With such a bright light that she possessed, it only seemed natural that the shadow she cast would be long and dark; however, that which resided within her was anything but. In the moments that their minds were one, the queen could sense the others thoughts and agreed that what she now possessed, or had for her entire life and only realising it now with her pseudo-mother’s influence, recoiled slightly at the presence of light but did not draw completely away as if shunning what was composed of her essence.
From within her, a new life had been given shape—one she had carried since the day she was born but only now had been noticed after so many years had passed.
I will take this shadow that lies within me, accept it, and allow for it to grow.
She wanted to believe that this was a rite of passage—something her predecessor had endured throughout her reign, given the circumstances to ensure all hope was not lost. The queen had not forgotten what had transpired nearly two years ago when the advent of the dark lord seemed all too real. Yet, fate had intervened and sought out the next hero whom was destined and chosen by the gods.
It will become my armour.
The chaste kiss placed upon her crown had made her lids close with a slight quiver as memories rushed through her like a powerful current. With the connection still intact between their minds, she relived the memories, once more, of her predecessor and felt her chest constrict in the most uncomfortable manner. However, such discomfort was dismissed and cast aside as she focused on what was now bestowed upon her.
“—Impa. It was Impa who had come all those years ago. She taught me the physical arts of the Sheikah skill and then prepared me to gain the Eye of Truth—she had said that the final piece of the puzzle would only come later on.” Zelda had believed she had gained the sight after her great sacrifice, and while that had been true, it had always felt as though something were missing.
This was the final piece that would complete the puzzle—the one thing she had been waiting for and now it was finally hers.
When it seemed that the connection waned, she let out a sigh, breath expelling from her lungs as if a great weight had been lifted. Though, with all knowledge and all its forms, she would never be rid of these burdens and they would continue to weigh her down until she was consumed in both sorrow and grief.
Such was the burden of those cursed and blessed by wisdom.
With the connection open, the elder is laid just as bare as her successor, years upon years of regrets stacked high but well organized. To this point they’ve been organized and sorted, something that only came after death...after her spirit was found and revived, after her mind was coaxed back to conscious awareness and thought.
❝ Would that I had come sooner... ❞
The Hero’s Shade, her counterpart’s spirit had made itself known in the time of darkness, to aid and guide his successor. For a brief moment, the former sovereign is overcome by a wave of guilt; perhaps her daughter’s pain might have been eased somewhat by power of Shadow...perhaps she could have spared the queen’s torment by not having been so mired by her own selfish regrets…
...and the Shade draws a deep breath, a sharp inhale to rid herself of the uselessness of such thoughts. She draws back to ease the strength of their connection, gazing upon her daughter with pride...and longing.
❝ When you master influence over rousing and
coaxing your Shadow...seek me where the
Blade rests. I will continue your training there. ❞
The predecessor always found training worked best in a place of maximum solitude, a resting place...a place where mortal man did not often dwell. For her, long ago, this place was the graveyard in Kakariko, beneath the ever vigilant eye of the Sage, and of her own Shadow. But the Sacred Grove...the last mortal to step foot there was the current Hero...and only to lay to rest the Blade.
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