cries* I'm sorryyyy.

I was consumed with hating my manager all day and completely forgot. *shakes head* and to think I had just been praising myself on being on track, HA

Anyway, enjoy the angst! *huhuhuhu*

———————————————————————————

Zelda took a deep breath, though it was hard when three princesses were circling her like sharks in water.

Ruto stopped, crossing her arms. "White," she declared.

Her "sisters" came to a stop as well. "Really?" Lulu mused. "I thought gold was more her color."

"I was thinking purple." Mipah's voice joined in. Zelda refused to let herself squirm, even under the violet, cerulean, and gold gazes of the Zora representatives. "It is the color of royalty, after all."

"As is gold," Lulu countered.

"But white compliments her skin better. It'll make that light caramel tone stand out."

"Perhaps," Lulu murmured.

"Have you considered combining them?" came a new voice, one that had Zelda stiffen up. Laruto entered the dressing room, clad in her robes. Not for the first time, Zelda envied the elegant woman as she strode forward, looking Zelda up and down.

Laruto had dressed for the ceremony in a simply beautiful gown of flowing white silk, a deep navy blue silk shawl looped through her arms. Long tassels with tiny pearls attached hung from the edges, and her dark hair had been left to flow down her back. She was as tall and regal as she had been at the Summit, and even with--especially with--the three Zora Princesses and the Queen's attentions on her, Zelda felt small.

Laruto poured herself a glass of clear water and examined Zelda. "Perhaps a white gown, deep purple stitching--or a sash . . . yes, I think a sash--and gold accent jewelry. Yes," she murmured, dark blue eyes meeting Zelda's.

"How does that sound, Your Majesty?" Lulu asked politely.

As if I'm in a position to criticize, Zelda thought rather mutinously. She smiled and inclined her head to each lady. "It sounds better than anything I could have come up with."

It sounded stupid coming out of her mouth, but the Zoras simply chuckled around her and set about picking out fabrics. Zelda left them to it and wandered to the edge of the dressing room.

The walkways of Zora's Domain were built into the high cliff walls of Lake Hylia, and towering pillars sunk deep into the lake at the bottom supported the housing, stores, council rooms and, of course, the throne room.

Though Laruto wasn't a queen by blood, she was the owner and director of the largest fresh-water organization in the empire. All three of the Domains regulated filtration, distribution, and upkeep of all the fresh water that supported the six nations bordering the Waker Sea. Laruto managed the Domains like a born ruler, with all the grace and power of one.

She may not be a Queen by blood, but she was a Queen of her own making. She was the standard.

That said, Zelda was consistently cowed in her presence. While she and her daughters decided upon her fate, Zelda stared out at the confection of waterways and paths that made up the heart of Lake Hylia's Domain, the arches and domes high above the lake. There were several levels, the lowest just a few feet above the water surface. The walkways built into the walls began at a landing at the bottom and wound up the walls in a huge spiral, bridges branching off from more meeting rooms and guest suites to connect to the main structure.

Many of the smaller domes were simply structures to support waterways that provided the entire Domain with fresh water, and still others were simply hang-out spots for the Zora residents.

Where Zelda was now, glowing stone formed thin pillars that supported the arches, left open for fresh air. Curtains were held back by silk straps, and the floor was bare of rugs. Zelda turned as Laruto's voice neared.

"How do you feel about this, Your Majesty?" she asked, gesturing for her daughters to come forward.

They did, Lulu holding up a confection of white silk. Mipha and Ruto stood to either side, folds of violet cloth and golden jewelry in their arms. Zelda stripped off her white dressing gown, and Lulu helped her into the many parts of the Zora outfit.

They let her keep her white chest wrap on--a simple stretch of cloth that tied at the back of her neck and clasped at her back, covering her modesty. The gown itself hung from her shoulders, draping over her breasts, creating a V in the back and front. It clasped in a silver band at the hem of the skirt and left her sides open, along with her back--somehow it wasn't as abhorrent as she might have thought--and the panels of the skirt were airy, shifting with every movement Zelda made.

Mipha wrapped the purple cloth around her waist, looping it over Zelda's shoulder. It clasped with a gold Triforce on her hip. And finally, Ruto approached with a headpiece of gold; small spikes rose up between rubies the size of her thumb, and in the front, the Triforce was carved with exquisite detail, backed by the Hylian Wingcrest.

Gold bangles wrapped around her wrists, ankles and biceps. Her hair was left to hang to her shoulders. As Laruto nudged her toward the tall mirror, Zelda felt as though she'd rarely felt more regal and understated at the same time. I guess being who she is, she's got the style down, Zelda thought. As royal as Laruto was, along with all the others, the court demanded that the Empire's center, Zelda herself, not be upstaged. It was viewed as a level of disrespect to be dressed more regally than the Empress. Zelda had always found it to be rather absurd.

Now, as the guest in Laruto's court, Zelda was the one who should not upstage Sidon--the focus of the celebration, or the other royals. After so much practice, Laruto had mastered how to maintain the image of a royal while deferring to the one above her.

Zelda held in a sigh and let the women lead her into a conversation--about what, she didn't know; her mind was elsewhere, but she was forced back into it as she heard her name.

"How have the other nations been since the Summit?" Laruto asked, perched on the bed covers.

Zelda blinked before answering. She tilted her head. "Well, Holodrum has made progress with the railroads. From my councils, Bolson Construction has been mining the stone for the aqueduct. I'm told it should be complete in around two years."

"Oh, my," Lulu said, her brows high. "That's quite fast."

Zelda shrugged. "Bolson Construction is very advanced. They're the leading construction company in the empire, and the Goron Mining Company is helping with cutting the stone and transporting it from the mountains."

"And they're doing this in conjunction with their project here, correct?" Laruto inquired, sipping from her water. Zelda nodded.

"They've already begun crafting the filters. As soon as they're ready the GMC will put them in, and hopefully within a few weeks we'll have an idea about where the pollution is coming from."

Laruto hmmed. Zelda noticed that Ruto looked somewhat dissatisfied and had to restrain herself from snipping at the princess. She knew Ruto still believed the Goron Mining Company was responsible, but she wasn't going to assign blame until she had actual proof. And, from what she'd studied during the Summit, there was no proof at all that it was the GMC. The rivers ran too far from where the mines were for there to be any pollution--at least not on the levels the rivers were suffering with.

She glanced at Ruto again, and had to fight not to frown, her gaze lingering. The Zora princess had been rather more silent than usual. She cast several gazes out the windows, her hand worrying the edges of her goblet. There was a tiny crease between her brows. As she looked away, Ruto sent a glance her way, and Zelda felt a sense of unease sink into her at the distressed expression the princess wore.

What could have Ruto so upset? Had something happened with the GMC that Zelda hadn't been apprised of? Or—

Mipha broke the brief moment of silence, her golden eyes flicking between her sister and Zelda. "I sent a letter to Queen Hilda last week, but she's yet to respond. Have you had any contact, Empress?"

"I thought she'd behaved strangely at the Summit," Laruto murmured into her water, her eyes on the waterfalls outside their room.

Zelda maintained a straight face, though her mind was churning. Ruto's strange behavior drifted to the back of her mind, to be examined later. So I wasn't the only one who noticed. "I did as well, but she refused to tell me anything. She insisted she was fine."

"It's that advisor," Lulu called, pouring water into several glasses. She returned to the bed and handed them out. "Yuga, wasn't his name? I'd never liked him myself."

"Agreed," Zelda said. "He was persistent in picking a fight with me."

"Very shady," Ruto added, either not noticing or ignoring Zelda's glance. "During that first meeting, he refused to say anything regarding Lorule. Not to mention he disrespected Hilda in the process." She huffed in what appeared to Zelda as an obviously fake attempt at her usual attitude. Her heart's not in it.

"He seems to be a rather unpleasant man in general," Lulu mused. "Though his attitude was very unbecoming of Hilda."

"I haven't any contact since the Summit," Zelda said, taking a seat on the bed and crossing her legs. She couldn't quite shake the feeling of dread from Ruto's behavior. "Which worries me. I wanted to have a stable connection with every ruler, something even my father didn't have. But I also can't force rulers to cooperate. If Hilda refuses to speak, then there's not much I can do."

The representatives looked surprised at that, but Laruto simply cocked her head at Zelda. "Isn't there? You are the Empress; it isn't much different than myself and the Domains."

"How so?"

"I manage the Domains, much like you manage the nations. If there is a problem, it becomes our responsibility to fix it."

"Well yes, but there's a fine line between fixing a problem and becoming a tyrant. If Hilda doesn't believe that help is needed, then I cannot force it upon her."

"What if the problem is life-threatening? What if Lorule is going bankrupt? Then it's not just about the rulers; it's about the people."

"Then it becomes a matter of detecting the nature of the issue. How would I go about doing that if Hilda refuses to let me in?"

"Exactly." Laruto smiled and sat back, satisfied. Zelda blinked. "Whether the nature of the problem is serious or not is mootpoint--it's all about cooperation. Hilda may view it as damaging to her pride to have another ruler in her business, even the Empress herself. But it is a queen's obligation to put her people first. That means making sacrifices."

Zelda's lips twitched upwards in a rueful smile, but it faded quickly. Hilda . . . She remembered how the queen had acted during the Summit. She'd deduced then that Hilda had a drinking problem, and Ravio had displayed displeasure . . . perhaps she could contact him, and he could shed some light?

Zelda sighed, raising her head as the trumpets sounded. It was time for the ceremony to begin. The five women stood and linked arms; Laruto leading, with Zelda and Lulu behind, and Ruto and Mipha trailing. It was then that Zelda noticed she hadn't seen Link for hours--since they'd arrived last evening.

She resisted the urge to twist her hands. He'd told her that Colin's presence in Nol hadn't been a ploy to get her to leave, and she wanted desperately to believe him. He'd given her no reason since to believe he would do that, and even if he had, wasn't it a good thing? Considering all she'd been able to do, surely a little push in the right direction wasn't so terrible. And, if anything, Link had always wanted and done what he thought was best for her.

But what someone thinks is best isn't always what's actually best, she thought, worry squirming in her gut. And what she and Link had done that night, the path they'd taken . . .

She closed her eyes. They hadn't gone all the way--neither were anywhere near ready. What they had now was tentative; neither wanted to risk it.

Zelda refocused on the hall ahead. They turned onto a bridge connecting to the main structure, nodding at the courtiers as they bowed. Laruto glanced at Zelda. "Your knight is already at the ceremony. He was adamant about staying by your side, but I assured him Sidon would be positively despondent if he missed him. I hope you don't mind."

Zelda blinked. "N-no, that's fine," she stammered. "I'm sure he's sick of being stuck with me, anyway." I should give him more free time, she thought.

Lulu's voice mixed in with her sisters' giggles. "Don't worry," she told Zelda, squeezing her arm. The jewels in her indigo hair jingled. "Mother's always been a bit audacious like that."

Laruto turned her head and winked.

Zelda smiled, but on the inside she was in turmoil. "Has he been here before?" She hoped her voice didn't sound as strangled to the Zoras as it did to herself.

She could hear the surprise in Mipha's voice. "Of course. He used to visit all the time between his training. He even lived here for a short time . . ."

She trailed off, so Zelda twisted her neck to see her expression. She faced forward quickly.

There was no mistaking the pink tinge in Mipha's cheeks, nor the affection in her eyes, the way her voice softened. Zelda couldn't believe she'd never seen it before. Link was at every council meeting, every party, and Mipha lived predominantly at the castle to boot.

"I'm surprised," Laruto continued. "As your personal guard, I'd have thought he would share that with you."

Zelda's chest tightened. So did I.

They entered the main structure amid silence on Zelda's part. What else had Link not told her?

/

Those thoughts stayed with her until they reached the open area below the throne room. Stairs branched off to either side behind them, a massive one opening in front. Guests mingled, chatter echoing in the open air, and a familiar voice rose above the rest.

"I'll see you after the ceremony!" A golden head bobbed above the throng, and then Link was before them, his smile as bright as the dawn sun. He came to a stop, his eyes flicking over the Zoras and resting on Zelda. She tried not to squirm as his sharp blue gaze slowly took her in and, without missing a beat, bowed.

He took her hand as he rose and lifted it to his lips, meeting Zelda's gaze. "Your Majesty," he murmured. Despite herself, her worries, Zelda shivered.

Damn him, she thought as Link greeted the others, back straight, completely at ease. Damn him all the way to the Dark Realm. How can he make me feel this way and remain as composed as ever?

Little did she know, Link was anything but composed. On the inside, at least. It was an effort to remember the proper greetings--not that it mattered, anyway. He may as well have been talking to his mother as he kissed Laruto's hand, and his sisters as he turned to the three princesses.

But whenever he looked at Zelda, his chest tightened, and he thought he might pass out. Her caramel tone contrasted with the bright white of her gown in a way that made it difficult to breathe. Her blue eyes sparkled in the dawn light, and his own gaze tracked her throat as she swallowed.

He tore his gaze away, looping his arm with Ruto's--at her insistence--as they made their way up the stairs. In front of him, the skirts of Zelda's dress made a very distracting whispering sound on the floor. If he looked closely, he could see thousands of tiny beads sewn into the fabric. And they were opaque; his gaze trailed up her legs, as tan and shapely as when he'd first seen them . . .

Link swallowed, tearing his gaze back to a pouting Ruto. He forced himself to listen; she hadn't seen him in years (it had only been a few months), she missed him (and she knew her sister did too, she added with a wink) and how long was he staying (until the next morning). She looked decidedly distraught at that.

As hard as he tried, Link couldn't stop his attention from drifting to the girl in front of him. She was close enough to touch. Part of him wanted to whisk her away as soon as the ceremony was over and pick up where they'd left off, but . . . he sighed. If any of the Zora found them, it would be a scandal.

And Goddesses be damned if my "sisters" don't love a good scandal, he thought mutinously.

His chest tightened at the thought of Laruto finding out, but as he remembered Zelda's face in Nol, the fireworks illuminating the fear in her eyes, it squeezed even harder. He hated that he'd put that fear there. And he still had to explain about his wolf form . . .

He just resisted groaning aloud as they took their seats--and his was right beside Zelda's. They sat in the front row, but here he had to leave her. She gave him a confused look, but he only winked in response. It's a surprise, he mouthed, grinning as her cheeks turned pink.

He stood up on the dias, where the massive throne sat--carved in the shape of a whale's tailfin, arching up and over, forming the dome above them. An enormous undertaking, way back before even the Era of the Wild. Beside him stood one of his best friends, one of the bravest men he'd ever known, and someone who never lost faith no matter the circumstances. Even when Link hadn't believed in himself.

Sidon grinned at him, excitement and nerves warring in his golden gaze. "Thank you, Link," he murmured, staring at the stairs, waiting for his groom to appear. "For being here . . . today."

The emotion in his voice made Link wonder if he'd ever feel the same. He knew Sidon and his groom were in love; that wasn't hard to guess. It was clear from one glance. As Sidon's best man, he'd been subjected to more than his share of PDA from the pair through the years. And as much as he was happy to see them finally come together, as much as it scared him to let someone get that close, it had only made him want that for himself. But no one had ever caught his eye.

At least, not until he'd gone to a city in the middle of the Fields a year ago.

How different would his life be, Link wondered, watching Zelda chat with Mipha out of the corner of his eye, if he hadn't chosen that city? He could've picked any of them--he'd almost gone to Clock Town instead--but something about the quiet, bustling settlement three days' ride from the castle had lured him in.

Snared since before I even saw you, he thought with a smile.

The music started, and he straightened. Beside him, Sidon puffed his chest, his red jacket bright among the other muted, but no less stand-out, colors of the crowd. Link resisted a grin. They look like a school of fish.

Blue, gray, gold, pink, yellow, green, black and white smattered the audience, looking like a collection of gems around the luminous centerpiece--and luminous he was, tears budding in his eyes as his groom finally entered the throne room. The audience turned.

A young man walked down the aisle, on the arm of a strong older Hylian, their pointed ears unmistakeable. The husband-to-be was resplendent in dark blue trousers, knee high boots, and a black shirt. The blue jacket over it was sewn with hundreds of shining silver scales on the lapels and hems, and silver epaulettes covered the shoulders. A chain of tiny links and sapphires swept across his chest to tie at his hip, from which a Zora Sword hung.

The groom's hair was like molten gold, tied back in a small ponytail, his bangs hanging in his bright blue eyes, matching the hoops in his ears. His father dropped him off at the foot of the dais and gripped his shoulders, his smile full of the emotions of a parent who couldn't be prouder, and stepped back to sit beside Laruto.

The groom stepped up the dais, his gaze locked with Sidon's every step. His mouth was trapped in a smile, and as he reached Sidon's side, he caught Link's eye and grinned. Happiness exuded from him.

Link couldn't keep back his own grin as the pastor began the ceremony. The two repeated their oaths, voices shaking ever so slightly, and when it was time to present the rings, Link supplied Sidon with the small, black velvet box in his pocket. He thought he'd never seen either man more emotional, and when the pastor declared them married, Sidon swept his husband off his feet.

Link laughed with the crowd, his gaze unconsciously seeking Zelda's. She was standing, clapping beside Link's foster sisters, tears sparkling in her beautiful blue eyes. And maybe it was the light from the rising sun, illuminating her like a star, or whatever stirred in his own heart when he looked at her, but Link thought if ever he was to marry someone, it would have been her.

/

The ceremony was over. Link hopped down the stairs, seeking out a white gown and golden hair. He spotted her, heading away from him. He pushed through the tearful crowd; he'd already said his congratulations to his friends, and he wanted to find Zelda before the parties started and she was taken.

He was a few feet away when another woman in a white gown intercepted him. "Dance with me, won't you?" Laruto asked, holding out her hand.

Trying to push back the impatience, Link grinned and sketched a bow, leading her out to the open floor. "It would be my pleasure."

Snorting softly, Laruto let him sweep her into the dance. Many people might have found it a strange sight, but while he'd lived here as a young page, resting at the Domain between long stretches of travel for a mission all the way in Labrynna, he'd found a second family in the Zora royalty.

Being a Royal Guard's son and in training to become one himself, he'd had his fair share of protocol drilled into him. So it had been a surprise when the three princesses were much shorter on such things than he'd predicted. Ruto, especially. And their matron was just as relaxed.

Just as she wasn't Link's biological mother--he buried her memory deep down, kept safe--neither was she the Zora representatives' mother. He'd always felt that she'd just assumed that role unconsciously; whatever the case, it had felt right to Link. And in the reps, he'd found three sister-figures.

They were his family. And this time, he wouldn't let them be taken away.

Laruto eyed him with that knowing gaze she had. "You seem preoccupied, Link," she said.

Link resisted the urge to shrug, though he knew she noticed the tightening in his shoulders. He didn't care much, not when he could see that Zelda was embroiled in a conversation with several Domain residents. "It's nothing," he said distractedly.

Laruto raised a brow. "Indeed? You've been unlike yourself since you arrived."

"Have I?" Link blinked. Laruto's eyes narrowed.

"You know you can't fool me, Link." Her tone took on a softer note, and Link had to stop himself from stiffening. He knew that voice, and they both knew he couldn't keep anything back when she used it. "Tell me what's wrong."

His eyes fluttered closed for a second. One last ditch effort, he thought. "I've just had a lot on my mind. I haven't felt myself since I went to Nol. The first time," he added, then winced. Too much.

Laruto picked up on it immediately as Link spun her. "Oh? That's where the Empress was found, was it not?"

Link had to stop himself from groaning; over Laruto's shoulder, he saw that Zelda had been swept away in a dance. He hurried to answer the queen's question, though he knew nothing would convince her. "Really? I--uh, well I knew that, I was the one who--I mean, that's where I f--"

He cut himself off, feeling his face flame. Great job. The only way she won't notice now is if she's deaf, blind and dumb.

Indeed, Laruto watched him for a long moment. As they spun past the center of the floor, Zelda and her partner passed. Link's eyes lingered on the smile on her face; absent, empty. Her mind was other things. Link couldn't keep down a feeling of smug satisfaction.

When he faced his own partner again, he saw she was still watching the empress. Her eyes were quiet as she turned back to him. "I see the way you look at her."

Feigning confusion, Link blinked. "The way I look at her . . . ?"

To his surprise, Laruto rolled her eyes. "Don't do that," she scoffed. "You're as obvious as her partner--at least to a practiced eye."

Losing the battle and knowing it, Link gave up. "I don't know where it came from," he murmured, casting his gaze inward, his mind shooting past all the times a smile, a comment--even just the way her expression matched her thoughts when no one but Link was there--had made his heart pound in the most confusing, exhilarating way.

Laruto was watching him with a soft expression. "It strikes in strange ways. Sometimes it creeps up on us, without us even realizing it. Other times it's like a flash of clarity; where before it felt like we watched the world through a fog, now the sky is clear."

"Has it ever been both at once?" Link muttered, and Laruto laughed. "Whatever the case, it's different for everyone," she said, flicking his nose like she always did. The song ended, and she gave him a little push. "Thank you for the dance, Sir," she said, all regality but for the glint in her eye. Link bent to hide his smile and kissed her hand, all but dashing to seize Zelda's next dance.

He skidded to a stop in the middle of the floor, his coattails slapping against the backs of his thighs. He searched the throng, straining to hear her voice above the chatter, but it was in vain. She wasn't there.

Past experiences, distant and recent, made panic flutter in his chest. Not another one. He pushed through the crowd, dodging attempts at conversation, searching for the glimmer of her hair, that distracting swish her dress made on the floor, her lilting voice, anything--

There! She ducked into one of the many paths, leading to one of the long halls lined with private meeting rooms. Was she sick? he wondered, worry driving him forward. He forced himself to slow down, not wanting to attract attention. He followed at a more leisurely pace, the sounds of the party fading in the quiet hall, even leaning against one of the pillars as an older pair strode down from the other end of the hall.

As soon as they passed, Link started forward, just in time to see Zelda duck into a room. He was at the door within seconds of it closing, his heart thumping in his chest. Should he open it? Should he knock? Did she want to be alone?

Indecision warred within him, until he heard a sigh from the other room. He froze, his hand half-raised, as a voice spoke. Right on the other side of the door.

"What am I doing?"

/

Link froze, hand in the air.

What am I doing?

She sounded so tired. Confused. Hurt, even. He swallowed.

Had he pushed too far, kissing her in Nol? Goddesses, he'd wanted to, for so long, and she'd responded eagerly enough, but still . . . she was the Empress. He was just a guard. Was she trying to make herself remember that, like he should have done?

Or was it something else? He swallowed again, knowing she'd been hurt finding out about Colin. And she still wanted answers about Link's wolf form. He'd promised to tell her, and she hadn't pushed, but he knew she hadn't forgotten, either.

Link dithered at the door, hand raised like a fool. He held his breath, waiting for her to say something else--anything, to dispel the whirling in his mind, but she was silent. He still couldn't decide if she wanted to be alone or not.

He debated just leaving, cursing himself, but then shifting fabric on the other side told him she'd moved along, her footsteps fading slightly.

The warring within him worsened tenfold. Go in, or walk away? Endlessly bouncing between the two, contemplating the results of each, tying himself into knots. Goddesses, he thought, clenching his fist, whatever you're going to do, just do it already.

Zelda stood at the window, watching the waterfalls streaming down the cliff sides, the tallest so high they were hardly more than flashes of bright sunlight.

She resisted the urge to sigh. She really ought to go back to the party, but something about it, the guests' voices, the music, the pleasantries . . .

Sounds were just a tad too loud, the voices too sweet, the scene too . . . happy. It was absurd to think; hadn't she just been utterly moved by the whole thing during the ceremony?

But then images rolled into her mind and unfolded of their own malevolent will; the guests' voices turned to screams of anguish, the music shifted to chords of terror, and when she blinked the cool blue stone of the Domain suddenly splattered with red.

When she looked to the sky to find comfort, assurance that what she was seeing wasn't real, she found not cool, early morning sunshine but a looming shadow, nearing until she thought it would engulf her, bury her alive.

So she'd run.

And here she stood, trying to shake off the last of her shivers, convincing herself she was out of the snow, she hadn't been buried, and the scenes of her nightmare were all in her head.

In a way, that was worse.

Zelda took a deep breath, her chest hitching. In her head . . . if they were all in her head, then they swirled around like poison, infecting every thought. Clouded every decision. They came out of nowhere and disappeared just as fast. They destroyed her peace of mind, little by little.

It had been a week. Almost two. And every night, they returned in force, until she woke screaming her throat raw. The guards had tried to help, those nights on the road. But she was wild, and when they got too close, her tortured mind became convinced they meant harm, not help.

Only one person was able to get close. And it was always the same person who died in her nightmares before she could reach him.

Every time.

Zelda felt tears burning and for once, let them fall. She felt fractured. She could see the scenes in her head, could hear every scream and spatter of blood and feel the gore on her skin as she crawled--and yet they never went away. She felt like her mind was breaking loose, a thread unraveling.

How long before I come undone completely?

A knock sounded at her door, startling her out of her morbid ruminations. Dully, Zelda wondered if she'd been followed. But no one had noticed her leave, she was sure. Perhaps it was simply a sordid meeting, arranged beforehand? A wedding would be the time for one, she supposed . . .

Sighing, she used a mirror to clean up her face and shoved her misery into the deepest, darkest part of her, trying to recall what it felt like to not have those images lingering under every thought like a snake, waiting to strike.

Striding to the door, she opened it to find not a couple on their way to a tryst, but possibly the very last person she'd expected to find.

"May I have a word, Empress?" Ruto asked.

Stunned, Zelda stepped aside wordlessly. Ruto entered the room, seemingly as ill at ease as Zelda herself. She wrapped her arms around herself, searching the room with darting blue eyes. Zelda shut the door, curiosity bubbling up. What could have the youngest Zora princess so anxious?

Ruto stopped in the center of the room, glancing at the bed, then at Zelda uncertainly. For a moment Zelda was struck with the most stupid of thoughts, then realized Ruto must have wanted to sit, but was afraid to ask.

Shaking off the embarrassment, Zelda gestured to the bed. "Go ahead. You needn't ask permission. I am your guest this time."

With a twitch of her lips, Ruto sat. Zelda crossed the room slowly, wondering why Ruto seemed so discomfited. Her face was pale, paler than usual, and her subtle make-up couldn't quite hide the shadows beneath her eyes. She avoided Zelda's gaze, swallowing.

When Zelda took a seat beside the girl, Ruto stared straight ahead. "I'm . . . sorry to disturb you, but I really don't know who else to come to. The books . . . the books said that--that this was--"

Gently, Zelda held up a hand. She was lost, but she didn't want to scare off Ruto. It was clear, even through Zelda's own fear-fogged mind, that Ruto was frightened of something. And what was this about books? What books? And why was she coming to Zelda, of all people?

She ignored the beginnings of dread in her gut and said softly, "You're not disturbing me, so don't worry about that. I am a bit confused, however, so if you could start from the beginning?"

Ruto nodded, turning to look at Zelda properly. For the second time, Zelda noticed the tiny lines between the girl's brows, and the stiffness of her shoulders, and felt her earlier unease grow. "These past few days, I have had . . . dreams," Ruto said, wringing her hands in her lap. Zelda's stomach dropped into her shoes, but she kept a straight face. "They come and go, but they are always the same."

Zelda ignored the ringing in her ears. "What kinds of dreams?"

Her voice was hoarse. Ruto stared at her, eyes wide. "I dream of smoke and fire," she whispered. "At first I stand in the throne room, watching. I try, but I cannot move. I s-see my mother, my sisters, everyone engulfed in the flames. Then it changes."

"I am on the shore, but I don't recognize it. Far away, across a wide river, the horizon is red, and I can hear their screams." She broke off, burying her head in her hands. Zelda sat frozen, listening, wishing she could shut out the words.

"They're so far, but I can hear them," Ruto cried softly. "I know their voices like my own--and it never stops. Every night I go to sleep, afraid the dream will come, and every night I wake with my name on their lips."

Zelda wrapped the girl in her arms, hoping Ruto wouldn't notice the shaking between them wasn't hers alone. Zelda shut her eyes tight, seeing the visions of her own nightmares flash in her mind. Then a thought occurred to her.

She pulled away, thought she kept Ruto's hands in hers. They're so cold, she thought, throat tight. "You mentioned books. What kinds of books?"

Ruto lifted her head, sucking in a shaking breath. "I . . . one of the voices was not familiar. It spoke to me, over the screams. It didn't belong to anyone I knew, but somehow I felt I should listen to it."

"It said, 'The time for peace is at an end. He is coming. The Six must awaken, or he will cover the world in darkness."

Ruto glanced at Zelda for hints, but the Empress's expression was as helpful as stone. She jumped, however, when Zelda blinked and glanced at her. Her eyes were twin blue flames. "And then?"

Ruto swallowed, and for a moment Zelda feared she'd scared the girl even more. But then the princess said, "After the third night, I went to the library to find out what 'the Six' meant. There wasn't much, but then . . ."

Impatience and more than a little fear prompted Zelda. "Well?"

Ruto peeked up at her. "It was mostly out of curiosity. There was a book, in the back, that was a list of the most important figures in history. I wondered if there might have been some group called 'the Six'. It took me until morning to find it."

"Apparently, during one of the earliest times in history, there were six people with tremendous power," Ruto said, her earlier panic fading. "They embodied the things that form this world: forests, fire, water, spirit, shadow, and light. And they helped banish a dark force that threatened their world."

"The Sages," Zelda murmured. She blinked.

Ruto nodded. "The Sages. They lived long ago, and they were almost too late. But, well . . ." She gestured vaguely around the room. "Clearly they succeeded."

Zelda's mind was whirling. There were only ever six people like that, and like Ruto said, they'd lived ages ago. And they hadn't been alone, either.

She gripped Ruto's hands. "You said they helped banish darkness. Who else was with them?"

"They say it was a hero, a young man from nowhere, and a princess . . ." She trailed off, uncertainty once again entering her gaze. "Which is why I came to you."

If Zelda hadn't been sitting, she would have fallen onto the coverlet just then. Clearly, Ruto believed she'd found the Princess. But . . .

All in a flash, an early morning memory crash-landed in Zelda's mind. A starlit tent, a wrinkled old woman with her crystal ball, and swirling clouds. And, more recently: visions of blood and slaughter, one voice raised above it all.

You will know death. You will know despair. Thousands will die by his hand, and beasts of old will awake--

"For he heralds a new age of darkness," Zelda murmured. Ruto blinked at her. "I--you . . . what did you say?"

Zelda took a shaking breath. "I've had dreams of my own. Not too different from yours, but . . . that's what the voice said in mine."

Ruto stared at her. "Do you think . . .?"

Zelda didn't want to think about it. She wanted to pretend this was another nightmare, and that prophecy wasn't coming true, and monsters weren't gathering again. But that was obviously impossible, if Ruto was having the same type of dream.

Damn that Twili seer, she thought viciously. If I ever see her again . . .

She forced herself to answer Ruto's question. "I don't know. But keep me updated. Do as much research as you can without raising suspicion. I'll do the same. If you find anything, let me know."

Ruto nodded, but she said, "If . . . if these dreams will come true, who do you think is 'the darkness'?"

A face flashed in Zelda's mind, but she pushed it back. "It's too early to tell. Just . . . keep your head low, all right?"

Ruto nodded again. "You as well, Empress," she said softly.

Zelda swallowed, turning away. She'd dismissed Ruto almost the first time she'd seen her; Mipha was the warrior, Lulu was the diplomat, Laruto was the business woman, and Ruto . . . Ruto had been a blank space.

Now, Zelda wondered how big of a mistake that had been. Clearly there was more to the youngest Zora princess than Zelda had ever tried to see.

And as she walked with her back to the party, arm in arm and pretending they hadn't just spoken of the possible destruction of their world, she wondered also how big of a role Ruto was yet meant to play.

————————————————————————————

The plot thickens! HAHA. This is fun.

Ah, angst. My old friend.

REVIEW REPLIES.

To Oracle of Hylia: romantic boi. The kiss was really hard for me to get because I didn't want it to be rushed, i wanted it to be earned, you know? Haha I hope i got it right. BUT, of course, romantic boi️ still has his secrets, and Zelda's nightmares certainly don't help anything. I fricking love Nol honestly, it's one of my favorite locations in the story.

To Ultimate blazer: Ganondorf is writing: Zelda must suffer! Lmao jk but as a writer I do torture my characters perhaps a smidge too much. Idk. A character arc's resolution has to feel earned, I feel. What do you think? Am I putting link and Zelda through the ringer too much, or nOT eNoUgh?? HAHA. And you're welcome, as always!

To Generala: mhmhmhmhmhm, who can say?? *waggles eyebrows* anyway, yeah Hyrule would probs fall apart without Zelda. Unfortunately. But I'm glad you enjoyed it! Haha.

To Guest: AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA YESSS! Doubt is the greatest enemy! Haha I'm glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun (and plenty of angst myself) trying to get the tone right. And no, they got their scars from separate events, but they occurred roughly the same time. Link had already been in the hospital wing for about a week before Zelda was brought in, which was right after she and Ilayen made it back to the castle. Link had gone to the ruins of Mabe Village, while Zelda and Ilayen had gone to one of the garrison ruins. Hope that cleared it up!

ALSO, Trivia Time! I had the idea for a Zora wedding but I had no idea who was going to be Sidon's groom, so I was, like, wildly searching for suitable LoZ characters. . . Which ultimately resulted in me trying to look up speculated gay NPCs. And a lot of, uh. . explicit fan art. My browser is traumatized.

(Not that I don't support gay, I'm bi lol, but some things I just don't need to see lmaoo)

Anyway, I knew a lot of people paired Link with Sidon (oh god, the fan art) and I struggled because obviously our boi️ is taken, but then the idea eventually came to me that Sidon's groom didn't exactly have to be Link in name. Hence the strong resemblance to BOTW Link, while remaining nameless.

And yes, I cried while writing the ceremony.

I CANT HELP IT OKAY. XD

coughs*. Anyway.

Again, SO SORRY for being late X( don't hate me. This chap is extra long (7,000 words!) hopefully that makes up for it. Leave reviews if you like, I love them, and enjoy! Later~