Archive of Our Own

“Link! My dearest friend!” Sidon’s voice always manages to distract Link from whatever negative thought is tormenting him. Link is sitting on one of the patches of grass surrounding Lake Toto, with his feet in the water. He looks at the Zora Prince swimming towards him and his smile is small, but Sidon notices it anyway. Link’s eyes are the true key to his soul, and they aren’t looking at anything else but at him. Sidon almost misses his name spelled by Link quick hands; is Link afraid Sidon will disappear if he isn’t swift enough?

“Do you think I would be a good king?” Sidon is always the confident one between the two of them, but this time there is a trace of uncertainty in his voice that Link has rarely perceived before. He has always thought Sidon would sound like that only when talking about Mipha. Link gently waves his right hand in front of Sidon’s face, a gesture made to catch the other’s attention, as though there was any need. Sidon’s eyes are always glued to Link’s face and hands, when Link is next to him.

Link’s cheeks are pink, but there is a new determination in his eyes. His hands don’t tremble when he signs, but he is still afraid they will fail him because of how nervous he’s feeling. Calm down, it’s just Sidon, he keeps telling himself; but maybe the fact that it’s just Sidon is the issue.

“I think you’ll be the best king the Zora’s Domain has ever had.” This is the most Link has signed in a while. He feels out of breath even if he didn’t use his voice. His feet move in the water, and his eyes look down at them. Link doesn’t want to look at Sidon’s face and make a fool of himself even more.

Sidon is silent for a long moment and then decides to swim impossibly closer to where his friend is sitting, taking both of Link’s hands in his bigger ones. He doesn’t know whether Link is comfortable with his gesture, and he waits for a nod of approval before opening his mouth. Link doesn’t nod, but he’s not moving away. The colour on his cheeks has moved to his ears, and if Sidon didn’t know any better, he would say that the sun is making Link sick. If Link was bold, he would say that the fault does not lie in the sun, but in someone that is, somehow, even brighter. Link is not bold. He bites the insides of his cheeks until he can taste blood. But he still doesn’t move away, not even after tasting copper on his tongue, and even dares to squeeze Sidon’s hands to tell him everything is okay. Sidon visibly brightens.

“Thank you, my friend! I find it hard to imagine myself as a king, you know. When I was a child, I thought my sister would be the new queen of the Zora. I don’t really see myself on a throne with a wife by my side.” Link’s hands immediately disappear from under Sidon’s touch. Sidon looks at him with worry in his eyes. “Oh, did I say something wrong?”

Link doesn’t know what’s wrong, or at least he doesn’t know how to put it into words. His insides are churning and he has the strong urge to pick at his skin. To scratch it until he bleeds. To paint the lake red. He knows he’s not breathing properly and he clutches at his Sheikah Slate in a blind panic. Sidon wants to reach out again and comfort Link during his obviously upcoming panic attack, but his friend teleports himself away before Sidon can even protest.

This is the first time Link felt a tear in his heart.

Losing his arm didn’t hurt as much as Link expected. It happened too quickly for him to realize it. He wasn’t even awake when he got a new one. The last memory he has of his now-gone arm is failing to catch Zelda while she was falling into the unknown. Maybe it’s a good thing his right arm -the original one- doesn’t exist anymore. It proved to be useless in doing the only thing Link has always been good at. Who is he if he can’t protect Zelda?

He's alone. He has to do it all over again. Somehow, his body seems ready to endure everything. The pain Link is feeling doesn’t come from any physical wound. He is not able to locate its source, he just knows that it hurts. And that it’s not going to stop hurting soon.

When he returns to Hyrule after waking up in the sky right above the kingdom, he doesn’t know where to go. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t have a sense of purpose. A small voice inside his head tells him that he has lost Zelda for good. That he doesn’t have the minimum clue on how to find her. That everyone is relying on him once again. That his old friends -and the new ones- are waiting for him to fix everything for the second time.

How could he fix things if he feels that he is breaking down?

He’s sitting in front of a fire pit, hands outstretched to absorb some of the heat. If he uses the Purah Pad to zoom in at his surroundings he can see the outskirts of Hateno Village in the distance. He wants to visit Zelda’s house, the one he gave her because he was too bored of sticking to one place, and also because he had to shut down some rumours -that is, Zelda’s teasing words- regarding the fact that Link’s heart belongs to Lanayru. Plus, Zelda seemed on cloud nine when Link gave her the keys and told her that his plants would prosper under her touch. He has always liked making Zelda happy. 

Will Zelda ever see her home again? Link is sure that everyone in Hateno misses her dearly. Everyone in Hyrule misses her.

Link remembers Sidon’s reaction when he saw Zelda again, after the Calamity was defeated. He was overjoyed to see that Link had survived and, after noticing Zelda, his posture changed all of a sudden. There was a serious and reverent look in his eyes, one Link hadn’t seen before. Little did Link know, but he could very well imagine it, that Sidon was reminiscing a long gone past, a time when he was very young and the only memories he had were of his big sister playing with her friend, the princess of Hyrule.

Zelda probably felt something similar to what was going on in Sidon’s mind and she dismounted from her horse, Link taking the reins in his hands as if it was his second nature. He was in awe when he saw Sidon kneel down and bow his head. Link cannot truly recall the words that were exchanged, but there’s an image that has been stuck in his head ever since: Zelda smiling, smile brighter than the sun, almost brighter than Sidon (almost being the key-word), and speaking with the tone of someone who seemed to know a well-hidden secret.

“I never once was afraid that Link would fail his quest, for I knew you were protecting him.”

Zora’s Domain is just the closest to Hateno. There aren’t other reasons why Link is heading there first.

Link is sitting on the bed of Zelda’s house, happily listening to her humming a sweet tune. She is hanging the new picture she painted on the wall right above her bed. Link knows there is something Zelda wants to tell him, and he is patiently waiting for her to finish her errands first. After the picture is hung, Link gives her the thumbs up and a smile. Zelda beams and finally sits down next to him.

“Thank you for visiting me, Link. I’m so excited for tomorrow! I think we are going to find amazing relics right beneath Hyrule castle.” Her enthusiasm is contagious and Link suddenly feels so excited he doesn’t know what to do with his hands. He raises them to sign something but he ends up just waving them without finding the right words. Zelda gently catches his right wrist in her hand and squeezes it softly; Link immediately calms down.

Zelda’s face morphs into another expression, this time slightly sad. Link cannot quite understand why.

“There’s something else I need to tell you, though.” Link perks up after hearing her words, tilting his head to the side. Zelda lets go of his wrist and reaches out under her bed, grabbing a small box. When she puts it in front of Link and opens it, dozens of letters, neatly arranged, are displayed for both of them to see. As soon as Link spots the Zora Royal Crest, he feels sick. He’s jittery all of a sudden. The thought of running away briefly passes through his mind, but he can’t do that to Zelda. He knows that she will find him anywhere he goes. She’s terrifying when she wants to be.

“Look, Link. I’m not asking you to read these letters. And I don’t even want to know why you’ve been avoiding him for months. But don’t you think he deserves an explanation? What are you worried about, this time?”

Link doesn’t know how to avoid the conversation. He just knows he can’t. And he also knows Zelda won’t judge him. He has this huge speech planned out in his mind, but all he manages to sign is a single word that makes Zelda eyes go wide.

“Marriage.”

“What?!” Trying to regain her composure, Zelda takes a deep breath before speaking again. “Did Sidon just propose to you? And you ran away?”

It’s Link’s turn to be left speechless. His face becomes so warm he thinks he’s going to faint. Zelda’s gaze becomes even more concerned, but she waits for him to calm down. When he finally does, his ears are downturned.

“He did not propose to me.” Suddenly, the idea of Sidon getting down to one knee and giving him a ring sounds so appealing he wishes it was what really happened. He would be wearing a gem on his finger now, if that had been the case. “He just told me about him becoming king and eventually finding a wife.”

Zelda understands everything, including what Link didn’t say. She hugs him, loose enough to make him break free if he wants to. “Oh, Link. What have I told you about not running away from your friends? From those you love?” Her tone isn’t judging at all. She is the only one he has never left, after all.

“Link. Promise me something, okay? After our mission at the castle tomorrow, you go visit him and apologize. Alright?”

Link knows he can say no and refuse, she wouldn’t get mad, but he likes this. He likes having someone remind him he can still fix his mistakes. Zelda knows he isn’t perfect. And she doesn’t expect him to be. Sidon knows it, too. Link feels stupid.

He sighs, signing a sloppy okay on Zelda’s arm. For once, he is actually persuaded and almost sure of himself.

Link did not go to Sidon right after the mission, but he thinks he had his valid reasons. The Zora’s Domain is the first place he’s heading to due to the strange regional phenomena, though. He even ignored the advice to visit the Rito first. He’ll have to buy something for Teba’s family when he visits them again.

Link has his insecurities and doubts regarding Sidon, but he has to respect his promise to Zelda. He just knows that, wherever she is, she is laughing at him. She knows how pathetic he is. He misses her dearly. Seeing her in his anguished state would certainly do him good.

Of course, things are not supposed to go well, because she’s gone. When it comes to Link, it’s as if all the luck in the world decided to sabotage him and leave him to suffer. He is used to sufferance, but he would very much like a break.

After he gets to the Domain, he discovers that the new cause of his eternal misfortune is in the form of a cute, green Zora. She is adorable in every aspect, and when Link sees her for the first time, he feels something in his chest that he has not been experiencing ever since Mipha. Did the Zora find a new angel?

Her only problem is not a real problem, per se. It’s just Link’s petty jealousy that’s speaking. Being Sidon’s fiancée shouldn’t be a flaw. But Link, from his very personal and pathetic perspective, thinks that it’s a flaw when it involves anyone that isn’t him.

Link feels bad and sick. This, he would have never expected. Or maybe he was expecting something like this all along. He fled right after Sidon mentioned the word marriage in front of him. If Sidon had proposed to him all those months ago, he knows that, in a wave of panic, he would have said no. The future terrifies him, because the future of Hyrule has always been on his shoulders. He likes to appreciate his present self, especially when he’s with Sidon. But, the idea of Sidon marrying someone else? Rationally speaking, it makes sense. The next king of the Zora needs his queen. Then, why does it hurt so much? Link feels like he cannot breathe.

“Link...? Oh, sorry! Did I insult you? I’m sorry, I called you Link because I know you are my dear Sidon’s best friend and that’s what he calls you all the time… but if you prefer some kind of honorifics just tell me… I hope I’m not ruining our chances at being friends?” Yona places her hand right over her chest and she seems genuinely worried. Notwithstanding his pain and anguish, Link cannot help but rush to reassure her. He just hopes she will understand his sloppy signing.

His hands move as slowly as possible, cautious to make Yona understand every single word. As soon as she sees them, she lights up. Of course Sidon told her how he communicates. He should feel honoured, but the ugly sensation in his stomach is not making him feel positive things. He feels ashamed. But he makes another promise, this one to himself and to Sidon as well: he will not ruin this. He will respect his best friend’s choice. This is why he musters his best smile, the one which slightly moves his ears upwards, and finally signs something comprehensible.

“You only caught me by surprise, don’t worry. Everyone who is dear to Sidon is dear to me, as well.” He bows his head and Yona giggles, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. She blushes just like Sidon, Link thinks. He doesn’t mind making a comparison between them.

Link takes out his Purah Pad, taking a Silent Princess from his supplies. He’s sure that’s what Zelda would do, if she was with them. So, he just decides to imitate the one he’s always looked up to. He hands the flower to Yona and signs once again before swiftly turning towards where Sidon supposedly is.

“I’ll help him, stay safe with the rest of the Zora. We’re- I’m protecting you.”

Link doesn’t wait long enough to see Yona’s reaction, the flower gently held to her chest and her eyes misty with gratitude.

Link can now make a list of all the things that have been breaking his heart in the past few hours. Seeing Mipha’s Court is undoubtedly one of them. The place in itself is wonderful, and Link thinks it comes close to the constant celebration Mipha deserves. The idea of relocating her statue was very significant and symbolic: she is watching over the Domain now. She is protecting it, like she always did when she was alive. Link wonders whether Sidon still goes talk to her every night. Given her new position, he wouldn’t be able to do so without alerting some of the Zora.

Speaking of Sidon, Link finds him with his hands in the water, using his powers (since when has he acquired them?) to cleanse the river from any trace of sludge. He is so focused in his task that he still hasn’t noticed Link. This gives Link some time to admire his friend again after almost ten months. He feels kind of guilty. Scrap that, he feels like shit every day. He could have been there for the relocation of the statue. He could have been there to support Sidon before Yona’s arrival.

Thinking about Yona, Link subconsciously moves in the water and the small movement is enough to alert Sidon. The prince immediately looks up, afraid someone is going to stop him from protecting the Domain. He feels ready to defeat whatever monster is trying to bother him. When his eyes settle on Link, however, after a brief shadow of confusion (hurt, maybe?) and worry passes through his eyes, his mouth stretches into that beautiful smile Link adores and cherishes. His arms are not in the water anymore, but they are outstretched to greet his friend.

Even after months, Sidon is ready to drop whatever he is doing when it comes to Link. Link kind of wants to turn around, walk away and never come back. But he can’t do that to Sidon twice. Plus, the Domain is in danger, Zelda would be upset if he left Sidon again and a million of other reasons Link likes to think are the cause of his return to the Domain are currently making him stay. His feelings are not even considered. He cannot have them get in the way of his mission.

“Link! It’s so good to see you! I’m sorry we are not under the best circumstances right now…” Oh no. Sidon is sad. Sidon is not smiling. Link touches one of his arms in what should be a sign of reassurance. It seems to be working, even if Sidon looks a bit surprised at the sudden contact. Link tries not to feel too hurt -it’s his fault in the first place- and raises his hands to sign. He already feels tired. He hasn’t spoken in a while.

“I haven’t been a good friend. But I’m here, now.” Zelda would be so proud of him. She would be in tears, she would be cheering him on and telling him something like look at how much you’ve grown with that dramatic flair she likes to use sometimes when she talks to him. Link would pretend to be upset. But he would be proud of himself too, very deep down.

Link doesn’t think that Sidon has ever been angry with him, but the way the atmosphere changes after what he signed makes every ounce of awkwardness between them dissipate. Sidon is really smiling right now. All teeth and eyes. Link forgets what they were talking about. It’s only when a handful of sludge falls directly into his hair that he snaps out of it.

 Sidon starts laughing and Link thinks that he would gladly be covered in sludge from head to toe, if it would cause that reaction again.

“Link, we can reast for a while. It’s alright. You are tired and the puzzles in this Temple won’t solve themselves. We have done a lot in the past few hours.” Sidon winks and smiles at him, but Link is too busy feeling pathetic to notice it. The lack of gravity is making his legs wobble and he is feeling sick for all the jumps he had to make. He has no choice but to sit down.

The imposing and unforgiving Water Temple is looming over them, but for a second Link manages to forget all his worries. He’s just sitting in the middle of nothing, hundreds of meters above Hyrule, hands clasped together in what looks like a prayer. He’s just hoping the knot in his stomach will unfold before Sidon starts to think he really is a mess of a man. As if Sidon would ever think something like that. The same Sidon who obviously wants to rub Link’s back to help him ease some of the tension off his shoulders, but isn’t doing anything because he doesn’t want Link to feel even worse with the sudden physical contact.

For once, maybe Sidon is right with his insecurities. Maybe his touch would really make Link want to die even more. Link isn’t sure whether he wants to try and have that comforting touch on his skin or just jump from the sky without taking his paraglider out. Maybe he can do both things. He’s about to sign something very stupid when he notices Sidon looking somewhere behind him. Link turns around as well, and this is when he sees it.

It being a huge, beautiful dragon, one that Link has rarely seen, compared to the other dragons soaring the skies of Hyrule. He knows all Hyrule dragons by heart, and he is sure the three beasts are now used to him flying on their heads sometimes. They are just too grumpy to openly appreciate him, but Link likes to think he can perceive some signals when he sees them.

This dragon is a new one. He’s the same creature Link saw when he lost his Master Sword in the Temple of Time, but he was too worried and confused to look at it properly, then. There’s something both fascinating and captivating about the dragon, something so familiar that the tightness in Link’s chest is suddenly even stronger than before. It definitely isn’t because of Sidon’s touch, because Sidon’s hands are both covering his own mouth, as if he’s seeing something truly breathtaking. And he is. The dragon’s calming aura is slowly enveloping them and its hauntingly beautiful eyes are now so close that Link can see every shade of colour in them.

The creature doesn’t stop. Their encounter lasts only a few seconds, seconds that feel like hours. It’s when the back of the dragon’s head comes into view that Sidon gasps.

“Link...? Is that what I think it is?” Link isn’t really listening to him. He’s not as tall as Sidon and his sight is not very accurate, not when it comes to distances like that. He takes the Purah Pad out, maybe a few seconds too late, and tries to use the camera function and zoom in at what he wants to see.

It’s a faint light, but he would recognise it anywhere. That’s his master sword. Protected by that beautiful, familiar dragon.

Link isn’t sure whether he wants to complete his mission anymore. He notices that his hands are trembling only when Sidon hugs him. Link wants to scream, to kick him, to tell him not to touch him, but he’s too weak to fight him. He just melts into the hug. He wants to trust Sidon, ever the optimist, and hope that he isn’t too late to stop what already feels inevitable.

 Link, my dearest friend,

I hope this letter finds you well. And well-rested. I know you are busy, I imagine it, and I am so sorry I cannot help you carry some of the weight that is still resting on your shoulders. Defeating the Calamity was only one of your many duties, after all. I just wish it would be easier for you.

To be honest, I am slightly worried. I do not know what you are up to, right now. I am afraid I wronged you, somehow. This terrific thought is keeping me up at night. I had a nightmare just last night and forgive me if it seems like I am being selfish   But I am fine, overall. You know how I am, always worrying for my best friend. But who would worry for you, if I didn’t do it every day? I am not counting Zelda in this because I know she is way busier than me.

The idea that I did something wrong to you, however, is making me feel bad. Did I say something offensive for Hylian culture? If this is what happened, I am immensely sorry. The truth is, I am very scared of getting married. But I now realize that telling you my problems probably was not the smartest choice. I should be a font of solace for you, not one of worry. I know I can tell you anything but, as Father always says, I tend to be too impulsive, both with my actions and my words.

If I did not wrong you, excuse me for what I wrote in this letter. It may seem childish of me to always want to know your whereabouts, but it would be so nice if you wrote something back. If you told me you have been alright these past few weeks.

Keep in mind that, even if you do not reply, I would never hold a grudge against you. It would be against my very own nature. I am forever grateful for your friendship and I would never harbour any ill feeling toward you.

Yours,

Prince Sidon

 “Sidon, why did Sir- I mean Link leave in such a rush? I thought he wanted to catch up with you properly...” Yona is slightly worried, looking at Sidon’s sad face and wanting to hold him in a reassuring hug.

Sidon and Link came back from the Water Temple earlier that same day. The sludge suddenly disappeared from the Domain and, right after that miracle, Link and Sidon showed up. Link didn’t look like he was in his best shape and Sidon was partially supporting his weight. Or maybe the Zora Prince -now King- was just touching Link’s shoulder in an attempt to give his friend some comfort.

Link seemed sick, and his state worsened the more he stayed in the Domain. Yona thinks that they should have offered him a bed in the Royal chambers. But everyone else there knows Link better than her and she is fully aware of this.

It’s the fact that Sidon looks stricken that is worrying her a lot. He seems to realize this, and tries to muster his best smile for her.

“You know, my dear. I’m worried too. I worry for my dear friend every day. I have been worrying for years. It’s just-“ Yona’s hand finds Sidon’s “I think things are getting worse, this time. I can feel that he’s unhappy even here, in the Domain! And he has always been happy with me!” Yona doesn’t like the look on Sidon’s face. She wants to reassure him.

“Let’s celebrate our union. Properly, I mean. A true ceremony. When everything is over.”

Sidon looks surprised at her proposal but doesn’t comment on the change of topic. “Uh? Oh, I’m so sorry! I should have imagined that it wouldn’t be enough to you, given that marriage is fundamental for a Zora, I’m sorry I have been so inconsiderate-“

Yona laughs and, if he wasn’t so tall, she would cover Sidon’s mouth with her free hand. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just think that if we celebrated and you asked Link to be your best man, he would feel at home here once again. You told me you hadn’t seen each other in a while before my arrival, right? Maybe he needs to feel part of the Domain again. Like he once was. And we both know what we think about our marriage, anyway.”

Yona’s timid smile grows bigger when Sidon hugs her. “You’re a genius!! How inconsiderate of me once again!! I’m sure Link will finally smile at me again!”

If only Sidon knew how wrong he was.

Link is not alone anymore when he runs. He is not alone when he shoots an arrow. There’s even a cool golem who’s ready to help him reach the areas he couldn’t explore before.

It’s not that he’s not grateful for the sages’ vows. It’s that he was used to the help of his old friends, and he misses them terribly. When he lost his arm, he lost his dead friends all over again. He’s supposed to deal with it and keep fighting, but he’s just a human, after all.

It’s when he shoots an electric arrow and sees Urbosa’s stance and fierceness in Riju’s avatar that he breaks down. Why couldn’t there be avatars of the lost champions as well? Link loves his new companions, but he feels that this mission, this story, should be completed with the help of those who perished long ago. And he doesn’t want to endanger any more people.

But, as always, Zelda’s will is sacred. Link would never have something to say against her. She has always been able to see the biggest picture, while he has always been the nostalgic one. He misses so many people his chest is going to implode.

Zelda is a new addition to his list of missing people, even if Link found her. He recognized the dragon as soon as he saw the Master Sword on its back. And he has been feeling hopeless ever since. He doesn’t know how he’s supposed to bring her back. He wouldn’t manage it even with all the blessings and vows combined.

Maybe if he ate a secret stone too, things would be easier for him. And he would stop thinking about fucking Sidon when he should think either about Zelda or Ganondorf. Okay, that was worded poorly. He doesn’t literally think about fucking Sidon. The mere idea is enough to make him drop everything and hide in the depths forever. And blush like a fool in the meanwhile.

Link has always been immune to such thoughts. He remembers only bits or fragments of his earlier life, of that life a hundred years in the past, but he knows for sure his body has never felt urges of that kind. Sidon wouldn’t be the one to change his mind. He cannot be.

The fact that Sidon’s avatar is constantly following him is not helping, to be honest. Link can’t have even a moment for himself that he can see Sidon all around him. Even cooking is getting more difficult, lately. The avatars can feel whenever Link is distressed and they rush to his aid; he has to thank either Yunobo or Sidon if his meals are always slightly burned or watery. Those are some of the flaws of not being alone, he supposes.

The only thing Link actually likes is what happens when he goes to sleep. He doesn’t know how those absurd avatars work, he’s aware they are not really sentient, but they are stable presences that stand guard over him in his sleep. Link can actually close his eyes and get proper rest, because he feels more shielded than he’s ever been. The idea of Sidon slaying some monsters for him while he’s asleep is the stuff of his wildest dreams.

Little does Link know, however, that he’s not protected only by the avatars. Zelda is always watching over him, even if subconsciously. Link feels miserable, but he’s not alone. And he won’t be anymore.

Seeing Zelda again is a pure relief. After defeating Ganondorf, after saving the world, after the end of all things, being able to see her face again seems too good to be true. Link will always be grateful to King Rauru and Queen Sonia. He’s glad he has his old arm again. Everything seems to have found its old balance.

When Zelda asks Link to escort her all around Hyrule to look at the post-Upheaval damages, a wave of nostalgia hits him. It is the same thing they did right after the Calamity was defeated, before being engaged in the shaping of the new kingdom, Zelda on her beloved horse and him walking right beside her. Link faintly wonders whether there will ever be peace in Hyrule. He’s afraid he knows the answer.

Zelda doesn’t ask him anything, and he’s very grateful for that, but she can’t really help herself while they are on their way to Zora’s Domain.

“Did you pay him a visit?” Zelda slightly turns her head towards Link. There’s no judgement in her eyes. But there’s an openness that makes Link feel extremely exposed. He’s afraid he won’t be able to survive the conversation. Still, he will always have an answer for Zelda.

“Yes. We went to the Water Temple together. He swore to fight by my side forever and all that sage stuff.” He signs in a rush, knowing that this isn’t what Zelda wants to know, and he avoids her gaze after he’s finished.

“Link, I mean a proper visit. After the Temple? Did you read the letters, at least?”

“You know I would have never gone to your bedroom without your permission.”

A faint laugh. “Please, Link. I moved them to the living room and you saw me do that. And I know for a fact that you slept in my bed. There were stains of dirt on the bedsheets.”

Link’s blush reaches the tip of his ears. “I’m clean, just so you know.”

Zelda waves a hand at him. “I was joking. But my question still stands. Is there something I can do for you? You know you can ask me anything.”

Link should be the one talking to her like this. He feels so ashamed for his lack of courage, and the worst thing is that all his repressed feelings are emerging. They are threatening to escape from his body in the shape of tears.

Zelda seems to notice the tumult in Link’s eyes and dismounts from her horse, reaching out to pull Link into a hug. They stop in the middle of Inogo bridge, Link crouched on the ground and trying to catch his breath. He empties his stomach in the river’s water and doesn’t even realize Zelda is rubbing his back. She is not pressing him anymore.

After a long silence, Link tries to stand on his knees again but they are so wobbly he would have fallen if Zelda hadn’t caught him. He feels so pathetic. He owes Zelda an explanation, now.

“He’s married. It’s not a joke. Her name is Yona. She is the nicest Zora I have ever met; you would love her. You will love her. The problem is that I can’t love her. And I don’t want to show up to the Domain and dislike Sidon’s wife. They don’t deserve this.”

For a few seconds, Zelda is speechless. She has never seen Link sign that many sentences. She also feels a rush of affection for her friend, because she had no idea of that new development. Sidon, married? She supposes it makes sense. He is the new king of the Zora, after all. She wants to talk about it with Sidon’s father anyway. She’s the princess of Hyrule. She could protest and say that she does not approve of the marriage, she could find problems and political issues where there aren’t any. The list of things she would do for Link, for her best friend, is endless.

Link seems to have understood what Zelda’s silence means, because he hurries to sign something again, but he simply can’t. His hands are moving out of synch. Their movements are not making any sense. If his pounding heart could communicate, Link’s intentions would be clear.

Zelda sighs. “Of course I won’t do anything stupid. I promise.” Link’s face relaxes, but his eyes drop to the ground when Zelda remarks that I’m not the one who does stupid things here. Zelda’s hands touch Link’s shoulders. “Do you care to hear my opinion?”

Link faintly nods. “I think marriages are overrated. And sometimes, purely political. Have you stopped caring about Sidon only because he has a wife now?”

Link’s mouth is hanging open, as if Zelda has insulted him. Metaphorically slapped him. His hands are not cooperating, but Zelda is so close that she can read his lips. The of course I care that comes out of Link’s mouth sounds like a hollow whisper, every words inaudible except for care. Zelda seems about to cry just for the fact that Link tried to use his voice. She lets go of his shoulders.

“Then, Link, you can still fight. It’s what you do best. And I can assure you, being away from the person you love only because you’re heartbroken is the worst decision you could ever make.” This time, a few tears run down Zelda’s cheeks, and she graciously wipes them off before they can be the beginning of something worse.

She is always able to say the correct thing. This is just what Link needed to hear.

Link,

I don’t know what to do. Excuse me for my poor manners, I will make it up to you in my next letter, but I’m not in a good place right now. I feel lost. Pardon me once again; you are reading all these words without even knowing the cause of my distress.

In a few months, I will meet my future wife. I already know her, truth be told, but decades have passed since we last saw each other. Yona was a childhood friend of mine. She was Mipha’s best friend and I proudly called them my two big sisters. I admire her greatly and I can’t wait to see her again.

It’s the idea of her being my wife that confuses me. I understand the implications of this marriage and I’m glad the chosen one is Yona and not some unknown Zora, but still. I don’t know how to put it into words. I’m afraid I’m not brave enough, not right now. One confession at a time.

I’m sorry Link. I’m very, deeply, tremendously sorry. I wish you were here with me. It is selfish of me to demand for your time and I will never stop apologizing for this.

Writing these few lines has been very helpful, so far. You’re the best source of comfort for me even when you’re not around. I miss you incredibly.

Yours,

Prince Sidon

P.S. I am sending you some photos of our new structure. It’s called Mipha’s Court. I don’t think I have explanations to give about it. I just want you to see it. This is what she would have wanted.

 Link has never looked properly at the new statue in the Zora’s Domain. The first time he saw it, it was covered in sludge and, after cleaning it, Link’s priorities were clearly lying elsewhere.

He is admiring it now, though. Zelda is talking to everyone in the Domain, explaining her new projects for Hyrule and the new proposals of agreements in which the Zora could potentially be involved. Link has never understood anything regarding politics, and luckily for him, Zelda knows this and doesn’t require the presence of her knight while she speaks such gibberish.

Sidon was not there when they arrived. Yona was, though, and was ecstatic to meet Zelda. In Zelda’s eyes, Link saw the exact feelings of fondness he had expected to find. The resemblance to Mipha didn’t go unnoticed even by Zelda.

Link thinks he can survive all this. He has endured much worse. He literally died and came back to life, what could be worse than dying? A small voice inside his head tells him that the worst part of the whole dying-and being brought back-process was coming back to life and being able to feel emotions he very much would rather suppress.

He hates feeling so weak. He hates feeling like there is no air in his lungs when he looks at Sidon. All of this is unfair, but he thinks he can make it out alive, somehow.

All his convictions crumble to the ground of the beautiful Zora’s Domain when Link feels someone approaching him. He already knows who it is, even before turning around. He hates how his heartbeat quickens without him being able to prevent such reaction.

“Bazz told me you and Zelda arrived here a while ago. Sorry for my absence. I was training with the kids.” King Sidon trains with the younglings of the Domain every morning before they go to school. Link is very much in love. He signs a quick don’t worry about it and he still isn’t looking at Sidon. Sidon beams at him anyway. Link hates how kind Sidon is with him; even when he doesn’t deserve nothing but hate, his friend is always ready to smile at him. Even when he disappears for ten months without giving an explanation. Even when he doesn’t visit him right after Hyrule is brought to safety again.

“I’m proud of this one.” Sidon is looking at the statue, too. “But I still think it doesn’t do you proper justice. I bickered with Ledo because I thought your expression wasn’t serious enough. The architects wanted to make you smile. They were completely insane and unreasonable. Even after I told them exactly what your face looked like while we were fighting together, because it’s still ingrained in my brain-“

Sidon’s enthusiastic rambling is interrupted by Zelda. Her meeting with the Zora elders is probably over and she is calling Link’s name. When she sees that Link is with Sidon, Link has the distinct impression that she significantly slows her walking. She takes centuries to come down the stairs right outside the throne room. Link loves her.

“Oh, I guess you need to go.” Link finally turns around and looks at Sidon. He looks magnificent as always. But there’s a distant look in his eyes that Link doesn’t quite know how to interpret. Sensing his friend’s confusion, Sidon musters all his energies to show him one of his winning smiles. Link snorts, and covers his mouth soon after, looking embarrassed.

Sidon’s eyes seem to gain their usual light, the one that wasn’t there during their conversation. Something like hope blossoms in Link’s chest, but he’s quick enough to squash the sensation because it is something he is not supposed to feel. He knows that.

Sidon boldly takes Link’s hands in his, a friendly gesture he has always reserved to his best friend. “Before we part ways again, my dearest friend, I want you to know you are always welcome here. I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel out of place in the Domain in the past year or so. Yona made me think about some things I’m afraid I have been ignoring all this time.”

Link perks up at Sidon. He keeps telling himself he’s not supposed to hope for anything. Not when Yona’s name is on Sidon’s lips, at least. Sidon keeps feeling bold enough to continue his speech. “I think I will discuss it with Zelda too, when she gets here. I want to have a proper wedding ceremony with Yona. And I want you to be my best man. I want everyone to know that this is your second home, if you would be so kind to accept my request and make me a happy Zora.”

Link does his best to fight the urge to break into a million pieces right in front of Sidon. He can live with this. He can live with the thought of being Sidon’s best man and nothing more. It should be enough. Except for the fact that it isn’t enough and he can’t endure this situation at all. But, eventually, he will know how to. Right now, he can’t say no to Sidon.

He signs a feeble yes on the palms of Sidon’s hands, which are still squeezing his, and Sidon looks so happy that, for a crazy second, Link thinks the ceremony will be purely about and between them. He guesses he will add another wild and crazy dream to the list of those regarding Sidon.

“I have another request, my dear friend.” Anything for you, at this point. “Could you help me distributing the invitations? You know I’m stuck here most of the time, and I know you are always travelling. So… I wanted to ask you this. Spread the word and give the invitations to those you care about.” There’s hope in Sidon’s eyes and Link would rather end his life than kill the glimmer of happiness and trust in his friend’s face.

It's only when he tells Zelda everything and gets a gentle hug in response that he realizes how much like a fool he has been behaving.

Link knows absolutely nothing about wedding ceremonies. He has never been to one. When Zelda offered to help him, Link told her he could do it on his own. Now, he’s not so sure about it. Zelda didn’t believe him either, but she was kind enough not to press him. She just told him to be careful; she smiled at Link and then spoke with an authoritative voice she usually doesn’t use with him.

“This wedding ceremony will have a huge impact on the kingdom as a whole. And we are not the only ones who know this. I’m sure you know you will not only be Sidon’s first man, but also his body-guard.” Sidon is lucky Link would gladly give his life away for him, but he could never tell Zelda something like that. He just nodded at her and proceeded to write a list of the possible guests in his sloppy handwriting.

A very long thought process leads Link to Gerudo town first. Something deep inside him feels at home in that town, probably because of his not-lost-anymore memories. He remembers both him and Zelda travelling there to seek Urbosa’s wisdom; for this reason, he shouldn’t be surprised to find himself going to Gerudo town. Riju maybe isn’t that wistful, she is still very young after all, younger than Link. But she has that distinct energy Link always appreciates.

Link is very bad at timing, because he arrives in front of Riju’s palace in the middle of the night. He has to be very stealthy not to be noticed by any Gerudo warrior. Buliara would definitely kill him if she found out Link came visit Riju at an insane hour of the night. He knows Riju is not sleeping, though. He knows she has problems with sleep more often than not. Riju never told him, but Link discovered special things about his friend thanks to her avatar. He doesn’t know how, but pieces of knowledge like this found themselves slotted into his brain before he could even realize it was happening.

Link climbs the wall of the Royal Palace and enters Riju’s room through the open window. He gets an electrified pillow right in the chest for the intrusion. Riju has already recognised him, otherwise he would have been dead on the floor.

“You know, it’s common usage to enter through doors and to knock on them before entering.” Riju is not really mad at him, Link knows this. He shyly waves at her, and braces himself for the hug that comes soon after. Riju smells of sand, melons and thunders. Link gives her the Noble Pursuit he prepared in occasion of his visit. He’s getting good at replicating its original taste and he’s pretty proud of himself.

Riju smiles at the drink in Link’s hands. “Are you trying to bribe me? What did you do, this time? It can’t be worse than when you freed all those sand seals by accident.” Link’s quick signs of it wasn’t even my fault! are interrupted by Riju’s soft laugh. She is so happy to see him. She is always feeling lonely, even if she doesn’t want to admit it. Link is a nice company.

They sit together on the big bed covered with stuffed plushies -some of which were gifted her by Link himself- and Link avoids her gaze when he signs.

“Would you like to go to a wedding?” Riju gasps.

“Link! Are you getting married? How is it possible?”

Link snorts. He knows he’s the less likely in Hyrule to get married. He knows Riju didn’t mean to be offensive, so he simply lets it slide. He has more important issues to deal with, after all.

“Not me. I’m just the guy who’s sending out invitations. He asked me to do so.”

Riju is smiling softly at him, as if she has just understood everything. She probably has, she is a smart girl. “He wants a fancy ceremony, right? I think it’s a nice way to celebrate this new era of peace for our kingdom.” She passes the Noble Pursuit to Link, who silently thanks her for sharing the drink with him. His throat has been feeling dry for weeks.

He doesn’t answer Riju, but it’s not like he needs to. Riju has always told him that his silence is his most expressive trait. Link doesn’t know what it means.

“You did the good thing by coming here at night. The less people know about this here, the better.” Riju is clearly thinking about the Yiga Clan. Link knows that she feels guilty because most of the threats to Hyrule seem to be coming from her beloved desert. He reassures her by putting a hand on her shoulder and patting it briefly.

“As if something bad would ever happen. I’ll be there. Protecting Sidon and Yona with my own life and all that stuff. I’m pretty strong, if you haven’t heard already.”

Link flexes his bicep at her and it’s a gesture so extremely unlike Link that they both end up laughing.

The drink is back in Riju’s hands. “I think you know a couple of things about political marriages, right?” It’s a blessing that Link isn’t drinking right now because otherwise he would have spilled the Noble Pursuit everywhere. And he would be suffocating and begging for some air to go back to his lungs.

“Of course I know. But it’s very clearly not the case.” His hands and fingers are trembling.

“Isn’t it? I don’t think you ever asked.”

Link stands up. He’s getting nervous. “Why should I? I’m not that crazy to go to Zora’s Domain and ask King Sidon whether his marriage is purely for convenience because well, if it is, I would very much like to be your concubine or some bullshit like that. Real life is not like those books Isha gave you. You Gerudo don’t really know how love works!”

He knows he has just struck a nerve. Riju’s whole body looks like it’s made of electricity. She has never looked more intimidating. But what shocks Link is the fact that she is crying. Shit. It’s all his fault. It’s better if he stays silent forever.

“I don’t think you are in any position to judge.” Riju’s words are phrased like a menace, a silent threat that would terrify anyone. But Link is only focused on her tears. The last time he saw Riju cry was years ago, while he was telling her every story featuring Urbosa he could remember. They were nostalgic tears for moments she never lived. But the tears she is shedding now? Link wants to disappear forever.

Riju seems to notice Link’s guilt and she softens a bit. She pats the spot right next to her and Link can’t do anything else but to sit down again. Riju lowers her head on Link’s shoulder. Link doesn’t think he deserves such affection.

“I will have to get married someday. I’m the chief of the Gerudo. It is my duty to protect my women, my warriors, in any way I can. And I have to grant them a heir that will rule over them when I’m gone.” Her voice seems distant, a thousand miles away from Link. He doesn’t interrupt her.

“And I can grant you it will be a political marriage, and nothing more than that.”

“Is it because men cannot enter here? And you won’t see him often?”

Riju laughs. It’s only the ghost of her usual laughter. “Not really. It’s just that I don’t fancy the company of men. I have never liked it.”

Link knows he should be shocked. But the truth is that it has been obvious all along. “Who?” Riju can see the question only thanks to the fact they are sitting very close to each other.

“Who what, Link? I don’t think I follow you.” When Link hears the mischievous tone in her voice, he can finally feel at ease again. He managed to cheer her up, to fix some of his mistakes.

“Who do you like, I mean. Who is the lucky woman?”

Riju’s laugh is now pure and true. “As if I would ever tell you.” He sticks his tongue out at her.

Footsteps can be heard from outside Riju’s door. She quickly glances at the sky. The sun is almost rising. “Buliara is coming to fetch me for my morning training. You better go away before she annihilates you.”

“Got it. Take this.” He gives there a piece of paper with all the information she needs to have regarding Sidon’s wedding. Before he teleports away, he has enough time to sign something more.

“I think we found another thing you and Urbosa have in common. She would be very proud of you.”

Riju’s smile is blinding.

The sun is at its highest point in the sky when Link gets to Rito Village. He loves it there. It’s a very quiet place, a village of brave warriors who cherish peace and silence. Link always goes there when he wants to forget about everything else.

This time, however, he has a specific thing to do. And it’s not completely related to Sidon’s wedding ceremony. Link is smiling, humming a happy tune he remembers from his past.

The sight of Tulin and his family always melts Link’s heart. Tulin is excitedly flapping his wings in his small house and Saki is trying to make him calm down. Teba is smiling with his eyes and has a wrapped gift behind his back.

“Happy birthday, Tulin. You make us proud every day.” Link has rarely heard Teba being this emotional, but he thinks it suits him. He’s happy to see that Tulin is so loved and cherished.

Link is about to wait a while longer before making his presence known, but Saki notices him as he turns to leave. Tulin notices him, too and that’s the end of his attempts at being stealthy. His friend hugs him fiercely and spins him in the air. Link feels dizzy.

“Link! You remembered my birthday, right?? I’m so happy!” There’s still a childish tone in Tulin’s voice and there’s a part of Link that hopes he will never lose it. Tulin’s innocence is precious.

Tulin lets go of Link when he realizes he’s stopping his friend from signing. He gives Link an embarrassed smile and a quick bow to apologize, but Link’s serene face reassures Tulin that he hasn’t done anything wrong.

“I did.” He searches into the bag slung over his back and takes Tulin’s gift out. Tulin stares at the strange arrows Link is giving him. Link hurriedly signs, realizing he still hasn’t given him an explanation.

“They are special arrows, made with Robbie’s approval. Be careful when you use them. They’ll make you the strongest Rito warrior.” He then corrects himself. “You already are. But with these, even Revali would be envious of you.”

Teba laughs at Link’s words, and Saki is clapping at him, happy to see her son accept the gift.

“Oh, Link! You really are the best in all Hyrule!! Can you stay with us for the day?” Saki gives Link an apologetic expression. Tulin’s enthusiasm can be too much sometimes. But Link just keeps on smiling. Having the possibility to spend one day of peace in Rito Village? He sure is lucky, sometimes.

“I was hoping you’d ask me to stay.” Tulin jumps happily in the air and his parents laugh. Link knows he said the right thing.

“Thank you for taking care of my Tulin today, Link. I think he’s a good influence on you.”

It’s evening, and Link is getting ready to leave and deciding where to go next. Tulin’s house is empty except for Link and Saki. Link wasn’t expecting such grateful words.

“A good influence on me? Am I really such a lost cause?”

Saki laughs. “Not anymore. Years ago you would have never accepted our invitation. You would have thought you weren’t worthy of it or something like that. What changed?”

Her question is gentle and kind. Saki is not pressing him for an answer and she’s smiling when she gives Link a piece of his favourite strawberry cake. Link’s heart is full of serenity and he manages to sign the word love.

Saki raises her eyebrows at him. “Love, you say? Is there something I missed?” Her smile has turned mischievous.

Link’s face is crimson red. There’s no point in lying to her. “Nothing new. And I’m not even the one who’s getting married.” He gives her the invitation to Sidon’s wedding and Saki’s eyes widen. She gives him an extra piece of cake.

“You are all invited. I trust you with this information.”

Saki kneels down to be at Link’s level and pats his head. Link looks into her eyes and suddenly feels like he doesn’t have to say anything more. Saki has understood everything.

She nuzzles Link’s cheeks with her beak. Link scrunches his nose and makes a funny noise, similar to a laugh and also to an embarrassed groan. Saki laughs.

“You know, you’re even braver than Tulin. You chose the path of love despite the circumstances.”

Link definitely does not cry. Not in front of her, at least.

My most treasured friend,

I was given a new task today. I have to redo the engravings on the Zora Stone Monuments. Time and water have apparently erased what was once written there. I was deeply honoured when Father asked me to fill them with the stories I deemed interesting enough to share with the rest of the kingdom.

The fact is, I have so many tales to tell! The other fact is, however, that most of them are about you. I think Father knows, because he forbade me to write your name in more than one monument. Crazy, right!? I think it’ll be very difficult for me to do. But you know, requests from the King are not really requests. They are orders.

The positive fact, in all of this, is that I can dedicate one monument to you! It’ll be only a small homage, compared to what you really deserve, but I’ll do my best to do you justice. I want all the future Zora to remember you, even when I pass away. But, fear not! It will happen in hundreds of years. I’m not going down any time soon. I just want people to remember Prince Sidon and his best friend Link even after the end of times. Is it a stupid wish to make? I’m afraid I’ve already made it thousands of times.

It would be a honour if you read all the engravings when I’m finished. Knowing that you will read them helps me hone my writing skills.

I hope this letter finds you safe, wherever you are.

Yours,

Prince Sidon

 Yunobo loves eating at Meat for Meat. When Link invites him to have lunch together there, Yunobo almost cries. Has Link always been so bad he neglected his friends or are they just genuinely happy to see him? Link isn’t really sure, but he fears the true reason is not the latter.

He decides he’s going to pay for whatever Yunobo wants to order. He won’t be a bad friend anymore. He wants to change for the better.

“Link!” Yunobo talks with chunks of meat in his mouth. Link has always wondered how the Goron make eating rocks look so appealing. He doesn’t want to lose another tooth to indulge in this thought for the second time, he knows better now. Eating just meat is good enough. Looking at his food, he almost misses what Yunobo says next.

“It’s so nice to have you there! I’m super excited!!” Pieces of rock fall to the ground. Yunobo is a very messy eater and Link finds it funny. It makes him look even more friendly. A small smile is gracing Link’s lips as he signs.

“I’m excited, too. I’m sorry I don’t come here very often.”

Yunobo slams a fist on the table. Link is used to it and doesn’t flinch at the gesture. “Nonsense! We all know you are busy. You just saved our kingdom! You should be proud of yourself and nothing else!”

Yunobo has grown up a lot. He once was the one who needed constant reassurance, he needed someone to tell him Daruk would be proud of the new generations of Goron, him being among them. And there he is now, reassuring Link with words Link himself didn’t even know he needed to hear. Link may be a very bad person, but he has the best of friends.

“Have you ever been to a wedding?” Link changes the topic because he’s too embarrassed to talk about himself, but his red ears are clearly visible and they are not caused by the scorching sunlight. Yunobo knows better than to tease his friend, though.

“A wedding? Is it something you Hylians do? I think I’ve read about weddings in one of the many books Zelda gave me. What about it?”

Link thinks that explaining it one more time will make him sick. He doesn’t want to throw up in a restaurant. “Sidon’s getting married. He asked me to send out invitations. I thought of you because we are friends.”

Link hopes that his last sentence will distract Yunobo from the rest of the speech because, really, he doesn’t want to talk about it anymore. He really regrets having accepted Sidon’s request.

Yunobo doesn’t say anything at first. He just puts his huge hand on Link’s comparatively tiny head, messing up his hair. Link blinks at Yunobo, noticing that a few teardrops are stuck to his lashes (they disappear soon after), and he’s sure he isn’t the only one who noticed them. Yunobo doesn’t comment on it, and just smiles reassuringly at Link.

“I’ll be there! And I’m not leaving your side. We will all be there for you!”

Link realizes that his list of favourite people is longer than what he thought.

The next invitations are given to people in Hateno, Kakariko Village and Tarrey Town. Link knows all these places by heart, and he wholeheartedly trusts all the people he talks to. They know him, from the children of Hateno’s small school to Paya in Kakariko and Hudson and Rhondson in Tarrey Town. Rhondson seems excited to attend a Zora marriage and he thanks Link for the opportunity. Nobody mentions Link’s hopeless crush for Sidon because nobody knows about it. Link feels safe and happy to know that there’s at least a group of people who do not pity him.

Things change when he decides to go to Lurelin village. If Link invited Hudson, he simply has to invite Bolson as well. Plus, he’s Link’s friend. In a way.

“Link! I was just thinking about you. Princess Zelda told me about her plans to expand Lurelin and I was hoping you’d help me fetch the materials? You know, I’m getting old…”

Link snorts. “Bullshit. But I’m going to help anyway.” Bolson bows and claps, and Link very deeply regrets becoming one of his friends. He is still going to invite him to the ceremony, though. “Want to go to a wedding?”

Bolson perks up at the mention of the word. “Ohhh! Did you catch some handsome fish in your net?” The allusion doesn’t go unnoticed by Link, who crosses his arms and pouts.

“I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed to know that this is not about me.”

“I’m not more disappointed than you, surely. Whose marriage is it?”

Link’s eyes drop to the sand under their feet. “King Sidon and Queen Yona of the Zora.” His signing is quick, as though shaping such words with his hands hurts. It actually does. A lot.

Bolson whistles. “Let me see if I got this right. Someone is stealing your fish man and what are you doing instead of getting him back? Sending out his own wedding invitations? You’re such a pathological people pleaser.”

Link is speechless, mouth hung open and face beet red. He pretends to be angry when he signs, but he’s only mortified. He wants to be buried alive in the sand.

“This situation has never been about me. My best friend is getting married and I’m just doing what I was asked.”

Bolson isn’t really fooled. “You know I built your former house in Hateno, right? And that even if the one who lives there now is Princess Zelda, I go visit her every once in a while. Her tea is delicious. She has never told me anything, but I was there when one of the letters arrived.”

Link’s face is now pale. The letters. Fuck. He completely forgot about they existence. And Bolson knows too much about them, apparently.

“They’re just friendly letters.”

“You don’t believe it either. And you never opened them. Are you aware of the fact that you broke the heart of a king? I’m proud of you, in a sense. But in my humble opinion, I think that you could have given him a chance, at least. You know, a male Zora supposedly has two dicks-“

Link uses his voice to shout a strained ENOUGH with all his strength. He massages his sore throat soon after. Bolson doesn’t seem sorry at all, but he doesn’t insist. He knows how much tiring it is for Link when he decides to speak instead of signing. He is not mocking Link anymore.

“Okay, calm down. I’ll be there. If you can give your Zora friends some advice, ask them to buy plenty of alcohol!”

Link is seriously thinking about it. He’ll need a few drinks, too.

After the conversation with Bolson, Link’s too tired to notice the man who’s looking at him, well-hidden among rows of palm trees.

My precious friend,

I have to admit something to you. It is pretty embarrassing and I guess you are allowed to laugh at me after reading it. I received a letter earlier this morning. It was from Yona. She is trying to catch up after all these years and I’m glad her personality doesn’t seem to have changed. But this is not what I wanted to tell you.

The truth is that I thought -I hoped- that the letter was from you. For a split second, I was almost sure it was yours. Nobody really writes to me. I have plenty of correspondence, but every new letter is always addressed to the Domain. Nobody ever writes a private letter to me. For this reason, I hoped it was from you.

Don’t think I’m mad at you. I would never be. I think I told you so plenty of times. I’m just feeling lonely without you. I feel like I haven’t told you enough times.

I hope you are safe and sound.

My thoughts are always with you,

Still yours,

Prince Sidon

Link has a few spare invitations to give. He rides on his beloved Epona and tries to think of someone who could and would go to Sidon’s wedding.

He is almost arrived to South Akkala Stable when he realizes he can ask Penn. He doesn’t know where to find him, though. His friend is constantly flying all over Hyrule for the sake of journalism. The Zora marriage would certainly be something interesting for the gazette. It would be precious material for a new article. Penn would never say no to such an opportunity. And Link kind of enjoys his presence, even if he’s a strange Rito sometimes.

Link decides to spend the night at the Stable. Everyone knows him there and he feels pretty safe. Link has the distinct impression that someone has been following him and is still somewhere behind him. Whoever it is, they are very sneaky.

Link doesn’t know what to think, so he decides not to address the problem, at least for the moment. He’s strong, after all. He can defeat anyone. This is what he likes to think, what everyone in Hyrule thinks.

Despite this, he’s not able to sleep. He tosses and turns in the small bed of the Stable and he’s sure his enemy is going to attack him at any moment. The attack never comes.

What terrifies Link is the fact that, when morning comes, he finds a piece of paper under his pillow. He’s sure he would have noticed if someone had come that close to him. He looks at the crumpled piece of paper and slowly unfolds it. The message written on it is in bright red ink.

Thanks for the invitation. We’ll be all around you at the wedding.

Link feels sick. He’s about to take a picture of the message with the Purah Pad so that he can show it properly to Zelda and they can analyse the handwriting with the technologies in the Castle, when a new message appears right under the one he has just read.

Do not tell anybody, or your beloved King will die today. The piece of paper disintegrates and disappears into minuscule pieces.

Link doesn’t feel like he’s being followed anymore, but he feels haunted anyway.

Link doesn’t know what to do. He wants to run to Zelda, but he obviously can’t. He’s being observed, and he can’t put Sidon’s life at risk. Even if it’s all a bluff or a stupid trick, he doesn’t want to see the possible consequences of his impulsive actions.

So, he does the thing he always does best. He stays silent, but constantly looks around for clues, wherever he goes. He’s ready to fight every waking hour. If he sacrifices his sleep in the process, he doesn’t really care. Sidon’s safety is his absolute priority.

He keeps on sending invitations, and looks out for threats that never arrive.

The anxiety is driving him insane.

Beloved friend,

I’ve heard the news. You and Zelda disappeared. I know this letter will never reach you, not now at least, but I feel the need to write it. I can’t find other ways to open my heart. And I want to open it to you and you only.

Hideous, brown sludge has started falling from the sky recently. I assume it’s a consequence of your mysterious disappearance. Is another Calamity right behind the corner? What should we do?

I’m sorry to burden you with such questions, but I’m afraid the situation is critical at the moment. Even Father is gone, alongside Muzu and I don’t know where they are. I have to take all the decisions by myself. I think I’m starting to realize what becoming king would be like and I am not sure I am really up to the task. I have no choice, though. I will accept my duty, like you have always been accepting yours.

There is only one thing I would like to tell you, and I wish I had told you sooner. I suspect you already know it, because there would not be other reasons behind your absence from the Domain. But I want to tell you anyway. I love you. I’ve been loving you for years.

I will never ask you anything except for one thing. Come back safe. To Hyrule. To me.

Yours now and forever,

Sidon

At last, the day of the ceremony comes.

In his Royal Guard uniform and boots, Link is not feeling at ease. The fabric of his clothes feels so itchy on his skin and the droplets of sweat rolling down his face are making the situation even worse.

“When was the last time you had a peaceful sleep? Or slept at all?” Zelda’s tone is neither harsh nor judgemental. She’s just worried.

It’s comprehensible, really. Nobody apart from Link knows that an unknown attack is coming presumably in the next few hours and he has to keep the secret to himself, otherwise Sidon will die. Link has been doing a good job (when he has to keep secrets, he’s always the best), but his physical health is not faring very well. Luckily enough, he has managed to avoid Zelda’s questions. Until today.

Riju saves him. “I don’t think he ever sleeps. He’s survived worse situations.” Her attempts to ease the tension off Link’s shoulders doesn’t really work, but he tries to smile at her. Zelda sighs.

They are in Link’s private chamber in the Zora’s Domain -every special guest has their own private chamber- and Zelda is trying to fix Link, that is, she’s trying to make him look somewhat human thanks to the makeup in Riju’s beauty case. He still doesn’t look very presentable. But is it really his fault, when he has spent the past weeks trying to reach his friends all over Hyrule just to send invitations? In a sense, it is his fault. He knows Sidon didn’t want Link to travel that much and reach absurd levels of exhaustion; Link doesn’t have anybody to blame, apart from himself.

“What do you think?” Zelda turns to Riju, waiting for her opinion on Link’s look.

Link expects to see Riju jokingly make fun of Zelda, as she would do with him. But things go slightly different; Riju has a soft smile on her face.

“You covered most of the huge dark circles under his eyes. Great job.” Riju is not even looking at Link and her expressive eyes are set on Zelda. The princess’ cheeks are a nice shade of pink.

Oh. Oh. Link can’t judge neither Zelda nor Riju. He knows a thing or two about falling for royalty, after all.

“Thank you. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.” Both Zelda and Riju turn their heads to look at him sign and they evidently don’t believe him. Zelda puts her hands on his shoulders.

“We’re here for you. Will you talk to him about how you feel?”

Link’s eyes go wide. “On the day of his wedding? I think I lost my occasion somewhere before the Upheaval. I’ll stay quiet.”

Zelda smiles sadly at him. She knows that Link’s choice is reasonable.

Riju snorts. “Nonsense, Link. If you want to crash this wedding, I’m in. Let’s be honest. That fish is head over heels for you. Just give me a signal and I’ll help you, okay?”

Despite everything, Link smiles. “I can’t do this to my best friend.”

“Then don’t be sad. He’d be heartbroken if he knew you are in this state.” Link guesses he can try not to be too sad. For Sidon, he’s ready to do everything.

He signs another “thank you” and then he’s left alone. There are still a few hours before the ceremony and Zelda still has to change her dress.

Link thinks that a small walk around the Domain would do him good.

Sidon is nowhere to be seen. Not that Link wants to see him (he does), but he thought the King wouldn’t be this busy on the day of his own wedding ceremony.

The Zora’s Domain is full of people. Link recognizes all the guests he personally invited, plus the usual population of the Domain. Everybody seems happy and eager to celebrate. Link wishes he was like them.

“Link!” Traysi’s voice is soon followed by her appearance. Penn is next to her, a small notepad in his hands. He waves enthusiastically at Link, who smiles at them.

“I’m glad you are here. I couldn’t find Penn anywhere, so I just sent two invitations to the Gazette.”

Traysi excitedly waves the invitations in front of him. “Got them! This is perfect first page material, Link. I cannot thank you enough!”

“Please, let me read the article before you publish it. Okay?” Link doesn’t want her to publish something Sidon wouldn’t appreciate. It’s very unlikely to happen, given Sidon’s enthusiasm and genuine joy at apparently everything. Still, Link wants to be sure.

“Can’t promise you anything-“Traysi is interrupted by Penn, who reprimands her with a brief pat on her head.

“Boss, we owe him this. The one who’s getting married is his best friend!” He makes a gesture towards the sculpture at the centre of the Domain, perfectly visible from the threshold of the inn where they are currently standing. Just for the day, the inn and shops of the Domain are giving free food and drinks. Link still hasn’t eaten anything. He’s too anxious to eat and drink. He’s starting to sweat again.

Link’s spiral of thoughts is thankfully interrupted by the tiny squeak that comes out of Traysi’s mouth. She’s still looking at the sculpture and when she turns to Link, she’s beaming.

“I didn’t know that was you! You don’t mind granting us a short interview after the wedding, right? People love reading about your deeds, even if they already know everything about them. We could even organize a joint interview with you and King Sidon! What do you say?” Her enthusiasm is starting to make his head spin. He shrugs, a gesture that could mean anything; he knows Traysi will simply take it as a yes.

“Splendid! Come with me, Penn! We have a job to do!” With that, they both disappear.

Link sighs, finally hoping he can have a few moments for himself. It’s not his lucky day, though.

“Hero. Care to have a small chat?”

Link has no idea who the woman talking to him is. She’s not someone he has seen before and he knows for a fact that he didn’t invite her. He would remember her long, black hair and light green eyes. She seems a merchant, for how she’s dressed.

Link doesn’t have a good feeling about this. However, he nods at the mysterious woman and, if he wasn’t in a crowded place, his hand would be on the hilt of his Master Sword. The woman seems to feel his restlessness and has to suppress a chuckle behind her hand.

“Relax, we still haven’t done anything. I’m here to make a deal with you.”

There’s no way Link would lose to a Yiga. His signing is very quick. “What do you want?”

He gets a smirk in response. “Come with us, after the ceremony. Do not have anyone following you. Come unarmed. We will be waiting on the top of Ploymus Mountain.”

Link tries to act cool. “Or what?”

“We’ll kill your beloved king. Not that we care about him, to be honest. He’s just a nice bait we are using to get to you. So, if you do as we say, nobody else will be hurt.”

Does Link have any other choice? At least he knows Sidon won’t be hurt during the ceremony. And he thinks he may be able to survive a Yiga attack. Presumably. Even if he goes there unarmed. Maybe, if he keeps telling himself this, he will believe it.

“How do I know I can trust you?”

“You can trust us because you know we want you dead. We’ll stay put if you follow our request.”

Link finds himself nodding stiffly and the woman laughs in his ear before going away.

He definitely needs a drink now.

Link manages to find Sidon before the ceremony begins (it’s the other way around, actually). He’s a little tipsy, because he accepted Yunobo’s drinking challenge without doing the rational thing, that is thinking about refusing. Link justifies himself by saying that he wants to grant his friends’ wishes before he ends up dead because of the Yiga Clan.

On a second thought, he should be sober just in case they decide to attack during the actual exchange of vows. But he knows they won’t. They have the opportunity to capture him without a fight and they surely won’t blow it. Link finds no harm in getting shit-faced, then.

He’s about to go back to his chamber for a quick nap -he still has little less than an hour to spare- when someone interrupts him right before he opens the door of his room.

“Link, my friend! I was hoping to find you here!”

Link has never turned his head towards Sidon’s voice that fast. It must be an effect of the alcohol. He stops in the middle of one of the many corridors of the Zora royal palace, looking at Sidon with an intensity he’s sure he has never felt in his life.

Sidon seems to realize something’s wrong, because he walks towards Link with careful steps, afraid his friend will run away if he’s not prudent enough. Link feels the urgent need to cry. He closes his eyes hoping the tears won’t fall. When he opens them again, Sidon is in front of him, kneeling down to be at Link’s level. Like this, Link can see the shade of yellow in Sidon’s eyes and, if he reaches out, he can caress Sidon’s face. He stills his hands before his drunk brain makes him do something he will regret.

“What’s concerning you, my friend? I can see it in your face.”

Link is moved. The fact that Sidon is worrying about him even when he should think only about himself and his own happiness is something so typical of Sidon that he shouldn’t be so surprised. He is, though.

Link feels that the ground under his feet is failing him, and he puts his hands on Sidon’s shoulders, purely for balance. This is what he likes to tell himself. He’s still reactive enough to sign a quick thank you on Sidon’s skin. He has always wanted to touch him, to feel the texture of his skin as many times as he wants. His digits are slightly pressed on Sidon’s upper chest, incredibly soft even with all the well-toned muscles underneath. Link keeps them there long enough to see a small indentation on Sidon’s skin, that fades as soon as he pulls his hand back. He wants to mark him again, but he knows he can’t.

Sidon’s eyes are now slightly more black than yellow. “Why are you thanking me?”

Link would like to thank him for just existing, really. But he doesn’t want to make this situation even weirder. He changes the topic, this time signing in the air between them. It’s actually a pretty small space. “Are you nervous?”

Sidon seems distracted by Link’s question. Good. “I- yeah, I guess you could say so. I’ve been king for a while, but today everything will be official. Many people will have to acknowledge it. There is no going back from this.”

Link’s legs are starting to hurt and wobble, so he just does the thing that comes most natural to him. He falls slightly forward, his forehead now touching Sidon’s crest. He cannot sign now, because Sidon cannot see his hands. He finds what little of his voice he has left, and puts all his heart in it.

“Ask me again.”

They are so close Link can hear Sidon swallow. “Ask you what?”

Link silently thanks the alcohol for making him so brave. “The question you asked me almost a year ago. About becoming a king.” His throat is hurting and begging for him to shut up, but the thought that this could be his last conversation with Sidon makes him push beyond his limits. There’s a sort of solemnity about this moment.

Sidon’s eyes soften. “Do you think I would be a good king?”

As driven by a very strong fever, Link gets impossibly closer to Sidon, to the point it’s difficult to distinguish when Link ends and Sidon begins. His lips briefly touch Sidon’s cheek, trying to convey years of hidden feelings in a simple gesture.

“I’m sure you’ll be the best king the Zora’s Domain has ever had. You already are.” The words are murmured against the skin of Sidon’s face, every word leaving an invisible mark on it.

Link doesn’t give Sidon enough time neither to react nor to answer, because he bolts into his room right after this display of complete indecency.

On the floor of his room, Link finds a box full of letters. There’s a piece of paper attached to it.

I think you should read them. Trust me on this one. Don’t do things you will regret.

- Zelda

Link doesn’t have time to read all the letters. Plus, he’s too drunk to make sense of more than two long, coherent sentences in a row. He will read them later.

If he survives.

When the ceremony starts, it’s all a bit underwhelming. Link had been expecting something like an undying confession of love and sweet, heartwarming vows between lovers, followed by an inevitable kiss.

Nothing of the sort happens. Link is kind of grateful, but also a bit dumbfounded.

 Everyone who managed to secure the best spots is standing in the throne room, looking expectantly at the new King and Queen of the Zora’s Domain. Sidon gives a speech, but it’s not a confession of love to Yona. Link doesn’t really remember all the things Sidon says, but it’s something about being a good leader for the Zora and being grateful for having the opportunity to rule alongside someone as kind and gentle as Yona; these are the only compliments Sidon reserves to her.

Yona doesn’t seem angry at all as she carefully steps right beside Sidon and declares something similar to what has already been said by him. It’s like they are celebrating their wedding with the Zora, and not between themselves. Nobody seems surprised about that strange ceremony. Only Link is too perplexed to think about anything coherent.

However, he remembers Sidon’s next words clearly, and he will always keep them in his heart.

“Me and Yona’s political union is not the only reason why I invited you all here. I also wanted to say something about my best man.” When Sidon extends his arm and his hand is outstretched towards Link, everyone turns to look at him. Riju is snickering somewhere near Link’s right side.

Pulled by an invisible force -that is, Sidon’s full-of -love gaze- Link steps right next to Sidon. When Sidon takes his hand, Link brain freezes and he’s pretty sure he’s going to die there; there’s no hope he can survive something like this. Yona is smiling at them.

“This man, Link, is the Hero of Hyrule but, before anything else, he’s my best friend. And I’d like for everyone to know that he’s always welcome here, and this can be his second home if he wants it to be. Please, pay respect to him as you’d do with my second in command, whenever he’s here.” When Sidon turns towards him, Link is sure he would never deny him anything. “If it’s not too much for you, my friend, would you do me the honour of having a permanent room in the royal chambers? It could be your second home.”

Link can feel the pure devotion behind Sidon’s question and he also can feel the true intentions behind his words. Worded like this, it wouldn’t be hard for Link to refuse, to say he has important stuff to do at the Castle, because it sounds just like an innocent offer between friends. Sidon is giving him the opportunity to choose. Even after running away from him for almost a year, after ignoring all his letters and pretending things between them were perfectly fine when they truly weren’t, Link is still looked at by Sidon as if someone who’s worthy of love.

Link finally decides to accept all the love he has been receiving so selflessly for years. He faintly squeezes Sidon’s arm and gives him a small smile and a nod. Everyone cheers, Yona included.

Link realizes that, maybe, this ceremony was intended to be about him all along.

It all feels like a fever dream.

Every dream always comes to an end. Link knows it. It’s not that he wants to give up, but he would do so without even thinking twice, if it meant that Sidon would be safe.

After the ceremony, he’s glad to be able to go back to his room without many disturbances.

Truth be told, they weren’t unpleasant interruptions: on his way outside the throne room, Bolson put an arm around Link’s shoulders and, in a very drunk voice, he exclaimed that he was glad his friend had become the King of the Zora’s concubine. Link was about to deny what Bolson had just said, but he was interrupted by Tulin, who rushed to hug him. He was followed by Saki and Teba, who seemed very happy to see him.

“That was such an amazing ceremony!! Do you think we’ll be able to train together tomorrow? I have noticed a lot of places around the Domain to practice archery!” Link smiled at Tulin’s enthusiasm, but then he realized that he was not sure he would be able to train with him the next morning. He couldn’t tell him that, though.

“Sure. I’m always free for you. We can invite the other sages too, if you want.”

“I don’t know what you two are plotting, but we’ll be there.” Riju appeared with Yunobo and Zelda in tow and it was a scene so comforting for Link that he felt like he was about to cry and make a fool of himself. Zelda seemed to notice his discomfort and Link was afraid he wouldn’t be able to fool her. Zelda’s eyes were silently asking him whether things were okay or not and Link was grateful for the fact that she wasn’t asking the question out loud. He just nodded at her, trying to muster all the confidence he had; he put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it gently. That was the equivalent of a hug for him and Zelda understood it. She briefly touched the hand on her shoulder before he let go of her.

When everybody turned to look at him, Link’s hands were not trembling as he signed.

“I’m tired. Going back to my room. See you tomorrow.”

Riju arched an eyebrow at him. “Aren’t you waiting for Sidon? I’m sure you two have lots of things to talk about, after all.”

Even if Link’s smile was strained, there still was a faint shade of red that coloured his cheeks. “Tell him I said goodnight. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” This was the last thing he told them before leaving the party and going away. He complimented himself for his own subtlety, because no one else noticed him leave.

Back in his room, Link still has some time to spare to make sure he can head to Ploymus Mountain without being neither seen nor followed.

He decides to take a piece of paper from one of his drawers and, heart on his sleeve, he writes a letter to Sidon. He leaves it on the bed, next to the Master Sword and all his other weapons.

Then, Link quickly climbs out the window. He has some business to take care of.

“You’re finally here. Ten minutes late.”

Despite the circumstances, Link snorts.

“Bullshit, you never told me at what time I needed to show up.”

In front of him, there is a group of ten Yiga. With this difference in number, Link isn’t sure he will be able to do something. Plus, he’s unharmed. He learnt the Yiga Earthwake technique when he infiltrated their clan, but he has never used it that much to be confident in his abilities. He guesses he could give it a try if he truly needs to, though.

Link is not that suicidal -contrary to popular belief- and, rationally speaking, he’s sure Sidon is more than able to defend himself. What worried him the most, when making the deal with the Yiga woman, was the thought of them entering the Zora’s Domain and hurting innocent Zora. Sidon can fight and protect himself, but he would also sacrifice his life for his people.

It’s better if Link faces this battle alone. He’s sure he won’t die. Sidon’s proposal gave him a special kind of motivation. He hopes it will be enough.

“Well, Hero. We hope you enjoyed yourself back there. You have to say goodbye, now.”

Link doesn’t really have much time to react; he avoids the first few attacks headed in his direction, but when one particularly quick Yiga rushes towards him and stabs him in his right shoulder, Link’s only reaction is trying to suppress any scream that threatens to come out of his mouth. He clenches his teeth, muttering a few curses under his breath. Link manages to kick the Yiga who hit him, but it’s a little too late when he notices the arrow aimed at his head.

Link closes his eyes, bracing himself for a hit that never comes. When he opens them, he notices he’s engulfed in a familiar water shield and the dangerous arrow is now lying on the ground. Link doesn’t know whether he should be worried or happy to be rescued by Sidon.

“You are not allowed to stay here on Ploymus Mountain, at Mipha’s Court. It is sacred ground for the Zora. One wrong step and you will all pay the consequences of your evil deeds. The King of the Zora is now speaking to you. Take this opportunity to run away, now that you have the chance.”

Sidon’s threat is met by a tense silence. The answer from the Yiga arrives quickly.

“You are in no position to send us away, Zora King. Your friend here decided to come with us on his own terms, we are not forcing anybody. You weren’t included in our plan, but it will be amazing to eliminate you as well.”

Now Link seriously regrets not having brought a weapon. Thankfully enough, the water shield is still all around him, and the Yiga had to take a few steps back not to be hurt by it. Sidon uses this opportunity to come near him and kneel to the ground to look at his wounds. It’s too dark to see clearly, but Sidon immediately smells the blood oozing from Link’s shoulder. It they were in a different situation, Link would be fascinated by the way Sidon’s irises have become entirely black and also enchanted by how he’s trying to mask his reaction by scooting back, hand covering part of his face.

“My friend, I’m so sorry I didn’t come sooner. There’s no time for explanations, but I hope you’ll be able to wield this. Let’s fight together.” As he speaks, Sidon draws the Master Sword from behind his back. Uh. That means Sidon went to Link’s room. Link doesn’t know if he feels embarrassed about the letter he wrote just a few minutes earlier or extremely grateful for the fact that his sword is back in his hands. He’s also afraid because he’s not sure he’ll be able to fight properly. He gives Sidon a nod anyway.

That was the signal Sidon needed, apparently, because the shield dissolves from all around Link and it generates a small wave, hitting the Yiga that are closer to them. It all happens very quickly: the shield is not there anymore, but Link feels protected all the same thanks to Sidon’s stable presence right behind him. They are standing back-to-back, ready to protect each other with all their strenght. Every attack that comes near Link’s general direction is diverted by tiny droplets of water that are constantly floating around him. Sidon’s water manipulation techniques have improved a lot ever since he awakened his powers. Link doesn’t remember ever feeling this safe during a fight.

Notwithstanding his injury, Link is doing his best. He feels extremely tired, though. His head is spinning and he doesn’t know how much blood he has lost. It has to be a lot. He is fighting to keep his eyes open because he doesn’t want anything bad to happen to Sidon.

Link is not sure how many Yiga they managed to defeat, but they don’t look like they’re about to surrender. A few seconds pass without any attack coming, and Link doesn’t know whether it’s a sign of something good or of something really, really bad.

“Hero, we told you to hold up the end of your deal. You very clearly didn’t. Don’t be too sad when your beloved king dies.”

The voice comes from a Yiga sitting on top of a tree. He’s holding a Savage Lynel Bow and the arrows he is about to shoot have a distinct yellow hue. They are electric arrows, aimed at Sidon.

Link doesn’t even think about it twice; he uses all the strength he has left to push Sidon away (he’s able to do it only because Sidon is taken by surprise) and he puts his body between Sidon and the trajectory of the arrows. He manages to parry two of them with the Master Sword, but the other tree arrows are very happy to meet his flesh and make him jolt in spasms of agonizing pain.

Link passes out before he can even realize it. He doesn’t hear Sidon shouting his name and rushing to his side. His blood is everywhere.

Sidon is not stupid enough to go follow Link on his own.

When Zelda tells him to keep an eye on Link, Sidon accepts her request without batting an eye. It’s what he wants to do, anyway. He doesn’t think that something is wrong. When he knocks on Link’s door and nobody answers him, he just figures his friend is sleeping. Zelda seemed worried about Link, though, and this is what prompts Sidon to try open the door.

He expects the door to be locked, so he’s surprised when he manages to enter with only a single turn of the handle. The sight of the empty bed and the wide-open window is enough to make him feel very nervous all of a sudden.

Upon closer inspection, the Master Sword and every weapon Link usually carries with him are lying on the bed. Next to them, there is a small envelope. It’s addressed to Sidon.

With trembling hands, he gently takes the letter and Link’s sword in his hands. He doesn’t know what to do. The content of the short letter is beautiful but, given the circumstances, it’s the most heartbreaking message he has ever read. He doesn’t even have time to cry.

Sidon rushes out of the Zora Palace in a blind panic and, when he steps outside and fresh air fills his lungs, he tries to calm himself.

“I’m sorry, king Sidon, I have something to tell you.”

Sidon recognizes Tulin’s mother Saki, and gives her a polite smile.

“It would be lovely to listen to you, dear Saki, but I fear now is not the right moment”

Saki seems as worried as him and Sidon’s words somehow manage to unnerve her even further. The feathers on her arms are slightly ruffled and she’s trying to smooth them, but to no avail.

“It’s about Link, isn’t it? I think I saw him.”

Sidon literally jumps forwards, putting his hands on Saki’s shoulders in a blind panic. “Where?!”

Saki seems unbothered by his action and a new resolution appears in her eyes. “I couldn’t sleep and I decided to go out for a quick fly. I can’t see very well in the dark but I’m pretty sure it was him. He was headed towards that mountain, up there.” When Saki frees one her arm from Sidon’s grasp to show him the way, he becomes aware of his rude manners. He puts his arms behind his back, face red with embarrassment. Feeling his discomfort, Saki gives him a small smile.

Sidon follows the direction of Saki’s arm, recognising Mipha’s Court as Link’s probable destination. He has to rush there.

He quickly bows his head to Saki. “Thank you. I’ll go there. If I’m not back anytime soon, send the other Sages.”

Sidon hopes he won’t be too late.

Sidon,

I have never read your letters. I was too much of a coward to do it. I hope you’ll forgive me and read this message anyway. I know you will, and I hate myself even more for this.

I’m not doing well right now. I don’t want to ever leave this place, to ever leave you. But I have to. Don’t come look for me, please. I know you’ll try to do it, I know you, so my only hope is that you’ll read this letter tomorrow morning.

You know what? I’m tired of lying to myself. Right now, I’m hoping you’ll read this mess before it’s too late. The idea of you saving me is great. I’ve always been saving everyone; it’d be nice to be saved this time. By you.

I’ve never been honest about my feelings for you and I’m sorry because I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to be completely honest. Just know that my actions speak far better than my words. I’d risk my life for you. Is this enough to make you understand the intensity of my feelings? I hope so.

If I’m not back, tell Zelda I hope to meet her in my next life. I’m not sure I deserve to meet you again, but it’s not bad to have selfish dreams sometimes.

Tell everyone else I’ll miss them. I love you I care about you all a whole lot.

Yours,

 Link

 When the other sages -followed by Yona- arrive, there isn’t really much left to do.

The sight in front of them is terrifying and Zelda is the only one who manages to break the deafening silence of the area.

“Sidon?? Can you hear us?”

King Sidon is hunched over a corpse -it’s too dark to recognize who it is- and his hands are holding the Lightscale Trident, which is currently piercing said dead body. He’s panting hard and there’s blood splattered all over his body, starting from his face and running down his long torso and legs. He is wounded, but it’s hard to discern the blood of his enemies from his own. His gaze is distant, as if he has just come back from a very remote place and is having difficulties with his attempts at connecting with reality.

Looking at him, chills overcome Zelda’s body and she almost feels faint. Riju squeezes her hand in a reassuring gesture, while Yunobo and Tulin are attentively looking all around them, hoping to find Link. Tulin is the one who succeeds.

“He’s over there!”

After spotting him, Zelda gasps and doesn’t fight the urge to run towards him. Link is lying on the grass, not very far from Sidon, and there’s a mix of blood and water on his body. Three arrows are lodged in his flesh, one in his arm and two in his stomach, and his dark blue tunic is soaked red. He’s unconscious and his rattled breathing is a clear indication of the fact that he’s in deep pain. Zelda moves a few strands of hair from Link’s face and silently prays for his safety.

Meanwhile, Yona is trying to bring Sidon back with soothing words of comfort, but he still seems too far gone. The only thing he manages to utter is a faint “Link… please, someone heal him… he can’t die here…” before collapsing on the ground.

The sun is starting to rise and the light of dawn falls on the Yiga corpses scattered around Sidon; those closer to him have the ugliest and deepest wounds.

Yona is trying to heal Link as requested by Sidon when Zelda breaks the silence once again with tears in her eyes.

“We are bringing them back to the Domain. Queen Yona, please, show us the fastest route you know.”

Yona nods and heads towards home without saying anything more. Zelda is carrying Link in her arms, careful not to hurt him. His wounds are still bleeding, albeit faintly. As long as he’s still breathing, it’s going to be okay, this is what she keeps telling herself. She wants it to be true.

Behind them, Riju, Yunobo and Tulin are carrying Sidon. Yunobo is doing all the work, really, supporting the weight of Sidon’s upper body. Tulin and Riju are carrying him by his legs, very careful not to fall backwards in the process.

They rush to the Domain at incredible speed. Their worry and their tears are making it very difficult to speak.

There’s a gentle touch on Link’s face. Someone is carding a hand through his hair. Link scrunches his nose; the contact is not bothering him as much as it would usually do and if he has to be honest, he feels it pretty soothing. Still, it’s uncomfortable enough to make him open his eyes.

Right before he can see anything, he hears a gasp. The hand that was in his hair has been retreated and is now covering someone’s mouth. Yona’s mouth, more specifically. She is sitting on the same bed Link is lying in. She looks like she’s about to cry.

“Oh dear. Princess Zelda will be so mad to know you wake up while she was grabbing something to eat. I’m so glad you are still here with us.” A few tears roll down her cheeks and Link can’t help but think that she looks really beautiful. No wonder she’s the queen of the Zora.

Some of his memories start to resurface and he feels something desperately trying to escape from his chest. That’s his heart, beating furiously as a particular thought starts creeping into his mind. Where is Sidon? Link is sad not to find him next to Yona -or instead of Yona- and his face must show his fear because Yona is quick to put a hand on his shoulder in a reassuring manner. Only then, Link notices that his shoulder is bandaged, along with the rest of his body. He doesn’t feel his arms and legs, but he hopes it’s just an effect of his dizziness. On the bedside table, there is a dozen of vials, some almost empty and others still full. Link supposes they are the potions they made him drink during his comatose state. How much time has passed? The small bottles are quite a lot.

“Sir Link, do not worry. You’ve been out for a couple of weeks and we all have been taking turns at watching over you. Sidon is-“Yona’s perfectly calm voice is slightly trembling now “still sleeping. Some of his wounds were deeper than yours. But we are confident he will wake up soon, do not fear. We know how strong he is.”

Link feels sick and he knows it’s not for his physical conditions. He’s worried about Sidon.

Sidon can’t die. He can’t. He has to wake up and take Link in his arms again. He has to-

Link recognizes the signs of a panic attack a little too late. Suddenly, there is no air in his lungs and he doesn’t know what to do. His body is not cooperating because he can’t even lift a finger. He wants to scream, he wants to disappear from the world, he wants to open his wounds and make them bleed again, but more profusely this time. He doesn’t even realize that Yona has called some nurses to assist her.

Someone else enter the room alongside the nurses; Link recognizes the sound of Zelda’s footsteps even in his panicked state. The familiar sound manages to soothe his nerves. When Zelda plants a kiss on his forehead, he manages to breath again. They are both crying but for very different reasons: Zelda is relieved, Link is terrified.

“You had all of us worried for days. You are the worst.” There’s no trace of malice in her words, only so much fondness that’s making Link’s head spin. He doesn’t think he deserves having  people worry about him. Everyone should be right next to Sidon. Not next to him.

He tries to say something, to articulate a sound, but his throat feels raw and he thinks he might have lost his voice for real, this time. Only a faint sibilant sound escapes his mouth, but Zelda seems to understand him anyway.

“We didn’t leave him alone, Link. Me and Yona were at his bedside before coming to see you. Right now, the others are watching over him. He’ll be alright.”

Link wants to believe her. He truly wants to. But what if Sidon won’t be alright?

Yona’s timid voice interrupts their moment.

“Now that Sir Link has woken up, I think we can ask the nurses to put his bed beside Sidon’s water bed. I know Sidon will feel better if he has the one he holds dearest by his side.”

Link’s too embarrassed to smile; he can’t even look at Yona in the eyes. Zelda laughs, a nice alternative to her tears from earlier.

“This is a great idea. It’s better if the two lovebirds stick together.”

Later that same evening, arrangements are made to move Link’s bed beside Sidon’s. It’s a very nice decision if you ask Link, because the only place he wants to occupy is the one by Sidon’s side.

The first day is honestly overwhelming: Yunobo, Riju, Tulin and his family, Penn, Traysi and many other friends have been waiting for him to recover this whole time. Link doesn’t know whether he should be flattered or exhausted for all the attention he’s receiving.

He’s given a few moments of privacy when Riju jumps on his bed to hug him and Link feels like his body is on fire. The nurses rush to make sure his wounds are still alright after reprimanding Riju (she isn’t sorry at all).

Everyone is escorted out of the room and Link doesn’t miss the few sad glances directed towards Sidon. Even with all of the ruckus, he still hasn’t woken up. He didn’t even stir a little. Link wants to cry, but it doesn’t feel right to do so next to Sidon. Link would like to have even an ounce of his Sidon’s never-ending optimism. He guesses he’s too fucked up to be optimistic about anything, though.

On the fourth day since he woke up, Link can move his limbs again. The nurses tell him that it’s an incredible recovery. He should be happy. He isn’t.

As soon as he’s left alone, he tries climbing out of bed. He fights a particularly intense battle against the thousands of invisible needles that are puncturing his skin. The pain is blinding, but he would be able to reach his destination even without looking, so he doesn’t falter.

Clenching his teeth and trying not to make any noise, he finds himself crawling on the ground because he can’t even walk. The floor is slippery and damp and he knows he will be scolded for the water that’s wetting his bandages. But, right now, he doesn’t care at all.

When he reaches Sidon’s bed, he exhales a shaky sigh. At least he made it there. The water bed seems very inviting and the thought of lying in it right next to Sidon sounds extremely appealing. Of course, he can’t do something like that. He doesn’t know if he’s allowed to touch Sidon’s body but, looking at it, he doesn’t seem injured anymore. There are a few scars running through his torso that are visible even through the water but, apart from them, there aren’t other signs of damages on his body.

The nurses explained that while King Sidon seems almost perfectly fine, the healing process of a Zora is very different from that of a Hylian. And it is also longer; that’s why Sidon is still not waking up. From what Link has been able to gather, every day is a slow progress for Sidon’s health and the only thing that’s left to do is waiting.

For once, Sidon won’t be the one waiting for Link, but it will be the other time around. Link thinks he can live with it. He owes Sidon this much. Sidon has always waited for him, even when he disappeared for ten months without even writing him a letter. Even when Link felt like he didn’t want to see Sidon again, only to realize he just didn’t want to deal with his feelings.

Link feels so stupid right now. Sidon is sleeping, the rise and fall of his chest is a reassuring and comforting view. In any other circumstances, Link would appreciate the view of a sleeping Sidon. Right now, however, Link thinks that he’s being subjected to the most atrocious torture in all Hyrule.

Link is lying on the ground, close enough to Sidon that he can touch him if he reaches out with his hand. He doesn’t do anything, though. He doesn’t touch him, afraid he will make everything worse. Link just lies there, eyes open, and looks at Sidon until his mind starts to drift and he falls into a dreamless sleep.

By the next morning, his body will ache terribly and he will have to change all his bandages. But it will be worth it.

Two days later, Link wakes up and sees Muzu by Sidon’s bedside. He seems lost in his thoughts, but he notices Link’s attempts at getting out of bed. Muzu doesn’t turn around, though. He keeps looking at Sidon.

“You know, the last time it happened he was out for more than a month. The scar on his facial fin is the proof of it. It happened decades ago. King Sidon is just like that. He puts his life on the line when he wants to protect something. Or someone.” These last words lack of the vitriol Muzu used to reserve for Link; he just sounds tired.

With a significant amount of pain, Link manages to get up and sit next to Muzu. He will be scolded by the nurses again for his apparent lack of self-preservation (it’s not that apparent, really), but he can’t choose not to stay close to Sidon if they are in the same room like this.

Muzu doesn’t expect Link to say anything and he’s surprised when he sees shaking, bandaged hands signing to him. It’s a wonder Link can use them again only after a few days.

“He sent me letters.”

Muzu scoffs. “Of course he did. We all know. Did you think I wouldn’t notice my King acting like a lovesick fool? You are so dense.”

Link should be offended, but he knows he deserves even worse than that. He shakes his head at Muzu, trying again to communicate his true intentions.

“I can’t walk and get them. I want to read-“ His hands fail him and fall flat on his lap. Link’s body is shaking alongside his arms and hands. He grits his teeth, hoping Muzu will ignore his evident anguish.

Muzu stares at him in disbelief. “Are you asking me to fetch them for you? Where are they?”

Link manages to croak out something while he tries to regain control of his trembling body. “My room.”

Muzu hands him a potion and nods. Link eyes the vial before drinking it. The hot fluid is enough to relax him.

“Wait here. Do not leave his side. He will wake up sooner if you’re here.”

Link feels a small spark of gratitude in his chest.

When Sidon finally wakes up, it takes him a while to understand where he is. His body feels numb in a very unpleasant way. If he tries to move his limbs, they are not very receptive to his attempts. Soon enough, a sudden jolt of pain helps him remember what happened and how he ended up lying in the biggest water bed of the Zora’s Domain.

How long did he sleep? Sidon really doesn’t know. He just hopes that nobody is too worried about him. He already knows Yona and his father must be worried sick, though. And Link, if he’s hopeful enough to think that the Hero of Hyrule keeps Sidon in his thoughts as much as Sidon keeps Link in his own.

Wait. Link. He was severely injured during their fight against the Yiga. How is he now? Sidon needs to know. He tries to move again, this time more firmly, with the intention to call a nurse. The absence of light from the big windows of the room tells him it must be very late at night. This explains why there’s nobody by his side.

Actually, this is not true. Straining his neck as much as he can without hurting it too much, Sidon finally sees Link. He’s lying on his side on the ground, sleeping. He’s so close to the water bed that a small movement could make him fall in it. Link’s perfectly still, though.

Sidon uses the opportunity to properly look at Link. He must have woken up and healed before him and that’s a relief, but Sidon can’t help but feel pure concern at the sight of Link’s wet bandages. Are they wet because of his current sleeping position? Sidon feels a mix of both worry and giddiness just by looking at him.

Next to Link, there is a box full of letters. All of them have been unsealed and presumably read. Link is using one of the many pieces of paper -wet because of the suspicious tear-shaped stains on it- as a pillow. Sidon doesn’t know what to think, doesn’t know if he should talk to Link about it. The only thing he wants to do at the moment is keep watching his friend while he’s sleeping. Link has never looked so peaceful before.

A sudden breeze of air enters the infirmary and Link’s eyes open. He must have sensed the cold. Link’s eyes meet Sidon’s and everything seems to stop. After a few moments of silence, Link quickly gets up. He can look at Sidon better from his sitting position, eyes quickly scanning his body to make sure everything is fine. The letter is still stuck to Link’s cheek and Sidon can’t suppress his laughter. The action hurts, but he can’t really help himself. Link is very pretty and adorable.

Link blushes and the letter falls to the ground when he raises his hands to sign. His movements are quick and concise; Sidon notices the tiny flicker of hurt in Link’s eyes while he’s moving his hands, but he doesn’t comment on it. He doesn’t have the strength. They both are making an incredible effort to stay awake.

“I’m going to call the nurses. And Yona, if you want.”

Link is not really expecting an answer from Sidon, he just wanted to tell him what he was going to do. For this reason, he’s surprised when he notices that Sidon is trying to speak. The first sounds that come out of his mouth are not really intelligible. Link is tempted to put a hand over Sidon’s mouth not to make him overexert himself, but he doesn’t want to offend his friend. He just offers Sidon a small smile, waiting patiently for his words.

“Not yet. Please. I want to stay with you.”

Link blushes once again, not looking at Sidon. When his eyes land on the letters -Sidon’s letters- he has read during the past few hours, his face becomes even redder. He raises his hands to cover his face, but he changes his mind soon after. He wants to communicate with Sidon.

“I want to stay with you, too.”

Sidon smile is blinding, even in his pained state. Link feels encouraged to say more.

“Are you really in love with me, Sidon?”

There’s no point in lying and, even if there was, Sidon would never be able to lie to Link.

“I think I’ve always been in love with you.” He doesn’t say more, because he can feel his voice failing him. He feels too tired. He wants to go back to sleeping.

With all the strength Link has left in his body, he surges forward, quickly kissing Sidon’s head crest. The kiss is almost enough to give Sidon back all the energy he needs to keep his eyes open. They are both crying, but there’s no trace of sadness in the room. They are happy tears.

“I’m sorry I’m unable to say it back.” Link is using his voice now. It is full of unspoken feelings.

“My friend. It is written all over your face. Thank you for being so vulnerable with me.” The last words Sidon utters are slurred. Link leaves another kiss on his face.

Sidon is fighting the urge to sleep with all his might. For a second, Link thinks he can see a hint of fear in his eyes. He resumes to signing; he wants to reassure Sidon.

“Sidon, rest. We’re safe. I promise.”

“What if you’re not here when I wake up again?”

“I’m not leaving your side. Never again. I thought I accepted your invitation to have a home here, didn’t I? I can guarantee that I’ll stay in the Domain most of the time. Except for when I have to go on missions.”

Link takes a small break because his hands are starting to hurt a lot. Sidon is staring intently at him.

“Even then, you will hear from me. I’ll write you letters.”

Sidon smiles, mirroring Link’s serene expression. He finally feels at ease.

The next morning, both Zelda and Yona enter the infirmary and almost shout in surprise at the sight in front of them. Sidon and Link are still sleeping and Sidon’s right hand is out of the water. It is holding Link’s bandaged one. They should call the nurses, but they know nothing is out of place. Sidon’s hand is where it has always longed to be. And Link’s is, too.