Chapter Five

Interlude

Moonlight fell through the windows, casting darker shadows than the sunlight had nearly eighteen hours before. As if to make a mockery of the peaceful start of her day, Zelda's dreams were plagued with screams and bloodshed. Angry orange eyes followed her through the darkness of her mind as she tore at her bed in a frantic attempt to free herself from the horrid scenes which held her tightly in their claws.

After a leisurely dinner, Guardian and Charge had retired to their chambers for the night. Silenced with shock and numbed from grief, they spoke little until well wishes were exchanged for the night.

Whispers of Impa's words filled her ears as Zelda's nails dug into the thick quilt wrapped around her. Cold sweat drenched her writhing frame as she tore through the haunting memories. With a warrior's strength, Zelda wrenched herself upright and threw the covers across the room.

"Come to me," whispered the voice which haunted her darkest memories. Without hesitation, she scrambled from the bed and ran across the empty room. Her thought became heavy as her mind was entrapped in the need to follow the call. Agony choked her as her bare feet pounded soundlessly against the carpeted floor. Misery tore at her heart as she fumbled to open the hidden door with little light. A quiet click echoed through her silent room as she slipped behind the door and pulled it shut.

Ignoring the whispers in her ear, the frightened Queen practically leapt from the threshold to the side of Impa's bed. Barely able to grasp the covers in her shaking hand, the young woman slid beside her Guardian. Trembling from fear and the cold night, she pressed herself against the Sheikah, seeking warmth in whatever form she could. The beat of her pounding heart deafened her to the crackling fire and various sounds echoing through the castle.

The whispered words became spiteful, their sensual command slowly losing their soft edge.

"Come to me Zelda…or you will regret it."

Angry dictations sliced through her mind and heart, sending new chills down her spine. She closed her eyes, trying to ignore what only she could see. A silent whimper tore from her throat as hands wrapped around her soul and beckoned her. Visions of violence and pain ran through her wounded mind like blood down a sword, trickling deeper towards her heart with every frantic breath she drew. Her voice was barely a sound on the silent air when she spoke her plea with a single word. "Impa..."

Partially awakened by Zelda's terror, Impa blinked several times and pressed a hand to her mouth to stifle a yawn. Eyes blurred and mind clouded by her deep sleep, the Sheikah rolled away from the wall. Fatigue weighed her movements as she clumsily wrapped her arms around the woman curled at her side. "Zelda, what is it? Did something happen?" she mumbled sleepily. Barely registering the black streaks of hidden knowledge running through their bond, she tightened her arms and ran a hand through Zelda's hair. "Talk to me keta," she murmured.

Though waking quickly, confusion and exhaustion clouded her mind further as Zelda's terror urged her body into action. Attempting to calm the trembling woman, Impa reached behind her to grab a knife. When a whimper met her words, she laid beside the brunette once more, worry lacing around her heart. "Zelda, please speak to me." Her eyes, used to the darkness and shadows of the night, met the grey-green orbs of her Charge. A shiver ran down her spine as tears sparkled in Zelda's wide eyes.

"I had a nightmare," the Hylian whispered as regret chocked her. Unable to meet Impa's knowing gaze any longer, she pressed her face into Impa's neck and wrapped her arms around the other woman's shoulders. "A really bad nightmare. Hold me…please," she begged. The need to flee the castle ran through her veins like her rushing blood as the voice became louder, more demanding. Eyes closed tightly against the truth, she whimpered once more. "Don't let me go." With a swallow, she sobbed and let her tears fall freely.

"Never keta, never," Impa promised as she held the crying woman to her. Pulling the covers over them once more, she waited for her Charge to sleep before sliding the knife under the pillow. She closed her eyes and fell into a fitful sleep, caught between the need to protect and her heart's need to love and trust the one who was her reason for living.

Through the night and early morning, Guardian and Charge kept their embrace tight as their demons haunted their dreams. When dawn finally woke the Sheikah, Impa found herself wrapped protectively around the chilled Hylian. Despite the heavy covers and dying fire, Zelda's skin remained as cold as the midnight air.

With a heavy sigh, she closed her eyes to rest until the Queen rose.

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AN: Well….dang. No words.

Songs:

Stricken by Disturbed

Wash Away Those Years by Creed

Whisper by Within Temptation

Her Diamonds by Rob Thomas