The next morning had everyone ready to head out, Linkette seeming extra full of energy after visiting the doctor again, very ready to get going and having a better appetite than she'd had for a few days. This alleviated many worries and, after making sure she got a shiny new sword, were about to go when Nelis approached them.
"Is everything alright, Prince Nelis?" Sheik inquired.
"Yes and no. Father said that I should come along to absolutely make sure nothing happens to the Spiritual Stone."
"You can share with Beau, as he's a decent enough equestrian. Hopefully being this far from water won't cause you any long term issues, especially since you're the Sage of Water we need." Sheik said.
Everyone paused at that, especially Nelis.
"Alright, so that'll just leave one sage left," Arew looked pretty pleased, as it meant rescuing his sister quicker.
That made Linkette remember part of her vision and she wrote down that they will need to split up so that they could cover more ground quicker, with her leading a group to the Temple of Time to get the Master Sword, followed by the three more Northern/ Eastern Temples of Forest, Fire, and Shadow.
"If memory serves from Zora legends, the Water Temple is not too far from the castle, so I should be able to go and complete its purification." Nelis supplemented.
"But what're we gonna do fer th' Shadow one? Also, uh...who's th' Fire Sage?" Dale looked between Aiden and Sheik.
"She is. Oddly enough you're the Forest Sage, Sir Dale." Sheik explained.
"What? That don't make a lick'a sense!" Dale huffed.
"It does in the sense that Goddess Din carved the earth with her flaming arms, so quit your complaining and head to the south for the temple there." Sheik was just done with him.
"Okay, okay…" Dale muttered then turned to his wife, "Be safe, my dear."
They started discussing more plans, it being decided the sneaky Sheik should be the one to try and locate the Spirit Sage while Arew promised to escort Linkette to The Temple of Time to retrieve the Master Sword. Linkette ended up suggesting an alternative plan where they split up less so that they were in stronger groups. It was decided Sheik would go with Nelis to the Water Temple along with Beau in case the light temple made an appearance in Hyrule field. Linkette, Aiden, Dale, and Arew would head towards Castletown, then the Forest Temple, then Arew and Linkette would wait in the village while Dale and Aiden took on the Fire Temple, and hope Damia made her appearance. Arew promised to send his best warrior to assist Sheik, Nelis and Beau, promising she'd arrive with supplies. He used some magic to send out a purple bird to travel to Lorule and fetch her. Sure enough a purple cloaked woman wielding a dark, magical blade similar to the Master Sword made her appearance. She wore an outfit similar to Damia, marking her as a strong knight.
"Your wife, I take it?" Sheik wasn't born yesterday.
"Yep. Our only proper shieldmaiden, next to my sister. She got the Captain of the Guard position inherited from her father."
"You see, my bloodline is from Lorule's family of Heros…" and Ravia started talking about her long lineage and such, followed by the events leading up to her being queen, which included quite a few trysts it seemed, and stating not to worry because their daughter, Hilda, was under close watch by her nanny.
Everyone kind of tuned out and just nodded along since she was taking forever and a day to get to the point.
"What was th' plan again?" Dale had forgotten it at this point.
"We're dividing into two groups, Sheik, Ravia, Beau, and Nelis in one and the rest of us in the other," Aiden answered. "So I guess let's head out."
And with that they did, though Beau and Dale hugged before going since it was likely to be a while before they saw each other again. Linkette gave Sheik a nod and the groups were on their way. Linkette's group made great time in getting to Castletown, Arew going to stay at the inn while Linkette was going to stay at her house once she obtained the Master Sword. Aiden inquired on if Dale would take her to his house. He figured that'd be the best and swung by the dress shop to have Aiden pick out something nice to wear before seeing his folks. Since she married a knight she is a lady of the court now, so she should look the part. Aiden picked herself out a beautiful red and black dress that suited her. Once she was dressed up it was now off to the Hayes home, which was kind of obvious which it was due to it being a red brick home with its own garden to act as the front lawn.
"...Ya know, maybe it does make sense I'm th' Forest Sage?" Dale scratched the back of his head as he stared at his mother's work.
"Your garden is lovely," Aiden complimented.
"It's technically Ma's, but I've had my hand in it from time t' time. Th' tree there's all me though, it's got me my first trainin' weapon when it was big enough." Dale smiled and offered his arm, "Shall we head in?"
"Let's" She took his hand, starting to feel a bit nervous that his mother wouldn't approve of her.
"Ma! Pa! I'm home!" Dale announced once they crossed the threshold. He was quickly beset with questions since it had been some time since he last spoke to either of them, only finding out about what happened to Beau from his parents writing them. They only stopped on seeing the lady on his arm and were very confused about why she was here.
"Who's the lass, lad?" Peter asked.
"This's Aiden, she's my wife."
This stunned Lady Kenna and Sir Peter, mainly because they didn't get their hopes up in anyone wanting to marry their son - they knew he was...a force that most wouldn't want to reckon with.
"Pray tell...how did…?" Kenna was rather lost for words.
"It was before I held a performance for the Goron's. We'd met a few days prior at an inn during another of my performances," Aiden started to explain, "it's a bit rushed but we got along so well and it seemed the thing to do."
"Performances?" Kenna blinked.
"She's a bard!" Dale beamed.
The parents exchanged a look and then cheered, hugging the newlyweds and called her a miracle for being able to put up with Dale's very, very rough exterior - and that he was a gentleman towards her. Aiden just smiled happily at all the attention, feeling quite welcomed and saying it was lovely to meet them, even if it was only for the night and that Dale wasn't that bad.
"Only for the - ooh." Kenna didn't realize it was for a quest and thought it was the honeymoon. She quickly flagged down a maid and now the process of getting a larger bed for Dale and Aiden was underway.
While that went on, Peter played tour guide and showed her around the area. It was pretty spacious and he mentioned they could make a little music room for her if she so desired by converting one of the lesser used guest rooms. Aiden said that sounded like a good idea, as she'd love one. She soon realized that they'd be expected to stay here a vast majority of the time and wasn't sure how she felt about it, though reasoned she'd probably become with child as soon as the quest was done. After the tour they checked on the bed situation, which was...well for now they had to push two beds together since it would take some time for a proper bed frame and mattress to be made. But at least Aiden could pack her things away in her new wardrobe, which was also moved in during the process, and relax a bit until dinner. Aiden just walked around a bit more, getting more of a feel for the place that would become her home, deciding she did like it here. The maids greeted her with kindness and well-wishes as they passed her. She soon found where Kenna was and decided to get to know her mother-in-law better, going to go start a conversation with her.
"Hello dear, how do you like the abode so far?" Kenna gave her a polite curtsy on seeing her.
"It's nice," Aiden answered, "very welcoming. May I sit with you?"
"Of course," Kenna led the way to the sitting room.
Aiden joined her and started chatting a bit, enjoying the conversation. Then Kenna brought up her parents and how proud they must be to have both a skill performance and be married to a knight.
"My mom was a performer too but she passed away when I was younger. My father...didn't quite approve of my choice of career and after...an argument I ran off to be a bard anyway. He'd be surprised to know anyone married me."
Kenna nodded and could tell this was starting to become a touchy subject. "We are more than happy to have you in our family, Aiden. You are an amazing surprise."
"Thank you," It cheered Aiden up quite a bit.
"Now chances are you may want your own horse? I know Dale is more than willing to share with his wife, but in the long run it will become impractical. I believe the local horse seller is still open…?"
"I'll be fine without a horse. I'm used to traveling by foot,"
"But what about your instruments? Supplies? And the extended treks between all the kingdoms?" Kenna was a bit worried.
"Bags and my feet,"
No wonder Dale and her get along, she can be rather stubborn? "At least...take a donkey with you then? To carry supplies like food and water."
"I'll think about it," Aiden nodded, "though I imagine I won't be doing much traveling once the quest finishes, given how I'll probably be pregnant by then."
Kenna nodded slowly, "Just be aware that twins are somewhat common on my husband's side of the family...my sister-in-law and were lucky but it may not be so for you."
"I'll be mindful," Aiden nodded. "I'll also come straight home if it does become obvious I'm with child. I won't be silly like Linkette…" She covered her mouth, mentally facepalming.
"...Pardon?" Kenna's tone got a little hard.
"We are worried she might be pregnant," Aiden slowly answered. Elsewhere had Linkette shiver like someone walked over her grave.
"By whom?" Kenna rarely ever heard of the prince leaving the castle grounds unless it was for a festival...or burial.
"We don't know. Last argument she had with Dale she asked how could he know what she and the prince did," Aiden barely fibbed.
"Oh goddesses above…" Kenna pinched the bridge of her nose, "I thought she would last until her wedding night with the prince, but now she has become reckless and will endanger more than just her life! If it was by another man, the prince will surely have him exiled - or worse. This will only further upset Linkette and it…" she paused for fear of saying it out loud coming true.
"We don't know for sure she is. It might just be magical exhaustion...But I feel like it is...She insists on continuing though."
Kenna put her face in her hands and groaned a little, "I thought I raised her to be more cautious...what happened?"
"If it was the Prince she couldn't exactly deny him…" Aiden was making sure there was no doubt that it was the Prince's, despite knowing Linkette bedded the Sheikah.
"I wish she had, or at least thought to knock some sense into him. But that also does not seem like Prince Zelo. I am...at a loss." She looked defeated.
"People do foolish things when in love. I know many a song about it."
She could only nod to that. Aiden did her best to change the topic a bit, changing to talking about Beau becoming engaged to Damia. She had no doubt they'd save Damia.
"P-Pardon, the Lorulian Princess Damia?" Kenna looked like she was slapped in the face.
"Yes. She was head over heels for him from day one. They really are sweet together, it's like a cat trying to keep a dog safe."
"That...sounds about right," Kenna sighed and seemed to be holding back on what she really wanted to say.
"Rupee for your thoughts?"
"Damia's reputation precedes her. I worry for my dear nephew due to his soft heart and desire to keep others happy."
"Oh, you mean Damia's long list of...suitors…I remember from performing in Lorule."
Lady Kenna sighed heavily this time, "Correct. I take it you can see why I worry now?"
"Yes. She really doesn't match how she was at the castle. She is very devoted to loving him."
"Are you sure? Very, very sure?"
"Yes. She is constantly snuggling with him when we took breaks and is always by his side,"
Kenna thought about this for a minute and a half, "What sort of look did she have in her eyes as she did so?"
"Like he was the only man in the world."
She let out a small sigh and folded her hands in her lap, "Then...it seems she truly is dedicated to him. I can take comfort in that. But I worry for my in-laws, as Celia could only manage one birth according to the physician, and what will become of their farm if she whisks him away to Lorule."
"From my understanding she plans on moving to the farm,"
"That...is a surprise," Kenna blinked. "Usually a noblewoman is persistent in keeping her lifestyle intact no matter what."
"I don't think she was too happy at the Lorule castle, so," Aiden shrugged.
"Fair enough," Kenna gave a small shrug, "at least it means they have some additional help, which is always good. I try to send some help as well, but my husband's brother is just as proud as his twin, he only accepts it when the labor is too much for him and Beau."
Aiden nodded and so the two kept chatting for a while. Come close to dinnertime Linkette arrived in a dress to join the Hayes for dinner, per usual from before starting the quest and for when she wasn't required at the castle. While Kenna usually greeted her with a curtsy and head pat, this time she hugged her and seemed to be debating what to say to her first, her face showing conflict as she was upset that she had gotten pregnant out of wedlock - possibly not with the prince's child - but was just glad she was in one piece in this whole ordeal.
Linkette noticed something was wrong after the hug and quickly wrote a note, 'What's wrong, Aunt Kenna?'
"I...know," Kenna muttered.
Linkette just looked at her in confusion, 'know what?' She can't know I'm...I'm doing a good job covering it up and no one knows I am, plus surely Aiden and Dale wouldn't rat out what I did…
"About your frivolity," Kenna hoped she got the implication and/or would stop playing dumb.
'I've been quite serious about my quest,' Linkette responded, still playing naive.
"Linkette…" Kenna gave her the hard stare only a mother knew.
Linkette just went to go take her seat at the table, trying to hide the guilt she was feeling.
Kenna just sighed and rubbed a temple. "Nayru help me."
Dinner finished and Linkette tried to make a run for it to leave the manor and to return to her own house, but alas Kenna managed to pull her aside to talk.
"Explain yourself, young lady," Kenna sat her down in a more private sitting room.
'There's nothing to explain,' Linkette wrote out, still denying anything.
"Yes, there is," Kenna couldn't stress this enough, "you cheated on your fiance and now bear the child of another man - one whom may likely face death because of your irresponsibility! What do you have to say for yourself?"
'I didn't cheat on the Prince!' Linkette silently defended herself, barely writing it down to make sure she was understood. 'I would NEVER, everything I do is for him.' She was having a hard time containing her emotions.
"Then why did you do this to yourself? To him? This is beyond incriminating for your infidelity!"
'I didn't cheat on him!' Linkette scribbled before going to take her leave, fighting hard not to cry.
"You get back here this instant young lady!" Kenna was quick to catch up to her and hold her by the ear, a thing she's done to her and Dale since they were kids to prevent them from running off.
Linkette did her best to get away, but stopped as she felt a bit lightheaded, soon starting to fall into a faint. Kenna managed to grab her and called for someone - anyone - to get the local physician. Dale and Aiden were on it, both having overheard Kenna's half of the argument. Aiden let Dale know she was going to talk to Arew to see if he couldn't use a portal to get Sheik to help resolve the situation, plus Sheik needed to know if something was wrong with Linkette given their feelings. A bit later had a physician arriving to tend Linkette, who was out cold and laid in a guest room, while Arew had made it to where Sheik and co had made camp.
"Sheik. Prince Zelo! Something wrong with Linkette!" Arew had seen through his disguise.
"You're mistaken, the prince isn't here!" Sheik snapped and added in a low voice only Arew could hear, "Don't blow my cover!"
"Linkette is in serious condition after arguing with Lady Kenna, you need to hurry," Arew tried not to feel frustrated, quickly explaining the argument Aiden told him Kenna and Linkette had, "She needs the Prince and for the Prince to clear things up. I can open up a portal to assist."
"...Nelis, are you gonna be okay on your own?!"
"Yes," Nelis assured with a nod and thumbs up, the latter he's learned is a good way to confirm these statements in Hylian culture.
"Great! I'll come back to you once I've sorted things out, don't die on me until then! Ravia, make sure that he doesn't!" And then Sheik looked at Arew like 'What are you waiting for? Portal us, man!' How he got that across with only one visible eye is anyone's guess.
Arew opened up a portal and they were off, Arew opening it into his room at the inn so that Sheik could become Zelo in private.
"How close are we to the castle? Wait, which inn is this? I can figure an estimate if I know the name!"
"We're in Castletown at the Pig's Tail Inn. Linkette is at Dale's house according to what Aiden told me. She fainted after getting into an argument with Lady Kenna, who believes she is pregnant and went off on her supposedly cheating on you. Please correct things. Lie and say you slept together before she left for the quest if you must keep up the charade."
Sheik swore, changed into Zelo and quickly ran out, ignoring the sounds of surprise all the citizens made while calling his name as he went past. He was just glad he had an idea of where to look thanks to Kenna's gardening habits and only barely remembered to knock on the door. The door was promptly slammed into his face when Kenna answered and was left panicking while she tried to figure out how to deal with the prince suddenly being at her doorstep. Ah, so that may be where Sir Dale gets it…
Meanwhile, Linkette was starting to come to while the Royal Physician, who made great timing, examined her, using some diagnostic spells and performing a physical examination. Linkette was a bit confused but quickly remembered her argument and just knew the physician knew, judging by the look of confusion and concern on his face, and felt the panic rising back up, starting to pass out again.
"The prince is here!" Peter announced to the physician in a loud whisper, "What do we do, what do we do? Should we move her and pretend she went elsewhere while you continue to look her over?"
"She can't be moved right now. She could lose the babe she's expecting, she's already showing signs of it due to whatever happened to cause her to faint."
Peter made panicky sputtering noises, "But the prince is - he's literally at the door!"
"Then let him in, she's his fiance, he has the right to see her,"
Peter's shoulders deflated and reluctantly did so, glad that Prince Zelo was a cordial fellow despite everyone else running like headless cuccos - even Kenna. Things only stopped looking like a mad house when everyone realized the prince was finally granted entrance and all welcomed him as he passed, averting their eyes in terror as they weren't sure what would happen next. The only one who wasn't completely chickening out was Dale, who held eye contact long enough to state where they were keeping Linkette. He was then left to pray for his sister when Zelo thanked him and headed to the room.
"Your highness," The physician stood and bowed in greeting. "I'm assuming you are here to check on Lady Linkette?"
"Yes," Zelo nodded and approached her, holding her hand and kissing it, "forgive me for coming so late, my dear."
Linkette just weakly shifted in bed, still out of it.
"Lady Linkette will need to rest for at least a few days. Something happened that triggered her massive stress, which caused the fainting," The physician took a deep breath, afraid to deliver the next news in case the Prince wasn't the father. "It appears she is in the very beginning of pregnancy, my magic almost missed it. It's why the stress caused her to faint and if she doesn't have a calm environment for a few days she'll lose the babe…It's already looking like she might anyway."
Zelo squeezed her hand and tried to keep his princely composure, "I...see. May we be alone, please?"
"Yes, your highness," The physician bowed and stepped out, though obviously stopped to eavesdrop at the door, not feeling too guilty as he saw the Hayes clan doing the same. He needed to know whether he was tasked with keeping the next heir alive or not.
Linkette came to a bit more, confused as to how Zelo got there, but gently squeezing his hand. Well, the jig is up.
"The physician has updated me on everything...you lied about your so-called magical exhaustion," he looked genuinely hurt at that.
'I'm sorry,' She mouthed, knowing there was no excuse, even if it was for the greater good, that justified it.
Zelo hugged her and a few tears fell from his eyes. "I was terrified when Arew got me. I thought I was going to lose you both."
Linkette hugged back, guilt eating at her and feeling like she'd messed up royally.
"Please, no more endangering our child...I beg of you." His voice cracked as he started to actually cry.
Meanwhile outside of the door had the Hayes family silently freaking out and miming their thoughts, almost hitting the physician in the process.
Linkette didn't know how to respond, finally just motioning to the Master Sword that was laying against the wall beside the bed, showing that there was still the quest to finish.
Zelo shook his head, "My physician said you cannot do anything stressful, lest we lose the child. You have to remain on bed rest for a few days."
Linkette nodded, but couldn't stop the rising panic in thinking about her vision and everything now being delayed again.
"Linkette," his voice was a little firm as he took her hand in both of his, "you need to relax. Close your eyes and take a deep breath."
'But you will die if I can't help,' She mouthed frantically.
"Linkette," he leaned in and spoke softer, "breathe. In...and out." Linkette finally listened to him, breathing as he said. He kept instructing her to do this, keeping his tone even and gentle, until she was noticeably less frantic. "Thank you. Please remember that when you feel stressed out again."
Linkette nodded, but it was followed by a yawn.
"Sleep," he kissed her forehead, "and no moving unless you need to use a chamberpot or a proper bathroom, understood?"
Linkette nodded, though despite her exhaustion, a stubborn spark remained in her eyes.
"If I take the Master Sword with me, will it help assure you that I will be fine? My blood is of Hylia's, it seems unlikely to reject me."
'It's my weapon,' Linkette protested, waking up more to defend her weapon from being taken.
"I know, I know," he gently put his hand to her collarbone area, "but you need to rest. I promise it will be safe and well taken care of when you are well enough to travel again."
She just sighed, going to cocoon herself and not 'talk' to him anymore.
"I will send a letter to you in a few days. For now I must return to Prince Nelis and Shieldmaiden Ravia. Sweet dreams Linkette…" then he added on softly, "I love you."
Linkette didn't respond, staying curled up.
He only sighed, stared at the sword and time seemed to slow down as he pondered his options. He concluded that it'd only increase her stress if he took it, so for now it was left in her possession, but he did touch the Triforce inscription on the blade and muttered something in an ancient language. He left once he noticed a slight glow that faded once he finished speaking and headed to the castle to keep up appearances, seemingly ignoring all the eavesdroppers as he bid them all a polite goodnight.
Things turned into a bit of a mad house after he left as nobody was sure what this all would mean since Linkette's parts obviously couldn't be heard. Linkette peeked her head out of the covers at hearing the madhouse, and went to get out of bed and check to make sure the Master Sword was still safe, shaking a bit weakly as she stood, making a little 'thump' noise.
There was silence on the other side of the door and Dale opened it. "Ya okay? Don't be gittin' up unless ya gotta, doc said so."
Linkette nodded that she was fine, motioning to the Master Sword to try and convey she was just checking that it was still there. Seeing his scolding look, she climbed back into bed and laid down, deciding it was better to listen.
"A'course it ain't goin' anywhere, ya weirdo…" Dale didn't get her worry as he tucked her in. "Now rest up."
Linkette tried to, but her mind was still full of worry, along with thinking about her and Kenna's argument.
Some long but known time later, there was a voice. "Linkette, dear?" Kenna knocked on her door, "Knock on something twice if I may come in." Linkette knocked twice on the nightstand. Kenna entered and gave a polite curtsy. "I...am deeply regretful of what I said earlier. I am still unsure of how you got mischievous with the prince, but I do understand that it is indeed his child you bear. I really am sorry, Linkette. I only ask for your forgiveness when you feel I have earned it."
Linkette nodded, accepting the apology, though it still stung a bit that the woman she saw as a second mother thought she'd betray her fiance. The sadness at the accusation still showed on her face.
"I…" Kenna could tell from that look what was on her mind, "have no excuse. I took no time to really look at what was going on and think about who you are as a person. I was just panicking because I thought someone had hurt you - and that it would impact you for the rest of your life because of it. It was...only me who did such a thing."
Linkette reluctantly pulled her in for a hug, only the lingering love from childhood saving their relationship. A bit later had Kenna leaving and Linkette settling in for the night, falling into a pretty deep sleep, which was fine until the nightmares about Zelo's death started up. She woke up to the Physician shaking her awake, asking if she was experiencing pain or anything. She nodded yes, hoping to get him out of the room to calm herself down. The physician said he'd go home and return in about an hour to bring her some medicine to help. Linkette sighed in relief when he left, quickly formulating a plan. She wrote out a letter explaining she'd had a nightmare and the stress from it caused her to lose the babe and that she was too embarrassed and ashamed to show her face. She stated she'd be continuing the quest, and would meet the group at the Forest Temple. For final effect she took a dagger out of her bag and gave her palm a good slice and let it bleed on the bed a bit before using a healing potion to fix it and working on sneaking out, drinking the potion the Zora healer gave her in order to give her energy and stabilize things better. She grabbed the Master Sword and was off, heading to where Epona was stabled and taking off into the night.