"Has he moved at all?"

Malon sighed and shook her head. "He's been staring out the window all day. I don't think he's even blinked."

Lure set a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. "Don't worry, Mal. He'll be fine."

Malon nodded even though both she and Lure knew that wasn't true. Two days had passed since Link had lost control and murdered the two Hunters, two days since he had said a word or eaten. No matter how hard they tried to coax him, he would sit there, unresponsive, his eyes glazed and vacant like a blind man's.

"We should go downstairs for something to eat. We won't do him any good if we both collapse."

She nodded again, recognizing the sense in his words though all food tasted like sand to her now. Turning from the brightly lit room, she whispered a quick prayer to Nayru, goddess of healing and wisdom. Perhaps she would work a miracle for them.

Link listened to the sound of their receding footsteps, mind racing at a speed he didn't realize it was capable of. If he wanted to go through with his plans, now was the time. He left his seat, wincing as his muscles cramped from staying in the same position for hours, and found his sword on the mantle where Impa had set it.

Sliding the sheath back onto his belt, he grabbed his greatcoat and a carrying bag from the room he and Lure had shared before the incident two nights ago. If he wanted to ensure everyone's safety, he had to leave. He was too great a risk to them. Thinking of how close he had come to killing Lure and the others, he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood. Nothing in comparison to the blood shed by the two Hunters, he thought as he worried at the wound, trying to increase the flow of salty liquid, as if it would appease the guilt that ate at him. Guilt for the murders, for his vicious attack on his friends, and for his leaving without a word.

Bundling the coat under his arm, he propped open the window. A fresh breeze greeted him, the scent of grass and dust reminding him of the warming weather outside. Soon true spring would be upon them, and with it the blooming of flowers and the recrowning of the trees. He wondered if Epona would be all right with the rest of them. He had thought about bringing her, knew that if he didn't the mare would never forgive him, but he also knew how conspicuous he would be with her. He couldn't risk anyone finding him. Two days of half-pretending to be in a catatonic state had given him time to think it all out, and so he was to leave alone.

One hand gripping the bag, he hopped out the window, the act reminding him too much of the previous two nights. Only this time a brilliant noon sun shone above him, threatening to reveal him. He quickly turned to the ally ways and lost himself in the twists and turns of the cramped paths as they wound through the city and led him to the outer walls. He couldn't risk leaving by the gateway; the chance of being spotted was too great. So instead he would make his own path.

Reaching a part of the great outer wall, cut off from the more populated inner portion, he set the bag down. A cat shrieked from behind one of the many abandoned buildings and he jumped, dropping the rope he had extracted from the leather bag. Frowning at his stupidity, he snatched up the rope and tied it securely around a heavy grappling hook. Four metal tines curved viciously inward, ensuring that the hook would grasp the wood securely, and he gave it an experimental twirl.

Satisfied that the rope's knot would hold, he twirled the rope harder, the metal cutting through the air with a loud whoosh. When he judged the moment right, he released his hold on the rope and its built-up momentum carried it easily over the wall's spiked top.

He slowly began to pull down on the rope, not wanting to rush the process. Finally the hook caught and he tested it first cautiously, and then pulling with all his might. The grappling hook held firm. He threw his bag over his shoulders and began to climb hand over hand, the slick wall offering no purchase for his feet.

By the time he made it to the top of the wall his arms ached and burned. I'm getting out of shape, he thought ruefully as he rubbed the exhaustion out. Making sure he avoided impaling himself on one of the wooden spikes that ran along the wall's top, he pulled the rope up and switched it to the other side, allowing him a way to the ground without having to jump and break a leg.

He tested the rope's strength once more before lowering himself. Once securely on the ground, he gave the rope a strong flick, loosening the grappling hook's hold. Repeating the process brought the hook free and to the ground, where he recoiled it and stored it in his pack. Looking over his shoulder to make sure no one had seen him, he began to walk towards Death Mountain. He wasn't sure why he planned on going into the mountains, but he wanted to stay far away from people and this was the way to go. Civilization stopped for miles after Kakariko, broken only by continuous mountain ranges and thick forests until it reached Calatia's borders. Rocky soil prevented most from trying to farm the land, leaving it for the wolfos and other wild animals. On occasion someone would claim they had seen a giant monster or earth spirit near Death Mountain, but no one ever took the stories seriously.

Farore watch over them, he thought as he drew on his coat. Not allowing himself a glance backward, he strode forward, the mountain trail tracing a path between him and the rising sun.

* * *

A bitter wind blew, grabbing at his coat and numbing any exposed body parts. So much for earlier talk of spring, Link thought, trying to keep his head bowed against the cold and still see what was in front of him. A thin, dingy layer of snow sparsely covered the dark red earth and small patches of moss crawled up the rock face at his side. To his right the trail dropped off into the ravine, the sinking sun showing him how far down he would fall if he mistook a step.

His stomach rumbled and he grimaced. You'd think I'd be intelligent enough to remember food, he thought. How long was I in training, and I can't even recall the most basic rule for traveling in the wild? Sweet Nayru. But hey, I did remember to bring a blanket. That's always a plus. He groaned out loud, shaking his head at his stupidity.

I do need to find a place to hole up for the night, he thought, scanning his surroundings. He couldn't spend the night exposed on the mountain face; he'd freeze to death, blanket or no blanket. Spring may have come to the rest of Hyrule, but here in the mountains winter still reigned.

He had seen numerous caves and indentions in the rock face, but none had been deep enough to protect him from the biting winds. I still have some daylight, he thought. Hopefully I'll come across something. Hopefully. This was the first time he'd been so far up the mountains and he had no idea of what to expect.

With the swiftness only time possesses, day sank into frozen night. Clenching his jaw so his teeth wouldn't chatter, Link pressed forward. He had long ago lost all feeling in his extremities and his body felt distant and unattached. Hugging the blanket closer to himself, he bit his wounded lip and felt nothing. He needed to find shelter, but so far his search had yielded nothing. It would be fitting, he thought dimly, for me to die up here, alone, all alone. He weaved drunkenly before he remembered how to stay upright. He sometimes wondered if he was actually walking or not; everything was numb.

A sudden fit of coughing racked his body, the pain in his chest a welcome sensation. At least he could feel something and knew he was alive. His breath hitched as he struggled to breathe between the hacking, and he sank to his knees, the hard coughs stealing away what was left of his energy. Laying on the earth, he curled into a ball, hazily wondering how the rocky ground had suddenly become so comfortable. When the coughing subsided, he let his body relax. The shivering had stopped with the coughing, and he was glad he could finally rest in peace. All I need is some sleep, he thought before he slipped into the deadly realm of dreamless slumber.

* * *

Goddesses, I'm on fire! The thought tore through his muddled mind and instinct kicked in. He flailed upright, blurry eyes trying to see what was hurting him. Every part of his body felt as if it were being stabbed with thousands of tiny needles, each one driving into his nerves, making him clench his teeth in pain. He hunched over, too weak to keep himself in a sitting position and too stubborn to lay back down.

He sensed someone approach him, but he could do nothing to protect himself. A gentle hand pushed him back down and repositioned the blankets, taking care to tuck them close to his body. Link tried feebly to struggle back up, but his movements were easily stifled. "Rest, young one," a voice commanded, the guttural sound rumbling through Link's aching bones. "Rest and we will talk later. I have been looking forward to meeting you."

* * *

The hungry sound of a fire greeted him to the realm of reality. Cracking his eyes open, Link turned his head to see an open fire greedily devouring a pile of wood near him. Where'd that come from? he wondered before a shiver racked his body. He burrowed deeper into the thick pelts that covered him before he realized that someone must have brought him here. Guess I didn't die, he thought, unsure if the responding emotions were one of sorrow or delight.

"You up yet?" The deep voice startled him. Normally he could tell if someone was in the same room as him. He chanced a peek over the heap of blankets and turned to the voice's source. Sitting on the opposite side of the fire a man watched him, a bemused expression dancing in his black eyes. He seemed to melt completely in the shadows and Link realized the man was entirely black, skin and all, except for a shock of white hair that rose up in a tousled mane over his imperious face. "Who- who're you?" Link asked, his voice rasping in his dry throat.

"Well that won't do," the man said and he stood. The enormous bulk of the man made Link's eyes widen before he remembered himself. "Not to worry," the man said. "Get it all the time." He shuffled over to Link's side and knelt down. "Here," he said, proffering a water skin. Link tried to take it but his hand refused to obey him. He couldn't even grasp the leather bag.

"Thought so," the man mumbled. He lifted Link's head with one giant hand and brought the bag to his lips. Link drank the lukewarm water until the man pulled the bag away.

"Thank you," he said softly, turning his face away from the man.

"No need to be embarrassed. Most people would've been dead after what you went through, so there ain't no reason to be ashamed of being weak."

"Who are you?"

The man's dark face crinkled into a broad smile. "A crazy old man living on the mountain where most people are smart enough to stay away from. You hungry?"

"A little."

"I bet more than a little. Too polite for your own good, boy. You need to speak up more."

"I beg your pardon?"

"You're only getting this broth I concocted. You shouldn't eat anything heavier, not yet." The man stooped by a pot next to the fire and ladled something into a bowl. Link studied the man, noting the slight shabbiness of his clothing, which wasn't black like he had originally thought but instead a dark brown. The firelight brought a velvety sheen to the man's onyx-like skin and an orange glow to his hair.

"You've got disconcerting eyes, boy."

"What?"

"I bet people don't like it when you stare at them for a long time."

"And I bet you must not get a lot of company."

"Guilty, and I never was one for manners and propriety." He knelt by Link's side again and said, "Think you can swallow your pride long enough for me to get this down your throat?"

Link bit back the wave of shame that rose up. He knew he was being foolish and that if he didn't eat he would never regain his strength, but to be fed like a child was humiliating. He had the sudden image of how Malon would react to his hesitations by forcing his mouth open and dumping the entire bowl-full in, and he smiled. "Only if you don't tell anyone," he said, half-joking.

"On my honor." The man helped Link stay upright and held the bowl to his mouth, letting him eat as fast as he wanted. Once finished, he lowered him slowly, taking care to fix the blankets around him. "Don't want you getting ill on top of everything else," he said before walking back to his spot by the fire.

Link watched him through the orange glow of the fire, his eyelids feeling like lead weights now that he was full and warm. Whoever this man was, he owed him his life. He would find a way to repay him...but right now he needed sleep.

He watched the younger man drift off, too exhausted to stay awake. Was wondering when he'd show up on my doorstep, he thought, a smile creasing his rough face. Perhaps the goddesses pointed him my way. They certainly seem involved in his and his friends' lives. But I guess our conversation will have to wait for another day. Link tossed in dreams unknown before settling down, and the man continued to watch protectively over him.

* * *

The rough texture of the cavern opening bit into his arm as Link leaned on the wall, watching the sun rise over the mountains. He pressed harder, taking a certain amount of pleasure in the pain that arose. Never knew it could feel so good to feel, he thought with a small laugh, the sun blinding him for a moment before it continued its eternal trek in the sky. He turned back to the dark recesses of the cave, at the smoldering fire that glowed sullenly and the two empty pallets. The dark-skinned man had been gone when he had awoken.

I hope he comes back. I still need to thank him. A tickling sensation crawled over his skin and he turned to see a spider walk over his arm and back to the earthen wall. Hello there, Link thought to the spider, leaning his face closer, watching it walk languidly to whatever its destination was. Looking up, he saw a few glistening strands of web at the top and he marveled at the amazing abilities the small insect possessed. Wish I could build my own home wherever I wished and with such ease, he thought, an amused grin flitting over his face. Goddesses, I guess this is what one thinks about after nearly turning into an icicle.

"Do you plan on staring at bugs all day?"

Link jumped and looked to the voice's source. "There's not much else to do, is there?"

The man smiled and walked into the cave. Grabbing a log left to dry by the fire, he fed it to the flames, stoking the fire back to life. "I'm going to get breakfast started. You want some?"

Link nodded and walked closer to the man. One hand grabbed hold of his shirtsleeve and began twisting it as he said, "Thank you, for all you've done."

A pleased grin split the man's face, the white teeth contrasting sharply with his dark skin. "You're welcome, boy. It helps liven things up when I get to thaw out helpless strangers."

A laugh escaped him and Link released his hold on his sleeve. "Can I ask you something?"

The man nodded as he gathered up cooking utensils.

"What's your name?"

"My name?" The man looked up, nonplussed. "You mean I haven't told you it yet?"

Link shook his head.

"Well, I did tell you I wasn't one for manners." He stood up and thrust out a hand which Link grasped. "My name's Darunia, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Link."

The smile slipped off Link's face and his hand involuntarily tightened around Darunia's. "How did you know my name?"

Darunia extracted his hand with a lopsided grin. "You'd be surprised at what an old man living in the mountains can find out, especially when he has a certain informant."

"Informant?"

"Princess Zelda told me of your arrival in Kakariko. I'm surprised it took you so long to come up here; I've been expecting you for awhile now. You know it's not very polite to keep someone waiting."

"But I thought you weren't one for manners," Link said faintly, watching the man as if he were a bomb that could go off at any moment. He gave himself a mental shake, chastising himself for being surprised so easily. He couldn't afford to lose control, it gave an enemy too many openings. "But how could Zelda have told you anything? She's been in Kakariko the whole time."

"Your princess likes to keep secrets, I see," Darunia said, turning away from him and starting to fry hunks of meat over the fire. "She's a gifted woman, blessed by the goddesses, especially Nayru. She can communicate telepathically to those willing or able to receive her thoughts, and we share a special rapport. Of course she has other talents, but she may not like me divulging her entire past to you."

"Of course she wouldn't."

Darunia looked up at him and grinned slightly before looking back at the cooking food. The meat sizzled and popped, a heady aroma drifting up and reminding Link how hungry he was, though he tried to ignore it. He needed to be focusing on more important matters, but it was hard when your stomach felt connected to your backbone. "Why did you want to talk to me?" Link asked as his stomach rumbled in betrayal. He put a hand over it, willing it to quiet.

Darunia chuckled and set out a plate of food for him. Link hesitated, not wanting to trust the man and not wanting to go hungry. "I promise I mean you no harm," Darunia said. "Swear by the Golden Triad, the goddesses, and by the fires of Death Mountain."

Link sat down, taking up the plate and cutlery and starting to eat. "Why the fires of Death Mountain?"

"She holds a special place in my heart, this mountain. Let's just say she and I are connected. Her blood is mine."

Like that makes sense, Link thought, taking out his frustration on a tough piece of meat. The food was surprisingly hard, reminding him of rocks. "And as for why I wished to speak with you," Darunia continued, "I was curious to see the one the Princess recruited for her work."

"One she recruited? She has several other people with her."

"Yes, she does."

"...sure. I can't expect a lot of things you say to make sense, can I?"

Darunia sat beside him, the ground shaking as his body hit the earth. He slapped his back, the force nearly knocking Link face-first into his plate, and said, "They do make sense, boy, but you don't have enough information to connect the pieces just yet."

Link grunted and continued to eat. A silence fell upon the cavern, only the faint hissing of the fire and a low moan as wind brushed across the cavern opening breaking the quiet.

After a while, Darunia said, "You know something boy? I like you. You seem like the brother I never had." He paused for a moment, shifting his bulk before settling down, his glittering blacks eyes reflecting the firelight as they fixed on Link. Darunia's gaze was unsettling and Link stopped in mid-chew, unable to break eye contact. "I do like you," Darunia repeated. "Maybe too much." He turned to the fire, finally breaking his hold over Link, saying, "I will tell you one thing, boy, for your sake. Sometimes the ones closest to you are the ones you should watch out for."

Darunia moved closer to the fire, looking sideways at Link, who watched him, everything else forgotten, and plunged his hand directly into the flames. Link started to move forward, to try and pull Darunia's hand back, but the dark man shook his head. "They say those of us with the black skin were turned this way by the soot of Death Mountain's fires." He rummaged around the coals, each one burning sullenly red, ready to blister and blacken skin until it melted away. But Darunia's hand stayed whole.

"Ah, here it is." Darunia extracted his hand, a glowing coal held between his fingers. He proffered the object to Link, who shrank away. "It's okay, really," Darunia said. "Touch it."

Link reached out and quickly touched the coal in Darunia's palm. Surprised, he reached forward and touched it again, this time leaving his finger on the stone. A faint heat rose from its glittering surface, not the searing blaze he had expected. "What?" Link asked, eyes leaving the red stone to focus on Darunia.

"Consider it a gift," he said, turning over his palm and dropping the stone into Link's hand. Link held it closer to his face, the soft heat bathing his skin, a flickering fire seeming to burn in its center. "What is this?" Link asked.

"An old heirloom, of sorts. It's old, older than the mountain, or really it's a part of the mountain. Sort of. Anyway, it'll keep you warm so we'll have none of this freezing business again, and it might be handy for other things. You'll have to find out what yourself."

Disconcerted, Link mumbled, "Thanks," and managed to tear his eyes away from the glowing stone long enough to place it in his belt pouch. "Are you sure you want to give this to me?"

"Can't think of anyone else I'd give it to. No one comes up these ways, not anymore. Not like in the old times where we used to trade with the Hylian people, their textiles and potions for our weapons and jewels. But that was then and this is now, as the old proverb goes."

"How old are you?"

Darunia laughed. "Not as old as that stone."

"Thank you," Link said again, hand reaching down to touch the pouch. "Is there anything I can do in return?"

"Just come out of this alive, boy, and we'll be even. Now you best go, before the others start to worry."

Darunia's words brought back everything to Link and thoughts of the stone fled his mind, replaced by larger fears. "I can't," he said softly.

"You can't stay here, either."

"I know that. But I won't put them in danger."

Darunia's face lost the merriment that Link had seen since he first met him. "They'll be in danger, with or without you. Wouldn't you rather be there to protect them?"

"I nearly killed Lure and Marek."

"Your friends would rather die by your hands then by a stranger's."

Link fixed a puzzled glare on Darunia. "Why do you care so much?"

"The Princess needs you, your friends need you. Don't run away from them to protect yourself. Go back to protect them."

"I'll think about it," Link said, somehow knowing Darunia would never take no for an answer. He turned to leave the cavern, the sun lighting the land beyond in dusky browns and tans. Darunia's voice stopped him, saying, "Well if you don't go back of your own free will, I'm sure she'll come and force you. And tell the Lady of the Forest I miss her music."

Link turned to ask him what he meant, but the cavern was empty, devoid of life, a small, long dead fire in its center. Deciding to accept what had happened instead of bursting his brain figuring it out, Link held the weight of the pouch and stone in his hand, grasping it tightly to make sure it was real, and he stepped into the sunlight.

* * *

A/N: Much thanks to Tori and LOZ ffml, and to those of you reading. Sorry for the long delay, but it's hard to stay inside while it's so warm out. ^_^ If you'd like me to send an email on updates, let me know, because I have a feeling they'll be sporadic, although I guess that's they way they've always been. ^^;