Zelda was unusually quiet after the meeting. It had taken a long time to decide a course of action, but so far they had agreed on three things. The first, that the Sages would keep their ears open amongst their respective races for any rumors pertaining to the Evil King. The second, that Zelda and Link would report any additional dreams they had, especially if it could be prophetic. The last, that the Hero would ride out and discover what had happened to the Gerudo leader, and if anyone had waylaid her, discover who was responsible.

Standing on her balcony, Zelda glanced upward at the moon. Link's tales of Termina were enjoyable for her, and she longed to visit Clock town, Great Bay, Snowhead, and even the Southern Swamp one day, but the concept of the moon falling made her uncomfortable. She was all the more relieved that the moon was moving, just as it should, from east to west. The wind carried a quiet giggle to her room from the garden below. She looked down, immediately regretting it. Link and Malon were in the garden, kissing passionately. The princess sighed, knowing that love blossomed between the pair. Fifteen years ago- but really only eight years, since she rewrote history- a young boy had snuck into her garden and confirmed her every fear- but gave her hope and true friendship where none was before. Watching from the shadows as Sheik, she eventually started to want to be more than friends. When she had finally revealed herself to him, she had hoped to declare her love. Ganon interrupted. So her love had to wait. Even after all this time, after so much trouble, it was still waiting.

A tear crept down her cheek as she realized how much Link loved Malon. Not for the first time, pangs of bitter, terrible envy racked her soul. She hated that girl for it, wanted to kill her! Then she and Link could be happy...What am I thinking?!? I couldn't do that to Malon! She and I are friends... And Link... to even consider that terrible act... It would betray him, his trust, and his friendship, destroy him. She knew she could never do that to him. He was her closest friend, her unrequited love... and ultimately, Malon's dearest. A noise from the road interrupted her thoughts. Gerudo stallions galloped up the paths, guards scattering before them. Nabooru and another Gerudo were astride one. The other- the figure from her dreams... Zelda frowned. Had the Gerudo found herself yet another lover? Whatever the case, it seemed Link would not need to investigate after all.

Nabooru strode calmly into the hall, her Sheikah ally a few steps behind her, supporting her surviving Gerudo. Zelda, Link, and the sages had hurriedly assembled in the room to greet the late arrivals.
"Pardon my being a little late. We ran into trouble on the road. We were delayed by dealing with said trouble... and burying the fallen. More than a hundred Stalfos met us, on horseback." Sorrow crept into her eyes. "I lost seven of my best to them. Naala here was hurt badly, but it takes a lot to kill one of us." Zelda looked strained, stepping forward on behalf of the king of Hyrule. "Nabooru, It pains me to hear of your loss. I'm sure you have much to tell us. In the meanwhile, your guard may rest in the infirmary." Sando calmly passed his burden to a Palace Guard, and Naala nodded her thanks. Zelda, seeing him behind the sage for the first time, said, "However, I believe there is still an introduction in order... Who is this?"
"I believe he will make his own introduction, Princess." Nabooru replied, impassively.

Stepping forward, Sando drew his sword and laid it at Zelda's feet. Bowing slowly, he raised himself and met her gaze. "I am Sando of the Sheikah. As you are currently acting-ruler of Hyrule, I pledge my loyalty and fealty to you. Until I draw last breath, my life and blade are yours." Zelda saw something in those eyes. She couldn't tell what it was, but it captivated her, held her prisoner to something she didn't fully understand. Impa interrupted her train of thought, breaking whatever magic lay in the moment.

Impa had come forward, narrowing her eyes incredulously, then widening them in astonishment. Her blade was out in a flash. Her eyes glinting like chips of ice as she advanced on Sando. "Where did you get those clothes, boy? And be honest." Venom in her words, she assumed a fighting stance. "Tell me how you came by that Sheikan garb and I might let you live!" The royal guards made ready to step forward, but Impa stayed them with a wave.

Lowering his gaze respectfully and bowing, "The clothes belonged to my father. His name was Rada of the Sheikah. Unless I'm mistaken, you are my father's old friend, Impa." Impa's expression gradually softened, sheathing her weapon. "I offer my apologies, Sando... I spoke hastily. I hope you pardon my actions; I thought we were all but extinct."
"Scuse us, Impa, but can we stop reminiscing about the glory-days of your people for a while? I'm sure you and Sando here can discuss the finer points of being Sheikan another time. We kinda need to hear what Nabooru has to say." Ruto interrupted.