An uncomfortable silence continued during their voyage, the canyons of Ikana no longer recognizable in the distance. The war between the Garo and the Ikanian Army ended. At least she hoped so. If what they sought was no longer there, why continue the attack? Everything vanished. The palace and father. It pained her to reveal this truth to Julian.

There was nothing left, nothing besides the remains of their once-prosperous civilization. Still, Violet had faith that everything would fall back into its rightful place; it would take a matter of months or even years, but she implored them not to lose hope. Of course, those words comforted her, but how could she not feel anxious? There was no telling what would soon arise, and she felt an ominous feeling in the air.

As the jostling of their carriage continued, her younger brother asleep beside her, his head rested upon her shoulder, Cathleen stared at the empty crystal in her palm. She blamed her carelessness.

The curtains swayed with the ever-persistent storm outside, the winds high and the rain heavy as it thundered upon their carriage. Still, this didn't delay their journey. Cathleen drew back the curtain and looked towards the gray skies over Termina. It's been raining like this for three days now…

She sighed and shifted her attention onto Violet seated across the way, eyes closed. "Violet," She said.

"Hm?"

"The Sacred Relic… is there a way to reclaim it?" She asked, noting Violet's calm demeanor, her eyes opening as she glanced her way. "Did it disappear from the face of this world?"

"Please do not feel troubled. I will do what's within my power to keep both you and Julian safe."

"That's not the issue here. I'm talking about the safety of Termina. Without the Goddesses Grace, I fear this world will fall into eternal darkness... There must be a way to fix this…"

But Violet only sighed. "I am uncertain, princess. It may very well be beyond our reach; you must not lose hope in humanity. For centuries, we've thrived beyond the forces of evil, and we'll one day conquer this new era. For now, let your thoughts find peace of mind."

Despite Violet dismissing her worries, she understood her words. For countless centuries, before the dawn of time, they'd conquered through the darkness and paved the way for humanity to live. It was because of the Goddesses intervention.

As told in legend, darkness had swept the lands, and all species of this world had raged war. They thought the Goddesses had abandoned their creations, disgusted by the sight of constant bloodshed, and yet, there'd been a glimmer of hope which brought forth their involvement. Mercy fell upon the hearts of the young unafflicted with evil, and that was the start of a new era. By their divine presence, the Goddesses left behind the Sacred Relic.

With it gone, Cathleen presumed only chaos would ensue, and another war was imminent. How could she sit still and find peace of mind, knowing what was to come? There had to be a way to reclaim it. It didn't disappear out of existence, did it?

An unexpected jostle caused the carriage to stop, and bemused, Cathleen pushed the curtain aside. To her relief, she saw the walls of Clock Town standing before them, built from stone, with a large wooden gate closed before them. Two sentry men, dressed in chain-mail and armor, blocked their path, their hands held up as a warning.

Violet wasted no time exiting the carriage, the result stirring Julian beside her. From her position, she watched as the Amazonian woman spoke with the two men, whose gaze soon swept the carriage with curiosity. And then a guard approached the carriage and soon pulled the curtain aside to peer within.

Suspicion and curiosity were discernable upon his rugged face, his dark brown eyes looking towards her and Julian before noting their attire. Though they found this intrusive and uncomfortable, the curtain fell once again. A moment after, Violet returned to the carriage, taking her seat once more and nodded in their direction.

"Open the gate!"

Cathleen touched Julian's hand, reassuring him they would be fine from here on out, and he smiled.

Upon their arrival, the architecture of Clock Town mesmerized them. The focal point was the impressive structure of a Clock Tower, so tall she was sure was noticeable in the distance across the fields of Termina. It reminded her of Stone Tower back in Ikana, which was far massive in comparison, though its purpose served that of the Goddesses. What purpose did this Clock Tower serve?

As she and Julian exited their carriage, leaving it behind at the stables, she noticed how different the houses were here. Unlike their humble abodes within Ikana, carved out of the canyons which divided their lands, these houses differed. Despite her lack of knowledge in carpentry, she recognized the wood and stone houses; the roofs thatched with straw. Colorful flowers rested within makeshift beddings beneath grille windows.

"Will we be safe here, sister?" Julian asked beside her.

They would soon find out. "I believe so. These walls are thick sediment, and guards patrol this town. It's much safer here than anywhere else, I'm sure," She said, and guided him after Violet down a cobblestone road.

With their unexpected arrival, they garnered attention from the citizens. There were at least twelve guards and eight servants who followed in tow behind them, each adorned in tribal attire. Simple and elaborate depending on their status.

The Ikanian clothing differed from those of Clock Town, perhaps from all regions of the world. Unlike themselves, men of this town wore an assortment of multi-colored vests, trousers, and tunics. As for the women, they wore modest ankle-length dresses with lace and layered skirts with intricate patterns, with the sleeves of their blouses cuffed at their wrists.

The guards who trailed behind her and Julian wore various styles of short sleeveless tunics, others with shawls and or breastplates made of copper, bearing the mark of the Royal Family on their chests. Leather guards and or wraps adorned their hands, wrists, and legs, some with their abdomens bear to the chilly wind and rain. Beneath their clothing were various kilts, their lengths ranging from mid-thigh to just above their ankles, in colors ranging from red, brown, yellow, green, and violet.

Those with double layers of kilts, coupled with far more jewelry and piercings, were of a higher status. Especially if the color of their clothing resembled the same violet hue as the Royal Family. Long feathery red crista's hung above their shoulders from leather bands around their foreheads, and half wore various white to ash gray markings upon their bodies, a few with their faces painted.

The warriors carried various weapons upon their persons, such as spears, daggers and swords. Long feathery bands wrapped the length of their upper torsos and waists, securing their quivers, their bows held at the ready and their swords accessible to their sides. Attached to their forearms were rounded bronze shields, and vials containing various poisons which remained hidden in their pockets.

As for the female attendants following the guards, they appeared less threatening. They held a subtle and delicate appearance, but behind their charming countenances, they were skilled warriors and hunters. Their jobs required strict disciplinary training but also menial everyday tasks such as providing food and refreshments.

Their long braided tresses rested at the sides of their bare faces or tied in high ponytails or top-knots with decorating bands securing them in place. Copper and leather guards wrapped their shoulders, arms, and legs with bronze breastplates serving as protection. Animal hide kilts fell at their hips, exposing their toned thighs for all to see.

Perhaps their clothing seemed immodest. It elicited many remarks. Curiosity and fear.

Prominent red hair and amethyst eyes shone among only the royals, Cathleen and Julian, for example, and coupled with their bronze skin and their golden plated accessories adorning them from head to toe. Among their parade of guards and servants, they were a sight to behold. It was enough that even the children had stopped to frolic and point their fingers. Much like their attendants, they wore the fabric of their land, and because of their royal blood, they wore violet silk. The rest of their skin also bare.

Cathleen's tresses fell along her middle back in waves, a golden band wrapped around her forehead with a red stone embedded. A simple violet wrap clasped around her chest, the sleeves split and braided along her arms, flaring just at her elbows. Bronze rectangular plates detailed the ends of her bodice from front to back, and a simple violet skirt with red trim fell just at her knees, exposing her thigh. Golden bands covered her arms and ankles, with simple sandals adorning her feet. As a finishing touch, a golden sash with intricate embroidery wrapped at the side of her hip, both ends falling just at her ankle, with small hoop earrings dangling from her round ears.

As for Julian, he wore a simple sleeveless violet tunic that fell just above his knees, exposing toned thighs. A similar sash wrapped around his waist and a large broach with the emblem of the Royal Family rested upon his chest with simple sandal footwear covering his feet. Golden bands wrapped around his ankles and arms, and similar to Cathleen, he also wore a crown around his forehead, his crimson tresses pulled back halfway with leather bands, the rest falling at his upper back in waves.

Last, there was Violet. In the eyes of the people, it was clear she was not of Ikanian descent; she was of Gerudo blood.

She stood six feet tall, with caramel freckled skin; it was a significant contrast to the tribe, whose skin held a much richer and deeper bronze. As for her hair, it was a mixture of blonde, pink, and scarlet red, the colors blending to form an unusual and vibrant shade, and it fell along her back in thick waves.

Unlike the guards, she wore a one-piece Amazonian outfit which complimented her slim figure. The thin white cloth cupped her ample breasts and exposed her abdomen with the gown split down the sides of her wide hips. And a golden skirt fell short at her ankles. Adorning her legs were thigh-high white boots with golden trim and lace, with golden bands wrapped around her wrists, falling short at her elbows. From her neck to the white cloth holding her breasts in place, accessories adorned her with large red jewels, and the emblem of the Royal Family nestled just below her breasts.

To Cathleen's dismay, she noticed the crowd grow larger than when they first stepped into town. Their fingers raised, and the whispers became louder. Even those within their residence watched from their balconies and windows, peering out from the shops and outdoor vendors. Cathleen blamed it on their ignorance to understanding their culture, and with her head held high, she continued.

Before long, they arrived before a guardsman on duty, his eyes following them as they approached. As she and her brother paused behind Violet, they waited as the guard gave them instructions on where they should go. Since they were unfamiliar to Clock Town, of course, they would need shelter, and to do that, they would have to speak with the chieftain of this town.

Before long, the guard pointed them to a hill behind him with stairs leading to several more buildings, and once again, Cathleen and her brother covered the remaining distance before arriving before a large wooden two-story structure on the east part of town. An enormous banner hung beside the wooden door with the name Mayor Dotour scribbled upon the parchment.

Assuming this was their intended destination, Cathleen and her brother stepped inside the door Violet had opened, with their two attendants following, the guards remaining outside; they arrived before a large green carpeted area.

"That guard said this Mayor runs this entire town. We'll speak with him about our situation and go from there," Violet said.

"Will it be alright?" Julian asked. "The villagers didn't seem taken with our arrival…"

Cathleen sighed and said, "There's no helping it…"

Elaborate paintings hung from the walls, coupled with a wooden clock just ahead. While Cathleen made her way with her brother and Violet, her servants followed. Her gaze drifted to the empty table ahead, with two wooden doors on either side.

Just then, the door to her left opened. A young man dressed in chain-mail and armor exited, his tawny brown hair disheveled. Scrolls laid upon a wooden tray in his hands, and upon noticing the occupants in the waiting room, he paused; his entire back stiffened.

It was no surprise their appearance alone sparked terror and uncertainty. The guard's eyes trailed the intimidating stature of the Amazonian woman before him and then to her hand placed upon the hilt of her sword. Her expression spoke absolute distrust, and he pressed his back against the door, the documents in hand trembling.

"We wish to speak to your chieftain! You will take us to him!" Violet ordered.

A deafening silence fell between them, the young man's eyes widening at the demand, and as Cathleen watched, sweat dropping, she watched the young man compose himself a moment after.

He straightened his back, the documents in his hand still trembling, and he met her gaze. "I'm afraid the… Mayor isn't taking any visitors today."

If looks could kill, then Violet's glare was working; the guard looked horrified, his back soon pressed against the door, his expression ghostly. "You dare turn away the Royals of Ikana?" Her voice fell low.

"Royals?!" He asked, noticing all occupants in the room and their intricate jewelry. He swallowed. "I was… not aware… just a moment!"

And then he turned away from Violet, his eye on that glare of hers, and the hand still positioned over her sword. He tapped on the door with the back of his knuckles. Not just twice, but five to eight times, until a loud voice answered.

"Who is it?"

"Sir, it's Vincent. You have visitors."

"Tell them to come back tomorrow. I'm not seeing anyone else until then."

The guard, known as Vincent, sent a terrified look over his shoulder to stare at them and spoke a little louder this time. "Sir. It seems the utmost importance. I really think you should meet with them…" He said, almost begging. Perspiration fell from his brow.

There was a pause, coupled with a long sigh from the other side of the door. "Come in."

Without a moment's pause, Vincent opened the door, smiling from ear to ear as he ushered them inside, and as Violet stepped in first, eyeing the surroundings within, she then had Cathleen and Julian follow, along with the servants.

As Cathleen made herself comfortable in one of the cushioned chairs in front of the mahogany desk where the Mayor sat, with her brother seated beside her, she watched as the guard fled to the Mayor's side to whisper some words into his ears. There was some confusion between them, that much she noted, and it seemed Violet had invoked unintentional fear.

The chieftain of Clock Town, or to be more precise, the Mayor, sat in a large ornate room with various painted tapestries hanging upon the wall; the most interesting of all was a younger version of himself and a woman dancing together; they looked happy. And yet, seated before them now was a faded image of that man, old and worn from the years; he was probably in his late thirties, his hair a deep blue with strands of gray surfacing on his roots. His skin was dark and leathery with wrinkles marring his forehead and the corners of his small rounded eyes. This man sat stooped in his elaborate horned chair with an image of a moon's crest above his head, and much like the town's people, he wore a red and blue button-up vest tunic.

"My apologies. I was not aware of your arrival," The older man said, eyeing Vincent beside him along with the group of servants standing by the door. "You may all have a seat. There are plenty of chairs."

"That will not be necessary. We're accustomed to standing," Violet said.

Dotour blinked at her commanding voice and then nodded. "Ah, I see. Well, tell me, what do I owe the honors of this visit?" He asked.

From where she sat, even he was at a loss for words, and she felt awful for imposing upon the entire town like this. Before her servant Violet could say anything, she spoke up. "Forgive our intrusion. We did not mean to startle anyone," She said, the likes which surprised them. "As of recent, an attack invaded our kingdom. I'm sure the news has spread to some parts of the provinces by now…"

The name alone brought him out of his chair, palms flat on his desk, and his eyes as wide as saucers. "You mean to tell me; you are the royals?"

She nodded.

Astonished, he eased back into his chair. "I see," He said, sighing. "During these past moons, something was amiss in the canyons. I had every intention to send out a group to investigate. I assume the worst has happened?"

Cathleen nodded once more. "Foreign invaders were the cause. They came from overseas," She said. "Whether there are any survivors is beyond us."

"You have my deepest condolences. We will do all that we can to investigate this matter."

His words were enough to fill her with joy, and she smiled. "Thank you, chieftain!"

He retrieved a small pile of reports from his drawer and placed them on his desk. "These are the reports given to us by everyone in town who heard the commotions to the East. I planned to send a group of men to investigate within the morning, but... I did not expect the Royals to show up on my doorstep. May I have your names?"

"Cathleen Leona Du Ikana."

"Julian Lucius Du Ikana."

As he scribbled the names down with his feathered pen onto a fresh piece of parchment, his eyes soon turned towards Violet and the servants standing near the door before scribbling away once more.

"They are the last remaining bloodline of Igos Du Ikana, our great King," Violet said, and he scribbled away.

"And your King?" He asked.

Noticing Julian frown from beside her, she took his hand. She was unsure of what had happened to their father. It pained her to admit this. "it is unclear," She said. Until all had settled, Julian would remain in the dark.

Mayor Dotour mused, his eyes shifting between the siblings before once more scribbling away. "I see. Then this will be important to keep on file for future reference," He said.

"There is one more thing," Violet said.

He looked up, his pen at the ready once more. "Yes, go on."

"We require lodging."

At the mere mentioning, his eyes widened, a smile alighting his face. "Yes, I was just about to bring that up. You've journeyed quite a distance already. I will find only the best for the Royal Family!" He said and moved from his chair to search through his drawers and filing cabinets, all the while creating a small mess around his work area.

Soon enough, he carried a towering stack of documents to his desk and began sifting through them, separating them by lots, businesses, and houses. Within just a minute, he presented a small stack of documents to them; each sheet revealed all available residencies. "Since we're planning to expand the town, we've constructed a few new houses. I'm sure one will be to your liking."

Without even looking, Violet retrieved a large leather sack from her pocket and dropped it onto his desk where it clattered. "This should be enough to cover the expenses."

Vincent whistled low at the sight of the bulky bag of rupees, and the older man's eyes widened.

"Ah… yes! Of course! Let's see here. I have just the house. You're in luck. It's already well furnished!" He exclaimed. "I'll take you on a tour if you'd like?"