"Maybe I'll even have the next chapter up later today!" ...I'm so sorry about the almost 2-year hiatus. I'm also sorry that this chapter isn't much more than fluff.

Hopefully I won't take this long for the next update.

FFN is once again being a jerk about formatting, the author notes SHOULD BE BOLDED but who knows anymore. Couple of guest review responses at the end of the chapter.

X-X-X

Chapter Twenty-Five – Diplomacies

Inasha was glad she had gone to bed fairly early when Link woke her up right at sunrise the next morning. It had been the first real good night's sleep she'd had in a while, though, and she didn't take too kindly to it being interrupted.

"Why are we already going?" she groaned after he shook her awake.

"We have a lot of ground to cover, Ina," he stated, beginning to roll up his sleeping bag. "And I'd like to get there today."

"Well if you make us move at a snail's pace again today, we won't make it there, no matter how early you wake me."

"Today there won't be any slow going at all."

When she finally rose to sit up, she noticed Koto was still sound asleep. "Why didn't you wake him up?"

"Is it so wrong of me to want some time alone with you, without him butting in all the time? Besides, I figured a knight would be up early every morning, anyways," he added.

She rolled her eyes. "Link, you're being immature."

"No, you're just annoyed with me because I'm not as trusting as you are," he lowered his voice as she began digging through her things for her day clothes. "I think you made a big mistake bringing him along."

"Why? Because he's competition for you?" she asked with a smirk, clutching her change of clothes close to her chest as she stood up. She walked up to the Hero and tapped his cheek lightly. "You need to calm down about it, Link. His sudden appearance changes nothing.

"However, I do want to address something with you, first." She reached down to take his hand. "Come here, you're going to stand guard again while I change behind that rock."

He followed after her. "What's wrong, Inasha?"

She tried to keep her voice fairly low while still making herself heard to the man on the other side of the rock formation she'd ducked behind. "We are both conscious of each others' feelings now. However, we have some bigger issues at hand. I accept your feelings for me, Link, and I return them to a degree. But our travels have larger purposes than merely time to grow close. We need to keep our primary goals at the front of our minds. And we need to be respectful of our new friend, too."

She was expecting the groan he gave in return. "I had a feeling that would come up soon."

"It's an important point, Link," she appeared from behind the rocks, dressed in a long-sleeved white blouse that hung slightly off her shoulders and a long green skirt

The top seemed something very unlike her normal clothing. She caught his raised eyebrow. "What, do you expect me to look like I was drug through the mud all the time?" she huffed. "We are, after all, going to the Zora's Domain to deliver news of their prince. I may come from a small village, but that doesn't mean my mother didn't raise me with manners. I know there will be certain diplomacies to follow, and I might as well look halfway decent."

Link shook his head and placed his hand at the small of her back as they walked back. "I'm sorry. I'm not used to this look."

She smirked. "And I am not used to wearing it. Though if I had the choice, I would own blouses and dresses of the highest fashion. Long, billowing skirts, bright red silks…" she trailed off as she caught him holding back laughter. "What?"

"I never pinned you as the 'royal dress' type," he admitted. "Though I can't say you didn't take my breath away when you appeared to me in that white dress in Lanayru's Spring," he added in a low voice, his lips close to her ear.

She blushed and turned away. "Link…" she dragged out his name. "Stop that, I told you, you need to keep the courting at a minimum," she said, though she giggled lightly.

"I'm sorry, my lady, but I'm not going to cater to your past lover," he joked, though his voice held serious undertones. "My concern is making you happy. I promise I will not embarrass you, but I won't go out of my way just to make sure he's comfortable."

She sighed. "I suppose that's the best I'll get out of you."

She finished putting away her things and withdrew some of her food. "Are you not going to wake him?"

Link sighed. "Good-for-nothing soldier," he grumbled. "What kind of knight are you if you can't even wake up at a reasonable hour?"

He leaned down and shook the younger boy, probably harder than Koto would have preferred. Regardless, it got him moving.

"Come on, you need to eat quickly. We're going to leave soon, and I aim to get to the domain before nightfall."

Koto groaned. "I'm sorry for sleeping in and causing delay, then." He stood and stretched before grabbing his day clothes. As he left to change in privacy, he gave Inasha a hug.

"You look beautiful," he whispered in her ear.

All she could manage was a quiet thank you. She was already worried about how Link might react to this.

Thankfully, whether it was out of courtesy for her or that he didn't notice, Link made no comment nor facial expressions.

When Koto returned, he insisted they go on their way right then.

"I can eat my breakfast on the way, it's really no big deal," he assured Inasha.

"If you are capable of eating while riding atop a galloping horse," interjected Link as he tossed Epona's heavy saddle onto her back, "I will be sorely impressed. I plan to make up for my foolish mistake yesterday of traveling so slowly."

At least he admitted it was foolish, Inasha thought to herself.

"Oh…" Koto dug around in his bag for a moment. "Then give me a bit, I'll eat this apple quickly. That should be enough to keep me going for a while."

Minutes later, they were all seated upon their horses and moving swiftly over the fields. Link kept true to his promise to make up for lost time, and while Inasha was thankful to finally feel like they were getting somewhere, riding side-saddle on her rambunctious stallion was rather unenjoyable at a gallop.

It did not help that Casper was back up to his old tricks again.

He had started out nipping at both Epona and Rook, but when Rook reacted by firing a look at the white stallion that said "I am higher than you, and therefore you should keep your distance," Casper directed all of his annoying attention towards the gelding.

Naturally, it wasn't long before Rook returned the attacks.

"Casper! Cut it out!"

"Rook! Yield!"

Their shouting attracted Link's attention, who had stayed at the front of their group almost the whole time. He steered Epona in between the two fighting horses, a shield in Rook's face and Epona administering a warning bite to Casper.

"I'll walk in between you two," he said sternly. "Inasha, you take up the lead."

She looked a little scared. "But… I don't know the –"

"Just follow this path, you'll be alright."

His tone suggested she not argue, which only fanned the flames of her temper. She had her hands full with Casper already.

She yanked the reins a little roughly and urged Casper to move on ahead, taking off at a full gallop immediately. She didn't care that she left the two men in the dust. They probably deserved it, anyways.

X-X-X

They made great time at their new pace. Their midday meal lasted only a few minutes of rest, and they reached the domain just before sunset. Link took the lead as they reached northern Hyrule field, leading them up into the mountains.

Inasha was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the unseasonal heat, long ride, and the many grand sights she'd seen on their way. For almost seventeen years, she'd spent her life in an unimpressive, dirty village. The most magnificent sight she'd ever experienced, aside from Eldin, was when Death Mountain erupted.

These mountains were far more beautiful than the dangerous Death Mountain. These mountains were, relatively speaking, safe. They weren't alight with the burning embers that could destroy entire villages on the wrong summer day. They didn't rumble with possible crushing boulders just waiting to burst through some unsuspecting house.

They were just quiet, beautiful mountains.

"Halt, visitors," an authoritative voice attracted her attention. She hadn't realized she had been staring straight up at the mountains, and hoped she hadn't looked too ridiculous. "Please state your business."

Yet one more wondrous sight greeted Inasha's eyes. Before them stood four Zora guards, their spears held upright, though their faces weren't entirely hostile.

"We are looking for a safe passage down to the lake basin," Link started. "And we have news of the prince."

Their faces visibly lit up. Inasha was shocked at how much expression could be seen in their beady, very fish-like eyes. "The prince! Is he alright?" The most decorated guard questioned. He had shells and oddly colored scales all over him, something Inasha figured designated him as a very accomplished soldier.

"He is alright. I've spoken with him and cared for him myself. I passed on the news of the Queen, as well," she said softly.

"Please travelers, your names."

"I am Link, from the Ordona province. This is Inasha, from Kakariko Village, and that's –"

"Koto, of the Hylian Royal Guard," he cut Link off, much to Link's chagrin. There was a little glint in his eyes. "I've escorted these two here upon request, I'm only here to make sure they stay safe."

Even Inasha found herself becoming annoyed with their third addition. He was trying too hard, now.

"Yes, well…" Link fought to keep his tone diplomatic and calm. He was not going to start a fight in this midst of this visit. Even if the young soldier did deserve to have that hot head dunked in a cool stream for about 10 minutes. "We were hoping we could—"

"Please, you all must come with us," one of the other guards stated. "Allow us to provide you a safe place to rest for the night, and then escort you down in the morning."

Link started to protest, but just before he spoke, he caught a glance of Inasha. She looked very pale and he could see beads of sweat covering her forehead and upper lip. She gave him a tired smile.

"We will gladly accept the offer, just for tonight," he clarified. "We are in a bit of a rush, but this heat is becoming a bit too much to bear."

She shot him a grateful smile, and he felt a fluttering deep in his heart. He ached for her to keep smiling, but very quickly her face fell back into her usual neutral look.

It bothered him how she always seemed to be upset or worried. He'd asked her once why she always looked like that, and she'd taken offense. Apparently, that was simply the way her face was structured.

The guards gestured for them to follow them further up the mountain trail. When they reached a huge cave at the top, they stopped and turned back to the trio.

"It would probably be best to leave your horses here," the lead guard stated. "We don't exactly have proper stables or anything to feed them during your stay. They would fare better out here."

Inasha looked around and saw a few bushes and other plant life that forced themselves through the rocks. Hopefully, it would be enough to sustain the three.

Even if not, I'm sure Epona will lead them back down the mountains. She's a pretty smart horse, Inasha assured herself as they entered the cave. She pointed her thoughts onto the domain they were about to enter.

She could only imagine what awaited her at the other end of this tunnel. She had heard stories about how beautiful the domain was from the Zoras that occasionally visited Kakariko on their way up to Death Mountain hot springs, as well as from travelers. Would this tunnel lead out to the upper tier of the domain, where the living quarters – and most of the furniture, even – were carved out from the rock of the mountains? She recalled that the throne room supposedly was built around the very spring that marked the headwaters for the great Zora River. The spring not only had sacred and religious meanings for the Zora, but also was supposedly very cool and had relaxing properties, not unlike the springs in which the Light Spirits made their earthly homes.

Or would this tunnel lead them out to the basin, fed by the waterfall from the upper tier of the kingdom, where the main pool and the lower-status Zora lived? She had heard that the walls were covered in carvings representative of the history of the Zoras, and that these carvings were scarcely messed with, save for the occasional touching up they required due to weathering over the decades.

Just thinking about the place gave her chills. Of all the cultures in Hyrule, she was most fascinated with the Zoran culture. Their people had lived in this place for longer than even the Hylians; had evolved with the land itself. Inasha considered herself lucky to be allowed to view such a treasure of history in person.

As they walked, the natural cave walls gave way to carvings unlike anything Inasha had ever seen. There were great swirls that swooped along the path and mimicked some kind of ancient mollusk, with great fins backing some of the huge shell-like patterns. They shimmered with greens and blues, as though the rock was slick. The moisture in the air grew the deeper they walked, and for a while the cave grew so dark, Inasha had to grab on to Link's hand just to find her way. The Zoras had no trouble finding their way; they'd walked this hall for years. They knew exactly where they were going.

After climbing several stairs, they came out into the red evening light. As her eyes adjusted, she could see that they were walking along a wide path that had been cut straight from the cliff-side, with natural columns decorating the otherwise open end of the path. One glance over the edge of the path revealed the lower basin of Zora's Domain in all of its beauty.

This enormous crater seemed to be a sinkhole that had caved in long ago, leaving natural paths along the edges and cliffs of the domain to surround the main pool of the domain. The carved motifs continued throughout the domain, some of them in places where Inasha would have thought impossible to be carved without some way to levitate. The walls were impossibly smooth and covered with moisture, reflecting sunlight beautifully. Groundwater poured out from crevices in and caves along the cliffs and fed into the main pool, though these waterfalls were nowhere near as impressive as the massive waterfall that was pouring from the topmost level, which was where the path they were walking upon lead to.

The Zora city was half underwater and half above. Judging by the amount of shops and stalls that surrounded the huge pool, Inasha assume that this was the Zoran equivalent to Castle Town Square. Some shops seemed to be ready to close up for dinner, while others were still busy as could be. Several paths led away from the area in all directions, in both river and land form. She wondered if they lead to residential districts, or if the Zora all lived under water. It was hard to tell from where she stood, and she realized that her gawking at the village was resulting in her being left behind by the party. She rushed to catch up with the rest.

"We will provide some above water guest rooms for the three of you," the guard was saying. "We have several in the upper tier, near the Sacred Headwaters. All your needs will be met and your wants catered to during your stay here."

"That's very kind," stated Link. "You really don't have to do any of this for us."

"But we want to! You have brought us joyous news that calls for a celebration. It would be wrong of us not to include you three."

"A celebration does sound interesting," Inasha whispered to Link. "Perhaps we'll even get a chance to look around. I've never seen any place like this before and… I'm rather excited to finally see it."

Link smiled at her eagerness, and despite the deep gut feeling that they shouldn't stay for too long, he gave her a nod. "I guess you and I can wander around for a while. I'm sure our soldier friend will find himself all tied up with the Zora guards." He nodded his head in the direction of the guards, who now were questioning Koto about Hyrule's state, how the water loss a while back had affected the main town, and things of the like. Ideally, Koto would find companionship with these fellow soldiers, and leave Inasha and Link some much-needed peace.

Inasha was starting to second-guess her insistence to bring this man along. He had done nothing more than cause problems between her and Link, and quite honestly they could have made this whole journey on their own.

Finally they came out from the cave onto a terrace on the upper level. They stood upon a green shore beside the waterfall, which was roaring so loudly that Inasha had a hard time hearing her own thoughts. The group quickly made their way towards what the guards identified as simply "the throne room." They walked into a huge opening in the towering mountain, following one of the two paths that bordered the river.

Above their heads were several lattice motifs that swirled across the ceiling and hung down slightly, reminding Inasha of the swirling waves of the rapids of the swifter part of Zora river. She was mesmerized by the beautiful work and could scarcely wrap her head around the amount of labor that must have gone into constructing it.

The throne room wasn't too deep within the cave. It was a rather enormous room, with a large hole in the ceiling that allowed for natural light to flow in. The stone path they were on surrounded the spring that headed the Zora River, with stone steps that lead down the circular pool. Columns surrounded the room that seemed to be made up of stalagmites and stalactites that had met long ago. They were connected by ornate grills that went from floor to ceiling and only opened up at the entrance of the room and in front of the empty throne.

The throne itself seemed to be carved from the stone of the cave, decorated with the same intricate swirls of lattice as what decorated the rest of the room. The chair seemed to be "rooted" into the ground, as natural as the rest of the domain.

All the stone in the cave reflected beautiful greens, blues, and purples all around them, with the sun casting reflections off the waters that, in turn, decorated the cave walls in constant fluid motion.

In short, it was breathtaking. Both Inasha and Link slowed their pace to take in natural and Zora-made features all around them. It was the first time Inasha had ever seen such beauty, and the first time Link had seen it all in the proper light of Hyrule.

"I want a feast prepared in honor of our guests," the main Zora was speaking to a small group of what appeared to be Zora noblemen when Link and Inasha finally brought their attention back to the group they had been traveling with. "They have brought us great news and have rescued our prince. They deserve only the best. I have been informed that they wish to travel safely to Lake Hylia tomorrow, so we shall also organize a small escort party for that, as well." He then turned to Koto. "Soldier, if you wouldn't mind joining the rest of us guards, we'd like to discuss some things, specifically if there's anything we can do to send more soldiers to guard our prince while he recovers. His safety is of the utmost importance for us."

Koto looked back at the two other Hylians. "Um, sure, I guess," he answered hesitantly. "I'll… catch up with you two later?"

Link and Inasha gave him smiles, albeit Link's was more of a taunting smirk. "We'll see you at dinner," he said before Koto followed the rest of the guards back out of the cave. Another Zora approached them.

"I am a member of the head council, Irizia," she introduced herself. "If you like, I can show you to your guest rooms. You will be staying in an extension of the noble chambers. We have three open rooms. Come, follow me," she gestured. Link took Inasha's hand as they began to walk.

She lead them out on the path opposite the one they had come in, and headed left out of the cave. They entered yet another cave, though this one seemed to be a bit more akin to a hallway than a huge cavern. They passed several open chambers, all guarded by some sort of plant life at the entrance, for privacy. Not too far down the hall, they came to a stop.

"Here is one of the rooms. These three in a row," she waved down the hall, "are all the same, and are the three you will be occupying tonight. Feel free to get comfortable and wander around our village for a while. There will be a grand announcement when the feast is ready. I pray that you will forgive us, for it will be fairly late tonight. We weren't exactly expecting you three."

Inasha held up a hand and gave a forgiving smile. "Don't worry about it, councilwoman Irizia. We're sure it will be worth the wait."

Irizia gave a bow and retreated from the cave, leaving the two alone. Inasha turned to Link. "Why don't we unload our stuff and then go look around?" she asked him.

He nodded. "That sounds perfectly fine to me."

After a kiss on the cheek, they parted into their separate rooms.

Inasha looked around, noting a vanity with a stone chair against one wall. The chair was decorated with a soft cushion that felt rather delightful to the touch. Next to it was a wardrobe practically carved into the wall with deceivingly light stone doors. She laid her traveling bag, which was beginning to weigh far too much upon her back, into the wardrobe.

A pantry for storing food was on the opposite wall, next to a carved counter with two chairs near it.

There was also a bathroom connected to the room, and a shallow pool at one end. It was fed by a small spring from within the back wall, and Inasha discovered upon further investigation that it emptied through a small crack in the wall, as well. Because of this, the water was completely clear.

Her bed, as she had secretly feared upon seeing the rest of the domain, had a frame made of stone. Upon it rested a mattress that, while softer than the stone, was nothing like the down-filled mattress that she had slept upon for most of her life.

The air around her was a bit humid, but nothing she supposed she couldn't handle. She stepped into the bathroom to check the condition of her hair, though, just to be sure. It was a tad frizzy, but for the most part it was handling well.

She exited the room and waited for Link. He finally joined her and offered his arm for her to take, and they made their way towards the lower part of Zora's Domain.

Free of their additional member, even Inasha had to begrudgingly admit to herself that things were far smoother between the pair. Link laughed easier. He talked and smiled more. He didn't attempt to stand over her all the time and act as a wall between her and others. He didn't appear to be upset when she wandered from his side to look at something. He allowed her to lead him around.

It was the first time in days that she found herself feeling entirely comfortable and undisturbed around him. She hadn't realized how much strain they had been under, and how unnatural things had become since Koto had joined them…

She looked up at Link, who was eying a few Zoran knickknacks at the stall they stopped at. Her heart fluttered as she studied the features of his face bringing a small smile to her lips.

He really has no reason to be so jealous, she thought to herself. But I guess I haven't been honest enough with my own feelings…

She stood upon her tiptoes and laid a small kiss upon his cheek. He looked at her with happy surprise and wrapped an arm around her waist, and they continued down the streets like that. She relished in the feeling of his arm resting comfortably across her lower back, his hand placed delicately above her hip. His fingers idly stroked her side. It wasn't the most comfortable way to walk, but she had no desire to move.

After a while, they made their way back to the main pool of Zora's Domain. Inasha was still in awe of the beauty of the Zoras, whose scales reflected the setting sun in numerous colors. She idly laid her hand upon the one Link had placed on her, leaning into him a bit more. It was a very romantic place.

He gave her a small squeeze. "Why don't we go admire the scenery outside of the domain for a while?" he asked her. She nodded and allowed him to lead her south, following the river.

They went through a short tunnel before coming out at the other side. Here, the sunlight had already set beyond the hills.

The river branched off in three directions, its current flowing fairly fast towards the right. Off to their right and straight ahead of them were two different tunnels. The one on their right was made of brick and lit all the way down. In front of them was a more natural tunnel, which had been dammed up with wire and logs.

Far to their left was a shack straddled over the river, with a raft against it serving as a bridge to the other, much smaller shore across the area. Link directed her to follow him to the left, but instead of heading to the shack, he led her up a small hill that created an overhang above the river. Here, they sat.

Inasha allowed herself to be more vulnerable, at least for the while. She brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, laying her head upon her hero's shoulder. "Link," she addressed him after they were comfortable.

"Yes?"

"I am sorry I haven't been the greatest with handling your feelings for me, and handling mine for you."

His shoulders shook with his chuckle. "I suppose I can forgive you."

She gave him a gentle nudge and closed her eyes. The temperature was beginning to fall, but neither was too concerned about it at the moment.

Inasha's mind was elsewhere, anyways. While she enjoyed the comfort of her hero's arms, she couldn't help but worry about what the future might hold. Her fate rested heavily upon her mind. She couldn't help but feel it was unfair to Link to make him grow so fond of her just to lose her later, if that were still to be the case.

Still, another part of her reminded her that she could not worry for forever. If she spent her entire life worrying, she would not enjoy it. After all that her mother had gone through to give her life, it wouldn't be fair to waste it worrying over when her life would end.

It would end eventually, anyways. Why waste what she had left?

Inasha opened her eyes and looked up at Link, who turned to her when she moved her head. She put her hand upon his shoulder and pulled him to her so she could give him a kiss. For Link, it was a surprise, but far from unwelcome.

As soon as their lips touched, his stomach growled loudly. He pulled away from Inasha a bit embarrassed, and she let out a laugh.

"Let's go see how close to ready they are with that dinner," she suggested.

X-X-X

Review Responses:
Anon: Your review was too kind, I'm very happy you like my story so much! It really has turned into something much more than a little fic... I feel bad about the length. But if you all like it, then I guess I'm doing something right!
Hitomi: Thank you! I'm sorry it's been so long between updates. Hopefully you're still reading!
Madisen: I'm glad you like my OC! She's definitely adopted an interesting personality. At this point I just let her write herself..
Mysteri0usPerson: Your review touched my heart, wow! I'm sorry about the car accident, I trust everything is better now? I hope you enjoy this update that's taken way too long to come out...
Soph: Merry (almost 2 years later) Christmas to you too! I hope you enjoy this update!

20,000+ views as of Dec. 13, 2015. I'm just in shock. Thank you, everyone, for continuing to provide me with support and motivation. I swear this fic will not go unfinished, and I hope that in the future I can keep from taking nearly 2 years to update...