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~Hidden Village~
Cats...are basically fluffy, purring bundles of comfort.
Or at least, those twenty or-so stray ones within the Hidden Village were. Always vibrating from the force of their purrs. Always overjoyed to see Hyrule’s hero return safely, now familiar with the Ordonian after months of sporadic visits. More than most Hylians probably would’ve paid to a settlement forgotten by both the living and dead.
Most would see its decrepit buildings, its shattered windows, its rotting floorboards that creaked under the weight of tumbleweeds-
And turn tail to escape any potential trouble before it occurred.
But Link found solace in the lost place, and a lengthy trail of cats and kittens followed at his heels whenever he arrived. Rubbing against his boots’ leather. Absolutely shaking with excitement as their meows echoed around this canyon cut into stone.
Into a small ‘courtyard’ they’d enter, one purrball after another. Stepping through the broken remnants of a window like it was nothing-
And their Hylian leader would silently settle, with his back against the howling stone there, listening to the whistled melodies it sang on the tumbling winds.
And he’d upturn the spare satchel he’d brought along, like always. Spilling cured fish all across the ground surrounding them. Feeding the feisty felines that pounced and played and ate like royalty. Treating the many fish it’d taken him days to catch with the utmost respect, like gifts from divinity.
Although, considering the silent hero was Hylia’s messenger, perhaps that’s exactly what the fish was.
A smaller kitten the shade of ash and soot settled into his lap, its little purrs like a healing potion. Not for physical injuries or pain-
But for the immense stress resting heavy on his narrow shoulders...and Link relaxed. Surrounded by his own personal army of cats. Listening to their mere happiness. Like he listened to the wolfen howls behind his ears...
Sometimes, a hero just needed some comfort.
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