Reviews; Iamams7; thank you, I'm sure that you will enjoy the next chapters.

Grizelink: Gracias por leer! Espero que hayas disfrutado mi historia.

Katie; haha, I think I did make it a bit obvious, and that'll be explained later… and thank you!

Well, it certainly does seem like a long time since I've updated… And I do apologise! But you know how life can be sometimes… So, I was looking at the stats for this story and wow! Visitors from the US, UK, Philippines, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Finland, New Zealand, France and Brazil!

But 226 views and 46 visitors… People, I love seeing these, but a review would make my day! How else am I meant to know what I did right huh?

One more thing; brace yourselves for more lament, some of you might know what this chapters entails… and I would recommend listening to some melancholy music. Possibly Harry Potter - Lily's theme, My name is Lincoln - The Island soundtrack (not quite as sad actually..), Evanescence- My Immortal, Sheryl Crow- I shall believe, and Lykke Li - Possibilty. Or just generally listen to whatever you want, I'm just giving suggestions.

Have fun reading, and don't forget to review :D


Zelda wiped her mouth grimly, reaching for the glass of water beside her. How could it be that she was still ill?

She hadn't even touched cucco for a week, and yet she still felt awful…

Only upon hearing the maids enter her room, did she stand up - leaning against the wall for support - and opened the bathroom door, softly sighing to herself. Yet though she was weary, not even sleep felt inviting.

Plagued by nightmares, she woke feeling no less tired than what she had previously.

That, and bed was no longer her haven, not when she would wake up believing, if only for a second, that he would be beside her once again.

Only to feel crushed when she realised that would never be repeated…

"Good morning, miss." Clara chirped, a smile bright on her face that dwindled at seeing the sight of Zelda. "Are you alright, miss?"

"I'm fine." Zelda brushed off the concern, walking slowly over to her screen to calm her nausea.

"If I may be so bold, you don't look well miss." The maid walked over to her, carrying her day dress, eyes full of worry. "Should I call for the healer?"

The queen sighed, she had thought about doing so, but something was nagging in the back of her mind; something she didn't want to come to light just yet...

"No, I will be alright, thank you, Clara. I am sure it is just a bout of food poisoning. It should pass soon."

Her maid nodded, moving to the other side of the screen to give Zelda some privacy, a luxury rarely afforded. "One of the soldiers said he didn't feel that well either, miss. Perhaps it's going round?"

Zelda agreed, feeling her uneasy mind settle. Just a sickness, nothing to fret over. Apart from that spotting of blood on her mattress…

She dispelled the thoughts, focusing her mind on anything else. And nothing that would remind her of him…

Something so much easier said than done…

As she slipped her nightgown off, she glanced at the large abrasion across her chest before she replaced the garment for her under-dress. The scarred skin a dastardly contrast to the necklace around her neck. Each holding a reminder of her hero; memories both pleasant and horrifying…

Impulsively her arms drew round her torso, trying to block the swell of pain that rose in her heart.

"Are you done, miss?" Clara asked, poking her head round to see Zelda wipe her tears, instantly frowning.

The monarch smiled ruefully, the action feeling wrong, but trying to ease Clara's fretting.

"I am, please can you help?"

The maid sighed, moving to pick up the dress from its hanger, her hands swiftly placing the Payne grey dress over Zelda's body. Tying the various strings with ease of experience.

"All done, miss."

The queen nodded, not trusting her voice to not betray the sorrow deep within her.

It was times like now that she yearned for comfort. It was selfish and egoistical… and yet she longed for it. She wanted him to take her into his arms once more, provide the false reassurance that she coveted, the hope that everything would be fine… and yet, after today, that single hope would be demolished.

Lost as she gave her final goodbye…

No, she was Hyrule's queen. Her countries needs came before her own. And that meant being strong regardless of how she truly felt…

As she walked to her vanity table, the other maids joined Clara, applying her make-up and twisting her hair into a series of complicated twists and plaits. The constant tugging pain now common to her, though no less painful, focused her mind away from what the day entailed…

Clara gently pinched Zelda's cheeks, trying to bring about any colour into her ghostly skin.

"You are dreadfully pale miss, are you sure that I can't call the healer for you?"

Zelda smiled best as she could, her eyes looking into the mirror.

She had always been pale, being so confined to the castle was bound to leave its mark, yet her eyes had never looked so dark, so utterly hopeless.

Not even the make-up could cover the deep circles under her eyes, stop her cheeks from looking so hollow…

"I appreciate the concern, but my illness will pass in due time. There is no need for such action."

Truth of the matter was, she was anxious over what they might tell her…

Clara sighed none too happily, but curtsied all the same as Zelda rose.

She pushed the worries aside. Plastering a fake smile to her face, she held her head up high, and thanked her maids before heading towards her court room, dreading the topic that would arise…


Zelda watched the light filter in through the grand windows, the swirl of dust in the beams that struggled to break through the thickness of grey clouds.

She turned back to her council, only partially listening to the incessant banter of new legislations, documents that needed to be signed, recent overviews of the judicial system… and then…

"The funeral takes place today doesn't it? The law states that a new general can only be appointed if the previous has deceased or resigned." Lord Godwin reverberated, unaware of how Zelda flinched at his complete lack of respect.

"Yes, at twilight, though a body has not been recovered…" Lord Absalom replied, stroking his chin. "We could not have delayed it any further. It has already been two fortnights since his death. It is now doubtful that he is alive…" He spoke the last sentence on a whisper, glancing to Zelda who refused to meet his eyes.

She knew the day would arrive, the day where she would have to say goodbye… she just wasn't sure she was ready to yet…

"How can we bury a man if we do not have his body to do so?" Another's voice rang over the noise; debating over trifles that had already been discussed, and arranged…

Had it really only been little over a month that she had contemplated wedding plans?

"It does not matter, the late general's spirit deserves to be put to rest." Lord Baron spoke, silencing the matter at hand.

Zelda sighed, she couldn't say goodbye. Not now, not ever. Yet she knew he was right. That fine sliver of hope had diminished, the thread worn by the truth before her; he truly wasn't coming back…

"And about time too. A new general is paramount - The morality of the army is lost, this would be a perfect time for enemies to strike." Lord Godwin announced, focusing the attention on himself as per usual.

"Do not be foolish, Hyrule is a powerful country, after the war many neighbouring islands have declared their fealty to us. A funeral is more important at present moment." Lord Ephraim countered, his gaze unwavering as he sent daggers to Godwin to which Zelda was thankful.

Godwin's complete lack of compassion greatly unnerved her. True, he had never been particularly fond of her hero… The simple fact that she had selected him as general and not the Lord's son had lead him to be rather bitter towards her, and forever questioning her judgment.

That and how utterly parsimonious he was deeply annoyed her; it wasn't as though he could not spare a few rupees. But she appreciated his sharp intellect and resolve, thus keeping him on her council.

Along with the fact that her stubbornness was not permitting some over-stuffed noble to monopolize her.

It was her decision that mattered, and it had been a decision to appoint her hero to general that she had never regretted… till now…

Lord Absalom leaned forward meeting everyone's eyes. "The people adored Sir Link, not to mention the strong connections he had with the other races. No other man has these traits, he deserves the utmost respect before we even consider someone new to take his place."

"Of course they did. The late general was a brilliant man. He stroke fear, respect and adoration into all of Hyrule, he was the bringer of this prosperous age. He cannot be forgotten so easily." Another spoke, his voice full of revere.

"A suitable candidate for marriage…" Lord Baron mused, gathering murmurs of approval.

Zelda's ears twitched, her eyes drawn to her left hand; the absence of a ring heavy in her heart. She truly hadn't wanted anything ridiculously ostentatious, a simple band was all that she had desired. But now she would have settled for a piece of string to panoply his love… Anything just to know that he was still alive and by her side…

"Sir Link? But he was foul blood, not a drop of royalty to his name." Lord Godwin refuted, disgust marring his features as his nose upturned into a sneer.

The queen gasped, suddenly furious. Her sorrow dissolving in the face of anger that was too prominent to be concealed.

"And yet he was, if not the greatest man Hyrule has ever known." Zelda altercated, her eyes flashing dangerously. "'Foul blood,'" she spat venomously, her intense hatred for such a derogatory term evident. "You would not be here today if it were not for the valiant determination of our hero. I did not observe you prevail courageously over darkness. Fight relentlessly for this country with only your weapons. Sacrifice your life countless times, purging this land free of Twilight."

Her fury rose, boiling over into something more than contempt. "And our hero did it all without 'royal blood', so do not even dare say that he would not have been suitable for marriage!" Her hands slammed down onto the table, the sound echoing loudly in the hall. Resonating against the stone walls.

Every member looked aghast at her outburst, unsure of how to respond after such a display. Zelda sat down, not having even realised that in her rage she had stood up.

Her hand clasped her necklace, seeking any form of comfort. And giving her something other to do than meet the eyes of the bewildered nobles. Such a reaction was idiosyncratic of her. She never let her emotions over-take her like that…

"Had you considered the possibly, your majesty? Hyrule does need an heir…" Lord Baron asked, breaking the silence that had fallen.

"I had" she whispered, almost imperceptibly. She had been engaged… her heart clenched. "I… I had received an offer, one that I had accepted… there was no better man that I would have wanted by my side…" Tears flooded her eyes, coupled with the familiar ache of longing. A bitter pain of wanting what could only have been had fate been kinder…

"And you did not consult us, your majesty?" Lord Godwin spoke, clearly appalled though Zelda hardly spared a glance towards him.

"A queen is free to make her own decisions, as ruling monarch; she is free to dictate whom she can marry, be him of noble blood or not." Her eyes never left her hands, gently tracing her wedding ring finger…

"And who was this -" A noble began, but Lord Baron cut him off, sympathy washing over his features.

"I am so sorry, your majesty. Truly, I am." His voice held his condolences, his own grief apparent.

Much like the large majority of her council, Lord Baron had been enamoured by her hero, never ceasing to openly commend him wherever he may be. Always holding him in the highest regards, and more often than not, had dropped subtle hints to whom would be an excellent husband, only to be refused by one particular noble…

Lord Godwin looked between Zelda and Lord Baron, his expression that of confusion. "And who was this great man then?" he scoffed, as if daring her to say who.

Zelda glared at him. She had always brushed off the suggestion of her hero and herself becoming married, never revealing how much she veraciously desired it… Sick and tired of being looked down upon for considering taking a consort rather than a king.

Yet today, she couldn't have cared less what they thought. Its not like it matters now anyways…

Taking a deep breath, curbing her anger and onset of threatening tears, she focused her eyes onto Lord Godwin, fixating him with her steely glare.

"He was the most commendable man who ever graced Hyrule. The man who my heart shall forever belong to, even in death." Her voice did not waver, though her heart cried hysterically, draining what little energy remained, "for I loved him then, and I love him still, my hero; Link."


Black and grey.

That was all she could see. The constant howls of anguish and whispered murmurs of comfort seeking to ease grief all assaulting her ears, ripping her heart into fragments.

The winds tribulation biting into her skin.

The drops of tears undoubtedly from Farore herself causing her dress to knot around her legs, numb her fingers even through her gloves.

And yet she bore no attention to the elements engulfing her, or the plagues of emotions consuming her senses.

Her eyes remained transfixed onto the wooden box, unblinking as it was lowered into the ground, unmoving as soil was thrown on top.

Only at hearing Uli's bemoan did her eyes flicker.

She had realised that it would be hard to inform the villagers of Ordon, a letter had felt too impersonal, preferring to inform them in person.

This was his family; the people who had raised him, they deserved to hear the full story, the emotion in her voice as she relayed the event, not some letter that would treat him as something that could be summarised in a short paragraph.

No. Ordon deserved more than that, he deserved far more than that… more than what a letter could convey…

She had thought of what to say, prepared herself for the flood of emotions that would pour from her, but what she hadn't anticipated was their reactions.

Many had stood stricken. Their shock apparent in their stance.

Some had covered their mouths, eyes widening.

But Uli, the pain in her eyes had thoroughly shocked Zelda. No sound had escaped her lips, nor had she moved. But that affliction in her eyes... It was the pain of loosing a child. And Zelda couldn't even offer her empathy…

She watched as Rusl held her tight, tears pouring down his face silently as he remained strong. But she could see his shakes, the trials of keeping from collapsing to his knees and grieving over the son he had lost.

Her eyes glanced away, guilt embedding in her stomach.

Only to see Ilia. Her green eyes closed, her hands fisted at her sides.

As emotionless as it seemed, Zelda could feel nothing more than a small sympathy for the girl. No, she wasn't that heartless. Despite how Ilia had treated her, she still felt sorry for the blonde maiden.

She couldn't fathom loosing a friend whom she had known practically since birth. And that was what had caused Ilia to blow up at her.

"This is your fault! If you had just let him stay here, he would be alive!"

Zelda had stumbled back. Not expecting her outburst.

"He was free to chose his own path, it was of no will of mine that he joined my army."

"Oh really?" Ilia folded her arms, eyes narrowing. "You quickly gave him the role of general!"

"And he accepted, I did not force the title upon him." She breathed in, maintaining a calm voice. Anger would resolve nothing.

"Sure you didn't… you signed his death sentence by even offering it to him. It is your fault! And only your fault! Maybe if you had defended yourself, Link never would have been killed!"

Zelda gasped, her eyes pricking, watching Ilia storm away as mayor Bo followed after her.

Her words tore at her heart, the brutal truth blazing.

It was her fault….

She wasn't aware how long she stood, too astonished to move. Only when the villagers came to her did she flee, wanting to get away as fast she could, unable to accept their condolences when she was to blame for their loss…

Her arms crossed over her chest, holding in the pain with all her might.

She could feel the sorrow all around her. Everyone had lost a man so truly remarkable; be he a friend, a hero, a family member or a fiancé…

Her intake of breath shook, caught in her throat as she glimpsed Colin.

So young… his face was ashen. His eyes filled with such grief that seemed impossible for a boy of fifteen.

Yet, unlike his parents, he did not cry, or make any sound. And that struck her heart.

Tears symbolised emotion. The embodiment of lament so strong that words could not detail such loss. An acceptance that life had ended, and that moving on was mandatory despite the difficulties it brought in doing so.

But Colin stood statuesque. Staring at the hole before him disbelievingly as if denying that someone he so endearingly looked up to, a role model so strong could be defeated by natures will.

She knew how he felt.

The complete rejection that their hero was truly gone.

The denial in that his life had ended.

The refusal in that they would never see him again…

Her composure broke. And she suck to the ground, her dress soaking up mud and grass, only adding to the weight that crashed down upon her.

She had tried to remain stoic. She truly had. The beacon of light, the voice that life would persevere regardless of how impossible it seemed...

The bringer of strength and hope to all those who had looked up to her; awaiting her speech of condolence as she praised the hero.

The only one who had not collapsed into tears as his coffin was placed into the earth with an air of finality by the members of his army…

And now it came smashing down. Tears flowed from her, reddening her eyes, stinging from the icy gales.

Her hands desperately clawing the earth, as if holding onto any ounce of control.

No one made to move, unsure of how to proceed. Not that she could blame them. How was one deemed suitable to act when the Queen of Hyrule was on her knees, pitifully crying?

She didn't feel the arms go around her until she felt their hair brush her face.

She didn't care who she was embracing, not now. Not when she just wanted the feel of someone holding her again…

Looking up, she saw the startled faces of everyone, but she paid them no attention, choosing instead to return the embrace of the stranger.

"Shh, it'll be okay, you'll be okay…"

Zelda pulled back, feeling her dry eyes widen as she looked to the girl who had hugged her.

Ilia smiled, her green eyes filled with understanding.

The queen opened her mouth, trying to form words, yet coming up empty as she failed to comprehend why Ilia was beside her.

The other girl threaded her hands together, seemingly awkward under Zelda's gaze.

"I.. I'm sorry about what happened between us… I didn't mean what I said…" She sighed, looking at the ground. "I guess I was just angry, and confused… It's not your fault."

Zelda dropped her eyes, "it was. Like you said, I gave him the opportunity, I was the one who sentenced him to death…" her voice was lower than a whisper, lowering as her guilt rose.

"No," Ilia disagreed, "he was always an adventurous one. Even if you hadn't knighted him, he would have wanted to be in the war… That's just how he was."

Zelda sighed. "I am sorry, Ilia, truly I am, you don't need to be consoling me when you have lost a friend dear to y-"

The honey-haired woman shook her head, cutting her off. "We all need comfort, and you looked like you needed it." she smiled genuinely, making Zelda's own mouth tug up.

"Thank you, I did. Though I must say that I am surprised…"

Ilia nodded, "its odd what grief can do to us huh?" She smiled sadly, "I… I know you meant a lot to him… and he wouldn't want to see you so unhappy… your only Hylian, and even the queen needs a hug sometimes."

Zelda smiled in return, letting herself be pulled up. "You truly have a kind heart, Ilia, even if dare I say it, you have a rather belligerent attitude sometimes…"

The woman laughed, squeezing her hands, "of course, us females have got to take charge or no one else will!"

Zelda chuckled weakly in response.

"Remember your majesty, things will get better someday" Ilia stated, keeping her eyes focused onto the brunettes, "you just have to believe that it will." She gave one last smile before dropping Zelda's hands to leave her alone once again.

She sighed, her heart still heavy, but her spirits considerably lighter.

As the crowds moved away from the grave, leaving no-one other herself present, she walked over, each step filled with trepidation.

She felt empty.

Despite Ilia's kind words, she felt as though she had lost something that was a fundamental part of her, and without it, she didn't know how to function…

"Link…" she whispered, running her hands over the smooth marble of the grave, glancing up as the guardian Farore, her eyes closed, hands clasped in an eternal picture of sorrow…

"I miss you…" Her voice broke in a sob, and she bit her lip to hold it back, swallowing the metallic taste in her mouth. Her eyes focused on the goddess, seeking any strength.

"I… I hope that your being taken care of… that the Sacred Realm is all we imagine it to be…" Her head dropped against the stone, sending a silent prayer to the goddesses.

The funeral was meant to be a symbol of moving on, accepting what could not be changed…

Death was a part of life, accept it or wallow pitifully in sorrow.

Yet her heart told the opposite. How could she forget someone who had left such an impression on her?

Her hands ran over the sapphires on her necklace… these items were all that she had to remind herself of him… not that she could ever forget…

Standing up, she gave one last glance to the grave…

"Ave atque vale mea heros…"


And there we have it, chapter 11 done and dusted. Well, you've all made it this far, so why not leave a review? Hint hint ;D