These sketches are part of a headcanon I had of Link before TotK came out. I'm also just very soft for some domestic Zelink moments between their adventures. I shall reveal more in Part 2!
Another Botw art challenge with @stellercherry✨✨ For this one we had are ocs in Lurelin Village aka probably one of the most coziest places in Hyrule ✨🥰
This is Lucas and Jay enjoying some roasted Porgy. Below is a short story leading to this scene 🐠
A cool breeze swept through Lurelin Village, the calming sound of waves brushing against the dock. After helping clear out some bokoblins that raided the village’s boats, Jay stuck around to help them bring in their catch back into the village.
“Here’s the last of the Porgy, Garini.” Jay called over his shoulder.”Looks like you had a busy afternoon.”
“Sure did.” Garini chuckled and wiped some sweat off his brow.” Thanks again for the hand with my shop,Jay. Not to mention the monster clean up too.”
Jay gave a small nod and passed over the woven basket of freshly caught Porgy. He watched the man set up his shop as he hooted and hollered to come check out his products.
With a somewhat weary sigh, Garini rested he’s hands in his hips and asked,”So how’s your kid doing?”
Jay glanced at him before facing the beach where Lucas was standing near the shore. A orange seashell was his hands which he held protectively to his chest. When the waves brushed up against his little feet the boy giggled and hopped back. Jay watched with a soft smile.
“He’s doing a lot better. It’s actually my first time bringing him here, he’s still getting used to being around others.” He said softly.
Lucas looked up from the cool water and towards them and gave a wave to Jay, who returned it with one of his own. It was nice seeing Lucas steadily coming out his shell. Jay watched Lucas scamper away from the water and to a mound in the sand. The four year old was attempting to make a sand castle.
Looking back towards the shop Jay reached into his bag and took out a pouch full of rupees.” Hey, how much for some Porgy?”
The man looked up from wrapping some crabs for a mother and her child, he waved his hand,”It’s on the house Jay. Call it a thanks for helping me and the village today.”
Grinning he adds with a nod towards the beach,”Besides a great fisherman always shares his catch with the little ones.”
“Thank you, I’m sure Lucas will enjoy it.”Jay smiled,” I’ll take five porgy if that’s alright.”
Garini gave a thumbs up and wrapped up the fish for him to go. Jay gave a short wave as thanks and stepped off the dock as more people came to shop. The sand crunched under him as the smell of seawater and cooking seafood wafted through the air.
Before he got a chance to make his presence known Lucas already saw him and abandoned his sandcastle. Jay chuckled softly seeing his son’s little form crossing the beach.
“Papa!” The four year old giggled and hugged his leg tight. “Are you done working now?” He asked hopefully.
Jay rubbed his hand through the boys curls.“Yep, I’m done for the day kiddo. I also got us some fish for dinner tonight.” He showed Lucas the wrapped fish which had the boy bouncing on his feet.
“Yay! I love fish!” Lucas cheered, his timid demeanor fading into excitement. He stood on his tiptoes to get a better look.
The boy asked if they are going to cook in one of the outdoor pots, but to his confusion his papa shook his head. “Not this time. We’re going to cook this by a fire.”
Lucas eyes widened “But won’t it burn?” He asked worriedly.
“Only if we don’t watch it, but that’s why I need you to find the perfect place to make a fire so I can cook this.” Jay ruffled his hair,”Can you do that kiddo?”
Feeling reassured Lucas bobbed his head and took Jays hand so they can look together. On this very important search Lucas told him all the things he did from playing in the water, seeing fish and making his castle.
“And then this really big crab came and it had a stick!” Lucas said in wonder,” It was swinging it like a sword. Do you think the crab was a knight?”
Jay looked down at those big brown eyes as he answered him.” I think so, and maybe there’s a whole kingdom down in the ocean.”
Lucas gasped quietly, his hand tightening around his fingers,”Really? A whole kingdom?” Jay smiled,”Maybe, who knows. If there is I bet it’s beautiful just like the land we live in now.”
Lucas stared at him before turning his gaze back to the deep sea,”Is…bad people there?” He whispered before looking up to his papa.
Jay paused his steps and crouched down to Lucas level,”No, I don’t think there bad people there. In the sea everything is clam and soothed by they waves. Just like our world has the breeze and sun.”
Giving Lucas hand a squeeze he gave a soft smile,”Remember what I said about the bad never being alone? The good always come to keep the bad away. The same thing goes for people. You know good people too right? That keeps the bad away?”
Slowly Lucas nodded his head,”Like you save me…from the yiga.”
“Mhm, I kept their bad away from you and you keep bad away from me every day.”
“I do?” Lucas questioned with confused eyes.
“Yep, you keep the bad from me by being the sweet little boy who makes my life feel so much brighter.” He ruffled his sons hair,” And i didn’t even have to teach you that, you always been a good kid.”
Lucas face flushed in a bashful expression and he hid his face into Jays shoulder. Hugging him with his free arm Jay pat his back,”Alright, I’ll stop making you feel shy now.” He knew Lucas was still trying to get used to praise, the boy experienced so much hardship that kindness felt foreign to him.
Standing up he pat Lucas back,”Let’s find this spot so we can enjoy this fish.”
Taking Lucas hand, Jay goes to find a decent spot to start a fire. As he passes a few others already settled down he felt a tug in his sleeve,”What is it Lucas?”
The boy points ahead and Jay followed his gaze to see a gray rito sitting by herself and staring intently into a fire of her own. Seeing how eager Lucas looked he knew his son wanted to say hello.
“Go ahead and call her name. You can do it.” He encouraged him. Lucas hesitated before taking a deep breath before shouting,”Ms Rylei!”
The Rito warrior lifted her head up and she spots them. Lucas perked up when his voice reached her,”Papa, she heard me!” Lucas whispered excitedly as he pointed to her,”Can I say hi?”
“Sure, I bet Ms. Rylei will be happy to see you. I’ll be right behind you.”
Letting go of jays hand Lucas ran over to her, stumbling a little as his small feet sinked into the sand. He noticed Rylei wing twitch when Lucas steps faltered a little. Jay shook his head and mumbled with a soft expression,”She’s definitely got a soft spot for him.”
When Lucas finally reached her he gave a shy wave,”Hi, Ms Ryeli.” He said a little breathlessly from the trek in the sand.
“Hi, little master Lucas.” She replies in her usual quiet voice. Before asking what he’s been doing on the beach. He tells her about his adventures on the beach and how Jay was helping the fishermen. He pointed behind him to show Rylei where Jay was with the fish.
Stepping a little closer, he fidgets with his shirt and ask timidly,”Can you eat fish with us, please?”
Rylei watch the child step closer, her focus shifting to his fidgeting little hands, a clear sign he was nervous. She nods, “Hmm, that sounds really good, of course I’ll eat fish with you.”
Letting out a small sigh of relief, Lucas climbed onto the log she was sitting on. He kicked his feet to help climb up, his head accidentally bumping into her wing. He liked being by her side, she was quiet and gentle and his papa told him that he was getting better with talking to others more. That alone was a huge milestone for him and handling his social anxiety, which he felt more confident about when he spoke to her.
Jay caught up not long after to see Lucas showing Ryeli his seashell he found near the shoreline. He greeted Ryeli as he started prepare the fish, the two fell into conversation about what kept them busy in the village today. Lucas moved closer to him to watch how the fish was made before his attention went back to Ryeli to ask about what, “Mr. Vali,” was doing.
Jay really appreciated Ryeli being there for his son and he was grateful that she became another person Lucas felt safe to be around when he wasn’t nearby. Setting the fish up so they can cook Jay sat on a log across from them as Lucas alternated to sit Rylie and him.
When the fish was cooked and crisp he passed them around. He made sure to give Lucas the small fish to make it easier to eat.
“Careful its still a little hot, Lucas.” Jay said firmly before handing Lucas his fish.
The boy took it cautiously as if he was holding the most precious thing in Hyrule. Puffing up his cheeks he blew on the fish to help cool it down. As usual he had Jay check so he wouldn’t burn his tounge…Again.
“Ok, it’s cool enough to eat.” Jay reassured. Happy to eat, Lucas too a big bite from his fish while his feet kicked back and forth in delight.
The moment between the three of them was something Jay strives to give to Lucas more. Calm peaceful moments with good food and people he could trust. It was a life he wanted to live with his son and couldn’t wait to show Lucas more of the beautiful land they live in.
This was written for the valentines gift exchange with the wonderful @zelinkcommunity, and thanks to @bahbahhh for beta-ing!
Read it here or on AO3
The strangest thing Zelda noticed, after they sealed Ganon away and collapsed into a heap together on Hyrule field, was having a body again. For a century Zelda had been incorporeal, everywhere and nowhere all at once, one with all things and yet nothing. She had been watching Link, watching Hyrule, watching Ganon struggle against the bonds that she had trapped him in. For a century she watched. And now here she was, all of her contained in flesh. It was like the sensation of returning to land after a long voyage at sea, but magnified through every cell of her being. She had cells again.
Adjusting to the limitations of a physical body took its time. For weeks after they returned to Link’s home in Hateno, she walked on wobbly legs and found herself stumbling around like a newborn calf. At first she barely recognized the sensations of exhaustion or hunger. Link began to figure it out as she got increasingly irritable in the evenings, and he would sometimes forcibly bundle her into the small loft bed, despite her feeble protests. Every time, she was out like a light within minutes. When her growling stomach forced her back into the waking world, Link would be waiting by her bedside with fresh bread and a steaming mug of soup.
There were times that she missed incorporeality. When the wind rattled the shutters of their small home, she wished that she could allow her consciousness to drift away on the breeze. When she sat by Firly pond, splashing the cold water with her feet, she longed to slip her spirit into its murky blue waters, looking at the world through the eyes of the frogs and the fish. It was strange to be contained all in one place, a separate entity from the earth and sky around her.
But she also delighted in the sensations of the flesh. Once after she came in from a long walk through the village, Link surprised her by excitedly handing her a slice of cake. Apparently he had discovered an old recipe that was bookmarked as the princess's favorite. He had spent a great deal of time perfecting it, and watched with delight as she took her first tentative bite. She relished the taste of the wildberry and apple mash in between two light and fluffy layers of sponge. The sharp tang and taste of the fruit mixing with the sweet sugars of the glaze.
Another time, Link took her climbing along the Hateno cliffs, hiking down to the beach one afternoon after visiting Purah. They played in the waves and danced in the glittering spray of the sunset.
He also brought her silk trousers he had acquired from Rhondson in Tarrey Town, and she marveled at the exquisite softness of the material against her skin.
She was learning once again to love being mortal. To be skin and bone and sinew and muscle; that ate and drank and ached and sweated and slept. It was a journey of rediscovery, and her scientific mind, delighted and reacquainting herself with all of the molecules and atoms of herself.
That is, until she got a cold.
______________
Link had enjoyed witnessing Zelda's return to the corporeal. In many ways. It mirrored his own return to his body two years prior, when he awoke to her voice in the Shrine of Resurrection. The luxury of feeling the sun on bare skin, of drinking fresh cold water, eating a full meal and feeling your belly expand; there were so many delights to experience. He couldn’t wait to share everything he had rediscovered, that they could rediscover together.
Her brilliant scientific mind was a perfect complement to his enthusiastic experimentation. She analyzed every fruit tart, wrote notes about how her feet felt numb after sitting still for too long, lingered over the feeling of every fabric in his inventory, marvelled at the brightness of the morning sunrise.
The head cold caught her completely off guard.
“How did this happen?” she moaned from the loft as he added a dash more salt to some fortified pumpkin soup and ladled it into a large bowl.
“You were talking to the village children, and one of them sneezed on your face?” Link ventured teasingly as he walked up the steps to the loft, careful to not spill anything from the full bowl.
“Hylians shouldn’t be so susceptible to diseases from their young” she grumbled, sitting up slightly to allow him to place the soup in her lap. This was the third day in a row of such grumblings.
“One more thing for you to research once you’re healthy again.” he smiled, brushing a loose strand of chin-length blonde hair behind her ears. He liked the shorter hair. Zelda had very quickly decided that she did NOT like the sensation of long hair on the back of her neck, and now there was no one to complain if she sheared it off.
She slurped the soup loudly, an affront to any remaining royal manners that she was now gleefully forgetting, before looking up at him quizzically.
“Yes?”
“It tastes... different” she sighed in frustration.
“You’re still sick. Things taste different when you’re sick.”
“But WHY? ”
Link shrugged. Zelda muttered something to herself, grabbing her notepad from the bedside table and jotting down some questions for later. She had tried to keep working after falling sick, but Link had insisted that she rest. The pencil and notepad was a compromise.
“What good is having a nose if it’s going to behave like this?” she lamented, slurping down more of the soup. Link couldn’t help but laugh.
“Get some rest, Zelda.” he said, tucking the covers more comfortably around her. She caught his hand in her own, and gave it a little squeeze of thanks.
He paused, startled by her unexpected, tender touch. They had touched each other before, of course. Jostling each other in the kitchen, or leaning on each other while climbing down a steep cliff. But somehow this felt different. Before he could think twice, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
At that point, his brain caught up with his actions and he quickly pulled away, blushing furiously. He barely registered Zelda’s shocked face, spoon frozen halfway to her lips. Instead, he whirled away down the steps, panicking slightly and raking his fingers through his disheveled hair.
______________
Zelda didn’t see Link the next morning. Which was just as well, since she was feeling significantly better and was frankly uninterested in spending a minute more lying in bed. Still, it was unusual of him to not be at her bedside when she woke up. Instead she found another steaming mug of soup and a slice of bread on her bedside. She took advantage of the hot breakfast - which finally tasted normal again - before changing into a fresh linen shift and making her way downstairs.
Pumping some water into the basin so that she could wash up, she glanced briefly out the window. Her breath caught in her throat.
Of course, he wouldn’t have gone far.
Link was outside in the yard, drilling sword forms with an intensity she hadn’t seen from him since before the Calamity. Even in the cool morning air, he was shiny with sweat, muscles rippling across his bare back. She couldn’t help but stare. The strange fluttering in her stomach that she had felt the night before, after his unexpected but welcome kiss, came back a hundredfold.
She forced herself to look away, scrubbing the dishes with unusual vigour.
She spent the rest of her morning paying fierce attention to her notes, refining all the scribbles she had written from bed during her convalescence and making a list of questions that the village healer might have some answers for. Her fluttery innards were finally starting to calm down when Link came back in, still shirtless and soaked after having briefly rinsed himself off in the pond.
She sucked in a breath. The sight of him was causing all kinds of physical sensations that she had no rational explanation for.
He paused, meeting her startled gaze, before hastily pulling out the Sheikah slate and materializing an old comfortable linen shirt.
“You’re out of bed?” he mumbled.
“Yes, I am feeling much better today, thanks to your care.” she smiled, cursing this sudden awkwardness.
The silence stretched out long and tense between them. Her stomach started fluttering again.
“Link, I - ”
“Yes?” he said softly.
“When you kissed me, yesterday...”
He blushed a deep shade of crimson. “I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t have...”
“No!” she cut him off, crossing the space between them and grabbing one of his hands in her own. “No, its... I wasn’t sure how to react. It was, well, it was a new sensation for me.”
Link hadn’t moved away after she had taken his hand. In fact, she wasn’t sure if he was still breathing.
A sudden impulse struck her. “Would you... would you do it again?” she whispered.
A beat of silence passed between them. She was just about to apologize, to let go of his hand and say forget it, when he pulled her close and pressed another, gentle kiss to her forehead.
Like lightning in a summer storm, she felt it again what she felt the night before. The fluttering, the jolt down her spine that was entirely unlike anything she had felt since returning to her body. She shivered with delight.
“Again?” she gestured to her cheek, and he obliged without any hesitation. Heat spread across her face from where his lips brushed against her. She needed more, needed to know more, to feel more.
“...Again?” she sighed, hardly daring to point at her lips. He leaned in, this time without any hesitation, and pressed his lips ever so gently to her own.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the
Organization for Transformative Works
I wrote a fic called The House That Link Built about his reunion with Zelda after they defeat the Calamity in BOTW. Once link reunites with Zelda after defeating Ganon, the first thing he does is show her their new home in Hateno.
This fic is a long time coming, I've been wanting to write this since my first playthrough of BOTW. This fic includes a little lore from the Champion's Ballad DLC for BOTW, so slight spoiler warning for that. Otherwise, it's just some domestic house-tour fluff while they reminisce over the battle they fought and the people they lost.
Please leave a kudos and a comment about what you think if you read it! I'd love to hear from the community!
PART 1: [link]
Disclaimer: these sketches were made waaaay before TotK's release.
Okay, I know that Link is still canonically shorter than Zelda in TotK and I appreciate Short King Link. But please hear me out! my headcanon for BotW Link was that, he went through an overdue growth spurt overnight. And as a consequence, all of his clothes are now too small, especially his Champion Tunic. So Zelda decides to mend his Tunic for him while Link goes for a quick shopping spree to replace his wardrobe with his new size and height.
In TotK's canon, Zelda just commissions somone else to make a new Champion's Tunic with new leather armour. But given that she was the original creator of the Champion Tunic, I headcanon'd that she's the one who mend his Tunic and commissioned a leatherworker to make a personal set of leather armour for her Knight. With her own personal touches in its design.
---
I had an idea that it was during the "shopping spree trip" that Link stop by the Zora Domain to drop off his Zora armour set to be refitted with King Dorephan's blessings. But Link just missed out seeing Sidon who was away from Hyrule on a diplomatic mission. This also sets up to why Yona has his Zora armour set when Link returns during the events of TotK.
If these sketches get any traction, I might sketch out these ideas into sketch comics.
