On many occasions, Link had found himself in places that were not quite where he belonged– not quite when he belonged, more specifically, his magic being wild and out of his control. Each time he had managed to return home and so it wasn’t as though the accidental time travel was much of a hindrance, however…
Link found himself recognizing the difference between this Hyrule, and the one he grew up in, and the shock of having returned to the time that never was left him stunned. Hesitant steps were taken forward, Link unable to keep the blatant awe from his face as he observed the land and how it had changed, unable to detect the silent Sheikah following. Watching.
He was made, silent. He was to watch and not be detected, the thief in the night whom no-one would ever suspect. His gaze is hard, the way the young man seemed perplexed with where he was at. Putting on quite the show in such a well-rehearsed fashion, it pulled ‘pon the Sheikah’s heartstrings to feel so suspicious over his character.
Everything about him looked the same. From the blond hair and blue eyes, to the hesitant steps, the tunic, and the way he held himself entirely. Everything told the Sheikah that this man was genuine, and that settled wrong. Because that was impossible.
The princess had sent him back.
The princess had made sure this time would never come for one.
Though the princess had lied. She spoke as-if the time itself would disappear ‘pon the conclusion to the Hero’s journey. That all these hardships would no longer be felt for them. However, time did not work so smoothly. It was a river, and if one could navigate it, there were endless possibilities, endless routes, endless days. They, were forever incarnated ‘pon that river.
The sheikah crept along the edge of a tree, red eyes glistening in the evening light, his body sunk low, careful, as he watched. Who was this pretender? Who was this man who would have the Sheikah stay his hand from the feeling of a lump in his throat. He could, after all, not demand the other remove his clothes, but ... oh. Oh how he wished he could.
If only to disillusion himself.