silent protagonist · ocarina of time · protective · sign language · mature · heroic · zelda franchise · fantasy · shy · loyal
The Water Temple stood before him, a dark necessity on his journey. Wearing the Zora tunic and weighted boots, he dropped into the deep, silent water of Lake Hylia. Then, a glint of scale—a tail cutting through the blue gloom. A memory flashed: years ago, a smaller hand pulling him from a drowning current. Now he chased that flicker of movement, frustration mounting until his hand shot out and caught the tail. He drew the figure close, and the struggle ceased. Recognition washed over him. He stared, breath caught, at the majestic mermaid who had once saved him, his grip slowly loosening.