You will be the first to admit: there's rarely a boring day when you're spending time with your partner. Adventure has a way of finding him - though you could also argue that he goes looking for it when he has nothing else to occupy his free time. But you can hardly blame him. After spending weeks on end wandering through Hyrule, the thought of being inside on his days off, as well as when he's serving as the bodyguard to the Princess, is less than appealing. And you enjoy the opportunity to explore new regions of Hyrule with Link whenever the time comes.
He taps on your door shortly after breakfast, letting himself in when you acknowledge him. He comes to sit on the edge of the bed while you finish organizing your paints into your traveling case for whatever the day may bring.
"How would you feel about exploring the Depths with me today?"
The question is surprising, but not unusual. The discovery of the extensive land beneath the surface of Hyrule had been the talk of the Lookout Landing and anyone who joined in the efforts to rebuild the castle and surrounding town. Yawning chasms surrounded in an oozing crimson miasma of sludge, not unlike the malice associated with Calamity Ganon, allowed for a view down to the inky blackness far below. Robbie and Purah had assembled a group of researchers to study this new region and the discovery of the new Zonai technology.
"Have they established a safe way down?" you ask curiously.
"They've been using a hot air balloon to travel down the chasms and back up. But we also found that there's an ability to attune to the massive 'Light Roots' that seem to be connected to shrines on the surface. So I can teleport straight to one with my Sheikah Slate. I went down with the last trip and attuned to three different roots."
"Sure." You flash him a grin as you tuck a final pair of sharpened pencils into your case. "That sounds fun. What do I need to bring with me?"
"Your paints. There's some cool plants down there that I think will catch your interest. And I don't think sketching will be adequate."
Your interest sufficiently piqued, you tuck four small canvases into your bag alongside your art kit. "Well, I have my sketchbook and I'll have these too. We'll just need to give them time to dry before we go anywhere. Think it'll be safe enough to do that?"
"I'll make sure that it will be. There's some good perches that aren't too difficult to reach and will protect us from anything but archers. I got it covered." He eyes your outfit and gives a slight nod. "You're dressed for the upcoming adventure, I think. Ready to go?"
You slide your messenger bag over your shoulder and adjust the strap so it sits right at your left hip. You glance down self-consciously when he mentions your clothes, but you have no reason to worry. Black pants tuck into mid-calf black boots, a cream-colored tunic with half-sleeves, and a teal-blue vest that fits you comfortably over the top serves as standard 'adventuring attire'.
You lift your head and give a slight nod. "I think I am. Do I need a torch or anything?"
"I've got everything," he assures you. His hand stretches out to you in silent invitation. It's time to go.
The teleportation runes of the Sheikah Slate are a familiar sensation. You lost track of how many adventures you've gone on with him, but if you took the time to read through your journal, you're sure you could take full count. Each was different, offering new experiences and sharing memories you treasured in the back of your mind. This one promised something new entirely. Instead of the surface or the sky, you were venturing into unknown territory - the Depths.
The first thing you notice upon your arrival is the light. Link had explained the presence of Light Roots, but you failed to take into consideration just how brightly it shone in the darkness compared to all that was around it. The thick, tree-like bases towered above the patch of grass where you stand. Wait. Grass? In the Depths?!
Your face must have conveyed your confusion because Link chuckles and gestures around. "Yes, there's grass and plants down here. They're different, and the closest you'll get to the grass on the surface is under the Light Roots."
You crouch and run your hand along the top of it. The blades are soft and similar to what you're accustomed to on the surface. But the color is different. Paler, nearing translucent. You can't help but stare at it for a few seconds.
"You think that's cool? C'mon. Lemme show you some of my favorite places I've found so far. Just stay close. We've got a bokoblin camp to our right." Link gestures to the flickering firelight a couple hundred paces away.
Shadowy figures shamble in the darkness, and while your eyes take a few moments to adjust to the light level as you venture away from the Light Root. But bokoblins always moved in the same way. Subconsciously, you step closer to Link and rest your hand on your small dagger. It won't do much good against a bokoblin, but it offers a measure of comfort nonetheless in knowing that you can defend yourself if need be.
"Watch your step. There's more gloom pools around than on the surface."
"Is this the source of it?" you ask curiously while you follow him down a slight hill. Pools of gloom let out slight eruptions of noxious fumes as you pass by, causing you to clamp a finger up under your nose. The darkness added a layer of oppression that seemed to heighten the intensity.
"From what we can tell so far. Makes sense when you think about it. Stuff like that shouldn't thrive under sunlight. But it's everywhere here, and it only appeared on the surface once the chasms opened." Link paused and pointed at some small plants emitting a faint glow. "Here. Collect a couple of orbs from the plant."
You crouch to examine it. The feathery leaves are soft, and the orb you grab is surprisingly sturdy. The light is brighter when it's kept in your palm. "What is this?"
"Brightbloom Seed. They can be thrown and for whatever reason, they'll bloom into a plant when they land, making it glow. Helps when there's an absence of light. It's kinda nice to keep from having to have a torch lit at all times. Especially with all the monsters down here."
You make a face. "I can't imagine trying to hold a torch in one hand and a sword in the other. I'd singe my hair - and probably my eyebrows too!"
Link chuckled. "It takes practice, but even I'm not immune to a few odd burns now and then from doing stupid things with a torch when I thought I could handle it. I learned the hard way that I can't always do that. Shall we continue?"
You collect all the luminous seeds you can find nearby and tuck them into your bag before you fall into step with him again. The temptation to take his hand is there, but given your surroundings, you decide that it's more of a risk than you need to take. Yet because of his closeness, you're awarded the comfort of his presence and the safety that allows you to gaze at the new vistas within the Depths.
In the distance, you can just make out several tall monuments, or perhaps temple-like structures against a natural rock wall. If you squint, you can identify statues distributed in an odd, curved pattern and disappearing into the darkness. Far overhead you hear the shrill squeak of the keese that made their home along cavern rooftops and the shadowed eaves of buildings.
Glowing mushrooms in strange shades of purple litter the base of the trees you encounter; trees unlike anything you've ever seen before. Alive, yet bearing the ashen, leafless look of the dying on the Surface. Your fingers trace over the bark of one as you pass. Rough and uneven. At least that trait remains constant.
Link points to one of the structures to your left. "Let's go here. There's a ridge that will give you a good vantage spot to paint, I think - and keep us well out of reach from any enemies. Well... Almost any."
Your brow furrows at his correction while you follow his guidance around another pool of gloom. Near silent footfalls allow you to sneak undetected by the skeletal remains of a Stalnox. You find yourself still holding your breath when you've straightened and returned to a more normal walking pace.
"Doing alright?" Link asks. His blue eyes are searching your face, looking for any signs of distress or discomfort.
"Yes. But tell me something. Why do you say 'almost all enemies'? Are there ones that can chase us up there besides the keese?"
"Yiga."
You flinch at the word. Despite the defeat of their beloved Master Kohga, the Yiga on the surface remained loyal, and a royal nuisance. Their quest had now changed to avenging their master and stealing whatever they wanted, simply to prove the strength of the Yiga Clan. You've narrowly missed crossing paths with them yourself thus far, but your friends have not been so fortunate. One of them even has the scars on his arms and face to prove it.
"Yiga are down here?" You realize with a start. "But why? And where?"
"We don't know." Link blows out his breath and takes a moment to choose his words. "All that Robbie and Josha have guessed is that there's something, or someone, who's down here and directing them. For all their strength in disguise and weapon prowess, they're usually not very smart when they're not taking orders."
You snort. The stories that he's told you definitely align with that assessment. The fact that Link has managed to walk past them in broad daylight wearing nothing but a cloak, his boxers, and a smile while somehow not attracting any attention is enough to boggle your mind. Intelligence and perception don't rank high on their list of strengths and notable qualities. But… "Perhaps that will work in our favor," you muse aloud. "If they don't know we're here, or don't have direct orders about us, maybe they'll leave us alone."
"Perhaps. But better all the same if they don't catch us. I don't relish the thought of facing a footsoldier or a blademaster when I'm supposed to be enjoying a pleasant adventure with my partner."
You fight to keep from blushing but the attempt is in vain. Referencing adventures together stirs warmth in your chest and the desire to continue forward. Together. The memories alone keep you content when your respective tasks limit your time spent in each other's company.
Brightbloom plants and the purple glowing mushrooms decorate the platform around the ruins, contributing to the eerie light level that follows wherever you go in the Depths. But the stairs were clear enough to traverse without difficulty once Link used a pair of the seeds to illuminate the sides. He doesn't stop when he reaches the second floor, however, despite the absence of another clear way up. "Follow me."
Accustomed to his unusual ways, you nod and step up onto the broken remains of the outer wall of the temple. The building is large, composed of carved sandstone that blends into the natural rocky outcroppings and pillars. Heavy boulders responsible for the partial destruction act as your stepping stones up onto the flat-topped roof.
"This oughta do," Link says with a nod of approval. "Plenty of space to spread out, and high enough that only the keese and maybe a Yiga might venture up here. Long as we stay reasonably quiet, we'll be safe as long as we want to stay."
You look around and you have to agree. The majority of the rooftop remains intact. Gaping holes are only visible on the far side, with a small one that might be a skylight in the center. The south side is bordered with the cavern wall, giving a perfect place for you to rest your back while you settle down with your art supplies.
"What do you think of the Depths so far?" Link asks conversationally while he tosses down a couple of seeds to illuminate the area.
You can feel his eyes on you while you set your paints aside and collect your mini canvases. "Dark," you quip simply to hear his chuckle. "In all seriousness, it's intriguing. I didn't know what to expect when I heard about it. Monsters, of course, but nothing like the structures and plant life. It gives me no shortage of things to recreate."
"What do you have in mind so far?"
"Maybe something with a Light Root and the grass. Then another with the ruins and the strange mushrooms around. What about you? Willing to take on a new challenge, Champion?" You can't help but tease him.
His eyes narrow at the obvious bait, but he thinks for a moment before he responds. "No portraits this time?"
"None. We'll keep the subject of the art more simple. Portraits take a lot of time to create accurately. It's better to keep things smaller when we're in an area we could get attacked in too."
"Fair enough." He accepts the small canvas you hand him and a pencil. "Sketch first?"
"Sketch then outline and paint. First step gives you the basic shape, then the outline is the definition. You finish with color to help bring it to life," you explain. "Doesn't have to be fancy. Just a recreation of something that you enjoy or can envision."
He taps the end of the pencil against the canvas several times, clearly contemplating his options. "Maybe the mushrooms and base of a tree. Seems simple enough."
"That's a good idea. Give it a try. I'm sure you'll do well."
Silence falls between the two of you as you begin work on your respective sketches. You can hear the sounds of the Depths around you. The distant sounds of monsters snuffling and snorting in communication with each other. Squeaking chirps of the keese fluttering near the roof of the cavern. The periodic sounds of something unknown and heavy moving in the darkness cast the eeriness one would expect. Yet you find it all oddly comforting. There's nothing to fear when you're above it all, and you have your partner at your side.
"There now. How's that?" He lifted his canvas to show a sketch. You find yourself only mildly surprised that once more he's shown talent where you least expect it. The shapes were clearly recognizable, though not as refined as a more practiced hand might accomplish.
"That looks great!" you say with a broad smile. "What do you think?"
"I think I need a lot more time to practice if I'm to be worthy of your commendations," he countered with a laugh. "But it'll suffice for now."
"My commendations?! I'm hardly the best artist in Hyrule!"
"Perhaps not in your eyes, but you are in mine, and isn't that what matters?" He leans over and brushes a kiss on your cheek. "Besides, I like complimenting you. It makes you blush, and that's always a good look."
Your cheeks flush in spite of yourself. He always manages to catch you off guard with compliments and draw a subconscious reaction out of you. He relishes seeing you flustered, and he's made no move to hide that - and you're secretly happy about the fact that he's willing to encourage you in your looks as well as your talents.
But you still change the subject back to the project at hand. "Let me get the paints for you." You hand him one of the two palettes you brought, a small cup for paint water, and a brush. "You can use a hint of your drinking water for the paints. It won't take more than a mouthful."
He adds a splash of water to the cup, wets his brush and eyes the paints before getting to work. You watch for a moment before turning your attention to your own canvas. There's no hurry, but still you find that painting in the unusual light is more difficult than you originally anticipated. Even still, it gives you another idea for the lighting in your painting, and you count your blessings for that.
"Do sounds around you distract you while you're working on your art?"
You look up when Link's question arises. "Depends on the noise, but as a rule, not really. If it's combat or a repetitive sound, then I try to avoid it. But ambience from the land around, or even conversing with someone doesn't usually bother me. What about you?"
"I think I'm alright. Never done real art like this before. Just a sketch now and again to keep the idea of something for later. Art is more Pikango's thing. But I don't like much distraction when I'm trying to get it looking right." He held his canvas out at arm's length to look at it and clicked his tongue. "Tsk. Not quite the right color. Looks different further away."
"You might not be an artist by trade but you've got a good eye for it," you encourage him. "Color theory and lighting is difficult, doubly so when you're working with the strange light down here. But I think that'll work in our favor for what we're trying to capture."
"You think so?"
"I'm fairly confident."
He hums in acknowledgement before laying his canvas back in his lap to continue his work on it. "You're pretty fast too!"
"Not as much as some," you counter. "But for something like this, yeah, I can go quickly if I want to. I'm not doing much lineart for something that's mainly nature-oriented in a darkened area. There's no need. Besides, it keeps a more whimsical appearance."
"No matter what style you use, it always looks good. I can count on that. I look forward to any new pieces that you create."
Your blush is back in full force, and you lean over to kiss his cheek in thanks, only for him to turn his head at the second and lock his lips with yours. You let out a faint sound of surprise deep in your throat but lean into the gentle kiss.
The canvas, paints, and brushes are gently lifted from your hand and moved to Link's far side, out of your sight. A fleeting question crosses your mind, but it can't pass your lips because those have been lovingly claimed by him again. You have half a mind to protest but only barely, and it dies away the longer he has you in his embrace.
His breath is warm in your ear when he's forced to pull back for air. "Forgive me, but I just had to kiss you after seeing you blush like that."
"And now?" You have a feeling that you know the answer even as the words tumble from your mouth.
"I don't want to have to stop with just one or two kisses. I like being selfish and commandeering your attention."
You can feel his smirk against your lips as he speaks. He clearly enjoys every moment when you're together, doubly so when he has your in his arms. After all, it's where you fit most comfortably.
"You're not planning on doing anything too scandalous while we're out here, are you?" The question comes when he kisses down your neck.
"Scandalous? Don't you mean adventurous?" He nibbles on your earlobe to hear your faint protest when a shiver rolls down your spine. "What's wrong with a little adventure?"
"Nothing. But I'd just as soon that our more, intimate, adventures remain in a less dangerous setting." Your breath catches when his lips move back towards yours. "Last thing I want is for a Yiga to pop out of nowhere while–"
"Shhhhh. You worry too much." He stops your concerned statement with a toe-curling caress.
When you relent and relax into his embrace, you feel him chuckle against your mouth. He always acts so smug when he gets his way. Sometimes it's irritating. But in moments like this, you sigh and let him have what he wants. He's adamant about protecting you and taking care of you. And you'll admit that it's nice to have a partner who's willing to do all that and more for your sake. So undeserving, and yet utterly enjoyable.
His hand traces down your side, lingering at your waist while he kisses back up the side of your neck. You pause, your mind racing before finally settling on a question. "What are you planning?"
"Mmm. Taking you on my lap for some kissing and making you feel good. Even if you don't feel comfortable with more attention while we're here, I want to show that I appreciate and love you." Warm lips press against yours to prove his point.
"And what if I want to return the favor?" You shift so you're half-sitting on his lap but you can still touch him.
He hums in delight deep in his throat when your fingers trace down his clothed chest before settling on the firm ridge in his pants. "Y'know I won't complain. I love your touch anyway and anywhere."
Link knows exactly what you like and where to touch to have you arching into his caress. His voice is low and gentle while he runs a hand over the top of your thigh. He's mastered the art of seduction, starting with the gentle kisses that he was content brushing on your lips, your cheeks, and the tip of your nose. You lean against his shoulder while he continues the trail back to your earlobe.
You shiver when he blows across your ear. He hugs you tighter to his chest while he repeats the action. He nibbles on your earlobe, his nose brushing your jawline. There was little that he could do that wouldn't make you feel good.
Determined to match him, you rub your palm over his clothed erection. Regardless of location, you enjoy touching him. The desire to free him from his pants and have his warm skin in your hand and perhaps even in your mouth. But then a keese would shriek overhead, or you'd hear a snuffle from a nearby Moblin, bringing you a reminder that it wasn't safe. Oh well. There's always later when you're back in your room at the castle. In the meantime, you could enjoy the teasing in a public place.
His hands slide down the tops then to the inner part of your thighs. A faint sound of approval and arousal escapes your throat when he fully moves to cupping between your legs. His ministrations are slow and gentle, meant to remain teasing rather than lustful need for release.
You reciprocate in kind, taking your time to run a finger over him from tip to base before gripping through the folds of fabric to slowly stroke his erection. The change in his breath is proof that Link is enjoying the touch every bit as much as you are.
"I think this falls under the category of 'all day foreplay', wouldn't you say?" he hums with a faint chuckle in your ear. "Not enough to fully get off, but more than enough to leave you wanting more. Isn't that right, Dae?"
The unexpected whisper of your name adds to the eroticism of the moment, making it difficult to think. "W-what?"
"All day foreplay when we're down here so we can take full advantage of the arousal when we don't have monsters around. How's that sound?" He repeats the sentiment with ease.
"Like the temptation to finish our pieces faster so we can go back to my room and make good on it is growing by the minute."
Link's hand lingers between your legs for another minute before he reluctantly pulls away. His lips remain on your jawline longer, and you don't mind whatsoever. You want him, but the need to finish the paintings before you return takes precedence. After all, you hate to leave things unfinished.
You pry yourself off his lap and readjust your clothing. Out of the corner of your eye, you watch him do the same, but it's hardly enough to reduce the generous size of the ridge in his pants. He catches you looking and a faint blush coats his cheeks.
You grin and put your hand out to accept the canvas, brush, and paints that he gave back to you. You look at the partially completed painting again with a slight nod. It's well on its way to being completed, and you are satisfied with your progress so far.
"I don't think it'll take long to finish," Link comments as he studies his own piece. "I don't want to overdo it."
"That's a good mindset to have. Complete it, but don't nitpick at it and keep trying to fix things. Know when to stop and leave it as is. It can be a difficult lesson to learn but one that will help you quite a bit if you continue on an artistic path."
"Well, with such a good teacher, how can I go wrong?" The compliment rolls off his tongue with ease.
"Oh, stop it. Flattery will get you–"
"Everything. Don't try to deny it. You're already eagerly waiting for us to get back to the castle as it is." He kisses the tip of your nose. "But it's cute to see you try and pretend that you're not reactive to me."
You make a face but lean in for a brief kiss. He's right, of course, and you sigh as you both go back to focusing on your respective pieces. Beside you, Link hums under his breath while he paints. After a few moments, you identify it as one of the songs that Kass has been heard playing in the Castle Town around the campfire after dinner. The sound is comforting in more ways than one. It brings up a lot of wonderful memories from the past few months, ones that you've shared with Link both before and after he became your partner.
You smile to yourself as you finish your painted sketch. It's not the most intricate piece you've done, but it doesn't need to be. You're satisfied with how it captures the essence of the Depths and the color palette from the plant life found there.
Link looks over your shoulder and lets out a low whistle. "Damn, that looks really cool! Great job!"
"Thank you." You examine it again and give a nod of satisfaction before you start cleaning your brush and putting your paints away. "What do you think of yours?"
He shrugs and hands you his canvas. "It's alright. I can do better with practice but it's not bad."
"You sell yourself too short," you immediately tell him. And it's the truth. The puffshrooms are identifiable as the fungus they are, and the base of the tree they were in front of even has textured bark. The background is dark, as expected, allowing the mushrooms to remain the focal point for the simple piece.
"You think so?" He awkwardly scratches the back of his head, cocking it to the side to study the artwork again.
"I think it's going to be hanging in my room by tonight." You smirk when his mouth falls open. "What? You're proud of my art and have it mounted in your room. Turnabout's only fair, right?"
Link's only response is to cup your face in his hands and tenderly kiss you. His lips lovingly curl around yours, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt how much the gesture means to him. His tongue sweeps across your lower lip and encourages you to deepen the kiss. You comply without hesitation, responding to the joy and gratitude he was offering to you. But really, the pleasure is all yours. You're on this adventure in the Depths and going through life together all thanks to him.
He presses his forehead against yours and he breathes a soft 'thanks' that becomes muffled when you hug him tightly. His heartbeat against you blends with the ambience of your surroundings, and you know beyond the shadow of a doubt that these moments will be added to your list of favorites. Love and art in the Depths - a day to remember for a lifetime to come.
