Link Angst - Blog Posts

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ i once saw forever in your eyes .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: an alternative beginning to fearless child, broken boy; tell me what it's like to burn (part ii) that is more cut throat with the angst but this fic can also be read independently.

genres: angst, romance. | set pre-calamity.

content warnings: arguing, mentions of war and injuries.

reader specifications: none, no pronouns are used but was written with a female reader in mind.

word count: 832 words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, jan. 2, 2024

‎‧₊ part i ⋮ part ii ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Two weeks, two cursed weeks that you lover was away in Gerudo, wasting the time away with the princess beside him and only when he does get home—to you—he is ripped away once more.

“A ball?” You inquire softly, having no energy of meeting Link’s eyes, exhaustion apparent with the ache embedded deeply in your bones.

“Come with me?” He blinks softly, his sky blue eyes reminding you of the times where he and you would nap beneath the shade a tree has to offer under a stunning cloudless sky.

But such times are a thing of the past. The thought is scalding.

Link sees the fire your eyes hold, they’re practically smoldering as you glare at the sealed letter in his hands. “You want me to attend? The ball your princess is holding?” You sneer angrily.

He’s never noticed your anger and it takes him off guard. “It is just a ball, my love-“

“I refuse.” Your words are stern, leaving no room for argument.

Link feels an itch of annoyance claw at him. “I am required to attend, so please, come with me?”

“Go with your princess, Link, I have no interest in catering to the wants of the nobles.”

He’s quick to catch a flicker of hurt in your eyes and he feels his heart break. “Talk to me please?” Link’s voice is soft—vulnerable—and it reminds you of your Link.

Your guard lowers but you feel as if a cold bucket of water was just dunked over you. “You’ve been so angry recently, it isn’t like you—“

“It really isn’t like me Link, yet who can blame me when my spouse is always leaving me alone?”

His eyes narrow, blues darkening in warning. “Forgive me for I am at the very forefront of this war. Battered and wrecked, I come to you first.”

“Yet why do I not feel like I am first? To me, my love,” the pet name is sickly sweet and Link holds back the urge of wincing. “Your precious Zelda is always first.”

Time slows and Link momentarily pauses, he catches himself, “I’m sorry for not noticing until now-” It’s too late, all your hurt—inflicted by him—has turned into anger. 

Anger rips through your very being as you meet his eyes, “You’ve only now noticed, Link? Or is it simply because you’re never here to see me hurt and angered by you and what you do to me?” Your words shock him, the anger masking your hurt irritating Link even further.

“Never here? I’m working to make sure you’re comfortable, that you’re safe, and yet this is what I get in return for giving you a better home than the old cabin we lived in?” Your heart aches as he yells and you’re able to see anger and betrayal simmering in his blue orbs that used to be so serene and calm.

A small laugh tumbles from your lips, your eyes aching with the weight of unshed tears—of having the weight of your relationship on your shoulders. “Do you not understand?”

The words die on Link’s tongue, guilt and hurt leeching into his soul at the sight of your tears. “I care not for the riches they bestow upon you, I care not for the land or titles you may hold, I care not of such things.” You furiously wipe away at your tears, hiccups becoming louder as the seconds pass.

“You are my home, do you not understand?” You look at him in the eye and Link sees defeat dim your eyes and it tears at the very being of his soul.

"I may be a fool for wanting that old cabin back, but at least then I was loved- I felt loved, Link. Yet, you trade that—our happiness—for the artificially that upper society has to offer?"

Guilt and sorrow claws at Link's insides as he feels defeat settle in his bones, a strong melancholy winding itself so tightly around his heart that it is even hard for him to breathe. He sees your eyes, puffy with unshed tears and he's enveloped in an unwanted hug of shame and guilt.

I was a fool. He thinks bitterly as he pays the price of seeing you so hurt, so bruised, but it all pales in comparison to the hurt you've felt, the pain he's forced you to endure.

"I go to sleep in a cold bed, I awake to one, yet does it ever cross your mind that your absence hurts me? And whenever you are home, in my arms, I mourn for myself—for us—and what our relationship could have been.

"Can you believe that? I mourn my lover who is sleeping next to me, I mourn the man who once showed me how much he loves me, I mourn us.” A dry laugh tumbles from your lips as you cry, feeling so alone despite your lover standing before you.

You’re breathless, "Do you not cry my name in the dark like I do yours?"

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ eyes don't lie .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x hyrulean princess, fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: in a sea of people bearing facades, his blue eyes oh so honest enraptures your heart unbeknownst to even yourself.

genres: fluff, romance.

content warnings: implications of mistreatment and a power imbalance, snapping due to frustrations, really messy but pining idiots who've yet to realize that they're pining for each other, longing disguised as helpfulness.

reader specifications: reader was detailed to have rosy cheeks and wears heels.

word count: 2.39k words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, dec. 31, 2023

‎‧₊ ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

The sun warms the skin of your rosy cheeks as it pours from the canopy of leaves overhead. The woods smell of fresh earth as it had just rained prior, allowing the cool air to kiss your nose sweetly.

You've forgone your constraining heels, deciding to go bare foot as you race through the forest, hoping to find a rare herb whose blooming window now only opened.

If you miss such an opportunity, the herb won't bloom until a couple moons later. Such a thought causes you to huff as you continue running, hoping to out run your knight who seems keen on following you.

Besides your soft pants, you hear your assigned knights heavy footfalls. Odd, you think as his foot steps are always so light.

Breaking from the tree line, the morning sun paints you in a golden glow that warms you up, chasing away the chill that was starting to settle in your limbs. You hear the footfalls come closer and you start your sprint once more, being careful with running on a fallen log that acted as a bridge over a small ravine.

"Your highness!" A voice calls out, the familiarity of his voice causes a slight upturn of the corners of your lips.

You're halfway on the large log before you meet sky blue eyes that remind of you clear, cloudless skies that you oh so adore. His cheeks are slightly flushed, his hair windswept from the run from the castle to the forest you've forced him to endure, and yet, his eyes remain kind.

"Ser Link," You hum thoughtfully, borderline coy. "Kind of you to finally join me."

You see Link's nose scrunch slightly, such a small twitch would've gone unnoticed if you haven't been paying close attention as your knight never seems to break character.

Always it seems that he chooses to keep a tight lipped mouth, his face stern, his body rigid as to alway be prepared, and yet, his eyes are such an endless pool of blue that you can read quite well—more likely are allowed to—and only with you, he seems to talk, his words always so soft and endearing.

Even if you cause trouble, like now, where he's to chase after you, or if you were to endanger yourself accidentally, it is never anger or frustration you see in his bluebell eyes, but always worry.

"It's dangerous." His words are curt, yet there's a slight furrow to his eyebrows that will go unnoticed by many. But you aren't like most people, you catch on quick when it comes to his tells and his eyes-

Stars, they're filled with an apparent worry that guilt starts tugging at your soul.

You swiftly turn, resuming your dash to the other side as a flash of lavender and your eyes widen as you see a superbloom of armoranth, a rare commodity even for the likes of the nobility and imperial family as well.

"Princess!" Link calls out worriedly but your feet is already touching the soft grass on the other side of the ravine and only after a few steps away from the log, you turn.

Your eyes widen as you see Link hurriedly crossing the makeshift bridge, his sword strapped to his back as his arms a somewhat raised to help him balance on the log as he hurried to you. His lips are pursed cutely, the furrow between his brows deepening and becoming apparent. Such a sight causes you to smile widely as a sweet laugh tumbles from your lips, being unable to hold it back.

Link's eyes widen as his head snaps quickly to your direction as he stumbles off the log slightly and onto solid ground. You're kind enough to quickly grab ahold of his hand to keep him steady and even kinder to reduce your cackles to soft giggles.

"You must be careful now, Ser Link, I don't want you tripping again." You tease softly as you give him a sweet smile and your knight looks gobsmacked at the sight.

You cough slightly, snapping Link out of his daze before he drops to one knee, keeping your hand in his in a firm yet soft grip that allows you to pull away if you so desire to. He's quiet as his eyes become somewhat sad and you feel bad for teasing him and keeping such a nonchalant facade with him.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ

Palace politics and the nobility were unkind, you and Zelda having not been spared from it as the sole heirs to Hyrule. Having been assigned knights against both of your wishes, Zelda was rightfully angered, feeling more constrained by your father's decision.

In a fit of anger, she had urged you to rebel against your knight as you also shouldn't be controlled even more. You sighed, silently promising yourself that you'd be polite to your knight while trying to maintain a facade of indifference to your knight in hopes of quelling your sisters unhappiness.

It was only when Zelda's showcase of her displeasure and unfair treatment directed towards her knight became so blatant that you are reminded to maintain your promise to yourself to treat your own knight with grace.

You recall of the times Link had saved you from your own stupidity so selflessly and without regards to his own safety and it pushes you to soften your cold facade with your knight as he too is only fulfilling his purpose, a royal guard bound by the king's order whose words is absolute.

After arguing with your father about the medical treatment regarding those affected by a sudden winter blight, or therefore lack of, you stormed out of the throne room in anger.

You then callously snapped at Link for no reason as he simply followed you as he usually does to your quarters. In the heat of your frustration, you became blind to his sky blue eyes faltering, hurt flashing through them briefly.

Later that night, going against your father's orders and not informing Link, you sneak out of your room and into the Applean forest. The said forest is a great deal of distance away from the castle but you had caught wind of a great deal of herbs growing there that would effectively help combat the effects of the blight.

Bundling them a handful in a small cloth, you scolded yourself for your harsh words to your knight and promised to make a healing balm composed of the herbs to give to Link as an apology, and to hopefully turn a new leaf as well.

But as you are starting to make your way out of the forest, a loud squeamish squeal rips through the air and your blood chills. From the corner of your eye, you see the red skin of a bokoblin wielding a wooden club.

Chastising yourself for not bringing Link with you, you break into a sprint, the beast giving chase. Breaking out of the the tree line, your heart pounds against your chest but as you gain a decent distance between you and the bokoblin, a chilling sound of a guardian focusing its laser causes your heart to drop.

You look up swiftly, seeing the reddish glow of a guardian going on the offense due to detecting an enemy. A malfunctioning one, Zelda had mentioned some defects. You cursed, biting your bottom lip anxiously as the bokoblin closes in on you and the guardian prepares to fire its beam.

You berate yourself for your unkindness towards Link in your last moments with him and you are forced to come to terms with your untimely death.

Time seems to slow and just as you see the laser make its away to you, a firm yet gentle arm wraps around your waist as your back lands against something solid and warm. The smell of sweet spearmint and earthy pine fills your nose and your body slackens in relief as you recognize this scent—his scent.

"Link." You murmur softly as you turn your head, bearing witness to his skills that rivals none in the kingdom.

He quickly brings the Hylian shield you had gifted to him during his knighthood ceremony and quickly parries the guardian beam causing the large tank of ancient tech to combust immediately before Link tears his arm away from you, choosing to draw his sword and making a quick work of the bokoblin.

Time between you and Link seems to stand still as you stare at his back. Guilt consumes your heart, you worried him horribly this time. Stars, if anything had happened to you, they would've punished Link and ultimately put his head on a pike.

You open your mouth to profusely apologize but Link is quick to bend the knee in front of you, his eyes never leaving yours and you feel horrible when you bear witness to the clear stress and worry swimming in his eyes.

Link gently grasps your hand, squeezing softly that doesn't hurt you in anyway that seems to reassure himself that you're safe and real. "I-.. I know you despise me for restricting your freedom, but please- please, next time if you wish to go out, please take me with you so I am to safeguard you from harm." He looks away, lips pursed softly as his eyes become sullen.

By some instinct—an urge—you cup his face, softly easing him to look at you in the eye once more. You're to speak yet the earnest look in his eyes forces any words to die on your tongue and you're taken off guard with how kind and true your knight is.

"Ser Link, I'm sorry for making you feel as if I despise you. In truth, I don't hate you at all, yet despite that, my actions showed you otherwise, and for that, I apologize. I apologize for snapping at you earlier, and I'm extremely sorry for worrying you with my stupid stunt tonight."

His eyes widen softly, the stars gleam from overhead making them twinkle and the sight seizes your breath. "I'm sorry, Ser Link, for everything." You murmur softly, bowing slightly.

A gentle squeeze to your hand encased in his brings your attention back to him. Your eyes widen from the sight in front of you, your heart stuttering and breath hitching ever so slightly as you see a small smile grace Link's face. He then leans further to place a soft kiss to the back of your balm, his honest eyes never straying from yours.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ

Guilt ebbs away at your psyche once more as you recall that you've never apologized for your constant indifference towards him and have actually kept it up.

A grimace itches at your face, "I'm sorry, Ser Link, for the incessant teasing." You sigh meekly, your thumb mindlessly rubbing back and forth on Link's gloved hand.

His eyes widen slightly and you hate yourself even more at the implications—stars, of course he doesn't expect a sincere apology from you as you've gone up and ditched him the second time since the guardian incident!

His reaction bothers you more knowing that the reason why you've began to avoid your knight was because of the constant skips your heart would make whenever you and Ser Link interacted.

Stars, he is your knight and you a princess, never mind your reputation, you'd only sully his and make him a court fool in front of the nobility if you're to pursue him-

You lose yourself to the brewing storm in your mind and ever the observant knight he is, Link notices how your eyes become sullen. He gently squeezes your hand, a move you've become familiar with, and it works as your attention moves back to him.

"Princess, I've no need to forgive you for something that doesn't upset me. I- I'm just glad that you've begun to talk to me comfortably." He murmurs softly and you will your heart to not skip a beat because stars-

His eyes are so blue—an endless sea of honesty and softness that you've come to realize that he's granted only you the privilege of seeing—and the sight has your heart pounding.

A small smile tugs on your lips, "It is one of the many things I can do to make up for how cold and indifferent I've acted towards you, Ser Link." You purse your lips, looking away and Link sees how truly sorry your are in your eyes.

He squeezes your hand once more to get your attention on him once more and the pained smile on your face tugs at his heart strings. "I've constantly taken advantage for your unwavering loyalty, Ser Link. I'm-"

Stars, it truly is upsetting. He is only doing what he is ordered to by your father and you punish him nonetheless? How unkind and unjust for you to treat him like that-

How cruel can you be to someone so innocent in royal affairs? The thought is chilling and it overwhelms your control over your emotions.

A choked gasp leaves your lips as he sees your eyes glaze over with unshed tears. Link is quick to rise, his body moving closer as he patiently waits for your signal.

You catch on and nod despite being unaware of his intentions. Yet from the honest look in his eyes, you realize that you trust the man in front of you wholeheartedly. "I'm sorry for every wrongdoing I've committed against you." You mutter, looking away from him in shame.

Link's hands gently cups your face, and like on the night of the guardian incident, he mimics what you had done and makes you look at him in such a gentle manner that intensifies the ache in your chest.

Your lips are pursed, eyebrows furrowed in guilt, and Link smiles softly to ease your worries. You melt, cheek leaning into his hand as he gently caresses your cheek with the soothing motions of his thumb.

Beautiful. Absolute stunning. Link finds the thought at the forefront of his mind as he looks at you.

"It's okay, princess. Just promise me that you'll allow me to stay by your side." Link murmurs, eyes looking into yours with such a softness that could make you melt even further.

You bring up your hands to cup his as the sweetest smile gracing your face sends his heart racing. "I promise, Link."

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ fearless child, broken boy; tell me what it's like to burn .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: when the kingdom goes to war, the goddess's chosen Hero is desperate to keep you safe. in his attempts to give you everything, you gradually became nothing.

genres: angst, romance. | set pre-calamity.

content warnings: slight spoilers (slight canon divergence)

reader specifications: reader is detailed to be wearing a body hugging silk dress (i had vivienne westwood's 'grace' dress in mind while writing that specific scene!). no pronouns were used but was written with a female reader in mind.

word count: 2.66k words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, sep. 6, 2023

‎‧₊ part i ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Two weeks, two cursed weeks that you lover was away in Gerudo, wasting the time away with the princess beside him and only when he does get home—to you—he is ripped away once more.

“A ball?” You inquire softly, having no energy of meeting Link’s eyes, exhaustion apparent with the ache embedded deeply in your bones.

“Come with me?” He blinks softly, his sky blue eyes reminding you of the times where he and you would nap beneath the shade a tree has to offer under a stunning cloudless sky.

Link sees your eyebrows furrow, “Are you sure? You wish to bring a common woman who’s a simple painter to a ball?”

A stab of hurt spreads throughout his chest and before he can answer your question, you speak. “With your achievements, Princess Zelda is more of a favorable person you should escort. 'Lest we want to sully your prestige, my love.” Your words drip with false indifference, hoping your lover will not notice.

He’s no fool, he sees the flurry of emotions pooling into your eyes and Link’s heart cracks. He’s endured war, massacring monsters and Hylians alike—stars, he even tolerates the unreasonable orders spewed from the king’s mouth and the princess’s unpleasant gaze and fleeting touches—just so he is worthy enough of you.

“No.” Link’s resolve strengthens itself as your eyes momentarily flicker to his, surprise oh so evident. “What kind of coward am I to settle for another when my heart belongs to you?” His words are firm, reassuring and you find your guard lowering.

You then melt against his sturdy body when he embraces you, and suddenly, you unfold like a love letter read in the dark, a secret that only moon and stars would know. “Promise?” Link allows his walls to drop momentarily for you.

“Promise,” His words are a whisper, pressed gently to the corner of your lip as Link looks into your eyes deeply. “I chose you and I’l choose you over and over. Without pause, without a doubt, in a heartbeat. I’ll keep choosing you.”

Tear well in your eyes before they roll down your cheeks. Your hand cups Link’s face and you see his eyes soften before you’re enveloping him with your arms as he too, reciprocates the hug by holding onto you even tighter.

“I love you.” His promise is burned into your skin with his lips, yet why does your heartache never seem cease?

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Looking into the mirror, you see how the silk hugs your body and how the corset’s asymmetrical look enhances your shoulder and clavicle. The layered pearl necklace shines with a milky iridescence that creates a dreamy look.

But as you continue to stare at your in the mirror, you’re caught off guard by the woman who greets you. She held no twinkle in her eyes, they were dim and almost lifeless.

A knocks rasps you out of you reverie and you’re welcomed by the rare sight of Link’s smile and his eyes crinkling sweetly.

You smile softly, feeling a phantom ache in your heart as you take his hand, your mind drifting back to the tired woman in the mirror and before you know it, you’re off to the banquet hand in hand with the man you love.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

You don’t know how to feel when the music starts and a hushed silence falls over the crowd of nobles and royals alike. You see Princess Zelda in the middle, seeming to wait for someone.

Eyes clashing against blue ones, you see hesitation flash in them before Link is turning away from you and everything suddenly clicks in place.

Your lover takes her hand, placing a kiss on the back of it and you feel like you’re intruding on something intimate. It’s a cold and unsettling feeling.

It’s almost invasive as you continue to watch the Princess and Link—your lover—dance perfectly, almost as if they’re puzzle pieces destined to fit.

Numbness has set in as the music reaches a crescendo, Zelda’s dress fluttering prettily as Link keeps his eyes on her. It’s odd, to be haunted by someone that is still alive. You muse, heart aching.

The music softens into the diminuendo and the claps entering your ears snap you out of your thoughts. Your eyes refocus and despite the signal of the dance ending, Princess Zelda and Link stay rooted in the middle.

Silence befalls the massive ballroom and anxiety prickles at the bottom of your stomach as you notice the look in the princess’s eyes—it's the very same look you also hold for the man standing in front of her.

“Thank you, Link. For everything you’ve done for Hyrule.. and for me. I -um,” The princess of Hyrule trails off, a pinkish hue coloring the apples of her cheeks as she gently holds your lover’s hand.

Your heart drops, an overwhelming wave of anxiety and despair washing over you as you have a horrible feeling of what is to happen next.

“I want you to be happy,” Zelda hums cheerily, a pretty smile adorning her face.

“And I would love for it to be with me.” Despair pools in your stomach, your eyes quickly fly to our lover’s face. His eyes are unreadable and he’s stiff as a board but Zelda nor the nobles crowding around them don’t seem to notice.

There’s this overwhelming ache in your chest, a severe melancholy wrapping so tightly around your heart, it snaps abruptly as your eyes continue to linger on Princess Zelda and Link.

Your eyes meet Link’s momentarily and you’re taken back to the moment where you looked in the mirror earlier, you remember the woman—you—who looked so defeated in the mirror.

Another stab of pain hits your heart and your mind clears itself of thoughts but one. I love him, but stars, I want him to stay away from me. You curse mentally as the pain intensifies, borderline burning as unshed tears sear your eyes.

A choked cry tumbles from your lips, tears blurring your vision as you abruptly turn away. You turn your back on the man you loved, taking the battered woman he’s turned you into with you.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Link’s blood runs cold at the Princess’s words, but despite the people surrounding him, he tears his eyes from the princess in front of him and looks to where you once stood but you’re no longer there.

Desperation tugs at his entire being, his soul aching for you as the ring hanging from his neck burns against his skin.

But alas, he forces himself to push down the urge to chase after you because if he were to leave and follow his heart—the being who his heart yearns for—the kingdom would stop at no means of having your head on a spike.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Stars, you were a fool.

You stayed despite his silence, despite his distance, despite how he treated you.

You stayed.

And the wounds inflicted by Link, the man that supposedly loved you, left scorched marks burned into your heart.

The wind widely flies by your face as you urge your steed faster, faster to a safe place, to home, and away from him.

A field of white baby’s breath enters your vision and your breath hitches as the dam breaks, tears freely rolling down your cheeks as you sobbed.

“I was robbed of my life. I could have been happy—I could have been alive but he took my heart and murdered it.” You screamed to the stars, the fire consuming your heart intensifying the pain you feel.

She pops into your mind, the woman before the capital, the woman before being engulfed by the fires of love Link allowed to consume her, the woman—you—before all of the forsaken heartache burnt you whole.

“Am I supposed to be grateful to have survived this?” You cried, stumbling from your horse and into the small cabin surrounded by baby’s breath, the very cabin you and Link once called home before your loves' downfall.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

Stars, he was a fool.

A fool for leaving you alone, a fool for choosing duty-

A fool for letting you go.

A complete and utter fool.

Link feels his frustrations rise, his skin burning as he worries where you are.

You were gone, not a single trace of you in the mansion. Almost as if you had left the place untouched.

He curses under his breath, tears welling in Link’s ultramarine eyes yet none fall.

He must be strong, for the kingdom, for him, for you.

A field of white enters his view and the morning dew twinkles at the sunlight peeking from the horizon.

Link’s breath catches in his throat at the sight before him.

It’s the cabin where you both originally stayed in, shaped it into home, and allowed your love to flourish.

Home.

His heart aches and there’s a deep yearning in his chest, a yearning of wanting to go back to how things were.

He dismounts his steed and races for the door hoping to see the fire lit and you home yet he’s met with darkness and the cabin being untouched.

His heart seizes as he recalls of what you had said before and Link realizes that you missed home, you miss how everything was once before.

He too shares the sentiments but he realizes it too late, “Stars, how was I so blind?” He whispers as he travels through the cabin, making his way to the back porch.

Link opens the door as dawn breaks and his breath hitches, his heart skips a beat.

He feels like a young boy once more as he sets his cobalt blue eyes on your figure sitting in the gazebo.

The sight of you and the effect you have on him reminds him of the day you both confessed your feelings, bathed in sunlight and absolutely breath taking.

You’re painted in a golden glow, the silk against your body shining softly forcing Link’s heart to tighten.

Oh stars, he’s missed you so much, the yearning to have you in his arms growing stronger as the ring burns even more against his skin.

He’s quick to make his way towards you, his footsteps on the grass and moss covered step stones softening his already quiet steps.

Link’s heart soars as he’s eager to get to you as soon as possible and yet, it’s short lived as your tired gaze pierces his eyes. His heart sinks slightly as panic rushes through his veins as he comes to an abrupt stop in front of you.

“Link,” Your sweet voice is hoarse, tired and run dry, which forces a slight pang of hurt across his heart.

His heart suddenly drops as you speak the words with a painful finality, “I can no longer do this.”

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

You’re leaving, you’re slipping through his grasp and it destroys him. Link looks up to you, your eyes unreadable and it forces him to impulsively move. He yanks the ring attached to the necklace hooked around his neck.

He sees your eyes widen as you glimpse the golden ring in his hand, confusion evident in your eyes. But the pain is overwhelming in Link’s heart.

Link falls to his knees before you, begging for forgiveness as would a sinner pleading to the Goddess. And like the sinner he is, you recoil, denying him of his retribution and sending his heart into despair.

“This was not how I wanted you to find out, but my love, please listen to me.” He croaks in between cries, hands grasping the silk of your dress as he buries his tear stricken face into the tops of your thighs.

“You will never lose me. I will always be right here beside you. I’m all yours my love.” He whimpered, hand shakily putting the ring on your finger and the golden ring burns against your skin.

You shake you head softly, “Yet it never felt that way, Link. You whispered sweet nothings in my ear and you told me you loved me. I found myself believing your lies when it all struck me at once, I haven’t felt loved by you.”

His heart aches at the shakiness of your tone and his arms wrapped around your waist tightens even further as he buries his face further into you naval, seeking refuge while hoping to make you stay.

“You no longer love me, Link. And I you.” A chill wracks his entire body, his eyes snapping to yours quickly in disbelief.

No no no. Link internally screams. “You love me, and—“

Your eyes hardens and Link’s resolve weakens even further. Stars, what has he done? “Loved. I loved you, Link.”

His breath hitches and you close your eyes as a choke gasp leaves your former lover’s lips. His hand gently squeeze your hips, a motion you once found reassuring, now burned your skin.

“Love, you love me.” Link croaks out weakly, his body trembling against yours.

┊ ੈ✩‧₊*°࿐ྂ。

You stared at him, and no longer did your heart ache at the love you both held for each other, instead, your heart thumped slowly and numbly. Yet, you feel a spike of guilt as he had provided a roof over your head, food for you to eat and so much more.

As the last act of love you so generously bestow upon your former lover, you cup his face gently, his teary bluebell eyes meeting your tired ones. You don’t have the energy for feign a smile but your thumb is gentle against his cheeks, softly swiping away any stray tears of his.

You see how much love is in Link’s eyes, it’s practically overflowing, almost like an ocean capable of drowning you. Inhaling a shaky breath, you murmur, “The truth I learned here is, you had to leave because you’re you.”

“And the reason I loved you is because you’re you. And who you are is someone who leaves, Link. The Link I remember doesn’t exist here. He doesn’t exist in the courts, in our home, and in you.”

He’s speechless, his tongue feels heavy as lead as your emotions of sadness and vulnerability seep into your tone.

“But he did once exist and you left him with me. A presence to yearn for—a part of you who I so badly wished for to be beside me—who gradually became a ghost to haunt me.” Link sees a glimmer of regret in your eyes. “Despite it all, I loved him.”

You swallow thickly, a small yet feeble smile tugging at your lips weakly, and the coil of pain tied tightly around his heart tightens, leaving Link feeling weak and breathless.

“To this kingdom, to her, you’re someone who stays.” He feels fear creep in his heart, the blood in his veins turning ice cold as you gazed at him with a thousand yard stare completely devoid of the loving warmth you once held for him.

It all comes to him and shame envelopes his entire being. As he built his walls to protect himself —the Link he was once before entering the palace, the Link you once loved—he failed to realize that he also cast you out.

Even as he worked tirelessly to provide you what he convinced himself that would make you happy—prestige, wealth—he had turned a blind eye to how much he had neglected you.

In the process of wanting to make you safer—happier—Link ultimately traded your happiness for what he thought would be your happiness and as retribution, he himself brought the ruination of the love between you both.

He’s forced to come to the abrupt realization that he’s to be haunted for the rest of his life, haunted by what lived, died, and could’ve been between you and him.

The cord snaps and Link feels his heart burn, leaving marred and scorched scars embedded so deeply in his heart. Link looks to you, face a calm mien but his eyes are a dead giveaway of the despair he shamefully feels.

Link’s words are subdued and quiet almost as if he's mourning, “If I could have done it all over again, I would have loved you better. But I couldn’t have loved you anymore than I already do.”

Your eyes dimmed and Link dies inside, stars, he was supposed to protect the shine in your eyes—you—he was supposed to protect you but-

“Know that I loved you, Link, but know that it was not enough.”

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.

⠀𐔌 . ⋮ a waning goddess's plight .ᐟ ֹ ₊ ꒱

ʚ botw! link x goddess reincarnate, fem! reader ɞ

synopsis: star-crossed lovers whose duties were put forth foremost; you, a Hylian whose body held the soul of the very first goddess and the one who held his heart, and he, another holder of the soul of courage whose destiny always entailed danger and the one who you loved dearly.

genres: angst, romance | set during the calamity.

content warnings: active depictions of death (suicide), implied manipulation/corruption, a (tiny) spoiler, implications of Link despising Hylia and the royal family (mainly Hylia slander haha).

word count: 1.4k words.

―originally posted on @mydarling-iv, dec. 20, 2022.

‎‧₊ ─ masterlist .ᐟ ༘

Link enters the great hall, memories of him and you within the said building flying in his mind, acting as a great comfort to the champion causing the corners of his lips to twitch into a small smile.

There’s a soft rustle and his body moves languidly, hand gripping the handle of the Master sword as his left arm readied his shield.

His eyes dart around the large piles of aged stone, light slowly filtering in the ruined hall before the moonlight fully paints the being who created the noise.

Link’s heart nearly stops and a pained, melancholy wraps tightly around his heart as his electric blue eyes land on your form.

Everything clicks into place and the anguish, pain, and sorrow winds itself so tightly around his soul that Link thinks the emotions he’s feeling is irreversible.

So you were the reason as to why Zelda's light stayed pure.

You were the reason why the malice hadn’t spread on such a larger scale.

You were the reason that allowed life to flourish, why everything and everyone was able to survive through the waves of malice the Camality sends out.

You were the reason why he kept going—why Link kept fighting.

You, the very essence of light itself reborn in a Hylian body, was the sole reason as to why people stayed safe—safer from Ganon’s malice infected beasts and the cruelties the said Calamity had to offer.

You, in all your pure holy glory, was slowly enveloped with malice as time had passed—taking on the very corruption that would have otherwise infected and killed Hyrule's royal princess, ultimately ending Hylia's bloodline.

The very goddess who started this entire mess and her wretched bloodline who continued it.

Damn them.

The warm glow of light you radiated was gradually extinguished and enveloped by the Calamity’s cold darkness.

And now you stood before Link, e/c eyes no longer twinkling with mirth, but instead dazzled with a bone-chilling carmine red.

You bore the full weight of the Calamity, preventing Zelda from being tainted and instead it was you who took the brunt of the corruption.

Damn them all. Link thought as he stared at your crumbling body that seemed to grab at any resemblance of sanity and your former self.

You, his beloved lover, stood before Link as a fragmented version of yourself, winding vines of malice embedded in your skin.

Your eyes flash a golden hue, the color your eyes shone whenever your divine power would show itself, and it shocks him to his very core.

Link wheezes as his chest painfully constricts at the underlying meaning—you’re still you, trying to fight the malice Ganon has infected you with.

Things had drastically changed over the span of a century; formerly known as the epitome of light and purity, you were now a husk of your past self and he the same, only now being forced to watch the fate you were ultimately doomed to.

Your eyes dazzle a crimson red and Link's body moves on his own, dodging your swift swing of the sword formed by malice in your deft hand.

He didn’t envision this to be your meeting.

Where your light once shined is now dimmed with an ominous darkness and he, was still the same, forced into a destiny he never wanted and is now struggling to accept the horrible fate you might have after this cursed encounter.

He doesn’t want this to be your end.

Your blades lock with his, eyes meeting intensely: your empty, ruby eyes pierce his own deeply and Link prevents the urge to cry out.

He doesn’t want to be the reason of your end.

It's tense. The air surrounding you both is charged with an unknown heaviness that weighs heavily on the champion's already scarred heart. The strain within Link's arms is numbing, the amount of weight you're putting into your blade causes both weapons to strain against each other tightly.

He didn't want this.

Amidst it all, Link wonders if your love was damned from the very start. You, a hindrance and a threat to the royal family, and he, a mere puppet of that damned goddess; to be used and thrown away in her cruel games whenever she pleases.

He doesn't want this.

Link’s heart aches with yearning, the hope lingering in his chest painful as he thinks of the what if’s and what could have been.

A peaceful life away from the harsh conformities of royal society, a safe home in the countryside, waking in each other’s arms every morning, not having to worry about your safety and well being in danger.

He hates this.

His heart shatters even more when he notices tears rolling down your face, it pains him more than he could ever express.

The remains of the great hall where you and he once danced in was cold and silent.

Instead of waltzing so care-freely with smiles adorning your lips, eyes twinkling with happiness and love, you both now danced a waltz of pained hearts and clashing blades.

His heart hurts.

Link’s strength wanes for a split second but you, the you the calamity had made a puppet of, caught onto his blunder and forcibly pressed further.

The Master sword flies from his grip and you catch it, smoke emanating from the palm you held the blade in: the very sword heroes of courage had wielded through the ages rejecting you as its wielder.

Because of its kind and virtuous maker, the goddess of light, the blade has recognized you as its master’s equal due to you housing the said goddess’s soul.

But now covered and corrupted with darkness, the light you once radiated was extinguished and the blade could no longer feel the purity of your light.

And he also could no longer bask in the light of your presence.

Link stares at you, a myriad of emotions flashing in his eyes, as his shoulders sag with exhaustion and defeat.

His eyes close and he awaits the blow, ending his life, but it never comes.

Instead, your palm cups his cheek and Link can’t bring himself to shiver at the lack of warmth it radiated.

Eyes flying open, his ultramarine eyes clash with your e/c eyes.

You smile painfully, exhaustion apparent in your orbs as you take in the image of your battle torn lover.

“I'm sorry.” You whisper and Link surges forward to stop you.

“NO!” Link shouts as time seems to slow, painful and ever so cruel.

The deed is done.

The Master sword impales you, smoking at the contact point where the metal blade meets your sullied body.

The Goddess blade weakens because of the malice consuming you and you physically wither as you stumble to your knees.

It hurts.

Link is quick to catch you, the burns of malice against his skin feel nothing compared to the numbness your incoming death brings.

“Please, my love.” He croaks, cupping your cheek as his tears land on your skin.

He never wanted this.

You smile weakly, eyes closing as you cup his face once more. “I love you,” It’s a hushed whisper that tumbles from your lips.

Your hand cupping his face falls and Link's hand catches it before he brings it to his face again.

It's quiet.

He places a small kiss to your palm as the tears pooling in his eyes burst, rolling down his cheeks at an alarming rate.

“I love you so much more.” His admission is subdued, his voice hoarse—his heart aching.

He didn’t want your parting to be like this.

Link had always envisioned your departure to be that one of comfort, one that came in the form of a peaceful and eternal slumber.

He never wanted this.

His sniffles turn into pained sobs before quieting down. Hand grasping the handle of the Master sword, Link gently and carefully pulls it out of your body.

Collecting you into his arms, he rests your limp head against his shoulder as he rests his on your clavicle.

Raising the blade, the handle burns his skin at the implication of what he’s about to do.

From being given the Master sword at the young age of twelve, the very blade has journeyed with Link till his fall in front of Fort Hateno a century ago and they have now just recently begun the start of their journey once more.

Only for the Hero of Courage to see the bitter end his lover was forced to endure that he decided that it was now the point where his time as the Goddess blade’s master ends.

He recalls the words his father spoke when Link was finally declared as the Hero of Courage and given the infamous sword to wield.  

The Master sword shall never be raised against its wielder.

Paying no mind, Link wraps his free arm around your waist in a final embrace as he presses your bodies flush together.

His eyes close as he thrusts the blade, first piercing through your chest then through his.

It's quiet, almost peaceful.

He never wanted this.

© 2024 𝐌𝐘𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄-𝐈𝐕. do not copy, repost, share, or translate any of my works to tumblr, social media, and any other websites/platforms.