Repaying a Debt

Disclaimer: This is chapter eleven - and I still can't lay any claim to anyone in particular. [Bounce] However, the pics I've been rendering of the characters are all my work, so yay me. I'll try and scan them in, but then I have no idea where to put them up [confused look] may have to hijack someone's web-page...any offers? [Hopeful look] LOL, I'll just have to figure that one out myself I suppose...urm...

Let's have a look at the last chapter [scans annoyingly small font]. Ah yes, I remember now. Poor old Alexis seems to be unconscious, and she's very good at it. The *voices* in the well are pissed off with her, so she gets to see some of her past. And now on to see what will actually happen in this chapter. Will she be able to carry on into the temple? Don't ask me, ask them! [Points at characters]

Alexis: [Flips out a script] What the...? These pages are all blank!

Sheik: I'll look at my copy [looks] mine too!

Link+Navi: [Hurriedly look at their copies, and sure enough, blank paper]

Soda: Damn - I haven't written it yet! [Whacks self on the forehead] Well, golly gosh, silly me [overtly posh Brit accent. Hehehe, being a Brit's great fun] Must get on to typing it then, mustn't I?

Alexis: [Prod] Yes, you must!

Draco the purple dragon: Wait [blink] I'm on the wrong set again

Soda: [Shakes her head and collapses into quivering heap] So many stories, so many plot bunnies. I CANNEE COPE!

Snape: Sure you can

Soda: [Drool] Uh - must not get carried away here - must get onto story. [Jumps up, grabs Snape by the hand and tootles off]

~/*\~/*\~/*\~

~ It was few years on, and I had just left a hard training session, sweat dripping off me. I swung my sword absently, and parried with a make-believe enemy. There was a sound of distaste as I almost thrust the sword hilt into someone's chest, and turning around, I saw Lucifer. I immediately dropped my eyes and bowed; he lifted his hand as though to wave me away, and then stopped.

His eyes had fallen curiously to the sword in my grasp; quick as lightning, he had disarmed me, and was studying the Mithril blade. It grew in his hands to become a double-ended spear. "Impressive," he murmured, throwing the weapon into the air and then catching it again deftly. "You're the Goddaughter of Loki, are you not child?"

"Yes sir, I am," I answered, eyes fixated on the weapon, and fingers itching to take it back forcefully. He made a low sound in his throat, perhaps of acknowledgement - but I wasn't sure. He shuffled his golden- feathered wings, and flew from the ground, my Mithril weapon still in his grasp. "Sir! I need it back sir!" I called up to him.

"Of course," he said coolly, and released his grip on the double-ended spear. Foolishly, I reached out to catch it, and as the bottom blade came down, it cut a fine slit in the palm of my hand. "Bloody demons!" I cursed, a little louder than I meant to, because he looked down in disgust. I looked back up mutely, refusing to break the gaze. Eventually, he turned away, and sped off.

Mia came out of the darkness behind me, and clapped her hand on my shoulder. "Looks like he's put a down payment on you mate," she said, swinging me round to face her.

"You what?" I asked, dropping my polite demeanour with the inexperienced warrior before me. She was twenty, and I only thirteen, and yet in every fight I managed to beat her.

"He's marked you out dummy. With a mom like yours, I'm not surprised neither. And you've only got one master angel for your case too..."

"What are you on about?"

"You'll understand when you come of age." She gave a cruel snigger, and strode off. Her long curly hair bounced as she walked, and I wondered who in their right mind would choose to fall from as high a family as hers and join the warriors. Usually, places were only taken up by lower classes and criminals like me. I shook my head, and absently rubbed my palm across the front of my shirt, most likely leaving a stain there.

"Ow," I looked down at the cut and winced. It would need bandaging. I hurried off to the medical room. ~

Someone was shaking me - hard. And calling a name - what was it? Who were they calling anyway? I needed sleep!

"Blaise! Blaise! Wake up damn it!"

"Jus five more minutes," I said groggily back, and tried to shake off the hands on my shoulders. Suddenly, it felt as though someone had dropped large and heavy sacks of flour onto me.

"Thank the Goddesses; you're alive!" Was screeched in somewhere close to my ear. I was slightly more awake now, and pushed the heavy weights off of me angrily.

"Of course I'm bloody well alive. What's going on?" I sat up, shivering as a wave of cold air whooshed over me, cooling the perspiration that clung to me. Opening my eyes, the world looked a little blurry, and I had to blink a few times to stop things spinning. Finally, I remembered where I was.

"You just - collapsed," Navi said, and I saw that she was in human form. She was bending over me, and laid a cool hand on my forehead. "You're burning up!" she exclaimed, withdrawing her hand in shock. I reached my own hand up, and saw that she was right. I willed the link between us to be kept firmly closed, as I went over the trances the voices had induced.

"Do you have any idea why you collapsed?" Link asked.

"Something in there doesn't want me to go in," I said, explaining it as best I could without giving myself away. The cold air made me feel as though I was about to turn into an ice-sculpture. But, the look that Sheik was giving me was ten times as icy. He didn't believe me; I try to tell the truth, and he doesn't believe me? Well, absolutely excellent! What good luck I have...

Navi was still standing there, looking at me worriedly. "There's no way we can take Blaise into that cold damp well with a fever like that!" she said angrily to Sheik, and I felt glad for the excuse. I didn't want to contend anymore trances.

"But, where can she stay?" Link asked timidly, obviously a little afraid of the human sized, angry Navi. "I mean, half of the town's destroyed, and we can't just leave her here." Sheik gave a small snort, which told me he didn't have any qualms about leaving me out in the open.

[Why does he hate me so much?] I thought helplessly to myself. [His mood swings are like Loki's. No wonder I feel half respect, half fear.]

"What about with Eloise?" Navi offered. "We know she's staying in the outskirts somewhere - it'll only take a little looking around to find her." There was a purple fairy tugging at her skirt, and she turned to it in annoyance. "What is it?"

The little light quailed, before saying in a bold voice, "I could take her to this Eloise for you if you want Navi."

"Are you sure Feanor?" In answer, the purple fairy also took on human form, showing another of their beautiful kind. His hair was the same glowing purple, and translucent wings fluttered behind him.

"Of course Navi - you can't waste any time; that creature could come back if you don't hurry." Link, Navi and Sheik all looked at one another, then at me, then Feanor, and nodded.

"OK - help me up then," I demanded, putting my arms out. I was yanked to my feet, and stumbled forwards a little, feeling dizzy. Feanor put a steadying hand on my arm.

"Here - lean on me," he pulled one of my arms around his shoulder, and I did as he instructed. Looking back, I could see that Link, Sheik and Navi had already re-entered the Temple.

"Good luck guys," I whispered.

"Don't worry - they'll be fine. They do have Navi after all!" Feanor beamed to me. I nodded, and smiled tightly. Yes, they did have Navi.

*

We found Eloise quite easily. It was merely a matter of asking a few people of the town, finding someone who knew her, and getting directions. She was staying with friends as she had said. She hadn't mentioned, however, that her friends happened to be extremely rich, and by outskirts, she'd meant down a mile drive from the town wall to the actual house. By the time we reached the front door, I was ready to pass out again.

Feanor pulled my arm back into place so I didn't fall over, and then used his other hand to lift the heavy knocker of the door. He let it fall again, and the sound resounded throughout the house's - more like manor's - interior. "Hang in there," he said encouragingly, as we waited for the huge doors to be opened.

To our surprise, a normal sized door opened within the large door. The outline of it couldn't be seen when it was closed, so we were almost knocked backwards when someone flung it open. "Whoops," a man's voice came, and he proceeded to open the door a little more slowly. He wasn't the butler looking type I'd been expecting. His clothing was casual, and his manner even more so. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"We're looking for a lady called Eloise," Feanor answered. I was leaning against him quite heavily now.

"And who shall I say is calling?"

"Blaise please," I answered, and the man's gaze shifted to me. I closed my eyes, and concentrated on not fainting.

"Right - wait here," I opened my eyes a chink, to see him draw the door so that it was almost closed. I faintly heard him yell, "Eloise! Girl called Blaise at the door for ya ma'am!" And, then the door was opened again, and Eloise came rushing out. She took one look at me, and let out a cry,

"Quentin, go get the Doctor from her rooms!" Then, she rushed out, and hooked my free arm over her shoulder. Between them, they carried me into the house. My level of consciousness wasn't what could be called 'alert' to say the least. [Quentin? Why do I know that name?] I was helped up some stairs, and put into a soft bed, the blankets pulled over me swiftly. Low voices came from outside the door, which was opened with a soft squeak.

Someone bent over me, and placed a cool hand on my forehead. "Dreadful temperature. We'll need to get the poor girl some water for a start. Eloise, you do that - and Quentin. Quentin, pay attention!"

A whiny answer from the man who'd answered the door, "I was listening."

"I don't have time to argue with you boy. Go get my herb satchel from the kitchen, it's on the back of the door, remember?"

"Of course I bloody remember, I made the peg for it."

"Don't be so rude - just go get it!"

"Fine."

"It's all right lass, we'll soon get you sorted out." The new arrival, whom I took to be the doctor, finally spoke to me, instead of about me. She sat down next to the bed, and drummed her fingers on the arm of the chair. I was managing to keep my eyes open, and even though things were a little blurry, I saw her look around. She looked familiar, but I couldn't for the life of me think why. "Hmm - where's that young man who was helping you?"

I looked round as well. "I don't know," I managed to croak out. "He must have gone back home."

"Humph - no manners these days. The least he could have done was stayed to see you were all right." I didn't answer, and closed my eyes as a huge wave of nausea hit me. I didn't want to be sick. Being sick wasn't fun - and it would be embarrassing to be sick in front of this esteemed doctor. I wondered if there was a bathroom nearby in case I needed to throw up. However, I doubted it.

"Here's that water Doctor," Eloise called out, and I heard the slopping sound of water as she put some container full of it onto the floor.

"Thank you - where *is* that boy?" The doctor dipped a cloth into the bucket (or whatever it was) of water, and dabbed it onto my forehead. It felt very soothing. I leaned more heavily back into the mattress of the bed, and kept my eyes closed. Footsteps came from the hallway, and then the door was slammed back. My eyes flew open in shock, and I could see a sheepish looking Quentin (that was his name, wasn't it?) quailing under the gaze of the doctor.

"I've got the herbs," he said, holding the satchel and smiling cautiously.

"Thank you," the Doctor said in clipped tones, taking the bag from him, and opening it on her knee. "Eloise, keep on with that water, will you?" she said as she rifled through the bag. Eloise moved over, and dabbed my forehead gently with the moist cloth.

"Can I go or what?" the man in the doorway asked, shifting impatiently from foot to foot.

"Of course - get out of here, you're not much use anyway," he looked a little hurt, but scuttled off all the same. "Aha - found it at last," she'd plucked a sprig of some round-leaved herb and was holding it between two fingers. "Excuse me miss," she placed herself onto the edge of the bed, and lifted away the covers with one hand. In the other, she crushed the herbs, so that they were in a lime green paste.

She put the paste-covered palm to my neck, leaving a thin sheen of the bitter smelling herbs there. I sneezed a couple of times, and she laughed a little bit. "Sorry about that. It's not the nicest smell, is it?"

"You can say that again," I answered, my eyes watering at the smell. It was reminiscent of the first time I tried menthol chewing gum - only this smelled a lot worse. "Yuk." The doctor laughed again. She expertly manoeuvred so that she could reach the back of my neck, and applied the rest of the paste there. I felt the ocarina around my neck slip around to the back, and it reminded me that Link, Sheik and Navi were probably battling away with monsters right now.

"There we go," the doctor stood up. "You should be all right, as long as you get some rest. Eloise, do you mind? I have to get back to some paperwork I'm afraid. You can take it from here I trust?"

"Of course Xenia - get on with your work." The doctor strode out, and Eloise sat down in the chair next to the bed. "What on earth have you done to get this fever?"

"I'm not quite sure," I said truthfully, and was surprised to find that my vision was clear again, and I wasn't so dizzy as before. Those herbs seemed to have helped more than I'd bargained before. "The doctor - is she - Gerudo?" [I've had this niggling...Quentin and Xenia...]

"Why, yes, of course. Couldn't you tell by the hair and the ears dear?" Eloise laughed. "Why do you ask anyway?"

"Oh - no reason." [Maybe she can help us get past the Gerudoes in the valley.] I didn't say anything else, and closed my eyes again. After a few minutes, I suppose Eloise must have thought I was asleep, as she got up, and tiptoed to the door, closing it softly behind her. I decided I might as well sleep. It could very well be the last time I'd sleep in a bed for a while.

*

~ I woke up to find that I was in the debate chamber of the angel council. I wasn't meant to be there at all, and I turned to try and get out. Just as I was about to start towards them, I heard footsteps on the other side, and saw the handle being turned. There was nowhere for me to hide, as all the furniture had been put away whilst the room wasn't in use. I just stood where I was, waiting for an angry reprimand.

Three angels strolled in, talking quickly and heatedly, using expressive hand signals to try and get their points across to each other. I just stayed still, hoping they wouldn't be too annoyed with me. However, they didn't seem to notice me, even though one of them looked directly at me. It was one of the high angels - her name was Fleur. Slowly, I lifted a hand, and waved at them. They didn't take any notice. Feeling emboldened, I waved my whole arm, and called, "Hello?"

When they didn't take any notice, I took the hint, and knew that I must be viewing something of the past. I'd had this kind of dream a few times before. Mostly of Loki pacing angrily, or tracing glowing pentagrams in the air with his staff.

Now that I wasn't in fear of being yelled at, I paid more attention to what was going on. A jolt went through me as I saw that one of the other two angels was Lucifer. And the third was Loki. His face was dark, and he was silent as Fleur and Lucifer argued loudly. When I heard my name mentioned, I got a sudden sick feeling. I knew what they were talking about - Lucifer was of course bound to rethink his case, and would be putting it forward again.

"Just look at her record Fleur! The intentional betrayal and murder of a master angel - and her own Godfather nonetheless!"

"Yes, we all now of Alexis' exceptional track record Lucifer! I don't need to have that yelled at me as though I didn't. It just isn't good enough for the council I'm afraid." Loki's face relaxed a little bit.

"Oh trust me, that's only the beginning of my argument Fleur. That girl needs proper disciplining, and this man here is hardly the one to instigate it." He pointed a thumb at Loki, who entered the conversation snarling.

"What are you implying you self centred, lying, cheating shit? Hmm?" I was shocked. Loki didn't swear. Ever.

"Oh nothing. Just that she goes out after curfew, she doesn't attend all of her lessons, and she fraternizes with young angels above her station. She speaks out of turn, she is difficult. Oh, and I believe she started a fight amongst a street full of warriors due to some joke."

"Joke." Fleur's cheeks were flaming. "It was no joke. The comment which sparked off that fight was so disgusting I do not wish to repeat it."

"You will have to if this comes to appeal, so you may as well now Fleur," Lucifer prompted. Fleur blanched, and took a deep breath.

"I believe the comment was from the volunteer warrior, Mia." She gulped, and looked unsure of what she was about to say. "She - described - Alexis' parents as...Well, I believe the exact words were as such; 'Of course, your mother was a mongrel - the less said about your father the better. No wonder your brother turned to be such a layabout, stupid fuck-up," she paused, finding the words hard to say. Lucifer was smiling indulgently. " 'No wonder you turned out to be a traitor to your kind, and your name, you little whore'." She let out a breath of air.

"Well - yes, perhaps it was a little cruel, but to start a fight over such a small thing is ridicu-"

"Small thing?" Loki's fists were clenched, and he shook from head to toe in rage. "Small thing? When Alexis' parents were the most respected angels in their time. When they protected thousands from death with their own lives? When they tried to protect their family, and succeeded in at least keeping the girl alive. And you say it's a 'small thing'?"

Lucifer just waved his hand carelessly, "The council will see it differently. My argument has been strengthened, and is very much a viable case. Thank goodness I had that no re-appeal law abolished, is it not?" He said smugly, smiling sweetly.

"You dirty, no good basta-" Fleur began, holding a clenched fist but inches from his face. He wagged his finger.

"Now, now, you wouldn't want to threaten me, would you my dear Fleur?" She bowed her head, and backed down at this obvious threat.

"No sir."

"Good - now, if all goes according to plan, when the girl gets back, we can throw ourselves straight into this case. It will be a great enjoyment to contend both of you in the stands - such a shame you don't have a partnering master angel Loki. It will make it rather difficult to be taken seriously." He held out his hand for Fleur and Loki to shake it. Fleur shook it, and then dropped his hand as though it were some hideous thing. Loki refused.

"This will never stand Lucifer, and you know it. Lies don't generally hold well."

"Lies? It is all truth - and I have more than enough witnesses to back me up."

"Mia," Fleur spat, and stormed out of the door.

[Mia? That bimbo! She's going to lie just to get me back for all those times I beat her I'll bet!] Loki followed Fleur's path, and slammed the door heavily behind him. Lucifer chuckled, and shook his head. I felt sick. ~

I sat up in the soft bed, breathing heavy, and feeling really nauseous. Clutching my arms around my stomach, I bent double, and willed the feeling away. "No, no, no, no!" I kept saying under my breath, taking deep breaths every now and again to fuel the panicked repetitions. Finally, I had to lie back down, exhausted, sick and afraid. [A re-appeal. I can't believe he'd stoop so low. Ancients are supposed to be wise and benevolent, but he's just - Eurgh!] I didn't want to think about it.

And, luckily, at that very moment, the doctor came in. Or, as I remember her, the Gerudo music seller, named Xenia. "Feeling any better?"

"Much thanks," I answered, deciding that she didn't really need to know the truth. "You're Xenia, aren't you?" She looked taken aback, and I took out the tiny ocarina, untying it and handing it to her.

"The girl who knew her stuff, huh?" she smiled, turning the instrument over in her hands. "You've looked after this exceptionally well. And, I admit, it is rather a surprise to see you again."

"And you - how did you become a doctor?"

"Well, after Ganondorf took over," a shadow passed over her face at his name.

"What - I thought the Gerudoes supported him."

"Support him?" she sounded shocked. "Not anymore - at first, he wasn't so bad - but then. He just turned somehow. He was too cruel. We Gerudoes don't kill just for the fun of it. That - man - is lucky to still be known as a Gerudo, because we've certainly disowned him."

"I see. My local knowledge needs updating obviously."

"Ah, don't worry, it's probably just that fever muddling your thoughts. Now, shall I get back to my explanation of how I got to this situation - and rather grand house?"

"This is your house?" I asked in surprised, and she nodded, smiling proudly.

"Indeed it is. And, as I said, after Ganondorf took over, my trade wasn't exactly flourishing. I tried to sell my goods, and people either ran away, or tried to kill me. So, I disguised myself as a Hylian, dying my hair brown for a time, and keeping my ears hidden. Quentin was with me, so it made me look a little more authentic, as though I were a Hylian mother if you will. So, I trained as a doctor, and well, as you can see, did quite well."

I nodded. "Amazing - and not to get found out for all that time."

"Well - obviously I did. Or I wouldn't be like this now - but, yes, it was a few years before anyone suspected me. But, they'd come to know me, so they trusted me."

"If only it could be that way with the others," I thought aloud.

"What?"

"Oh - nothing."

"No, I'm intrigued now young lady. And, you can't really leave - you're liable to collapse if you try to stand up." She was right. I bit my lip. Could I trust her? She'd hidden herself - but, it was nothing so serious as what I had done. Mind you, perhaps it was. I looked up into her velvety brown eyes. There was a tender understanding there.

"Before I tell - you have to promise not to tell anyone else. And," I paused, thinking I might be pushing my luck, and then carried on anyway. "And - you have to promise to help me with something later on." She nodded her agreement. I sat up, and propped myself up on the pillows. She leaned forwards, resting her elbows on her knees, and her chin in her upturned hands.

"Well, you see, it all started about seven years ago now, in my home world. The angel world to be precise...

...

...and that pretty much sums it all up," I ended about two hours later. Xenia's eyes were wide, and she let out a long breath.

"Amazing. And you say you've never been found out on any of the other worlds?"

"No. And I'll probably get in trouble for telling you now I come to think of it."

"Never mind. It's done now. Never regret what you do - only learn from it." I took in these wise words, and nodded. "After that, you certainly deserve some sleep. Hang on just a minute - I'll get you something to keep those dreams at bay. I have a feeling that as soon as these two young men, and that fairy get back, you won't sleep for a long while."

"Thank you - for everything. For listening, and well - you know."

"Yes - I do," she nodded, before leaving to find something to help me into a dreamless sleep.

~*~*~*~

"Breathe in dear," Eloise pulled the cords of the back of the dress even tighter.

"I am breathing in!" I growled, craning my neck in an effort to glare at her. I leant harder against the wall as she pulled again, and at last she tied the damn things off. "How did I let you talk me into this?" I wondered, half to myself.

"Because deep down, you think you might have fun dear," she said buoyantly, walking around me to view me from all sides. "Perfect - I knew those measurements would come in handy." Now, I suppose all this needs an explanation, does it not?

Eloise had talked me into going to a ball/garden party that Xenia had arranged in a way to take people's minds off what had happened to the centre of Kakariko for a while. And, with all the hype, it seemed to be working. I'd already been with them two days, and the others hadn't come back yet, so I'd agreed to go. I just hadn't really thought about it very hard in advance.

Eloise was right though - the dress did look perfect. It sat just right, and now that I was into it, it was surprisingly comfortable. Walking was going to be interesting, and dancing probably not a good idea. Though, I did not plan on dancing at all. Picking up the long skirt, and took a few steps, and almost immediately fell over. "Whoops," Eloise stopped me from falling, and steadied me. "I'll need to teach you how to walk properly, won't I?"

She moved off over to the dresser in the corner, and picked up a hairbrush. In the mirror, I could see how quick and sure her movements were within her dress. [I'll never be able to move around half as quick] I thought balefully. [But I suppose I'll just have to manage as best I can]. I studied the dress, flattening a few creases down with my hands. It was purple - almost the same shade as my eyes (still covered by glasses). For the most part, it was made out of simple cotton, but the bodice was velvet, with cream taffeta edging around the neck. The sleeves were off the shoulder, and left most of my arms exposed. [Ack, I'm so pale!]

"Here we are," Eloise was back with the brush in hand, and ran it swiftly through my hair, nearly pulling it all out from the roots.

"OW!" Tears jerked into my eyes as she did it again. She got the message, and was a little gentler with my hair. Soon, it was looking better than it ever did when I tried to do anything with it. It had grown a little whilst I had been here, and was long enough to draw back two braids from the front, and tie them at the back in the style of the elves of Middle Earth.

"Tada!" she took my hand and twirled me around. The skirt billowed out around me, and I just laughed. Then, she hooked her elbow with mine, and said, "Shall we?"

"I suppose so..." I answered a little dubiously, and we set off for the garden around the back of the house, where the ball was taking place. [I feel like Cinderella. Thank demons I haven't got to wear any ridiculous glass slippers though!]

With Eloise' assistance, I managed to get down the stairs and outside without a hitch. After a few minutes of being introduced to various friends (whose names I admit I forgot within ten seconds of hearing them), I managed to break away and go and sit by the band, in the shadow of the house. Quentin was playing a wooden flute, and I wondered briefly whether he had carved it himself.

I wasn't allowed to sit down there for very long though. There was a huge trestle table set out in the gardens, and Quentin blew a long note on his flute, which called everyone over to it. [Food! I've almost forgotten what it looks like!] I thought happily as I swung myself into an empty seat next to Eloise and Xenia. "I hope I don't break this dress by eating," I said jokingly to Eloise, who just laughed and passed me a plate.

Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw some movement in the shadows, but turning my head, I didn't see anything. [Must be that damn fire playing with my eyes], I thought, catching sight of one of the torches on a wall bracket nearby. Quentin had arrived, flute in hand, and shoved a man off of the bench so he could sit down in his place, opposite from me. The man got up, and clapped a hand on his shoulder, laughing.

"I guess that's another point to you Quentin - damn you mate!" and then sat down on the very end of the bench.

"Hi ya," Quentin smiled, grabbing a chunk of bread and dipping it into a bowl of soup which seemed to have appeared from nowhere.

"Hello," I said back, taking the basket of bread he passed, and in turn passing it along to Xenia after taking a piece. "You're Quentin aren't you?"

"Yup - and Xenia tells me you're an old customer of ours or something," he said, sounding surprisingly interested.

"Aye - well, not quite customer. I believe your parting words to me were 'next time, you'd better damn well buy something'." He blushed, and looked down at his plate. "And since I'm here, I think it's time I paid you two back for that ocarina."

"Oh - no - it'd not necessary, really." Quentin protested. Xenia didn't say anything, too busy talking to the merchant on her other side.

"Hey, I've a debt to repay, and I'm going to," I said, pushing a red rupee into his hand. [Talk about your double-barrelled meanings.] I thought, quickly flicking my eyes upwards. He looked down at the rupee and then up at me. "Take it for Goddesses' sake!" I said, laughing slightly, and he stuffed it into his pocket.

"All right," he smiled, and then leant forwards to engage me in conversation. "So, what are the glasses for anyway?" was his opening line. However, I didn't have to supply an answer, because at that very moment, all of the torches around the garden and house were snuffed out. "Eek," I heard Quentin say, and the man next to him must have elbowed his to be quiet, because I heard him gasp in pain and annoyance.

"What in all Hyrule is going on?" I heard Xenia call commandingly, and I could see a dim outline as she stood up, and made for the shadow of the nearest torch. There was a sudden flare of light from the pile of dead leaves and old wood, which had been for the bonfire later. And in the bright flickering glow, could be seen a sight which would dampen even the most lively party spirit.

"Good evening," Ganondorf said, turning to gaze at all the assembled. "I take it you are enjoying your get together?" A few people gave minuscule nods. "Good - I suppose it wouldn't be imposing to join in, would it now Xenia?" He grabbed her firmly on the shoulder, and dug his nails in so hard, that rivulets of blood ran down the bare skin.

"Of course not my Lord," she answered demurely, her eyes averted to the floor. The rest of the people were sitting silently, in the same positions they'd been in since Ganondorf had appeared.

"Very good - men, come along, we've been invited after all." And with that, about twenty men, daggers at their waists and some with swords across their backs, disembarked from the shadows, and one by one picked a lady to dance with. I shrank within my seat, and managed to slide off of the bench and under the table without anyone noticing. There, I came face to face with Quentin and his friend.

"Shh," he hissed, putting his finger to his lips. I nodded, and noticed his friend was shivering in fright.

"Hey, calm down," I tapped him on the shoulder, and he snapped out of it. [I won't panic - just so long as he doesn't see me, I'll be fine.] But, I couldn't sit here under this table all night with these two. If only I was in my normal clothes, I could make a break for the trees and be out of here in no time. I reached for the dagger I had managed to sneak out, but then thought it wouldn't be wise. One against about twenty or so just didn't seem like good odds.

[And, if I fight, he might hurt the guests.] Dilemma. Quentin was tugging on my arm, and nodding down to the far end of the trestle table, which was still in relative shadow. The music had started up again, and to me it sounded tinny. I realised there wasn't any flute to balance out the harsh trumpet. Quentin was out first, and bent down to help me stand up. I wad doing quite well, until I stepped on the hem of my skirt, and came crashing to the floor with a loud thud.

Quentin looked up, and his eyes grew round with fear. "Stuff this," he said, and ran off, his friend following closely.

"Yeah, thanks, I appreciate it!" I muttered as I pulled myself off the floor with the use of the edge of the table.

"Need some assistance?" came a familiar voice, and I looked up to see that stunning face looking down.

[He's evil, nothing but. Don't you forget that!] I told myself, even as my hand reached out to take the one he offered.

"Ah, it's rather refreshing to see you without those ridiculous glasses." My hands flew up to my face to find that they indeed weren't there. Looking at his other hand, I saw him swinging them carelessly. Without really thinking about what I wad doing, I reached to try and get them back, stumbled yet *again* on the skirt, and crashed straight into him, bringing him to the floor along with me.

"Ow," I felt rather than heard him say it. My nose was somewhere near his throat. I rolled off of him and quickly scrambled backwards. "Here, you can have them back lady, just don't do that again," he sat up, grass sticking out of his fiery hair, and handed me my glasses back. He rubbed the back of his head gingerly, and looked sweet.

[ARGH! I'm going insane!] I yelled at myself. [Wait - maybe I can use this to my advantage] my still thinking half said back. [How?] My irrational half asked. [Well, be nice to him, and hopefully he won't decide to kill everyone here] the thinking part said. [Good plan.] "Sorry," I said, and was glad to find that I still had an air of defiance left. I was fighting with myself, so I had practice at it.

He blinked. "What?"

"I said I'm sorry," I repeated and he blinked again.

"Well - uh - that's all right," he stuttered back, seeming to find the situation strange. Then, his cold shell drew up again, and he got to his feet. I followed suit, and stood in the same stance Xenia had taken up, my eyes looking at the crushed grass at my feet. "Dance with me," he said, and I knew it wasn't a request. I wasn't, however, going to go down without a fight on this one.

"I don't dance."

"You do now," he said, and propelled me towards the rest of his men, who were each dancing with the young woman they had chosen. Most of them looked terrified, and moved stiffly, like shop manikins. His men didn't seem to notice, and chatted and laughed as though they had every right to be there. My hands balled into fists. "Really now?" Ganondorf tapped one of my fists, sending a buzz of magic shocking through my palm. I let them unfurl. "Better."

"Really, I'm serious," I said in a low voice. "I don't dance. I don't know how; I never have danced and I never will dance."

"Make it up - that's what I do," he said back. A large hand placed itself on my waist, and the other picked up my left hand. Another buzz of magic, right on my old scars, prompted me to move. "Oh, and, indulge me. How is it that you and your fellow travellers will kill me?"

"I've already said, if I tell you, it'll ruin the surprise," I answered, concentrating on looking down at my feet. [My feet are damn tiny] I thought as I looked at them.

"I don't like surprises," he growled good-naturedly, even as he squeezed my left hand painfully.

"Fine - well, we haven't got all the details sorted out, but it will involve some kind of slashing, maybe some magic, arrows, that kind of thing," I improvised. From the looks that a few of the other town's people gave me, I knew that my tone must have sounded chatty and light. From this distance, they wouldn't have been able to hear the words.

"How simply lovely," he nodded. "Of course, you realise that it's more likely I will kill you first. Well, maybe not you - but certainly that little brat who calls himself a hero. And that pesky Sheikah - bandage boy." He mused along that thread for a while. I wondered what he had meant about the 'maybe not you' part.

Finally, he seemed to realise what he was saying, and cut himself off. "Dear me - I shouldn't give so much away. You seem to like surprises, and I wouldn't want to spoil all those deaths for you."

"Why thank you. It's much appreciated. I wouldn't want to be disappointed when all that you've said doesn't happen." It was strange - we were talking about death and killing one another, but from our tone, we could have been talking about the price of bread. It was all absurdly polite.

"And why wouldn't it happen?"

"Because we'll kill you first of course. It's the way it's going to be."

"How can you be so sure? I mean, perhaps the hero or that big moving hospital ward won't come back. I do not believe in any way that you could kill me alone." We weren't dancing anymore, for which I was glad. My feet were killing me. I finally gained the courage to look into his face. At the sight of my eyes, a momentary flash of surprise crossed his face.

"I've killed a thousand dark creatures at least in my years. I could kill you; it'll be difficult. But, I will kill you alone if need be." His face was impassive. Then, it broke out into a huge, and utterly sincere, smile.

"My, you are proving to be an interesting adversary. Perhaps now I may know the name of my nemesis?" I shook my head. "Very well." He raised his voice and called to his men. "Party over lads - back to the castle." There were a few groans, but they didn't dare disobey him. Then, he looked down at me. Still in the raised voice, he called again. "Take whatever takes your fancy back with you." There were whoops of delight, and the innocent partygoers fell into a state of terror.

Behind him, I saw women and girls being picked up, people being robbed of all their possessions. A group of five of his men were trying to break into the mansion. A troop of horses stormed in, their reigns held by one of the men. Others swung into the saddle, carrying their trophies with them, and began to gallop off. I glared up at him with disgust. He looked back down at me blankly, and then a thought seemed to cross his mind.

"Ah hell, I deserve something to take back." He reached out a grabbed me, slinging me over his shoulder as easily as a sack of flour. Now was a good time for the dagger. I just about managed to reach it by twisting my body around sideways. He jogged me over his shoulder, I assumed into a more comfortable position for him, and I almost dropped it. Gripping it firmly, I bought it down hard on his back - where it shattered against an invisible field of magic. "How did you say you were going to kill me again?" I heard him chuckle.

[Oh fuck.]

~/*\~/*\~/*\~

DUN, DUN, DUN! What have I done? That shouldn't be happening should it?

Ganondorf: [Looks at script] Yeah, it should be - see, right here

Soda: [Wipes drool from chin and looked at the page he's pointing to] So it is [Looks dreamily at Ganondorf some more]

Ganondorf: Uh - right...

Alexis: Hello! Being carried off by evil guy, and you're drooling all over him?

Soda: [Drools]

Ganondorf: [Preens]

Alexis: ACK! Why are the pretty ones always insane?

Soda: [Preens]

Alexis: No - I meant him

Ganondorf: [Smirks]

Alexis: UH! I mean - oh, I give up!

Soda: [Drools some more]

Sheik: [Walks in, and slips over] Hey, what's this on the floor?

Alexis: [Points in disgust at Soda]

Sheik: Huh? [Realises] EWWWWWWWWWWW! I'm sitting in Soda drool? Gross!

Link: Can I just ask, does anyone have any idea where this story is going?

Whole cast: [Silent, turn to look at Soda who has at last got herself under control] ?

Soda: [Shrugs]

Whole cast: [Sweat drop]

Well, on that note, I'll leave. And, well, OK, I obviously have some idea where it's going. I just have to figure out a way to get there. Which is going to be interesting. Seeing as I've just spent a whole chapter on flashbacks, her being ill, falling over on a dress, and dancing with Ganondorf at a party. Me sticking to plot lines just doesn't seem to happen much anymore. Oh well.

Oh, and on the page amount front, this is page [counts them] number 148 so far in the story. [Bounce] I write too much.

~~~Care of-Soda~~~

Draco the purple dragon: [Begins mopping the floor and cries all over the patches he's just mopped] Nobody loves Draco - Draco's so lonely.

Volvagia: [Saunters in, and smiles at Draco]

Draco the purple dragon: O.O Hubba hubba.

Volvagia: Come here lover boy, I'm taking you out for a drink

Draco the purple dragon: YAY! ^_^

Soda: How rather odd...