Summary:

Found in the desert night, a mysterious boy finds home in the entertainment district of Gerudo Town as a dancer chosen by the chief herself. Disguised as a woman, he's selected to perform for the prince of the Zora tribe. Surprises are held in store as he begins to uncover lost memories of a life he never knew he had.

Notes:

i've been playing zelda my whole life and here at the age of 22 i'm writing my first fic........

: iChapter Text

The Gerudo were known far and wide for their ability to fight, and win. However, there was a secret within the walls of Gerudo Town that not many were familiar with – the entertainment district. The headmistress hired vai – women - that were pleasing to the eyes to dance for voe – men - outside the walls. Except for one young man, hand chosen by the chief herself to dance and entertain. He was special and dear to her, almost as a mother to son. Of course she wished a life for him outside of the walls of Gerudo Town, but he wasn't quite ready.

The voe was found in the desert night, nearly frozen to death. It was the Sheikah slate attached to his hip that intrigued the chief, and enticed her enough to keep him within the walls to protect him. He had no memory, no recollection at all of how he came about the desert – he only knew his name. Communication at first was near impossible, as he had no voice to speak with. It was unclear if it was a curse, or something he had since birth, or perhaps even selective. Still, he was able to convey his name by writing in the sand: Link.

At first, the chief was reluctant to send Link into the entertainment district of Gerudo Town, but in the end, she knew that he'd be safe there, with the guidance of her right hand vai that ran the district.

At least, if his secret was kept that he was actually a voe.

No one seemed to mind that this mysterious beauty was Hylian. All that mattered was the chief adored her and she was a lovely dancer.

Recently, a deal had been made between the Gerudo chief and the Zora tribe, thanks to the diplomacy of the Zora's beloved prince, Sidon. As a bit of a thank you, the chief offered a wondrous night in celebration. Girls, fireworks, dancing – everything that would please the Zora, and their royals.

Link sits in front of a mirror, his chief overlooking his shoulder, meeting his gaze in the reflection. "My dear, you're trembling," she says as she places a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You're not one to be so nervous before a show. Is it the prince?"

The voe nods his head shamefully.

"You'll do fine." She gives a reassuring squeeze to his shoulder and picks up his veil from the vanity. The chief, towering over her beloved pet, reaches around Link's form to tie the veil over his face. With his face and chest covered, no one will suspect his true identity. Dressed, he turns to face his chief, eyes glossy and hands balled into fists to stop his shaking.

"I have faith in you, Link. They will adore you just as much as I do."

Behind his veil, she wouldn't be able to see him smile at her kind encouragement.

-

Zora's Domain had Link's jaw dropping behind his veil. Waterfalls decorate the domain beautifully, streams flowing through as fish jump and leap in the water. The throne room sits in the center of the domain. The headmistress leads her girls through the halls that has everyone gawking. It's much different than the desert, that's for certain. Though Link has this burning feeling in the back of his brain that he has been here before. Damn, his Sheikah slate was left with his belongings in his private tent outside the domain where the rest of the vai had set up camp.

But it's too late to turn back.

Link and the vai are separated. The other dancers were to entertain the elders and court, while Link was hand-chosen to dance for the prince.

Sidon is his name, Link was told. It added a bit of intimacy to at least know his name.

He had heard of the Zora prince before. He is rumored to be very kind, but it sounded as though Sidon simply doesn't have what it takes to truly lead his tribe – so Link was told, of course. He'd have to meet the prince himself if he were to form an opinion.

But just from the way Sidon carries himself, the rumors and murmurs of the Gerudo people seemed off the mark. Sidon stands with the confidence of royalty, and even for a Zora, he dresses the part, covered in jewelry and rare gemstones.

Link swallows the lump that formed in his throat.

The headmistress leans in to whisper in Link's ear. "Start with a bow, my dear," she soothes. "When the music starts, just do what you feel is right."

Link nods his head, suddenly motivated and determined to keep Sidon's gaze on him at all times. He will probably never get an opportunity like this ever again.

Link approaches the prince, a feminine sway in his hips, and bows graciously, nearly touching the floor as he did. He could see the prince through his lashes. Sidon was smiling, and goodness, the Zora looks so genuine and charming as he does so.

Gerudo music is very distinct, and easy to dance to. There are drums, strings, and sometimes there are lyrics in the native Gerudo tongue.

Link's cue is when the drums kick in. He lifts his body, moving to the rhythm as he locks eyes with the prince. He certainly knows he's doing his job, as Sidon is watching him with a look of endearment and wonder as the disguised voe moves his body.

In simple terms, Sidon is starstruck. His eyes look the dancer's slender frame up and down. He doesn't dare take his eyes off her, and the whole throne room seems to go quiet. The only thing he sees is this beauty dancing before him. He can't believe he'd get so lucky to have such a lovely girl dance for only him.

The dance lasts for about two minutes, and then the music ends. Link holds his finishing pose as he breathes heavily. Sidon is left speechless. Does he just... applaud? No, he takes it a step further and approaches Link slowly. Taken aback by the advance, Link widens his eyes a bit.

"I have to say, that was beautiful," Sidon praises as he swiftly takes Link's hands in his. "I would like to ask you to stay here, in Zora's domain, for the night. I know your camp is outside the grounds, but I implore you to please stay in one of our guest chambers for the night."

That's when the headmistress steps in. She places a hand on Link's shoulder.

"It's alright, dear. This is a prince, after all." She winks slyly, and Link grows uneasy.

"Titles aside, my lady, you've earned a stay in a nice, warm bed," the prince continues. "I won't be able to rest easy knowing that you're staying in a tent with the other girls when you could be inside where it's warm."

Link can feel the glares of the other vai. What made him so special, he wonders. Is this really all about a dance, or is there something more?

"It's up to you, Link," the headmistress strokes the voe's hair. "I won't force you." Despite her words, she leans in close. "This is your chance, my dear. You will do us all proud if you take his offer."

Link isn't so sure of that statement, as he can read jealousy on the other vais' faces.

After hesitation, Link nods his head silently.

"Wonderful!" Sidon beams. "I'll have your room set up for you at once, and your belongings will be delivered to you soon."

-

The room that's prepared for Link is luxurious. A large bed that can fit maybe his whole dance troupe, and it was just for him alone. The open feeling he gets when he sits on the edge of the bed makes him a little uneasy. His sleeping quarters back in Gerudo Town are not far off from this – a pile of cushions in place of a bed, a mirror and vanity set... But the Zora prince is kind enough to give Link a large space.

Shelves line the walls, and on them are various collections of ceramics and sea shells. Link wonders if these are made here in the domain or if they were collected through Sidon's travels.

On the bed lays a change of clothes. They look far too big for Link's tiny form. He lowers his veil to loosely hang from his neck as he holds the shirt given to him close to his chest. The collar of the shirt barely covers his shoulder, and the hem of the shirt barely goes passed the shorts given to him. The young man bites his lip and looks around, as if afraid of prying eyes.

Link slithers out of his clothes and steps into the shorts provided for him. He happens to turn his head, meeting his reflection in a mirror lining the wall. It's always a shock to him. His body is covered in scars he has no memory of getting, and he steps closer to the mirror to get a better look. Link's fingers touch his flat chest, tracing over a long diagonal scar starting from his collarbone to his side. It's a little gruesome, but this scar is his favorite. Its ridges are soft, and reminds him of a crack in delicate glass.

That's when Link hears steps outside his door, followed by a gentle knock. Without his voice, Link can't deny the entrance of the prince himself, and rushes to grab the shirt still laying on the bed.

It's too late. Sidon sees everything before Link can cover his chest. The prince stands in the doorway with a bundle in his arms, looking at Link with a neutral expression as Link freezes in panic.

There are footsteps down the hall and Sidon steps inside the room, closing the door before those footsteps could reach the room.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion," Sidon whispers. "Don't be afraid. Your secret is safe with me."

Just when Link thinks that he's doomed, Sidon's encouraging voice soothes him. Sidon flashes a weak smile.

"I didn't realize... Well, it changes nothing."

Link takes a deep breath and reaches for the shirt on the bed, and slides his head in. Even with the shirt on, he hugs himself, his insecurity causing him to avert his gaze from the Zora prince.

That's when Sidon steps forward. He's much larger when he's this close, intimidating Link slightly, until Sidon uses his finger to tilt Link's head up. The boy looks through his lashes at the prince.

"Like I said, your secret is safe with me. Your name... I believe your headmistress said it is Link, is it not?"

Link nods, and bashfully pulls his hair back behind his pointed ears. Sidon notices the action.

"Ah, Hylian as well," the prince smiles. "You are full of surprises, dear Link." A thought visibly pops into the Zora's head as he pulls his hand back. "Forgive me, I haven't even introduced myself." He flashes another grin, showing his many sharp teeth. "I am prince Sidon of the Zora tribe. It's an honor for you to be my guest this evening." The prince gives a little bow of his head and Link stifles a smile by biting his nails, the movement causing the collar of his shirt to slip passed his collarbone. He feels so special, having a prince bow his head in his direction.

The prince notices the slip of fabric on Link's shoulder and gestures to the scar that can be seen.

"Where is that from, if you don't mind me asking...? I noticed other scars on your body as you danced as well. What could a beauty like you do to get such brutal marks?"

Link doesn't know how to explain his past... or rather, lack of it. To make it simple, Link hums and taps his throat to indicate that he cannot speak. Sidon instantly understands.

"Oh. Another surprise," the prince chuckles. "I do grow more interested in you by the minute. But, my desert rose, you must be tired from your travels from Gerudo Town, and your captivating dancing earlier this evening. Tomorrow, perhaps, will you join me for a swim?"

Link has to shake his head. Sidon tries to hide his disappointment. "That's alright, I understand. I'll leave you be, then. You may sleep in as long as you like-"

Before Sidon can leave, Link reaches and grabs the prince's hand with both his own. Sidon turns his head to look down at the little Hylian.

"Ah, is there something else?"

Link nods fervently, and makes a motion with his hands to indicate swimming.

"I see! You wish to go, but don't know how to swim?"

Yes! The puzzle is solved, and Link smiles with a nod.

"Perfect! A morning lesson then. You simply must experience one of our springs before you go back to Gerudo Town."

Link sighs, the smile not fading. When he realizes he's still holding onto Sidon's hand, he lets it go, immediately worried that he might have offended the prince. Even though they haven't known each other long, Sidon is already reading Link like an open book.

"Don't worry, you haven't done anything wrong. I may be royalty, but I am no better than anyone else."

The words etch into Link's mind and he nods once more as Sidon steps toward the door.

"Tomorrow, I will come to your door. Goodnight, my pearl."

The prince flashes a final, charming smile that makes Link nervously brush his hair out of his face to try and hide his blush, and the door shuts.