The characters of Twilight Princess endure an era of darkness, trapped in pockets of perpetual twilight to match the realm of their enemies. Shadows of the night, dulled colors, and haunting scenery became the backdrop for one of the darkest games in the series. Which is why, after the evil is vanquished and light shines over Hyrule once more, one can imagine that Princess Zelda and Link capture any quiet moment in the sun that they can.
Illustrator and comic creator, MarteArty, captures the pair in a different light, embracing bright colors and peace long after the events that pulled them into darkness. Together, Link and Zelda sit under the shade of the cherry blossom tree. Epona grazes in the background with not a single tendril of Twilight magic in sight. As the artist themselves put it, they are having a calm day, weapons down and bodies relaxed. The softest breeze moves through the trees, shown through the placement of the flowers upon the branches. This is not an artwork of a princess and a hero. This is an artwork of a boy and girl who found peace after a heart-breaking war.
MarteArty is not one to usually draw fanart. They took up the challenge of drawing Zelink as part of a “Secret Valentines”. Similar to that of Secret Santa, MarteArty and their friends wished for pairings of lovers or friends for each other to draw in the spirit of Valentine’s Day. MarteArty’s Secret Valentine Friend wished for Princess Zelda and Link from Twilight Princess and MarteArty delivered. Inspired by a photograph of similar composition, MarteArty illustrated the couple reading a book under the filtered sunlight of a tree.
Link reads, not far into the book but captured by the words inside. His scabbard leans up against the tree—the Master Sword nowhere in sight for the darkness is sealed away. The legendary Hylian Shield sits beside him ready to defend him or the princess if need be. But the blue skies above and the Goddess Butterflies around him keep him at peace so he can enjoy the book in his hands and the story it has to tell. Princess Zelda leans against him, looking up at the sunlight peeking through the flowers. Is she listening to the story? Watching the butterflies that circle around them? Or imagining a lost friend and wishing they were there with them?
No matter the past, the hidden sorrow, or the darkness that haunts like a never ending curse, under the speckled sunlight Princess Zelda and Link still manage to find peace. MarteArty’s illustration gives a glimpse into what a moment of rest may look like for the saviors of Hyrule. Maybe one day they’ll come to the tree without their weapons and truly enjoy this moment of peace the goddess Hylia has gifted them.
