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Chapter Text

PROLOGUE 

The Hero of Twilight and Princess Zelda Nohansen of Hyrule walked side by side. He was injured, and so was she. In many ways beyond physical wounds, they hurt. Pangs of guilt and sorrow filled their thoughts, yet neither made the move to be the first to speak. 

The torridity of the Gerudo Desert seared her skin like a boar's meat over a fire. The air was visible, obscuring the details of the large expanse of sand dunes. It was the twentieth day of Din’s month, making the predicament that much more unbearable. Not one of them uttered a word since Midna’s departure at the Mirror of Twilight. In fact, the hero hardly said a word since the battle with the Evil King the previous day. Zelda remained stoic, as she does at all times, and forced her focus on the horizon instead. She knew better to wear her heart on her sleeve.

Hours pass by in an agonizingly slow pace, the sun past the hour of twilight, offering a respite from the blazing heat the desert offered. They were now approaching the bridge that spans across the vast Lake Hylia. Her own speed has slowed considerably, and her limbs have grown tired. Zelda’s time spent trapped in the embers of the twilight invasion kept her from the basics of freedoms, she has not been able to move about as she has today in many months time. She nearly shudders at the recent memories flooding her mind. At once, it strikes her that she is free–- that her Kingdom is free. 

Zelda remembers the day Zant entered the throne room with his forces, and the day she chose life. And yet, how many died because of her choice of life? Zelda was of few to remain in the castle after that day. Her council, aides, and other occupants were allowed the mercy of fleeing to live the rest of their days as spirits. It was that, or die. But from everything Zelda was able to observe of her Kingdom to and from the desert, much was in complete destruction. How many did flee, only to be attacked by beasts mere moments later? It was the illusion of choice given by Zant, Zelda justified to herself. She was taught in the art of war by her father, who perished by his own self indulgence. She was taught that even in the most ideal of scenarios, blood will shed. It was inevitable. This did little to comfort her in the present, however. 

Her arms tightened around herself, a habit of comfort she has not repeated since she was thirteen. 

They crossed the bridge and set off for the trail that leads to the castle’s east gate. Only, that was her intention. She was unsure if it was the thoughts of the invasion turning her queasy, or the muscles aching with disuse, or both, but her legs gave out. She fell to her knees, sodding her dress on the muddy earth. The hero, who was a few paces ahead due his acclimation to exertion, heard the clatter of her pauldrons as the rest of her body collapsed. 

The stars above began to swirl and fade. She heard footsteps approach, and a faint voice calling her name. The fatigue overcame her despite her will, and the stars disappeared from her vision completely. 

Zelda looked down upon her crumbled throne, bodies of soldiers and their blood enveloping the white marble of the palace. Suddenly aware of how high up she was, she screamed, but no sound came out. She tried to look down at her own body, but nothing was there. She was suspended upon nothing, yet not falling. The air was thick with the scent of death. This must be a purgatory sent to me by the goddesses, she reasoned. For all she could see was those who died for her choice. 

Life or death. 

“Zelda,” she heard. 

“Princess.”

“Princess Zelda?” 

She shot up from her position, sticky with sweat, and with a racing heart ready to leave her chest. Her vision came to, and she noted her surroundings. She was sitting on a single bed in a small, yet cozy, room. There was nothing but the flicker of a few candles to light the room, but it was all that was needed to light it. Darkness shrouded the outside from the view of a small window displayed to her right. To her left, stood the hero. Aware of the precarious situation she was now in, she attempted to rise. 

“There is no need.”

Her disorientation hopefully hid the surprise of the hero’s voice. She remained seated.

“Where am I? What has happened?” She asked, with as little emotion in her voice as she can manage at the moment. 

“We are in Castle Town, at an Inn that resides above a friend of mine’s bar,” He fiddled with his gloves, feeling awkward in this situation, “With the Castle’s… I wasn’t too sure if your room there can be accessed. I wasn’t sure where to bring you. I did have to carry for a short while, I’m sorry if that is inappropriate.”

The consideration of her feelings regarding being handled whilst unconscious brought a sort of comfort she has not known in far too long. The hero’s face was slightly reddened so she hastily held up her hand to ease the embarrassment, “For now I must be the one to say there is no need, you have done me a great service. And doing so while injured yourself, I cannot express enough gratitude.”

Zelda observed several bandages that covered wounds she previously noted on the hero, “Did a physician come?”

Reviled at her gratitude, the hero’s posture relaxed, “Yes, and he oversaw you as well. He mentioned your muscles were weak, and you are malnourished and dehydrated. I should've realized, your highness, I’ve grown used to exhausting quests and I didn’t suggest we break. It is my fault-”

She raised her hand once again to stop him, “Please, do not apologize once again. I am the one who should have listened to the warning signs of weariness my body was giving me. I must once again thank you, Hero of Twilight. Not just for today’s actions, but of all the actions that you have taken to be our savior.”

The humble nature of the man continued to stun the Princess, as she had never known such a kindness in her time. 

“Link,” He said, “Just call me Link. I’ve never been big on titles, and there are many more out there that deserve credit for our victory, including you.”

“You are kind. There is much we must discuss, I have many unanswered questions regarding your quests you speak of. I know it is not much right now, but I request you accompany me to the castle come morning. My noblemen have scattered in the wake of the invasion, but I know of a few trusted scribes in Castle Town to record the events that have plagued Hyrule. And you must be rewarded, what you have gone through is more than what I would have ever asked.” 

The thought of her council made her fall queasy again, for what will they have to say regarding everything that has transpired in the Kingdom? How many were even still standing? She doubted they would follow her rule ever again. 

“Of course, I will accompany you. But I must insist, I have found a lot of riches in my travels. Any reward I take should go to the villages instead, they aided me well.”

Zelda considered this, and yet again, his humble nature surprised her. “If you insist… but I will find something we agree upon that I may give you.” The shock of the past day's events sapped her remaining energy, “We will reconvene come morning, after the help you have been today– and the trials you faced, please, get some rest.”

The hero, no– Link, gave a tilted bow and retreated from the room. She herself did not follow her own commands, opting to lie awake in the night. Rest will not come easy for her, not for a while.

Chapter Text

ACT I - THE INTRUDER

“I have an updated list from the Lanayru Province,” Auru grimly announced, from the doorway to her study. 

Zelda looked up from the documents that have been occupying most of her days to beckon him in. Auru was her tutor, from ages six to fourteen. And before that, an advisor to her mother. When she was fourteen, she had learned all she could from Auru, and she took on a different tutor of her father’s choice. They were close in those days, and she confided in him her deepest struggles, and he would listen, giving her the most sage advice that could only rival her own mother. But after she took on the other tutor, he was gone. Following his disappearance were her darkest days, and she would ask everyone in her sights regarding the whereabouts of her trusted tutor. She would ask, and they would answer, stating the King told them that Auru fled Hyrule, sick of his responsibilities and grew tired of the princess. And she would say, no, that cannot be true. Zelda refused to believe such a thing, as he was her late mother’s best friend, and he cared for her so deeply. But time went on, and she never saw nor heard from him again, and so she grew bitter and angry at the abandonment. 

Until 2 months ago, late into the month of Nabooru, when he was there– just outside of the castle. Six years have come and gone, and there he stood, as if he did not abandon her during her time of most need. Her first reaction was to scream, to yell, to accuse him of being no better than her father of the flesh. But she was under the watchful eyes of her Kingdom, who have not seen their ruler since the siege of the Twilight. Her subject’s impression of her in times of distrust and ruin mattered more than her petty fits of rage, so she remained stoic, and cold, and bid him a curt greeting. He had aged, naturally so, but his eyes gave away to a pain she felt in her own soul. He stated that the Lord of Castle Town had perished under Zant’s attack. He stated that, during the siege, he worked with the hero LInk, to restore the land. That this was his calling from the Goddesses that he was needed at the castle, to take the place of the fallen Lord, and aid her once again.

Zelda had every right to deny him right there and then. No one that knew her story would blame her for such an act. But she knew she needed him. He was one of the very few that knew her mother so well, and how to handle her peerage. So she put her own feelings inside, and he returned, and took a seat upon the council she managed to scrape back from before the Twilight, in hopes it was the right decision. 

The creak of the chair he sat in across from her desk snapped her back to the present, noticing a sharp pain in her palm from her nails, as she released her hands from the fist they had formed in her anger of the past. Refusing to meet his eyes, she kept her gaze on the documents in front of her, “Remind me, Lord, of which Province are we still awaiting?” 

He tried to hide the hurt of her purposeful omission of his given name in his voice, “That would be of the Ordona Province. Lord Robsten Kiliav has stated to me that Link would be taking on the responsibility for him, as he has personal stakes in this province.”

The mention of Link caused her to briefly catch Auru’s gaze before they settled back down to her desk to look upon the parchment from Lanayru he had brought her, “Thank you, that will be all.”

Auru nodded and made his way to exit, before hesitating at the door, “Zelda,” he started, with the use of her first name she hasn’t heard him utter in years, “I beg of you to reconsider my offer for lunch some day, there are things I must explain, things you do not understand fully. Not yet, at least.”

Zelda paused her reading, and considered this. For what could he possibly say to explain his absence from her life? Whatever the reasoning, she does not want to hear it. 

“If that is all, you are dismissed. I will see you when the council reconvenes at fourteen hundred hours.”

Auru gave a sad smile and bowed, “Very well.”

Alone once again, she dropped the parchment that was in her hands and let out a sigh. Using the palms of her hands, she rubbed her eyes long and hard. 

Her study was of the cozier rooms she frequents, as she spends more time here than any other room within the confines of her castle. It resembled much of the higher level room in the towers, with dark stones making up the walls as opposed to the light marbles of the grand rooms, and dark woods spanning the floor. Red carpets and drapes lined the windows, and a fireplace across from her desk kept the room much warmer than the halls. She sat at a large wooden desk, covered with documents and candles so she may read the fine prints. While the large window overlooking the east yard lit the room well, she worked into the late hours of the darkness quite often. 

Letting her eyes refocus on the parchment before her, she scanned the list. What Auru brought her was a list of casualties, those who had fallen due to Zant’s siege. Every Lord of each province was to bring her a list, such as the one in her hands. And every list thus far had numerous names. She wanted this complete so that she may honor each and every one of them, for losing their life for her decision. 

Life, or death.

She thought back to Auru’s mention of Link, and how he would be compiling the list on behalf of Ordona Province’s Lord, Kiliav, instead. Zelda had hoped no one he was close to was a causality, for he has sacrificed enough for the Kingdom. She has not seen Link in over a month, and she finds herself worrying greatly over his wellbeing. 

The loss of Midna, while left unspoken about, had hit him hard. She knows it well, as she feels it too. And she knows Midna feels for him, from somewhere beyond the Mirror of Twilight. Her heart and Midna’s heart were one for some time.

Following their return to the castle, he opted to stay for a few weeks time. He offered to use his strong relations with the Gorons to have them aid in taking back the castle, and clearing it of any rubble that blocked access to certain areas. All in all, the damage was much more minor than she feared. If anything, it just needed a good scrub due to the grime from disuse. Link also gave her the full tale of what it took to get them where they are now, of the dungeons he had to traverse, and the places he had to reach. A simpler version– more watered down, she thought, was given to the scribes so that this may be written for Hyrule's historical accounts. 

While a part of her wished he stayed for a longer duration, she could tell he was itching to see to it that the kids from his village made it back to their families safely. He told her he did not trust the guards or soldiers of Hyrule to do this task on his behalf, and she found she did not blame him one bit. 

Her strongest and most loyal members of her royal guard had fought and died with honor. But those who fled, even those who were spared, acted as cowards. She was locked in a tower for the invasion, and had no knowledge of how the rest of her Kingdom was faring during those months. But in the past two and a half months since the invasion, her subjects reported on the matter, as well did Link. The lands and roadways filled with monsters, preventing safe travel for commoners in the Light world and Twilight alike. Children were being taken, goods were stolen, and many had to go into hiding. And the guards in question did not even dare leave the secure walls of Castle Town! This angered and embarrassed her. If word of this cowardice ever got out to any neighboring kingdoms past the mountain ranges, they would consider Hyrule ripe for their taking. The only people brave enough to do something about this consisted of Link, a goatherd, Ashei, daughter of a former Knight, Shad, a historian, Rusl, a retired infantry soldier and husband, and not to mention Auru, whom she despised for his abandonment. She had to laugh.

This is not to say she is ungrateful, on the contrary, she admired their courage. But it spoke volumes about the active members of her royal guard. There was a lot of work to be done, she thought. And she grew tired just thinking about it.

Once again, her mind drifted to Link, as she is finding it often does these days. She’s often thought about writing to him, but also wonders if he finally found peace after all the strife. If she wrote to him, would doing so only do more harm? But, Auru did say he was the one compiling the casualty list for the province his village resides in, so surely, his mind is also still on the events of the invasion. Perhaps if they have the opportunity to speak again, it would provide each other more closure. Maybe the opportunity will come soon, or at least she hopes. 

She realized she got lost in a flurry of thoughts, and opened her pocket watch. It was fourteen hundred hours. Cursing under her breath for her tardiness, she shot up from her seat and snapped her watch shut. With as much speed as she could muster with the skirts of her dress, she made for the spiral staircase outside her study. 

Reaching the ground floor, she headed for the large double doors that lead to the Cabinet Room, where her council met to discuss matters of the land. Oh wonderful, she could hear disagreements already, and she hadn't even entered yet. 

It was smaller than the Throne Room, but no less important. Shelves and books lined the walls, containing laws and decrees they abide by. In the middle lies a large table surrounded by seats held by Lords of Province, and other Nobility of relevance. At the head of the table held a larger chair, where the King or Queen sat. Or in this case, Zelda. 

The bickering did not cease when she did enter the room, nor when she took her seat. It was as if she was invisible, like a spirit in twilight. She cleared her throat. Nothing. 

The only two who were giving her the time of day right now were Ashei and Auru, but she still made a point of avoiding Auru. There was only one month in between her father’s death and the invasion. Not enough time to earn the council’s respects, apparently. She cleared her throat again, but this time she stood up with all the dramatics. The room silenced. 

“Thank you all for your immediate respects of my entering the room, your Majesty, and giving me your undivided attention,” Zelda said cooly. At the very least, a few members had the idea to look abash at her pointed remark. By the end of this month, everyone in this room will have undivided respect for her, that was her goal. Zelda caught Ashei hiding a smirk, but she let it go unnoticed. 

“I will now open the floor for civilized discussion of matters relating to the reconstruction of Hyrule and its governance. I will hear from each of you, one at a time, and I will respond accordingly. O Goddesses of Hyrule, may you bless our rich lands from the highest of peaks, to the hottest of deserts, and the lush of our forests. Bless our peoples, and bless this forgathering. The session will now commence,” Zelda sat back down, with much more force than before. She gestured outwards, “Lady Vilia of Faron, you may speak to me about matters of topic.”

“Thank you, your Highness,” said Lady Villia, “Our small village in the east forest, Whittleton, was graciously untouched by the beasts. However, our field south of our sacred temple is filled with a poisonous gas. Some scouts sent to investigate it noted that it cleared with the flame of a lantern, but the area is much too large for the amount of oil we have. Since the majority of oil comes from the Ordona Province, and I was saying to Lord Kiliav, we would much appreciate a larger supply.”

“Yet for such a cheap price, you rob us blind!” Lord Kiliav cut in. 

Zelda sent an icy glare his way, “I will not have you speak out of turn,” Lord Kiliav looked admonished, but not before sending a spiteful look Lady Villia’s way, “What is the pricing you are requesting, Lady Villia? And Lord Kiliav, what is the price you are selling?”

“After consulting our treasurer, we humbly requested 2 gallons for 150 rupees.”

“Which is absurd!” Lord Kiliav shouted, “That is the price of half a gallon, if that! It costs us to produce oil too, you know, and it will do you well to remember that.”

Lady Villia frowned, “We simply cannot afford your price! It will do you well to remember that trade routes were in disuse during the invasion and we had no revenue for months. And not to mention the low price you ask for our lumber!”

Zelda pinched the bridge of her nose. The invasion clearly made her people on edge, as she never has seen such unruly etiquette of the council in the month she ran it before, nor in the years she supervised her father run it. Zelda called for silence, so that she may make a proposal. 

“It is clear to me there is a common issue, that being the lack of revenue due to the invasion period. I will consult with the Master Treasurer, and issue a stipend to each Province to use as they see fit. I advise you to use this money to restore supplies and trading routes, until the revenue flows again. Is this agreeable?”

Mummers of agreement flooded the room, from other Lords as well, clearly about to raise similar issues as Lady Vilia and Lord Kiliav. 

“Are there any other concerns over trade that anyone wishes to state now?”

Just as she suspected, her solution quieted that matter for now. A headache was brewing. She hoped any other disagreements happened between the more soft spoken members of the council. 

“A matter overdue of discussion, your Highness, is that of our royal guard,” Auru interjected. 

Zelda’s head snapped in his direction. Auru was filling in for the Lord of Castle town, who had perished in the invasion. She was apprehensive to the idea, but none still standing understood the role better than he. Lord of Castle Town had the right to inquire about matters directly pertaining to the inner workings of the castle, due to the proximity. Though, she was not expecting to hear much from him during these sessions, as the city was less affected in its daily activity during the invasion. 

Trying to hide her apprehensiveness to his inquiry, she asked with a monotonous voice, “And what is the matter you speak of?”

“We have yet to name a new Knight Marshall. We need someone to sit in on these sessions that will also lead our royal guard. We both know it is in disarray, and it is imperative we deal with this situation if we want Hyrule restored to completion.” 

He was right, and she knows it. In fact, it was just on her mind right before this session. Zelda knows how to fight, she can fend for herself at least, but she was in over her head when it came to running the military. Once she is crowned Queen of Hyrule, she will become its highest commander. While mostly a title over anything, it still holds power. Ashei has been acting as Field Marshall, and General, but she cannot do it all. A Knight Marshall will relieve Ashei of a few duties, and will have the jurisdiction of her personal safety. 

More mummers of agreement spread following Auru’s statement. Clearly, this was something she will need to address. 

“I agree, this is a matter of concern. I will take it to thought, and state my solutions on the issue next session,” Zelda said, with enough finality she hoped, so she can have the time to properly mull the situation over. Whoever is named in this position will be working closely with her, and needs to be someone she can trust. She feels like she is running short of people like that, though. 

“Perhaps the Hero of Twilight?” Asked Auru, “He seemed adept at ensuring your safety during the long journey from the desert. And he knows the beasts that plague our lands best, he could train our militia well on how to deal with them.”

No one objected to the idea, they all have heard the stories of his courage themselves. Logically it was sound, but she could not, and would not ask that of him. He will return when he returns, if he returns. 

“No,” she said. 

Auru looked at her in surprise, and she opened her mouth to explain her reasoning when the Sergeant at Arms came in, opening the door with such a force that all eyes turned to him. 

“I apologize for the interruption, your Highness,” he bowed quickly, “But an armed intruder came through from the west gate, attempting to overtake the guards. Several were killed before he was captured. I believe… I believe he was attempting to reach you.”

Chapter Text

The council erupted into a commotion at the Sergeant's announcement. Zelda grew cold. An assassination attempt? She knew there would be unhappy people in Hyrule, those who blamed her for their strife. But to go to this extreme, and to so easily kill just to reach her? It sent a chill down her spine. A stone cold expression took control over her face as she stood.

“I will have silence!” She announced, with authority lacing her voice. 

The commotion died down, and her council all looked to Zelda, with questioning eyes no doubt curious as to what she might do in response. 

“There will be a recess in this council session until further notice,” she turned to the Sergeant, “You say this man has been arrested?” He nodded, “Then you will take me to him.”

The man looked apprehensive at this request, but was agreeable nonetheless, “As you wish your Highness, he is in the lower dungeons. I will lead the way.” 

Despite the dismissal, her council remained, their eyes on her until she had exited the room. Once her back was to the door, she let out a breath, and followed her officer down the spiral staircase that led to the lower dungeon. She swallowed hard, and traced the stone walls with her fingers until they reached the bottom. The holding cells were around the corner, and before they made the turn, she stopped short. 

Noticing, her Sergeant turned to meet her eyes, “Are you faring well, Princess?”

Slowly, she nodded her head, “Yes… but before I am face to face with this man, I must hear the full briefing on the incident.”

“Very well. We had two guards posted at the west gate, they were found dead. We suspect the intruder used the west stewards entrance as a means of entry, where he was met with the interior stationed guards. The guards recounted that he was shouting something… something incomprehensible, but your name was among his words. He was surrounded, four to one, but he managed to kill one of the guards before the other three overpowered him, and restrained him. HIs weapon, a small dagger, was confiscated." 

Voice barely above a whisper, she asked, “How could this happen?”

“They say he acted with swift stealth, he was well trained. By who… or why…” He shrugged, and drifted off. 

Or, her royal guards were the ones untrained. No- she ceased that line of thought. The truth of that, it didn’t matter right now, she would not think ill of the deceased. Not when they died to defend her. 

“That is what I intend to find out.”

And with that, they rounded the corner and stood in front of the cell the intruder occupied.

The man in the cell was tall, but lanky. She couldn’t discern his age, his hair was a stark white and his skin was of a contrasting dark shade, but his skin was smooth with youth.  His nose was prominent, and his eyes were swirling with a darkness only seen in someone whose mind was plagued with lunacy, like a man gone through many sleepless nights. The man’s status was also of question to her, his clothes were neutral and lightweight, clearly made with stealth in mind. But the fabric was simple. Not anything found among nobility, but nothing she has seen a commoner wear. 

The man before her was disturbed, to say the least. He was trembling, muttering nonsensical things. If someone told her this was the man who managed to kill three members of her infantry, she simply would not believe such a thing. She feels so lost, as she has never had to interrogate anyone before. Just watching the state of this intruder made her feel some sort of… pity? But no, that cannot be right. He was a monster, he murdered her men. He even may have wanted to kill her. Over the past few months, in the wake of the twilight, Zelda has gotten to know monsters very well. Shadow beasts, Kargoroks, Bulblins, Zant, and even Ganondorf. But this was just a man. So why is she filled with so much fear?

She clasped her hands together, to hide her own trembling. She commanded her will to give her strength and a steady voice, “What is the meaning of this? What brings you here, to kill my men, and to speak my name?”

Suddenly, the man’s mutterings ceased, and his head snapped up to meet her eyes. She had the urge to take a step back despite the metal bars that stood between them. His eyes– they were almost not of this world. There was no discernment between pupil and iris, just a shadow of deep darkness. 

“You don’t understand Princess ,” his voice was shaky, but there was no mistaking the malice intertwined in his use of her title, “None of you understand! Don’t you see? I wasn’t going to kill you! I need you! But you took that hope from me, and there is no point in me being here, is there?” He sunk back into his cell, shrouded in darkness. 

The Sergeant turned to her, “See what we mean? We could not make sense of what he is trying to say, if it even means anything at all. He is likely suffering from some illness in his head. There’s a place for people like him in the Peak Province, we can have him transferred there at your command. It is that–” he glanced at the prisoner, “--or execution.”

Hearing this, the intruder stepped back into the light, “No! You won't have me! That is not another thing you can take from me!” He shrieked. The man bent down, removing his footwear, tearing it apart. On the inside of his sole, he reached for something, and it glimmered in the light. It was another dagger. 

“Get the keys!” The Sergeant yelled to another guard, but it was too late. 

He held the dagger to his chest with both hands, and pushed it in. “You must help them…” He rasped, in his final words.  Crimson blood began to permeate the clothes, spreading quickly like an infestation. And with a light thump, his body sank to the floor, his breathing growing more shallow every second. 

Zelda’s stomach twisted, and she clasped her hands over her mouth. She turned away from the scene, and a ringing sensation filled her ears. She stumbled, legs turning into liquid, and attempted to find her way back to the upper levels of the castle. It was as if she was no longer in tune to her surroundings, moving on instinct alone. Zelda was no stranger to violence, she was close to it at a very young age. She’s learned of war, and had seen it herself. So why was this affecting her so?

Zelda looked down upon her crumbled throne, bodies of soldiers and their blood enveloping the white marble of the palace. Beasts of the Shadow Realm reaching out, taking life after life. Tendrils pierced through her soldiers, body after body, leaving gaping holes, fountains of blood escaping their lifeless forms. Screams of agony replaced the screams of war-cry, followed by silence in the wake of their death. Once again, Zelda tried to scream, and just like every other time, no sound escaped her lips. 

“Princess Zelda?”

“Your Highness, are you alright?” 

Her rapid breaths slowed ever slightly, and she became aware she managed to make it out of the dungeons, and back to the upper level. Her vision was slightly impaired by a blotchy blur that followed every eye movement. 

“Breath, in through your mouth, and out of your nose. You need oxygen," said an old voice. 

She did just as said, and sure enough, her breathing and trembles slowed, but an urge to hurl her breakfast remained. She looked up from where she was watching her hands tremble, and was met with Auru staring her down. 

“What in the Golden Goddesses name happened down there?” He muttered, but mostly to himself. 

She wished she knew. Zelda has been plagued with the sight of her throne room after Zant gave her the choice, but it varies slightly each time. But thus far, only in the form of nightmares.

Auru looked at her with a sickening pity, “Please, Zelda, If you need someone to confide in–”

Not from the likes of you, she thought, not anymore. “I just need some rest. I will see you in the morning, and I do not wish to be disturbed until then.”

Auru watched her back as she stalked across the room with haste. He grows more weary everyday that she holds him at arms length.  

Zela was deep in her thoughts throughout her walk to her chamber. The whole experience left her shaken— between the things the intruder said and did, and what the sight of blood caused her to see. ‘I need you,’ he said, ‘you took that from me’ . What did he mean by that? And what about   ‘You must help them…’ It could be a number of things, her hands were not clean by any means. She could only assume it is related to the recent invasion, but once again, that does not even begin to narrow it down. Identification posters were to be posted and spread throughout Hyrule, and their only chance of solving this came from someone coming forward with identification. 

It did not miss her eye that she had passed twice the amount of guards on the path to her room  than in the previous weeks. No doubt due to the recent incident Ashei has taken upon herself to spread the infantry to every sector of the castle, and she does not blame her one bit. 

She reached the entrance to her bedchamber, and bid a nod to the guard posted outside the door. Once inside, she was greeted by her chambermaid, Emri, who she promptly dismissed. Zelda couldn’t bear to be anything but alone at the moment, it was times like these she grieved for her mother the most. 

It was times like these that she resented her father. 

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she slumped her posture and covered her face with her hands. Ragged sobs left her, wetting her hands with tears. Aside from heaving for air, she cried in silence, crying for the first time in six years. 

“Your mother made you soft.” 

Zelda straightened her back and crossed her arms, “And was it so bad about that?”

Her father neared her quickly, and grabbed her arm to swing her closer, “Soft is weak, and weak does not make a ruler,” He tightened his grip on her arm, her hand began to turn red and swell, “Allowing tears in your eyes like that, you will be lucky to ever last a day on your throne before someone considers you weak, you will get your throat slit before you have a chance to pass a law.” Zelda gulped, but tried not to rise to the bait. She turned fourteen not long ago, she was mature now, she thought.

But she was still small for her age, and her father, larger than most men his age, took that to his advantage. He swung her arm back and released her arm, the force sting enough to launch her onto the wall behind. He began to stalk closer to her again, when Auru entered the room. 

“HIs Majesty, the Princess has archery today, in five minutes time” Auru said.

Her father looked to him, then back at her. He said nothing, and left. Zelda did not have archery today, and she knew Auru knew that. She looked to him appreciatively, but this was commonplace in her life now. Nothing has been the same since her mother died the year prior, and sometimes, she feels like the only one in the world who cares that they lost her. Except for Auru. She looked up at him, and he looked down at her and smiled. 

That was the last day she saw Auru, and the last day she cried. Until now. She nearly came close at The Mirror of Twilight, watching the mirror shatter into pieces as Midna left their world. She blamed it on the simple fact they shared heart and mind at one point, but she knows it was more than that. She remembers looking at Link in the moment, gaging his reaction. They said nothing to each other, but she saw his silent tears that day. 

Enough wallowing, she thought. The reminder of Link helped her shake her previous thoughts, and the idea of writing to him re-entered her mind. Zelda doesn’t know if it will help, or even be welcome, but she needs to do something with her hands. 

Standing, she made her way to a small table in the corner. Pulling out some parchment and ink, she sat down, quill in hand. 

Dear Link,

I hope this finds you well, and we can begin a correspondence. If this does reach you while you are in a place of contentment, and this letter puts you in unease, I will gladly cease for your sake. So truly, tell me this, are you well?

I for one have been keeping busy, the work never ends. The council brings me the most inane proceedings, or in contrast, things beyond my control. For tell me, what am I to do about crops being destroyed due to heavy rain? Stop the rain? I can only suggest visiting a spirit spring to pray to instead, but of course I did not actually speak this thought out loud. I mention my council because I hear from Lord Kiliav, Lord of your home province, that you are providing him with the invasion casualty list for that region. I wish you luck, and it is in my hopes you are not greatly affected by this. 

There is also something I feel you must hear, something you were no doubt about to find out regardless. An intruder forced his way into the castle. Do not fret, he did not make it far. He was taken into custody for questioning, but I fear it was not fortuitous. My name did pass his lips, but he was speaking with lunacy, and I could not discern why. He promptly took his own life after that. The guards will be posting information around Hyrule regarding this man, in hope we can identify him. I have full faith our trusty postman will somehow manage to deliver this letter to you before the guards reach your village, so I thought I shall be the first to let you know about this. I wonder once you see this man in his picture if you will recognize him from your travels? Do tell me.

I must admit, that whole situation left me… uneasy, to say the least. I find myself restless even now, but writing this to you has already helped tremendously. I must keep myself busy in the meantime, it is how I cope best. When you need a moment to collect your thoughts, is there something you do that brings you comfort?

Warm Regards, 

Zelda

Content with the writing, she placed the parchment into an envelope. Still needing to keep busy, she figured she may as well walk the letter to the castle post herself. The stroll will take her outside, and the fresh air will be well needed. She would understand Link completely if he never corresponds in return– but by the goddesses she hopes he does. Quickly glancing at herself in the mirror on the way out to make sure her earlier tears had left her face unaffected, and for what feels like the hundredth time today, she made her way down the staircase. 

The walk to the courtyard is pleasant, and most importantly uninterrupted. The weather was mild, and the many clouds that hung in the air shielded the sun. The postman spotted her presence, and graciously took the letter from her grasp before sprinting away. Surely that man has a horse? She best not question the methods, however, because never question something that works. Turning on her heels, she debated her next course of action. There was no work for the court to do until the next day, no investigative routes to take regarding the intruder yet, and no more letters she needed to send. Still not wanting to return inside, especially not to her bedchamber, she made her way to the training grounds. Knowing the time, she could suspect who will be present there. 

Sure enough, Ashei was there overlooking the commandos practicing different drills. Ashei nor the commandos spotted her present, and she relished in the moment of going unnoticed. Unfortunately, the moment did not last long. A general noticed her, and called for attention among the troops. They stood straight and greeted her with a salute, which she returned in suit. Calling for at ease, they returned to their assigned drills. 

Ashei greeted her as well, but in their personal informal way. Zelda appreciated that about Ashie, she was strong willed but she was very matter of fact. She preferred to go without the “Lady” prefix, just as she prefers “Zelda” among those she regards highly of. Zelda knew Ashei’s father, he was a general for years, and was recently knighted before he met his end. He was one of the few that fought until the very last moment when Zant arrived. She feels for Ashei’s loss, but she also sees how it strengthened her will to fight for Hyrule. 

“I hope the recruits are faring better than you last reported?” Zelda inquired. Ashei’s last report on the newly enlisted were less than satisfactory. Many resigned after learning they will not all actually be personal guards to their majesty. Zelda wasn’t actually sure if that was a joke on Ashei’s part but nonetheless… 

“Better. Nothing my regime and drills can’t shape up. The artillery could use some work, though, and don’t get me started on archery. You know your way around archery, yeah?”

She nodded, “I began learning the art at a very young age.”

“Say, you look antsy. Our targets aren’t in use right now, if you want, knock yourself out.”

Alarmed on how quickly Ashei picked up on her disturbed nature, she readily agreed to the offer. 

The targets were already set up, and an arsenal of different bows were set aside. She gravitated to a longbow, a similar style to her personal one. She reached for it with her non-dominant hand, along with a filled quiver. She didn’t take the time to equip leather for her arms, but she has found she rarely needs it. Readying her position, she pulled an arrow in front of her now-mounted quiver, and quickly inspected the fletching. Deeming it satisfactory, she drew her bow and nocked the arrow to the string. She was in her own element, and with a cool head she narrowed her eyes on the target, drew back on the string, aimed, and released. With a satisfying thuck sound, the arrow landed a few centimeters off center target. That one is for Zant, she thought. Repeating the process, she aimed again, swifter than last time. Eyes on the target, drawing back on the string, aiming, and releasing, another landed, almost touching the previous shot. That is for Ganondorf, she smiled. Again. Draw, nock, pull,  aim, release. Bullseye. 

“Who is that one for?” An old voice from behind her asked, who she recognized as Auru’s. She knew he was referring to the arrow’s hit; she often assigned her hits on a target to those who wronged her as a child during her archery practice. 

“My father,” She deadpanned, and turned to face him. 

He let a small smile overtake him at her words, feeling like he was standing before the young Zelda he once knew. 

She found herself returning the smile, feeling the same longing, and sharing the first warm moment they were able to have in many years. 

Chapter Text

“AHHH!” Talo screamed in mock pain, falling to his knees at the face of the most deadly weapon, a wooden sword. 

Link laughed, “Do you yield?”

“Hey! This isn’t funny, this is serious combat. Plus… I have a secret weapon.”

“And what might that be?” He quirked his brow. 

“Oh I don’t know… This!” Talo reached behind him and grabbed a fallen branch of a tree. He swung it forward and hit Link in the torso. 

Link dropped the wooden sword and brought his hands up to his “wound”. 

“You got me!”

Talo pumped his fists in the air, “Woo! Looks like I’m the new Hero of Twilight!” He taunted.

Link just smiled and watched Talo celebrate his win. His heightened senses alerted him to the fact that Ilia approached to watch the scene. Well, his senses didn’t exactly tell him it was Ilia, that part he ascertained with his gut. For every extended time he spent as a wolf, the longer it took him to regain familiarity with his human body. But it appears some things have eschewed from leaving him. A part of it frightens him, afraid of what he might become. But the other part draws comfort in it, feeling that without it, he won’t feel whole ever again. Besides, nothing drastic has happened yet.

Without turning to face Ilia, he addressed her, “I hope you’re not disappointed Talo defeated me.”

She let out a soft laugh, and stepped forward, to be side by side with Link. A beat of comfortable silence passed as they watched Talo swing at invisible monsters with the play weapons. The other children came, and beckoned him to join them in the village. 

“He certainly loves to play hero. But of course, he doesn’t know about everything it brings for those who have lived it,” She looked at Link and met his eyes, “The pain it causes.”

He swallowed and averted his eyes back to the youth, who were now running along the path. Ilia was a dear friend to him, and a dearer friend to Epona. She was one of the few close to his age when he was brought to this town, and they grew close. They played, they learned, they laughed, they cried, and they aged together. He didn’t need any heightened senses when he was younger to know what she was feeling. He suspected she felt the same about him. Link nearly shuddered at the memory of the last time Ilia was upset with him, just before he was pulled into the twilight. 

But it was different now. He felt a change in her, and he had no doubt she felt a change in him.

“You have been restless, Link. Don’t think I can’t notice. The others… they’re too happy to just have you back, they don’t see it. But I just can’t tell what you’re thinking anymore. You don’t sleep the long hours you used to, you don’t spend hours sitting idly anymore, you don’t gorge yourself on food every chance you get, you don’t-”

“Okay, okay, I get it. You really know how to make me seem like I was a lazy bum.”

Ilia shot him an unamused look.

“But I get the point you are trying to make, Ilia. I’ll… work on it.”

She sighed, “This isn’t something you can just ‘work on’ Link, I at the least know you know this.”

He nodded, “I know. And I see it in you as well, Ilia.”

She looked at him, eyes widening in surprise.

He met her eyes now, “I see it in you too, the restlessness. You may not show it in the way I do, but there was a time I knew you well. Where I throw myself into work, you throw yourself into the caring of others.” 

“I have always cared about others,” She shot back.

“I know. But it is different now. You act as though the Bulblins are going to crash through this town again–  well they won’t. I made sure of that myself. I fought their king countless times, he won’t return. I stay up every night and rise early every morning to ensure our forests are clear of every danger. Hell, Ilia, I don’t even rest until I-”

He stopped short, and then Link understood. He understood what Ilia meant by restless, and he understood what she meant by changed. This behavior isn’t the Link she knew, this behavior is that of a hero living in fear. 

Ilia just looked at him, and offered a sad smile, “Link, I know.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Talk to Rusl. He will understand, more than any of us could.”

He nodded, void of any words he could say at this moment. Ilia turned, and took Epona by the rains, likely to be at the spring for the evening. It had taken her weeks to feel that she could bear to stand in that spring, memories of getting pierced with an arrow and snatched by the Bulblins still fresh in her mind. But her desire to care for Epona gave her the strength she needed to face her fears, and she was not one to give up easily. 

Link thought about Ilia’s recommendation to speak with Rusl, and he won’t lie and say he hasn't thought about it himself. But the man has been through enough of his own struggles. He was a retired soldier of the King’s infantry and had seen skirmishes of many scales. His only son of the flesh got taken by monsters, and he had dedicated his time to freeing Hyrule and helping Link in his own destiny. Rusl had only just recently been able to be reunited with Colin and his wife. And their baby daughter is only a few weeks of age. Link couldn’t bear to burden him, he has been through enough. But it was those exact reasons he admired him; to be able to endure so much, and yet have the ability to move forward and have a family of his own. 

Ilia was right though, he was restless. Months of being on the constant move, monsters coming at him from every angle, you don’t just move on from that so easily. 

He sighed, and resigned to her suggestion. He took the path down from his house to the village, willing his legs to take him to Rusl and Uli’s home. 

Link loved Ordon, it was the only home he knew. There was a time, he supposed, his home was somewhere else. But every time he tried to search his mind for anything, any memory at all of where that might’ve been, or what it looked like, he came out blank. So, at an early age he stopped, because for all he knew, his life started the day Rusl found him. 

He must’ve summoned the man with his thoughts, because just as he reached the crossing at the river, Rusl approached him.

“Ah, Link, just the man of whom I was searching for,” He clasped his shoulders, guiding Link in the direction of his home, “Mayor Bo wanted me to ask you if the task set to you by Lord Kiliav of Ordana has been completed, a courier is to arrive tomorrow from Her Majesty to collect it.”

The task wasn’t set to him, he volunteered for it. He encountered the Lord, of whom he was already familiar with due to his time at the castle post mirror, while scouting Faron. He had returned the Master Sword to the Sacred Grove, and was returning to Ordon when their paths crossed. They exchanged greetings, though Kiliav’s could’ve been more polite, and Link inquired as to what a Lord such as he would be doing headed for their lowly villages. Of course, he didn’t phrase it like that, but he certainly thought it. Link isn’t one for politics, but he has realized that even though the Lords of their province have heritage there, they are unlikely to actually spend their time there. Not when they had the castle and the funds for large mansions in far away places. Kiliav stated he was sent by the queen to collect a list of casualties due to the invasion, and this is where he began to grow angry at the Lord’s inaction during the invasion. 

So Link spat, “I wouldn’t want you to get your hands dirty with such a task, I’ll do it on your behalf. Besides, I was actually here when twilight took your land.” But Kiliav completely missed his sarcasm, and gleefully left him with the task. Dumbfounded at that whole interaction, he didn’t want to leave Zelda without reports from his home province, and went forth to complete the task.

Aside from Ilia and the children, Ordon was largely unaffected, and ultimately the children were returned safe, most importantly, alive. Horon Village, deeper into the forest to the east, had two casualties. The village itself was untouched, but they sent two traders with a wagon of goods out for commerce. They never returned. No one has come forward with their whereabouts, and are presumed dead. Link imagined their goods were stolen as well, and used for King Bulbin’s army. So, he recorded this information and enclosed it for Zelda. 

A shroud of warmth and a strong scent of pumpkin stew took him out of his thoughts, as well as a pair of hands on his shoulders pushing him to take a seat. He was in Rusl’s home now, and he was also being met with a scrutinizing gaze. 

“There you go again, off in your own world,” Rusl chuckled, “I asked if you completed your task?”

“Oh,” Link said, dumbly, “Yes.”

“Good, wouldn’t want to keep The Princess waiting. Link, I have to ask, are you sleeping well?”

He didn’t consider the possibility that Rusl would beat him to this conversation.

The older man took his silence as a response of its own, “It was a difficult adjustment when I retired. I spent my younger years as a soldier, sleeping in barracks with rowdy men, doing drills dawn to dusk, and of course, being in combat. I fought with some good men out there, good men that I lost. It was just… constant. You never had a moment to dwell on it, because next thing you know, you’re on the move again. To go from that life to this…” Rusl gestures to his home, “it is not easy.”

He took in what the man before him was saying. While his experience was only months as compared to Rusl’s years in service, he found himself relating to his sentiments. 

“I try every day to fall into my old routine, but it doesn’t feel how it used to,” Link looked down at his hands, “How did you move on?”

“I found my calling. I found you.”

Link looked up, surprised.

The man in front of him laughed, “What? Is that so surprising? The day I left the castle, the last day as a soldier, is the day I found you. You know this story, I’ve told it a thousand times.”

And he’s heard it a thousand times. Rusl, a young man fresh from service, stumbled upon a bassinet that held himself, wailing and reaching out for someone who wasn’t there. He searched the whole field, but it was void of anyone who claimed they knew anything about the child. So, there he went, across Hyrule field with a bassinet in tow. Rusl’s parents, who were alive at the time, aided him in caring for a young child, because the goddesses knew he was out of his depth. He met Uli, young and kind, and fell in love. His parents passed of old age, but Rusl and Uli spared no time in stepping up to shape him into the man he is now. Link wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Rusl continued, “But what I think I haven’t told you, is that is what felt like my true calling. I may say that serving Hyrule was an exhilarating time in my life, but it was not my destiny. Let me ask you this Link, you say you struggle falling back into your old routine. Do you want to?”

“Of course I do,” Link answered automatically, “It’s all that I’ve known, until-” Until the events of the past months. Where his life became something else, something more. 

“The point I’m trying to make Link, is that I thought the rowdy life of a soldier was for me. Until I found you, and Uli, and now this is where I am happiest. I have no doubt you were, and are, happy with a simple village life. But have the recent events given you something else? A new calling, bigger than yourself, and perhaps answered questions we’ve long had,” Rusl raised his eyebrows at the last statement, his eyes moving toward his hands. 

Link looked back down, and flipped his hand so that the back of his palms were facing upwards. He looked at the markings of the goddesses, and the markings looked back up at him. 

“Look, Link, I would wish nothing more than for you to live out the rest of your days here, with us, with the family. But if you feel you can’t— I will, we will, not fault you. I just beg of you to consider your own feelings on the matter.”

The sentiment that ultimately it is his own choice, that the future now depends on his decision, filled him with uncertainty. It wasn’t his choice to live in Ordon, he was brought here. It was his choice to follow after the children, but it was not his choice to turn into a beast. Will it be his choice to follow the call of the markings of courage? 

“Thank you, Rusl, I will have to think about this.”

“Anytime. And please, seek me out if you ever need to talk. Don’t think I don’t know it was Ilia who made you come to me today.”

He wishes he could say he was surprised.

“Ah, Link, before I forget,” Rusl stood, and rummaged through a stack of papers. “While you were out with the children, the postman came. He delivered this for you. It has the royal seal, perhaps it’s from Princess Zelda herself,” He laughed at his own joke, and handed Link the letter, “If it’s something you need to reply to, don’t forget the courier is coming tomorrow from the castle. He can take it, along with your task."

Link took it, and examined it. That was the royal seal alright. 

“Thank you again, I don’t know what I’d do without you and Uli. I think I’ll take a walk, and think everything through.”

Rusl inclined his head, and led Link out the door, “Don’t be a stranger.”

He bid his goodbye, and left for his own home. Rusl’s comment may have been in jest, but the possibility that the envelope actually contained correspondence from Zelda was very likely. If the letter did contain a formal request for more of his aid, would he accept? Last they spoke, right before he left for Kakariko, she shared similar concerns as Rusl. She did not want him to feel burdened by the Kingdom’s needs, and would understand if he never returned. So, no matter what the letter contained, it would be up to his own volition to determine whether or not he was to change the course of his life in response. 

Or course, perhaps he was overthinking everything. 

Ultimately, it was his choice to aid Midna to collect the Fused Shadow, and later, the mirror shards. But had he refused, it’s unclear how the invasion would have affected the lands. Most likely, it would still be happening, and that thought terrifies him. 

However, if he had to do it all again, he would. In a heartbeat, for Midna. For Zelda, for Hyrule. 

He broke the seal of the envelope, removing the letter from inside. It was indeed from the princess. His eyes rapidly scanned her handwriting, taking in every detail. His grew more wide as he read on. An assassination attempt? No matter that he has perished, the fact remains that there was a threat to her life. There could be more attempts, he could have accomplices. Link could only hope Ashei has shaped up the guard enough to manage extra security that will be needed. Zelda was correct in her assumption that the mailman would make faster time than her guard, as he has yet to see an image of the man she writes of. 

Realizing he was still outside, he moved quickly back into his home. Looking for the nearest stack of parchment he could spot, he grabbed ink for his quill. Thank the goddesses his ink has not dried due to his absence, he put quill to parchment to think of a reply to Zelda. It did not slip his notice that she decided to forgo titles, so he did so as well.  

Dear Zelda,

The first thing I would like to address is the intruder you speak of. Trust that I will speak up if I recognize the man, but your guards have not made their way to my village yet. I also hope that an investigation has begun regarding this? You say he spoke with lunacy, but that doesn’t dismiss the fact he worked alone. I have full faith in Ashei, but please, Zelda, if you have need of me, send for me. I will come.

To address your question, I am well. Should this letter have arrived sooner, I would’ve said I’ve never been better. But I’ve come to realize today that perhaps, just maybe, I am a little restless too. I spoke with Rusl, and he gave me plenty to think about, and I will be just fine. And to address your council, I feel for you. For nobility, they seem to lack a certain decency, but I can’t put my finger on what it is. 

I’m glad to report that the Ordana Province wasn’t affected by the invasion in the same way many of the others were, and I will enclose my full report on that within this letter. 

You asked, when I need a moment to collect my thoughts, if there is something I do that brings me comfort. Months ago, I likely would have said fishing. I spent my time herding goats, so doing something that allowed me to sit still, and to actually have something take a bait rather than chasing, brought me comfort. But now I find that practicing skills I’ve learned with my sword on the practice dummies calms my mind. I do not object to having a correspondence, so my questions are the same to you. What brings you comfort, and are you doing well?

Sincerely,

Link

He folded his letter and his report, and sealed them into an envelope. He paused in his actions, however, because he realized something. He answered his own questions without a second thought, the question that if there was a call, would he answer?

But please, Zelda, if you have need of me, send for me. I will come. 

He would.

Chapter Text

Zelda’s resolve was wearing thinner as each day passed. She was losing faith that the mystery of the intruder would be solved– nearly two weeks have passed since the incident. Link’s correspondence over the last few days did put her mind at ease at least somewhat, however he has written that the image of the man was not familiar to him. Her guards have increased in numbers, making her feel suffocated in the walls of her own home. She was beginning to think the whole thing was a fluke, that it was just the crazed possession of a mad man that caused such an occurrence. Zelda tried to divert her thoughts to that of which were more positive in nature– perhaps to the thoughts that Hyrule was becoming more like that of its former glory. Perhaps she could even make it so that it surpassed her fathers reign, she scoffed to herself. 

There was another issue on her mind, one less amusing. Her peerage was delaying her coronation back further and further each coming week, claiming they might as well tie her to a stake for all the kingdom to see and to take their shot at ending her life, the incident two weeks back affecting their judgment. It angered her, that one month she faced Zant and Ganondorf face to face, and the next, she cannot leave the grounds without her line of sight being free of an arsenal assigned to her safety. There is to be an unveiling the following morning, of a new statue of the goddesses. Its construction began a mere weeks after the fall of the invasion, but its completion relied on the names of casualties her nobility gathered on her behalf, and the names were to be etched onto the base of the monument. But what frustrated her the most– was that she was not to attend. The lives of her kingdom are her responsibility, and if it was her own ineptitude that caused the deaths of many, then she will be there to honor them. This is not how her council sees it, they view their world as black and white, lacking the nuance of its inhabitants; the guilt, the grief, the anger. For her subjects to witness her absence at such an event, what will they say about her character? She’s heard the term ‘cold as ice’ used in hushed whispers around the grounds in reference to her personality. Every interaction since that term first grazed her ears has been done with such self-awareness that she felt she was watching herself from a different point of view. Did she smile enough? Was her tone warm enough? It was maddening, and it was her life. 

She now stood in her study, eyes glued to the grounds past the grand window. She watched the soldiers run through various drills, groundskeepers upkeep the shrubbery, and guards changing shifts. It never ceased to bring her immense relief to see life go on as it should out past her window, even after all this time. Still, she wakes every morning and makes it a point to look out of the nearest window, half expecting to see twilight's gloom greet her back. It was all that she had in her captivity, her window. She watched them, as her members of the castle faded into spirits, and beasts moved in to wreck the grounds. The Bulblin’s constructed their own fortress within her walls, interfering with any attempt of liberation. And all she could do was watch. Beasts of the twilight, the same ones responsible for murdering her soldiers in front of her own eyes, were placed to ensure her captivity by Zant. They seemed to act as drones, they had no thought of their own. Zelda attempted to use this to her advantage, calculating their rounds for a chance to flee. And she did just so, until she came to the spiral stairs that led to the bottom of the tower, and saw that it was in ruins. It was after this that Zant made himself known to her, facing Zelda for the first time since he presented her with the fateful choice. Zant then used his magic, and she felt the world around her disassemble, and her body fade to a weightlessness. The same thing occurred, but in reverse. When things became clear again, she found herself back in the throne room, Zant beside her. Her first instinct was to run, but the sight before her left her paralyzed. The soldiers the Shadow Beasts slaughtered remained, but the scattered pieces to their limbs began to rot. The scent flooded her senses, that of decomposition and the metallic twang of dried blood. There was nowhere she could look that was devoid of death. 

Zant’s face was obscured by the mask he donned, but the smile on his lips was evident. “It is not easy to be a ruler, is it?” 

“You are a false King.” She replied, mirroring the words an Imp of the twilight had said to her days prior, as she gave insight as to who Zant was, and that she was in search of someone. Once she found no one but herself at the castle, she left to pursue her search in the other provinces. Zelda still felt in the dark, the copied words gave her the confidence she so desperately needed in her voice. Zant merely laughed at this, however, seeing right through her. 

He went on a tirade of childish tantrums, claiming his rulership of both twilight and light world alike. At this, she knew that the Imp, Midna she called herself, was correct. Zelda was a ruler, and to a common eye, Zant would seem no different, especially compared to a ruler such as her father. But she was not blinded by his selfishness, his immaturity, covered by powerful statements and commands. Such as that no one has had the gull to refuse this man of anything in the past. Such as a mere noble who wants more than what he could have– like a noble of her own council. Zelda knew bringing her here, to the throne room filled with lost souls, was an intimidation tactic. She played along, withering in fear, but unbeknownst to him, he had answered questions of her own. New questions arise, though, such as; what source has Zant drawn from to gain the magic of her world? She knew next to naught of Twili magic, her knowledge only went as far as the history texts of ancient scholars, but the knowledge of light, Triforce magic, she was familiar with. With every show of power Zant displayed he revealed the extent of his abilities, and what it manifests as. There was a second magic used, one that bore a resemblance more attune to that of Triforce, a magic similar to her own. For instance, if a user of Twili magic were to create a barrier it appeared in a translucent form with red markings, with sharp angles. In contrast, if a user of the Triforce magic created a barrier, it would appear with a golden color. Zant could manipulate both. She concluded that another force was using Zant as a means to her kingdom.

And she was correct in her assumption, of course. Zant began to make himself scarce in his taunts to her in the castle, which she now attributed to Link and Midna’s journey in reclaiming the light to her lands. This meant, however, she had the privilege of facing the true power behind the invasion. Ganondorf. 

There were stories, and there was history. One-hundred years ago, the rulers of Hyrule past banished the Evil King beyond the Mirror of Twilight. And yet, there he stood before Zelda. Mere weeks had passed since Zant performed his little stunt of taking her from the tower to the throne room, but she got deja vu from Ganondorf’s actions of taking hold of her, and transporting her to the great hall. The Evil King threw up barriers of gold to all the exits, and demanded her audience for… tea. Zelda had thought herself to be trapped in a dream— no— a nightmare. She obliged, hoping it would at the least grant her answers. It was here that she learned, while sitting opposite of Hyrule’s greatest enemy, that Ganondorf became a spirit body falling through the twilight. His means of escape, a man with a dark ambition. Usurper Zant. It was all manipulation, Zant was nothing but a pawn in his grand game. 

Zelda thought that perhaps she had been foolhardy to think she wouldn’t have to face the Evil King in her lifetime, and she still didn’t believe the one she had faced was the same one her predecessor from a century ago faced. So long as one bears the mark of courage, and the mark of wisdom, one with the mark of power will be born. A cursed and corrupted connection , Gannondorf had called it. What perturbed Zelda the most was how similar their view on this connection, this cycle, was. She wants nothing more than to be free of the cycle of rebirth, because it was nothing more than a cycle of death. What surprised her the most was that it was Ganondorf who was the one to say it outloud, not her. 

“What do you know of the Gerudo, Princess?”

She said nothing. 

“The reawakening, the chosen power of the gods… it affects me more than you will ever know. But it does not have to be like this. Power, wisdom, courage. These attributes, if worked in unison, would make a kingdom untouchable. Would you not agree?”

Ganondorf stirred his tea. 

“You aren't possibly suggesting-”

“Ah, but I am.”

“That is out of the question! You are Hyrule’s enemy, it is written in blood. To hear you protest a cycle of violence while undermining an entire race to use against our world– no. I will hear none of it. Do not take me for nothing but a conciliator, should the need arise I will not hesitate to take up a sword fight for my kingdom.”

The Evil King smiled, “And that is exactly what I would look for in an ally.”

She was hesitant to admit that exchange frightened her more than the one with Zant or any other where her life was threatened. She refused him again, of course, and he said nothing. His hand, disproportionately large for the teacup, closed in and smashed it to bits that went flying. With a snap of his fingers, she was returned to the solitude of the tower. That was the last time she faced him until the battle on Hyrule Field.

Surrender or die, life or death. Ally with Ganondorf, or continue the cycle. 

When Zelda first imagined being confronted with a war during her reign as monarch, she did not imagine it would come with choices. It had seemed so simple, enemies would come, and they would fight back. But recent history had shown her the intricacies of conflict, that in order to save, she had to be willing to lose. That the needs of many may very well outweigh the needs of the few. But what it does not mean, is that she is unaffected by it, that it has not, will not, affect her. As much as she has tried to ignore it. But her line of thought that led to her remembrance of her interaction with Ganondorf continued; “What do you know of the Gerudo, Princess?” 

It occurred to her that she knew naught of the ancient race, other than what is told in brief within historical records. She had to hold a court of common pleas today, something she has yet to hold since the reconstruction. But that wasn’t for a while. Zelda smiled to herself, as she knew she finally had the spare time to visit the one place she missed most in her captivity, the library. She spun from her place where she stood at her study’s window and made for the halls. The library was not a far path, and she made quick time. Acknowledging the guards posted at its entrance, she stepped in. By the blessings of the goddesses, the library remained largely untouched during the invasion. She breathed deeply, allowing the scent of the old books to envelop her completely. The room itself was grand, extending to the floor above, but the tall bookcases and seating areas allowed the room to preserve a cozy atmosphere. She let her feet guide her with instinct, as knowing the library’s organization was second nature. The catalogues she was in search of were almost in reach, but the stumbling murmurs of a man caught her attention. 

“Princess! Oh dear, my apologies, I had not expected your presence,” The man pushed rounded glasses up his nose, “May I assist you with anything?”

“Ah, Shad, was it? I must thank you for your offer, but this library is all too familiar to me. I was just about to search our catalogues for texts regarding the ancient race of the Gerudo.”

Shad regained his confidence, “The Gerudo huh? I must admit, I’m not as familiar with them as I am with the sky civilization, which I would be honored to discuss that topic with you someday. Best of luck on your research.”

“Yes, I would like that too, and thank you.” She bid him a nod, and began to flip through the catalog. 

There were many texts that mentioned the Gerudo, but there were fewer that could be considered reliable. Selecting a book written by a reputable scholar, she placed her index finger on the spine to pull it forward, repeating this with two more books to use as a cross reference. Taking a seat nearby, she opened the first book and began to scan the texts. 

Two quarters of an hour had nearly passed, spent reading and referencing the historical records and writings. She was noticing strange inconsistencies, or perhaps it was just interchangeabilities, regarding titles. Or perhaps… it depended upon the eras. There was “Ganondorf” or “Ganon”, but there were also “Demon King”, “Evil King” or “King of Thieves" which referred to the race of Gerudo. There was, however, the most consistency between the era of the Hero of Time and her current reign. The Ganondorf she and the Hero of Twilight faced was indeed the same from this time, which corroborated the tale of his coming out of imprisonment. 

There were other aspects that left her with more questions. An entity referred to as “The Twinrova” was curious, as well as how this man was fated to be born every one-hundred years. It created quite a curious society, in theory, and she was already eager to keep digging. This was her excitement, research was her passion. There was no mistaking the characteristics of such a man, he was nearly always described as a tactician, but a sadistic and cynical one at that. 

She was indeed far too engrossed in her texts and completely missed Auru, who had approached her from her six-o’clock. 

“Your Highness, I needn’t remind you that you are holding court today?” The words were biting, but he hid a smile on his face. 

Mentally, she admonished herself. She nearly did forget! Or maybe she didn’t, but Zelda would rather be here than holding court, that was for certain. “Yes, of course.” She said coolly. 

Auru was not fooled, “I know it is not your favorite, but there are many citizens that need to be addressed. Besides, perhaps we could make it into a game of sorts.”

She stood, and began to walk with him to the court, placing markers in her texts before doing so.

“A game?”

“Something I used to do with your mother,” He smiled softly in reminiscence, “We chose something different each time. For instance, one time we tallied the number of subjects who mentioned a drought, asking her to simply make it rain, as if she was Hylia herself.”

“Forgive me, but I don’t see how keeping a tally will make court any more entertaining.”

“That’s because I haven’t finished. You see… the tally is the amount of shots we would take, now, this was after hours of course.”

Zelda raised her eyebrows and looked to Auru with surprise, “I had no idea… but perhaps that makes a certain sense of things from my early childhood…” she chuckled. 

“Count yourself lucky Telma owed me a solid, as I’ve a fresh bottle of brandy in my quarters. How about this; for every time someone requests something due to the invasion, that clearly has nothing to do with it, is a tally. I suspect we will get a few, our lands are filled with fraudsters.”

“Consider yourself on for the game then, but no doubt you will drink me under the table. I’m afraid I’ve been spending my life living as a teetotaler.”

Auru laughed, and they continued the rest of the path to court in comfortable silence. 

The ice between Auru and herself has only been recently melting, and this was thanks to no other than Link. In his letters, he had expressed a great relief in sharing his troubles with the older and more experienced Rusl. She expressed envy, and dearly missed the days Auru and herself had spent together, soaking up his knowledge like water as if she had spent her life abandoned in the desert. Link mentioned that she needn’t allow him back into her life in the same way it was before, but to allow moments that can bring her a reprieve. It was sound advice, and thought maybe they ought to switch their shares of the Triforce. And she must admit, it did bring her better days more often. The pair finally reach the court of common pleas, a tradition of regular occurrence between the ruler and the subjects, so that any commoner may make a formal request or statement relating to the kingdom. 

The princess’ entrance was made formally known, and she took her seat to begin hearing of what troubles her people. Guards lined the court, and Auru stood to her right. At the entrance, two guards stood with their spears crossed to block the entrance, but they opened up from their position to allow someone through. 

A short, stubby man waltzed up, looking rather put out. 

“Your highness, I must say I am rather offended by the mistrust. Your guard had to search my being for what felt like thirty minutes! It was simply preposterous!”

Immediately, she recognized this man as a citizen of Castle Town, a distant relative of a former noble. But of course, he considers himself a noble. 

“Apologies for the inconvenience, but alas, recent events require security measures,” She bit out. 

“Of course, of course, the intruder. I do remember seeing something posted about him. But yes, yes, to the point. I come before you to request reparations for the invasion.”

She looked to Auru only with her eyes, who raised his eyebrows in return, “And what part of the invasion has harmed you so? You are a citizen of Castle Town, one of the few unaffected towns.”

“Well you see, my wife has left me for another man. She was a tired old hag, but you see, I relied on her income. Without it, I cannot, um, presume my noble duties. It has put a damper on my life. I just need some funds to get myself on my feet.”

It is no wonder as to why his wife has left him. “And this has to do with the invasion, how?”

“Well surely she never would have left me if it had not happened! Castle Town was unharmed, I’ll say that, but it truly put us in a somber mood.”

As if she was not locked away, starved, and left in the dark regarding the well-being of many. But she reigned her temper in, “You are dismissed.”

“But-”

“Dismissed.”

As soon as a few guards inched closer, the man resigned to defeat and left. Auru leaned down, “I’ll mark that as our first tally.”

She snickered quietly. Perhaps it will not be too dreadful after all. The rest of the hour passed, with a few more tallys added up. There were, of course, genuine requests, that she was more than happy to give aid to. But the end of the allotted time for court was drawing near, and she was reading herself to make an exit, eager to end the day with Telma’s brandy. But a guard entered, stating that someone had arrived at the last minute, requesting an audience with the princess. She had told the guards it was urgent. Zelda obliged, and a young woman ran in. 

The guard informed her that she was searched, but something about the woman put her on edge. 

“Your Highness, deepest apologies for keeping you,” Her voice was shaky and frantic, like she was out of breath. She wore a large cloak that obscured most of her appearance. 

“No matter, please, calm yourself. What is the matter that you say is urgent?”

“The man… the intruder… I saw his image posted among Hyrule. I feel that you should know that- that he was my brother.” She gasped out. The woman attempted to take a step, but promptly fell.

Zelda quickly stood, and rushed to the spot she lay, with Auru following close. The woman was alive, but breathing shallowly. Her skin was beaded with sweat, and she was alarmingly pale. 

“She is ill,” Auru assessed, and pointed to a nearby guard, “You! Fetch the doctor, quickly.”

The guard took to his order with speed, and fled the room. 

The hood of her cloak had moved in her fall, revealing her appearance. Unlike the man, her brother she supposed, there was a stark difference in their skin tone. But her hair shared the same unusual white color, strange for the youth they both had. 

“I’m afraid Auru, that we will have to put our evening plans on a hold.”

“What do you intend to do, Zelda? This is most peculiar.”

“We cannot learn more until we see to it that the doctor has treated her. As for right now… I think I have a letter to write.”

“To Link? You seemed to have found a good friend in that boy, I must say I am glad.”

“Yes… he is easy to relate to on certain matters.”

“Certainly a formal way of putting it. Go, write your letter. I will stay with the woman until the doctor arrives, and await her regaining consciousness so we may investigate this further.”

“Thank you,” Zelda moved at a rapid pace back up to her study. Link has been rather invested in the intruder mystery the past week, and he would likely want an update. He has often had insightful thoughts into avenues of investigating the matter, and if this woman turns out to have the information they need, she would want none other than Link to be here to assist. Of course, she wasn’t ready to pull him out into danger again, no, this was just to be a brief update.

Chapter Text

Link sighed as he placed Zelda’s latest letter down at his table. Rubbing his hands over his face in compilation, he mulled over her words. Her recent correspondence was brief, but it did its job. What is supposedly the sister of Zelda’s attempted assassin had come to her during court. She wrote that she appeared ill, and suddenly collapsed before they could learn more of his or her intentions other than that of wishing to speak to her. Surely by now, as this was written two days ago, they have learned more. But it would likely be another two days before he is filled in as well. He would not lie and say he wasn’t heavily invested in this mystery, as he has come to consider himself as friends with the Princess due to their friendly correspondence. His own sense of justice, of course, was motivation enough to want his actions revealed, in the likely event it won’t just be one attempt on her life. But there was nothing he could do about it from where he sat. 

Life in Ordon has been continuing, but he grew more restless everyday. Initially, after his talk with Rusl, he made himself available to Zelda’s call, but she wished him to have a normal life for as long as he could have it. He appreciated it, he really did, but nothing about his life felt normal anymore. He glanced down at the back of his palm, the marking of courage looking back up at him. Link was… conflicted, to say the least. The incidents that affected the village children have put him on edge since returning. He wakes very early to scout the forest rim of any dangers, and does so every night as well. It isn’t until he does this that he feels he can finally rest. But, there is also the urge to go; to go back to Castle Town, to see Zelda safe with his own eyes, to reconnect with his allies there, to be back in the center of it all. But what of the village if he flees? Realistically, he knows Rusl can ensure the village's safety, he trusts him more than anyone to the task, but he fears that he will not see a good night's rest unless he does it himself. The children would miss him, that much was for certain. Fado will likely lose a goat or two, he laughed to himself. And Ilia would… she would be okay, he thought. The events of the invasion made her grow stronger, and she could hold her own. Besides, she had a foal to train. Following his return from the Mirror of Twilight with Zelda, and after their initial work together to set up a reconstruction plan, she insisted he leave empty handed. She wanted to reward him for the favours he gave Hyrule, but he declined. Many times. They compromised, however, and he requested something that would benefit those that helped him too. So, for Ordon, they were given a foal, one that would grow sturdy, and be able to endure working on a ranch and traversing the lands with traders. Epona was their only stead for quite some time now, meaning that when Link wasn’t there, they were down some much needed help. But with Zelda’s gift… well, it opened up an opportunity for him to leave. 

Link glanced up at the clock, and seeing the time, he shot up. He was late for dinner, which he began having with Rusl, Uli, and their kids at least once a week now. It was something that brought them all comfort, a sense of normality that they all desperately needed. He began a light jog out his home and down the road. He crossed the bridge over the stream, and approached Rusl’s home. The creaked open, alerting everyone to his presence. He nodded to everything bashfully, acknowledging his tardiness. 

“There's the Link we know,” Rusl chuckled, “Late to everything.”

“Now that hasn’t been true for a long time Rusl, and you know it,” Link retorted playfully. 

Uli turned from the stove, whose warm smile lit the room, and placed a pot of stew on the table, “Come now, dinner is ready. Colin! Take your seat.”

Colin ran over from where he was occupied with wooden play figures of Hyrulean soldiers, “Coming! Hey Link!”

The newest addition to their family, Tali, a baby girl, sat in a bassinet upon a taller seat. She made cooing sounds. 

Everyone finally found themselves at their seat, and began to fill their plates with food, passing items around.

Rusl broke the silence first, “Tell me, Link, have you heard any news regarding the Princess?”

“Actually yes, today. I was reading her latest letter before I came here.”

“Oh?” Uli asked, “And what did it entail?”

“Do you have to go be a hero again?” Colin was quiet, but Link heard his question. 

He felt a pang of guilt in his chest, worried what Colin would say if it were the case. But it wasn’t, not yet. “The Princess was just telling me about the court. Apparently, the sister of the intruder had come in during the end of the session, but she collapsed of some sort of Illness. That was all she wrote on the matter.”

“What will you do, Link?”

He considered Rusl’s question, “Await the next letter I suppose.”

Rusl looked up at him, and watched Link for a moment, “And how does that make you feel?”

He paused, lowering his spoon back down to his bowl. He looked around the table, seeing Uli feed the baby, Colin shoveling his food down, and Rusl, who was watching him closely. He knew where the man was going with this, and this was not something he wished to get into with the whole family in earshot. Except for Tali, who’s young ears wouldn’t know the wiser. 

“A little anxious, but I must let those in the guard do their job,” He finally replied. Although, a part of him yearned to be the one whose job it was to get to the bottom of this. It was hard being in the dark, especially after being in the center of it all for some time.

Rusl nodded, but there was more to it than what met his eye. 

The rest of the dinner continued with little interruption. 

He bid his goodbyes, and began his journey into the forests surrounding the village— for his evening routine dictated that he must ensure the safety of the area before he allows himself to rest. Darkness enveloped the landscapes, as the days have begun to abridge in time, and the nights loom nearer as days pass. The month of Naru has just begun, marking it a near four months since the month of Din, when he and Zelda parted with their dear friend. The absences of Midna nearly consumed him thereafter, but the nearness to those who care for him here ebbed away at the sadness. Still, though, there are times like these, when he wanders the forest at night, that he misses the company. With her in his shadow, there never was a time he was truly alone. It was a stark contrast in the beginning, as he had been living alone for sometime, and reveled in his solitude. But soon she began to grow as an extension to him, a codependence as it were, that became a second nature to them. But here he lies now, alone once more. 

The forest was quiet, not even Keese to disturb him from his thoughts. With his mind still racing, thoughts of Zelda’s letters and Midna's absence racing around like a disturbed boar in his head, he decided to stray deeper into Faron Woods. This part of the woods, the part across the bridge out of the safety of their province, was overflowing with agonizing memories. It marked his first kill, the first he had taken a life. He hunted of course, it was necessary to survive. But it was along this path he had killed the first Bokoblin. He justified to himself they were hardly a person, more akin to a monster, but it was hard to ignore the fact they were living, breathing, creatives that held enough intelligence to follow commands and execute planes— even such as kidnappings. Link shivered, the night's briskness and the distasteful memories covered him with a chill air. He paused in his steps– his senses, more attune with the Earth since his transformations as a wolf, alerted him to a presence. A snap of a twig, the crunch of dried autumn leaves. The sound did not originate from far, and subconsciously Link’s arm raised behind his lead, hand outstretched ready for the moment he may need his sword. 

The pace of the source of the sound grew faster, and the shadow of a figure emerged from the darkness of the night. 

It was a courier, Princess Zelda’s courier to be exact.

He let out a sigh of relief at realizing it wasn't a beast, and relaxed his guarded stance. 

Typically, mail was delivered through the mailman, but royals had the use of a personal courier for a more direct correspondence, as to avoid their letters being mixed with that of commoner letters. His letters from Zelda were usually via the mailman, but he was familiar with her personal courier from his brief stay at the castle.  

“Link! I had not expected to see you out here, but you have saved me from the rest of the journey to Ordon. I present you mail, from Princess Zelda,” The man bowed, with his arm out and hand holding the envelope. 

“Thank you, Jerrin,” He took the envelope, “I suspect it is urgent then?” He asked, curiosity blooming in his voice. 

“Her Highness did not say, but it was written with haste before it landed into my hands. I must make my journey back, my steed awaits me outside the forest and I wish to not leave her for long. I’m afraid these parts spook her too much,” Jarrin gave a dry chuckle, before turning and jogging off into the path he arrived from. 

He regarded the envelope in his hands, he hardly needed to ask if it was urgent. The use of a courier and the absence of the royal seal spoke volumes in its haste to get delivered. His fingers traced along the opening, but he stopped himself from reading it here and now. It would be best to return home to read it, in the case he needed to form a reply straight away. Or in the case he needed to saddle Epona, and leave in his own hurry. He traced back his steps to Ordon, but with a pace quicker than before. Now, his mind was free of the weight of Midna’s absence, and free of his past guilt, but now swirled with thoughts of the letter. 

In quick time he arrived back in his shelter, sitting at his table that was covered in ink and parchment from his previous letters. 

Sliding out the letter from the envelope, he unfolded the page to scan the words. His eyes quickly shifted from line to line, grazing over the strokes of Zelda’s neat but fast penmanship. According to her words, the woman who claimed to be the sister of her assassin has awakened. She is gravely ill, the doctor presiding over her has determined that there is very little life remaining, and she may perish very soon. But the reason for such a show in getting this letter to himself was because, and to Link’s surprise, the woman specifically requested to speak to Link. After making such a request, she has spoken very little more. Zelda fears that this investigation will die with her if he can’t reach her in time, possibly to coax more information regarding her brother out of her. It was Zelda’s wish that he attempt to journey to the castle to do so. She expressed in the letter that she wishes that he does not rush so that he faces danger head on again, but by reading between the lines, he knows she is very anxious for his swift arrival. 

His mind was made up, and it has been made up for quite awhile now. If she has a need for him, he will go. And the reason was bigger than himself, so of course he will go, he wants to go. Running around his rooms, he grabbed what he deemed necessary for the trip to the castle. If he leaves within a quarter hour, he will arrive there by dawn. Satisfied his pouch was packed, he opened the door so that he may saddle Epona for the journey. 

He was greeted once again by the presence of the night, but there was an additional presence. A guilt punctured him like the stab of a sharp dagger through his heart, as the silhouette of Rusl stepped forward to be illuminated by the moonlight. He was carrying a bread couche, fitted with a small loaf of freshly baked sourdough. 

Rusl looked between his packed bag and Epona, and offered a somber smile, “Uli made this,” He lifted the bread his two hands carried slightly, “We have plenty to go around. She thought maybe you may make use of it, it had slipped our minds at dinner. I thought I might catch your return from your recon of the forest. It seems, though, I have stumbled upon the opposite.”

Link swallowed, “Rusl I- The princess, she-”

“Link,” Rusl cut him off, “Do not explain. It is as we discussed, you must go where you are needed, and you must go where you desire. Do not let us hold you back from that.” 

Rusl walked over to the saddle stand, folded the couche over the bread loaf, and placed it into his saddlebag. “Something to eat during your travel, I suppose.”

Link approached him, searching for the right thing to say, “If it wasn’t urgent, trust that would give you all the proper goodbye you deserve, especially Colin. I was going to write as soon as I had the chance at the castle. Thank you Rusl, truly, I don’t know what I would  have done without you all these years.” 

Rusl understood that this thanks was far beyond the loaf of bread, “I may be preaching to the choir when I say this, but please be cautious out there. Do not worry yourself over Colin, either. He will understand. He wants to be just like you, after all.”

“Thank you, again, really I mean it. And please, in my absence-”

“I will scout the surroundings every day, Link, do not worry.”

“Of course.”

“You said it was urgent, so I will not keep you,” Rusl clasped a firm hand on his shoulder, and pulled him into a strong embrace.

Link returned it in an instant, squeezing his eyes shut for a second to quell his emotions that were rising out of him. They pulled away, and the older man bid him a nod of farewell. “It is a goodbye for now Link, I hope to see you again soon.”

Link gave a nod in return, opting to stay silent as to not betray his stoicism. He turned away from the view of Rusl returning to Ordon, and concentrated on his preparations for departure.

With himself and his steed ready, he set off.

The ride passed in a blur, the area had become a second nature to him. Link made quick work of passing through Faron Woods, Epona anticipating the winding turns through the canyons with great ease. The end of the path opened up to the south portion of Hyrule Field's great expanse, the darkness adding to its already eerie atmosphere. Unlike the time he traversed this area months ago, it was clear of Bokonlins and other creatures that plagued this field. With the added safety, he was able to maintain a quick speed, only stopping for Epona’s sake. 

It wasn’t until the sun began to creep over the horizon to bring a new day that he drew near the castle’s south gate. He was in central Hyrule Field, just before the large fountain of water that separated a grand staircase that led to to large crates that permitted entrance into Castle Town. With the ongoing reconstruction of the land, stable hands were reinstated. Entrusting Epona with a young boy adorning trustworthy eyes to take her into the towns stables, he allowed his feet to carry him up the stairs. He was exhausted, to be sure, as he did not sleep through the night. Weary or not, he remained determined to aid Zelda. With each step he grew closer to the castle entrance, the more he grew anxious. He was curious as to what his presence would add, and curious as to why this strange woman required it. Positively Zelda was wondering the same, but hopefully the answers would clear many things up. He was also apprehensive to face nobility again, the last time he did so it was more appropriate to have a casual nature, since everyone was so swept up by the recent events that it escaped everyone’s notice that he did not know certain etiquette, or that he referred to the princess by her given name. But time has passed, and old routines began the norm once again, and it worried him so. He drew comfort from the fact that their correspondence maintained the same casual nature they held in person, and hoped it would be that still. 

Link was allowed passage through to the castle exterior, where the gardens and training grounds lie.

A group of Hylian Soldiers approached him, and they broke the formation they held to reveal who stood between them. Princess Zelda stood, as recognizable as ever. Her hair and diadem remained never-changing, with her gowns to be just short of elaborate as to maintain enough practicality. Unsure of himself, he bowed in her presence. She stopped him short, however, noting it was still not required of him. 

“Please, I shall still be Zelda to you, just as you will be Link to me. Besides, I must admit you are a sight for sore eyes. I feel a sense of guilt for pulling you out of your village like this, but this woman will not elaborate on anything until she confirms your presence. This entire situation is rather odd,” She drew her brows together in thought, but continued on to address her guards, “You are dismissed. I thank you for your service, but in the company of our hero, I will be sufficiently guarded from any dangers.”

They acknowledged her orders, if not with apprehension, and departed. 

Link attempted to maintain an air of humility at the assertion of his abilities, “That is a quick way to tell your guard that I, one man, can do the job of five.”

“Now, where has the humble Link I once knew gone?” She asked, with a coyness he has never heard from her before. 

It caused Link to smile, “I am merely summarizing your words.”

Zelda returned the smile, and opened an arm to beckon him to fall into step with her. “Allow me to lead the way, the woman we are seeking still lies in the infirmary. She is plagued with an illness that our physician cannot name, and her condition continues to worsen. The physician has surmised that it is not transmittable, and it is likely something that has tainted her blood.”

Link took in the information she provided as they walked together deeper into the castle walls. 

“Any idea what she wants from me?”

She shook her head, “As her condition worsens, so does her coherency, it is that reason I was so urgent with my letter. Perhaps whatever is plaguing her has something to do with how frantic her brother acted, it is a theory I share with the physician. From what I could gather, however, she needs you to confirm something. I’m afraid I cannot explain more on this subject.”

They continued the rest of their walk in comfortable silence. They entered the infirmary together, and Link observed the slight that was before him. A pale woman, with marching pale hair, was lying in the bed, beads of sweat covering her face. Her eyes were sunken, and her hair was unkept. Link recalled the images of her supposed brother that were posted around Hyrule following his intrusion in the castle, and noted the similarities between their features. When he first saw the image of her brother, he was struck with a familiar feeling, but after searching through his memories he could not think of a single time he’d ever seen the man. It was the same with this woman, there was something familiar, but he has never seen her in his life. Perhaps in this case, it was just the similarities to her brother that struck him. For one, the stark white hair and prominent feature of her nose was similar, but her skin was a pale shade, as opposed to the darker competition of her sibling. Her eyes were closed, so he could not comment on her eyes, and he was muttering to herself. He could not make out her words. 

Link looked to Zelda, who appeared to be lost in her own thoughts observing her, “Do we know her name?” He asked, to Zelda or the physician, whomever may know.

Zelda rose from her mind and looked to him in return, “I am afraid not, just as we never learned the name of the one she calls brother.”

He thought it may be unwise to raise her by touching her, so he called out, “Hello?”

The woman's eyes snapped open, her head spinning to face him. 

At least he could now comment on her eyes, aside from giving him the creeps, he did think the red shade matched that of her brother. He stepped closer to her bedside, “It is me, Link. I hear you have requested my presence?" He asked, and turned to Zelda shrugging. In his defense, no one had briefed him on what to say or ask. 

He could tell Zelda was amused by this gesture despite all her poise, but motioned for him to continue. 

So he continued, “I also hear that you may want to confirm something with me?”

Her attention was finally grabbed, and she spoke, voice hoarse, “Your existence is what I needed to confirm.” Quickly, her hand reached out, grabbing Link by the hand and roughly twisting it so the back of his palm displayed the Triforce, which was hardly disguised by his glove. “So it is you. And it is you who killed him?”

Tugging his hand away from the woman he will now call deranged, he asked, “I don’t think I understand. Killed who?”

Her eyes narrowed, “Ganondorf. Who else?” She spat that name with rancor laced in her words. 

Link and Zelda exchanged frightful glances before gluing their eyes back unto the woman.

“Yes, I killed him. He is gone.”

“Do not be so sure. I do not question the man you killed is gone, but do not be so sure,” She let out a fit of coughs that sounded wet, as if her lungs were drowning. “Listen,” her voice is more hoarse now, “I do not need your doctor to know my time is short. So listen, both of you, wisdom and courage, you are needed in the desert. The answers you seek are there. If you are quick there may be time to stop the calamity yet. The scripts… on the wall… before Din’s cobra in the temple, it will tell you the way. Speak… to the wife…” Another fit of coughs took over her. Her eyes closed, and remained that way even after the fit. 

The physician walked over and checked her heart, “Her heart beats slower than ever, I doubt she will make it to tomorrow.”

Zelda nodded gravely and addressed Link, “I am sorry to have pulled you in with such haste for naught, Link. Her words frighten me, but I cannot make sense of them. It is likely a delusion of her mind from the illness. I was truly hoping we would learn something more from this.”

He began to mull over the woman's words, and things began to come together in this head more clearly now. He shook his head slowly, still trying to piece everything together, “No.. No, I think there may be weight to her words. If there is some sort of calamity, I may know how to find what she speaks.”

Zelda snapped her head up in surprise, “Tell me.”

Chapter Text

ACT II - THE ILLNESS

Zelda sat across Link in her study, soaking in Link’s tales from his travels. Together, they were attempting to weave together loose threads of sporadic strange occurrences from the last few months, hoping to create a tapestry of truths. His stories rolled off his tongue easily, allowing Zelda to follow its path quite cohesively to fully understand how everything connected. Her hands surrounded a cup of warm tea, her eyes fixated on the ripples of movement caused by Link’s gestures from the other side while she tried to picture his imagery with her mind's eye. 

The strange woman first demanded an audience with her, then refused to speak until she saw LInk. She went on to make claims of a coming calamity, relating to something they would find in the desert. She relayed to Link what her brother said, that he also required her presence, and that he had no intention of taking her life. Whatever both of their motives are – they were likely the same. But the answer died with them. It seems that the desert, or whatever presides there, has been a common occurrence to her as of late. She thought back to her trip to the library, when she was digging deeper into Ganondorf’s words. That research brought her to texts and manuscripts referring to an ancient race that may have considered those harsh lands home. Of course, it was hard to keep a straight story, as she felt the texts were inconsistent with one another. 

Another thing that disturbed her greatly, was her statement of not being so sure that Ganondorf was gone completely. She also said within the same line that she had no doubt Link had gotten rid of him, so the validity of this was up for question. But there are things they do know for certain, and hope was not all lost for them; for one, there was no doubt now that they both had a sort of illness that plagued their minds, and that the place the woman speaks of is real. 

“Din’s cobra in the temple…” Link said, repeating the woman’s words from earlier, “That is the part that struck me the most. I believe it is within Arbiter’s Grounds, and when she said scripts on the wall, it could only be there. As I was saying a second ago, I had to pass through many rooms to reach the mirror the first time, before Midna was able to create a direct portal there. One of those rooms contained a statue of a large woman, with a cobra wrapped around her. Her hands held flames, it could only mean this represented Din. But then again, I am not as well versed in the histories of Hyrule, or the Golden Goddesses as you may be. The walls had a strange design as well, or at least, that is what I took it to be. But I suppose it could be writing; a script per se. What do you think? Do we have something worth investigating here?"

She leaned back in her seat, considering Link’s description of this statue. It was Auru who passed along Hyrule’s oral history to her, and it included that of many tales regarding the goddesses. She pleaded to her mind to remain as stone, so she may think deep into her past of her tutoring in the subject. 

Zelda hummed in agreement, “Din is associated with fire and power, which is associated with Ganondorf. Which in turn... Has history with the desert. It is the likely conclusion. These scripts you mention, I wonder, would you be able to recreate it?” At Link’s change of expression, she continued, “They do not have to be exact, perhaps just a recreation of their likeness. The general shape of it, if you could.”

Link nodded, “May I?” He gestured to the parchment and quill that occupied space on her table. 

“Please,” She passed the parchment to him.

Pausing for a moment to think, Link dipped his quill in ink and eyed the parchment. He pressed ink to paper carefully, acting as though the pages would tear at the slightest touch. This made the ink strokes thin, and where he pressed harder, they were more wide. The characters he recreated were strange, nothing like the Hylian, Zora, or Goron scripts she has seen in her time. The shapes took on round and soft lines, rather than blocky and angled like her own written language. 

Placing the quill back, Link turned and slid the page to her side of the table, “That is the best I can manage. Just picture it more... neat. I fear my penmanship in even my native language is lacking, as I’m sure you’ve seen from my letters. We do not get up too much writing in the goat herding business,” He laughed to himself. 

She smiled, remembering the first time she laid eyes on his return letter. While it was not the nearest by any means, it warmed her to see something so personal. She spends hours reading over documents from nobility written in overly ornate and flowery penmanship that is written for show, not practically. 

“Do not fret, this is more than satisfactory. I think it is time I tell you of a little research I was doing myself not too long ago. I know I had briefly recounted my encounter with the Evil King, but his question on my knowledge of the Gerudo had stuck with me. It seems that the Gerudo are more than just tales and the name of a sand filled landscape, at least, from what I could discern from a few texts. I wasn’t able to get that far in my research, but I stumbled upon some manuscripts with writing just like this. Perhaps I can locate more, and maybe with the help of Shad, we could decipher this. We must go to the library–” Excitement at the new developments had taken over her, and she reeled herself in before she got too hasty. Eyeing Link, she saw the exhaustion that was eating away at him behind his curious expression. She realized he had come straight here from his village, opting to skip last night’s rest. 

“But perhaps later tonight,” She continued eventually, “I must see my council soon, and you must rest. I’ll have your meals sent to the room you’ll occupy. You must get some sleep, I am afraid I got swept up in the new developments to realize this sooner.”

Link slumped in relief that he was most likely too tired to hide, “I appreciate it, greatly. And it would be my pleasure to help you in the library tonight, but I am not sure how much help I would be there, books are not my expertise.”

“Nonsense, history texts may be mine, but you are the one with the recent hands on experience with our lands. Perhaps together we can come up with something yet.”

He smiled at her words, and rose from his seat. She mirrored his actions, and led him out of her study. She directed a guard to show him the way to the rooms for esteemed guests, and they said their goodbyes with promises to meet again in the evening. 

The next task laid out for her was a convening with her court. She was beginning to wish she spiked her tea with a splash of brandy, or two. 

She approached her court with a mind different than her usual one, seemingly having discarded her confident head, and replaced it with a more anxious one. It was likely because she planned to broach the subject of her and Link making a trip back out to the desert, and did not need goddess granted wisdom to know what their answer might be. Recent dangers and her lack of spouse and heir created a great risk to Hyrule. She knew this. But she doesn't care. They could plead to whatever arguments they have, but only she had the ultimate authority to change that. 

Zelda listened to her court grovel to her on their feet about their crude questions regarding her marital status, yet she diminished their words with the reminder that her mother managed the kingdom for almost five years before her marriage to her father, and those five years were the best Hyrule had seen for some time. This bid her time, at least until the next session, but she would take the win. She needed a win. 

So, she broached the subject of the trip with Link.

And it went as follows:

Lord Kiliav of the Ordona Province’s face twisted up in disbelief, “And surely you will be bringing a squad with you?”

Right. Because they will solve every problem they will face. 

“We must move quickly. A squad will slow us down. Link will be by my side, and that will be enough. He will go as my personal guard,"

“But he is not Knighted, is he?”

Kiliav will find a way to make a problem out of any situation, and she has learned this early. It was no surprise to her that the first court she held since the end of the invasion resulted in a petty argument started by him and Lady Vilia of Faron, and it was no surprise to her now that he held little faith in their hero. 

“Then he will be Knighted,” She answered matter of factly. 

There was a mix of those in her court who looked at each other, gaging their reactions to her blunt statement. 

Ashei, who knows Link best out of the Lords, spoke up. 

“Trust me when I say that I have full faith in LInk, no one without strength blessed by the goddesses themselves could have done what he did. But I’m not sure how much faith I have in this woman’s claims that a calamity is coming. Both her and the intruder were mad, yeah?”

She appreciated the boost in confidence regarding Link’s capabilities, it seemed to have her court in agreement. 

“I agree with you in that regard, she was not the most, shall we say, clear headed. But as I mentioned, there were truths woven between her fragmented sentences. I do not want to risk the possibility she was telling the truth, if there is a calamity coming, I want to know.”

Auru leaned forward in his seat, resting his hand below his chin, “If I may interject, the desert is ancient. During the invasion, the land was quickly filled with monsters. I was watching it myself for some time. We may have been able to clear the nearby provinces of beasts, but as the old path to the desert was just cleared, and it is still riddled with other worldly beings. Just as Ashei said, I have full faith in Link, but could this not be the calamity she speaks of?”

“Actually-” Lady Liana of the desert province started, in a voice unsure of itself, “There have been sightings near Mercay outpost. Of people. I think.” She finished her last words quickly.

She turned to regard Liana. She now occupied what was once her fathers position, but it was clear this was not her passion. Liana was quiet, reserved. Rather unassuming, she thought. The position she now fills was once a powerful one, but this was during the time the executioner grounds were still in use. Now, the province is nothing more than an outpost at the path that leads to the desert, for nothing more than traders going to use the land's natural resources. But it was her statement that turned the wheels in Zelda’s mind, burning hot fumes at an anger rising in her. These were the things she needed to know, and she did not take well from being late to this information. She reigned in her anger, knowing it would not be productive. 

“People?” Zelda repeated, voice even.  

Liana shifted in her seat, “Yes… at first I thought them to be traders, but the routes there haven’t reopened since the invasion, to Auru’s point that it is still too dangerous. No one saw their appearance. Just that it was likely a man and a woman.”

Zelda could not hold the reigns any longer, “A man and a woman? Coming from the desert? Lands thought previously uninhabitable? After the fact we have had a male intruder, and a sick woman never seen before in my court?” And you’ve thought not to mention this?”

“I… I didn’t think…”

She inhaled to keep her barrage of complaints going, but the clearing of a throat behind Auru’s fist that covered his mouth brought her back to the right state of mind. 

“Do not hesitate to keep me informed of such things.”

Suddenly, her efforts to remain conscious of every interaction following the murmurs of her character being nothing more than a sculpture of ice melted away her last remaining anger. She carried herself with a feigned warmth for the rest of her council meeting. 

The whole affair ended shortly after that, and she was left with just Auru, who stayed behind. 

“We are overdue for a much needed discussion I think,” He started, “If you will join me for dinner, I have that brandy of Telma’s you owe me an evening with.”

And so, she agreed.

The sun had sunken into the horizon, and the gas-lamps lit the halls.

And she has not had a drop of liquor since the invasion. 

A fire roared beneath the mantle, the room was warm, but not too warm, and the air was filled with memories. Some good, some bad, some downright distasteful.

The flames of the fire reflected off the long forgotten bottle of brandy nearly emptied, and its two small glasses stood face to face. Zelda noted the grimace Auru attempted to shield from her, she frowned. 

“It was not my decision. Not really. It was your father’s,” Aruru said, like it was a comment on the weather. Like it was the easiest thing in the world. 

She drew her brows together, her face, hot, her mind - scrambled. No, she thought, that is not how she remembered it. It was simple. He left, she stayed, abandoned. It was simple this way. She likes simple.

She hates complicated. 

She hates when simple words are dripping with complications, a flood of meanings, a storm of confusion. And it drowns her. Surrender or die, life or death, to join with the Evil King, it was her father’s words. Such simple words brought her the most pain. It was like she was underwater, she moved slowly and gauchely. 

The soon to be queen looked to Auru, whose face displayed his age well in this moment. 

Her father was many things, and none of it was good. He was nothing more than her mother’s husband to her. Perhaps they were something together, something she didn’t understand back then, but to her - there was nothing. He was harsh in all things, a King in every aspect of this life. He had been after the throne from the very beginning, her mother’s death was his greatest wish. This was no one else’s opinion, to them, he grieved like a loving husband, father, and compassionate king would. But that isn’t what Zelda saw, nor what he knew. She hates complicated things, but she likes simple things. Hate the Evil King, hate her father. Love her mother, look to Auru, then hate Auru. She hated him for the reason she left him, just as she hated her father for her own reasons.

“No, no that is not true. He said you were tired of watching over me,” She pleaded.

“Who said that?”

“My father.”

But then of course, she never trusted a word out his mouth. So why did she believe him about her old tutor? 

He sighed, and leaned forward, “I had a difficult choice to make.”

“What was on the line?”

“My life.”

She visibly paled, “What do you mean?” The question came out in a whisper. 

“I’m sure you're no stranger to the concubines your father took up?”

She shook her head.

“Well there was one, one that was favored. One that I could say, maybe, he had fallen for - if that is even possible. He promised her a great deal, the throne, for one. The other… was you. She had a son, from her late husband. He promised he would marry you the moment you became of age.”

“How do you know all of this?” Her voice grew in hoarseness.

“I wasn’t.”

Despite the nearby fire she shivered.  

Aruru continued, “And therein lies the problem. The King knew I overheard this, he threatened my execution. He knew I would warn you.”

“So how did you escape execution?”

"I convinced him I would never return to Hyrule. You had just lost your mother, a part of him knew you would not be the same if you knew I had joined her so soon. I also thought this would give me the chance to return, a chance to warn you of your father’s plans. Of course, he passed, and no legal commitments were made to his concubine, so she could do nothing but return to her commoner life. 

I do not know their fate, I believe her son’s family name was after her late husband, whom I know nothing about. I planned to return the second I heard news of your father’s death, but as you know, the invasion took precedence.”

Zelda knew this made perfect sense, it was something she would expect her father to do, and it was exactly how she knew Auru would respond.

But there were little details about his story that nagged at her. What benefit did the King gain by telling her Auru left for such harsh reasons? That there was no goodbye? Or how he was so easily taken by a woman she has never met, how ready he was to give her throne to a man she was supposed to marry? His death was unexpected, it was clear that it threw plans that she never even knew existed. It is like when a tide crawls further back into a sea than it ever has before, and it reveals things never seen, and she is the one standing at its beach. 

“I know it is a lot to think about, and please forgive me for how long it has taken me to tell you.”

“It’s fine,” She waved him off. It was not fine, not really, but she was lightheaded from the drinking, and it did not mix well with rising emotions.

“I hate to get you in such a state just to remind you of your duties, but, do you still plan to meet with Link in the library tonight?”

Indeed she did, and the reminder made her stand quickly. But she was uneven on her feet, and the room span around her.

Auru failed at biting back a laugh at her condition, but he rose to grab her arm. “Perhaps I should lead you there.”

She arrived a little late, her pace was not so quick while being guided by Auru. She was not drunk by any means, she told herself, but just slightly inebriated. She commanded her mind to focus, as to not alert anyone else of this, and because there was important research to do. 

Link sat at a table in the library awaiting her, accompanied by Shad, who sat nearby with a stack of books to rival her castle’s towers. Auru gave them a nod, shot a sly look towards her, and made his leave, claiming if he had to read a single page of historical texts at his moment, he would combust. Link looked as though he was going to agree, but bit his tongue. 

Link spoke first, “I hope you don’t mind, but the second I told Shad what we would be researching, he took it upon himself to get these books for us.” He gestured to the pile.

“That is not a problem, thank you, Shad,” She said, knowing that he has saved her from looking like a fool trying to do that herself. She took a seat beside Link. 

Shad began opening various books, flipping them to specific pages, “This is everything I could find that references the Gerudo as a race, each manuscript I have opened are the most similar to each other, corroborating their stories. Perhaps it is within these texts that we can find something.”

“Very well, let us all grab a book and begin our search. If you come across something of note, please share,” She noticed Link’s eyes lingered on her a moment longer, but then he too grabbed a book and began scanning the words. 

The three of them remained like that for sometime, occasionally murmuring a question or statement regarding something they read.

“I keep seeing a recurring Gerudo word or phrase; ‘dosah-hare’ associated with the term ‘Vaa’hi’ which I believe is referring to some sort of illness?” Zelda looked up. 

“I’ve been seeing it too,” Link looked up to meet her eyes.

“I as well," Shad agreed, “And I must say, it reminds me of something.”

“The Sheikah,” She finished for him.

“Yes precisely, how did you know?”

“Historical records of the Sheikah are much more consistent, and they were once tied with the royal family. The race ceases to exist now due to an illness that affected only their blood, perhaps something similar happened to the Gerudo?”

“Or perhaps it was the same thing?”

Link cut in, “I don’t suppose this illness is anything like what those siblings died of, is it?”

They looked to Link, and it went silent, but it was broken first by Shad. “Dosa-hare,” he mumbled, and he began to rapidly flip through a book, “I believe the literal translation is death of the mind, Vaa'hi being mother. A mental illness if you will, associated with other physical ailments spread from the mother to child. Or, in a less literal sense, by blood. It would match both of what wiped the Sheikah out, and what we saw in those siblings.”

The silence stretched for a moment longer.

“The last recorded living Sheikah died nearly a century ago, how could this be?” 

Link’s interest was piqued at the mention of the Sheikah, “Can I see that?” He pointed at a manuscript written by the Sheikah. Shad pushed it his way, and his eyes locked onto the symbol painted on the leather covering. “I don’t think so.”

Zelda’s head snapped in his direction, “What don’t you think?”

“That the last Sheikah died nearly a century ago. I think there is one alive to this day.” 

Zelda and Shad shared a surprised look, but Link continued, “The name… this symbol… I had seen it before, if not briefly. The old woman I mentioned - the one that aided me with the dominion rod - I believe she is Sheikah. She bore this symbol,” He touched the leather of the book.

Shad, excited at the prospect of multiple ancient civilizations coming back to life, beamed with joy, “And this is at the hidden village location you have mentioned?”

He nodded.

Zelda thought about what this could mean. Gerudo and Sheikah, two races thought no longer existing, still persevering. It was an incredible discovery, and it would be even more so if not for the looming threat of a ‘calamity’. But she sensed there was a connection with all of this, one that needs uncovering. 

“Then I think our next move is clear, we go in search of this woman. What is your opinion, Link?’

“I think if anyone can aid with your questions about Gerudo, it would be her. Impaz, her name was, knew about the Oocca, who were thought to not even exist.”

“Not to mention, their ties with the royal family, it would be a historical occasion if I had the chance to speak to one of her kind,” The idea was growing on her the more she thought of it, “At the risk of sounding hasty, I would like to leave as soon as tomorrow for this hidden village.”

Shad sighed, "It is now that I regret taking on the tutor position, if not for those responsibilities I would ask that I accompany you.”3

“I would appreciate your insight, but I believe our smaller party will allow us to move quicker.”

“How small?” Link asked.

“Two. You and me,” She answered.

A mix of confusion and surprise flashed across his face. 

She stood, motioning for the men to do the same, “Thank you for all your help, I believe we have a new direction to heed. It is getting late, we can discuss the details tomorrow, Link, if you’ll allow me to accompany you to your room, there are a few details I must go over now.”

Shad bowed in acknowledgment, and departed his own way. Link accepted her request, and they walked side by side to his quarters. 

“I hope I wasn’t too forward with my request, Link, but I believe with just the two of us we can make quick work crossing Hyrule.”

He smiled, “Not at all. I was more surprised that your council will allow it.”

She slowed her pace, and Link was ahead of her now. Noticing this, he stopped, and turned to face her. 

“They did allow it, didn’t they?”

“Yes… in a way. But there is something else I will need to ask of you. You will be accompanying me as my personal guard, a role that can only be filled by someone who gave a Vow of Fealty, a formal Knight.”

They stood, face to face, in the hall.

“And so you will Knight me?”

“And so I will Knight you.”

Link nodded, slowly. 

“Does it make you uncomfortable?” She attempted to read his expression, but he guarded his emotions well.

“No.”

“Good. We will have the ceremony tomorrow. Nineteen-hundred hours. My handmaiden will greet you at your room to show you the way.”

“Then I will be waiting.”

She looked at him, he was unwavering, and it shook her, just a little.

“By the way,” He started, a smile forming on his lips, “I could tell you were drunk when you first arrived at the library.” 

Her eyes widened, but before she could properly retort, he was gone. She smiled to herself, and retreated down the hall to her own bedchamber.