Link slept without dreams but woke up earlier than everyone. Everyone had removed the flamebreaker armor to sleep but were informed that it would be needed constantly in Goron City. No one liked it, but Midna made a point of telling them that the armor was rare. He slid out of the bed, greeting the night stable worker on his way out.

The early morning air was warm, perhaps because of being near the volcano. He made his way over to the path and sat in the grass, watching the clouds slowly drifting across the sky.

A few minutes passed, and he heard someone walking up behind him. Linebeck sat in the grass next to him, rubbing at his eyes. They didn't interact for a few minutes, though Link glanced at him every few moments.

The sky got lighter before Linebeck spoke. "You want to be a knight, huh. What made you choose that guild? Glory or some shit?"

Crossing his arms and straightening his back, Link shook his head. "No, no. I want to be able to protect the land I live in, and fight against those that wish to harm the innocent."

Linebeck leaned back with his elbows on the grass. The knight relaxed slightly, fixing his gaze on the man beside him. "Why did you assume glory?"

"...Hm?"

"Why did you assume that I joined the knight's guild for glory? I haven't known you for that long, but I get the feeling you expect the worst of everyone."

A few birds chirped nearby, filling the momentary silence. "I usually expect the worst of everything. I'm technically a pessimist. Most people don't understand it, but I'd prefer to expect bad things and be proven wrong when I'm incorrect, rather than expect the best and be disappointed when it turns out the other way."

"Oh."

Link sighed loudly and flopped onto his back on the grass, looking at the clouds above him for discernable shapes. Deciding against turning his head, the hopeful young man quietly asked, "Why did you join the thief's guild? It's not really seen as honorable, and after what happened to the former king and queen and Zelda's retaliation..."

Waiting for a response, Link made a mental list of shapes in the clouds. A flower, a fish, a star, what he made out to be a wolf. Chuckling to himself, Link reflected on how clouds usually look like a sheep. A wolf in sheep's clothing... he thought to himself. Funny, if a bit chilling, considering the current events. The next cloud looked like a dragon.

"I don't care much for honor."

Link broke out of his thoughts. The reedy thief was standing now, facing the volcano. "What do you mean?"

"I don't care for honor. If you get into an honorable fight, you have a higher chance of dying. Even if it is dishonorable, cheating can ensure you live, and you'd be considered cleverer. I also joined it because I knew there'd be more time to adventure, and I d usually been told I can be pretty sneaky."

Link's gaze switched to Linebeck. A strange chill pulled the hair on the back of his neck on end. "Don't care for honor? But... it's morally better to be honorable..."

"I don't really care as long as I come out as the winner, and alive. I know my moral compass could be considered pretty damaged. You mentioned about Zelda's retaliation on my guild, right?"

Did his remark hit a nerve with that? "I- yeah. I'm sorry if that's a sensitive subject..."

"It kinda is. I was new to the guild, joining with my brother about a month before the attack. I was seventeen at the time. We heard about the death of the king and queen and openly grieved for them. Like the rest of the guild. So, you could imagine the surprise and feeling of betrayal when Zelda basically shoved the declaration of war down the guild leader's throat.

"No one was really ready, and it was a few days before we could properly defend ourselves. By then, a fair number of members had been killed or wounded. The new group was advised to hide in more protected spots. My brother and I were ushered to one, but he never made it."

The light-haired knight s eyes widened. "I-I didn't think you were a part of it..." He muttered numbly. Pulling his hands closer to his head, Link pushed himself off the grass and unsteadily got to his feet. "I wouldn't blame you for having a bit of a grudge against Zelda."

The thief shrugged with a small grunt. "Yeah, most of the guild is still made, but we're smart enough not to retaliate. Forgive and forget, y'know. It's just that we had a hard time with the forgive, and the forget is clearly out of the question."

The shorter swordsman scrutinized the taller for a moment, trying to find emotional hints of what he was feeling. All he saw was a blank face. In an attempt to be friendly, Link smiled brightly at Linebeck, and to his surprise, got a faint smile in return. "I'm going to see if anyone's awake. I might make breakfast in a bit if you are interested."

He walked off with a slight spring in his step. It might have turned into a bit of a melancholy talk, but he learned more about the new group member. A quick survey of the stable room proved that everyone was still asleep. The cooking pot wasn t lit. Searching the perimeter, Link found a bit of flint. A quick strike with his sword and the flint started a small fire under the pot.

The pack of ingredients was a tad bit bare, but he found some eggs in a soft pocket. Searching through a bit more and finding some butter, Link decided that just omelets would work. Besides, there was plenty for everyone. He cracked the eggs and let them in the pot, and was well on his way to making food, dropping the butter in slowly.

He almost started folding them over before he felt someone shaking his shoulder. "Just eggs, huh. That's no fun." He turned and frowned at Linebeck. "What? It s fine."

"Nah, its better if you add to the egg. You should get some herbs to cut up and put in."

Link made no noise as Linebeck pushed him aside. "Ill do the eggs. You go get some herbs and cut it up."

"But-"

"Do it, boy."

Huffing slightly, he looked around the area for herbs. It didn t take long; there was a small patch nearby. He bent down next to it and pulled some off. Something shifted near the dirt, and Link screamed, jumping back as the large spider scurried near him.

"Smooth." Link flinched at Linebeck s deadbeat drawl. He gathered up the herbs and trudged back to cut it up. The knight started dicing off the bulbs, holding it down with a hand. It didn t take long for him to fumble with the knife, and he gave himself a clean cut across his right palm.

Hissing in pain and letting the knife clatter on the wood table, he covered the bleeding wound to stop the flow. Looking around rather frantically, he whipped around. "I, uh, cut myself."

Linebeck glanced at him and noticed the cut, and Link watched him walk back into the stable. He returned with some bandages and ointment. "Sit." Link backed up and collapsed in the chair.

He held out his bloodstained hand and braced himself to hold still. He let the taller rub some ointment on the wound, and hissed through his teeth, feeling the cut stinging. While Linebeck wrapped a bandage around the wound, Link asked curiously, "You seem a bit more... nice today as compared to last night."

"I got sleep." He answered simply, focusing on the bandages. "I'm less willing to deal with people's shit the longer I'm awake." Once finished, he walked off, leaving Link to finish up cutting the herbs. Experimentally Link rubbed the bandages and turned back to what he was doing.

Zelda yawned, rolling over to try and delay having to get up. She was in no mood to go to a volcano, but she at least didn't need to wear the same armor as the knights. Link seemed more tolerable of it, but she could had sworn she spotted Damian attempting to kick the helmet into the strip of water behind the stable before Everen stopped him.

She stayed in bed for a bit longer before forcing herself off the pleasant mattress. Half-stumbling out of the stable, she nearly passed Link, who greeted her with a silent wave. She smiled over a him awkwardly and leaned against the nearest crate. Yawning, the clouds above were a bit blurry to the queen. Pulling her gaze back to the earth, she studied Link a bit, and noticed the bandages covering his palm. "Oh, did you get hurt or something?"

The trainee blinked and pulled up his hand to look at it. "Oh, I was making breakfast for everyone and cut myself cutting some things up. Linebeck helped me patch it up. He's a lot nicer when he gets some sleep, you know."

Zelda tilted her head, remembering last night's curiosity. "Oh, really?" I guess he would be a bit more tolerable when rested." She glanced around a bit, and saw a few omelets set on the outside table. It that what you made? She walked up to them and looked each one over, sliding one plate over to her. "I guess we are leaving in about an hour, so I should get ready. Thanks!"

They both sat at one of the inside tables, Link informing her that he had already eaten. They talked in hushed tones until everyone woke up. Most of the knights were ready to go, and Link joined them to put on the needed armor. Midna sat across from Zelda with their shared pack of potions.

She leaned over the table to get a good look. The twili mage held it open wider. "Do you think we've got enough to last us the whole time?"

Midna withdrew the bag and starting to count the bottles. "Yeah, each should last about twelve hours, and we've got about 40 in here. I think we'll both last." She dropped the volume of her voice and bit and leaned closer. "Do you think you be as safe in Death Mountain as Zora's Domain? I mean, we thought the domain would be perfect, but the attacker still showed up. You were fine on the way here, but there was a large amount of people around on horses."

Zelda gave her a nervous but reassuring smile. "Well, Death Mountain didn't get its name for nothing. I doubt I'll be in much danger from much else than the elements and monsters." She pulled the potion bag across the table and looked through it. Exactly 40. Glancing around the stable, she spotted Linebeck just outside. "You think he's got enough? I mean, he is coming with us."

The mage shrugged. "I asked him about it. He's got more potions then he really needs. He'll be fine." She followed Zelda s gaze and watched him talking with a few of the knights. "I know you haven't known him as long as I have, but he seems a bit less social than a few years ago. I actually asked him about it yesterday, and he simply said that he had more on his mind."

"I think he's interesting." Midna shot Zelda an amused look. "One day. You met him one day ago."

She shrugged, running a hand through her hair and shifting the diamond circlet. "I don't know. He just fascinates me a bit. I've never really interacted with too many thieves, and he seems unique."

Midna scowled, crossing her arms. "He's a quick study. He's a self-absorbed jackass. Not much to be interested about, though I think Wolf- er, Link is trying hard at becoming his friend. He's surprisingly charismatic when he wants to be, though, depending on the audience."

The queen shrugged and turned back to face her friend. "I want to know more about him." Midna rolled her eyes.

They all gathered together and set off to the mountain. Passing through the Maw of Death Mountain, Zelda informed the trainees that they only needed two pieces of armor to proper have the needed fire protection. Not even a minute after receiving this information, each of the future knights removed a piece of equipment, ranging between chest pieces and helmets.

The majority of the group was all bunched up, with Zelda predictably in the lead. Link strayed around the back, keeping an eye on the newcomer. Linebeck was distant from the group, both a few feet away and refused to answer when talked to, deep in thought. A few times, he walked closer, but he waved him away without glancing up.

Aside from passing a few ruins and seeing the occasional fire chuchu, the walk was mostly boring. The heat rose dramatically the farther they got, and soon Link felt like his own skin was melting off with his sweat. He didn t realize they had passed into the fiery part until they passed a pool of lava. Only a few more meters were walked until a black lizalfos sprang at them. Without hesitation, Zelda unsheathed her sword and with a few swift and skilled attacks, left the lizalfos for dead.

As it dissipated into dust, Linebeck stared down at it, and said with the most deadbeat voice he could muster, "You know, I thought this would be boring, but things really heated up for a moment there."

A few stifled laughs were heard in the group, and Midna shot Linebeck a withering glare. They continued on the path.

Only a few minutes had passed before they encountered a few more enemies. This time, Link and Damian both jumped ahead to deal with them and killed the moblins with relative ease. Damian bent down and picked up a moblin fang before it burned, and they both heard Linebeck speak again behind them, with more emotion then before. "Hah, they shouldn't have messed with us, it's clear they couldn't take the heat!"

Midna very visibly clenched her teeth, glaring daggers at the thief.

The march was resumed, and Link was now anticipating the next pun to be heard. A few minutes passed without delay, and they soon reached the first mine. Zelda left the trainees behind, and Midna kept and angry eye on Linebeck. Unsure what to do, Link glanced around and waved at the nearest goron kindly. After a moment, the goron smiled back, returning the wave. Footsteps approaching the group made him turn his head.

Zelda smiled brightly, looking slightly flustered. "Well, we still have a way to go. But, they also said that the city has been preparing for us, and that they'd be happy to have us there for the next three weeks."

Link turned his head towards Linebeck and saw him laughing to himself a bit. "Well, it's nice to know they'll accept us so warmly, it really melts the heart!"

More people laughed at that one, a few gorons around them looking confused. Midna continued glaring daggers, her eyes narrowed. What was her problem? Before Link could think of a rational answer, Zelda had them keep moving. More lava surrounded the path up to the city, and the heat intensified uncomfortably.

Linebeck quickened his pace, trying to hide his smile but failing. Link sped up after him, watching as he stopped next to Zelda. She gazed at him warily before he spoke. "You're responsible for this whole group yes?"

Nodding slowly, clearly anticipating another pun. "Yeah, I'm in charge of their actions and would take responsibility."

His green, bloodshot eyes glittering with humor, he continued with, "So, would you say that you're in the hot seat right now?"

Zelda let out a small chuckle before dissolving into laughs, and the group followed until Midna whipped around and punched Linebeck in the face, clearly livid.

Everyone watched in a stunned silence as Linebeck fell to the ground and curled up, cupping his nose while Midna kept her fist clenched, glaring down at him. Link didn't even dare breath. The only noise was Linebeck's quiet, hurt whine.

And then everyone was talking at once. Zelda stomped up to Midna, pulled roughly on her arm and shouting in her face, "What is wrong with you?! You can't just attack him, no matter how annoying! Self-control, dammit!"

Most of the knights were talking riotously, shoving at each other, obsessing and worrying out loud to one another. Link didn t bother listening in, he caught a glimpse of Damian, shouting boisterously above the rest of the crowd. "Midna holy crap that was AWESOME! Do it again!"

Thinking quickly and succumbing to his good and unselfish nature, Link pushed through the tiny crowd. He reached where Linebeck was curled up on the ground and crouched near him. Tentatively placing a hand on his shoulder, Link asked sympathetically, "You ok? I'd assume it was a pretty aggressive hit."

He pulled back slightly, give the thief space and push himself off the ground and kneel with his head tilted down. Link decided to ignore the blood dripping from his nose. "Do you think it s broken?"

Linebeck held out his hand, catching the dripping blood in his palm. "Maybe, though I think she was holding back. Hurts like hell..."

Not bothering to ask, Link positioned himself next to him and helped him stand, Linebeck s arm across his shoulder. Staring at the way Linebeck had his hand covering his nose, he contemplated what a broken nose would even feel like. "Hey, do you think you ll be recovering for too long?"

Experimentally removing his hand and showing the bloody mess around his nose, the thief shrugged shakily. "Probably not, Midna's nice enough not to do too much damage. She knows how important I am."

Link sighed. He d only been around him for less than twenty-four hours, and he could clearly tell this guy was a piece of work. Though his friendship would most likely prove to be worth gaining. He peered back at the group, and let his eyes follow Zelda while she calmed the group down. Midna looked to have chilled out for a bit.

"Can you think of a reason for why Midna hit you?"

Linebeck laughed awkwardly. "We met in Hebra Mountains a few years ago and was stuck there for some time. In a sca- I-in a tight situation I usually make puns to try and break the ice. She didn t take too kindly to it when we were in that frozen-over hell, considering that I kept coming up with new ones. I guess she's sick and tired of it. It has been a few years though."

Link studied his gaunt face, looking for hidden emotions. A quick glance would just bring attention to his dauntless smirk, but the way his eyes darted around suggested something else. It was almost unnerving, the way he'd glance around rapidly, linger for a moment then continue to look around.

Slightly more concerned, Link murmured, "Are you really alright? Did you hit your head or something?"

"...What?"

Link stepped away, allowing Linebeck to stand without his support. "Did you hit your head? You're acting a bit strangely."

Linebeck hesitated for a moment, bringing his hand to his head. "I guess. I am a bit woozy. She really caught me off-guard..."

"Is he alright?" Zelda walked up behind them, a genuinely concerned look on her face. The group of knights was more docile, Midna looking like she was talking with them. The blue-eyed knight shrugged. "I'm not really sure. He said that his nose isn't too badly hurt, but we're both pretty sure he might have hit his head. Maybe he can rest while we're at Goron City?"

The group debated how they d spend the first day in the city and continued on their path. Midna strayed to the back and attempted to talk to Linebeck, apologizing, but every time Link glanced back he was turned away, occasionally wiping at the blood on his face. The rest of the path to the city was straightforward and were soon greeted by the first guard. He greeted them enthusiastically and led them into the city.

It was smaller than Link expected, though he was too captivated by the stone structures to pay attention to each speaker. Everything was stone or metal. The bridges they walked on a few times were metal, and it made Link wonder if Gorons felt much heat on their feet, considering the metal just above lava.

It didn t take all that long for them to find the inn, and everyone set their things up quickly. Linebeck disappeared for some time, having gone to ask around for someone to help him with his nose. The knights were mostly talking in one corner, and Link decided to join them. The current topic of choice happened to be Midna, who was trapped by the group circled around her. "Guys, guys, clam down, I'm not normally that aggressive, I just flew off the handle for a moment there. I could tell you more about my guild, though."

Link pushed his way closer to her, and asked, "Why exactly are you considered mages? I mean I understand with the elemental weapons, but can you do any magic?"

She contemplated his question and smiled at them. "Yeah, we do. The longer we're in the guild, the more we can learn. We can't learn anything really powerful, but after fifteen years, I've learned some pretty cool things."

She held out her hand, palm up, and a small white light hovered above it. The knights gasped and stepped back with awed shouts as it spread across her hand and up her arm and turned into ice. "This is one of my favorite things to do. It's a bit hard to learn successfully and maintain in a place like this, but I like ice-based magics."

Link was again shoved to the back, Damian shrugging sympathetically at him. Zelda spoke behind him, her voice rather quiet. "Hey, do you mind coming with me on a walk tonight? I want to look around the area a bit more, and with all these attacks I'd feel safer with you around."

She fiddled with her bow while she waited for a response, tugging gently on the string. "Sure, I'll come," Link responded, smiling brightly. "When do we leave?"

A few hours had passed, and everyone came to the unanimous agreement that the rock beds were very much uncomfortable, most of them opposed to sleeping on them. A few people fought over who got to sleep on the pile of bags, but Zelda told them not to, considering that a few of the bags had weapons in them.

Linebeck had returned a few minutes after the bed debate with a few bandages over the bridge of his nose. He had been given a sort of sleeping concoction to help him and ended up taking it just before dark. Link was personally impressed that he was out only a few minutes after drinking it. He got bored of waiting and decided to tend to his sword while anticipating when Zelda would leave.

By the time everyone fell alseep, Link s sword basically glowed. Spending over an hour shining and cleaning it made it look as good as new. Sighing, then holding back a yawn, Link slid the weapon back into its sheathe. His shield was holding up rather well, though he decided against cleaning it. Zelda walked in the inn near midnight, gesturing for him to follow her out of the city.

It didn t take long to leave, considering the size. Only one or two gorons were still out and about, but they didn t pay any attention to the hylians. The queen led him to a back way in, passing the city s shrine. Link followed her slowly, staying away from the cliff edges. "Where are we going?"

Zelda didn't turn to face him when answering. "I'm just curious about the volcano. I want to get a closer look with you."

They walked for a little longer. Link felt a bit confused, then spoke his mind. "Why always me? Have you ever spent time with the others?"

"Yeah, actually. A few times in Zora's Domain, I took a few of them aside and looked around the area with them. You should talk to Rowan more. She's interesting. I've always thought Damian was too aggressive. Though, put together with your skill and connection to the legends, I'm more curious about you."

They crossed a large bridge, and Zelda took out another fireproof elixir and drank it and handed the knight one as well. Link felt a low burning in his torso, but his legs were fine, and the elixir allowed him to take the helmet off. "Why are you so hung up about the legend? I understand the deal with you and I having names from the legend as well as the other thief you mentioned, but perhaps it's just a coincidence."

The queen stopped and sighed. If it weren t for the nearby lava, she d just be a silhouette when Link looked at her. "It s just... with the attacks on my life, and my discovery of you... I've been worried that we might repeat history in a way. I've had a friend of mine keep an eye on the thief Ganondorf. I know it's paranoid and a bit odd, but I'm just scared that something will be triggered."

A few rocks tumbled down near the two of them, and they both glanced up at a higher cliff, distrustful. Zelda pointed up at it. "Want to check that out?"

Together, they climbed up the cliff. Zelda lunged up a bit of the way, and continued up unaffected, and when Link tried he felt drained. Clawing the top of the cliff and pulling himself up, the swordsman gasped for a few breaths while Zelda looked around. Taking in the broad expanse of rock, Link glanced over at the queen. "I-I take it you've h-had more time to train your stamina..."

She didn't answer. The sound of metal scraping against rock hurt Link s ears. Why the hell was she moving pebbles with her sword? That would only damage it. Standing up, less out of breath, Link looked around the clifftop. Nothing. The falling rocks must have just been a stupid coincidence. Zelda made a small interested noise. "Look at this."

Link walked over and crouched down next to her. She was pointing at what looked to be a smear of liquid. It was difficult to see, but Link spotted a circle of the liquid around them. "What the heck is this?"

"I don't know... Could you look around a bit more? Maybe head up that hill."

Obeying the queen, Link stood up and walked over to the dark hill, trudging up its surprisingly steep side. Shadows over took more of the volcano side, the moon only but a slit in the night sky. The liquid trailed up the hill with him, and he turned back around upon reaching the top.

His scream was cut off by a hand covering his mouth. The person behind him tugged him back aggressively and pressed a knife to his throat. Their breath was warm against his ear, even in the already scorching temperatures. "Ah-ah-ah... wouldn't want to worry our dear Queen Zelda, now, would we?"

The words were slow and drawn out, the speaker lowering and raising their voice pitch and making it impossible to pinpoint their gender, or to allow him to think of anyone with the same voice. Link stared down at Zelda, an overwhelming sense of dread threatening to drown him. "Don't struggle, my dear friend... she won't see you anyways. Too dark, hmmm?" The knife blade dug further into his skin. His attacker's voice settled on a mid-pitched voice, able to belong to anyone. "I have a show to put on for you, alright, buddy?"

The golden-haired young man struggling furiously, the figure slipped their leg around Link's, managing to better hold him in place. Their voice turned harsh. "No struggling. That was my rule. You don't break my rules." A chill shot down Link's spine. "I make the rules... Ok, friend? And this game I'm playing only needs two players, got it?" The knife was removed from his neck. Their breathing became harsher, and the figure held out a gloved hand so that Link could see it. A match was between their thumb and forefinger, the hot air lighting it.

The attacker's voice pitch turned higher, almost playful and giddy, now. "My game only needs two people, right? I don't like when others... interfere." They dropped the match into the liquid. Link's heart skipped a beat, remembering that Zelda was in the middle of the liquid- no, oil, he now knew- circle. The knife was once again against his throat.

The young man struggled more frantically as the voice in their ear became more sinister. "You see..." The oil caught fire, and spread quickly down the hill, circling Zelda. She screamed. "I won't tolerate others who want to play with us." Link tried to bite his attacker s hand, but the grip was too firm, and trying to pull their arm away was useless as well. "You want to play. You're a part of this now, and I... I don't like it. I want you to opt out of this game."

His throat began to sting, and warm liquid dripped down from a cut made by the blade. The attacker lowered both their voice volume and pitch, leaning in closer. "I've watched you break my rules and cheat... and I won't allow that." They slid the blade slowly across his neck, lengthening the cut. Zelda frantically spun around, screaming for help now. "You get one warning, kay, buddy? I think you're interesting. But after this, I'll kill you. You interfere with... my game, my rules, my fun, and I'll send you to see your parents. I'll be watching you, Link."

Link was released and shoved forward, feeling blood flowing slowly from the cut in his throat. He whipped around, sword drawn, but his attacker had already vanished. No trace. He turned and sprinted down to Zelda, the flames lashing out and threatening either if they got too close.

"Zelda! Zelda, holy crap, are you alright?"

"LINK!" She saw him through the flames and tried to reach out before remembering the fire. "Link, HELP! W-what happened... How can we get rid of this... Oh goddesses..."

Link didn t answer but looked for a way to stop the furious flames. In the volcano, there wasn t much of an option... Getting Midna or the others was out of the question, the attacker was probably still nearby... Wait. Link frantically put on his flamebreaker helmet, and tentatively reached towards the flames. They grasped at him, but he felt no burn. Of course. He reached Zelda, and he eyes widened, meeting his. A moment of hesitation, then she took his hand.

Link pulled her out of the circle, her fireproof elixir keeping her safe. She gasped for breath, standing in front of him. "I-I... th-there was no real th-threat... huh?" Swaying, she jumped slightly when Link place a hand on her shoulder. "We should get back and tell Midna and Linebeck what happened. It's up to you if we should tell the other trainees."

The walk back was tense, every little noise out of place sending a shock through the duo. Link held his sword out while Zelda had an ice arrow nocked and ready. They had no other encounters on the path back to the small city.

Midna was easy to wake, Linebeck was not. Once waking them, Zelda led them outside to talk with them. She took a deep, shaky breaht before talking. "While we were walking around the volcano, I was attacked again. The person seemed to have set up a circle of oil and set it on fire, trapping me. My assumption Is that it was a scare tactic, as they most likely were aware of our fireproof equipment. I don't know where Link was at first though... He disappeared for a moment, after I sent him up a hill."

The mage and thief both glanced over at the short knight, and he felt uncomfortable under their curious gazes. "Yeah, she told me to check up there. It was much darker. See the cut on my neck?" He tilted his head back a bit and pointed to it. Zelda's expression showed that she hadn't seen it. "The person targeting Zelda attacked me."

Midna advanced on him, gripping his shoulders. "You did? What did you see? What do they sound like? What were they like?"

Link jerked back slightly. "I-I didn't see them. They had a knife, and they dropped a match in the oil. Their voice was weird, they kept lowering and raising the pitch, so I have no idea what they sound like. They... they called this whole thing a game. They said it was their game, and that they were playing it with Zelda. I was attacked because they said I was breaking their rules and interrupting their... fun."

Midna s grip slackened, and she seemed to deflate. They're insane. What kind of sicko spends a year trying to kill a queen, then calls it a game, giving it rules and having fun?" Linebeck stayed silent, his head tilted slightly down with a disquieted and shocked expression. Midna crossed her arms and met Zelda's eyes. "Are you ok...?"

She nodded confidently before speaking to Link. "Why did that maniac let you go? Did you escape?"

"No, they said I interested them, but they'll kill me if I interfere again. They just let me go. The whole trap was definitely a way to terrify us, and for the psycho to taunt and threaten me."

Zelda hugged herself limply. "I'm going the get some sleep. Thanks, Link". He nodded to her and watched her leave. Silence was suspended in the air between the three remaining people.

"She's brave," Linebeck muttered. His words became quieter, more of a whisper. "I'll give her that. To still head out and explore the world when she has a target on her back. Admirable..."

They remained for a moment longer before returning to the inn.