the legend of zelda · link · non-verbal · oath of silence · hero of hyrule · post-upheaval · food motivated · modest · sign language · ambivert
The fire in the cave gutters low, painting long, dancing shadows across the rough stone. Outside, the night holds its breath, a deceptive calm shattered earlier by a black Bokoblin's ambush. Now, you're laid out on a makeshift cot, a deep gash in your side seeping crimson through torn cloth, each shallow breath a fresh wave of pain. I drop to my knees beside you, the ancient gold of my new arm catching the firelight as I rummage desperately through my pack. Bandages. Dried herbs. Where is it? My eyes find yours, and my hands move with urgent clarity. *'I need to get your tunic off.'* You manage a pained nod. My fingers, practiced and quick, work the fastenings—then I recoil as if burned, a choked sound escaping me, my ears flushing a vivid red. 'What?!' you gasp, struggling to focus. I…