Because of You│Zelink BOTW & TOTK modern AU fanfic

Eulogy

Sorry for the delay! Had a medical emergency today and wasn't able to post, but I just got home and instantly opened Wattpad hahah! Thanks for everyone's patience :) The schedule for future chapters is still every Saturday! 🩵 xx - Ace

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Link's POV

Zelda begins her speech. Calm and steady, she speaks into the microphone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed faculty, and dear friends..." The auditorium falls silent, all eyes fixed on her. "It is with a heart weighed by immeasurable sorrow that I stand before you today to honor and remember a man whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of this university—a man who was not only a visionary leader but also my beloved father, Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule."

I found a seat right at the aisle, close to the front, so in case Zelda needs my support, I'll be up on stage within seconds. She looks so small behind that podium. I wish there was something I could do to help her with this, other than sit, stare, and listen. If I could handle all the speeches and arrangements for her, I would do it in a heartbeat.

I'd roll her up in a blanket, bake fruit cake for her, put on her favorite movie, light some candles, and read her favorite books with her. I'd cradle her, whisper to her, and stay awake while she'd fall asleep. I'd handle all the bureaucracies, and I'd be the first one to wake up, already looking back at her when her eyes open in the morning. I would do all that and more, if only she'd let me.

"My father was a beacon of wisdom and guidance, steering our school with a steadfast hand and commitment to excellence. His tenure as President was marked by an unparalleled pursuit of knowledge. Under his leadership, our university flourished, reaching new heights of prestige and academic distinction. He believed in the power of education, and his life's work was a testament to that belief."

Zelda looks down with a short pause, pretending to check her notes. If I had to guess, I'd say she's probably afraid that her emotions will show if she keeps going. Every time she mentions her dad, her voice catches in her throat a little, but she always tries to hide it. As if it was shameful to show how sad she truly is.

I wish she knew that she could break down in tears right now, in front of the whole school and everyone she knows, and nobody would judge her. Everyone in this auditorium would understand.

Everyone but her.

She takes a deep breath, slowly lifts her eyes back up to the audience, and continues in a strong tone. "His loss is a wound that time may never fully heal, yet his memory will forever be a source of strength and inspiration to all of us. To me more than anyone... From a young age, I marveled at his intellect, his eloquence, and his sense of duty. My family home was always filled with the promise of greatness and the burden of high expectations. Now it stands as a symbol of both cherished memories and the unfathomable loss. The tragic destruction of my home is a reminder of the fragility of life, yet within the ashes, we find the embers of hope and resilience. We may mourn the loss of my father's untimely departure, but we shall also celebrate the indelible mark he left upon this world!"

To my left sit Mipha—blinking away the tears—and Ravioli who is comforting her. To my right is Impa, who seems the most upset out of all of us. She's clutching my arm with such force that my hand's going numb.

Urbosa and Daruk are here too, sitting two rows behind us. I also saw Pik, Purah, and some other familiar faces at the funeral earlier, like Domidak, Prissen, Teba, and Beetle, but there are so many people here today that I lost them in the crowd pretty quick. No clue where they're sitting in the auditorium, or if they're even still here.

"To the faculty, staff, and students of Hyrule University, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your support and kind words during this harrowing time have been a balm to my soul. My father's vision for this university was one of excellence. He believed in the potential of each and every student, seeing within them the power to change the world. As we navigate the path ahead, let us do so with the same determination and grace that he exemplified."