Chapter 1: Grave Robbers.

The young woman stood in the hallway of a small hotel and looked at the piece of scrap paper in her hand:

Rm. 234

11:00am

Wear comfortable clothes. Be ready to work.

She walked down the hallway away from the stairwell looking up at the room numbers on the small doors. She was, by no means, a spectacularly tall person, but the tops of the doors barely reached the bridge of her nose. The ceiling of the hall was merely two or three inches above her head and she couldn't help but hunch over to keep from getting dizzy.

226, 228, 230…

Once she found the room she knocked on the door. Soon after, she heard footsteps from behind the door, which clicked and popped open.

"You must be Midna!" said the excited graduate student, hunched under the door frame. Her wavy black hair was slightly frizzy and was draped on each side of her square, dark olive-toned face. Her light blue sweater did a poor job bringing out her bespectacled green eyes, but no one in the room knew or cared.

"Yes, I am." Midna nervously answered.

The woman in the room stepped aside and beckoned her in, "I'm Navi. Navi Rouhani. It's nice to meet you!" Like the doorway, everything in the room was small. The table in the corner only came to Midna's shins and two beds seemed to be too short to accommodate an adult. Suitcases had been placed at the feet of the bed in a feeble attempt to extend them. Midna stepped forward so Navi could close the door.

"Navi…that's a…" Midna tried to think of a better word than unusual as she looked around.

"I know. It's weird. My parents were expecting a boy, so they were going to name me Naveed, but when I came out a girl they decided to just chop off the last part and make up their own name." Navi giggled as Midna awkwardly nodded. She was not sure why Navi was sharing this information. "I'm sorry," Navi said, picking up on Midna's unintentional signals, "I sometimes talk too much. TMI, that sort of thing. I'm trying to work on it…"

Thunk. Navi was interrupted from a loud bang just past the bathroom door. The door opened as a man's voice bellowed, "Giant-piss-monkey-shit-in-a-bucket…"

"Ahem," Navi coughed, "Tatl! We're not alone!" Midna couldn't help but think that Navi wasn't that odd of a name anymore.

The man, Tatl, walked out of the bathroom wet and wearing a towel around his waist. He was rubbing his forehead and scowling, "What do you mean we…" He looked past his hand to Midna standing in the room. "Oh…uh…" He scrambled for a moment to cover himself, but not finding anything suitable within arms reach he quickly gave up, put his hands on his hips, and embraced it. Midna immediately noticed that almost everything about Tatl was big. He had to hunch over to keep his head from banging the ceiling. His blue eyes were big, the bridge of his nose was big, and his arms were big. The only things about him that were not big were his short sepia hair and his waist. Midna blushed. He looked at Navi, "I thought she was supposed to be here at 1:00?"

"No, Tatl," Navi feigned politeness for Midna's sake, "11:00. She was coming at 11:00. I told you this."

"Oh…Well…I was half right," Tatl said with a big toothy smile. He held out his hand for Midna, catching his towel before it fell, "I'm Tatl Van Bastian. Welcome to the Grave Robbers!"

"Midna" she said as Tatl shook her hand with such force that her whole body bounced. "Grave Robbers?"

"It's an old joke," Navi answered beside her, "What do you call a grave robber with connections?...archeologists…"

"Say," Tatl started again, "I've never met a twil girl before." He said as if he were admiring an animal at the zoo.

Tatl's bluntness wore on Midna, who was no longer blushing, "…awesome." She was, indeed, twil. Her black Indigo Go's! t-shirt was carefully tattered around the sleeves and collar. Her black canvas backpack was covered with marker doodles and pins and patches with logos from relatively unknown bands. Her socks were black and purple and rose from her worn black leather boots up her legs past her knees. To top it all off, her hair was primarily short and died jet black except for a long orange-blonde swoop that fell in front of her heavily made-up eyes.

"Could you please put some pants on?" Navi insisted to Tatl, still trying to remain polite.

"Yeah. Midna, do you mind?" He pointed to a messy bundle of clothes on the far end of the bed. She glared at them, and back at Tatl. She picked them up and forcefully passed them to him.

"Thanks!" He smiled again and darted back into the bathroom and closed the door.

"I'm really sorry about that." Navi groaned as she sat down in the tiny table, gesturing for Midna to sit in the other chair. Midna sat across from Navi, having to bring her knees almost to her chest to do so making sitting no more comfortable than standing. "So, tell me about yourself."

Midna shrugged, "I don't know. Not much to tell."

"I guess I could start, if you'd like?"

Midna shrugged again. She would have been comfortable with silence, though it was becoming clear that Navi wouldn't be.

"Like I said, I'm Navi. I've been working with Professor Link for about five years, both years of my master's the first three of my doctorate. Tatl came the year after I started. We don't usually get undergrads; I think you're only the fourth, and the first only lasted for about two weeks. There must be something about you that Link really likes."

Midna's eyebrows bounced as she shrugged one more time. She wasn't sure about that, "What do you study?"

Navi's eyes brightened, "I study a particular period of Hyrulian history. The Era of the Hero of Time, about 900 years ago. I primarily study cultures, religions, and the geopolitical structures that governed their society. Working with the professor has been great! I've never seen so much or learned so much so quickly. And all the pubs don't hurt either," Navi chuckled, "I've already had three of them. One as first author!"

Midna nodded absentmindedly. She and Navi must have a different definition of 'pub.' Navi continued, "I don't really study the architecture of the time, but…I mean…you have to know some of it for it to work. It was primarily feudal, but a number of the institutions we have now have direct ties to life back then. In fact I wrote my Master's thesis on…"

Tatl burst through the bathroom door again, causing Midna and Navi to start, "Don't get her started if you know what's good for you. You'll never get her to stop." He chuckled and sat on the nearest bed and put on his hiking boots.

"Why don't you tell her what you study?" Navi said indignantly.

Tatl looked at Midna, "Masks." He smiled at Navi who glared, "Religious masks. How they're made. How they're used. Etcetera. Kind of a material culture meets archeology sort of thing." He said back to Midna, "How about you? How far along are you?"

"This will be my first semester with archeology." She said. There was a heavy pause as Tatl and Navi turned to one another. If Midna didn't know better, she would say that they were talking without making sounds or moving their mouth. "What?"

"You haven't done any archeology work at all? No classes?" Tatl asked.

"No. Why?"

"I told you we don't take undergrads often," Navi nervously started, "Well, when we do they're always fourth or fifth year seniors, people who have been studying archeology for that whole time. She's never taken on someone who was just starting. I don't know why Professor Link would…"

Tatl cut her off, "I am sure there's a good reason. I don't doubt Prof," he then smiled and looked at Midna, "You must be something special."

"Yeah. I guess." Midna said. If this conversation was meant to make Midna feel comfortable it was an absolute failure. Navi and Tatl were trying to be nice and polite, but Midna still felt out of place. Navi and Tatl had been together with the professor for a long time. They had a natural rapport, a rapport of which Midna was not a part. "Where is the professor now?" She asked?

"Link went out to get the guide. We're heading out to a new site today. Ancient temple—should be exciting." Tatl said.

"I don't know about ancient, it's only 1000 years old or so." Navi corrected.

"What's the professor like?" Midna asked. Professor Link was pretty well known, and Midna wanted to know if the rumors were true.

Navi furrowed her thick eyebrows trying to think of the right words to say. Tatl jumped in, "Prof's really good. Probably the best I've worked with. Definitely the kind of person who's respect you have to earn, though. Doesn't talk much."

"The professor can seem scary at first, I know I thought so," Navi consoled, "but don't worry. Just take care of your job and you'll be fine."

The conversation continued for some time. The minutes passed slowly as Tatl and Navi talked about where they were from and the research they've performed. Navi remaining cordial and Tatl cracking jokes while packing a large backpack. Midna listened intently as they spoke but volunteered as little about herself as she could. After what seemed like hours, but in reality was probably more like 30 minutes or so, the hotel door opened abruptly, "We ready to go?"

Tatl and Navi looked to the door, "Prof!" Tatl exclaimed, "Almost got the bag ready to go. Just got to add the food."

On the other side of the door stood a brawny woman with her dirty-blonde hair in a clumsy braid behind her. Her green canvas shirt, complete with rolled up sleeves, matched her green eyes. Midna noticed a holster on her hip, but instead of a gun it held two small cylinders. She ducked below the door frame and took control of the room, "Good. I've found a new guide who can lead us through the Lost Woods."

"Another one? What happened to Dago?" Navi asked, concerned.

"Probably got tired of hanging around us while we aimlessly wandered in the forest." Tatl suggested chuckling. Link shot him a critical but confirming glare.

"How long have you been looking for this temple?" Midna quietly asked Navi.

"About two weeks now. Three? Two? Two." Tatl loudly responded.

"He is waiting outside for us. We'd better get going." Link said and turned to leave.

"Oh, Professor, this is Midna. She's the new undergrad." Navi said while standing and gesturing to Midna. Link turned in the doorway and met Midna's eyes. She gave a curt nod and walked out of the room. Tatl gathered up the large backpack and ducked out of the room saying, "Like I said: few words."

Midna, Tatl, and Navi caught up to Link outside of the hotel; she was at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the hotel door talking to a disgruntled redheaded child. When the trio approached, Link turned to them, "This is Faso. He'll be our guide through the forest today. The good news is we've narrowed down where we think the ruin is located."

"Let me guess," Tatl said, adjusting the large backpack, "It's far away."

"That's right. Any questions before we leave?"

"Uhm…" Midna gingerly raised her hand, "Are we sure it's a good idea to let a child guide us?" She gestured to Faso, "I mean, this could be dangerous, right?"

"Kid," Faso groaned, "I've been leading people in the Lost Woods since before you were born."

Tatl tried to hide his chuckling. Navi leaned over and spoke, "Kokiri don't age the same way as other people. Their adults usually look like children."

"We weren't staying in a tiny hotel because we can't afford a full sized one." Tatl joked, "Though, with our funding, we can't even really afford a mini hotel." Faso looked at Link with concern, and she reassured him that he was, indeed, being paid for his work.

"With nothing else…" Link paused, waiting for more questions, "Let's go."

The group walked through the forest behind the hotel. The trees were so dense that the intense sunlight of the day couldn't quite get through. The path was covered with shadows and it was sometimes difficult for Midna to see. She followed behind Navi, Link, and Faso, who was riding on Link's shoulders, talking into Link's ear and pointing. It seemed like Faso was leading them in circles, but every time he was questioned (by Midna) he said something about "following the music."

After a few hours, Midna's energy was waning. Link, Navi, and Faso started to pull away from Midna until they were yards ahead of her. Tatl, who was bringing up the rear, caught up to her, "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," she moaned, "Just didn't expect this much hiking."

"The note said we were going to be in the field, didn't it?"

"No, it said be ready to work. It didn't say what kind of work."

"Oh…"

"I brought a laptop and a spiral notebook." She hit her backpack with her elbow.

Tatl laughed, "They'll come in handy later." He paused, trying to assess Midna's mood while she was intent on revealing as little as possible. "At least you're wearing boots."

"They're all for show. I've got, like, three blisters already."

Tatl was taken aback, "Why haven't you said anything? We have a first aid kit, we could get you fixed up."

"I don't like complaining. And I don't want to slow everyone down."

"Anything else I should know?"

"Well, I haven't eaten since this morning." This was a lie; Midna hadn't eaten since the night before. Her stomach was starting to groan.

Tatl smiled, "That, I can do something about." Without slowing down, he reached into the side pocket of the backpack and pulled out a wrapped protein bar, "Here, all yours."

Midna took the bar, opened the package, and rammed the food into her mouth. It was sweet and stuck to her teeth.

"Listen," Tatl said, in an unfamiliar sincere tone, "I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. I just wanted to say sorry about that."

"mmhmm" Midna couldn't speak with the protein bar in her mouth. She tried to peel the chocolate and granola off her teeth to acknowledge the effort Tatl was making.

"Oh, yeah," Tatl noticed her trouble and reached into the backpack, "Here." He handed Midna a bottle of water.

Link looked back at Midna and Tatl, Midna was eating a protein bar while Tatl held a water bottle beside her. The two of them were laughing, and it was the first time anyone in the group had seen Midna smile. As they reached a small clearing, Navi leaned over to Link, "Professor, mind if I talk to you for a bit?"

Link nodded, "Faso, can I put you down?"

"Yeah, sure. If you want to rest here I'll move ahead. I think we're close." Link and Navi stopped walking, and Link knelt down and let Faso jump off her. He jogged off and cut between trees, and was now out of sight. Link turned back to Tatl and Midna to watch them catch up, but instead they had stopped walking too. Midna was taking off her boot and Tatl was digging through the backpack's outside pocket.

"Professor," Navi started, "Can I ask you a question?"

"Always" Link said, still watching Midna and Tatl.

"Remember what you said before you left this morning?"

"Yeah."

"You said 'don't let Tatl hit on the undergrad."

"I know. I say that every time we get an undergrad."

"Yeah," Navi was wringing her hands, "It's just…It's just this time you meant it." Link turned to look at Navi for the first time. Navi looked serious and adjusted her glasses, "Professor, she's never had an archeology class before. She hasn't written anything worthwhile, She doesn't know what she's doing."

"You don't like her?"

"Do you?" Navi was abrupt with this question. Link's eyes narrowed. "I mean, usually an undergrad arrives and you at least introduce yourself. Heck, sometimes you even say a full sentence to them. But this one shows up, this one that you really don't want Tatl to get close to, this one with no archeology experience, and you don't say anything to her? Professor," Navi leaned in, "Why is she here?"

Link's jaw clenched as she glared at Navi. Navi was always perceptive; it was one of the things Link appreciated about her. It made her a good research assistant and a good archeologist, but it had its drawbacks. It wouldn't be long before Navi figured everything out, and only if Link told her in person could Link control her reaction. Link considered it for a moment before opening her mouth, "Tatl, Midna," she called before turning her head to them, "What's going on?"

Tatl called back as Midna tied her tall boots, "Basic first aid; no problem!"

"Then hurry up." Link locked eyes with Navi before walking away to sit on a fallen tree. Navi sat down on a nearby rock. Soon, Tatl came to them, carrying the backpack on his back and Midna in his arms.

"Tatl, I'm sure Midna can walk on her own," Navi said reproachfully. Despite Link's cold non-answers, Navi took her request to keep Tatl from flirting with Midna to heart.

"Calm down, mom," Tatl responded as she set Midna down on Link's log, "She has a couple of blisters. I figured as long as we were taking a break I'd carry her.

"It wasn't my idea." Midna said as Tatl sat on the ground across the clearing from Midna. He passed protein bars to the other members of the group. Tatl did most of the talking for the group, though Midna and Navi would chime in every now and then.

After everyone had finished their food and drank a little water, Faso came back to the clearing. "Alright, I think I found your ruins."

"Damn," Tatl joked, "I wish we had you from the beginning."

"Would you like a protein bar, Faso?" Navi asked courteously.

"I don't eat that crap," Faso turned her down, less courteously, "Let's get going I don't want to be out after dark." Faso hurried them up. Tatl was the first to pop up. He went to Midna and offered her a hand, but she made a point to stand on her own. While he darted back to put the backpack on, Link and Navi stood, ready to follow Faso.

After perhaps an hour or so, Faso lead them through an immensely dense patch of trees and up a large hill. "Ladies and gentleman, your temple." Faso pointed un-ceremonially. The rest of the group, who had fallen behind in the thick trees, reached the top of the hill one by one. When they arrived, they found a large clearing in the trees. The stone temple towered over the trees, and was built up on yet another mound. Even though the foliage growing up the walls camouflaged the temple well, Tatl made a remark about how he couldn't believe that they didn't see it before.

Midna stepped forward into the clearing and tripped on a huge stone plate on the ground. She quickly pushed herself up, nothing hurt but her pride and some scuffed hands.

"Professor, look," Navi said, pointing at the stone tablet, "There's been quite a bit of erosion, but you can clearly see the Triforce symbol."

"How is it so well preserved? Is this from the same period as the temple?" Link asked.

"Looks like it," Navi responded, "It's not uncommon for temples of this period to be relatively well preserved, but this one seems to have endured better than the others. Especially considering they haven't been actively preserved by the surrounding population."

"Hey, ladies?" asked Tatl, "What is the symbol in the middle? I don't recognize it." Link and the graduate students continued to investigate the plate as Midna took some steps toward the temple.

"Uh, guys?"

"What, Midna?" Link called, not looking up from the plate.

"How are we gonna get up there?"