honest, more real.

He who holds the Power has all.

With Power he would rule Hyrule, and gain the praise and fear he longed for and deserved. He was smarter, faster, a better hunter than the rest of his tribe, and his tribe was the best in the land. He was clever, cunning and charming - he could talk his way into and out of anything and everything he desired. He was smart, strategic, observant… He could not be denied his desires. That was only this lifetime. He was the nightmare parents comforted their children over, the eyes in the darkness that everyone feared. A Legend that was destined to rule the lands where none could stand in his way or thwart his rise to power.

And yet he had been stopped. Time and Time again.

The image of The Goddess in his mind, was a girl, hair like sunlight with ribbons and the smile of an angel. He’d not been entirely himself then… he’d bee two people. Souls. Entities? The recollections were vague, but he had loved her. He had hated her, and her fallen Hero when the sky and the land were two different worlds. That had been the beginning. He was denied his love. He was denied his right to destroy and his freedom at their hands, and he had lived to see them elevated on high…

Though it was millennia ago now, the knowledge, and recollection still enraged him. Fists clenched at his sides, Ganon realized that he’d been walking whilst in thought. Now he stood inside the ruined temple and adjacent to a set of large, closed stone doors. Jarred from his reflections, a single inspiration struck him like a bolt of lightning leaving him dumbstruck a moment.

The sword was just beyond this door.

As was a part of his very soul.

Both thrummed through his blood, the presence of the instrument of the Goddess causing every fiber of his existence to itch and burn. He was coming to understand that his current state was an almost larval form of his glorious power - so the whispers said. Being this close to the Sword of Evil’s Bane was more than uncomfortable. He was not yet powerful enough to withstand its presence. But he also felt that power trapped beneath it. He didn’t have to open the door to see - The sword would be point downward in a stone, under which a magically trapped piece of himself lay bound.

Raising a hand up to rest on the cool stone, the energy emanating from within sent a thrill through his body, and so much more. On the back of his right hand that lay against the stone sigil of the Goddess carved into the door, the shape of the Triforce illuminated magically. The top Triforce of the three shone more brightly than the rest… the Triforce of power.

It was his. He possessed it… and now, he could wield it.

As if a curtain had been parted or drawn back, Ganon, for that was who he truly was without any doubt in his mind, knew how to use the Triforce within his possession. Taking three steps back, he held up the hand on which the triforce was alight, and forced his concentration on the door. Magic wards of a different but also old magic not of the Triforce resisted him, attempted to keep him shut out. It merely served to inspire a greater determination in him.

Fist clenched once more, Ganon’s body shook with tension and the force of will he was exerting over the magic resisting him. Sweat beaded on his forehead, teeth ground together and a roar bubbling up to tear from from his throat as finally the magic buckled and shattered.

Before him the doors swung open slowly. There it was, the Master Sword, polished and perfect shining in the moonlight. Driven into a marble stone, the inscription was clear as the day it had been made.

“He who wields Power without Wisdom, cannot possess Courage.”

A quaint nursery rhyme, and empty comfort to the fools of Hyrule he was certain. And trapped beneath it, he felt true power - the rest of his soul.

Striding forward confidently, he knew he’d not be able to wield the sword, but he could take it where the little boy could never find it, and would be helpless against him. It would also free his power to return to him, sealing the fate of Hyrule.

Reaching out he went to grip the handle and was shocked, quite literally, with a jolt of energy so powerful his heart skipped several beats as he flew backwards through the air and onto the stone floor.

Goblin shit.

He’d expected, even known that wielding the damnable thing was off the table, but not even being able to touch it? Forsaken whore of a Goddess. He’d hold her down and make her scream for this. Trapping a man’s soul for centuries… she was no better than her professed detestation for his destruction of lifetimes passed. 

“And what precisely did you think would happen?”

#heart of wisdom #zelink #legend of zelda #zelda #link #volga #impa #midna #naburoo #ganon #ganondorf #wisdom #courage #power #hwzelink #hyrule warriors

[bokettochild]

zelganlink? (i don’t really mind but there’s specific requirements for these ships for me)

Again, I'm hesitant with Ganon ships. Everyone deserves to be happy, but this guy....

I have my reservations about putting him with anyone or any group of people, even Naburoo (although Growing Up Gerudo has my full support with their shipping of them because they are adorable together in that AU)

#loz ganon #princess zelda #link #asks and answers #asks game

[krissyrey96]

If I ever went to a gaming conference of some kinda, I would go all out as Naburoo (apologize if that's spelled wrong, my mind went blank on how to spell it)

#Ocarina of Time #sages #Naburoo

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 12

WARNINGS: Teen+ for this chapter. Depicts minor sexual violence and themes and strong Language. This is where it gets a bit dark. You have been warned. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. _____________________________________________________

Heart of Wisdom | Chapter 12 | Wisdom

“And what precisely did you think would happen?” A voice came from the open door. Naburoo stood there, arms crossed and smirking at him where he yet sprawled in shock and rage on the stones.

“Insolent bitch,” he growled, getting to his feet. “You dare speak to me in that manner?” He raised his hands and stalked towards her with every intention of striking her, but Naburoo kept her head high, raising an eyebrow defiantly.

“You’re never going to defeat them if you don’t think, my lord.”

He halted his pace, livid, but finding something in her words to ring true. “Explain.”

“You were mumbling aloud. You knew you could not wield the sword, yet you went to take it. Just exactly how did you think taking it and wielding it were any different?” He sneered, anger boiling, but she had a point.

“And what would you suggest, witch?”

“To follow through with your plan to ride for Hyrule Castle. With one Minor adjustment.” She held up a finger to indicate her meaning, and began to pace in front of him. “Our discussion of lovers made me think the other night - You promise me Queen. But there is still a government to overthrow, a war to fight, and we may not yet survive. At least my own survival is not guaranteed. I started trying to think of ways that it could be.”

“Get to the point, woman,” he ground out.

“What if there didn’t have to be a war?” she stopped and looked him dead in the eye. “What if... you were crown the King of Hyrule the day after we arrived?” Interest piqued, Ganon took a step closer to her as his curiosity began to outweigh his anger.

“And how, my ear, would we go about that?”

“Marry the Princess you so desire, of course.”

Head thrown back, his long, dreadlocked hair jingled with the trinkets dancing under the force with which his shoulder shook. “Now I know you are mad!”

“Am I?” Naburoo asked, smile like a snake charming the mouse. “What if she had no choice?” He his laughter died abruptly and she again had his attention, Naburoo moved past him into the chamber, staring at the Sacred Sword. “You need this removed to regain your full power. Yet we cannot remove it.” To prove her point, she grabbed the hilt - a far cry from his failure - but illustrated the complete immobility of the object.

“The Hero must remove it.”

“So the Hero shall,” she grinned, returning her gaze to him. “We ride to Hyrule. We gain audience - She will not turn us away if we ride under the banner of peace and disguised intentions. You tell her either she marries you, or you burn the country to the ground. Say she accepts and you are crowned king. The Hero is forced to watch his beloved rule under your thumb and abused in your bed. If he does not straight away leave for this place I would be surprised. Or,” she said, sauntering forward confidently, “The Princess denies you, and I wager we get through no more than 2 villages before the The Hero appears with the Sword. Either way, you will then be restored to full power, and there will be no one to stop you.”

The blooming admiration for her devious plan brought a smile to Ganon’s face. Reaching out, he yanked Naburoo against him and crushed her soft body to his. “And where are you in all of this?” he asked.

“By your side. Advisor. General of the army perhaps,” she grinned. “The woman who might have to share your bed while you break the Princess’s spirit and body, but will still be drawing your eye and lust when you’ve grown bored with her.”

His eyebrows raised, never had he considered Naburoo to be quite as depraved as he was… until now. “What brought this about?”

“I hate her,” she seethed genuinely, her smile gone. “I love you. I want to watch you break her, and her hero. Slowly.”

With a truly pleased and growing laughter, Ganon turned to take one last look at the Sacred Sword, before bending to throw Naburoo over his shoulder. They were done here, and he had a new lust to slake.

***

Zelda found it was difficult to hear anything Naburoo had to say over the sound of blood rushing in her ears. She stood, unarmed, with two Gerudan soldiers, a man and a woman, in the same spot she’d promised war and conquering of Hyrule.

She’d immediately been suspicious when the squire had brought the news of 3 Gerudan’s riding from the West under a banner of white. She’d known that Ganon would not be one of them as their eternal foe had never been that stupid. After his assault of her with the confirmation writ from Volga, Princess Ruto and Link as Hyrule’s Hero it had not been hard to convince the Council to rule Ganon - as he was now being called - Kill on sight.

Suspicious of the peace banner under which his minions rode, Zelda had agreed to grant them an audience for hopes of a glimpse into Ganon’s plans. She had so hoped that Naburoo and her lackeys were coming to brag, and would perhaps unwittingly give up a piece of information that would help them track down or combat Ganon more easily. The proposal they brought however wa the last thing she’d expected.

Link stared at her, his eyes the color of the sky on a summer’s day bore into her. He knew her. He knew her heart,  her mind and soul. He also knew that the treaty of which Naburoo was speaking was an opportunity… and Link knew her duty to the land.

Marriage. To Ganon.

It was suicide. It would not be the peaceful sharing of power that Naburoo’s honeyed words attempted to make it sound. It would be the empire of darkness in which she was a slave, and the slow ruin of Hyrule... rather than the rapid ruin that war with Ganon promised.

However, it would impede the decline. It would give them time, time they might not otherwise have.

Impa was furious and shaking next to her, Link’s stillness spoke of a rage beyond that of her Sheikan General. Volga stood at the base of the dais to the throne, fully armored, helm down and arms crossed, his great spear affixed to his back, and while she could not be seen, Zelda felt Midna’s invisible presence from behind the throne. No, it was not the heroes from across time they had amassed merely months before to fight Cia’s darkness and Darkness Himself, but they were strong allies who were no strangers to championing Hyrule.

She could not disappoint them. She could not let the Hyrulean people suffer. After all, despite the candied speech Naburoo had started with, it had been made clear that if Zelda did not accept this offer of marriage, that the countryside and innocents of Hyrule would pay in blood. That alone she could not endure.

Standing slowly, having realized Naburoo’s somewhat mocking bow meant that she was done with her response, Zelda looked down on her coldly. The foolish warrior woman, seduced by lies and power had no idea the nightmare and ruination she courted. Or perhaps she did - which was even worse. Despite knowing what she had to do, Zelda found no warmth or sympathy for the snake of a person in front of her.

“Tell your master I accept,” she said, letting all the ice she felt for Naburoo and the situation drip from her words. It was slight, but Zelda watched the woman’s eye twitch. Seemed that she’d been hoping for more village burning. Too bad. “I will have preparations made, and in three days time, he is to appear here, unarmed and under a banner of peace, and ready to wed.”

Naburoo’s smile would have looked more appropriate if her teeth had truly been made of broken glass or daggers. “As your majesty commands. I look forward to the bright future-”

“We’re done here,” Zelda interrupted and held out her hand. When Link provided his arm, he was so tense and furious that he may as well be made of stone. “Court dismissed. I must  make preparations.”

The moment they were out of the throne room and ensconced in her study, her three companions exploded into fits of anger and disapproval.

“You cannot marry him,” Link seethed. “He ill kill you and destroy Hyrule regardless of what he says. This is NOT the answer. You can’t believe him!!”

“I am inclined to agree with the Hero,” Volga nodded.

“Princess this is insanity!” Impa flailed. “How can we possibly think that letting him behind our defenses will solve any of this! How do we know he’s not burning villages right this very instant?”

“He could be anywhere amassing more of an army to march now that he has a pass.”

“He is the very heart of Darkness-”

“It’s suicide!”

“Please tell me there’s something I’m not seeing. This can’t be your idea of a good plan-”

A cool hand rest on Zelda’s shoulder where she faced away from them, tears streaming down her cheeks where they could not see. It was Midna’s hand, her appearance in the room silencing the others.

“You did what you had to. Will three days be enough?”

“It will have to be,” Zelda replied, her voice soft and broken with emotion. Covering Midna’s hand with hers, she squeezed it in silent thanks for her understanding before turning on the rest of the room. “Your lack of faith in my ability to assess and act in a given dangerous situation aside,” she articulated sharply, “I do have a plan.”

Link was still furious, but had the grace to look guilty as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Volga was impassive, and Impa clenched her jaw, looking away as she crossed her arms. “What’s the plan?” Link asked, the bile in his voice subsided as she stepped forward.

“We draw him here, where we can find him. We trap him, be it magically or with the belief that he has won and I am his bride while you,” she said to Link, “And Volga retrieve the Master Sword.”

“That’s two days ride from here, which means-”

“That you will leave tonight. If all goes well, there will only be a day that must be endured under this ruse.”

“A day that he will have his full power,” Link reminded, his intense blue gaze burning into hers. “A day you will be in his grasp, with his full power.”

“A day I risk myself for all the days that Hyrule’s people deserve to live in a world without Demise,” she said confidently, though her tone was soft again with emotion.

“And what if-”

“I will have Impa and Midna. We can teach Midna the magic of the Sheikah to disguise herself. Or she can remain unseen.”

“Ohh, new magic? I’m in!” Midna said chipperly.

“That won’t help if he kills you.”

“Then make sure you hurry back,” she snapped back, this time her emotions were winning. “You think I want this? That I go into this fearing nothing after all the lives and everything he has done even just in this one?” Link recoiled slightly, But Zelda stepped forward. “Do you truly believe that if I thought there was another way to save countless lives, to stop another village, another home from being razed to the ground, I would choose anything other than submitting to the will of Ganon himself?!”

“Zel.. I didn’t mean-”

“Yes,” she said flatly. “You did. Because you weren’t thinking about anything but your anger. You feel like I’m letting him win, and needlessly putting myself in danger. He is not, I assure you of that, I have bought us more time than other options have presented. I have bought us an opportunity to know when and where he will be in order to strike him down, and I have saved the lives of the inhabitants of this land for long enough that hopefully they will never have to know how close to destruction they were. That is not a needless risk.”

Swallowing a lump in her throat, she watched as Link’s temper flared again, but mostly in self recrimination. She was right, and he knew it.

With a shuddering deep breath, Zelda reached out and rest her hands on Link’s shoulders. “What would a battle with Darkness be, if you didn’t have to save me at least once, my love?” she asked, trying for a smile in spite of her tears. “This is my role to play. I need you to play yours once more.”

“What if I’m too late?” His voice cracked softly with his words.

“Don’t be.”

Removing her war crown, she leaned her forehead to his and let his arms come around her waist. “We have a lot to do, and not much time, nor as many strong allies as we had before.”

“What will you say about me being gone, to not tip our hand?”

“You rode off in rage when the princess accepted the proposal of another,” Impa said clearly, her own temper reined in for sake of the plan. “Volga went after you.”

“We will need disguises. At the very least for returning unnoticed,” Volga pointed out.

“I can handle that,” Impa said. “Midna, would you like to accompany me with Volga?” Quick on the draw, Midna nodded and float along behind Impa and Volga out of the study, leaving Zelda and Link together.

“I don’t like this,” Link snarled, his voice rough with emotion.

“Nor do I, love. But what choice do we really have?”

#heart of wisdom #zelink #hwzelink #zelda #link #gannon #impa #volga #midna #naburoo #legend of zelda #fanfiction #fanfic

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 5

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - OH NO GANON! Or is he...? #IMeanYeahWeAllKnowItToo

WARNINGS: Suggestive themes, Teen+ recommended. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 5 - The Building Storm

It was thunder storming the day Volga and the envoy returned from their journey to the Outlands with their news. It wasn’t good news they brought with them, but neither was it entirely bad.

Yet.

As Zelda and Link bustled about seeing to the soaked and chilled envoy, Zelda’s mind was spinning. The Warlord had agreed, at Volga’s coercion, to a Summit with diplomats from all corners of Hyrule. Messages had already been sent out, and while they had some time to prepare Zelda was already nervous.

Volga had verified that the Warlord radiated power. He had been unable to confirm whether or not the man held the Triforce, but it seemed the resemblances between Warlord Griffin and the Ganondorf they had laid to rest not long ago were unnerving even to the brave Dragonknight.

It had been agreed that Volga would return with them to the Summit as the representative of the North, Link, and Zelda herself representing the heart of the Kingdom and a sure fire way to confirm or deny the presence of the Triforce. Impa was to stay behind and guard the kingdom in their absence. She had offered to accompany Zelda for protection while the Hero remained behind to guard the palace, but whatever expression Zelda’s face had made drew a laugh from her guardian and the words, “I did have to try. But I agree the Triforce bearers should go.”

Which was where Zelda’s anxiety was rooted. It would take seeing, conversing to know for certain, but a part of her already knew.

The only respite in this she found was it seemed Naburoo and her platoon were the minority in their perceived offense of the battles with Darkness and had been kicked out of their tribe for their radical opinions. The Gerudan tribes of the South understood what had transpired, and were grateful the heart of Hyrule had vanquished the demons from their lands when they could not. They were even sending an envoy to the Summit to try and aid in the dissuasion of war from one of their own.

The Castle was nearly rebuilt, the land tended after the battles best it could be and the court in its right order. They were still drained of supplies, and the army was too small and who they did have were currently fairly untrained, but it was better than it had been. Such preparations had kept Zelda quite busy all week, dealing with the courts and settling disputes and reimbursements for destroyed lands and properties. Link and Impa had been tirelessly training the newest recruits in the hopes of bolstering the army and the soldiers’ moral. As it stood, she’d only been able to see Link as they were falling asleep at night, despite her efforts to stay awake long enough to talk.

Now, she stood on her sheltered balcony in the storm, shawl wrapped about her shoulders against the damp wind as she watched the lightning and waited. Solitary contemplation had been scarce for her, and after Volga’s report, that she was only now given the opportunity seemed cruel. Not only did her thoughts chase themselves in circles in her mind, but they inspired and collected bits of past life, dark recollection to spice the reflections. The destruction that was nearly brought to the Realm a few months prior. A time when Twilight covered the land and she was a puppet, forced to fight her hero. An Era of unending Darkness in which time had to be manipulated to fix…

...And all of it was going to happen again, for a second time, in this life alone.

It was enough to bring tears to her eyes. How was she to find the strength to endure for her people? Her Friends? The man she loved? No one should have to live through that which she and her friends had already survived… and now twice?

She tried to console herself with the thought that perhaps Griffin was not Ganon reborn, but it was futile. She felt it in the very air - Darkness had returned.

When her bedchamber door opened inside, she turned with hope that her summon was being met. Heart skipping in relief, Zelda rushed inside and into the waiting arms of Link. He was damp from the rain, as was she, but he didn’t hesitate. Scooping her up into his arms, he moved to the bed and set her down, taking the moment to kick off his boots before crawling beside her and reclaiming her into his arms.

In the intimate setting with naught but her betrothed, Zelda was unable to contain her emotional reaction. Weeping into his chest softly, Link’s hands caressing her back were a slight comfort. “Have you spoken with Volga?”

“No,” Link sighed, but he sounded angry. “He’s resting, but Impa brought me up to speed.”

Relief that she didn’t have to regale the Dragonknight’s tale again pulled a sob from her throat. “Link, what are we going to do?”

“I… don’t know. Not yet, but we... we’ll figure it out. Impa is in the library researching what she can find on the old magics, details we don’t remember. You should see those poor, terrified librarians she’s been barking at.” He chuckled, and Zelda smiled against his chest through her tears. He never failed to find a way to lift her spirits. “She also thinks we should reclaim the Master Sword before we go. Just in case.”

Zelda was silent a moment as she weighed that idea in her mind. “No. Not yet. There is still Darkness trapped there. We need not help the possible new Ganon more than we can avoid.”

“That’s basically what I said… just not as eloquently.”

Turning her face up to his, Zelda watched as a pained expression crossed Link’s face a moment before he began to wipe her tears. “What’s wrong?”

“I have just discovered that I cannot bear to see you cry and I will literally break every bone in the Gerudan man’s body for causing you this. Ganon or not.”

“You don’t mean that.”

His eyebrows went up. “Try me.”

“That’s not very good diplomacy,” she teased, feeling better in his arms and under the care of his affection.

“Well, he’s not great at it either. I think Darunia’s hammer might be more satisfying a means of expressing my displeasure with him. Darunia’s hammer directly into his face. I think that will send a pretty clear message, don’t you?” Zelda was laughing now, and while her fears were not erased, they were eased, as Link always had the gift to do. He reached up and caressed her cheek, wiping away the last of her tears. “There’s that smile I love.”

“Just the smile?” she asked, leaning in to close the distance between their lips a bit more.

“And everything attached,” he purred before his lips covered hers and there was nothing but sweet kisses until they fell asleep in one anothers arms.

***

Far to the north, a different storm raged. The blizzard winds battered the mountainside keep as Naburoo huddled inside her cloak. Ths hellish existence was far different from the warm sands of Gerudo Valley where she'd been a child. But such was exile.

Leaning into the wind, she successfully mounted the last few steps if only barely, and pulled open the large, oak double doors. Warmth and the smell of cooking boar greeted her and as the boom of the closing doors echoed through the stone hall. Letting the firelit start to warm her, she leaned against those same doors and sighed, exhausted.

He stood at the fire, one arm behind his back and the other supported his weight where he leaned against the large mantle. There was only the fire to shed light despite the many fire places, so the hall danced with dim shadows and glowing red. The man that she'd loved since she was very young had recently been plagued with nightmares, and the lack of true sleep made his headache. She worried for what he might be contemplating so deeply.

"My Lord," she called and doffed her cloak to the peg insider the door, "the Bobkins and Moblins have nothing to report. The borders are secure." Striding across the stone floor, she probably would have been warmer if she didn't wear the low cut top and hip-slung pants in the style of their people, but Griffin was more and more distracted nowadays, and she desired to be noticed.

His fingers worked against the mantle in a fidget, as his lips curled. "I'm sure they find me quite mad, as do all," he said, his deep, rumbling bass voice sending chills over her skin as she approached.

Running her hands up one of his great, muscular arms, Naburoo admired his features in the firelight. A strong Gerudan nose and fiery red hair to match her own, even the darkness and chill of the north could not pale their naturally dark skin. He was tall, over six feet and muscular. She adored and desired everything about him.

As a handful of miniblins rushed around, chattering to each other as they prepared their master's dinner, Naburoo rubbed her cheek on his arm like an affectionate cat. "Moblins, Bobkins and all other goblins are not intelligent enough to question you, Lord Griffin. You are a powerful warlock, and they recognize that power. Your dreams of invasion and your command to patrol the borders they will not question."

He stared intently at the fire still. But her words tugged a smile at the corners of his mouth. “What about the men you brought me?”

“They would not have come if they did not believe in you.”

"And you?" He asked, his golden gaze shifting to her from the fire.

She smiled up at him. "How could I question such a strong, confident and desirable man?" She asked and leaned in to kiss him.

He gave her a weak kiss back and paused before growling and turning from the fire, his long black winter coat flaring around him and sending a couple miniblins sprawling. "These dreams," he growled, "In these dreams I rule the world. Everyone who comes for me falls to my power, but it is not complete. Thousands of slaves look for something as I command, something to complete my power, but I am dead before it is found. What else could it mean? That here on the precipice of declaring ourselves a kingdom, where Hyrule has known no truly powerful king in centuries, what else could these dreams mean other than someone is plotting my death or planning an invasion?"

They'd been over this a dozen times now. Naburoo pinched the bridge of her nose, eyes crossing in frustration that was becoming familiar. "Who outside of here would want to invade the Outlands, Griffin? There's a reason this hell hole is used for exile."

"Are you calling me a fool for wanting to rule it then?" He asked, turning just his head so that she saw his golden eyes flash. He was in a dangerous mood, so she did not touch her face to her hand as she wished to.

"My Lord," she purred and sauntered forward making sure he noticed her hips, "This is but a stepping stone for you, conquering a land that has yet to be conquered," she moved behind him and reached up to remove his cloak. "Taking control of that which others used for punishment and making it kneel before you... I would never think you a fool for that, because I know it is only the beginning, the springboard to the return of the True King of Hyrule."

With his cloak off, she reached up and began rubbing his shoulders. "King Griffin," she purred in his ear, "Don't you love the sound of it?"

His eyes half-closed in pleasure. Naburoo was his most loyal subject. She had followed him into exile because she believed in what he was doing. That and her bed was warm and inviting. So he would tell her, because it would make her jealous, and he would watch her squirm a bit before taking her and reaffirming her loyalty. "There is a girl," he said softly, eyes half closed under her touch. "Hair like sunlight, eyes like the dawn. In my dreams I want her, I want to possess every fiber of her being. She calls out to me..."

Behind him Naburoo fuzzed like a wet cat, and Griffin chuckled. "But I cannot touch her. There is a light that wields a powerful sword, and keeps her from me. She is my end, my death in the dream, she and her sword wielding light."

Naburoo sneered. "I swear I will destroy any witch with sunlight hair if she comes within three hundred yards of you, milord," she growled. "Light sword or no."

Chuckling louder, Griffin turned and wrapped Naburoo in his arms before cupping her cheek in his large hand. He watched her melt and knew that she would follow him until death. "Help me forget her," he said and leaned down to kiss the woman in his arms, his desire growing hard between them as he thought of nothing but the yellow haired angel of death from his dreams.

#zelink #legend of zelda #zelda #link #fanfic #fanfiction #hyrule warriors #romance #ganon #impa #volga #naburoo

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 15

Chapter 15 - Contains mild language, implied sexual themes and depicts fighting violence.

WARNINGS: Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana.

_____________________________________

Heart of Wisdom | Chapter 15 | Revelation and Resolve

Zelda watched as the preparations for ‘the wedding’ were made in the throne room. Decorations and flowers and people rushing everywhere. Ganon had been seeking her all morning… and had come to her bed room last night to loom over what he had assumed was her sleeping form. It was disturbing and infuriating… but she’d expected it. The illusion she’d created of herself sleeping would have fallen apart if he’d touched it, and she and Mida had sat in Twilight holding their collected breath until he left.

She sat on the throne, wearing her battle accoutrement and crown, holding the Mirror of Twilight and scrying where Ganon was in the castle -in order to avoid him. Not that he could find her just now. Midna had pulled her into Twilight to hide until the last moment they could get away with it. Normal folk became spirits in Twilight, but Zelda possessed the Triforce of Wisdom and was as she had ever been.

“So how are you so certain this isn’t the worst idea ever?” Midna asked from where she float upside down above the throne and watching the mirror as well.

Zelda smiled. “Were you not the one who said Link wouldn’t keep us waiting?” she asked with a grin, waving her hand over the mirror to change the image. What Midna saw pulled her down closer and drew a smile from the Twili. Even in her full form, beautiful and exotic as she was, there was always something impish about her. Moreso when she smiled like that.

“Oooooooooh. Oh, I see!”

Nodding slowly, Zelda beamed at her friend. “It’s almost time to begin.”

-

Ganon stood at the foot of the Dais, trying to maintain his expression of ambivalence as the crowd drew in. Nobles were announced one by one as they were allowed into the throne room, the Sage beside him smiling indifferently and Naburoo watching the crowd for anything and everything suspicious. But in reality. Ganon was irritated. The Princess had not been seen all day, and he suspected she was backing out. No matter, he could turn it to his advantage if she had - he was the to be ruler of Hyrule, and in her absence could take it by force until he hunted her down and dragged her back… but that would take time.

Naburoo had been on edge the whole time. She’d heard nothing of the Hero or the Dragonknight, other than the boy had taken off in a frenzy the last he’d been seen. If there was a ploy, no one at the castle knew it as all serfs and servants, soldiers and Council seemed to truly believe he’d left.

They knew he’d gone for the sword. Ganon had felt his power restored that morning. It had erased the last of Naburoo’s doubts when she’d borne witness to the black lighting and purple fire of the Demon King wreathing his form as he lift from the ground, roaring in laughter. The boy had made it there, but by the time he’d make it back not only would Ganon be King of Hyrule, but he would be ready and with the full power of his legacy at his whim.

“Lord and Lady Gaepora of the Cloudlands,” the herald called as a tall elderly man with a wide belly and his little old hooded wife shuffled in and took their places near the front.

Well his plans would be wonderful if this pomp and circumstance would ever end.

After but a few more nobles, the doors to outside closed and the trumpets sounded, heralding the arrival of the bride. Zelda, the presence of her Triforce thrumming palpably in the air to him and even stronger than before, walked around the corner of the hall at the far end. Wearing not a bridal gown, but that of her warriors’ garb she held her royal rapier, blade pointed to the heavens with both hands in place of a bouquet. It was a statement - that this was for duty and not desire. Ganon smirked and repressed a chortle. Precious. Well she could be defiant for a bit longer. That would be beaten from her eventually.

Impa walked behind her, but did not give her away. Coming to stand by her side as Zelda, cold and distant, turned to face Ganon. He offered his hand, but her gaze was unwavering, as was her hold on her rapier. He sneered and reached out to take her hand by the wrist and try to force it, but as he did so the eerie echo of her imposter from the night before brought  the hairs on his arms up. This time, it did not come from Zelda, but instead all around them, echoing in the throne room.

The moment he touched her wrist, the Sage to marry them disappeared… as did most of the guests save a few Rito, Gorons and Zora who suddenly wore armor and were armed in the seats. That and the Lord and lady Gaepora. From the corners of the room where there were the deepest shadows began to pour forth the black creatures which they’d fought on Hyrule field the day before. It was a different kind of black magic from that which Ganon wielded, but no less old.

“What is this?” Ganon demanded, trying to jerk Zelda to him, but she fought, her face now a mask of anger.

“Your end, Demon.” However it was not Zelda who spoke.

-

It was good that Ganon lashed out when he had, as Link would not have been able to hold his tongue any longer. Throwing off his disguise of the Lady Gaepora, Link drew the Master Sword and kicked the chairs out of his way as he stalked forward.

“Impossible,” Ganon spat, and yanked Zelda hard enough that she cried out, wrapping his arm round her throat to shield himself from the Hero. “You, boy are a pain in my side that I intend to end.”

“I will be a thorn in your side every time, Demon. Every life,” he said, drawing up his sword into a two handed grip and beginning to circle his nemesis, “Anywhere, any time, every time, until I find a way to bind or destroy you forever.”

The warlord chuckled and leaned in to brush his mouth over Zelda’s ear as her face was turning colors from the lack of air he gave her. “Watch as I slaughter your hero, Goddess. This time, I will win.”

Throwing Zelda to Naburoo, Ganon drew the large sword at his belt and laughed slowly as he approached Link… his aura erupting into purple fire.

Chaos broke out in the throne room.

From the high windows and hidden places in the room, Gerudan soldiers appeared and began fighting the Zora, Rito and Goron allies in addition the the beasts of Twilight. Impa charged forward to aid Zelda who had elbowed Naburoo in the ribs and was currently wrestling for her sword to fight the woman. Volga was wielding his great spear and taking on as many Gerudans as he could manage whilst Midna blinked into and out of existence firing weaponized light at their foes from the Mirror of Twilight.

Princes Ruto appeared when the throne room doors were thrown open and a new wave of Zora fighters rushed into the chamber. “Stop the attackers!” Ruto called to her men, “I want them taken prisoner - they will answer for their crimes!”

A flash of gold light shone blindingly from aside the throne, as Zelda freed herself from Naburoo’s grasp. The princess leapt back and leveled her sword at the woman, Naburoo’s scimitar drawn as Zelda squared off… in time for Naburoo to turn and run. The Gerudan woman was darting for the side door in the hopes of making her escape, thinking she would live to fight another day.

Until Impa stepped in her path. Zambato sword slung over her shoulder, the General of the Hyrulean army smirked as Naburoo skid to a halt. “I don’t think so, traitor,” the Sheikah sneered.

Holding her scimitar at ready, Naburoo growled. “Stupid witch, you’re as irrelevant as your dead tribe. I’ll happily end you.”

Bending her knees into a deep stance, one hand out in a mudra before her, Impa nodded. “You may try.” When the Gerudan charged with a wail of fury, Impa did not move. She waited, holding her stance and patience until the very last moment. With one great swing of her sword, Naburoo went flying backwards like a flung ragdoll, landing on her back with a cracking sound as her head hit the stones. The slice would have cut her in half, but Impa had used only the flat of her blade.

Striding forward to loom over her new prisoner, Impa put her foot on the Gerudan’s chest. “You should stay down,” she leered to the breathless woman, gasping now that she’d had the wind knocked from her.

Across the chamber, Zelda had joined the fight with Link. Despite the anarchy around them, the Hero fought the Demon King uninterrupted. Harried by slices and stabs of the sword of Evil’s Bane, Ganon also parried and dodged attacks from Zelda. His great sword rang with the parried blows and grooves made in the stone where his deflected attacks landed. Arrows of light rained down from overhead as Zelda lept off the dais, landing in a roll on the other side of him. Forced to shield himself with his gauntleted arm, Ganon never saw the wave of blue energy from the Master sword coming.

Knocked back to sprawling on the ground, he tried to recover rapidly, but Link was on top of him with a downward stab that took the Demon King in his shoulder. With a great roar of anger and pain, Ganon kicked his feet up, knocking the hero off balance. The warlord then released a blast of power from his magic and the Triforce, throwing Link back against the thrown in a burst of read and purple energy.

The Master Sword dropped during impact, Link’s vision blacking out a moment as a new pain blossomed in his back and head. Distantly he knew Ganon would be charging him and he needed to get it together, but it was difficult in the wake of having hit his head. As the blood rushing in his ears receded and his hearing returned, he heard the Demon King’s roar and clanging armor and opened his eyes just in time to see Zelda land in front of him from somewhere outside his field of vision. She held up a hand and as Ganon swung his sword downwards in a killing blow, the blade wreathed in purple flames struck a barrier.

Gold and blue energy encircled Link and Zelda, the Princess completely confident and unfazed by the blade near her face. Ganon was still roaring, pressing the blade with all of his power down into the magical shield Zelda held effortlessly. “Give up, Demon,” she said, her voice echoing slightly which power.

“Never!” he erupted furiously, spittle evaporating as his aura burst with the purple and black energies he commanded. “You will never destroy me! I AM POWER!”

Link stood and stepped forward, bloodied and panting, but gaze steel and resolute. Gannon gave a cruel and strained chuckle.

“You don’t have it in you boy. You can’t. I am too powerful now-”

However a bolt of pure white light struck him in the back at the same time true orange and red flame assaulted him. Third and finally, blue daggers made of ice and water rained down from overhead and took the warlord to a knee. However his roar of rage and anger was silenced, as the blade of the Master Sword pierced his chest, through to his back and through the plates of his armor. Eyes wide in a moment of shock, Ganon looked from Zelda’s dispassionate expression, the resolve of the Hero who had just skewered him.

“I will rise again,” he coughed, blood running from the corner of his mouth, the man’s strength seeping from him rapidly.

“Not in this life,” a soft, feminine voice said, and around the dying Warlord, an orb of pure magic appeared. Lana stepped from behind the throne, her book open and fingers working the spell, trapping him.

“And one day,” Link seethed from between clenched teeth, “Not ever again.”

With one last choked gurgling noise, Ganon’s eyes unfocused and his body slumped forward. Retrieving the master sword, Link stood as Lana’s orb shrank to encase the pure dark energy the Demon King’s body evaporated into. Midna, having tucked the Mirror of Twilight away, float in the air next to Volga and Impa who’d added their strength to that of Link’s. He smiled and nodded to them, with every intention of apologizing to Zelda for taking so long, when suddenly he was tackled.

Still a bit jumpy from battle, he tensed a moment before his arms came up around the weeping princess who’d wrapped herself around him. “I think my ribs are broken,” he groaned but was grinning against her shoulder.

“You should be more careful,” she sobbed, the edge of laughter shaking her voice.

“Well I don’t mean to interrupt,” Princess Ruto said, sauntering forward, the remaining Gerudans having surrendered in the face of Ganon’s defeat, and Ruto’s personal guard holding up the now unconscious Naburoo, “But what would the Princess of Hyrule like down with the traitors.

Zelda released her grip on Link, but not without stealing a brief kiss before she turned to face the Zoran royalty. Wiping her eyes, Link reached down and took her other hand. Zelda smiled as she nodded to Ruto. “I will have them escorted back to their people. The Gerudans have their ways of dispensing Justice, and I will allow them to police their own as all here are exiled extremists. Captain?” she called, and Impa’s second appeared, slightly battered but no worse for the wear, at full attention. “Please send a missive to the Gerudan Chiefs that we will be transporting their criminals to them. Their Elders will decide their fates.”

“Yes, majesty,” he said with a bow and set off to see it done.

“We’ll need to return this to the Sacred Grove,” Lana said, brushing her blue bangs out of her face and nodding to the soul of Ganon she still had bobbing in midair. “The Triforce will go with it, but that is as it should be.”

“He’s Dinn’s problem now,” Impa grumbled.

“Again,” Zelda corrected.

“And we’ll seal it with the Master Sword.” Link rubbed his forehead with a sigh. His wounds were starting to hurt as his adrenaline began to fade.

“Excellent!” Ruto clapped happily. “So… now that business is settled and we’re all here under the pretense of a wedding, why don’t we actually have one?!”

Despite Ruto’s excitement, everyone just stared at her a moment. There were varied levels of injury from Zelda’s somewhat bruised to Link and Volga’s bleeding and possibly broken bones. Link looked to Zelda and smirked, finding her eyes were also twinkling as she looked back to him. “We have a Noble and Military witness,” he said recalling her words from Snowpeak.

“We have no Sage,” Impa chuckled.

“Yes we do,” Zelda smiled and looked over her shoulder to Lana. “The Sage of Time.”

There was a moment of hesitation from the Sorceress, as Midna, Impa and Volga watched her intensely, Link hoping that this was not too much to ask of his friend. To his surprise and delight however, Lana’s face blossomed into a grin.

Reaching out, she took the now fist sized orb of Ganon’s soul and tucked it into her pouch, runes flashing as she tied it closed with a spell of containment. Coming to stand between Link and Zelda, the sorceress pushed them gently so that they stood a step down on the dais from her, as the illusory Sage had been earlier.

Without discussion or coordination, Midna, Ruto and the soldiers that could, all righted chairs and made the best showing the gathered could manage in the debris of battle, While Impa came to Zelda’s side, and Volga to Link’s.

Link sheathed the Master sword, Zelda her rapier, and joined hands with growing smiles as Lana began. “It has been longer than the reckoning of Time since the Goddess chose her hero,” Lana started, and instantly tears came to Zelda’s eyes… even Link was worried he might cry.

With the most beautiful speech Hyrule had yet to hear, Lana performed the ceremony with grace and eloquence, leaving the gathered joyful and emotional, despite Midna’s attempts to try and hide it. When the blessing were said and traditional vows exchanged, the Sorceress paused. “Link, you have anything to say? Make it good,” she added with a forced whisper, the gathered laughing. Zelda just beamed at him.

“I do.” Clearing his voice, Link brought Zelda’s hand to his lips, brushing her knuckles. “I have always, and will always find you, aid you, save you on the rare occasion you might need it, and time and again, I will love you. Forever.”

Tears refreshed with the swell of love and joy Zelda felt at his words, she nodded. Lana was also choked up, the back of her hand pressed to her lips as she attempted not to blubber. She waved at Zelda, managed a muffed, “Same question…”

Zelda laughed and squeezed Link’s hands. “It is said there was a time that I chose you as my hero. Though none now live who recall the truth of that first life, in my heart I know it doesn’t matter. Because I will always choose you. I will always love you, my Hero.” Link’s smile was warm and bright at her words, his aches entirely forgotten for the moment.

“Oh I can’t even,” Lana wept. “By the power invested in me by Hylia and the three Golden Goddesses as the Guardian Sage of Time, I pronounce you married. Now kiss already!”

With laughter and cheers from the crowd echoing the throne room around them, Link pulled Zelda against his chest as her arms encircled his neck. The world faded around them as his lips pressed to hers, for there was no greater fanfare than the beat of their hearts in that moment, together as one as it always should, and would be.

#zelink #hwzelink #legend of zelda #hyrule warriors #zelda #link #heart of wisdon #volga #impa #midna #ganon #lana #fanfic #fanfiction

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Well... its better. not good yet, but it gets there.

WARNINGS: Suggestive and descriptive adult themes, Teen+ recommended. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 8 - Snowpeak

It hadn’t been easy, getting their horses and packing without trying to wake the entire castle. It seemed that few had heard Zelda’s cries, and none of Naburoo’s men or woman seemed aware anything was amiss. However to try and keep that the status quo, they’d been very quiet in moving gear and saddling Epona and Volga’s horse. It had been made a mite easier however when Ruto arrived with her servants to help them. Link had thanked her graciously, and Ruto had promised she would handle the Summit and outing Griffin’s assault, and be in touch soon.

The trip there he’d been cold but focused with Zelda at his back and irritated that they were having to make the trip frozen head to toe. Now though, Zelda was in his lap across the saddle as Epona seemed more than happy to find the highest speed she could manage to escape the moblins, despite the steep mountainside pass - And Link was warm. Hot even, still so filled with rage as he was. He was confident he’d be furious enough to keep himself and Zelda warm enough all the way home to Hyrule Castle, and they were only headed to Volga’s keep in Snowpeak.

The ride was easier this go, despite the dead of night - the wind was bitter, but it was no longer storming. Volga and Link pressed their horses on, even after the sun began to rise. Zelda was quiet the entire ride. Link had so hoped she would sleep, but the tension in her body coupled with stolen glances assured him she did not sleep a wink the entire ride. When they stopped to rest the horses, she sat bundled by the small fire, saying little to nothing, and while keeping close to him, something had changed. She was distant, silent and seemed… fragile somehow. It was unlike her, and Link was very, very worried.

When grooming Epona to prepare her to set out again, Volga came up and rest a hand on Link’s shoulder. The Hero jumped a little, having known the Dragonknight approached, but not having expected the contact.

“Forgive me,” Volga said softly. “I merely wished to see how your mind fares.”

“I’m worried about her,” Link said stealing a subtle glance and continuing his ministrations. “I’m worried, and I’m still incensed. I’ve never taken war or death, the act of taking a life lightly. And yet all I can think about is all the tortuous and painful ways I am going to festoon Griffin’s remains from here to the sea and back.”

Volga nodded, having turned to keep an eye on Zelda. She was hunched in her cloak and under a blanket, staring at the tin travel mug in her hands. “I’ve seen it before,” he said softly. “She’s in a kind of shock. I had a cousin who was… fully dishonored by a man in her father’s stable. They sent her to stay with me for a while, to give her a change of scenery whilst they handled the trial and execution of her attacker. She didn’t speak for weeks,” he said shaking his head, an old dark pain in his voice turning Link’s head. “She would never stray far from me, her sense of safety having been shattered. However, neither would she accept comfort. She could not stand to be touched.”

“What happened to her?” Link asked softly.

“She returned to her father to discover the Lord who’d disgraced her and ruined her life had been set free when his father paid off the court. She committed suicide a few days later.” Volga’s teeth ground together, ad the air around him warmed. “When Cia first approached me and gave me the power of Darkness, the first thing I did was kill him, his father and burn their entire village to the ground.”

Link stared at his friend in slight surprise, but he also couldn’t disagree. He did turn to observe Zelda a moment in fear, but Volga’s hand came back to his shoulder. “I tell you that to say this - I understand your anger and her pain. But she has you to help her. You will have to be patient, even when she seems irrationally upset, her mind is her own and not for us to know. She will need to you remain sound. Honor your promises and words. Remember even when she thinks she doesn’t want you, she will need you. And I swear here and now,” he said and held out his hand to grip Link’s arm. When the Hero took it, Volga nodded, “I will give my life to aid your revenge. Griffin or Ganon, you will see his end, and I will help in any and every way I can.”

His eyes intense and grateful, Link gave Volga a serious nod. “Thank you, Volga. You are a good man.”

“No,” the Dragonknight laughed, “I’m not. But I am trying to clean my slate.”

***

When they arrived at Snowpeak it was two days later and mid morning. They were greeted by a platoon of Hyrulean soldiers lead by Impa, to Link’s surprise. Though Zelda hadn’t spoken in a few days, she perked up from where she’d refused to leave Link’s lap when riding. “Impa?” Link said voicing his surprise, coming to a stop in the stone courtyard. Impa reached up to help Zelda down and pulled her into a hug. “If you’re here, who’s watching the palace?” Link asked dismounting.

“An ally,” Impa promised. “One I trust. Are you three alright?” The look Link gave her said they decidedly weren’t, but it was a long story. “I know some of it. Princess Ruto was able to work with the Rito sage and send a missive from the summit. It seems Griffin, the Naburoo woman and their loyals have disappeared.” She continued to look at Link intensely as she held Zelda, and Link understood the unspoken question, giving her a nod.

Griffin was Ganon.

Once they were inside and the horses tended, Link paced outside of Zelda’s room, waiting for Impa to resurface, hoping for news that Zelda had spoke, or requested him… something that was a positive change. He’d not bathed or tended himself, which he might should have, but his mind was spinning around whether or not she was alright.

When Impa did appear, the Hero rushed to meet her. “How is she? Did she say anything?”

Impa’s expression was sympathetic, but she shook her head. “Only that she asked to be alone.” He felt his shoulders fall, his worry compounded that his sweet, injured Zelda wouldn’t even speak to Impa. The General rest a hand on Link’s shoulder. “Give her a little time, Link. Volga said she would not be away from you on the journey. I’m sure she just needs a little space to realign her mind.”

There was a lump in his throat of worry, and a fire in his chest of rage. Giving Impa a curt nod, he looked around helplessly a moment before turning on his heel. “I need to go break something.

The inside courtyard, while covered in a thin layer of snow for the open sky above, had plenty of sturdy training equipment. Volga had said to make himself at home, and so Link did. He spent hours practicing, beating slicing and cutting the stone and wood pillars and dummies. It did little to ease his worry and rage, but it did wonders for depleting him of the energy that fueled those emotions.

By the time Link finally sheathed his sword, it was full dark and he was tired and sore. He’d shed many layers despite the cold, and gathered his things he turned to head to the room Volga had given him. He’d been given this room, as it was next to Zelda’s and shared a conjoining door, that stood closed as a grim reminder his betrothed was suffering and there was nothing he could do.

Gritting his teeth, he dropped his clothes and took the towel that had been left for him, his sword and nothing else as he headed for the bath. He was at least too tired to feel the need to go break anything more, but the sinking feeling in his stomach had returned. He hated feeling useless, and being unable to be with her, to hold and comfort her…

Opening the bath door, steam rolled out. It seemed that Snowpeak was built atop a hot spring, that had been utilized for a few purposes, but a nice, warm bath year round was one of them. Stripping his undertunic, boots and everything else, Link crossed the warm stones and descended the steps down into the water. Resting his sword on the edge, he sank into the water, the spring warmed stones and hot water instantly easing the ache of their days of riding and his self inflicted distraction techniques. It did nothing for the ache in his chest, but he certainly began to feel relaxed. The exhaustion had begun to creep in as well, and before he knew it, The Hero was dozing.

In his dreams, the warm water was from a sunlit lake in which he swam with Zelda, where she was smiling and splashing him, and being the bubbly, smiling ray of light she so often was, and always deserved to be. He was so tired, the dream was vivid and enthralling. Her voice sounded so real…

...Real enough that it startled him awake when he realized it was more real than anything else.

When he came to it was with a flail, and he inhaled some water, sending him into a choking fit. This did serve to wake him up, but also confirm that he’d not dreamed her voice. “Link!” she wailed and suddenly there were hands grabbing his wrist and pulling him back to the edge of the pool and above the water.

Wiping his face and catching his breath, he blinked up to find her worried face looking down on him. “Zelda?” he asked softly. “What’s wrong?”

She was in her robe, and kneeling by the edge. Sliding to sit on her hip she sighed in relief that he was alright, “Nothing. I wished to bathe and found you on your way to drowning, sleepyhead.”

The nickname caused his heart to pang painfully - he remembered it. Not much from their life in the clouds was clear, but it touched his very soul. Remembering Volga’s words of distance, and patience, he rest his elbows on the stone at the edge of the pool and forced himself not to move closer to her. “Well thank you,” he said trying for his normal smirk. “What ever would I do if I didn’t have you to make sure I didn’t drown in my sleep?”

“You’re impossible,” she said softly. She looked exhausted, but he thought he caught the barest hint of a smile on her lips.

But the silence grew, only the gentle sloshing of water on stone breaking the quiet as he watched her and she stared unmoving at the water. Eventually, Link couldn’t bear it anymore. “Would you like me to leave?” he asked, but not unkindly.

For a moment, Link didn’t know what to do\. Zelda didn’t respond, but there was no way she’d not heard him. She didn’t move, didn’t react… nothing. Slowly, her face turned to him, and she shook her head. “No. I don’t want to be alone anymore.”

She stood slowly, and turned to where she’d dropped her towel near his. Undoing the tie of her robe, she let it fall around her and paused. A thousand flaming thoughts went exploding through Link’s mind and had he been a wolf as Midna had known him, his fur would have been on end. Her hair was down and covered anything he might have seen, but even the glimpse of her bare legs was enough to send him into fits. This...was going to be very difficult.

When she turned around, he nearly passed out. She was fully nude and the most beautiful creature he’d ever laid eyes on. He didn’t care what the Hyrulean standard of beauty was, Zelda was perfection, from her porcelain skin to the curve of her hips, and her elegant neck. He was trying so hard to be good, but something caught his eye as she walked closer, eyes on the ground as she made sure not to slip on the wet stone.

There was discoloration over her left breast, and low on her belly - bruises - from where Griffin had abused her. To this point, Link had believed he was too tired to be murderous. He was wrong. Very, very wrong. He could have taken his sword, walked out into the snow nude and destroyed Griffin in one fell slash taking his head if the opportunity had presented itself.

Snapped out of his reverie as she sank down into the pool next to him, Link ached to reach out and take her in his arms. He ached for other reasons, but seeing her skin bruised like that, his other reasons were very much secondary. After a moment of silence in which he watched her relax into the warmth of the bath, Link thought he might explode from the tension coursing through him. Every fiber of his being was thrumming that had nothing to do with the Triforce he possessed.

Zelda had closed her eyes, but Link was so still, she popped one eye open to look at him. He sat there, on the submerged stone bench, trembling with tension and watching her intently. The pang in her chest was immediate, and she was self conscious. Pulling her knees up to her chest, hair floating about her, she had to look away. “Is it that bad?” she asked softly, her tone thick with growing emotion.

Silence.

“What?” he responded finally.

“The bruises. Are they so… hideous that I am not presently desirable to you?”

She had to turn and look at him, for the noise he made was somewhere between a wail, a sneeze, a hiccup and a groan - like he was choking on his own tongue and trying not to. His eyes were wide and Link looked pale as a sheet as if she’d just asked him to drown a kitten.

“NO!” he said coming forward a little bit in the water, but stopping short of touching her. “No.. I just… what he did… Volga had a cousin, and she didn’t want to be touched after… that. And Volga and Impa said be patient, and you wanted to be alone… I…”

Realizing that perhaps he was not disgusted by her damaged appearance, but instead completely at a loss and being sweetly awkward, she reached out a hand and rest it on his chest. She watched as he instantly relaxed. His hand came up to cover hers with a shudder. “Link,” she said softly, hating that tears were again threatening her eyes. She felt as if she’d been crying and weak for days. It was unlike her. “I would like for you to hold me. If that’s alright.”

This time he did whimper, but she was then in his arms, her Hero peppering kisses over her damp hair and all was better with the world. His skin was warm against hers, and the thrill of being bare with him was enough to erase her upsets, though she wasn’t sure how long it would last.

His hands ran up and down her back, and she found it sweet the he was trying so hard to keep his desire from her, holding her close while turning his lap away. Zelda smiled against his shoulder where he held her, her arms coming around him and running over his skin under the water.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he rumbled against her ear, and she heard the deep tone of desire in his voice. In that moment, Zelda made a decision in which she found true peace.

“You’re sharing my bed tonight,” she said softly. He tensed but his fingers still ran through her hair and caressed her back at the same time.

“That… may not be the best idea just now,” he purred, though he made no effort to move. “I don’t know as I can be a gentleman tonight.”

Pulling her head up from his shoulder enough to meet his eyes, her heart thrilled at the look of love, lust and worry he gave her in return. It was enough to draw a real and broad smile from her for the first time in days.

“What if I don’t want you to be?”

#zelink #legend of zelda #zelda #borderline smut #link #hyrule warriors #hwzelink #fanfiction #fanfic #romance #volga #impa

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 - Setting up for things getting real.

WARNINGS: Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 4 - Allies and Enemies

Another week went by and preparations were being made for the envoys departures to the North and South. Zelda watched the courtyard bustling with activity as the caravans were stocked with supplies, horses reshod, and travellers conversing. They would be leaving that afternoon after she addressed them, directly after the Council meeting. The same Council meeting at which she would be informing the Council that Link was to be her betrothed.

There wasn't’ much call for her overseeing the preparations happening, Link was personally taking care of that. That, however, was precisely why she was watching. Her Hero was helping lift crates and barrels onto the carts, sleeves rolled up and his growing hair tied back in a small ponytail at the nape of his neck. The sun glistened on his face, perspiration from his exertion highlighting his cheekbones and drawing many internal and fluttered sighs from the princess as she observed.

“You’ve been sighing like a schoolgirl for days.” Zelda startled at Impa’s voice from behind her. Though Impa was well capable of sneaking up on her if the General so chose, Zelda knew it was instead her fixation on Link that had brought it about this time, rather than Impa’s effort.

Smiling guiltily, the princess nodded. “Has it been so noticeable?”

“Quite.”

Turning back to watch Link, she found him looking up to her from the courtyard. Ond hand shading his eyes from the sun, he raised his other to wave, and Zelda rewarded him with a smile and wiggle of her fingers back. “Can you blame me?”

Impa rolled her eyes good-naturedly and came to stand next to Zelda in the arch of the breezeway. “I hope the Council shares my understanding. But that will be dealt with later. I came to let you know there is a visitor here requesting an audience. I think you will want to speak with him.”

***

In the throne room, the great double doors opened to reveal a familiar shape in red armor. His helm, made of hammered steel and the same red metal as his full, heavy battle armor was forged, bore two long, steel horns that curled around his cheeks.  Zelda knew the helm mimicked the magical beast of which the man was capable of taking the form. Though once an enemy, heart twisted by Darkness, Zelda now smiled genuinely to see Volga, the Dragonknight striding towards her.

Taking a knee at the base of the dais, Volga bowed his head in respect. “Rise, noble Dragonknight,” Impa said from her spot on Zelda’s right, the three of them the only ones now present as the heralds closed the doors behind them.

As Volga stood, Zelda beamed. “Volga. It is good to see you well.”

“Highness,” he said respectfully in his deep, and gravelled voice. “I come with an offer of information and aid.”

“Oh?”

With a nod, he looked from Zelda to Impa and back. “I have heard of the Gerudan woman, Naburoo’s words and came quickly as I was able. As you know, my lands are further North than here in Castle Town. I saw them through nearly a week hence now, and have heard of the man, this Warlord Griffin of the Outlands. He is cruel and power hungry, and bitter over his exile, as I’m sure you might have guessed.”

“We had,” Zelda confirmed, her heart in her throat to have such news confirmed.

“Have you heard that many believe him to be the reincarnation of the very foe we slew not a fortnight ago?”

Both Zelda and Impa tensed, sharing a concerned glance. “What do you mean?” Impa asked, coming down the dais steps slowly, to stand on the same level with Volga. Zelda too joined them, her heart threatening to stop at this new concept.

“It is true,” The Dragonknight confirmed, removing his horned helmet to reveal his brassy blonde hair and ruby red eyes. He looked concerned. “What worries me is that I had a dream the same night the Gerudan Envoy travelled through. A dream of Lana.”

“Lana?” Impa asked in surprise, “I thought she had returned to the Sorceress’s Sanctum and her vows to not intervene.”

“I do not know for certain she was doing such on purpose,” Volga confessed. “The dream was strange. I was in the woods, much like the first time I met her other half, Cia, the first time. But instead of an approach and offer of power, Lana was weeping in a clearing. I was the only one there to approach and asked her what was wrong. She seemed, distracted, distant - saying that if Cia had never done what she did, then things would not be as they are - it seems the Triforce of Power has been reclaimed.”

“Reclaimed?” a voice echoed from the side door. Link appeared, sweaty from work tanned from the sun, but without a trace of fatigue about him as he strode forward. Reaching out, he and Volga clasped arms. “Nice to see you, Volga.”

“And you, Hero. And yes, it seems that the Triforce that Lana had taken into her protection disappeared. The only thing that can pluck such a force from the Guardian of Balance and Time is when the soul of Ganondorf has Awakened. And Lana was weeping in the dream, because it meant this life, Hyrule would face Darkness for a second time.”

Zelda wanted to move closer to Link, this news striking true fear in her heart. If the threat of normal war wasn’t frightening enough in the shambles Hyrule’s defenses found themselves currently, the idea of another battle with Darkness so soon… was unthinkable. “How can this be?” Impa asked, crossing her arms and beginning to pace.

“Cia interrupted the Cycle,” Zelda voiced softly. “Every generation, every Cycle has a Hero,” she said and reached her hand out to Link, that he took without hesitation, “A guardian of Wisdom, and the Darkness. The Ganondorf that we battled was the very soul of Darkness, not the incarnation of the Wielder of Power for our time.”

“That is what I was led to understand, yes,” the Dragonknight nodded. “Due to the Hero’s bindings there was not to be a reincarnation of the Darkness,” he sighed, “but then through Cia’s machinations, enough of the darkness was released that it seems the Warlord has Awakened. At least partially.”

“But we sealed the Darkness with the Master Sword,” Link contested, reaching to rest his arm around Zelda’s shoulders, as if he could feel her need of his strength.

Volga noticed this, and his lips quirked with a smile. “That is the question, is it not? This is why I have come to offer my services. I know of the Cycle, of the reincarnations that Cia went on about in her madness. I know who the two of you are, and who the Warlord is believed to be. If he is having memories, perhaps he will recall the most recent happenings, and see me as an ally. Either way, I wish to accompany your envoy North to the Outlands and see what information I can glean from the situation. I am a Noble of Hyrule, and have every reason to be there logically, as my land is closer to his borders. I believe my presence will not be seen as odd.”

Leaning ever so slightly against Link, Zelda nodded. “There is a Council meeting today. I will bring this up, and would request your presence. I agree that you will be a valuable addition to this envoy, for many reasons, and thank you graciously for your offer.”

Volga nodded and gave Zelda a bow. “Thank you, Highness.”

“Come,” Impa said and nodded to Volga, “Let us have a room prepared for you. I will have a squire summoned to polish your armor while you rest before the Council meeting.”

Turning on heel in his expectedly militant manner, Volga followed Impa out of the Throne room, leaving Zelda alone with Link.

“Don’t say you’re okay,” Link started, holding her closer with his arms around her shoulders. “I know-”

“I’m not,” she said honestly, fearing her knees were going to buckle. “Hyrule cannot withstand another war with the Darkness. Not so soon. If Volga and the rumors are correct, we will be nearly defenseless.”

As if he could read her mind, Link bent down and swept her feet from under her, gathering Zelda into his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck with a squeak of surprised protest. She tried to say she could walk, despite her uncertainty, but he ignored her. Walking without a word out of the throne room and up the stairs from the corridor outside of her study, he carried her directly to her bedchamber, the one they had been sharing every night for the last week.

Laying her down on the bed, he crawled up next to her and gathered her into his arms, laying a chaste kiss in her hair. “We will figure it out,” he said finally, one hand rubbing her side affectionately. “But we don’t have to do it right this instant. What can I get you?”

There was a lump in her throat she couldn’t speak around. The fear she had now for her land and the people inhabiting coupled with the gratitude and love she felt at his empathy were overwhelming. Hot tears, tears of anger, fear and love for Link’s insight and affection stung her eyes, leaving her able to merely shake her head. “Hold me?” she managed hoarsely through her emotions.

“Always,” Link whispered and tightening his arms around her, laying there in the bed that was now theirs and letting her cry as long as she needed before the Council meeting.

***

“This is preposterous!” Lord Thrang of the Council declared, glaring at Link. Link just smirked back. He wasn’t afraid of the red faced old man. It seemed already the old codger was in the minority, and while the soft Noble attacking a trained soldier like himself would have ended poorly, Link also knew having both Impa and Volga at his back would dissuade any such actions from occurring.

Zelda was scowling at the man, hands on the table where she leaned forward. “Your objection is noted, Lord Thrang. Do any others share his sentiment?”

“How does this benefit the Kingdom?”

“What boon would come from marrying a peasant come knight?”

“What does it matter? He’s the Hero of the land…”

“Why not one of the tribal leaders of the Gerudo?”

“Yes! Settle the discourse in the South!”

The voices began to rise in a crescendo, and if the expression on her face as she stood was any indication, Link guessed Zelda was realizing slowly that perhaps she had been mistaken about the understanding and empathy of the Council. Discreetly, he reached out to take her hand where it could not be seen as they stood side by side. The hero took a breath to speak, but to his surprise it was Volga that stepped forward.

“Gentlemen!” he commanded loud enough to get their attention without shouting. The din died down as all eyes turned to the imposing knight. “If I may?”

“And you are, sir?”

“I am Volga, the Dragonknight, Baron of Snowpeak to the North, near the borders with the Outlands. And while I have been invited by her Highness to speak to you today of the warlord in the North, I find that as a knight of the realm, my interest is invested in Hyrule’s future and that perhaps I can bring perspective to this discussion as well. With her Highness’s blessing?” Volga turned his face away from the Council with his request of Zelda, but gave her a wink where the Lords could not see.

Not knowing his game, Link was interested and Zelda hesitant, but she nodded in a choice to trust their ally.

“Is it not so that Link, the Hero of Hyrule is well received and accepted by the people?” he asked turning to address the Council once more. “That his rise from obscurity to knighthood, and to save the realm is an inspiration to the common man, and to the army to achieve more than they are?” Volga’s intense red eyes swept over the assembled, a few of the Lords nodding, others swallowing in trepidation, too nervous in the presence of the tall, intimidating knight to voice arguement.

“The Baron is right,” Impa added, stepping forward. “The Hero’s accomplishments inspire the army, and have even brought us new recruits in his name, their hopes of achievement driving them to follow his footsteps. He is respected by the people.”

“And at the end of every good story, does the Hero not gain the hand of his Princess?” Volga added, turning to look at Link. “I have no doubt that the affections that ignite this desire for courtship are genuine, but also that Her Highness and the Hero of Hyrule have also considered the good it will do for the land, especially in a time there is yet threat of war. A Kingdom united will not only appear inspired and stronger, but will be so in the face of threats from the Outlands.”

The Council looked to one another, murmuring amongst themselves as Link smirked to Volga. Clapping him on the shoulder, it would have inappropriate to thank him in front of the gathered, but he hoped the Baron understood.

“Has there been a formal proposal?” another Lord asked, this one seeming far less interested or hot on the subject of Hyrule’s ruler choosing who she was going to spend her life with.

“No,” Link said but remained confident.

“We were discussing details,” Zelda started, but Link squeezed her hand in silent request to continue. She looked to him and nodded.

“I was waiting for the appropriate time. I think I’ve found it though.” With his hand now visibly in hers, Link tugged Zelda away from the Council table to a place they could both be seen by all gathered. Taking a moment to compose himself, his excitement was starting to get the better of him. She was beautiful, beautiful beyond words as she looked at him with timid excitement. She was the bearer of Wisdom, he had no doubt she’d already guessed where this was going.

Taking a knee in front of her, the rest of the Council chambered melted away from his perception. There was no one but Zelda in that moment, no one but the vision of compassion, and beauty and grace and battle prowess… despite her skirts and softer crown today for the Council, she was still his warrior goddess.

Swallowing his heart back into his throat, he brought her hand to his lips to kiss. He’d run over the words in his mind a few times, but now he did not entirely trust his voice. “The first time I laid eyes on you, there was no one more beautiful in all of Hyrule. The first time we spoke, there was no voice I would rather hear. You are the strongest, kindest, most fearsome and skilled, talented and beautiful woman I have ever had the joy of walking alongside.” His eyes were locked with hers, her tears of happiness beginning to spill as her smile grew. His words were crafted for the Council, but Link meant so much more. As she had said, eternity was different for them - so when he said “ever had the joy of walking alongside”, he hoped she understood it was not just this lifetime to which he referred.

“Zelda, you are the air I breathe, and the very heart in my chest. Would you do me the honor of marrying me?”

The air was thick with tension, even Impa was leaned a touch forward, as Zelda tried to find her voice to answer. Lips moving inaudible, she seemed to be searching for words to give him in return, but Link smiled when she gave up and merely nodded tearfully saying, “Yes!”

A round of cheers went up, and it seemed that while not all despondents were swayed, the majority voted in favor of the union. Link hugged his bride to be, and stole a kiss from her neck surreptitiously before they returned to her seat at the table to go over the envoy to the Northern Outlands.

After his inspiring speech, Volga had endeared himself and was given no resistance on leading the caravan to meeting with the Warlord Griffin. As Council broke session, Volga congratulated his friends, but quickly followed Impa to finish preparing to leave forthwith, and while Zelda had to prepare for her address to the travellers, Link found she stopped him before they parted.

“Yes?” He said with a warm smile, coming to give her his undivided attention as the now empty chamber gave them privacy.

Again, her lips moved, jaw working as she searched for words, but nothing came out. She snapped her jaw shut so quickly it clicked, and before he could react Link found himself being tackled. Her lips pressed to his just as many of their sweet chaste kisses had, but with her arms about his neck, her lips parted to deepen this kiss unlike any before.

Link shuddered head to toe and had no hesitation in obliging her, his arms encircling her waist to crush her sweet weight against him as he slowly moved his tongue to taste hers for the first time. Her mouth was soft and sweet and intoxicating against his, and Link lost track of how much time passed, or how long his heart fully stopped.

When eventually she broke to gasp for breath, the smile she wore branded his heart. “What was that for?” he asked coyly, very much wondering if he could shirk the rest of his day for more of those kisses.

“For being eloquent, and brave, and romantic… and because I love you, my darling Link.”

If her smile had branded him, her words sealed his fate. His expression fell from coy amusement and desire to that of the insurmountable love he felt for her both from lifetimes past, and purely his own of this life. “And I love you, my Zelda.”

#legend of zelda #zelink #zelda #link romance #heart of hyrule #heart of wisdom #fanfic #fanfiction

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 14

Chapter 14 - Contains mild language, implied sexual themes and minor violence.

WARNINGS: Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana.

_____________________________________

Heart of Wisdom | Chapter 14 | The Masquerade

It wasn’t unexpected that Ganon appeared earlier than the three days she’d set for their wedding. When he arrived at the walls of the castle, Zelda was not at all surprised. Nervous, nauseated, and furious? Certainly. But not surprised.

She stood in the breezeway, just out of site over the parapets where the guards were shouting back and forth to the interlopers, Midna to her left and Impa to her right. “Link and Volga won’t be back for at least a day and a half,” Impa growled. “He knew what we would do.”

“He thinks he knows what we’re going to do,” Midna smirked. “And I am confident the Hero won’t keep up waiting. Meanwhile, I have an idea.”

Bending over, Midna plucked  the familiar stone crown that was the Fused Shadow from thin air. Holding it up, she removed her hands as the item began to float of its own accord in front of her. “This should keep him occupied for a bit.”

Hearing howls in the distance, Zelda and Impa looked from the Queen of Twilight over the parapets to where Ganon, Naburoo and their men were demanding to be let in. Over the rise of the hill of Hyrule Field behind them, undulating black shapes with the red and teal glowing lines indicative of creatures from Twilight appeared. Some of them were large, wolf shaped beasts, others were humanoid figures, arms longer than natural allowing them to walk on all fours. The second type of creatures lacked true heads, but instead were possessed of flat disks surrounded by long, indistinguishable hair like tendrils.

“You should cover your ears,” Midna suggested, her hands already clasped to her head. Zelda and Impa quickly followed suit, just in time to not only hear, but feel the ribcage rattling shriek the disk headed beasts let loose. Zelda winced, feeling sympathy for her guards, but watched the effect on Ganon and his men with grim approval.

The small Gerudan and goblinkin army turned in rank to see the new threat racing across the field towards them, and Ganon drew his sword, shouting to his men to charge and fight. Drawn away from the Castle door as they were, Zelda sighed. “Thank you Midna. Come, we have work to do.”

***

After the creatures of Twilight Midna had summoned were defeated, Ganon returned to the castle doors to find them opened to him. Impa’s second in command greeted them, and while there was no cheers or fanfare, the Hyrulean Captain thanked them graciously and said that in light of their defense of the Castle, the princess had agreed to let them in early. He assured them that rooms were being prepared for them all, having the men and horses lead to the barracks near the stables, and leading Ganon and Naburoo to the Throne room.

Zelda, Midna and Impa watched this in the mirror of Twilight from the throne, and nodded to one another. It was show time.

-

Gannon entered with broad strides as the doors were opened for him. He was smug if a bit irritated. “Is this how my future bride intends to treat her husband? Making him wait outside for monsters to attack?”

Zelda sat on the throne, head held high and face expressionless. Impa, the Sheikan General of the armies who had stood over his trial and exile, whispering for his head what felt like a lifetime ago, stood to the right of the throne. Arms crossed and red eyes narrowed in hatred he could palpably feel, he sneered to her. To the left of the princess, a second Sheikan stood. Masked and androgynous, the tribe that protected the royal family was always a thorn in his side. That there were two was annoying. One was bad enough.

“And shall I expect this to be how my future husband honors me? By ignoring my words and requests? I said three days’ time,” Zelda retorted, but he could read nothing from her. The delicious fear he’d tasted from her in the Outlands was entirely absent. How disappointing.

Reaching the bottom of the dais, he went to step up, and both Sheikah threw daggers that stuck into the ground before his foot. He had no doubt that they had not missed. Looking up to the princess from under his red bushy eyebrows, he gave a scathing smile. “I found it impossible to curb my enthusiasm. I wished to be wed as soon as possible.”

“It will be possible in two more days,” she said coldly, looking down her nose at him. “The process of royal marriage, lineage and accepting a new monarch is no small thing. As we speak the papers are being drawn, necessary witnesses being summoned and ceremony preparations underway. Your enthusiasm will having no bearing on these things.”

Eyes narrowing, that her demeanor had changed so much merely being in her palace with her Sheikah and guards was disheartening. He still had plans to make her scream, to break her. If she wanted to make it more difficult? So be it. A thought had occurred to him though.

“Where is your Hero, Princess? Hiding around a corner to stab me when he thinks I’m not paying attention?”

He watched as she swallowed, a crack in her mask. There it was - her weakness. She dropped her eyes and shook her head. “The Captain of the royal guard has abandoned Hyrule. At word of my proposal acceptance, he rode off in a fit. The Baron of Snowpeak volunteered to try and go find him… but I have given up hope he will return.”

Unable to halt the smile that spread over his face, perhaps this would be easier than he thought. Not only was the boy not here to stop him, but it seemed to be a chink in the Princess’s armor. He was jarred from his thoughts with Naburoo’s elbow in his side. The look she gave him brought a bit of clarity - they had anticipated the Hero going after the sword. This could be just a ruse. But whether the boy went for the sword or not, didn’t mean what the princess was saying wasn’t true from her perception.

“I would give my condolences, but the stitches in my shoulders have an ache preventing me from saying as much,” he purred smoothly. “Might you have dinner with me this evening, my betrothed? Perhaps we can talk in a more private setting.”

There was a pause, a moment of utter stillness from the Princess and her guards as she observed him. He was aware of the guards at the doors and lining the walls of the throne room, in addition the the two Sheikah who were tensely keeping their peace. There was potential for great violence if she ordered it, but either way, he looked forward to her response. Either way, he would enjoy the outcome.

“Certainly. Captain,” she said and the soldier who had escorted Ganon and Naburoo to the throne room stepped forward. “Please show the Warlord to his rooms so he might refresh himself before dinner this evening.”

The silent disapproval from the two Sheikah drew a grin from Ganon and he bowed. “I look forward to it, my dear,” he chuckled, giving Impa and the masked guard a broad grin, before turning to follow the Hyrulean soldier. Tonight, he would seduce her mind. It wouldn’t matter if the Hero returned for vengeance, because by the time he came back, his Princess would be defending her King.

***

“I don’t trust this,” Naburoo said, pacing the nice chamber they’d been given. Ganon relaxed in the large brass tub by the fire. This was an opulence he looked forward to becoming accustom. “This has all been too easy.”

“Has it?” he asked, voice deep in contentment. “I think that perhaps you have overestimated the Princess’s defiance in the face of saving her people. The Goddess and her scions have always had the flaw of caring too much for the humans and preventing death to souls that matter not at all. Except to her.”

“Or have you underestimated her capacity for deception?” Naburoo sneered. “Why did those monsters attack us? I have never seen such creatures.”

“That was odd,” Ganon frowned. “There were creatures like that, or similar, in another life I remember, but that was a thousand years ago. Perhaps the presence of two Awakened Triforce wielders is having an effect on the land.”

“You think she is Awakened?”

“I believe her to be. Do you see how she has changed? How she does not fear me in the same way?”

“You think she was not Awakened before?” Naburoo’s eyes were narrowed in contemplation. Something about all of this clearly was not sitting right with her.

“You believe her to have been?”

“I believe we should assume as much and expect every trap and trick they can throw. Then, if none are found, we are pleasantly surprised rather than ambushed.” Arms crossed and pacing, Naburoo’s agitation was growing. “There is no way the Princess would give up her kingdom so easily.”

“This was your plan,” Ganon reminded her with a chuckle. “We have given her no choice. She does not seem pleased, merely coldly resigned.”

Hissing through her teeth, his companion cracked her neck. “Yes, I know it was my plan. And I should be pleased it’s going well… but something isn’t right, Gr-Gannon.” She stopped the slip before it happened, but his eyebrow arched. She’d not fully accepted that he was both the man she worshipped and the reincarnation of the Demon King.

Reaching one great arm out, he snatched the waistband of her pants and pulled her fully clothed into the tub with him. She squawked and flailed but he caught her and held her to his chest. “Stop flailing, woman. I intend to compliment your foresight if you would calm yourself.”

That gained her attention, and while she was glaring she halted struggling. “You are not wrong, something feels amiss. I will need your eyes and ears whilst I entertain the Princess, make our plot believable. Can I count on you for that?”

“Of course,” Naburoo grumbled. “Though I will have to ring out my only clothing before doing so.”

Ganon chuckled. “Why don’t you strip them, and hang them in front of the fire before rejoining me in this tub. I have some tension I need you to work out.” Naburoo’s jaw set as she tried not to give into him with a smile.

“Not going to work it out with your whore princess tonight?”

“I did say I was going to try and uphold the ruse until our plan is in stone,” he chuckled pushing her out of the tub and watching her undress with hungry eyes. “So I find your aid in remaining prudent is necessary.” She obliged him, and while it did little to still his mind over thoughts of his plans for Zelda, it did aid the ache of his loins.

***

Things were looking promising for the Demon King, and never had he recalled a time of feeling more celebratory. He would not celebrate too soon. He knew the Hero was still a possible problem, but everything was going to plan, and if that trend kept, he would already be king before the Hero returned… if he returned.

It was difficult not to smile as he strode into the dinner hall, to find the Princess sitting at the other end of the long banquet table. He of course had a setting at the furthest seat away from her - traditional for the King and Queen to bookend the table and not entirely unexpected a situation. He did however intend to have that change.

She sat there, lit by candle light in the dark room, watching him coldly as servants appeared with dinners on silver trays for them. Yet to take his seat, he looked over each servant looking for the hero, or the Sheikah hidden amongst them, but none appeared to be anything more than what they were. “You seem so far away for intimate conversation,” Ganon called, his voice echoing in the room around them as the servants left.

“Something of which you will become accustom, I assure you,” Zelda promised coldly as she cut into her steak. “This is the proper and traditional dinner of the royals. My parents did this my whole life and I intend to continue the tradition.”

“And I supposed they had separate beds in separate room,” he chuckled and began walking down to her. Grabbing his plate as he passed, he set it down in front of the seat next to her and yanked the chair back.

As he sat down, she shot him a look that would have frozen a man in ice had there been magic behind it. “If I thought for a moment I could make a disgusting man such as yourself believe that, I would already be making preparations.” Going back to her meal, Ganon narrowed his eyes. She was not cringing or cowering as he might have expected. Perhaps his actions in the Outlands had not left the impression he’d hoped. “I think your intentions were made clear at your keep. Lest you decide I live in the dungeons, I have no doubt that you will be a beast of a man every night.”

“Never the dungeons for such a beautiful creature,” he rumbled and reached out to caress her cheek. She jerked just out of reach and stared coldly ahead, waiting for him to withdraw his hand. With a heated sigh, he did so. He was trying to gain her confidence this night, despite wanting to beat her into submission and make her beg. “My boorish behavior has given you the wrong impression.” Ganon forced his voice to be even while cutting into his own meal. “Exile was… difficult. It had been so long since my eyes had rest on something lovely and pure as yourself.”

“What’s done is done. I would have your head were it not for the lack of choice I have been given on the nuptials. Hyrule cannot go to war, which would happen if I killed you or refused you as your messenger made very clear,” Zelda nearly spat. “But I have no interest in speaking with you outside of the necessary subjects. What do you know about trade agreements and agriculture?”

Ganon blinked. “What do you mean?”

“The duties of a king include the management of the trade agreements between the North, South, East and West and the distribution of agriculture and livestock.” Without looking up, Zelda ate her dinner and spoke about the trades and duties of the Hyrulean royalty in times of peace and war and what would be expected of him in possibly the most boring subjects  the warlord could conjure to him mind. He had no intention of running the Kingdom as it had been - he would rule in fear and control, the lands bringing him tribute and worship him as a god.

By the time he was done with his meal, he was on his third glass of wine and resting his head in his hand as she continued to drone on about checks and balances, and duty this and duty that… it was enough to make someone fling themselves from the tower.

“Forgive me, my dear, but can we cover this later?” he asked flat out interrupting her after potentially the longest hour of his life.

She looked up to him with a blank expression. “I have nothing else to discuss with you. If you’re done with it for the evening, then I will take my leave…”

He caught her wrist when she went to stand, and instead of fear he saw true anger flash over her face. It was odd, but exciting. “I wished to get to know more about you. Intimate conversation, not business of state.”

“The Kingdom is my priority.”

“As it is mine, and I look to learn these things in time to keep eternal peace in Hyrule,” he assured her with words that dripped with nectar and false sincerity. “But you are also a priority.”

“You want to know something about me?” she asked through grit teeth. “I despise you, I despise that you have forced anything upon this land, and while I will honor my duty to my kingdom, I do not have to pretend to be more than cordial with you.” Yanking her wrist out of his grip, he noticed a tingle of magic that allowed it to happen - like her wrist was not the size he’d expected.

His eyes narrowed. “Did the Hero break your heart so badly when he left?” He watched the chink in her armor happen again and she turned away from him.

“We will not speak of him. He has abandoned the land, and I will hear no more about him.”

Standing, Ganon smiled and came to rest his hands on her shoulders. “My condolences, Princess. I know I have not made such a good impression, but I hope to change that in your mind. And I can promise that unlike that boy, I will never leave you.” Her shoulders tensed and she moved one away, but he kept with her. Something felt strange, perhaps she was coming around or she was using magic, but when it touched her shoulders it didn’t feel right, like her wrist had not. It also seemed the power of her Triforce was not reacting to his…

And Ganon was suddenly suspicious

“I cannot say that I can believe you easily,” she grumbled. “But if you are true in your word, I hope to see you prove that.”

“It is as I said in the Outlands,” he said evenly. “Our two great armies and lands can be united and made stronger under peace. Do you remember?”

“I do,” she sighed.

Spinning her around to face him with no warning, Ganon took her by the throat and backed her up against the wall. “Imposter!” he roared. “There was no such conversation when the Princess was in my keep. Who are you, witch?”

The bubbling giggle that erupted from the face of Zelda was no sound he could have thought came from the wielder of Wisdom. “Took you long enough,” the alien, echoic voice said. “I thought the Triforce of power would have told you before now. Or could you not tell over the raging boner-” He squeezed her throat and she coughed as he cut off her air.

“WHERE IS THE PRINCESS?!”

“STOP!” a voice said from the shadows, and the second Sheikah with a mask over her face appeared. Striding forward from the shadows, she reached up to remove her mask and reveal the true Zelda, the pulse of her Triforce hitting him full force as whatever glamour had been masking it from his senses dissipated.

Ganon swayed on his feet, and his grip loosened on the imposter, enough for the woman to disappear whole cloth. At the shoulder of the revealed princess, Impa also stood, hand on the hilt of the great sword at her back. “You deceived me?!” he snarled, taking a step forward, but Zelda held up a hand.

“And after our last meeting, how could you possibly expect less?” she said evenly. “You attacked me. I felt it necessary to take precautions.”

“This is a dire insult! I will not be-”

“You will be king, if you mean what you said.”

That stopped him. So… he’d been speaking to the imposter, and yet he’d fooled the real princess? Such an idea brought a smirk to his face. “I did.”

She eyed him suspiciously, but stood to her fullest height. “Then we shall marry in the morning. I’d rather have this done.” Turning to Impa she nodded. “Have the nobles summoned.”

“It’s not enough time, Highness,” Impa said through clenched teeth. She was meaning something else he could tell, but Zelda spoke before Ganon could.

“It will have to be. I want this done.” She turned to look at him and nodded once sharply. “If you truly hold Hyrule’s interest at heart, then so shall it be.”

#heart of wisdom #legend of zelda #hyrule warriors #fanfic #fanfiction #zleink #zelda #link #hwzelink #romance #drama #action #impa #volga #midna #lana

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 7

No reposts please. Clearly it’s just Fanfiction, but I still wrote it. Thank youz!

WARNINGS: Teen+ for this chapter. Depicts minor sexual violence and themes. This is where it gets a bit dark. You have been warned. Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana.

I promise the next one will be more happy.

______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 7 - Violated

Griffin paced his chamber. The dinner had gone well - even the Rito diplomats who hated him believed he had no designs for anything outside of The Outands. It was a wonderful base for the speech he had planned for tomorrow that he now had every faith the gathered Hyrulean idiots would buy, giving his the obfuscation he needed to continue his plans for true power.

He should have been thrilled.

And yet he paced restlessly. Of course the Princess’s Hero hadn’t believed a word he’d said. Hero? Royal Guard she’d called him… why did Hero keep coming to mind? Flashes of green and battles passed behind his eyes. It was happening while he was awake now - the memories, not just in dream. Had the Princess believed? She’d shown him mercy once, when her Council and her General advising for his execution, she’d felt compelled to mercy. Did she believe him now as she once had? Zelda had been unreadable all dinner, other than her delicious fear when he’d cornered her for reintroduction. Even hiding behind her hero he’d felt it, felt her fear and his lust for her… and something else.

There was power between them. It was subtle but tantalizing and while he didn’t fully understand it, it merely proved their connection. She was the Goddess, the Goddess he sought to conquer and possess, his ultimate prize.

But he’d not been able to speak with the Princess as he’d desired, to test the waters of her memory or if she was yet asleep to the knowledge of their past. She’d been busy battling some great wizard in the heart of Hyrule of late, as the rumors and news from others had enlightened, and it seemed the two companions refused to leave her side. Tonight he’d been unable to read her expression, she and the Dragonknight were clearly skilled in politics. Her Guardian’s mistrust and venom aside, they had certainly made a wall of themselves, her consorts, for the rest of the evening.

Then it struck him - The Baron would have his own room, and the guards and servants were all being kept separately from their noble counterparts. Naburoo would stop him from leaving if she returned, but she was off doing her nightly rounds…

He was free for a moment and Zelda was alone.

Throwing open his chamber door and rushing through quite before he was aware he’d made the decision, he knew right where she would be - the nicest room outside of his own in the eastern wing.

His feet barely touched the stones of the dark keep’s halls as he all but ran through the shadowed corridors, the blood rushing in his veins hot with desire - a desire for knowledge, for conquest… for other darker things…

Her door was shut as he came to a stop before it, and no sound came from within, but the warlord did not hesitate to knock. He was planning words, eloquent and ingratiating, honeyed things that he would let drip from his lips to entice her to let him in - no matter what. Much to his surprise the door was torn open excitedly, and there she stood beaming in nothing but her nightshift. It was pale blue and backlit by the fire, leaving little to the imagination despite her robe. Griffin found his breath utterly stolen at the vision of her in the doorway.

However he saw quickly, despite his fantasies, it was very clear he had not been who she expected. Her face paled, and she wrapped her robe tightly around her, moving to close the door rapidly as she said, “Warlord Griffin, it is late - you should not be here.”

One strong hand came up and halted the door, not even the full weight of her body against it could challenge him in closing it, and Griffin felt himself smile. “Who were you expecting?”

“Goodnight, sir,” she said and tried to push it closed again. It was to no avail.

“I must speak with you, Highness. I feel there has been a miscommunication - Naburoo’s words in your court and the tales that I have heard spread about me I fear have given you the wrong impression.”

She was silent a moment, and Griffin watch as she tried to appear as if she was not struggling against him, yet was. “Perhaps it can wait until the morning? The summit… I must rest.”

“I cannot sleep, thinking you might believe me a villain,” he purred, and reached out with his other hand to grip the door frame. Pushing the door open it was hard enough that Zelda was pushed back, giving him room to enter. The thrum of power between them and her palpable fear were intoxicating. The world faded around him as he strode slowly forward towards the goddess cast in the dancing light of her fireplace. She looked scared - he liked it. He wanted to taste it, to taste her…

“You need to leave,” she said, and the cold, impartial ruler he remembered from his trial returned. She was regal, unmovable… but he’d felt her fear. Her indignation made his blood boil hotter than before and now he wanted to not only taste, but rule her. Break that confident glare.

“You have no power here, Princess,” he rumbled dangerously, but surprised her when he bent at the waist and reached out to clutch her against him. “I have been dreaming of this moment, of you. Your soul knows mine. We are tied together and cannot be unbound… I know you feel it.”

Zelda fought him, but her arms were trapped by his, and he took the opportunity to rest his face against the side of her head. “Though, I would prefer you gave in, princess, I find I am enjoying your struggle…”

She almost broke his hold - she was strong, a warrior. But instead he used the movement to flip her around, pressing her back to his front and making his desire known though her thin sleep garments.

“You smell like divinity… do you taste the same?” With his words, he could not longer resist, letting one hand snake inside her robe and gown to caress the silky smooth skin belonging to one of her perfect breasts. At the same time his other hand wrapped around her to cup the warmth between her legs as he turned his face to run his tongue from her shoulder to behind her hear.

But she was screaming - he wasn’t sure when she’d started, so entranced by her scent and taste, the way her delicate flesh felt under his hands... As if surfacing from a dream he’d been unaware he was having, the sight of her tears excited him again, but it was a short lived realization as a burning pain erupted between his shoulders. Griffin was a warrior, he knew when he’d been slashed with a sword.

“Let. Her. Go.”

***

Link had been waiting until the keep had gone silent. He was expected to stay with other guards and servants in a lower level of the stronghold “as a show of good faith” he’d been told after having covered Zelda’s room for secret entrances and traps top to bottom. Volga also had his own room, and had made it clear he had no intentions of sleeping, but when Link had all but been dragged away from Zelda, the look she’d given him had been enough.

He was going back to her.

So he waited, and finally there was not a sound other than the servants and guards around him snoring or breathing softly. He’d been practicing sneaking to Zelda’s room for weeks now, and while their relationship was still chaste in its affections he found he couldn’t very well sleep without her anymore, and certainly not in the enemy’s stronghold.

Creeping from the room, stepping over and around sleeping bodies of Zora and Rito and Gorons alike, Link all but ran as soon as he was clear. He didn’t care how well practiced Griffin’s words were, or how little Zelda seemed to think the man remembered, Link knew Darkness, and if even not yet, one day that man would be Darkness. And he had been looking at Zelda like a rack of meat since they arrived.

When he heard her scream, Link knew true fear.

It didn’t stop him, but instead spurred him forward rapidly from his sneak into a full out run. He’d brought his sword, remembering General Impa’s words from his original training; “You are only paranoid if you are proven wrong. A soldier is never paranoid to take his sword.”

Kicking open her door, the dark figure of Griffin stood moving oddly and somewhat hunched over in Zelda’s room, Zelda nowhere to be seen… until he saw the edge of her nightgown fly up from the other side of Griffin where she was struggling.

He was holding her.

Trapping her.

Touching her…

Link moved before he thought, cutting a slash across Griffin’s shoulder blades. He’d been meaning to skewer the man, but at the last moment realized it would likely harm Zelda too. When he spoke, he didn’t recognize his own voice for the growling, blind rage that shook in his words.

“Let. Her. Go.”

Griffin turned in pained surprise, and revealed that he was holding Zelda crushed to him, the warlord’s hands invasively molesting her. Zelda’s face was a mask of anguish and anger, wet with tears as she wept.

Never in his life had Link ever known such a rage. It was white hot, like the heart of the very Sun Hylia had hung so many lifetimes ago. Not only was his Princess, the woman he’d sworn to protect, being abused by his most hated foe… but the beast of a man was hurting the woman he loved. And yet, he couldn’t kill the man where he stood, because currently his betrothed was being used as a human shield.

“I know you boy,” Griffin growled, as if the open wound he’d been deliver affected him not at all. “You are no guard... “

As Link took a stalking step forward, sword pointed direct at the warlord’s face, Volga and princess Ruto arrived from running down the hall. They saw how Griffin gripped the Princess and Ruto cried out, Link knowing the growing heat he felt was Volga’s anger. The Summit was now ruined, and Link saw in Griffin’s eyes he knew it, before the man growled and released Zelda, shoving her at Link and using the distraction to barrel past them all out into the hallway. Without hesitation, Ruto and Volga began to give chase.

Link caught Zelda who was trying to compose herself. As he stood, she nodded, “Go. You want to-”

“No. No I will kill him - I swear it, but not until I know you are alright.”

Her face crumbled into tears again at the gentleness in his words despite the anger she could undoubtedly feel radiating from him. “I’m not. But you need to stop him now. I did this. This is my fault. Impa was right - he should have been executed…”

Link sheathed his sword and gathered her fiercely into his arms as she broke down and began to cry. “Shh, love no. What he did has nothing to do with you. You had mercy. He chose to be a monster. A monster I will cut down and burn everything he’s ever held dear for touching you.”

There it was again, that white hot rage - it was very different than his bout with his own inner demons. Cia had drawn out his over confidence and fear to create the Dark Link reflections they’d fought in her sanctum. But this was different - it was white and burned, and he would extinguish the life of anyone who tried to stop him from killing Griffin without remorse or ever losing a wink of sleep.

Volga came running back, Ruto on his heels and both out of breath. “He’s gone. He literally disappeared.”

“I don’t think the Summit is necessary tomorrow,” Ruto added breathlessly. “I’ve seen all I need to see. The Western Oceanic Kingdom will be declared Warlord GRiffin enemy and guarding our borders against him. I also intend to send aid to Hyrule.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Zelda said, trying to calm the tears from her voice.

“Zelda sweetie, don’t worry about it right now. You just… Hero, you can…”

Link nodded to her, turning to look at Volga over Zelda’s head where he still held her. The Dragonknight nodded and reached out the grab the door handle. “I will not sleep tonight, Hero. Nor will I stray from in front of this door.”

“Thank you, my friend,” Link said catching Volga’s eye and nodding. Once the door was closed, Link bent to scoop Zelda up into his arms and carried her to the best. Unlike her normal, stubborn or playful self, she did not protest this time. Lying down next to her, he did not dare make any touch or caress a hair out of line for what she’d just experienced. He lay next to her, and let her choose her comfort level, but when she curled to his side, burying her face in his chest to weep, he relaxed as his heart broke and wrapped her in his arms once more.

“Shh, sweet love,” he whispered gently, rubbing her back. “What do you need? What can I do?”

She wept a moment more, no words or acknowledgement, but she didn’t move away from him. Finally, her breathing calmed and she started trying to compose herself. Looking up to him with puffy eyes, wet cheeks and a heartbroken expression, Link swore that he would let Griffin suffer one minute more for every tear she’d shed.

She rest her forehead to his chin, and reflexively Link bent enough to press his lips to kiss her hair. “Name it, Zelda my love, and it's yours.”

Shoulders shaking, she said finally, “I want to leave. Now.”

#zelink #hwzelink #legend of zelda #zelda #link #hyrule warriors #fanfiction #fanfic #romance #dark romance

[heartofhryule]

Heart of Wisdom - Chapter 2

Posted a second chapter, because why not?

WARNINGS: Contains Hyrule Warriors spoilers and story items. I highly recommend playing the game if you haven’t! It’s complete fluff, but fun fluff…. minus Lana. ______________________________

Heart of Wisdom - a Tale after Hyrule Warriors | Chapter 2

The Gerudan envoy marched into the throne room in a blaze of color and shining gold. The morning sun streaming through the high windows in the stone walls glinted off bracelets that chimed together as their wearers moved equally as brilliantly as the sharpened edges of their bladed spears and scimitars.

Link stood steadfastly beside the throne to Zelda’s right, Impa to the left and despite his earlier fluster of the General’s interruption, the Hero had no doubt this was of a time it had been necessary. Stealing a glance to Zelda, she sat regally, hands resting delicately on the stone arms of the throne before she stood to greet the Gerudan platoon. They’d been introduced as a diplomatic envoy, but Link knew warriors when he saw them. These men and women were not here for trade or diplomacy.

At the fore of the three dozen desert soldiers was a woman. She was average height and athletic, her hair pulled back severely in a high, long red ponytail that still managed to hit the back of her knees. Her clothing was light and airy in a pastel pink, a stark feminine contrast to her muscles and battle scars visible on her torso and arms, all of which were exposed for the desert style clothing that barely covered her.

The front line directly behind the woman stopped and took a knee, but the woman did not. “Naburoo of the Gerudan Tribes,” the herald called, the woman meeting Zelda’s gazed sharply. Her skin was darkly tanned, eyes upturned in an almond shape and a strange shade of amber orange. Link thought idly that the woman might have been pretty if her nose wasn’t quite so large and pointed, making her look not unlike a large, red, desert bird. The kind that circled over carrion if her venomous expression was any indication.

“Welcome-” Zelda started, but the Naburoo woman cut her off.

“I need no welcome, Highness,” she hissed, clearly not meaning the title respectfully. “I merely wished to inform you that after your devastation of my tribal home in the desert, that we were passing through your lands, for at this time we mean no open aggression. However know that this slight will not be taken lightly.”

Ever composed, Link felt tension radiate from Zelda, but doubted very much anyone but he and Impa could tell. “Never has there been a slight meant from the heart of Hyrule to the lands of Gerudo. I can promise you that.”

“That is not how the Battle of the Ruins was seen,” The Woman sneered. “By Hylian law, my fiance and heir of the tribe was branded a criminal and exiled to the lands North.” Link frowned, unfamiliar with this, but watched the expression on Zelda’s face remain unchanged. No doubt she meant the battles that occurred in the Gerudan Desert when Gannon had returned when Cia, the once Guardian of Time, had been corrupted and weaken the seals on the soul of Darkness enough to resurrect him. He’d plucked the Demon Lord Ghirahim and the Usurper King Zant from their different places in time and made the heart of the Gerudan Desert their stronghold. It had been Zelda’s plan to strike at the stronghold to weaken Gannon’s forces - and it had worked. But there had been no exhile...

The Gerudan woman was continuing, however and Link was broken from his thoughts. “Then, within a few years, monsters and demons swarm and overwhelm our ancient ruins, forcing us into hiding. And what does the great law of Hyrule do?” Naburoo outright spat on the floor of the throne room, causing a few of the twitchier guards to reach for their swords. “Lays waste to all with no concern for the ancestral sites being destroyed.”

“Why have you come, Naburoo?” Zelda asked evenly, the touch of chill to her words could have stopped an army in its tracks.

Naburoo merely sneered. “I and my tribesmen are going to the North. When next you hear from us, it will be from my Lord and to be King of the Outlands. Perhap new King of yourselves. He is amassing forces and followers, and Hyrule will kneel.” With that she turned, her platoon parting to let her through before reversing rank to follow.

The doors of the throne room boomed closed with a strange foreboding finality as Link turned slowly to watch Zelda. Looking to what court could be assembled on such short notice, the Princess’s expression was stoic and unchanged. “Dismissed,” she said to the court and held her hand to Link who supplied her with his arm as they turned to leave through the side door, Impa trailing behind.

The moment they were out of the public eye and in her private study, Link stepped in front of Zelda and took her arms gently to steady her and meet her gaze. “Are you alight?”

“I’m fine,” she said coolly, but he knew that tone. That was her ‘addressing the troops and the Council purely business’ tone.

“Zelda-”

“I’m fine, Link…”

She wasn’t fine. Her heart was racing at the thought of another war so soon after the last. The battles with Cia and Gannon had depleted their resources… and the army. If it weren’t for Link’s hands on her arms she would have been swaying.

“Zelda, here sit down,” he said sweetly, but she was afraid if she moved she’d pass out. He could clearly see something in her eyes or expression, so she wasn’t doing as well as she hoped at hiding her fear.

“I am the ruler of Hyrule,” she said, not budging, “I cannot show weakness. Princesses don’t show emotions or… I do not need to sit. I am fine-”

Or that’s what she meant to say. “Fine” never made it all the way out before she was weightless and the world went dark. When she came to, the first thing she saw was worried blue eyes in a familiar but pale face. Link was dabbing her brow with a cool cloth, Impa standing behind him with crossed arms.

“I’m fine,” she lied and tried to push his hand away, but he caught hers and brought it to his lips, pressing a cool, trembling kiss against her knuckles.

“No, I’m not listening to that anymore. Because you’re not.” His voice held the timbre of worry as he watched her, fearless that he was contradicting the ruler of Hyrule.

She was laying on the lounge chair in her study, and realized suddenly she couldn’t remember the last time she laid on it - if ever. It was very comfortable. When Link leaned away to rinse the cloth for her brow and refresh the cool water, she shivered, realizing just how close he’d been. As he leaned back, she grabbed a handful of his tunic and pulled him closer. “I’m cold,” she admitted tiredly.

While he looked briefly surprised, Link smirked. “There we go, honesty. You’re a princess, I get it. But here it’s just Impa, and me. Here, you’re just Zelda. Or Sheik, I guess if you want,” he teased gently, “But hey, look at me.”

She didn’t want to, he was right and she knew that, and the Gerudan woman's threats struck her more deeply than expected. A gentle finger, warm and slightly calloused, touched her chin and turned her face to meet Link’s forgiving smile. His finger traced her jaw and Zelda felt herself shiver in delight. “You don’t have to lie to us. To me. You’ll always be my princess, but you don’t have to be a princess always. Follow?”

He was so kind. Impa had always worked around her stubbornness, but not Link, Link was honest, sincere and seemed determined to work the bad habit away. He was also so handsome her heart gave a strong pang, and it distracted and eased her mind. “I follow,” she acquiesced softly. “Thank you.”

“Zelda,” Impa said drawing her attention away from Link finally, the General's arms crossed. “How seriously are we going to take this woman’s words? She and her cadre were clearly not all of the Gerudo nation.”

There had been times Zelda had not felt up to her royal duties, but endured because it was her burden to bear in those moments. For the first time she could recall, she hesitated to shoulder that burden - with a surprising desire Zelda discovered she wanted to lay here or in her bedchamber and feel badly for just a little while longer while Link fawned over her. His affection was more what she desired than anything else, and that seemed to make all of the difference.,

But she was ruler and she knew she could not do that.

Turning her face to the ceiling, she pinched the bridge of her nose. “We need to take her seriously until proved otherwise. We need send an envoy to the Gerudans, to see how they feel, and one to the North to speak to this warlord. What do we know of him?”

“That he is vicious and been putting the fear of the Goddess into the monsters of the North,” Impa said, beginning to pace. “He was being assessed by myself and the army, gathering information before Cia’s monsters began. Nothing that had been taken seriously as it was keeping our own monsters from attacking the borders. But we also did not know it was an exiled Gerudan.”

“Griffin,” Zelda sighed, squeezing her eyes shut. “It has to be.”

“Griffin?” Link asked as Impa paused in her pacing. “Who’s that?”

Zelda didn't realize until his hand came up to cover hers that she was still gripping the front of his tunic. He didn’t remove it, but instead his thumb began drawing affectionate circles over her knuckles when he saw her growing distress. “A Gerudo Warrior who killed a Rito Diplomat from the East. He’d claimed it was self defense, and a misunderstanding.” She shook her head against the pillow beneath it at the recollection. “I despise executions. I know some are necessary, but I could not order his execution if there was any question that he might have been telling the truth.”

“Despite the fact he seemed to have no remorse, the circumstances were suspicious, the Rito were outraged and seemed to have the evidence they desired to prove his guilt,” Impa ticked off. “The man was guilty, and I encouraged Zelda to have him executed… but her wisdom and mercy are the treasures of this land.” Impa seemed to genuinely believe her words, despite being irritated. “So he was exiled.”

The weight of guilt and fear for her people, all of them - Rito, Gerudo, Hylians all- was like a physical weight on her chest. “Was I wrong?”

There was heavy silence a moment, where Link looked subtly back and forth betwixt Zelda and Impa. Eventually he leaned slightly into Zelda with that sigh-inducing smirk of his. “I don’t think mercy is ever a wrong call. At least not the first time.”

With a grateful sigh and nod, Zelda turned to look at him fighting back tears. Even if she had been wrong, the words of her Hero eased her mind a touch.

“I will go make preparations for the envoys to be sent North and South,” Impa said heading for the door, her anger diffusing in the face of action, even menial instead of battle. “Hero,” she added pausing at the door, “I trust I can leave you to accompany the Princess to her chambers?”

Zelda smiled as she watched color flush to Link’s cheeks, but he nodded. “I think I can handle that.”

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