Traditional Complications
Four x GN (no gendered pronouns or description)
Idea: some head-canons on the different ways Hylian affection may be different to us humans, as well as a small fic: you and Four clearly like each other, however, due to the courting expectations in Hyrule, it may be a bit more complicated than you expected.
CW: mentions of injury but no description, courting expectations, lack of historical accuracy despite attempts /lh, inspired by other writers.
8.4k words; not proof-read
Starting off at the basics, it’s important to display what type of time period we would currently be in: it’s stated as part of the Zelda wiki that the series is most likely be set within the medieval periods within Western Europe, so I’ll bring details of this into the writing for some world building. Specifically, the courting ideas will be based on middle and late medieval periods.
For certain boys their jobs can have different impacts on their quality of life, for example, for Four, being a blacksmith would have held him in a respected position within his village, being extremely important to the crafting of tools and weapons. Living within the borders of Castle Town, he’d be considered as more of an urban blacksmith meaning a much more likely demand for guilds/ military needs, meaning more demand for, still, weapons, but also armour, though this would likely be more specialised- already seen by how Four focuses primarily on weapons and likely tools, though I like to believe his grandfather was likely armourer considering his respect from the crown themselves, paired by his son’s high position among the knights as a Captain.
Now, a captain of knights could be seen as either a Lord or a man promoted to his position, not necessarily a separate rank; within our medieval knowledge this would basically mean that this could be a similar pay grade to the other knights but increased respect within social circles, especially considering he has links to the crown, enough so that his son is even Princess Zelda’s friend. Whether Link’s father is a Lord or simply a knight, their household is certainly not struggling for money: Grandpa Smith would have been a skilled labourer and received what would be close to a payment when he stopped his service, especially if stopped due to injury, Father getting a skilled labourer’s wage for being a knight, and then Four earning both for whichever career path he chose, plus both if we follow my head-canons that the colours gain their own jobs and interests- Blue and Green definitely becoming knights, Blue possibly even following his father and becoming a Captain or even higher, training the new recruits.
Plus if we go medieval England then we can argue further about his Lordship, considering the title of Lord could be gifted to high-ranking military or was even used when gifting land to those who were trusted and in allegiance to the crown, aka the title of Lord simply meaning you were close with or served the crown, as well as usually owning land, for example the feudal system. This also adds reason for why Link may have possibly been able to become friends with Zelda, not necessarily for an arranged marriage as children but possibly a power alliance between the Lord and King, especially if the Lord was a trusted solider in a time of unrest. This also adds to the idea of Vaati creating chaos/ unrest and how the King had such military power despite the small size of Castle Town (also how Castle Town earnt its name of holding the King’s castle since other members of the feudal system where able to have castles), having military families in nearby or surrounding land, and how he had the ability to make Link such a wanted man, betrayal of the crown.
Before I get carried away with these ideas, I shall simply separate into sections of how being the son of a Lord (for simplicity), a blacksmith and a Hero may differently affect his levels and standards of courting, but more specifically the social expectations.
If Four himself was to be a Lord or high-ranked knight, then there is immediately an expectation among other Lords and Ladies that the person he was to marry would be someone able to help manage the land and possible settlements along that land, as well as other outward pressures that don’t hold as much meaning to you nor Four, such as social status and what your union could bring to benefit the land and family, something that is only a shallow reason among nobility for those who would want to benefit from your family or any possible children. Four’s actual family however is very accepting, his grandfather at least, a few issues stemming from Four’s attitude from his adventure creating a small rift during his early teens of attitude and teamwork expectations to become a knight also applying into his title, a young, very cocky lad spoilt with love who wanted to prove himself but expressed it the wrong way, however, those issues are fixed now- so if you met as children then his father would worry about his behaviour, however, as adults he’s very happy about his sons’ development and how you make them/ him happy, he understands the pressures and is willing to protect you both.
As a Lord, he would have access to a far greater amount of money, likely starting his courtship being taught to set an expectation of how he can provide and be a better man, to set himself higher than the rest, meaning you would likely be given very expensive gifts such as jewellery with large gems, dangling chains whether separate or as part of clothes, soft and rich fabrics such as purple dyed clothing and silks from distant lands, including many hand laced items such as laced sleeves or a smaller favour such as a handkerchief (plus although they weren’t too common in this time period, I’d love the idea of him commissioning a hand fan for you made of lace to match your nicest outfit).
If Four remained in his role as a blacksmith, taking over the business from his grandfather, some of the colours following in their father’s steps and becoming knights, then he would be solely free to do as he wished to pursue you within your own boundaries. He would be a very busy man fulfilling the requirements of the royal guard and private guild requests and commissions, but he would be able to provide you with a good and secure life, especially even in retirement later in life. As a smith, I see him taking days away from the forge as a blessing to be shared with you, taking you on many more nature dates and walks, exploring areas together and bringing you back rare of simply pretty flora or rocks that remind him of you.
As a Hero, Four would have many eyes looking over him and his actions, one may think he’d have freedom of choice having connection to the crown, but he is partially pinned- freedom of money and experience across Hyrule and connections but not time nor space from society. However, even with all his new-found insecurities and restrictions, especially if you’ve been together since you were young and saw his life before, he wants to prove his love and devotion to you, and shall show it every way, and every moment he can.
I’ve heard of scenarios of receiving a blade from your significant other as a sign of marriage or to begin a courtship and I can certainly see this being part of a custom but more in the way that you are given an object of significance, or protection. Now, wedding rings can hold this same meaning, signifying a union between you both or even simply showing someone’s wealth and ability to provide. Other examples of a gift may include: a hand-crafted gift for physical meaning, a gift showing how one may provide or have financial security such as demonstrating their land (e.g. a cow, or goods from a farm), providing material means, deeds for a house or upgrade etc. Other methods are forms of protection, such as a blade, enchanted item such as jewellery or a bounty from a monster etc. Basically, something that can provide the metaphorical or physical meaning of: I love you, I can protect and provide for you.
For Four specifically the idea of forging a blade specifically for you, with metal engravings and a custom sheath, crafted lovingly and with a lot of stress and perfectionism, is very fitting, however, I also see him acknowledging our human customs and trying his hand at silversmithing and trying to craft you a ring to the engrave though it would be a simple metal band, gems too out of his skill level but the thought very much there. Another act of strength and “look at me” energy from him, but not specifically as an offering of marriage or to begin the courtship is for him to kill many monsters during his adventure in front of you or to attempt to beat the boys at different skills, fights, and to basically flaunt himself etc.
Medieval ages were very religious, which I can, luckily, easily apply into Hyrule, whether casual faith or devoted religion through the fact that Hylia, Demise, the Triforce goddesses (Farore, Din and Nayru), and sages are very common legends and stories told throughout all of their history from Skyloft to the Wilds- statues, glass window art, paintings and stories passed among generations. In a way we could even believe that there are certain people who believe in smaller deities in comparison, for example the Fierce Deity and Majora existed so someone must have believed in them, even if eons ago, so there will be other, my main idea is that there would be people who see the stories of Hylia’s descendants and Heroes as deities, considering their stories are foretold through the ages as a prophecy, appearing in their time of need to save Hyrule, the same soul reincarnating, or the Goddesses bestowing their blessings in the forms of people or the Triforce etc. the story changing between each family or smaller group of worship circles.
I don’t personally see Four as a religious individual, especially not towards the Goddesses or any deity, but more so a respect towards previous heroes, especially the Hero of Men, a large stained glass memorial hidden away within a wing of the castle that once acted as a chapel or gallery, a place where he found comfort in his troubles, at the peak of when he had doubts and wished to prove himself. (A piece I love from the artist @kaenith for years)
Castle Town itself doesn’t have a chapel nor a statue used for worship, however, they do have sages and the Four Swords Sanctuary, so whilst it may not be a place for a wedding for others within the town, it may have been a place for the both of you, even if not a proper wedding then at least of moment of the day spent there due to its significance.
Now, slightly unrelated but because I love the head-canons of Hylian’s expressing affection differently, (especially this piece by @the-moon-files though please be warned it does have a NSFW section) so:
The idea of Hylian ears being extremely intimate is already an idea I’ve had and seen reciprocated throughout the fandom, just everyone wants to touch their elf ears and make these lads a mess, plus it links nicely into the fact that it is canon that Hylian’s believe that the shape of their ears is so that they can be sensitive enough to hear the whispers of the Goddesses, to deliver their message. Due to this they could also be seen as a religious symbol.
It’s already a massive demonstration of trust to give a vulnerable part of yourself to someone by allowing them to touch that part of yourself, especially if we get a little bit freaky of nibbling their ears but that’s far more marriage material, so to add a spiritual importance to that makes it even better, the fact you’re trusted with their literal gift from the Goddess themselves.
There aren’t too many situations where someone may accidentally touch another’s ears aside from fixing their hair or a hat, or any other item of clothing; maybe even washing their hair or face if you’re already close. So, with moon’s example of cupping their ears to protect from the cold, I’d like to add in those adorable earmuffs/ covers I’ve seen drawn, so instead you’re helping them adjust the fabric or tie their ribbon whilst their hands are too shaky from the cold.
Immediate bright red face, hands pausing for a moment, they know it’s an accident and considering your own different ears and the fact you’ve already shown many cultural differences, which I’ll also expand on, that it’s unlikely you know what you’ve done, especially if you give no apology nor general reaction; later on if you knew you’d ask permission to help and then apologise at even the slightest touch.
Another example of when apologies may need to be given involves when meeting with certain roles and titles, the most likely example being knights within towns or Princess Zelda herself when attending meetings with the chain as formal measures would be expected in front of the court when asking council of the princess to discuss the black blooded monsters. Meeting the princess and forgetting to bow, take a knee or place your hands in certain positions depending on the custom, especially avoiding eye contact as a sign of respect since for humans we are taught differently.
Linking back to our medieval theme, it also wouldn’t be too common to have certain casual touches without an established relationship, relationships including friendship, not just romantic, but it would be very funny if the others in the group believed that you both were courting and took you both on chaperoned walks to spend time together. Just imagine Time or Warriors, even Legend, walking slightly behind you both as you talk, trying not to listen but having heartfelt concern and dedication of wanting you both to be happy and work- this may even be during the group hikes, you both walking further back but always having someone else at the rear of the group, the others further forward to give everyone space.
When it comes to the other’s reactions within the group it all comes down to two scenarios: Four discusses among the group for advice about what to do and how to approach you and whether you like him, and then the other, Four tells no one of his wishes to court you out of either embarrassment or a wish to maintain a form of “dignity” (he’s just shy) and, therefore, they see your actions and assume you’re both courting and possibly trying to keep quiet about it, ensue the chaperoning and wingman-ship.
The afternoon sun filtered through the canopy of leaves overhead, casting dappled shadows across the worn forest path, small pebbles and trampled grass leaving only bare dirt in a man-made pathway through the trees, the occasional wooden stumps and parallel lines in the soil showing where carts had made space to travel before you. You adjusted the strap of your small pack, still a reasonably small size of a small satchel, but large enough within after some very helpful magical enhancements by Legend, feeling the weight shift more comfortably against your shoulder, the thin leather strap no longer digging into your shoulder. It’d taken you six months of daily talks and bonding with the men in front of you, one by your side and another behind to learn and acknowledge their titles as heroes throughout timelines, the trust between you all now solid, now the status bestowed upon you of being another key member within the group despite your lack of belonging to this world, only having been brought here by powers and circumstances out of your control. Traveling together on this sprawling quest, destinations unplanned and unknown to you all until brought upon you, you had found yourself among them, developing skills and knowledge valuable enough to warrant inclusion and importance, especially with the added advantage of applying knowledge of your own world into this, whilst advanced in magic, more medieval style land you’ve been place in.
Your gaze drifted forward to where the others walked in loose formation, Time led at the front, his tall frame and commanding presence a natural vanguard, ironically reinforced with a more sentimental reassurance of concern and protection by his wife's scarf fluttering at his neck as he consulted occasionally with Twilight beside him. Despite the warm sun, a cold chill had picked up as the afternoon progressed, not warranting many extra layers, but a small, simple comfort to the older man, similar to your own short, thin cape, lovingly provided by Four beside you- formerly Roc’s cape, though he said he held no need for it, your own comfort more important to him. Warriors and Wind followed, the former regaling the younger hero with what was surely an embellished tale of one of his conquests, if Wind's sceptical expressions were anything to go by at least, until Wind gained a smirk of his own chin falling over his shoulder as he told his own tales, the Captain’s face now scrunched at his brow. Unlike the others Sky, Hyrule and Wild walked together in a comfortable silence, the latter occasionally pointing out edible plants or animal tracks; Legend strode alone, slightly apart, his pink-tinged hair beautifully bright against the forest greens but he still held a smile overhearing the occasional comment from Wild or outburst from the two in blue further in front.
Then, behind them all, there was Four.
Four walked just a few paces ahead of you, occasionally looking over his shoulder to engage in a conversation with you, though it felt much more like checking in, which was very sweet, you’d see his eyes a familiar violet shade that seemed to shift hues depending on how the light caught it- sometimes you swore his iris would flash red, blue, green, or violet in quick succession, much different that his usual slow rolling wave of colours. His movements were measured and precise, his squire training and days with his father spent as a knight shining through in small ways, even in something as mundane as walking telling the story of his life and what different lives you both have led. There was something slightly different yet still mesmerising about his movements, only now noticeable to you after your previous discussions of his adventure and what it entailed for him physically, as though four different minds had to deliberately think and vote on the most efficient way to place each foot to maintain a steady gait and façade. Something was troubling him mentally to the point it was affecting his coordination, and it wasn’t due to a portal, the last one you’d seen being over six days ago.
Later down the trail came a different issue: behind you both walked Sky, who had drifted back from his conversation with Wild when he noticed the two of you falling behind, his presence was both comforting and frustrating, acting as a silent chaperone to interactions that never quite crossed into the territory you both seemed to be circling.
"We should reach the village by sundown," Four said, glancing back at you with those striking eyes that seemed to hold more colours than should be possible, before releasing a groan as he recalled a moment from earlier in the day “assuming we don't encounter any more of those moblins from this morning."
"I hope so," you replied with a laugh at his theatrics, quickening your pace slightly to walk beside him rather than your previous position of being slightly behind, "I'm not sure my boots can take another day of this terrain in their state."
Four's gaze dropped to your feet, more so to your worn leather boots, what should have lasted you years with the thick leather and skilled craftsmanship but instead where beginning to fray at the seams after a bad trip through Death Mountain the week previous in Wild’s world, the vast temperature difference wreaking havoc on your gear’s lifespan. "The stitching on the left one is starting to give way, I could repair it for you tonight, if you'd like,” his eyes twinkling at the opportunity to do something helpful for you, to prove himself useful even though he’d done far more than that each day, “I have some tools and thick thread in my pack."
The offer sent a flutter through your chest that you tried desperately to suppress, everyone was aware that Four's craftsmanship was legendary, quite literally pun intended, you’d be silly to deny such a thing, the grandson of a renounced smith who trained him, as well as his own work known across Hyrule, working with those of high status in Castle Town and even the crown personally. Having him personally tend to your boots would be both practical and, in a strange sense you couldn’t truly describe, intimate, in a way that made your cheeks warm- possibly it was the way that he’d offered so quickly to help you or the unknown vulnerability of him handling your footwear of which you relied on heavily for your travels, your comfort in his hands and a trust you shouldn’t need, stories of creeps tingling quietly in the far back of your mind, the information not needed here, this was Four, you trusted him not to even think of such a boundary crossing act, never mind enact it.
"That's very kind," you answered, perhaps a beat too late, caught up in thought and a slight daze looking into his eyes, “but I wouldn't want to impose."
"It's no issue, truly," he tried to reassure you without need, Four's voice was soft but certain, he began to speak again but hesitated, glancing back at Sky who was pretending not to listen to your small conversation, though his slightly reddened ears gave him away. "I enjoy working with my hands, it helps me think."
You wondered what thoughts needed sorting in that complex mind of his- more than once, you'd caught him seemingly arguing with himself in hushed tones, his expressions cycling through emotions rapid-fire before settling into composed neutrality when he noticed anyone watching.
"Then I gratefully accept," you said, offering a smile that you hoped conveyed just the right amount of appreciation without revealing the depth of your feelings, you still weren’t too sure on Hylian customs and didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable, especially your first incident of trying to help Wild tie his hair and learning instead a lesson of Hylian affection, calmly taught to you by Time, Wild and Hyrule adding in his own ways of learning in his different Hyrule as a reassurance you didn’t do wrong, all the men very delicate with your feelings especially if you panicked and cried under pressure.
Four returned the smile, brief but genuine, before his attention was drawn to Legend, who had stopped ahead and was squinting at something in the distance.
"Hold," Time called back, his voice carrying without shouting, a skill you'd always envied though made a lot of sense when trying to command without alerting possible dangers, he gave you more light-hearted ammunition for dad jokes every day. The group halted, hands instinctively moving to weapons.
"There's a strange light beyond those trees," Legend reported, pointing to a shimmering distortion about fifty yards ahead.
"Another portal?" Warriors questioned, cautious, his dominant hand already on his sword hilt, the other rested light on Wind’s shoulder, the younger boy also ready to fight with his sword drawn.
Time shook his head as he approached, maintaining his site on the light in question, what now showed itself to be a strange pillar amassed in moss and brambles, with multiple different carvings, a small purple light coming from a thin stream of running water within. "Doesn't have the same aura. Wild, your Sheikah Slate might help identify it, it’s shown it’s knowledge, and your land has proven itself full of strange magics we haven’t seen before."
As Wild moved forward to investigate, Four unconsciously shifted slightly in front of you, not completely blocking you, but positioned such that he could move to protect you if needed. The gesture wasn't overt enough to suggest he thought you incapable, but rather born from instinct; you found yourself feeling touched rather than offended.
"It's Sheikah technology," Wild confirmed after a few, long minutes of scanning the object and consulting his slate, “though, it seems modified in comparison to the pictures in my databases, like it’s corrupted somehow."
"Like the shrines in your Hyrule?" Twilight asked.
"Similar energy signature, but twisted, the lights are usually blue for the Sheikah, orange when left inactive or stationary for too long from what I’ve seen, though some guardians were also orange,” he pondered in a mumble, finishing his statement with a nod, “we should approach with caution, either way."
You felt Sky move closer behind you, an intimidating presence when paired with the straight look upon his face, his hand now resting on the divine sword at his hip, a small light pulsing from within at his touch, the spirit within dousing the imminent area for possible danger, talking to the man. The three of you- you, Four, and Sky- had somehow formed a unit within the larger group over the past weeks; it hadn't been intentional, but traveling together had a way of revealing natural alignments.
"Perhaps I should take a closer look," you suggested, aware of your particular talents for magical assessment, or more so your ability to identify and feel which era certain technology came from, your current view obstructed by the shrubbery before you, the swirl of forest magic strong within the aged trees, unable to compare to the images you’d seen of the shrines at this distance, though, they didn’t need to know that part, you smiled. "If it's corrupted technology, I might be able to see what's wrong with it whilst Fi gets a closer radius to sense anything, too."
Four turned to you, his expression carefully controlled, an attempt at a mask of control, heroic bravery, courage, but you caught the flicker of concern in his eyes as well as a brighter swirl of red and violet directly around his pupil before settling back to their usual evenly mixed hue.
"It could be dangerous," he said, his tone measured.
"Everything we do is dangerous," you countered gently, you knew he was concerned, you weren’t meant to be in this mess of heroes, but you could help, and help you would, "but this is why I'm here, isn't it- my sensitivity to magical fluctuations? Let me be useful to you," you whispered, leaning slightly into his space to transfer the message.
Four looked like he wanted to argue but couldn't find a logical reason to do so. His protective instinct was battling with his respect for your abilities- he trusted you too, besides, you’d more than proved yourself and your knowledge during this adventure. "I'll go with you," he finally said, a compromise that seemed to satisfy the warring expressions that had briefly crossed his face.
Sky cleared his throat softly behind you. "I'll accompany you both. Three sets of eyes are better than two."
The implication was clear, he would maintain his role as chaperone, even in the face of potential danger- the customs around courtship in Sky's era were more formal than most of the others, and he took his self-appointed duty seriously. You'd never explicitly discussed your growing feelings for Four with Sky, but his gentle presence whenever you and Four were alone together suggested he'd noticed what neither of you had voiced.
As the three of you approached the anomaly with the rest of the group hanging back in strategic positions, Four walked slightly ahead, his four-sword drawn but not raised. You followed close behind, your hands ready to weave the protective spells you'd mastered, while Sky brought up the rear, the Master Sword glowing faintly with its divine light.
The corrupted Sheikah technology looked like a small, vertical shrine partially embedded in the earth, but veins of moss and malevolent purple energy pulsed through what should have been a calm blue light, the carved stone a light grey, bleached from the sun. As you drew closer, a sensation similar, but not exact, like static electricity raised the hair on your arms, like a wild animal approaching from between the trees, hackles raised, the low hum of energy acting as a sharp growl in your bones.
"There's definitely something wrong with it," you murmured, unsettled, "It feels, I can’t describe it properly but... hungry, like cramps of an empty stomach and danger beneath my skin, like I’m light-headed."
Four nodded, his expression intensely focused. "The corruption reminds me of Vaati's magic, when I was at the Four Swords Sanctuary, not the Wind Temple, more like, before he took Zelda, but different; more mechanical."
You knelt down, careful not to touch the object, and began to trace the symbols carved in the stone, your finger weaving through the air, roughly an inch or two away, the air between you thick with static, burning sharp at your hand. With practiced confidence, you began to trace your own sigils into the air, the thick static acting like a soft mould, your indents clear, the diagnostic spell was simple, taught to you by Hyrule, but would tell you more about what you were dealing with.
As your magic connected with the corrupted energy, several things happened at once: the purple veins flared brightly, a high-pitched whine emanated from the device, and a shock wave of energy pulsed outward; Four shouted your name and lunged toward you as Sky called out a warning. In those few seconds of panic at what had occurred and processing your environment and situation, you felt Four's arms wrap around you as he pulled you back, turning his body to shield yours as the wave hit.
In disorientating flashes, the world went stark white, then a void of black, and for a moment, you felt as though you were floating in nothing; then, with jarring suddenness, solid ground returned beneath you, and you found yourself sprawled on the forest floor with Four's weight partially covering you, his arms still protectively positioned around your shoulders.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice tight with concern as he quickly moved off you, though his hands remained on your shoulders.
"I think so," you replied, taking stock of your limbs and finding everything intact, if a bit bruised, though luckily no scratches, you didn’t feel like dealing with a foreign infection today. "What about you? You’re the one who had the brunt of a shockwave hit against your spine, that couldn’t have been good."
"I'm fine," he said, helping you to sit up, his eyes scanned your face intently, as if searching for any sign of injury or possible distress.
It was then, looking around at both Four to ensure he was okay, and at your surroundings to see if the others were okay, that you realised Sky was nowhere to be seen, in fact, none of the other heroes were visible. The forest around you looked similar but subtly different, the light a strange amber hue, the vegetation slightly off in colour and texture from what you could feel of the grass beneath your hands, fingers splayed through an almost velvet feeling.
"Where are the others?" you asked, a tremor of worry in your voice.
Four stood, offering his hand to help you up. "The device must have transported us somewhere, or some-when considering the nature of this adventure, though I’d certainly hope not." His grip lingered on yours a moment longer than necessary before he reluctantly let go to also survey your surroundings.
"Sky was right behind us," you said, turning in a circle, “do you think he was caught in the transport too? I don’t see why not."
Four shook his head slowly. "I'm not sure. I reacted on instinct when I saw the energy building, my only thought was to protect you."
The admission hung in the air between you, weighty with implication. In the absence of the others, particularly your ever-present chaperone, the dynamic between you shifted, becoming charged with possibilities neither of you had allowed yourselves to explore.
"Thank you," you said softly. "For protecting me.” You allowed yourself to suppress to a small blush and a smile to accompany it, you didn’t think he meant to say that part out loud, especially not in such a firm and commanding tone as he did- it was quite attractive if you could say so yourself, especially the dark blush upon his own face.
Four met your gaze, and for once, he didn't look away or temper his expression, “always," he replied simply.
The silence that followed was neither awkward nor comfortable, but expectant, like the pause before a lightning strike, Four took a small step closer to you, then stopped himself, conflict evident in his features.
"We should..." he began, then frowned, as if arguing with himself, “we need to find the others."
With a sharp nod, you agreed, though part of you wished to remain in this moment, suspended between what was and what could be. "But which direction? This forest seems similar but different enough that I can't get my bearings, do we return down the path we followed as a group, that doesn’t seem right, like we’d lose progress or that the others wouldn’t be there."
Four closed his eyes for a moment, and you could almost see the internal dialogue taking place. When he opened them again, they flashed distinctly green before settling.
"This way," he said with surprising certainty, pointing east, “there's a clearing not far from here where we can get a better view of the surroundings."
"How do you know?" you asked, falling into step beside him.
A small, mysterious smile played at his lips. "Let's just say I have different perspectives on the situation."
As you walked together through the strange forest, you found yourselves automatically matching pace, shoulders occasionally brushing, without Sky's watchful presence behind you, the space between you seemed to shrink naturally, as if you were magnets slowly overcoming resistance. It wasn’t anything against Sky, not that his presence wasn’t welcome nor appreciated as a friend, but sometimes, you just needed some time alone, some privacy, even if it went against the standard beliefs, a bit too intimate and private before your courting became official.
"You've never talked much about it," you ventured after several minutes of companionable silence, “the four sword, I mean, and how it affected you."
Four's step faltered slightly, you both knew it was a personal question, perhaps too personal, but the unusual circumstances made you bold, you wanted to know all about him. Wasn’t that the point of a courtship- to get to know each other in preparation for marriage? I f you were to love a man you wanted to love all of him, his positives, his negatives, his charms and his flaws- you wanted him.
"It's,” he hesitated slightly, trying to think of the correct words, what he considered correct, “complicated," he replied, carefully picking his way over a fallen log and offering his hand to help you across. "Imagine having four different versions of yourself, each with their own dominant traits, all trying to agree on every decision."
You placed your hand in his, noting how perfectly it seemed to fit, “that sounds overwhelming." You knew you could have your own overstimulated moments, the idea of a constant panic attack or stimulation episode being even too much to think about, to be in such disharmony with no solution or rest.
"It was, at first," he admitted, not letting go of your hand even after you'd safely crossed the obstacle, "people tell me of how they see us together: Red is emotion, Blue is temperament, Vio is intellect, and Green is... well, he's the leader, I suppose, the balanced one., but we’re far more than that, we’re people of our own, we all hold an important role but we also have far more behind us, what makes us, us."
"And how do you feel now?" you asked, genuinely curious.
Four looked down at your joined hands, seeming to notice for the first time that he hadn't released you, a blush coloured his cheeks, but he didn't pull away.
"All of them. None of them. I've learned to exist as a whole while still honouring their parts," his thumb absently traced a small circle on the back of your hand, “they're all in agreement about some things, though."
Your heart quickened. "Such as?"
Before he could answer, a familiar voice called out from ahead, a shout of your name, followed by Four’s, “praise Hylia, you're both alright!"
Sky emerged from between the trees; relief evident on his face, his tunic was slightly singed at the edges, and a smudge of dirt streaked one cheek, but otherwise, he appeared unharmed.
Four immediately dropped your hand, taking a small step away from you as if the stinging static had returned, the moment, whatever it might have become, had passed, interrupted.
"Sky," you greeted, ignoring the pang of disappointment, yet still happy to see him returned and mostly, hopefully, unharmed, “are you hurt?"
"Just a few scrapes," he assured you, coming to a stop before you both. His eyes flickered briefly to the space between you and Four, now conspicuously wider than it had been moments ago; if he noticed anything amiss, he gave no indication. "The others are just beyond that ridge. The device seems to have transported our entire group to, well, Time believes we're in yet another Hyrule, one none of us has visited before. Legend and Warriors believe it may have been a strange combination of a portal attaching to a similar magic field within that Hyrule, making it instead require activation, most likely the feature of the pillar itself, then into the portal, not simply forming as we would usually expect- it’s quite interesting really, I’ll tell you both more later, the others can add in too"
"Is everyone accounted for?" Four asked, his voice returning to its usual composed tone, though he was unable to hide the light darkened tone across the bone of his cheeks and tips of his pointed ears, lowering towards his collar and partially hidden by his straight hair.
"Yes, though Warriors took a harder hit than the rest of us, Wild is tending to him now." Sky gestured for you both to follow him. "Come, Time wants to regroup and form a plan."
As you moved to follow Sky, Four caught your elbow gently, holding you back for just a moment.
"We'll continue our conversation later," he said softly, his voice carrying a promise, then, louder for Sky's benefit: "watch your step here, the ground is uneven."
Sky glanced back, waiting patiently with that same gentle awareness that had characterised his chaperoning. Four released your arm, fingers lightly tracing against the cuff of your sleeve, but the warmth of his touch lingered as you made your way toward the rest of the group.
The ridge Sky led you to over-looked a vast, unfamiliar landscape, a sprawling field stretched out below, dotted with strange ruins that resembled neither the Sheikah technology of Wild's era nor any ancient civilisation you recognised; in the far distance, a mountain belched ominous red smoke into the sky, while closer at hand, what appeared to be a village huddled near a winding river, currently untainted by the ashes so close by.
The other heroes had established a makeshift camp in a defensible position along the ridge. Time stood surveying the landscape with his good eye, a small white mask cradled within his hand occasionally lifted to his face as he looked back and forth, while Twilight conversed quietly with Legend. Wind was helping Wild tend to Warriors, who sat propped against a tree with a bandage around his head. All looked up as you approached.
"Good, you're safe," Time acknowledged with a nod, “now we're all accounted for."
"Any idea where we are?" Four asked, falling easily back into the role of strategic team member rather than the more vulnerable person who had nearly opened his heart to you in the forest.
"Not exactly," Time replied. "The architecture of those ruins doesn't match any Hyrule I know. Wild thinks some of the plant life resembles species from his time, but further evolved."
"It's as if someone took pieces from all our worlds and stitched them together imperfectly," Legend added, his usual sarcastic tone tempered by genuine concern.
"The corrupted device," you mused aloud. "Could it have transported us to some kind of composite reality?"
"That's our working theory," Twilight confirmed, “the question is how to get back."
As the heroes began to discuss possibilities, you found yourself standing slightly apart, processing not just the bizarre circumstances but also the interrupted moment with Four, you were so lost in thought that you didn't notice him approach until he was beside you.
"Are you alright?" he asked quietly, his concern evident. "That was a powerful magical surge you were exposed to."
You nodded, not mentioning the fact he too had been exposed, if not to a greater level considering how he’d tried to protect you, but you wouldn’t mention it if he didn’t want you to. "Just trying to make sense of it all. I feel like I was on the verge of understanding something about the corruption before we were transported, like it was telling me something through physical feelings, it’s aura had an imprint of something I couldn’t grasp."
Four studied you with those beautiful kaleidoscopic eyes of his, feeling clear on his face, he never was good at restraining himself, you didn’t mind. "About the device, or about something else entirely?"
The question hung between you, layered with meaning, but before you could respond, Time called everyone together to outline a plan of action.
"We'll make camp here tonight," he decided, “then in the morning, Wild, Wind, and I will scout toward the village to gather information; the rest of you should try to locate any similar devices in the immediate area, they might be the key to our way home or at least to progress further."
As the group dispersed to set up camp for the night, you found yourself assigned to gather firewood with Four while Sky helped Wild prepare an evening meal. It seemed your chaperone was giving you a small measure of privacy while still keeping you within sight of the camp, a subtle acknowledgment of the unspoken courtship dance you and Four had been engaged in for weeks, if not months- you had an inkling of suspicion that Four had possibly discussed this before considering you yourself didn’t previously know of courtships and rituals within Hyrule.
"Here," Four said, handing you a small knife from his belt as you ventured into the tree line, another shy sparkle within his eye, there was something you didn’t know, but you were patient “for cutting kindling."
Your fingers brushed as you accepted the blade, and neither of you rushed to break the contact.
"Thank you," you said, feeling the weight of words unsaid between you.
Four nodded, his expression softening, “we should stay within sight of camp. This place feels unpredictable, so to say."
As you gathered fallen branches together, working in comfortable tandem, Four seemed to be gathering his courage as well. Several times, he appeared on the verge of speaking, only to redirect his attention to a particularly suitable piece of firewood.
"You were going to tell me something," you finally prompted, straightening up with an armful of kindling, embracing your opportunity of privacy one more, “before Sky found us, about what the four aspects of yourself agree on."
Four set down his gathered wood, dusting his hands off on his tunic before meeting your gaze directly, fingers lightly catching on his embroidery, eyes quickly darting down at realising what he did, quickly brushing of the remaining dust with hasty swats at the cloth.
"Yes," he acknowledged, taking a deep breath. "It's not... it's not proper, I know, and without formal declaration or," he gestured vaguely back toward camp, where Sky was visible in the distance, “without observation, but I can't keep pretending that I don't--"
A shout from camp interrupted him, Wind was pointing excitedly at the sky, where a strange aurora had begun to form, ribbons of light in unnatural colours, neon blues, greens, pinks and purples, weaving across the darkening heavens.
Four's expression cycled rapidly through frustration, resignation, and finally resolve. He turned back to you, and in a swift, decisive motion that surprised you with its boldness, he reached out and took your hand firmly in his, the dry callouses of his hands tingling against your skin.
"I don't want to wait anymore," he said, the words coming out in a rush. "When that device exploded and I thought you might be hurt, I realised how foolish I've been, following customs from a Hyrule that w aren’t even in anymore, customs changing everywhere we go, judgement for our actions no matter what we try- customs you aren’t even familiar with,” he bowed his head and shoot it vigorously, hair waving and bouncing against his cheeks. “So I'm asking now, without ceremony or chaperone: would you consider a courtship between us?"
The directness of the question, so at odds with the careful dance you'd been performing for weeks, left you momentarily speechless, Four's grip tightened slightly on your hand, his vulnerability evident in the tension of his shoulders. "I should have asked properly," he continued, misinterpreting your silence. "With gifts and declarations and, well, just anything you may understand, I know you said gifts were common in your culture and spending time and, and--" he began to stutter and ramble, brain twisting in a panic of what to say, what would be right and understandable- what would express what he felt.
Leaning forward, you slipped a hand free to cup at his face, lifting him to look into your own eyes, hair falling against his ears once again, with Four still blubbering and panicked, you leant forward further, nose running along his in a gentle caress, and gave him a soft, short kiss.
"Yes," you interrupted, finding your voice at last, slightly breathless from your uncharacterised confidence, “yes, I would consider it, more than consider it,” you stuttered now yourself, the gloss in his eyes and flushed face making you nervous, “I accept, and yes, before you question yourself, I know what this entails,” you smiled bright, stretching at your cheeks and crinkling your eyes, “I accept.”
The smile that bloomed across Four's face was like sunrise after the longest night, radiant and full of promise, for a brief, breathless moment, you thought he might close the remaining distance between you, again, courtship customs be damned.
Instead, he lifted your joined hands and, with deliberate care, turned your palm upward. From a small pouch at his belt, he produced a tiny object that glinted in the fading light: a delicately crafted silver ring, set not with a gemstone but with a lovingly carved coil of vines and small circles of fairies, wings glossy with shined metal.
"I made this," he confessed, placing it in your palm and closing your fingers gently around it, “months ago, I just knew,” his blush darkened even further if it was even possible, spreading down his neck, “I've been carrying it, waiting for the right moment, the proper time according to tradition, but I'm realising that in our line of work, waiting for perfect circumstances is a luxury we can't afford."
You opened your hand to examine the exquisite craftsmanship of the ring, imagining him trying to perfect it, the time and effort it took, the stress of the perfect gift. "It's beautiful."
"It's a promise," Four explained, his voice low and sincere. "That no matter how many parts make up the whole, all of me is devoted to this path we're starting down, If you'll have me, of course."
From the camp, Sky's voice called out, summoning everyone to dinner, Four looked back, then at you, clearly torn between propriety and the moment at hand.
"We should join the others," you said, slipping the ring onto your finger with a small smile and zero hesitation, “but Four," you called softly, taking his hand once more, squeezing it gently, “the answer is always yes. I'll have you, all of you."
The look that passed between you contained volumes: relief, joy, anticipation of what was to come, as you gathered up the firewood and began walking back to camp side by side, Four's shoulder brushed yours deliberately.
"You know," he said with a small smile, "Sky is going to be insufferably pleased with himself when he realises what's happened."
You laughed, feeling lighter than you had in months, “let him be. He's earned the right to a little smugness after all his patient chaperoning."
As you approached the camp, the strange aurora overhead cast everything in an otherworldly glow, the faces of your companions both familiar and transformed by the unusual light. You were stranded in an unknown composite of realities, facing uncertain dangers and an unclear path home.
Yet somehow, with Four's presence beside you and his promise literally in your hand, you couldn't bring yourself to feel afraid. Whatever this new world held, whatever any world held, you would face it together, no longer separated by unspoken feelings or traditional restraints.
Sky met your eyes as you entered the circle of firelight, his gaze dropping briefly to the ring now adorning your finger. A knowing smile touched his lips as he nodded almost imperceptibly, his role as chaperone evolving into something new: witness to the beginning of your journey together, almost like a blessing from a God himself.
Four looked at you one more time before you joined the others, his expression more unified and peaceful than you'd ever seen it. In that moment, you knew that whatever trials lay ahead, across time, space, or composite realities, the greatest adventure had already begun.
As long as you were together, all would be okay.
---
As always, thank you for reading, all criticism is welcome!
Fun facts:
I'm terrible at keeping to head-canons and bullet points, I simply had to add a small fic at the end, it was calling to me, plus despite many ideas my brain wouldn't focus enough to bullet point them all- massive respect to people who do bullet-points, and remember to check out @kaenith and @the-moon-files they're both great.
Also, RIP my old Tumblr which was basically all kaenith art and Four Swords content, o7. Apologies to everyone @ 'd in this, I apologise for the notification but I'd love to point out great people in the creative space.
Also, extra fun fact, I shall hopefully write another scenario with Shadow!