Link is the most beautiful vai who has ever lived — this is an indisputable fact. And you know what? He knows it. He pulls off that dainty vai disguise effortlessly, strutting around Gerudo Town showing off his “voe-ish” figure — to quote how one of the local Gerudo unwittingly describes him — acting like he not only belongs but also owns the place.
To be honest, I’ll go mad for almost any piece of Gerudo or Vai-Link fan art, especially ones that show Link looking confident in his crop top, sirwal, and veil. One in particular that’s remained in my memory after spotting it on Instagram is this simply di-vai-ne depiction of Link admiring his vai reflection, drawn by gyou_chin. This artist has actually impressed me with Gerudo fan art in the past, but I had to highlight another piece of their work. It was just too capti-vai-ting (last one, I promise) to pass by.
What I love about this piece is how it portrays more than just Link looking a bit risque for the “camera.” He’s looking gorgeous in his vai outfit, as always, but this time we’re seeing it through his eyes. He’s the one admiring himself glamming up. The way gyou has drawn him playfully posing in front of a mirror perfectly captures a personal moment of delight, where Link is fully immersing himself in his vai disguise. He’s not playing it safe by simply sticking with the simple outfit and proceeding to his objective. He’s pushing his luck by dawdling in a jewelry shop to sample some stunning diamond earrings, checking himself out from every angle.
This audacious attitude is emphasized further by gyou’s inclusion of a Gerudo in the background. When I first saw this piece, It really struck me that the Gerudo shopkeeper is clasping both of Link’s shoulders, which immediately made me realize how in deep Link really is in this jewelry shop and his whole vai persona. At any moment, he could easily be found out.
While her grasp is mainly one of endearment, as she encourages Link to admire his reflection, it’s also a firm one that suggests she might throw him out at any moment if his cover was blown. Yet Link is clearly unconcerned — he’s completely preoccupied with how pretty he looks in his new jewels.
If only I were as bold and beautiful as he.
