Among the Ashes

The whispers in the morning
Of lovers sleeping tight
Are rolling like thunder now
As I look in your eyes

I hold on to your body
And feel each move you make
Your voice is warm and tender
A love that I could not forsake

Even though there may be times
It seems I'm far away
Never wonder where I am
'Cause I am always by your side

The sound of your heart beating
Made it clear suddenly

The feeling that I can't go on
Is light years away

'Cause I am your lady
And you are my man
Whenever you reach for me
I'll do all that I can

We're heading for something
Somewhere I've never been
Sometimes I am frightened
But I'm ready to learn
Of the power of love
~Celine Dion "The Power of Love"

Chapter 12

The Final Preparations

Zelda awoke to the feeling of Link kissing her forehead. She blinked her eyes open weakly, aware now of his arms still comfortably tangled around her.

"Good morning," he smiled.

"It's still dark," Zelda mumbled.

"They wanted to leave early."

She didn't respond but nestled closer to him in the darkness. He kissed her face again. Zelda struggled through her sleep logged thoughts back to the night before, finally remembering. She opened her eyes again to see Link's face beside her. Physically she felt awful, but she knew it would pass. Besides, she found it hard to feel poorly while Link gazed at her with such adoration that she could have been a goddess newly descended from the heavens. She leaned over and kissed him, wishing that smile would never leave his face.

"We really should go," she said finally.

"Yeah, they'll be waiting," he sounded as reluctant as she felt.

They dressed as the first lights of sun began to appear through the window. As Link put his boots on Zelda smoothed her long hair down before the mirror. She could see his reflection watching her, his face growing thoughtful.

"How long have you known?" he asked. He watched her closely as she turned to face him. She already knew where this was headed.

"Not long," she answered carefully.

"But long enough," he sighed with guilt.

"Link, you couldn't have known."

"That doesn't matter. You shouldn't have had to face this by yourself, with me acting like a…" he trailed off.

Zelda didn't respond but walked over and sat on his lap, his arms enclosing her.

"I don't want you to be afraid of me," he said regretfully. "I promise you, you don't have to be."

She could tell how much he had been thinking about this. She could easily feel the pain it caused him, and she wanted nothing more than to relieve it.

"Do I look afraid?" Zelda asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered against her cheek. "I'm sorry about everything."

She took his face gently in her hands and kissed him. She didn't let him go until she knew he believed her. She leaned back and their lips parted, though she kept her forehead resting against his. His infectious smile broke through his lips. She nuzzled her nose against his and he snuck in another kiss.

"We should go," Zelda managed to say around his lips. She got to her feet but his mouth followed hers. "Link!" she laughed as he pulled her back and kissed her again. Zelda grabbed his hand and practically dragged him to the door and out into the hall beyond.

******

Marth rapped twice on Ciara's door then folded his hands, waiting patiently. Ciara opened the door a moment later, a bright smile on her face as she greeted him.

"Good morning, Sunshine."

Marth grimaced slightly, "Good morning. If it is all right with you, I would like to escort you to the council."

"Let's go," she replied, following him out into the hall. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of this personal visit? Couldn't you have just had your thugs drag me?"

"They're hardly thugs," Marth scowled as he marched forward. "I wanted to speak to you in private, before we meet with the others."

Ciara watched him closely as they walked, looking intrigued now. "And what, pray tell, do you wish to discuss?"

Marth hesitated a moment, formulating his words carefully before speaking. "After our meeting last night I was struck with an idea – something that would make this entire situation a lot simpler and a lot safer, for everyone involved. I was wondering if it would not be feasible for you and me to take the Emblem to Etruria alone, by use of the Falchion."

"Clever," Ciara shook her head, "but it won't work."

"I don't think you quite understand," Marth replied, drawing his sword purposefully. "It's very easy – the perfect solution. I use the Falchion to take you back to Etruria with the Emblem. The two of us travel straight there; no long journey, no danger of being followed, no risk to anyone else's wellbeing. The Emblem will be safe and - "

"Do you really think Etruria is that foolish?" Ciara asked. "You cannot travel into our borders by means of that sword. The entire Kingdom of Etruria is a stronghold of very ancient magic that many would kill to get their hands on. We have to defend ourselves. There are countless spells placed over the temples that cover our land making it impossible to enter our borders using any magical means."

Marth opened his mouth to speak but Ciara immediately cut him off, "Nice try, but before you suggest that you use your sword to travel just outside the border you might want to remember that that would once again leave your sister here with a big Black Fang target on her back."

"I still think - "

"I know what you think, but that doesn't really matter," Ciara smiled amiably. "We need to do this my way; the right way."

Marth furrowed his brow, staring blankly ahead as they turned into the main corridor.

"You prefer to work alone, don't you?" Ciara commented. "I can respect that."

"It is less a matter of preference than it is a necessity."

"You have an entire group of people willing to stand beside you. Yet you think solitude is a necessity…" Ciara looked to him for a response but he did not give one.

"Not in a very chatty mood today, are we?" she asked after a few minutes of silence.

"I've said my piece. Why, did you have something else you wanted to discuss?"

"Of course I do, though I am sure you still aren't too fond of the topic I'm most interested in." She cast a meaningful glance down to his feet. Marth straightened uneasily and paid close attention to his afflicted leg, making certain that his steps were as even and smooth as possible. Ciara nodded, "I thought so."

Marth's jaw clenched. "It is no concern of yours."

"I'm just curious. You'll tell me someday."

"And how do you figure that?"

"Because I always get what I want," she said, as though stating the obvious. He looked at her curiously. Her clear eyes met his, dancing once more as if in laughter at some joke. She looked like a child when she smiled that: mischievous and captivating.

"Not this time," Marth replied firmly. He came to a stop, stiffly opened the door and held it open for her. "After you," he swept his arm in front of him in indication.

"You'll tell me," she grinned knowingly, then swept gracefully past him to find a seat.

Elice and Roy had already arrived. Elice sat pouring over a large map with a furrowed brow. Beside her Roy looked only half conscious in his chair.

Zelda and Link arrived just moments later. "I'm sorry we're late," Zelda apologized, embarrassed to be the last ones there when the entire venture was her idea.

"Well, well, well," Roy chided, "looks like Elice and I are the most responsible ones here."

"Roy, you stumbled in about two minutes before they did," Elice smirked.

"Even so," Roy yawned.

"What are you doing?" Zelda asked as she watched Elice tracing over the lines of the map, her face rapt with concentration.

"I'm not very familiar with Hyrule and it's a long ways away from here," Elice explained, still not looking up. "You have to have a clear picture of where you're heading, and Marth said it can help to orient yourself with a map. I think I've got it now," she said confidently, folding up the map. "Now, all we need to do is go to Kakariko and find Impa?"

"Yes, just tell her where we are and what we are doing. You can trust her with anything. Let her know we're safe… and find out as much as you can about what happened after we left Hyrule," Zelda requested.

Elice nodded. "All right. Ready, Roy?"

"Let's go," he shot out of his seat, ready for action.

Elice approached her brother and held out her hand. Marth unsheathed his sword but hesitated to give it to her.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Marth asked. "I could just - "

"No, we already agreed on this," Elice replied firmly. "Roy and I are going. You never did like to share your toys," she joked, snatching the Falchion from him with a smile. "Okay, now. What do I do?"

"Just concentrate very hard on your destination," Marth explained. "Visualize it. Think about the map you were looking at and imagine the path that leads from here to Hyrule."

"Okay," Elice had shut her eyes in concentration. She nodded now, "Okay, I've got it."

"Now, just keep that image in your mind then swing the sword - hard."

Elice nodded again then slashed furiously, then opened an eye to peek at her efforts. Much to her surprise a tear opened in the space in front of her. "I did it!" she exclaimed, but her face quickly fell. The opening looked out on a frozen, barren plain of land covered in mounds of snow. A blizzard of snowflakes poured through, sending a chill through the room.

"Oops," Elice said sheepishly. "What did I do wrong?"

"Looks like your aim was a couple of thousands of miles off," Roy commented, brushing the flakes from his hair.

"It's not as easy as it looks!" she retorted. "I'll just try again…" Elice scrunched her face in concentration once more, thought for a moment, then slashed again, revealing a doorway to a warm, breezy seascape sparkling under the sunrise.

"Hey, let's go there," Roy said excitedly.

"Elice, let me - " Marth stepped forward but Elice moved away.

"No," she insisted. "I've got it."

She swung again and a blast of hot air and the acrid smell of molten rock poured through a new portal.

"Should have stuck with the beach," Roy grimaced as a flaming slug slithered by on the ground just past the doorway.

"Death Mountain," Link said knowingly. "You're close, just aim a little south."

Elice nodded and tried again, this time opening out onto the familiar expanse of Hyrule field.

"Are we there yet?" Roy sighed.

"Oh, Roy," Elice growled but Zelda cut her off.

"No, it's all right. That's Hyrule field," she peered through the portal for any signs of danger. All appeared to be calm. "See that bridge just up the path?" she pointed across the field to a small bridge crossing a river. "Just follow that up the stairway and you'll be right in Kakariko."

Elice grinned complacently at Roy. "See?"

"Good enough," Roy relented. "Let's go." He stepped behind Elice, wrapped his arms around her stomach and pulled her close. "This is a nice way to travel," he smiled broadly.

"This shouldn't take long," Elice promised. "We'll be right back."

"Be careful!" Zelda called as they stepped through the portal.

"Hey, it's us," Roy called back as the doorway began to close. "Don't worry about it!"

Zelda tried to look convinced, but couldn't quite pull it off. Link took her hand and held it firmly as they watched the portal fade completely.

******

Clouds covered the Hylian sky with an unusually thick blanket of grey for such a late spring day. The sun's rays could not manage to penetrate the barrier, making the morning darker than it should have been. The field lay motionless and quiet; not tranquil but dead. Roy and Elice had heard that kind of silence before. They knew it all too well.

The mountains rose up before them, peaked with a rumbling volcano which emitted an eerie red light as it spewed out billows of ash. In the distance to the north they could just make out the unmistakable remains of what must have been Hyrule castle peaking up over a great walled city. Even from far away they could see the watch towers with soldiers swarming along the parapets, illuminated by the burning torches. They could not count on the darkness to hide them for long, though, and so they rushed forward, keeping hidden as much as possible.

They crossed the bridge and slipped over the last stretch of grass before coming to a large stone staircase that led up into the foothills of the mountains. Broken arrows and discarded weapons littered the passageway. They turned with the stairs and climbed up until the gate to the village finally came into view. Roy could feel Elice's spirit drop beside him. The once tall, heavy gate lay smashed in pieces, obviously torn down to make way for the invading forces to barrel through. There seemed little hope of finding good news on the other side.

"What do you want to do?" Roy asked.

"We can't give up yet," Elice replied, trying not to sound as discouraged as she felt. "For Zelda's sake."

Roy nodded and followed her forward. They stepped over the battered remains of the gate and walked cautiously up the village's main road. It did not take long at all to see that their venture would likely prove in vain. The same dead silence of the field filled the entire village. Evidence of the battle Zelda had anticipated lay all around them. Buildings lay in shambles. Many were burned to the ground and some had been smashed to bits as though a boulder had fallen from the sky and crushed them. Those left still standing showed signs of plundering and looting. Not a single sign of life could be seen.

"It's just how Marth described Lon Lon Ranch," Elice whispered in horror as they wound up the street, looking for any discernable signs of life among the wreckage.

"I don't think we're going to find anything," Roy said finally. It seemed a waste of time to even try.

"We can't go back with nothing," Elice replied desperately.

"What can we go back with?" Roy asked. "There's nothing here!"

"We need to keep looking," Elice remained obstinate.

Roy sighed but followed her lead. He didn't know why she insisted on it. The more the searched the more visibly upset she became. Her stubbornness gained them nothing but further distress.

"What are we even looking for?" Roy persisted as they climbed a long stairway on the northwest side of town. "Impa's not here, Elice. No one is here."

"And if that's all we can tell her when we get back?" Elice turned sharply.

"We'll have to tell her the truth," Roy replied.

"We don't know what the truth is," Elice had reached the top of the stairs. "Anything could have happened here."

She cast her eyes first to the two charred buildings on either side of her and then to the mountain which rose up directly ahead of them.

"There's a trail up there," she muttered half to herself as she rushed forward.

"Blocked by a landslide," Roy pointed out.

A pile of boulders lay at the base of the cliff side. Behind them they could clearly see a red rock trail winding up the mountain.

"Maybe they got out in time," Elice said with halfhearted hope.

"Elice, we have no way of knowing that, and unless these boulders get up and walk away, there's no way we're getting up there to find out." Roy wrapped his knuckles on the nearest boulder then leaned against it with his arms folded. "I know you want to give her good news, but maybe there isn't any to – ahhh!"

Not only did the boulder quake and then rise up and move, it wrapped its large, bulky hands around Roy. Roy screamed as the hands slammed him up against another boulder, which had also sprouted legs, arms and a head in the last few moments. His back hit the hard, stony surface with such force that it knocked the air from his lungs.

"Roy!" Elice shrieked, fitting her bow and aiming at the creature towering above her. The arrow shot out and bounced harmlessly off of the creature's rocklike skin.

"Get out of here!" Roy demanded through a gasp of breath.

Elice rushed forward with the Falchion blade, ready to attack. Before she could make a move, another great pair of hands pulled the sword effortlessly from her fingers then wrapped around her and stopped her in her tracks. She beat on the arms and thrashed her legs, but she might as well have pounded on a mountain and demanded it to move.

"Let her go!" Roy bellowed. He swung his sword out and caught the towering beast with a heavy blow. The sword clattered and vibrated so violently it nearly wrenched Roy's arms out of their sockets, though the creature hardly noticed.

The sight of Elice's fear sent rage coursing through him; not just rage, but hot and vicious anger. He reached up and gripped the tree-trunk of an arm that held him in place, digging his nails in. He fought with everything he had, to no avail. The more he realized the futility of his efforts the angrier he grew until he felt he might simply burst from the effort. A strange sensation overcame him, as though fire percolated in the core of his body, spreading out to his hands. He clawed at the creature with hot, smoldering fingers; scratching against the rock.

Another one of the creatures lumbered slowly towards him, bending his head down over his corpulent belly to peer into Elice's face. It surprised Elice to meet the dark, warm little eyes peering out from an amiable, rotund face. It looked much gentler in nature than the brawny body inferred, and oddly familiar.

"You're Gorons," Elice sighed with relief and she immediately stopped struggling. Though she knew Darunia well enough she had only ever seen a handful of other Gorons in her life, years before. They looked different than Darunia; less intimidating. In fact they were almost cute, in an odd, silly sort of way, once you really looked at them. She knew Darunia well enough to know that his people may look unusual but they were not dangerous, as long as you were not their enemy.

"Roy, it's - " she called out to him but she stopped in alarm.

Roy's fingernails had dug long scratches into the Goron's skin. Sparks were flying from Roy's fingertips and he panted from the effort. His entire body felt so hot now that he feared he would burst into flames at any moment.

"This one's a soldier," Roy's Goron rumbled in a rich, throaty voice, far less menacing than Roy had expected. It looked almost familiar, somehow. The Goron gently pulled Roy's sword from his hand and held it away from him. "Hey, stop that now," he chided gently as he noticed Roy clawing at his arm.

"You let her go!" Roy thundered.

"It's all right," Elice managed to say through her shock. "They're just Gorons!"

Roy stopped struggling, though he could still feel the heat coursing through him. Elice still stared at him in utter confusion that Roy couldn't quite understand.

Before he could respond Elice's Goron picked her up off of her feet and swung her up over his shoulder like a sack. Roy immediately started fighting again.

"Hey, put her down!" Roy demanded, flaring up again.

"We won't hurt her, little soldier," the Goron assured Roy, then swung him up over his shoulder as well.

"What do you want with us then?" Roy demanded over the Goron's shoulder.

"Are they the bad ones, goro?" a third Goron asked timidly, making a small grumbling noise, like rocks tumbling down a cliff.

"Strange ones, these are," Roy's said, blinking his tiny eyes, increasing his simpleminded appearance.

"Goro. Big Brother will want them," Elice's Goron said genially.

"Big Brother Darunia will tell us what to do, goro," Roy's Goron replied as he led the way up the now open path up the mountain with slow, laboriously pounding steps.

"What?" Elice cried, trying to turn to see over the Goron's shoulder. "Darunia?"

"Yes, our Big Brother," her captor replied in his low, gentle voice.

"Oh," Elice sighed, all remaining tension slipped out of her body. "It's all right, we're friends of Darunia."

"You know Big Brother?" her Goron asked with pleasant surprise.

"Yes, we do. We're friends of Princess Zelda, and Link."

"Brother Link?" the leading Goron turned with a bright smile on his almost comically amiable face. "You know him?"

"Oh, yeah!" Roy exclaimed. "We're close friends of Link's, I mean, we're practically brothers ourselves."

"Really?" Roy's Goron grabbed him and pulled in off of his shoulder, holding Roy out in front of him like a tiny child. "That makes us brothers too!" he pulled Roy into a bone crushing hug.

"Fabulous," Roy gasped, sure that he felt a rib crack.

"Big Brother will be so happy to see you, Link's little brother," Roy's Goron smiled and threw Roy back over his shoulder without missing a beat.

"We'll be glad to see Darunia too," Elice managed. Each step rattled her body like a small earthquake. "Princess Zelda sent us here to find Impa."

"We love the Princess!" Elice's Goron exclaimed.

"Yes," Elice sighed and tried talking louder. "Do you know Impa?"

"Impa's gone, goro," Elice's Goron went on pleasantly. "You'll see when you get to Goron city."

"We could walk ourselves," Roy attempted as a particularly harsh step jarred him so violently his skull cracked into the Goron's. The Goron didn't seem to notice.

"Big Brother told us to bring anyone we found to the city, goro. He wants to see them himself, he said."

"Where has Impa gone?" Elice nearly shouted.

"Big Brother will talk to you, goro. Big Brother knows."

Elice sighed in defeat and let her body go limp against her hulking transporter.

"Well," Roy smiled, looking over his Goron's shoulder at her. "Don't say I never take you anywhere."

The trek up the mountain seemed to take much longer than it should, though it could not have been wholly described as boring. The canyon path wound up steeply, opening a wide vista of beautiful red rock formations around them unlike anything either had ever seen. There were places, though, where they tread so precariously on the edge of the sheer drop that Elice had to shut her eyes to keep from feeling sick.

The sun had burned the clouds almost clean away by the time the Gorons slowed and announced they had reached Goron city.

Roy's Goron poked a big, brown rock which lay blocking the entrance and announced, "We found some to show to Big Brother."

The rock creaked and cracked, opened sleepily and mumbled, "Come in, goro," then curled back up and rolled out of the way.

"Pretty lax on security, aren't they?" Roy mumbled over his Goron's shoulder to Elice.

"Who would really try to get past them if they weren't welcome?" Elice asked, looking around in awe.

The entire city seemed to be carved into the heart of the towering mountain. The city sunk down hundreds of levels deep into the rock and the Gorons carried Roy and Elice down through the labyrinth of carefully carved, gently sloping tunnels to the very bottom. They passed hordes of the large, gentle creatures around every turn. Elice had to remind herself more than once not to be afraid, but after a while their large, smiling faces lost all menace as they waved amiably and greeted their visitors.

"Goro. Big Brother is here," Elice's Goron said, finally stopping at the base of a large, rather strange statue in the center of the bottommost level. Here they swung Roy and Elice to the ground. Both of them felt so rattled and shaken by now that they could hardly stand. Nonetheless, they were glad to be on their own feet at last. "Follow me, goro." The Goron waved a big arm and smiled simply, then led the way through the tunnel into Darunia's throne room.

"Had much to drink today?" Roy laughed, watching Elice stagger forward dizzily.

Elice shoved Roy gently but he tripped over his own feet and had to catch the wall to keep from falling.

"Silly little creatures, goro," one Goron commented quietly to the other, looking back on Roy and Elice with amusement as they entered Darunia's welcoming chamber.

"We found some, Big Brother," the leading Goron announced excitedly. The Gorons parted and looked back at Roy and Elice, presenting them to Darunia.

"Elice!" Darunia stood up from his throne at once, lumbering across the room with excitement. Elice braced herself against the impact, but it didn't seem to help much. The rock slab arms wrapped around her and slammed her against his colossal chest. It would take a week for her headache to go away by the end of this, she thought ruefully.

"It's good to see you, Darunia," Elice wheezed, patting him affectionately.

"And, look who else we found!" one of the Gorons exclaimed. "Link's little brother!"

"Well, if it isn't Roy," Darunia boomed. He released Elice from his grasp and rounded on Roy, who stood cowering behind the other Gorons. Darunia could not be deterred, though and plucked Roy out of the group and quickly had him in a suffocating embrace. "Link never mentioned that you were his little brother," Darunia said as he dropped Roy to the ground, "but I guess I can see why."

Roy mulled that over for a moment before pulling a face and muttering, "hey…"

Darunia slapped him on the back and Roy nearly landed on his knees. By the time Darunia made his way back to his chair Elice and Roy both looked, and felt, as though they had been physically assaulted. "I didn't think I'd see you two again," Darunia commented.

"Yes, we were sent here by Princess Zelda," Elice hurried, glad to finally be getting to the point. They had been gone for hours now and she knew that the others must be worrying. "She asked us to come to Kakariko and find Impa."

"Our Princess!" Darunia looked suddenly solemn. "She did escape then. Is she safe?"

"Yes, she's safe in Aritia," Elice nodded.

"Aritia?" Darunia looked concerned. "No, then she is not safe."

"What do you mean?" Elice stepped forward anxiously. "What happened here? Where is Impa?"

"Impa is gone," Darunia said grimly. "Kakariko was destroyed. Impa helped most of the people escape. She asked us to stay behind as long as we can. She thought Zelda might try to come back or send someone here, and she was right. She would want me to give you this. It's for the Princess." He handed Elice a small letter sealed with the Hylian royal crest.

"Thank you," Elice said as she accepted it, then she went on hesitantly. "Darunia, what do you mean that Zelda is not safe in Aritia?"

"He's coming for her."

"Who?" Elice asked, her stomach dropping.

"That dark sorcerer," Darunia growled, suddenly appearing vicious and terrifying. "The one who brought the dragons back!"

"Vale," Elice gasped, looking to Roy who simply scowled in response.

"Impa wanted to warn her," Darunia went on, trying to compose himself. "It's in her letter. I'm afraid you won't get back in time to warn the Princess, though," Darunia furrowed his large brow. "Aritia is far away."

"We can go back very quickly," Elice assured him. "May I have my sword back?" she turned to the Goron who had carried her up the mountain. The Goron looked to Darunia who nodded and Elice took the Falchion back.

"Hey, mine too," Roy said, retrieving his as well.

"We'll go back right now and tell Zelda," Elice assured him, bracing herself. "We'll get her out of there. We'll keep her safe."

"Thank you," Darunia said, placing a large hand on her shoulder so she was forced to lean slightly to one side under the weight. "Go back to the Princess. She is safe in your hands."

"Darunia, if you see Impa, please tell her that Zelda is all right. Tell Impa that she's with us, and that we're doing everything we can to help her, and to save Hyrule."

"I will, little Elice. I will," Darunia patted her shoulder, nearly toppling her.

"Thank you for your help!" Elice said, ducking out from under Darunia's arm. "Thank you," she called back to the group of Gorons.

"You're welcome, goro!"

"Bye little Link Brother!"

Roy waved amusedly then wrapped his arms around Elice's waist as she slashed the Falchion, and the two vanished before the Goron's eyes.

******

"What could be taking them so long?" Marth muttered for what seemed the hundredth time. He had nearly worn a path in the rug as he paced back and forth. Elice and Roy had left at dawn, and now noon had come and gone. They had been gone for hours, far longer than they had expected or what seemed necessary for their task.

The more time passed, the more anxious Zelda grew. She continued to fidget and shift nervously. Link held her hand inconspicuously and stroked it gently, though it seemed to do little good. No matter how she worked it over in her mind she could not see how this long absence could end in good news.

"Could you please stop that," Ciara pleaded as he circled her chair once more. "You're making me dizzy!"

Surprisingly, Marth sighed and plopped himself silently into a nearby chair.

"Thank you," Ciara smiled.

Link and Ciara remained completely calm as they sat in silence for a few more minutes. Zelda however continued to gnaw gently on her lip. Marth began tapping his foot so loudly it quickly grew more irritating than his pacing had been.

Elice and Roy were only part of the cause of his agitation, albeit a very large part. Despite his greatest efforts, however, he could not escape the fact that he would rather spend six hours anywhere than here. Link and Zelda seemed careful to keep their outward expressions subtle, though it did Marth little good. He seemed to notice everything they did, and the harder he tried to ignore them the more vexing it grew. On the other side he had Ciara, with her obliviously lighthearted comments and frequent prying questions, which proved exasperating in their own right.

"I'm sure everything's fine," Link assured Zelda quietly. Zelda nodded stiffly. She appreciated his efforts, however little they did to calm her nerves. Zelda turned her eyes to the window again, watching the sun cross the sky, painfully slowly. Then the door to the council room opened and Zelda's head whipped around to see Elice and Roy walking in, dripping wet from head to toe.

"Elice!" Zelda cried. She flew across the room and wrapped her arms around Elice in relief. "Are you all right? Why are you all wet?"

"She landed us in the moat," Roy grumbled sloshing into the room and shaking his wet hair out of his eyes.

"We're fine," Elice said sheepishly. "Roy said he wanted to go to the beach," she added with a small laugh.

"Yeah, the beach," Roy grumbled, "not that mucky moat water. And what am I?" he asked Zelda. "Dragon bait?"

"I'm glad you're safe too, Roy," she gave him a quick hug. "Oh," she scrunched her nose. "What is in that moat?"

"I don't want to know," Roy grimaced and pulled off his soaking wet boots.

"Well, it was almost right where we wanted to go this time," Elice replied defensively.

"Elice," Marth interrupted hastily. "What happened?"

"Oh," Elice gasped. "Zelda, I'm sorry but Impa wasn't there."

Zelda's face fell. She hadn't held out much hope, but even so. "What did you find?" she asked apprehensively.

"Kakariko was pretty messed up," Roy replied. "There isn't much left."

"But we did run into some old friends," Elice hurried on at the sight of Zelda's expression. "We met some very nice Gorons - "

"Too nice," Roy mumbled, rubbing his ribs.

"Who took us to see Darunia," Elice went on. "He gave us this to give to you," she held out the letter. "It's from Impa."

Zelda took the letter quickly and ripped it open with haste. Link looked over her shoulder and Zelda read aloud -

"Dear Princess,

I left this letter in Darunia's care to be delivered to you if you decide to return to Kakariko or send a messenger here to look for me. I sincerely hope that you do not return to Hyrule until this crisis is resolved. However, I know you too well – a point only proven correct if you are reading this now – not to mention the fact that I am well aware of the capabilities of Marth's sword.

It comes to this: Vale and his army came to Kakariko only days after your departure, just as we had anticipated. He brought with him a fire dragon and together, along with their great forces, they took Kakariko easily. Fortunately, under my direction, we were able to evacuate most of the civilians into the mountains before the attacks began. The Gorons kindly took us in and are doing all they can to help us.

However, some were unwilling to abandon the city and remained there to fight. What seemed courage soon turned to cowardice, as these same men attempted to use information about your location to negotiate an end to the attack."

"Dalton," Link growled.

Zelda could find no reason to argue this assumption and hurried on.

"They told Vale that you had escaped and what direction you were headed. Vale took their information, disposed of them readily and went on to destroy the city. Their fate is unfortunate, but they made their choice in betraying you. Please, do not let this matter weigh on you. There are far greater concerns to address.

He knows you have the Emblem, Princess. He knows you escaped, and he knows the Emblem came from Aritia. It is quite safe to say that he is coming for you now, even as you read this, if he has not reached Aritia yet. If you get this in time, please, get out of there.

I do not want you to worry about me. I am safe. I am leaving in the morning to lead the remaining survivors to the Gerudo Desert. Nabooru has set up a stronghold there, the last free place in all of Hyrule. We will go there and regroup and plan our next move. Leave Hyrule to us. From what I have gathered from Arda (yes, she too is safe and here with us now) the most important thing you can do now is to keep that Emblem safe! Please, Zelda, leave Aritia, now!

Listen to Link.

Your Humble Servant,

Impa"

Zelda stopped reading, stared at the paper for a moment longer and then folded it carefully. Every pair of eyes stayed fixed on her.

"Link," she said quietly, "He's coming here."

"How soon can we leave?" Link said, rounding on the others. It sounded more like a demand than an inquiry.

"By morning," Marth replied. "There's still time today to tie up the loose ends."

"Are you sure you don't need your extra day to pack all of your tiaras?" Roy mocked.

"I told you, I'm not bringing them! Most of those are for ceremonial purposes only." Marth scowled.

Ciara and Roy laughed loudly at the joke but Marth simply grumbled, "Fine, you all stand here and laugh like little children. I'm going to act like an adult and prepare to leave."

"You could use a little more laughter, Sunshine," Ciara sighed and shook her long silvery mane of hair.

"What part of this is funny?" Marth demanded. "And will you please stop calling me that!"

"You're right, I'm sorry," Ciara replied, wiping the smile from her face with exaggerated solemnity.

Marth rolled his eyes and stalked out of the room. Ciara chuckled to herself and followed behind.

"You know, I hate to say this," Roy sighed, "but Marth is right. We need to get out of here as soon as possible. Let's go help him, Elice."

Elice nodded, obviously impressed by change in attitude. "It will be all right, Zelda," she assured.

"Yeah, we've got your back," Roy said, his voice once again robust.

"It won't be all right until I leave Aritia," Zelda replied heavily. "I'm only drawing danger here by staying."

"I thought they were only after the Emblem," Elice said, trying to conceal her worry.

"No, Vale wants me regardless," Zelda replied with unsettling certainty.

"Well, standing here's not doing us any good," Roy said, trying to lighten the tension again. "Let's go – oh, and by the way, Link, we're brothers now." Roy smiled and slapped Link on the back.

"Wait, what?" Link frowned in confusion and Elice couldn't help but laugh as they followed Roy through the door.

******

Link gladly took over the entire business of packing, quite content to find something to do outside the castle walls. Zelda joined him in the cozy stables and whiled away their remaining hours in Aritia watching him work. She couldn't have been happier to see him set free in his element once more. Just spending a few hours outside with the dirt and grass beneath his boots seemed to energize him. It brought back the Link she knew from just months ago, before this emblem business had ever started. Let him work with his hands, let him sweat a little. He needed it.

Link looked over the horses and meticulously selected the ones they would take. He fed and brushed them, making sure they would be well ready for the long journey ahead of them. It delighted her to see him working with the animals with such care. He stroked their muzzles and spoke softly to them as he worked. She couldn't help but smile as she watched him.

Once the horses were cared for he went over their supplies carefully and ensured that the packs were ready as well.

"Zelda, can you hand me that bag over there?" Link asked absentmindedly while sorting out his saddlebag.

She shook herself out of her reverie and held up the small pack lying beside her. "This one?"

"Yeah."

"Here," she said, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his chest. She held the bag out in front of him and kept her body pressed against his.

He took the bag from her hands. "Now, how am I supposed to get any work done like this?" he asked, feeling her arms tighten.

"Find a way," she replied. Despite the calmness in her voice he could feel her nervousness. He dropped the bag to the ground and turned in her arms. As soon as his lips were in reach she started to kiss him.

"You are very distracting, you know," he commented, though he seemed quite content with the fact.

"You want me to leave?"

"I never said that," he smiled and kissed her again. He could feel her anxiety leaving as he touched her.

"When they all ask why we aren't ready to go in the morning, you'll have to explain why," Link teased.

"I'll just blame you," she laughed and he held her close for a moment.

"Zelda," Link said, his voice suddenly much more somber.

"Yes?"

"I need to know what you're thinking," Link said simply.

"About what?"

"Everything's changed now. I know we have to leave Aritia, but at some point you're going to have to find somewhere safe where you can…" he trailed off a little nervously.

"I haven't planned anything," she admitted. She cast her eyes down nervously. "I haven't had time to think this through. Everything is so uncertain, I don't know what to think, or what to do."

He could hear the worry in her voice, the last thing he had wanted to cause. "It's all right, Zel," he drew her closer. "We don't have to worry about that yet. For now we just need to get you out of here before Vale catches up to us."

Zelda nodded against his chest.

"But I want you to promise me something," he said, his expression firm but full of concern. "When the time comes, I need you to listen to me. If I tell you to go somewhere, I need you to go. When I find you a safe place, you need to stay. I need you to be willing to do what I say to keep you safe, even if you don't want to. Can you do that?"

She only hesitated a moment. "Yes."

"I'm serious about this," he pressed, unwavering conviction in his voice. "Why do you think that Impa told you to listen to me?"

Zelda's mind wandered back to Impa's last request. "Because she trusts your judgment."

"Because she knows you, Zelda. She knows that you don't take care of yourself, especially when you're trying to help other people." Zelda could think of no argument against this. "You can't do that anymore," Link said as his fingers lightly traced her stomach.

"I know," she whispered.

"Promise me you'll listen to me," he insisted and held her away from his body so that he could look into her eyes.

Zelda nodded fervently. "I promise."

"Thank you," he replied and enfolded her against his chest again. "Have you told anyone else yet?" he asked cautiously.

"No, of course not," she sounded almost insulted. "You're the first one I told."

"Not even Elice?"

"No, not yet. We'll tell them, but for now this is just for us."

The heart-stopping smile spread across Link's face again. "Is it wrong to be so happy in the middle of so much trouble?" he asked.

"I hope not," she smiled back.

"Good," he kissed her nose then said, "Now, if you don't let me go we'll be stuck in Aritia forever."

"All right," Zelda sighed with exaggerated reluctance.

She released him from her grasp and returned to her comfortable corner to watch him work again. By the time he finished the night had grown dark, but the well lit stables stayed warm and inviting. Neither seemed eager to return to the castle. Link sat down beside her and drew out his Ocarina. As though reading her mind he started to play her lullaby.

The music rose up into the night and filled Zelda's heart. She closed her eyes and leaned her head on his shoulder, lost in the melody. It seemed to hold a million memories in its simple tune, and it never sounded sweeter than when Link played it for her.

She found it harder to feel afraid at his side with his music caressing her. She sank deeper into the melody, letting it slowly carry her into sleep.

******

Marth walked into the War Room, flanked by Roy and Elice. They settled themselves in their seats at the head of the table, and Marth glanced at the clock, awaiting the rest of his Guard.

The door swung open only moment later, and Jeigan stepped inside.

"Good evening, Your Highness." He smiled as he stopped beside his chair, at Marth's right side, directly across from Elice and Roy. "Princess." He tipped his head. "Roy."

"Hey," Roy replied shortly, taking hold of Elice's hand on the table.

Elice squeezed Roy's hand and turned her eyes down to the table in determined silence.

Marth sighed, and kicked Elice under the table. She jumped, and shot her brother a dark glance, then turned to Jeigan with a plastered smile.

"Thank you for coming, Jeigan," she said politely.

"An official summons." Jeigan turned back to Marth, as a smile twitched on his lips. But he glanced at Ciara, and it quickly faded. "I know that's never a good sign."

With his arms crossed behind his back and his legs slightly spread, Jeigan stood at attention. He held his broad chin high beneath his head of disorderly auburn hair. A most serious expression fell over his face, reaching right to the depths of his hazel eyes, making him appear somehow even taller and more broad then usual.

"Oh, you have no idea," Roy mumbled.

Marth could only smile bracingly. "Have a seat, Jeigan."

Jeigan took his seat as one by one the rest of Marth's Elite guard filed through. Marth watched them closed as they crossed the threshold, taking them in.

Zeke first, who bowed before he settled himself silently in his seat, keeping his eyes on the head of the room. Merrick, then Deverell, quiet as they entered, trying to set a good example for the younger ones, Marth knew. Soon after, Conner and Bryce followed, both breaking off laughter as they moved to their chairs. Then Hayden, shaking his head as he glanced over his shoulder to the hall.

Kain tucked his helmet under one arm and hovered near the door for a moment before finally giving up and taking his seat beside Jeigan.

"He's coming," he muttered to Marth, sighing a little under his breath. "Forgot his stuff."

Roy threw Hayden a glance, and they both stifled a laugh.

"That's all right," Marth replied, watching the door. "It was short notice."

"Four months now." Kain shook his head. "I thought he'd be getting the hang of it by now."

"It takes a while," Jeigan replied.

"Yeah, this isn't as easy as you guys made it look," Bryce commented.

"Hey, at least we make it look easy." Jeigan cocked his head to the side and leaned back in his chair with a grin.

"Hold that thought, Jeigan," Marth replied. Even as he spoke they could hear armor clanging on the other side of the door just before it cracked open.

A spiky-haired, blond head poked through the door, still fiddling with a strap on his armor.

"Sorry, Your Highness," he apologized, and tousled his hair. "I misplaced my…" He indicated his breastplate, then fell silent, deciding not to finish.

"Take a seat, Maddox," Marth said evenly.

Maddox nodded then rushed to his seat. He fiddled with his hands on the table, and glanced around. His eyes caught Ciara at the end of the table with a double take. He looked slightly confused, but flashed his teeth charmingly. Ciara grinned back with a little wave.

Maddox turned and folded his arms, still fidgeting. He set his eyes on Deverell, and quickly mimicked his position with his hands clasped on the table in front of him. He sighed, then turned his eyes to the prince, staring intently.

Marth took a deep breath, then started.

"Thank you all for coming. I know you know something important has been going on," Marth paused, looking over their faces. "And I know you haven't appreciated being kept in the dark about it."

"You tell us what we need to know, Your Highness." Jeigan interjected. "We understand that, and don't question it."

"Do you want to know, or not?" Marth asked wryly.

Jeigan's staunch expression faded and he leaned forward. "Yes."

Kain chuckled beside him.

Marth smiled fleetingly. "Well, I'm sure you and Kain remember our guest from the other night."

He gestured to the back of the room, where every eye turned to see Ciara.

"Hi, thugs." Ciara waved unsurely, then sat back, averting her eyes from their stares.

Maddox burst into laughter.

"Ciara, they're not thugs," Marth corrected her firmly.

Maddox continued to chuckle.

"Let me introduce my Elite Guard. Maddox has already made himself known." Marth gestured to Madds with a smile. "These are my most trusted men, and women," he nodded at Elice.

Elice sat up a little straighter and smiled.

"This is Jeigan Russet," Marth moved around the table, "the Captain of my Elite guard."

"He's his bodyguard," Roy offered, smiling as though he found this amusing.

"Good evening," Jeigan tipped his head to Ciara.

"And Kain Denton," Marth went on, undeterred. "My Lieutenant and head of training for the army."

"Oh, I remember the big boy." Ciara nodded impressively, drawing a few chuckles from around the table.

"I am sorry about the other night, Miss," Kain said apologetically. "Just following orders." He shrugged.

"So, we can blame Marth?" Ciara smiled.

Everyone laughed, and Marth sighed.

"Why not, everyone else does." He shrugged.

Ciara laughed quietly, then settled back into her chair.

"And here," Marth continued his introductions, "My First Officer, Merrick Lane," he tipped his head. "Second Officer Conner Davis," he shot Ciara a smile. "Third Officer Zeke Hackett, then my guardsmen, Deverell Manning, Hayden Forge, Bryce Freeman and Maddox Barton."

"Hey!" Maddox stood up and leaned across the table on one arm to shake Ciara's hand. "How's it going?"

"Fine," she smiled crookedly. "I'm out of the dungeon, at least."

"Ha!" Maddox laughed shortly, then cut of and smiled again. He suddenly seemed to remember where he was and glanced around the room. His smiled faded and he fell back into his chair and ran his hand anxiously through his hair.

"Sorry." He slumped in his chair and muttered in Marth's direction.

"Reign in it, Madds." Roy chuckled, setting off another wave of laughter.

"So," Jeigan spoke up loudly, glancing around the room. "What is going on, Marth? It's not everyday you hold secret meetings with an Etrurian Priestess and don't let the rest of us in on it," he added quietly, resting his palms on the table and leaning forward slightly.

"I know," Marth replied, "This whole ordeal has been strange, to say the least." His eyes darted towards Ciara, then back to Jeigan. "I'm just figuring it out myself, but I won't keep you all in the dark any longer."

The room went silent now. Even Maddox sat back up straight, paying close attention.

"Some of you may be familiar with this." Marth slipped the Emblem from his pocket, and held it out for the group to see.

Jeigan's face twisted. "You're not going to go propose to another Hylian are you?"

Marth looked up sharply but Jeigan just laughed. Roy chuckled unwillingly, but quickly gagged himself and set his face to a half-scowl.

"Let's be serious here for a minute, Jeigan," Roy admonished.

Jeigan ignored him.

"No, I'm not proposing to anyone," Marth replied. "I'll leave that to you, Jeigan."

"Heh." Jeigan's lip turned up slightly, and he glanced down at the table. "So, the necklace?"

"Yes," Marth paused. "It's not what I thought it was."

"Well, what is it?" Conner eyed it with suspicious interest.

Marth glanced quickly at Ciara. "I can't tell you all the details."

"Believe me, you don't want them," Roy interjected.

"Wait." Merrick spoke up. "Marth, you can't expect us to – "

"Merrick, I know you won't like this, but you're going to have to trust me," Marth cut in. "You know I only have the safety and well being of this Kingdom at heart. For their protection, and yours, there are some things you just can't know," he said. "I know that's not easy."

"Easy's not the job," Merrick replied with a nod. "Sorry, Sir. Go on."

Marth nodded back. "Well, it seems that I have unwittingly had an extremely powerful relic in my possession for the last ten years or so." He fingered the Emblem, then slipped it back in his pocket.

"We have reason to believe that the attack and subsequent conquering of Hyrule was all due to this necklace." Marth's face fell still as he spoke.

"Over that?" Maddox arched his eyebrows.

"Why?" Kain asked, shifting his position slightly.

"Vale, this sorcerer madman," Marth growled, "he wants it, and it's been made quite clear the lengths he will go to to obtain it. We are just lucky that Princess Zelda was able escape her home with it, and bring it back here."

"Why did she have it?" Conner asked.

Marth hesitated.

"That's not important, Conner," Jeigan cut in, then turned back to Marth.

Jeigan stared for a moment, a million questions burning behind his eyes.

"He's coming isn't he?" He said, his voice lowering. He leaned more heaving against the table, his eyes never leaving the Prince's. "This Vale," his lips curled. "He followed the Hylian Princess back here for it."

"He's on her trail." Marth nodded gravely.

The whole table seemed to shift restlessly, nervous energy seeping up into the air.

Maddox curled his fists around the edge of the table and swore under his breath.

Jeigan's fists clenched, and his arms tightened. "How long do we have?"

"We can't be sure." Marth tilted his chin sharply. "Princess Zelda fled Hyrule two months ago. Conceivably, they could be here any day. It just depends on their tactics, and how they plan on taking it."

"Orders?" Jeigan took up to his full height, straightening his shoulders.

"No orders." Marth turned, looking Jeigan full in the eyes. "Just a request."

Jeigan remained silent, watching Marth closely.

"It can't stay here," Marth reinforced. "It's a target on our backs, drawing danger to Aritia once more. I won't have my people's lives risked again – not when the reason behind the threat can so easily be removed."

"Sir?" Jeigan's eyes narrowed.

"I'm taking it to Etruria. Ciara came here looking for it," Marth glanced at the priestess furtively, "sent by a council charged with keeping such Emblems safe, and out of the wrong hands. Once we get it out of Aritia, Vale will have no reason to come against us."

Jeigan nodded slowly while the rest of the guard watched the exchange.

"When do we leave?" Kain asked, pulling his helmet to attention.

"I will take a small company, we leave in the morning," Marth replied, glancing back at Roy and Elice.

"All right. Well, you've already rounded up the usual suspects." Jeigan gave a bracing smile around the table. "Now we just need to – "

"Wait, Jeigan." Marth stopped him. "I mean a very small company."

Jeigan's brow furrowed, and he stopped. A little wave of confusion rippled around the table.

"Just six of us," Marth explained. "Myself, Roy, Elice, Link and Zelda, and Ciara here."

"But I – " Jeigan cut off, glancing around the room.

"It has to be small – nothing military," Marth broke in.

"Nothing military?" Jeigan's voice rose slightly.

"That's insane!" Maddox leaned forward and pounded on the table.

"Believe me, men, I have thought this through, many times over. I need you here." Marth roved his eyes from face to face. "This is the only way. It will keep safety and peace of mind in the Kingdom, and remove the source of the threat completely."

"Yes, but you're forgetting one crucial component here, Marth." Jeigan jumped in. "How can I protect you, both of you," he glanced at Elice. "If you leave me here?"

"Come on, Jeigs." Kain put a calming hand on Jeigan's shoulder, but he jerked away.

"Even if it is only a small group," Jeigan said tightly. "I don't understand why - "

"It's a interesting choice, Marth, to be sure," Dev cut in. "Military or not, to cut out the Elite – "

"What am I, dragon droppings?" Roy burst. "I am a guardsman too – and Marth, Elice and I are perfectly capable of protecting ourselves!"

"No one said you weren't, Roy," Jeigan replied and Roy turned to glare at him. "But this sounds extremely dangerous and I don't think you've fully thought this through!"

"Jeigan." Marth cut in sharply. "Don't presume to think I would make a decision like this without considering all options. This is my kingdom at stake."

Jeigan stopped, cowed. Slowly, he nodded. "Sorry, Sir."

Marth's expression softened slightly. "If you're doubting my level of trust for you – any of you - you're highly mistaken," Marth assured them. "I want to get this job done as quickly and safely as possible with as little effect to the citizens of this country as possible. For that to happen I need to leave you all here. I need someone to run things while I am away and I wouldn't trust that task to anyone but the men I see in this room."

Marth paused, meeting a few glances that showed flashes of understanding.

"I told you I have a request," Marth turned to Jeigan. "Only a request. I won't order you to do this."

Jaigan froze, his eyebrows hard etched over his eyes.

"I need someone I can trust completely to leave in my place while I'm gone," Marth's voice lowered. "You've seen from the past what dangerous business this can be, so I've not made this decision lightly, but I know I've chosen the right man for the job."

The room fell utterly still.

"I'm asking you to be Regent in my place." Marth took a breath. "It's only for a few months, and I know this is a big decision – one I know you won't like – but I know it's right. I won't force you to do anything, but I'm asking you, as a friend, to take care of my people while I'm gone. Keep them safe."

Jeigan's brow furrowed more severely, and he opened his mouth slightly, but no sound came out. His eyes flitted around the table. He turned to Kain for support, but his friend just squared his shoulders, and gave him a bracing nod.

"Regent?" Jeigan said finally, with a breathless laugh. "Marth, you've got to be joking." He tried to laugh again, but Marth's serious expression never faltered.

Elice shifted in her seat, staring at Jeigan with mounting tension in her shoulders. Even Roy sat up a little straighter, waiting.

"But I'm – " Jeigan's voice faded, and he went still for a moment, though his fists clenched dangerously at his sides.

In a sudden, violent jerk, Jeigan lurched forward and pounded his fist on the table, swearing loudly.

"I'm a soldier, Marth! A fighter, not a – " he cursed again, " – politician."

"And what am I?" Marth asked sharply. "You think I want some spineless bureaucrat coming in here? No, I want a military man – someone strong enough to lead this Kingdom and protect it. I need someone who is willing to fight. I need you."

Jeigan froze, his fists clenching the table as he seethed, glaring down as he caught his breath.

"It's not my place," he said quietly, slowly raising his head. "I've sworn my life over to you with a promise to protect you, for the sake of this kingdom, and this throne and – this country needs you, Marth. I know that. We all know that!" He gestured around the table. "And as your servant, and your friend I can't let you walk out of here like this. Six people?" he scoffed. "It's a death wish. I can't – I can't be a part of this."

Jeigan straightened quickly, and pushed back in his chair but at the sound of Marth's voice, he stopped immediately.

"You protect me because you love Aritia." Marth spoke loud, and commanding. "Aritia needs you, here. And I need to go. If there was any other way, I would take it, but there isn't." His voice fell. "We all have to do what's best our Kingdom now, Jeigan. So if you trust me the way you say you do, you'll do this."

It took Jeigan a moment to finally turned his head, and find his voice. "But I don't know if I can," he said quietly. "There must be someone else." He glanced around the room from face to face. "Deverell – he's been doing this forever!"

"No longer than you." Marth interjected.

"Kain." Jeigan proposed. "He's far steadier and – "

"Has his own duties training and maintaining my army," Marth replied.

"Merrick. He has the experience, and – "

"Jeigan," Marth cut in.

"Conner – " Jeigan tried. "He's – "

Conner shook his head adamantly, then turned his eyes downward.

"Zeke!" Jeigan scrambled. "I know he's a little newer, but far less risky. He has a level head and his judgment usually falls far closer to yours than anyone else's!"

Marth shook his head. "I'm asking you, Jeigan."

"But I – " Jeigan's voice fell in shame. "I'm not ready for this, Marth. You can't trust me with this. You're making a mistake."

Marth paused for a moment, and a solemn smile crossed his face. "I wouldn't trust anyone who thought they could do it."

"I second the notion." Kain spoke up.

"Traitor," Jeigan muttered.

"I call for a vote of confidence," Marth announced, "electing Jeigan as acting Regent for the duration of my absence."

Kain raised his hand quickly, followed in turn by Conner and Maddox, until every hand in the room was raised.

Jeigan sighed, ruffling through his hair, then he glanced up, and smiled weakly.

"I'll hand it to you, Marth. You're sure not afraid to take risks."

"Thank you." Marth smiled.

"Sure, sure." Jeigan shrugged. "Well," he addressed the Elite, "you all asked for it."

"Better you than me," Merrick joked quietly.

Jeigan arched his eyebrows with a sigh.

"I'll give you everything you need to know. We don't have much time." Marth pulled out a stack of papers and maps, spreading them across the table.

"Oh, Kainy," Jeigan sighed deeply, and turned to his comrade. "How do I get myself into these messes?"

"I don't know, buddy." Kain slapped him hard on the back.

"Yeah, sure." Jeigan rolled his eyes.

"But I'm right here to bail you out if you need me. Just like always." Kain smiled.

"There's no better man for the job," Zeke offered, breaking his silence.

Jeigan smiled, obviously impacted. "Thanks, Zeke."

Marth glanced over the table. "I trust you all to support Jeigan in his position. Even if his tactics differ from mine or what you believe you would do in his situation – you will treat him with the same respect you show me. And I know – I have total faith – that you won't let me down."

"Yes, Sir!" Maddox offered.

Marth smiled, then let out his breath.

"Now, we've already mapped out our course." He indicated the map he had spread out before them. "It should be simple - a straight shot to Etruria." He traced the course for Jeigan to see. "We'll be back before the end of the season."

Jeigan nodded stiffly, staring at the map intently.

"And I always have the Falchion." Marth patted the hilt of his sword affectionately. "We'll set up regular check-ins, and keep each other appraised of our respective situations. I won't leave you here with no support."

"I know." Jeigan looked up with a smile. "You'd lose your mind otherwise."

Marth raised his eyebrows, not arguing.

"Now, this entire operation is to be kept under wraps," Marth went on, serious once more. "No one can know why we're gone, or of any imminent danger. The less our people know about this, the happier, and safer they will be. I want to avoid any undue panic or unrest."

"Understandable." Jeigan nodded. "So, what should I tell them?"

Marth launched into what appeared to be a long explanation, and Roy elbowed Elice gently in the ribs.

"Come on," he whispered.

Elice cast him a sharp look. "We can't." She mouthed.

"They don't need us," Roy scoffed, and took her hand. "Come on."

Elice look down at his hand, then into his eyes, and he smiled.

"Come on." He tugged on her, and she stood up nervously. She glanced once at her brother, engrossed in conversation, and followed Roy quietly out the door.

***

"Are you sure we should have left?" Elice asked as Roy ran his fingers through her hair.

"Come on, Elice," Roy mumbled. "We weren't any help down there. He's got it under control."

He kissed her blissfully, knowing these would be their last few hours alone together for a long time. Elice, however, remained troubled and he couldn't ignore it for long.

"What's wrong?" he asked finally.

"What was that all about today?" she asked curiously, an odd look in her eye.

"What?"

"You looked funny," she said uncomfortably.

"I looked funny?" Roy repeated.

Elice gave him a suspiciously appraising look. She stood up and walked towards the parapet, crossed her arms and leaned over the edge.

"Don't get all weird," Roy sighed. "I didn't do anything."

"Your eyes looked strange," Elice mumbled.

"Could you be a little more specific?" He leaned against the wall beside her. He had little patience for such enigmatic behavior, and he found it troubling that Elice seemed to be unable to speak in her normal, straightforward manner.

"I don't know what I saw," Elice fidgeted with her hands on the railing. "I think it looked like, just for a second…." Her memory flashed a glimpse of the red eyes of that Sentei, blazing across his dark, threatening face. She grimaced and shook her head, trying to dispel it. "Your eyes looked red," she said nervously, staying careful not to look at him.

As she half suspected, Roy laughed at her, but he sounded strained, like he was trying to appear more relaxed than he felt. "You're kidding, right?"

Her silence answered for her. His eyes narrowed and he turned on her defensively.

"Elice, that's impossible. It must have been a trick of the light or something." He didn't even attempt to sound lighthearted this time.

"It was more than that," she argued. "What were you doing?"

"What are you talking about?" Roy asked in exasperation. "I didn't do anything."

"When he was holding you, you started yelling and scratching at him like some kind of wild animal. It looked like…"

"Like what?" he demanded.

"Like you almost set fire to his arm," Elice said with equal frustration masking her fright. "It looked like your hands were on fire."

Roy stopped. He could feel his heart drop. He had almost succeeded in convincing himself he had imagined what had happened, but this complicated matters. Elice had obviously noticed too.

"They weren't on fire," he replied nervously, his voice had grown low and he continued to glance around nervously. She still wouldn't look at him.

"Then what was it?" She had hoped he would brush it off, but his protective reaction only made her more wary.

"I don't know," he replied shiftily. "I shoot fire out of my sword all the time and you don't think that's weird," he added, almost hopefully. Truly it had not been a wholly new sensation. He could always feel a burst of hot energy flow through him when he used his sword. He had not, however, experienced that feeling only in his hands before.

"That's different," she muttered.

"How?" he said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"I don't know," she shrugged away from him.

"What are you getting at here?" he demanded, feeling angrier by the second.

"I don't know," she repeated helplessly. "I wish you would tell me."

"Tell you what? Nothing happened." He replied loudly.

"Something did," she shot back.

"Stop looking at me like that," he demanded. He could feel the heat rising in him as panic coursed through his body.

"Like what?" she shifted uncomfortably.

"Like that!"

"Roy, I don't like this. You're acting weird," she tried to sound angry but she sounded more afraid than anything.

He didn't respond, and instead he turned away from her. He tried to calm down, tried to force the burning sensation in his core to go away. She stood for a long time in defiant silence, angry at him for being angry at her and terrified that he had not been able to lay her worries to rest.

Roy fought the growing dread within himself as he tried to suppress the heat. Once had been an anomaly, twice would be nearly impossible to explain away. He couldn't fool her if it happened again.

Fool her?

The realization terrified him. Something was terribly wrong, and he didn't have a clue what it could be. He didn't want to accept it and he certainly didn't want Elice to see it. She couldn't see it again. He wouldn't allow it.

As he breathed he could feel himself calming and the night air hit his hot face, cooling him. The helpless feeling of dread would not wholly leave him, but he could suppress it just enough so that she wouldn't see.

Finally he turned back to her and spoke much more gently.

"Elice, look at my eyes," he said as he slid up beside her at the wall. "What color are they?"

Elice continued to stare into the distance with hard, fixed eyes. Roy fought his frustration took a deep breath and said again. "Just look at them."

Elice closed her eyes and braced herself. She turned slowly, her eyes stayed cast downward. Once she faced him she glanced up quickly, not really wanting to see. A silly fear, she knew, but an inescapable one. She caught a quick flash of blue and her heart leapt. She looked up again to meet his eyes.

"Well?" he asked.

"Blue," she smiled sheepishly.

Inwardly Roy sighed with relief as well, forcing his own fears deeper into submission. "Then what's the problem?"

She paused for a moment. "I guess there isn't one," she shrugged, still slightly embarrassed and confused.

"Good," he grinned and leaned in to kiss her again but she only gave him a quick peck before she gasped and turned away from him. Her lips tingled as though she had taken a sip of steaming hot soup.

"What?" he asked reluctantly, unable to keep the edge out of his voice.

"You feel… hot," she couldn't help but look at him oddly again, though she knew that would only exacerbate matters. She met his gaze and her eyes shot furtively away from his. Roy scowled at her and despite himself he could feel the heat rising again. Before he could say anything she stepped away from the wall and turned away from him.

"I'm sorry. We have to leave early tomorrow. I'm going to bed," she rushed. She didn't wait for a response before she started down the stair. She could almost feel the heat of his gaze burning her back as she made her retreat.

Maybe she had imagined it. Maybe she was simply being childish. Maybe she just let her fears run away with her. It would not be the first time she overreacted and she knew it. However, these hopes did not keep the sick feeling of fear from the pit of her stomach. She knew what she had seen. She knew what Roy had done, and she could not explain any of it. The image of his flaming red eyes flared relentlessly in her mind. She could not forget it, no matter how hard she tried.

******

Ciara sat through much of Marth's meeting, but near midnight she took her leave. She retired to her chamber but did not go to sleep. Instead she sat on the side of her bed, waiting impatiently. She fidgeted with her fingers and studied the room around her until she could stay still no longer. She got to her feet and started pacing, waiting. He would be late, of course. Perish the thought that he should feel rushed, Ciara thought ruefully, but quickly threw it from her mind.

Thinking like that so close to the appointed time led her into dangerous waters. She had to keep her mind clear and free from incrimination. How she hated leaving herself so open and vulnerable, though it came far easier now than it used to. She had gotten so much better at blocking off the private portions of her mind from intrusion. Better still, she could protect it so well that no one even knew she was hiding anything at all.

And now they expect me to sit here like an obedient little messenger girl at their beck and call. She sighed. Hmm. Scratch that one too.

What do you have to report? The voice sounded as clearly as if the man who spoke stood in the same room, though she knew he remained miles and miles away.

Good evening, to you too, Borden. She smiled at the look of annoyance she knew would now be on his face. She simply had to force herself not to push it too far.

Report.

Ciara sighed. I am in Aritia with the Royal Family. I have informed them about the Emblems and they have agreed to accompany me back to Etruria with the Dragon's Bane.

You will be at the rendezvous point then, as planned?

Yes, we will be there.

Good. Don't screw it up this time. The voice added harshly.

Thanks for your vote of confidence. Ciara scowled.

Your reputation isn't my problem.

Then mind your own business and let me do the same.

If you mess this up it will be everyone's business. I'll check back.

You do that. Goodnight, Borden! She added with false cheeriness, then she shut off, not waiting for him to dismiss her.

Ciara sighed and sat back down on the edge of her bed. With her forehead resting in her hands she took a few steadying breaths, then quietly slid into bed. She blew out the candle on her bedside table and settled under the covers. In the morning Marth and the others would come with her to Etruria and soon this would all be over. She had nothing to worry about.

******