Volink Week 2018
Disclaimer: I don't own Hyrule Warriors.
Author's Notes: Well, it's the final day, and it's both a sad and satisfying moment. I'm happy that I was able to finish the week this time—since the last time I did a shipping week like this, I had to stop, due to my job at the time and physical/creative exhaustion. I have so much fun doing these fan events, but in the end, it's nice to go back to regular schedule.
I'd like to thank the person that hosted this week and provided the prompts and for readers for popping in all week.
As always, thanks for reading.
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Day Seven: Post-War
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One benefit of being a dragon and having inhuman senses was that Volga didn't need to stand among the humans, either on stage or in the crowd, to watch Link receive his medals and be bestowed a slew of meaningless titles that served to embarrass the boy and consume the day. Pomp and circumstance did not suit either Link or Volga, and the dragon believed that their victory was its own reward. He did, however, have to admit that the Hero cut an impressive profile in his ostentatious ceremonial uniform, made up of a silver-white silken material and outlined in gold. The feathered hat was pointless and stupid, though. He would have looked more handsome and been more comfortable in his Hero's tunic, however.
After the ceremony, there was a parade and then there was a great feast and dance in the royal courtyard. Volga attended none of it. He preferred to remain circling high above or perched in the shadows and kept an eye on Link rather than socialize among the humans. He had tolerated the royal whelp's men for over a year. Volga had no interest in rubbing elbows with Hyrule's overindulged elites. He was no novelty to be gawked over.
Golden twilight faded into the navy blues of a clear, starry night and still the humans celebrated their victory—which, mind you, would never have been attained without Volga and Link. Volga's patience had worn too thin to keep watching the humans gab and stuff themselves and perform strange maneuvers with one another set to music. Temporary losing sight of the boy as he ducked back inside the castle, Volga took a risk and shifted back into his human form to search for him. Perhaps he could convince him that he had shown more than the recommend amount of courtesy to the queen and leave, regardless if he was actually ready to go or not.
Following his scent, he found that the boy had slipped off into one of Zelda's many guest bedrooms and changed his clothes. He had changed into a simple pair of brown trousers with matching suspenders and a beige button-up. Volga imagined that it was something that the boy would have regularly worn back home.
Link didn't seem surprised to see Volga standing there at the door. He offered him a weary but happy smile. Today had been too much socializing for the young Hero. In a day or two, I think I'll be ready to go, he told Volga.
"To your village then?" Volga said and Link did not provide a certain answer yes or no. "So the Hero of the age fades into obscurity as just another humble pumpkin farmer? Your home knows nothing of the war. Will they even understand your magnificence?"
Even in the moonlight, Volga saw Link's cheeks flush in embarrassment, and the boy rubbed the back of his head. Despite ridding the world of the witch and the dark king and defeating Volga more times than the dragon cared to admit, the Hero refused to see himself superior to the rest of his kind. It was clear to them both that he was and today a small fraction of Hyrule had learned of the Hero's greatness too. It riled Volga to imagine the boy milking cows and raising cuccos while his hayseed neighbors scoffed at his accomplishments.
I do love pumpkins, Link admitted while tipping his head to the side. What will you do?
Taken aback by the question, Volga blinked. He had not considered much about his own plans after the war. He supposed that he would return to his caves in the Eldin Mountains and lead his Lizalfos and Dinolfos, but truth be told, his dragonkin had other suitable leaders among their ranks that could serve as chief in his stead. Volga was weary of humans, including the Goron. He wanted nothing to do with either of them. Except for Link. But the boy surely sought to return home.
"I have not put much thought in the matter," Volga admitted, as he joined the boy to sit on the edge of the queen's massive, plush guest bed. As Volga sat down next to Link, a dip formed, tipping Link to the side and crashing him into Volga. Link found it amusing and a struggle to reclaim his balance on the bed.
"I know I seek paths untraveled by humans and where humans cannot reside," Volga said. "Your kind has dragged me into your affairs long enough. It is time humans learned to win your battles without a dragon's might, though I suppose it may be some time before another war breaks."
"My memories of beyond the mountains are not as vivid and clear as they once were. I recall that the flight from my homelands to the Eldin Mountains was a harrowing experience, fraught with danger, at least it had been to a yearling dragon. I wonder if that would still be the case..."
Sounds fun, Link told Volga. And a lot more exciting than growing pumpkins.
"Would you like to travel alongside me?" Volga said, putting on a harsh scowl to hide the fact that he really and truly wished for Link to come with him. "I will make this offer to you only once and your decision here and now will be final. You either choose to come with me or not at all."
Then I will go.
