abstractborders | For Shark Husband

It was late. Way later than anyone should really be up and wandering through the Zora domain but here Link was. He had traveled all the way from the Rito village, the several day long journey far more grueling than normal because of how worn out he was. He'd slept very little, far too busy seeking out shrines and dealing with other things that came up, and it was finally starting to catch up to him. Each step felt like he had hundreds of pounds attached to each leg and his arms felt like lead making it painful to lift his sword whenever a moblin attacked him. He kept pushing himself forward though knowing that a warm fire was waiting even if the domain was even wetter than he was because of the light rainfall coming down.

Across one bridge then another, Link finally found himself trudging towards the familiar shape and glow of the Zora palace. His lips pulled into a tired smile as one of the guards greeting him then expressed worry over his state, the champion waving them off and shaking his head--no no, he was fine.

He took one of the long pathways up and crossed to the stairs that led through the dam and to the Eastern Reservoir and the tension that had been holding his frame so tight finally started to edge away. Link trudged over to the bed resting under the gazebo that he had visited many a times, shedding his gloves and cloak once he was there, nudging off his boots then flopping down. A heavy sigh escaped him and he let his eyes close, content just to lay here and never move again.

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"Two?" He voiced to confirm, expression one of surprise and awe. That quickly melted into a wide smile as he threw his arms wide with great enthusiasm. "That's amazing! You'll have the others in no time, I'm certain of it."

There was no obstacle in the world that Link couldn't overcome in Sidon's mind. He almost didn't see the frown, but little escaped the watchful eyes of the prince.

"You're worried?" he ventured. "You shouldn't. You're doing something no one else has been able to do, and with great efficiency. The Zora are ever grateful for your hard work, and I'm certain the Rito, Garudo, and Goron will be as well. You've been an excellent help and always a welcome guest."

Sidon's enthusiasm and encouragement meant a lot to Link. He had a lot of people rooting him on and offering their aid but it was just the way the prince went about it. His words were always so heartfelt.

The Hylian smiled, glancing down almost bashfully before he took another breath and seemed to steel his shoulders a bit.

One way or another he'd get this all done. He had to.

His gaze returned to Sidon and he nodded firmly, trying to show more confidence then he was feeling at the moment. A distraction was in order and Link was quick to take another bite of bread as he turned on his seat to point out towards Ruta.

Everything been alright?

Always heartfelt for Link. Actually, always heartfelt for everyone. Sidon didn't have a deceitful bone in his body. Or... deceitful cartilage structure. There was no lying in the politics of Hyrule. Either someone was an enemy or an ally. There was no in between, and with the threat of Ganon, there was no inter-culture wars.

The prince's gaze followed Link's out to the mountaintop where the elephant-machine stood facing Hyrule castle.

"It hasn't moved an inch since it took position there," he assured Link. "Ever vigilant, just waiting for her moment to shine."

Good. That was good.

Link nodded, relief showing on his face as he set the rest of the bread down and took the moment to look over at Sidon.

The Zora prince hadn't flinched in his support of Link despite...everything. Despite being, in part, Link's fault that Mipha had been slain 100 years ago. His memory still wasn't fully in tact so there was a lot he couldn't remember about any of the other champions but he knew that Mipha had been special. That she had meant a lot to him then and in a way still meant a lot to him. Her blessing was a constant warmth whenever things became too cold. A poor substitute for her presence but it was there.

And despite her being just a memory now--a beloved one--Sidon believe in Link. Believe that he could accomplish this and trusted that he knew what he was doing.

The Hylian sighed softly and moved off his seat, going over to take a seat beside the shark prince. He glanced up at the larger being, a sincere look in his eyes as he made a sign he'd been taught by some of the young Zora.

Thank you.

Only the foolish elders believed Link to be at fault for the loss of Mipha. Sidon had grown up hearing Dorephan's stories and believed otherwise. Never once had he held ill-will for the Hylian champion.

Sharp eyes followed the motions of the smaller being as he came closer, concern hidden behind them. He believed in Link, but also worried that his friend was pushing himself too hard, wearing himself out in both body and soul. There would be a Hyrule when this was all done thanks to Link, but would there be a Link to praise if he kept this pace?

"You are most welcome, my friend," he murmured softly, face relaxing into a gentle smile. An arm was placed over Link's shoulders. "Is there anything you need? Weapons? More food?"

The weight of the other's arm was a welcome one and Link leaned against his side with a content little sigh. Everyone he'd met at the Rito village had been a little less tactical tan Link had grown use to so it was nice to be embraced like this; to have physical contact with someone that didn't involve punching or hitting them with weapons.

He shook his head after a moment then paused, sitting up a bit to look over at the food then up at Sidon. Food was always a welcome thing but he wasn't about to ask for anything more than that. He was a resourceful Hylian; he could get his hands on anything else he needed.

Link offered a smile before he got up to grab a plate, piling it with food then returning to his spot beside Sidon.

There. See? All is well.

For Shark Husband

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