Yuga glared down at the purple-clad knight with contempt. At first, Ravio could have been described as meek, but over his years of training, he was no longer intimidated as easily. Yuga sorely resented that. To Yuga, Ravio was a nuisance of the worst kind – an eyesore that he could scarcely bring himself to look upon. But that wasn't the only thing that irritated Yuga. Ravio would frequently try to sell him overpriced junk one moment, and then try to persuade Hilda to get rid of him the next – the worm! It wasn't that Yuga was concerned about money. With his staff, he could make just about anything materialize on walls, even rupees. Ravio, of course, knew this and wanted to turn a profit off Yuga's unique ability. It hardly mattered that they couldn't stand each other.

Today, however, Ravio wasn't trying to sell him anything. It was worse. He wanted to speak with Hilda for whatever asinine reason. Yuga gave an exasperated sigh, his patience already dwindling.

"You're spoiling my day, boy, and I won't have you spoil her's as well," said Yuga, already feeling the sting of irony behind his words. He wasn't in any position to speak ill of Ravio. The boy was the bearer of the Triforce of Reason, which was known to be the mark of the hero, and because of this, he was highly favored by Hilda.

"Geez, buddy. I was, you know...just asking. No need to bite my head off," said Ravio in the most tactful manner he could muster.

Yuga cringed. When had they become 'buddies'.

Sheerow began to fly in a wide arc around Yuga's head. He swatted at the bird with his free hand, but Sheerow continued to circle him.

"Gah! Tell that thing to light before it ruins my beautiful hair."

"But, Yuga, Sheerow isn't anywhere near your hair."

Yuga tightened his grip on his staff, the colorful flames starting to flare. The boy was either intentionally pushing his buttons or had no sense of personal space.

Of course! Only a dullard like him would bring his pet to work. No, I'm sorry, 'business partner'. I would remedy this, but what a horrendous painting this bird would make. Not even my superb talent could create anything of worth from that.

It was tempting, but the staff was only to be used for official duties. If he misused it, word would get back to Her Grace, and she wouldn't be happy.

"H-hey Sheerow, stop that, ok?" Ravio said, nervously eyeing Yuga's staff.

At last, the bird flew back to his master's shoulder, giving a single cheerful chirp.

"I still can't understand why Hilda gave you that staff," Ravio said in a suspicious tone.
"For what purpose would she need such magic?"

"To protect her," Yuga replied, becoming more incensed by the moment.

The faint sound of footsteps nearby caught his attention - the graceful gait of the princess. The back gate creaked open and then shut with a loud clang. The courtyard was her favorite place. Of course, she would go there.

"Hmph, I don't have time to listen to any more of your prattle." Yuga turned, heading towards the courtyard.

Hilda had seemed so distant today, more so than usual, almost secretive and on edge. Why did she have to be so aloof towards him? Maybe it was just as well, he thought. How long had he kept things from her?

oOo

Hilda sat down on a stone bench in front of a fountain. She'd only listened in on the conversation between Ravio and Yuga for a few moments, before retreating to the courtyard.

The whole situation was surreal. She already felt out of place in this Lorule where there was no sign of ruin or decay. She wanted to know everything about it, but she knew she couldn't tell anyone about the wish she had made. She rested her gloved palm against her brow, massaging away an oncoming headache. There was, however, a small consolation in the knowledge that she and Ravio held two pieces of the Triforce. Perhaps the Triforce was safe this way, split apart.

The sound of slippers on cobblestone and the swish of silk pants caught her attention. Hilda recognized those footsteps. She held her breath, her heartbeat quickening again. She turned her head to glance at Yuga, before turning back, hoping, praying he wouldn't acknowledge her presence and continue wherever he was going.

"Ah, there you are, Your Grace. I thought I might find you here." He came to stand a few feet in front of her. She was so transfixed by his gaze it took her a moment before she sensed he wanted to sit down with her. She moved so that there could be space between them.

"Hilda, my dear, why do you surround yourself with such filthy fools? Such a baleful affront to your magnificence..."

She had nothing to say to him and everything to say to him. She couldn't find the words to express what she felt. She cast a few sideways glances at him, unable to read his expression. He caught one of her glances. A smirk played across his lips, as he finally spoke again.

"Why do you study me so? Has my perfection become too much for you?"

Hilda felt her face grow warm. She might have abided his incessant flattery before, but no longer. She paused, formulating her response, sorely tempted to tell him where he could take his staff and shove it. She decided to play along.

"It's not proper for a princess to tell her male attendant her most intimate thoughts. How dare you even ask."

Yuga chuckled. "Even so, if you'll permit me, Princess...Someday I'd love to hear them. I'm sure your mind is a beautiful thing as well."

A large colorful bird appeared from behind one of the hedges, catching Hilda's eye - a peacock, a creature she'd only seen before in pictures within storybooks. It seemed to pay no mind to the princess and sorcerer watching it. It took its time, strutting towards the fountain, where it began to drink.

"Ah, here we are..." Yuga stood, moving towards the fountain to gather a fallen feather. He admired the ornate green plume briefly, before approaching her again. He leaned in to arrange the feather in her hair.

"It suits you well, Your Grace."

"Thank you..." Hilda muttered, not meeting his eyes.

"I have some things to attend to. Until later, Your Grace." Yuga bowed and then disappeared behind the hedges.

She waited until she could no longer hear his footsteps. She pulled the feather from her hair, and concealed it between gloved hands, as she listened to the trickle of the fountain.

Yuga, did you really hide your true colors all those years? Could it have been Ganon's influence or the Triforce of Power? Perhaps you never stood a chance...

She stroked the feather between silky gloved fingers.

No, he knew what he was doing. I was just his pawn. He never cared about Lorule, and never will...

Her fist constricted, completely forgetting the object she held.

Why can't I accept that he used me? I hate making excuses for him like this. And for what? Why do I care?

Hilda felt her eyes begin to sting.

Because I should have had the foresight to stop you. I should have protected you. I failed you like I have many others.

She opened a clenched fist. The feather lay tattered and twisted, flawed and imperfect in the palm of her hand.