How Zelda Got Her Groove Back Chapter 28, a legend of zelda fanfic

Inspiration: "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus;" male and female psychology; paying it forward; coming full circle with one's self; the butterfly effect; the long black sexy dress. "The Tree of Life," album by Audiomachine for the 2020 reedit.

Author Note: I am splitting this chapter into two because it would probably be near or at 40,000 words as a standalone text. This is an event chapter much like the "Hyrulean Festival." This is "The Awakening of Twilight Palace." The second part will be up soon. I apologize to those who were anticipating reading this in its entirety in one setting. The chapter would have been too long, and I've already gotten complaints on the length of other chapeters. Don't worry everything that needs to be here will be here. Thank you for reading. Reuploaded 8/31/2020.

Word Count: 23,563

Chapter 28

The Awakening of Twilight Palace, Part 1:Misgivings

~SSS~

One week later, Link

After garnering the second piece of the Virtue Key, it took our group a week to get back to the Palace of Twilight. In that time, Xavier needed to be tended to because he caught a mild bout of twilight sickness. I had the plight myself some years ago, and I felt for him as he sweated the disease out by firelight. However, he recovered with some good nursing by Zelda. She made sure to give him around the clock potions for three days. That completely diminished our supply, so any other diseases anyone caught would have to be reckoned with by the elements of this world alone. I wasn't sure what was poisonous or not, but we did our best to stay healthy and not fall into any unnecessary traps. Zelda, and even Elbourne, were instrumental in making sure we knew the nomenclature of the plants that appeared too exotic and too beautiful for their own good. In any such case, we made it back to the palace as a whole unit and preparations were made in awakening Midna.

We went to the 'orbrary' and consulted several different Twili orbs referencing the Virtue Key. There was a great deal of information regarding the relic, which led me to believe the Twili people knew more than I initially thought. However, most of the information found were dissertations on theories related to the Virtue Key. Most of the scholars debated whether the key even existed or not. So, much of that material was useless. Hylia finally had mercy on us and stated she would tell us how the key was used in the morning. That promise was made yesterday. We planned on awakening Midna today after everyone got a good night's sleep. We were all going to meet in the anteroom seven hours past midnight. That time was fast approaching. I was going to meet up with everyone in fifteen minutes.

In that time, I contemplated the past few months that broiled down to these next few minutes. I thought about the women in my life and how each of them affected me to this point. They represented the stages in my growth as a man before and beyond my adventuring. It was important for me not to lose sight of that. Ilia was the girl I grew up with. She was the girl who helped me get over the death of my parents. Ilia, more than anyone, knew how much I loved my father and mother. When my parents didn't come home, I thought nothing of it initially because they always came home. Then the days rolled on and they still weren't in the village. Then the letters came. Then the villagers cried. Then Bo came and got me and told me I was going to be staying with him for a while. Then I saw Ilia crying after she spoke with her father. Then he told me. I didn't understand right away. But then… it hit me. I realized it when I was planting pumpkins with Ilia one day that my parents were dead and they weren't coming home. I was eight. I was terrified. It was the first time I realized I was alone in the world. I cried in front of my best friend. It wasn't something I should have been conscious of, but I was. I didn't like for people to see me cry. I didn't like being vulnerable, even at eight. I never allowed myself to cry in front of Ilia again.

Ilia and Bo helped me through that hard time, and in a lot of ways they were the reason I am the man I am today. I appreciated Ilia's friendship. I always would. I just had no idea she would fall in love with me throughout the process over the years. I should have assumed it, considering the capacity of our village. Most of my friends probably assumed Ilia and I would marry. We were in a remote village with a limited population. Our betrothal seemed destined, but it never happened. I only thought of Ilia as just my friend. She was good for me in that regard. However, I had no idea our relationship was going to take the slippery slope it did. I had no idea we were going to be closer than we ever should have been. I had no idea she was going to get pregnant. I had no idea she was trying so hard to become my wife. There were still some things that were a blur to me. I couldn't remember everything that happened that night, and that was the biggest reason for the wedge between us.

Admittedly, I felt guilty because I couldn't rightly mourn our dead child because I had issues of trust with her. It was wrong and I was probably thinking too much on the subject, but something was bothering me. I thought with time I would be able to move on, which I did, but I did become distant from Ilia. I knew she wanted more than I was giving her, or willing to give her. I just couldn't. It was why I chose intermittent nights with other women in the Red Lantern District than her bed. I did not trust her the way I used to. However, I knew being a frequenter to the Red Lantern District was not what I wanted to be known for. Elbourne already had that title and I had no desire to take it from him. We already looked too much alike as it was. But… there was a girl there that I went and checked up on from time to time. Her name was Mystere and she had more significance than I think she even knew. She was someone that admittedly I spent a few nights with because… well, because she reminded me of someone else. Even so, I knew one day I would have to sit down and hash everything out with Ilia. She needed to know the truth about us and so did I.

Midna was different in that she was the first woman I got to know intimately outside of my village. I had to admit that when I first saw her she didn't offer much in terms of looks. That was probably a shallow initial assessment, but it was true. She was a little imp with a very big mouth. It took time for me to appreciate her. We traveled all across Hyrule looking for her lost power, the Fused Shadow. I had no idea of its significance at the time. I remember when she nearly died and I had to carry her on my back as a wolf. I was running for dear life for Zelda to save her somehow. Midna's life force was hanging by a thread, when Zelda sacrificed her own life to save Midna. Zelda knew even then how important Midna was. That was when I realized she meant more to me than simply being a guide with a big mouth. I still think about the day after Ganondorf's defeat. I still think about the world finally being free. I finally saw who Midna really was. She was this beautiful, mysterious Twili woman from another world I so desperately wanted to understand. At the time, I hoped she was going to ask me to come with her. I saw it in her eyes. I knew she wanted to, but instead she left me with those trailing words and her tears. She broke the mirror, and... she broke my heart. And, I thought I was never going to see her again. I was proven wrong. And even now, I still felt a bit surreal.

Was Elbourne right? Did Midna really love me? My gut told me he was telling the truth, but my gut had often gotten me into trouble before. I remember after my fallout with Zelda I just wanted to escape my mistakes with Ilia and find Midna. I wanted to find her and tell her I loved her. I wanted to get her out of my system. But honestly, so much of that was motivated by selfishness. One way or the other my motives weren't to think about what I had done to get me to that point. I just wanted to escape the misery I put myself in. I hurt two people I cared about to make that happen and my selfishness cost me a great deal. I used my memory of Midna to break free of my reality. However, I couldn't rightly call what I was feeling for her at the time love. I was feeling arrogant and entitled.

That brings me to the current lady in my life and our complicated past, Zelda. I remember when I first met Zelda. I was in wolf form and she appeared so stoic and regal in one of the castle spires. She was a very serious woman then and she stayed true to her course to protect her people. She sent me on my way because she sensed the Triforce of Courage even before I could. I knew she was special, even in that first meeting. However, when Zelda gave her life to protect Midna, I didn't rightly process what she had done for the twilight princess at the time. It was only when Ganondorf appeared and showed himself to be the true darkness behind the malevolence attacking Hyrule and the Twilight Realm that I knew what happened to Zelda. She appeared undead and Ganondorf used her as a puppet. I had to be careful not to kill her to free her. When she came to, and helped me defeat Ganondorf in the end, I knew she was so much more than I assumed. The aftermath was great.

I always respected Zelda, but it was when the Great Restoration took place that I truly got to know her. I worked at the castle as a member of her resurgence team, but soon I was used more as an adviser to her. I remember first thinking she was an icy woman. I didn't know exactly how to read her. It was then I learned she wasn't necessarily icy at all, but painfully shy and lonely. Her parents were dead. Her grandparents were dead. She had this huge burden of ruling the country. She wanted guidance. She needed guidance, but she didn't know who she could trust. Her chief adviser at the time was a man named Vincent Rue Morgue. He was the definition of a snake. I sensed she knew that, but she wanted another set of objective eyes to sniff him out. That was when Zelda confided in me that she wanted me to act as another set of eyes and ears in the castle.

Slowly, Vincent was shut out and he hated me for it. He planned, he schemed, and he ultimately lost - him and his deplorable sister. Throughout that time, Zelda and I got close, closer than a peasant and a queen had any business being. She fell in love with me, though she never verbally told me at the time. And truthfully, I came to love her too, but I allowed my overconfidence to get in the way. It was a hard lesson learned, but I was grateful to be where we were now in the present. I loved Zelda. I really and truly did. I want more than anything to live through this and spend the rest of my life with her. That was why I made it my resolve to ask her to marry me today. At some point in the next twenty-four hours, I was going to throw caution to the wind and ask her to be my bride. I couldn't wait because I had no idea what would become of us. I wasn't guaranteed to live through this. I couldn't take the Triforce of Courage for granted. I had to have something else to compel me through this crisis, and Zelda was it. If she said yes she would truly make me the happiest man in the world. I would spend the rest of my life making up for the loss time we had apart. I was aware she wanted to marry me years ago… I just hoped that hadn't changed in the present.

I stared at the clock on the wall which read in Twili metrics, but revolutions were revolutions, so I knew the seventh sign represented the seventh hour. It was ten minutes before that. I needed to go. The others were probably already downstairs. I looked at my reflection in passing – a dark blue tunic and hunting pants. Attire fit for a hero. It wasn't something I worried about, but was conscience of this morning. Why was I concerned about it today? Maybe subliminally I wanted to be seen in what I considered my best color. I was told by Ilia that blondes look good in black. I had nothing black to put on, so dark blue was the next best thing. It didn't really matter honestly and I let the fledging thought go.

Afterwards, I headed for the door to meet up with Zelda. I was to be escorting her this morning. However, when I exited the room I was lodging in to the main loft upstairs, much to my not surprise was Zelda talking with Elbourne. It seemed he beat me to the draw this morning… again. I couldn't lie. I was frustrated in seeing him with Zelda, but that had been an issue since we came to the Twilight Realm. Unfortunately, they hardly noticed when I came forth. I would remedy that. So, I made sure to get their attention again by reopening and closing the door a little more forcefully. I slammed the damn thing.

That did the trick. Zelda and Elbourne both looked my way.

Zelda was more surprised than Elbourne.

"Good morning Link," she greeted anyway.

Elbourne was less cordial.

"What's with slamming the door farm boy? Adamantine can take your arm off."

Then there was that. I was sick of that. I walked up to the both of them, but I kept my focus on Elbourne for just a second.

"My name is Link," I corrected. "I am not Linux, and I am not your farm boy. If you can't say it right, then don't bother addressing me at all. I am sick of having to explain that to you."

The dragon prince was slightly surprised by my poignancy, but he looked to welcome the instigation.

"I guess someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Can't take a little correction?"

I stared into his eyes.

"Correcting me has nothing to do with this. It's your lack of respect I have an issue with. Address me as Link or don't bother speaking to me. I'm not putting up with your dragon shit today Elbourne."

Elbourne raised his brows at my direct tone. I didn't bother giving him anymore of my time. I then turned my attention to Zelda.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

She was staring at me concerned, but didn't want to add fuel to the fire. She simply nodded,

"Good," I said and unintentionally yanked her away from the dragon prince's company when I started down the hall.

Zelda had to scuttle to keep up with me. Her concern never went away, and Elbourne was apt to verbalize his displeasure with my treatment.

"Will you watch how you're handling her? She isn't some ragdoll."

I ignored him, knowing if I stopped and spoke again I might punch him in the face. We didn't need that right now. However, I was sick of him. I was sick of his meddling. I was sick of his ever lingering eyes on the woman I loved. I wasn't in the mood for his nonsense today. The occasion was too important. Zelda walked in step with me now and was looking up at me concerned. She glanced back at Elbourne to reassure him she was fine.

"I'm okay. We do need to hurry."

I wish she hadn't. Who cares what Elbourne thought? Apparently Zelda. She and I were going to need to hash that out. I was not okay with this, not by a long shot. We headed down the stairs to the main foyer. We could discuss it later, but it needed to be discussed. For now, we needed to focus on the task at hand. We were about to awaken Midna.

~SSS~

Reflections from a lady of light, Zelda

Last night we arrived back at the palace right before midnight. So, we decided to wait until the morning to awaken Midna. It was the best decision for the still slumbering queen, but it was also imperative for Xavier. He had fallen ill with a mild bout of twilight sickness, possibly due to the exposure of some of his wounds. Twilight sickness was an over exposure of twilight radiation. The radiation was everywhere, but it only caused sickness if a light dweller was immunocompromised. I took it upon myself to be his nurse, even when we returned to the palace. When everyone went to bed, I went and checked on the dragon king in the room he was lodging in. He was sound asleep an hour after we arrived back, but he was easily aroused when I entered his place of rest. His eyes opened when I approached his bed, and I had forgotten how handsome this embattled man was. His Roostian features stood out in the twilight. I never saw a more beautiful shade of hazel than his right now. And though his platinum blonde hair was graying, it looked more silver than gray anyway. The wrinkles under his eyes and that indented his brow told the story of his worries. Still, he smiled when I sat down next to him.

I attempted to comfort him and smiled back.

"How are you feeling my lord?"

Xavier looked weary, but tried to be optimistic.

"I feel much better than before. Thank you for taking care of me."

I fanned that off.

"Think nothing of it. It is my duty."

The monarch was quiet for a moment as he looked in my eyes.

"Is it?"

I understood the question, but now wasn't the time for this conversation.

"Yes, your people need to see you healthy when you go back to them."

Xavier had far less optimism.

"My people are going to be disappointed with what awaits me."

I couldn't refute that.

"When that time comes we will deal with all that."

Xavier sighed and looked away.

"I am such a fool," he said more to himself than to me.

I wasn't sure how to reply to that.

"You're Roostian," I half-joked, "foolish behavior is expected."

The king chuckled at my efforts.

"I suppose that is true."

I nodded.

"I've had plenty of experience with your family to know," I teased.

Xavier laughed more, and it made me glad to give him some solace in his time of distress. He stared into my eyes again.

"You are a good woman. I should rightly be receiving a tongue lashing from you."

I grinned.

"That can wait until tomorrow after we awaken Midna."

Xavier was quiet for a moment. Those words were truer than they had any business being.

"Midna… she's going to be so disappointed."

He seemed to be speaking more to himself than to me again.

"Free your mind for now. Worrying about things you cannot control will only make you less stable. I want you to get well."

My concern surprised him, but he understood my reasoning.

"You are right my queen." He then added, "thank you for your kindness."

I then stood and went to tuck him in.

"I would hope you would do the same for me. Let your cares go."

I was about to reduce the lighting by his bed by turning off the orb, when surprisingly he reached over and grabbed my hand. I was slightly taken aback by his grasp. I didn't know what to make of it. I tensed up slightly and stared him in the eyes.

"Sire…"

His eyes searched my face.

"Forgive me Zelda…" he whispered, "please."

His tone made me blush. It was unconventional.

"I have no malice towards you," I reassured. "That wouldn't be helpful to either of us right now."

Xavier was quiet for a long time.

"You will," he whispered.

I stared at him intrigued.

"I beg your pardon?"

The dragon king looked away.

"I… I have something I need to tell you, something very important."

More important than what you've already disclosed to me?

I wasn't sure I wanted to hear this now.

"Your majesty…" I didn't know what to say, "you really need your rest. Your disclosure can wait until you feel better."

Xavier was quiet at my utterance, staring at the ceiling. Whatever he was about to divulge I must have negated, because he seemed to be rethinking his stance in real time.

"Yes," he finally agreed, "yes, I suppose you are right. I need to rest."

I nodded and my heart gradually calmed down. Xavier then closed his eyes and I stood up and let him be. I turned off the orbs lighting his room and left his company. I stared at him for a moment from across the room. When I closed his door and attempted to tiptoe away, I was unknowingly greeted by Link. I was surprised to find the hero still up, but I was glad to see him. He was grinning at my gesticulated walk. He then approached me.

"How is he?" He kept his voice low.

That was a more weighted question than I rightly knew how to answer.

"He's alive and his condition is stable," was all I could think of. "He needs his rest."

Link nodded, then looked past me to Xavier's door before giving me a long once over.

"You know, if you weren't a queen you would make one hell of a doctor," he said all of a sudden.

The compliment was unexpected.

"Really?"

He nodded.

"My grandfather and father were both physicians. It turns out my father preferred goat herding more. He liked the small town country life to the roaring city. In that way, he was a lot like my grandmother."

This was a revelation to me.

"I had no idea you came from a dynasty of physicians. It's no wonder Farore chose you as the hero. That is quite the lineage."

His smile broadened.

"I didn't become one," he stated the obvious, "but I'm a damn good goat herder."

I grinned.

"You didn't need to become one. You've become so much more. There is no doubt in my mind they would both be proud of you if they were alive today."

Link's smile lessened at my compliment.

"Thank you," he whispered.

I stared into his eyes, wanting to tell him so badly how much I loved him and how I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. I didn't, but I would. I just wanted the setting to be appropriate. Right now, we had other priorities. However, he seemed to be thinking on similar lines because he came up to me and took me in a tight hug soon after.

"When you get a moment tomorrow, I want to speak with you alone," he whispered in my ear. "No one else around, just you and me."

I stiffened a little, but I knew it was only because we needed to clear the air regarding our relationship. I wanted us to be successful, and was willing to make whatever changes necessary to do it.

"Of course," I whispered back, then asked, "is everything alright?"

He hugged me tighter for some reason.

"Considering what we're up against, I'm not sure," he said regarding Ghirahim, "but I know there will never be a perfect time if we don't try and make it for ourselves."

I agreed with him there.

"That is true."

Link pulled back and stared into my eyes for a moment. Afterwards, he took my arm in his and gestured for me to walk with him to the room I was lodging in. I walked in step with him and we stopped at the door once we arrived.

"Get some sleep," he whispered, "we have a big day tomorrow."

I nodded.

"You too."

Link then reached down and kissed my forehead. I sensed he was being more conscience with his chivalry. And, I couldn't lie, I found his restraint admirable. When he pulled away, I stared into his incredible sky blue eyes.

"Goodnight Zelda," he whispered.

There was something he was trying to convey without actually saying it. I could tell by the intensity of his gaze. I didn't inquire of it though.

"Goodnight," I whispered back.

Afterwards, he turned and I watched him leave. I then went inside my place of lodging. I stared at the closed door for a moment, wondering what was truly going through the hero's head. I hoped he would share it with me tomorrow. With that, I retired to bed.

The next day, I woke up six hours after midnight. We were supposed to convene at the seventh hour to awaken Midna. I bathed and got dressed for the occasion, wishing now I had one of my gowns to be more presentable in. A peasant's dress had its uses, but it wasn't appropriate to take an audience with a queen. Perhaps I could find a better solution later. For now, the important thing was Midna awakening. Admittedly, I still had no idea how the Virtue Key worked, and the intended research done by all of us fell short last night when we arrived back at the palace. It seemed the Twili people had their ideas about the Virtue Key without really understanding what it was. Though, there was one Twili orb I accessed that I did find interesting. It was in Lord Twilo's room, the room I accessed before. His personal 'orbrary' was extensive. I found one on the top shelf all the way to the back.

When I accessed it, it transmitted in Twili:

"טוויליגהט אָרב נומער 919343, די ווירטועל דורכפֿאַל. די ווירטועל שליסל איז אַ מיסטעריעז רעליק וואָס איז געמיינט צו האָבן כוחות עקוויוואַקאַל צו די פון די האר שווערד פון ליכט. מלכּה מידנאָ האָט פאָרשן דעם דערשיינונג פֿאַר יאָרן אָן הצלחה פֿאַר זיין עקזיסטענץ. עס איז טעאָרייזד אַז די ווירטועל שליסל קען אַקטשאַוואַלי זיין אַ פילאָספיקאַל געדאַנק וואָס איז געווען פּערפּאָרטיד צו זיין אמת צו געבן די Twili מענטשן האָפענונג אין צייטן פון פאַרצווייפלונג. אויב דער שליסל איז מער מעטאַפאָריקאַל ווי פּשאַט - פּאָשעט, טאָמער זיין מאַכט טראַנסענדז מאַמאָשעסדיק אַבדזשעקץ. עס קען נישט שנייַדן ווי די לעדזשאַנדערי שווערד פון ליכט, אָבער עס קען נישט דאַרפֿן. דעם ענדיקן כייפּאַטאַסאַסאַז פון טוויילייט אָרב 919343."

I naturally changed the language to Hylian.

It then transmitted this way:

"Twilight orb number 919343, the Virtue Key. The Virtue Key is a mysterious relic believed to have powers equivocal to that of the Master Sword of Light. Queen Mydno has been researching the phenomenon for years with no success to its existence. It has been theorized that the Virtue Key may actually be a philosophical idea that was purported to be true in order to give the Twili people hope in times of despair. If the key is more metaphorical than literal, perhaps its power transcends tangible objects. It may not cut like the legendary sword of light, but it might not need to. This concludes a hypothesis of twilight orb 919343."

It was an interesting thought. Though I knew the Virtue Key was real, there was something to the idea of it having a philosophical meaning to the Twili people. It was the same way with the Master Sword. There was only one man who could wield the mighty blade, the great hero who bore the Triforce of Courage, Link. Perhaps the Twili thought of the Virtue Key in the same way. It was something to keep in mind.

I was currently braiding my hair, when there was a sudden knock at my door. I fully expected that to be Link because he said he wanted to escort me to the main hall this morning. However, when I finished and answered, I was surprised to find the dragon prince beyond the abridging. I had to admit he did look handsome in his pressed white ruffled shirt and black straight legged pants. He had on a pair of long stemmed boots too. He definitely knew how to appear regal when he wanted to, and next to him I felt so under dressed. He looked like a prince. I looked like a pauper. But, there was nothing I could do about that now. Even so, Elbourne bowed when he saw me.

I thought that was charming.

I curtsied back.

"Good morning," I greeted.

"Good morning," he greeted back.

I looked beyond him to the grand palatial walls where morning twilight was filtering through the room from the windows. There was a bit of a prism glow from the bend in some of the diffractions. It was a lovely twilight sunrise.

"Today is the big day."

Elbourne nodded.

"It's a very important occasion."

"Indeed it is."

His eyes then searched my face.

"Are you ready to find out what is truly going to happen?"

I thought about his question for a moment.

"I am. I'm just not sure what to make of it."

The dragon prince looked eager.

"We shall soon see." He then offered me his arm.

However, I turned down his invitation.

"I'm sorry, I can't," I apologized. "Link is escorting me this morning."

Elbourne stared at me for just a moment. He didn't seem pleased by that news, but his reaction wasn't something I could concern myself with right now. Even so, he didn't hassle me on the issue either. Instead, he changed the subject.

"I want to thank you for caring for my father," he said sincerely. "You have been an angel in his time of need."

I thought nothing of it.

"His majesty has made some mistakes, but it has been an honor for me to serve him. He was always kind to me despite the issues he had with my father. I don't want to be cold and vengeful. His comeuppance will be here soon enough."

Elbourne was quiet for a moment.

"That is going to be a sad day for Dragon Roost."

I understood his dismay.

"That is going to be a sad day for us all. Who wants to celebrate the downfall of a great king?"

Elbourne stared me in the eyes just then.

"You're a good woman Zelda, far too good for any of us Roostians."

I grinned.

"You paint yourself far blacker than you are Elbourne. I don't think those words rightfully bode well with you."

The dragon prince gave me a wayward look and smirked.

"I don't know. I might surprise you with how scary I can be. You've just never seen it."

I thought he was joking and giggled.

"Right," I replied with a hint of sarcasm. "Oh Elbourne, you're incorrigible."

He nodded.

"I am."

We both laughed and that was when a door across the upstairs loft slammed, and slammed hard. Elbourne and I both were startled and turned to see Link emerge from his lodging. Judging from the look on the hero's face, he did not appear pleased to see me chatting with Elbourne. I looked at him surprised and hoped to remedy his apparent disapproval. His expression was terse.

"Good morning Link," I greeted.

Elbourne didn't allow for an immediate response from the hero.

"What's with slamming the door farm boy? Adamantine can take your arm off."

Link paused and just stared at the dragon prince for a moment. He looked openly annoyed. Afterwards, the hero walked up to the both of us, while he still kept his focus on Elbourne. Things were already getting tense.

"My name is Link," he said in a low controlled voice. "If you can't say it right, then don't bother addressing me at all. I am not Linux, and I am not your farm boy. I am sick of having to explain that to you."

Elbourne stared at him surprised, but then he unwisely took a step forward.

"I guess someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Can't take a little correction?"

Link didn't break his gaze.

"Correcting me has nothing to do with this. It's your lack of respect I have an issue with. Address me as Link or don't bother speaking to me. I'm not putting up with your dragon shit today."

I stared at the hero stunned. Link didn't bother waiting for a response. He then turned his attention to me.

"Are you ready?"

I was looking at him concerned, but didn't want to make more of this than it already was. I nodded instead.

"Good." He then yanked on my arm to pull me away from Elbourne's company.

We started down the hall and I had to scuttle to keep up with him. My concern never went away, and Elbourne quickly voiced his disapproval.

"Will you watch how you're handling her? She isn't some ragdoll."

I understood Elbourne's frustration, but he was not helping.

"I'm okay. We do need to hurry."

I got in step with Link as we went downstairs and to the anteroom of the main hall where Midna was resting. Our trek was silent. I had a feeling it was for the best. When we entered the anteroom, Hylia was the only one to greet us. Xavier was not there, which didn't surprise me, but I thought he would be strong enough to accompany us for what would be happening this morning. I guess I was wrong. His absence was going to bode a lot of questions. Link was first to initiate one.

~SSS~

A necessary disclosure, Link

"Where is King Xavier?" I asked.

The goddess looked between the three of us and let her eyes rest on Elbourne.

"I think blondie can provide more insight than me."

Elbourne groaned slightly at her tease.

I just smirked.

Hypocritical much?

I let my pettiness go for now and addressed the dragon prince. I turned to look at him.

"Your highness?"

Elbourne stared at Hylia a moment longer than he should have before he cut his gaze to me.

"Father won't be able to make it down. I checked on him this morning. He's still weak from the twilight sickness and he needs his rest. He has given me his word he is not going to leave the palace again."

I wasn't sure Xavier's word amounted to much these days, but it was better than nothing. If he did try to leave again the respectable attention he was receiving would be rescinded. There was no way I could justify showing respect to a man who was going to be a coward and run away from his misgivings... his fate. Xavier brought this on himself. If there was one thing I hated most in the world, it was a coward. Die with integrity. Admit defeat when it was necessary. Keep your embedded honor. But, admit it. Cowards were a waste of space. Cowards were useless eaters. Cowards were everything lowly and disgusting about the world. I truly detested such people. In any such case, there was no sense dwelling on an issue that had no bearing on the here and now. The present was about the twilight queen. The present was about Midna.

"Fair enough," I replied. "Shall we proceed?"

Hylia nodded, then walked up to me and Zelda and addressed the queen first.

"Please give me the key Zelda."

Zelda nodded and handed her the key she had secured on a chain draped around her neck. Hylia held it tight before she spoke up.

"This seems like a long time coming," she said more to herself than anyone.

We all nodded anyway.

"It does," Zelda replied quietly.

Hylia then turned and went to the plush couch Midna was sleeping on. The twilight queen had a dull blue hue radiating off her as the orb recording her vital force showed her life energy was waning. She had been expending her power for two weeks now. Hylia mentioned that Midna could only maintain the barrier with her life force for one month. We were well before that time frame, but even with two weeks left, we could see the physical toll it was taking on her body. Her heart beat was reading slower. Her breathing was shallow. Her skin was pale beyond the radiance emanating off her body. She looked on the verge of death quite honestly.

Hylia stared at the twilight queen as she started talking once more.

"The Virtue Key is a sacred relic to the Twili people. As you know, many of them believe it to be an idea rather than a real object. They thought this because they had no access to the guardians to show them the way to it. I regret not informing the Twili people of the guardians' existence in their world. It would have helped quell many of the misgivings the Twili people had regarding the Virtue Key. You see, the Twili people believe many things about this ancient relic. They believe the virtues embedded in it reduce vices, which they do. They believe it would give the wielder true insight. They believe it is a doorway to infinite knowledge. But one belief that rings truer than them all, is the belief of a hero to wield it. This Hero of the Twili would come and vanquish an evil that was harboring in their land - that was threatening their people. In many ways, the Virtue Key mimics the ideas of the Master Sword – of evil's bane. However, the people weren't sure who this hero was…" Hylia then looked straight at me. "It turns out the hero they were looking for was right under their noses."

I stared at her stunned. I knew she was talking about me.

"Hylia…" I trailed, not knowing what to say.

The goddess walked away from the couch back over to me.

"You are that hero Link. You are the champion the Twili people knew, but were also unaware of. You were the biggest mystery already in place. The Virtue Key can only be wielded by the one who liberated the Twili people with the courage of a feral wolf. You have done all that. Queen Midna has her own ideas about the Virtue Key, but I will let her explain herself when the time is right. However, the true power of this key lies with you Link."

I had no idea she was going to say any of this to me. It was very sobering. Zelda was looking at me astonished. Elbourne was more subdued.

"What… what must I do?" I asked.

Hylia took my hand and placed the key in it.

"You must awaken the queen with your courage." She then looked over at Zelda. "These may have been your Trials of Wisdom…" She then looked back over at me, "but you Link are Midna's champion."

I didn't know what to say. I had no idea what to make of this. I looked back at Zelda, who appeared just as surprised, but was encouraging.

"Her champion," she whispered more to herself before she spoke back again to me, "Link… what an honor."

I stared in her eyes and didn't know what to feel. I was honored. I just had no inkling the crux of Midna's awakening was going to fall on me. I looked back at the goddess, who then gestured for me to go over to the sleeping queen. I hesitated, looking back once again at Zelda.

The light queen grinned.

"Go," she whispered confidently, "get her back for us."

Her reassurance was all the confidence I needed.

I nodded.

"I will," I whispered back.

Zelda smiled at me again. I finally turned and walked over to where Midna was laying. The twilight queen's closed eyes were a reminder she was only consciously aware of what was going on around her. Losing that connection could result in her being lost forever. I knelt down by her side, closed my eyes, and held the key tightly.

I pray this works.

I then concentrated all my efforts in bringing Midna back.

~SSS~

A manifestation, Zelda

Link's eyes were closed tight as he knelt down by Midna. Suddenly, an indicator of his efforts came about. The locket around the twilight queen's neck shook and reverberated. A moment later, the tumblers reduced opening the keyhole. From it, a light came forth, as if emerging from a well. It shot out and swirled all around the room like an optical illusion. Shifting images rapidly sequenced through the air – visions of Link, Midna, Elbourne, and myself – before the light moved quickly and embedded itself into the crevices of the panes of the adamantine windows. Finally, it broke free from the confines of the palace. Outside, the black and red electrical current acting as the barrier converged with the white light, making the barrier disappear and stabilize into the atmosphere. I was astounded by what was taking place around me. I hurried over to a nearby window to watch the phenomenon in action. As the white light traveled, it stabilized the barrier in real time throughout the horizon. Elbourne soon followed, and we watched the Twilight Realm normalize together.

"Remarkable," I whispered.

Elbourne was in just as much awe.

"I have never seen anything like this."

Soon after, voices filled the air.

Live voices.

Twili voices.

"וואס איז געשען?"

"What happened?"

"פארוואס טאָן איך פילן ווי איך געווען אין אַ לאַנג דרעמלען?"

"Why do I feel like I have been in a long slumber?"

"איז די מלכּה זיכער?"

"Is the queen safe?"

"די שלאנג מלך גייט סטעלטלי אין דער נאַכט. מיר מוזן באַשיצן אים אַזוי ער קען נישט פאַרלירן דערזען פון זיך"

"The dragon king walks stealthily in the night. We must protect him so he does not lose sight of himself."

"די זאָגן איז דארף דאָ ... רעכט דאָ ..."

"The evidence needed is right here... right here..."

"וועסטו חתונה האָבן מיט מיר?"

"Will you marry me?"

"איך בין אין ליבע מיט דיין ברודער. איך קען נישט חתונה איר."

"I am in love with your brother. I cannot marry you."

"טווילי אָרב 8675309, סאָף טראַנסמיסיע ..."

"Twili orb 8675309, ending transmission..."

"אָרגאַניק טווילי וויסנשאַפֿט איז צו קאָמפּליצירט! פארוואס טאָן איר נישט פֿאַרשטיין דאָס?"

"Mother, organic Twili science is too complicated! Why do you not understand that?"

"פלאַטולענסע נאָר מיטל אַז איר זענט געזונט. אַזוי האַלטן עסן דיין שאָטן וועדזשטאַבאַלז און פאַרצן אַוועק. געדענקט אַז דאָס איז אַ דאָקטער ס סדר."

"Flatulence just means you are healthy. So keep eating your shadow vegetables and fart away. Remember, that is a doctor's order."

"נייַן צוואַנציק מינוט ביז דרעמל צייט, Tweelo."

"You have twenty-nine minutes until nap time, Tweelo."

"איך טאָן נישט וועלן צו נייַן צוואַנציק מינוט מאַמי!"

"I do not want twenty-nine minutes mommy!"

"מלכּה מידנאַ וועט האָבן צו מאַכן אַ באַשלוס. זי קען ניט מער שאָדן מיט די ליכט דוועלערז. דאָס איז געפערלעך פֿאַר אונדז."

"Queen Midna is going to have to make a decision. She cannot dawdle with these light dwellers any longer. It is dangerous for us."

That last exchange was telling. It felt so surreal hearing the people of her world speak out. They were alive. They were well. They were safe. I glanced over at Elbourne who was just as captivated.

"Do you think they were frozen in time? Do you think the crux of their conversations were restarting because they hadn't lost a moment?"

Elbourne shook his head.

"I have no idea, but given what we are hearing it certainly seems like the logical explanation."

I turned and looked at Hylia. The goddess was looking beyond us, out into the realm itself.

"Hylia, how do you explain any of this?"

The goddess was quiet for a moment.

"It is just as you have said. The Twili people were frozen in time, never knowing what happened to their queen. If you want me to be honest, I think them not knowing is best."

I couldn't agree with her more.

"Your point is valid."

Elbourne was still watching the horizon.

"So this is the true power of the Virtue Key," he said more to himself than anyone else.

The goddess watched with him.

"You haven't seen anything yet."

I stared at her surprised, then looked over at Link, who still had his eyes closed and was concentrating. I then heard the voices of the people sound closer. Right here in the palace.

"איך וועט פאָרשטעלן די אַרויסגעבן צו איר מאַדזשעסטי אַמאָל איר געסט לאָזן."

"I will present the issue to her majesty once her guests leave."

"מלך קסאַוויער מיינט מער פאַרנומען ווי געוויינטלעך. צי איר האָבן אַ געדאַנק וואָס?"

"King Xavier seems more preoccupied than usual. Do you have any idea why?"

I found that conversation piece telling.

It seems you were more of an open book than you thought your majesty.

The voices continued.

"עס איז אַ ביסל פון אַ זשומען אין די לופט."

"There is a bit of a buzz in the air."

A very underappreciated comment.

"די איבערזעצונג אַמט איז געקומען אין אַן אַרויסגעבן מיט דיסטינגגווישינג צווישן די ווערטער 'Hylian' און 'Hyrulean'. וואָס טאָן איר טראַכטן איז די מער צונעמען וואָרט?"

"The translation office has come into an issue with distinguishing between the words 'Hylian' and 'Hyrulean'. Which do you think is the more appropriate word?"

"איז איר מאַדזשאַסטי נאָך אין קאָנפֿערענץ מיט די ליכט דוועלערז?"

"Is her majesty still in conference with the light dwellers?"

"איר האָט דאָס געהערט? מיר מוזן גלייך זען וועגן איר מאַדזשאַסטי!"

"Did you hear that? We must see about her majesty at once!"

That alerted me to the potential guards who may come into this room. I looked to the anteroom door. We all did, hoping the Twili weren't going to rush through before Midna was fully awake.

"Should we lock the door?" I suggested.

The goddess shook her head.

"They won't come in here until the extraction is fully finished," she reassured. "I made sure of that."

That was good to hear, but I hoped Link could bring her back soon. The longer this went on, the more worried her people were going to be. I walked back over to the center of the room and continued to watch, wanting to see Midna open her eyes after her long days of slumber. Elbourne followed, but kept his eyes on the door. He didn't seem as confident in Hylia's words as me. However, he didn't let it show. He then relayed his focus back on the twilight queen. It would be nice to finally have a chat with the real queen of the Twili. The real Midna. A moment later, the room shined with a bright brilliant light. Her comeuppance was imminent.

I began to feel goose bumps.

"She is coming back to us," I whispered. "She is coming back to her people."

~SSS~

The awakening, Midna

Leaving a waiflike abyss:

How long have I been here? A week? A day? An hour? A minute? This world is like a dream, but the dream is not pleasant. There is nothing pleasant about perpetual darkness. I look all around me and that is all I see. It takes me to a lonely place. A place without my mother. A place without my father. A place without my people. What brought me here? Why can't I find my way out?

I float.

I wander.

I dream.

But do I even exist anymore? Is this a new plane of existence? A different plane of existence? I am looking for an answer and see none. I am looking through the great divide and only sense confusion. I am reaching beyond the void and find more nothingness. I can sense my people. I know they are out there, but they are silenced. What has happened? Are they safe? Am I here because something terrible has transpired? Did I bring this upon my people? Have I betrayed the Twilight Realm somehow? Is there not a reprieve from this isolation?

From the darkness there is a sudden flash of light.

I see it.

I reach for it.

I cannot grab it.

All around me is still the darkness, the emptiness, the loneliness. I hear whispers and faint voices.

"Midna…" a male voice is calling to me, "Midna…"

I recognize it. I open my eyes.

"Link?" I whisper.

"Midna…" the voice gets louder.

I am compelled to go to it. Suddenly, a figure is swimming towards me in all this darkness. He is strong. He is feral. He is my hero. He swims faster and I reach for him because I cannot swim myself. He swims harder when he sees I cannot move on my own. He gets closer. I see his face. I am in awe. I am in shock. Blue eyes. Dark blonde hair. A rugged disposition. This is Link. He swims closer. He takes hold of my hand. He pulls me to him. He holds me tight. He never lets me go.

"I've got you," he whispers in my ear.

I am overjoyed. The nightmare is over. I am coming home. I am leaving this void. I am leaving with my hero. I am leaving with Link.

~SSS~

The phantasmagoria of darkness finally abated. I opened my eyes and looked around. Where had I been? What was that place? Why was I so tired? I blinked several times to gain focus. I looked around. Immediately to the right of me was an extraordinarily handsome man. His eyes were closed. He looked calm. He looked to be praying. But, he also looked so familiar. Who was he? I studied his features a moment longer. I then sat up in shock when the recognition finally hit me.

"Link!" I whispered stunned.

The handsome man opened his eyes when he heard my voice. I was met with the most beautiful sky blue gaze I ever did see. I remember those eyes. I remember that face. I remember that countenance. Though, I didn't remember it being quite as handsome as it was now. He was my hero, but he looked older. He was my champion, but he looked wiser. He was that same wide eyed feral wolf, but he had lived a little life. Where had the time gone? What were the years telling me? He smiled at me and took my hand in his. He looked so kind.

"Hello Midna," he said softly.

I realized then he was the light I was swimming to. He was the voice in my vision. His caring face was familiar and left me with a sense of ease… Link. However, he wasn't the only person present. I looked past him and noticed a very beautiful peasant girl. Only when I stared at her longer, I realized she wasn't a peasant girl. She was a queen and she appeared just as I remembered her. The same dark hair. The same dark blue eyes. The same serious countenance – the Queen of Hyrule. But why was she dressed this way? It didn't matter. There was probably a logistics reason. I went on to the next person. Next to her was a man I was very familiar with. Hair like lightning. Eyes the color of dusk. The face of his nemesis, his twin – the prince of dragons, Elbourne. He nodded respectfully when our eyes met. Oh yes, I knew him quite well. He was a magnificent lover. He was a brilliant dragon rider. He was mysterious and distant, but his strategic mind was something I admired. I found it interesting that he was standing so close to the light queen. What could that mean? Lastly, I looked at the last person in the room. Red eyes. Bandages covering his face. Dark protruding bangs. A breastplate with an enigmatic eye. A Sheikah. A male. I did not recognize him. I had no idea who he was. But, I read about these great people. Perhaps he was a bodyguard to her majesty, but his focus seemed more overt than normal. He stared at me intently. Afterwards, I looked back at Link, the face I knew the most.

The hero then gives me the greatest welcome ever,

"Your majesty, welcome back. It's good to see you awake."

It takes me a moment to register his words.

"It's good to be awake… Master Link," I then asked, "what happened?"

The hero gave me a wayward stare.

"So much."

I would soon realize how much weight those subtle words carried. It was then the beautiful queen stepped forward.

"Your majesty," she started respectfully. "There is a great deal to share with you regarding this situation. It involves our journey. You were in a slumber for over two weeks. The reason behind that needs to be thoroughly explained. I request an audience with you at your leisure to discuss the details. When you are completely rested, please call for me so we may talk about the issues now falling both our kingdoms. It would be inappropriate for me to bombard you with information now."

That was quite the revelation. I didn't get the gist of everything.

"I was out for two weeks?" I repeated.

The queen nodded, then clasped her hands together in front of her dress.

"Yes."

I was dumbfounded.

"How did that happen?"

Link spoke up again.

"The locket around your neck."

I looked down at my necklace and saw the once bridged keyhole was unlocked.

"This?" I whispered.

The hero nodded.

"Who gave that to you?"

I paused before I replied. I was slightly confused.

"His majesty, King Xavier."

There was a significant hush about the room after I uttered that. It was apparent. Something in what I said was telling.

"What is it?" I asked Link in particular.

The hero smiled at me and squeezed my hand.

"Don't worry yourself now. We have plenty of time to talk."

He was right of course, but that didn't dispel my inquiry. Even so, I put it out of my mind for now, as I reached up and caressed the hero's handsome face. I was happier than he could have possibly imagined.

"Link…" I whispered, "you have no idea how seeing you makes me feel."

The hero's smile lessened for a moment when a serious expression came across his face.

"I'm happy to see you too," he whispered back.

It was then I couldn't contain myself. I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. I was elated. The queen watching smiled sweetly, then curtsied and went to excuse herself.

"I will leave you alone so you two can talk. It's so wonderful to see you again your majesty. You pulled through as we all knew you would. Now, if you'll excuse me."

With that, the light queen curtsied again and headed for the exit before I could utter a reply. Notably, the dragon prince was staring after her as she took her leave. He didn't say anything, but his expression was telling. He didn't bother to stay behind and explain. Instead, Elbourne bowed too and took off after the light queen.

"My lady," he said to me before he dismissed himself.

I watched them slightly perplexed, but didn't worry too much about it. The person I really wanted to speak with was right in front of me. I hugged him tighter, never wanting to let him go.

"My dearest Link," I whispered to him softly, "welcome to the Twilight Realm… welcome home."

~SSS~

No malice, Zelda

"Link…" Midna whispered, "you have no idea how seeing you makes me feel."

The hero replaced his smile with a serious expression.

"I'm happy to see you too," he whispered back.

Midna was staring at him with a compulsion I knew all too well. She couldn't contain it. She took him in her arms and held him tight. For a moment, I thought she was going to kiss him. It was just as well. I felt no malice. It was honestly a very beautiful moment. Seven years of waiting and they finally got to see each other – the real versions of who they were. There was no hiding behind a veil of hypnotism. I would leave them alone so they could share it together. It seemed inappropriate for all these eyes to be here intruding. I saw this as the perfect time to dismiss myself.

I stepped forward and curtsied.

"I will leave you alone so you two can talk. It's so wonderful to see you again your majesty. You pulled through as we all knew you would. Now if you'll excuse me."

Elbourne looked surprised at my utterance and glanced my way as I headed for the door. I said nothing to him. Afterwards, he took it upon himself to dismiss himself too.

He bowed.

"My lady," he said to Midna, then hurried to catch up to me.

However, as I opened the door and entered the main hall I was greeted by two Twili guards. Their faces appeared surprised. Their last thoughts being the first things they uttered to me.

"דיין מאַדזשאַסטי, מיר געהערט אַ שרעקלעך שרייַען. איז אונדזער מלכּה אָלרייט?" The first guard uttered. "Your majesty, we heard an awful scream. Is our queen alright?"

I went to reassure them.

"Her majesty is fine. She is safe. She is currently in conference with the Hero of Light and Twilight. Please do not disturb them."

They both looked at me surprised. That probably wasn't the answer they were anticipating.

"יאָ, מיין דאַמע." The other Twili uttered. "Yes, my lady."

I curtsied to both of them and continued on my way. I had a healthy stride going. However, I heard Elbourne's footsteps prodding closely behind me. He excused himself from the guards when they attempt to preempt him and caught up to me in no time. He reached for my hand and grabbed it. That was when I turned to look at him. I had the feeling he had the wrong idea about why I was leaving. He tugged on my hand forcing me to take a couple steps towards him. I wished he hadn't. I looked beyond him to the guards now watching us perplexed.

I kept my expression stoic.

"What's the matter?" I kept my voice low.

Elbourne's eyes searched my face.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded.

However, before I could verbally answer, the light that engulfed the entire realm came back around, and swirled around me, Elbourne, and the guards. A tear drop of energy formed on all our mouths and it felt like a baptism of enlightenment. Just as quickly as appeared, it disappeared. I stared at the prince astonished by what just took place.

"וואס איז דאס געווען?" one of the guards asked behind us. "What was that?"

Elbourne was staring into my eyes.

"The Virtue Key," he whispered in answer.

I stared back and felt a clarity I had never felt before.

"This is what Hylia was talking about," I whispered.

He nodded.

"Indeed."

The dragon prince's eyes appeared more crystalline now, almost like the purest form of hazel I ever did see. His eyes were beautiful. I know they belonged to the Roostian side, but in a way he reminded me of his mother. Constance was as pure a woman could get. She was practically a saint if not for a few indiscretions. Elbourne squeezed my hand affectionately in his.

"You never answered my question," he said quietly. "I asked if you were alright."

I was silent for a moment.

"I am fine."

Elbourne looked at me surprised.

"They were embracing each other like they loved each other," he kept his voice low. "You have to have seen that."

I nodded.

"I did, but I am not jealous or scared of what that means. I know Link loves me. I know he does. I am not worried about him sharing a moment with a long time friend."

The dragon prince didn't appear pleased with my stance.

"Zelda… she's in love with him. I know that for a fact."

I couldn't let that bother me anymore.

"As she has every right to be. Link is a man worth loving… as are you."

His eyes widened slightly at my utterance.

"You know… you know the only person I want to share my life with is you," he whispered.

I looked away. I felt so guilty.

"Don't waste your time on me Elbourne," I whispered back. "I'm only going to end up breaking your heart, and I don't want to hurt you anymore."

His eyes searched my face and I saw both a sadness and a pleading there.

"I can't," he whispered. "I can't let you go when I feel like you're the missing part of my soul. I won't be complete without you Zelda."

My eyes stung at his tone.

"You have to try," I begged. "I'm not right for you."

He shook his head.

"You're wrong," he insisted.

I attempted to free myself from his grip, but he wouldn't let me go. He would never let me go it seemed. Then, I looked beyond him and noticed not only the guards staring at us, but Midna and Link as well now. I was starting to get nervous.

"Please," I whispered, "let's not speak on this anymore."

Elbourne didn't care about the audience.

"I'm not going to lie to you to make others feel comfortable. I can't lie to you! I need you."

I looked at him at a loss and saw Link now leave Midna's side and head our way. I wasn't sure if he heard that or not. We were at least sixty feet away. I then forced my hand free from Elbourne's grip and took several steps back.

"I can't," I whispered to the dragon prince, "I'm sorry."

Elbourne's face looked determined anyway. However, before he could speak again, Link approached and came and stood next to me.

"Is everything okay over here?" Link took note of the expression on my face.

I tried to appear normal and nodded.

"Everything is perfectly fine," I reassured.

Link didn't believe that for a second and cut his gaze to Elbourne, who only added more fuel to the fire.

"Are you done fawning over Midna yet? That was a very touching scene back there. I was just going to escort Zelda to her room."

The hero didn't bother hiding his displeasure. However, Link kept his expression tempered because we weren't alone. This could turn embarrassing for all of us quickly and Midna had just awakened.

"There's no need for that," he said rather poignantly. "Wherever her majesty needs to go, I will take her."

Elbourne stared right back.

"Are you certain that's what you want to do? Your priorities seemed to be misplaced for a moment."

Link narrowed his eyes slightly and I knew that wasn't a good sign.

"I promise there will come a time when you're going to wish you didn't cross me dragon prince," he warned. "I have fought men for less."

Elbourne didn't back down.

"Name the time and place. I'm not afraid of you or anyone farm boy."

This was already starting to become unhinged. That was when I took it upon myself to get between the two of them and act as a barrier. I knew if this didn't stop, a fight was going to ensue and that would further complicate things. We were emissaries, not brutes.

"Will the both of you stop this?" I kept my voice low. "This is not the time or place for such shenanigans. The Twili people are watching. Midna has just awakened. They are probably still trying to determine why any of us are even here. To them we just arrived. If we start a ruckus in their realm this could lead into an inter-dimensional scandal. The Twili already have issues with light dwellers. Let's not cement their misgivings."

I knew they heard me, but Link and Elbourne were too stubborn to be the first man to step away. Even so, this couldn't be for naught. Instead, I took hold of Link's hand and tugged on his arm. I started walking and eventually Link let me lead him away and towards the exit. The hero was still stewing. I could see it in his face. I wished the two of them saw the good in each other instead of always looking for a fight. This wasn't the time for any of this. I looked over my shoulder and met Elbourne's gaze, grateful a crisis was averted. He was then approached by one of the guards regarding the situation to which he just said it was nothing and walked away.

Please don't lose sight of what's important.

Upon Link's and my leaving the grand hall, a regal looking Twili with white eyes suddenly greeted us. He looked to be eight feet tall. I couldn't get over how grand these people were. As soon as he saw the hero and me he bowed.

"גרעעטינגס מיין דאַמע און גוט העלד. איך בין טווילאָ אַן ייצע - געבער צו איר מאַדזשאַסטי מלכּה מידנאַ. ביטע מוחל אונדז פֿאַר נישט געבן איר אַ געהעריק באַגריסונג ווען איר ערשט אנגעקומען. צייט סימז צו זיין פאַרפאַלן צו אונדז עפעס." The Twili stated. "Greetings my lady and good hero, I am Twilo an adviser to her majesty Queen Midna. Please forgive us for not giving you a proper welcome when you first arrived. Time seems to have been lost to us somehow."

Twilo. I knew that name. It was then I realized it was his room I was staying in. He had every bit of the countenance I assumed he would. He looked like a scholar. In some ways, he reminded me of Shad.

"You have nothing to apologize about. What happened was not of your making. Master Link and I are just glad that the people are now alright. We may have been a little presumptuous in the places of lodging we chose for ourselves. You may need to rectify us."

The councilman looked surprised.

"ו סייַדן עס זענען דאָך די טשיימבערז פון קווין מידנאַ מזין מיין דאַמע, וואוהין איר באַשלאָסן צו בלייַבן וועט זיין דיין וווינאָרט ביז דיין בלייַבן דאָ איז גאַנץ." Twilo insisted. "Nonsense my lady, wherever you decided to stay will be your place of residence until your stay here is complete, unless it is Queen Midna's chambers of course."

I wasn't sure how Twilo was going to feel about what I was about to tell him next.

"I know this may seem strange, but you are right when you stated you were lost for time. We have actually been here for about two weeks. While I stayed here on my first night, I was in the first apartment upstairs from the queen's main hall. Does that belong to anyone significant?"

The Twili looked surprised.

"דער ערשטער וווינונג ויבן פון די קווין ס הויפּט זאַל? וואָס, דאָס איז מיין וווינאָרט. The first apartment upstairs from the queen's main hall?" he repeated. "Why, that is my residence."

I had a feeling due to the orbs I accessed in his absence.

"Then I shall leave immediately."

Twilo wouldn't think of it.

"איר טאָן מיר אַ גרויס כּבֿוד מיין דאַמע. צי איר וויסן ווי קאַוואַטיד מיין קוואַרטערס וועט זיין ווען איך פאַרקויפן עס נאָך די בויערס וויסן אַז איר געווען אין עס? You do me a great honor my lady," he said. "Do you know how coveted my quarters will be when I sell it after the buyers know you have been in it?"

I couldn't help but grin. What a way of looking at things.

"So you are saying I can stay?"

The scholar nearly scoffed.

"דאָך און מיט מיין ברכה. קען איך פֿאָרשלאָגן איר זיך צו טונקען זיך אין אונדזער קולטור ווען איר באַקומען די געלעגנהייט? איר קען געפֿינען עטלעכע פון אונדזער ווערז לעגאַמרע שיין. איר ווי גוט העלד. Of course and with my blessing," he said, and then gave me a covert once over. "Might I suggest you immerse yourself in our culture when you get the chance? You may find some of our wears absolutely beautiful." He looked beyond me to Link. "You as well good hero."

That was the nicest insult I ever received. Twilo adroitly told me and Link we looked terrible. I had no ill feelings. All I could do was smile.

"Thank you, I'll be sure to do that."

Link wasn't in a talking mood right now, but nodded anyway.

"Thank you," was all the hero said.

Afterwards, we left Twilo's company and went upstairs. As we headed up, I caught sight of Elbourne once again staring at me from one of the main windows he was looking out of. There was a beautiful garden that was a main stay of the scenery to the grand hall. He watched me go up every step. The dragon prince's eyes said everything. This was not going to bode well.

Elbourne… it's time I told you some things that are long overdue. It's time I stopped dangling your chain and told you the truth.

I knew it was what was needed. I just hoped he was ready for it.

~SSS~

Moments earlier, Link

I hoped Zelda didn't have the wrong idea about what was going on here. I hoped that wasn't the reason she left. In any such case, I would be going after her shortly to make sure. In the meantime, I was glad Midna was awake and safe. Wherever the twilight monarch was, was an abyss of darkness. The locket that confined her there was definitely an amulet of ill means. The effects of it were nullified as evidenced by the locket being unabridged. I didn't see the results right away, but I could hear it all around me.

"My dearest Link," Midna whispered, "welcome to the Twilight Realm… welcome home."

Those were kind words. There was so much candor wrapped in them that needed to be rectified and expounded on. There would come a time for that today, but not now. Not when Midna just woke up. I pulled back from the hug and looked into the twilight queen's magnificent amber eyes. They were still some of the most beautiful irises I ever did see. They were playful and flirtatious as they had always been. Her light red hair was long and flowing down her back. She was wearing her customary black garb, leaving very little to the imagination. Her pale blue skin had a hint of a deeper pigmentation now that she wasn't exerting so much force from her body. I couldn't believe she was able to keep her realm safe the way she did and still live. Both Zelda and Midna had some extraordinary abilities. If they had never been at odds they could have been compelling allies. However, that wasn't a lost hope. That was going to be the future for both kingdoms.

"Thank you for the welcome," I replied finally. "Your palace is beautiful."

Midna smiled and let it fade as she stared into my eyes.

"I can't believe it's really you. I can't believe you're actually here."

I nodded and returned her smile.

"It was quite a trip," I admitted, "but now isn't the time for us to talk about that. You need to acclimate yourself. You've just awakened."

She reached up and caressed my cheek. It was like she hadn't heard a word I said.

"Consider myself acclimated," she flirted.

I wish this hadn't happened, but I blushed like a bashful school boy at her touch. Not the reaction I intended, and one I wish it hadn't happened. Her expression however was pleased. She just smirked.

"איך בין נאָר סטאַרטינג. איר טאָן ניט וויסן וואָס איך פּלאַן צו טאָן ווען איך באַקומען איר אַליין מיט מיר." Midna flirted again in Twili. "Ikh bin nor starting. Ir ton nit visn vos ikh plan tsu ton ven ikh bakumen ir aleyn mit mir."

I could tell due to her facial expression that she was probably saying something she shouldn't have, especially with other people around. Hylia was still in the room, and even under those bandages I saw her brows rise. Whatever Midna said was probably risqué. I waited for the monarch to self-translate, but she never did.

It was then I decided to ask.

"Are you going to tell me what that means?"

Midna gave me a devious grin.

"I'll tell you later," she whispered.

I paused for a moment. I wasn't sure what to make of that and decided to forego what I was going to say. Instead, I stood up and offered her my hand. Midna took it gladly, and when she stood, I forgot how tall she was. I finally outgrew her over the years, but not by much. Maybe a few inches at most. Her long red hair then flowed down to her waist. She wasn't wearing a headdress right now and she looked amazing. I couldn't lie, my heart stirred a little. She was still the woman from my memories. She was still a creature of magnificent beauty. She still had that playful flirtatious nature that made her who she was.

"I'm so glad you're awake."

Midna's eyes searched my face.

"I'm glad I'm awake too, but I'm even more glad you're here with me."

I paused again, but this time looked Hylia's way. The goddess said nothing, but I could tell by her expression she was gauging me. I understood why, but she had nothing to worry about either. I had no intention of breaking her ancestral daughter's heart again. I loved Zelda. As far as I was concerned, Zelda was my future. Midna was my past, but a past I hadn't caught up with yet. I hoped the goddess understood that. Hylia was wise, and as mischievous as she was, she never let that get in the way of her seeing the bigger picture. I realized that with how she rationalized Elbourne and Zelda's relationship. I had my issues with the two of them always speaking alone, but I understood why it was important. I think in many ways Hylia was seeing my situation with Midna the same way. At least, that was what I hoped.

Midna caught my glance and looked over at the goddess. She gave the divinity a once over before she spoke to her.

"Who are you?" she asked quietly.

Hylia took a step forward and bowed.

"I am Sheik," the goddess replied. "I am acting as an escort to her majesty and the hero. These are grave times we are living in. Your awakening is beyond pleasing."

It was the second time Midna heard what would be considered sobering news.

"Grave times?"

Hylia decided not to go any further.

"It is not my place to talk for the Queen of Hyrule," she said ironically. "Queen Zelda will explain everything to you in due time. She has stated this before, but at your leisure you can call for her and get all the details."

Midna's intrigue never left.

"I guess I'm going to have to. If this is as you say, then I probably shouldn't dawdle."

Hylia shook her head.

"No, none of us should." She then quickly glanced my way.

I got the gist of what she meant, but she had to know it was misplaced. Even so, I let her know I acknowledged what she said.

"Absolutely."

With that, Hylia bowed.

"I must take my leave. Peace be with you your majesty."

Midna nodded.

"You are dismissed."

Hylia left the room, but intentionally left the door opened as she exited, and that was when I saw Zelda speaking with Elbourne in the distance. I also took note of the light traveling through the main hall as it poured over everyone and everything. It even zigzagged itself back this way and came in contact with Midna and me. The twilight queen looked astonished.

"What is this?" she asked, as a tear drop of light touched her lips.

I looked up as the light touched me too. I had the epiphany then.

"The effects of the Virtue Key," I whispered.

The room appeared white for a moment, but soon everything became clear. Everything. I stared at Midna who was staring back at me. She had a look of astonishment on her face.

"What did you say?" she whispered.

There was disbelief in her tone, but I knew she had the clarity now that I did. We all did.

"This is due to the Virtue Key," I repeated.

Midna's expression never changed.

"That's what I thought you said. So, it is real. It does exist."

I nodded.

"It was how we were able to rescue you from wherever you were."

Her face lit up.

"Do you have it with you now?"

That was a good question. It was no longer in my possession, so I assumed it was in the keyhole. However, when I looked at the locket around her neck there was nothing there, only the evidenced of the unabridged tumblers. The key was nowhere in sight. Had it transformed into energy when it unbounded Midna? This was a 'Hylia' question. One I would need to ask at a later time. In the interim, I shook my head.

"I'm afraid I don't," I said regretfully.

The disappointment in her eyes was apparent.

"How could something so precious slip through your fingers?"

There was no accusation in her tone.

"Because it rightly may be something you or I don't fully understand."

It was a sobering thought, but it didn't provide the queen with much solace.

"You have no idea what that instrument means to my people," she said more to herself than to me.

That was where she was wrong.

"I think I do. There were many-a-twilight-orb that said so."

Her eyes widened at the revelation.

"You've accessed the twilight orbs?"

I nodded.

"I have," I admitted, "I hope I wasn't intruding."

She gave me a knowing look.

"It depends on who and what you accessed."

I grinned.

"I touched nothing in your private collection if that is what you are worried about," I reassured.

She returned my grin.

"It's not my only concern, but I might show you a few in my private collection for good measure. They don't just record voices, they record images too."

Given what I knew about her and Elbourne, I didn't think I needed to see them.

"That's alright. I see enough of Elbourne already."

She giggled at my tease, but quickly let it abate. She looked back out in the main hall to the dragon prince and Zelda.

"The dragon prince," she said more to herself than to me, "what an interesting man."

I didn't necessarily agree with that assessment, but I wasn't a woman sleeping with him for the last three years. I merely cut my gaze from her and watched the conversing royals in the distance. I had a feeling I knew what they were discussing. However, before I could provide any insight, the twilight queen made an unintended incorrect observation.

"They are a beautiful couple," she said quietly.

I raised a brow and looked back her way. I shook my head. I was going to elucidate that mistake now.

"No they aren't."

Midna then looked my way and gave me an obvious gaze.

"Now, now, let's not be petty. They are very beautiful people, just as beautiful as you and I. Let's not be juvenile Link."

I figured she would miss my point.

"That's not what I meant," I rephrased. "I just don't think they look good together, because they aren't together. Zelda belongs to me."

Midna's eyes widened slightly at the disclosure.

"Excuse me?"

I had no qualms repeating myself.

"Zelda belongs to me."

Midna's eyes searched my face.

"Belongs to you?"

I nodded.

"Yes indeed."

She appeared dumbfounded.

"What do you mean? Are you saying you are the King of Hyrule now?"

Her tone was telling.

"No, I should have clarified. I simply mean I'm courting her."

Midna took a step back at that divulgence. The astonishment never left her features.

"But… but I thought…" she didn't finish.

I thought so too... for a moment.

I understood.

I understood all too well, but now wasn't the time for this conversation.

"We'll talk soon," I reassured. "I have a great deal to tell you. For now, just ease your mind and get back into things at your pace. You're going to have some informative audiences today. Call for me when you're ready for me."

Midna looked blindsided for a moment, but her cool collected composure soon returned.

"Well, it seems today will be full of surprises. A few surprises I wasn't expecting."

I nodded.

"I'm sure it will be and I'm sure there are," I said respectfully, but then I took a step towards her and stared into her eyes. "I'm so glad you're awake."

Midna didn't answer right away. Her happiness seemed waned.

"Me too," she whispered finally. "Fully awake."

I got the gist, but life had an ebb and flow that was constant, not stagnant. I then bowed and excused myself.

"I'll await your call."

Afterwards, I left her company and headed straight for Elbourne and Zelda. It was time to break up their conversation. It was time to reclaim my future. I past the guards, who looked bewildered by my and everyone else's presence who they probably thought should not have been here. I heard them speaking in Twili as I walked by. I had no idea what "אַז איז דער גרויס העלד, az iz der groys held," meant, but I was certain it was compelling. Even so, as I approached, I saw Zelda quickly snatch her hand from Elbourne's grip. They apparently were talking about something they did not want me to hear… something I had a feeling was the crux of most of their conversations. I tried not to appear frustrated when I took note of Zelda's nervous expression. She probably already knew what my reaction was going to be.

"Is everything okay over here?" I asked anyway when I walked up.

Zelda nodded, not looking convincing at all.

"Everything is perfectly fine."

I didn't believe that for a second and cut my gaze to Elbourne. He decided right then and there he wanted to be confrontational.

"Are you done fawning over Midna yet? That was a very touching scene back there. I was just going to escort Zelda to her room."

I was closer to punching him in his face than I had any business considering. Elbourne was seriously asking for it. However, I was not about to let that happen here, especially when Midna just awakened.

"There's no need for that. Wherever her majesty needs to go I will take her."

Elbourne didn't let up.

"Are you certain that's what you want to do? Your priorities seemed to be misplaced for a moment."

I narrowed my eyes slightly. I was close to not caring about the repercussions of having a skirmish.

"I promise there will come a time when you're going to wish you didn't cross me dragon prince," I warned. "I have fought men for less."

Elbourne stood his ground.

"Name the time and place. I'm not afraid of you or anyone farm boy."

Zelda immediately stepped in. She looked discomfited with our behavior and stared between the both of us. The guards near the door were on edge too.

"Will the both of you stop this?" she demanded, keeping her voice low. "This is not the time or place for such shenanigans. The Twili people are watching. Midna has just awakened. They are probably still trying to determine why any of us are even here. To them, we just arrived. If we start a ruckus in their realm this could lead into an inter-dimensional scandal. The Twili already have issues with light dwellers. Let's not cement their misgivings."

I heard everything Zelda said, but I wasn't going to acknowledge it in the moment. My frustration was steadily mounting with this man. He respected nothing. He respected no one, except his own selfish endeavors. Elbourne said nothing either, but sooner or later we were going to come to a head. It took Zelda taking my hand and leading me away to deescalate the situation. She did unwisely look over her shoulder at Elbourne again, but I didn't fault her too much for that. She was probably making sure he wasn't trying to follow us. We were about to leave when a tall Twili man stopped us. I couldn't lie, when he spoke I wasn't paying much attention. I really wanted to get some place where I could speak with Zelda alone. There were some things I needed to get off my chest.

"גרעעטינגס מיין דאַמע און גוט העלד. איך בין טווילאָ אַן ייצע - געבער צו איר מאַדזשאַסטי מלכּה מידנאַ. ביטע מוחל אונדז פֿאַר נישט געבן איר אַ געהעריק באַגריסונג ווען איר ערשט אנגעקומען. צייט סימז צו זיין פאַרפאַלן צו אונדז עפעס." the Twili stated. "Greetings my lady and good hero, I am Twilo an adviser to her majesty Queen Midna. Please forgive us for not giving you a proper welcome when you first arrived. Time seems to have been lost to us somehow."

Zelda was being amiable.

The councilman looked surprised.

The queen paused for a moment.

The Twili looked surprised.

"Then I shall leave immediately."

Twilo had different ideas.

Zelda grinned.

"So you are saying I can stay?"

The scholar nearly scoffed.

"דאָך און מיט מיין ברכה. קען איך פֿאָרשלאָגן איר זיך צו טונקען זיך אין אונדזער קולטור ווען איר באַקומען די געלעגנהייט? איר קען געפֿינען עטלעכע פון אונדזער ווערז לעגאַמרע שיין. איר ווי גוט העלד. Of course and with my blessing," he said, and then gave her a covert once over. "Might I suggest you immerse yourself in our culture when you get the chance? You may find some of our wears absolutely beautiful." He looked beyond her to me. "You as well good hero."

As far as insults go, that was actually quite pleasant.

Zelda smiled.

I smirked.

"Thank you," she said, "I'll be sure to do that."

I nodded.

"Thank you," was all I said.

Afterwards, there were no more interruptions on our trek. Though, many of the Twili we encountered were shocked to see us. It was like they were frozen in time. Many of them had no idea we were here until we started interacting with them in this moment. I noticed Zelda staring at Elbourne again as we went upstairs. She looked troubled and I needed to know what that look was all about. What was truly going on with these two?

What is the deal?

~SSS~

A reconciliation in Twilo's chamber, Zelda

As soon as we got back to Twilo's room, I closed the door and locked it. I rested against it for a moment before turning and addressing Link, who already looked upset. I didn't want to argue. I knew he was frustrated with Elbourne, but I hoped soon we would be returning to Hyrule and we wouldn't have to worry about the dragon prince any longer. I wanted his mind at ease, so I walked up to him and went to comfort him.

"Don't be angry," I whispered. "It was nothing."

Link's expression didn't change. He shook his head.

"Don't tell me that. It was something and you know it!"

I placed my hands on his chest.

"Please…" I begged softly, "let's not quarrel."

Link wasn't concerned with that right now.

"He desires you Zelda. He wants you in a way that makes me-"

I then shushed him with my forefinger.

"I don't want anyone else, but you," I reassured. "I want you. I love you. I cannot lie to you. The Virtue Key is in effect."

He knew this. He saw the manifestation himself. There was no doubt in my mind that the light that poured over all of us was the true power of the Virtue Key. I felt it. I felt renewed in my resolve. I wish I knew more about that marvelous power, but its mysteries would probably never be completely known. Even so, Link stared into my eyes, looking a little more relaxed. I reached up and kissed him softly.

"I love you too," he whispered when I pulled away. "I hope you didn't think that was in question when we awakened Midna."

I shook my head.

"I didn't doubt you for a second, especially after everything we have been thrtough. I know how you feel about me."

He looked relieved.

"Then why did Elbourne follow you?" he demanded anyway.

I didn't have an answer for him.

"That was of his own doing. I think he was just concerned about me and he assumed the worst. I told him he had no reason to be."

Link looked away for a moment.

"I'm really tired of him butting into our relationship. You need to set him straight."

I gave him a wayward look.

"I don't know if 'setting him straight' is the right term, but I told him that I had faith in you, and my future was with you."

Link looked back my way.

"He needs to be told something," he insisted anyway. "Promise me if you speak with him again that you end this nonsense of him thinking he has a right to interfere with us. He doesn't."

I could feel his frustration and I went to hold him.

"I promise that I will," I swore. "That is a reasonable request."

My words didn't have the immediate effect, but they had the intended touch. Link let me go and walked towards the center of the room afterward. He was still upset. He ran his hands through his hair and took in a deep sigh. I smiled at him and walked back up to him. I rested my head on his back and wrapped my arms around his waist. I wanted to get his mind on something else. It would be beneficial for both of us.

"How did the meeting with Midna go?" I asked.

Link paused, but then shook his head.

"There was no meeting yet," he explained. "She just woke up. She needs to get adjusted before she calls for any of us."

I hugged him tighter.

"I see."

There was a brief silence that made me think of what we all just witnessed. How could a relic like the Virtue Key have so much power? Why did it need the hero of light to be activated? These were questions I wish I had the answers to. I knew Hylia gave an explanation, but could that really be all? Link was Midna's champion? Perhaps it really was that simple. Perhaps I needed to take it for what it was. Hopefully, the Virtue Key would keep Ghirahim at bay for now. It would be quite ironic that our waking up Midna resulted in an easier access for Ghirahim to the Twilight Realm. However, I didn't think that was possible. I decided to start our conversation again on that measure, not on Ghirahim but the Twilight Realm.

"Link… I can't believe how important you are to this world and to Hyrule," I said suddenly. "The only person who could have used the Virtue Key was you. What a privilege."

The hero was quiet for a moment.

"That caught me by surprise too."

I nestled against him.

"You are indeed blessed by Farore," I whispered.

At my saying that, Link turned in my arms and looked down at me. There was so much determination in his eyes.

"I feel blessed when I am with you Zelda. I can't tell you what being with you has meant to me over these past few months. I haven't felt this complete in a long time."

I smiled up at him.

"I feel the same way. You have been an inspiration to me in so many ways. I learned how to survive in the elements because of you. I learned how to fight because of you. I learned to never take people for granted simply because of their life standings because of you. I learned all these things from you. It has enriched my life. You have enriched my life. I am a better person because of you Link."

The look in his eyes could not be denied.

"You have no idea what that means coming from you," he said.

My smile widened. I then let him go and took his hand in mine. I led him over to the table and had him sit down. He looked slightly puzzled, but I wanted him to remain seated when he attempted to get up.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Wait here, I want to show you something."

I then hurried to the other side of the room where the closet was and went to search through it. I wasn't sure how I expected to find women's clothing in a Twili man's room, but there were women's clothes hanging on a glowing dowel. Interesting. I removed the black dress that looked about my size and went to the dressing room in the back to try it on. It was perfect, and it was the same style as Midna's dress. The bare mid-drift at the belly and back, along with the double splits of the skirt left very little to the imagination. The clasp at the front squeezed my large breasts together, making my cleavage extremely prominent. It's the sexiest piece of clothing I ever put on, even over the body suit. I looked at myself in the mirror several times and couldn't believe the woman staring back at me. To complete the look, I undid my braid and let my long hair flow. I slipped into some black and white hills and knew this was going to be a show stopper.

"Link is going to be astonished when he sees me in this," I whispered to myself.

I didn't want to keep him waiting any longer, so after brushing my hair a couple times I walked back to the main sitting area of the apartment. When I approached, Link's eyes widened stunned. He even stood when I stopped a few feet from the table. I turned for him, not being able to contain my smile.

"Well, what do you think?"

The hero stared at me amazed before he found any words to say.

"Wow," was all he could utter.

I giggled at his reaction and walked up to him. I stared into his eyes as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Twilo told me to get immersed in his culture, so here I am."

Link chuckled.

"He did, you look incredible."

I pretended to be bashful.

"Thank you."

He stepped back and looked at me again.

"My goddess you are going to break every neck you come across."

I giggled again.

"The only neck I want to turn is yours."

Link gave me a wayward look.

"Unfortunately, I'm not the only man here," he said. "Trust me when I say my eyes won't be the only ones looking."

He had nothing to worry about.

"Trust me when I say, you are the only man I have eyes for," I reassured.

Link stared back into mine and came up to me again. He wrapped his arms around my waist as his eyes searched my face.

"You are everything I have ever wanted in a woman, everything."

I bit my lower lip.

"Thank you," I whispered back.

Link then looked away for a moment. A very serious expression then came across his face. I looked at him puzzled.

"What's wrong?"

He didn't answer me right away, but suddenly he let me go and got down on one knee. I froze when he took my hand in his. He kissed the back of it. My heart began to beat fast. I tried to appear calm.

He… he isn't, is he?

The hero was quiet for a long time before he looked up at me again.

"I don't want to waste any more time wondering, searching, or guessing. I want you. I want to share your struggles. I want to help you with your fears. I want to be by your side for the rest of your life. I want to have my sons and daughters with you. I love you more than you could ever imagine Zelda. With that being said, will you do me the honor of marrying me? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

My breathing increased. I was stunned. I was so stunned, I released myself from his grip and took several steps back. Link was slightly surprised at my reaction, but he wasn't negated. Instead, he stood up and waited for me to answer.

"You want to marry me?" I whispered. "But-but why? After all I've done to you why-?"

"I just told you why," he interrupted quietly. "None of that matters."

I took another step back.

"It's only been six months, that isn't any amount of time."

Link paused for a moment.

"No it hasn't," he corrected, "it's been six years. I don't count us not being apart. I know you were thinking about me as much as I was thinking about you. We need each other."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was a mixture of emotions. I didn't know what to think.

"I… I'm overwhelmed," I whispered.

He nodded and gave me another once over.

"I know, I can tell." He then walked up to me and took my hands in his. "You don't have to answer today. Just think about it."

I squeezed his hands affectionately.

"You won't have to wait long, I swear."

His eyes searched my face. I could see him hiding his disappointment. My reaction probably was not what he was expecting.

"I see… take your time. Don't feel rushed to answer. Think it through."

I nodded.

"I will," I whispered.

With that, Link kissed the back of my hand again and bowed. He didn't have to, but I thought it was a kind gesture.

"I better get ready for my meeting with Midna. I probably should change too."

I grinned.

"Probably."

Link stared at me for just a moment before turning and heading for the door. When it closed behind him, I nearly collapsed in shock. No way did I think he would ask me to marry him so soon. I thought he would wait at least a year into our courtship, but I suppose he didn't want to waste any more time. We had been apart long enough. It was time for us to have a future. It was time for us to be together the way we needed to be... the way we wanted to be. So why didn't I say yes right away? I walked over to the window, watching the newly construed Twilight Realm. The trees were magnificent in the perpetual twilight. I knew what was holding me back. I knew there were some skeletons in my closet.

It's time you took care of this Zelda.

I knew what I had to do.

"I have some unfinished business to take care of with a certain prince. I have to come clean about everything before I accept Link's hand in marriage."

I just hoped Elbourne would be ready for it.

~SSS~

A sired king, Link

Zelda's reaction wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but there was no doubt in my mind that when she was ready to say yes, she would say yes. I had faith in her. I walked across the main loft upstairs and was greeted by several different Twili. They all wanted to speak with me in one form or another, but I told them I needed to get ready for my meeting with Midna. However, as I went back to the room I was staying in, the Twili who normally stayed there was already inhabiting it again. I stopped short and asked him if I could procure my things, but once he saw it was me, he insisted that I stay and he would leave. I told him I didn't want to be a burden, but he wouldn't think of me going elsewhere. He then departed the room, but not before giving me a quick once over and telling me where to find the closet. Another not so subtle dig at my appearance, but I appreciated the honesty.

In the immediate aftermath of the Twili's departure, I went and cleaned myself up again and changed. I changed into an ankle length black Twili robe that only had a clasp at the upper chest and a matching pair of pants. There was no undershirt as I don't think this outfit was meant to have an undershirt. I would be showing a lot of chest and abdominal muscles today. The Twili people certainly took liberties with their clothing. In any such case, I left the room once more, but in the main loft I was surprised to find King Xavier out and about. I understood his not wanting to be at Midna's awakening, but I was surprised to see him in full capacity now. He looked as good as new. There wasn't a scratch on him. I then decided to walk over to the king and speak with him.

When I approached, I bowed, which Xavier appreciated.

"Good morning Master Link," he greeted.

"Good morning sire. It's good to see you awake. I wasn't expecting to see you out of your room so soon."

Xavier shrugged.

"It surprised me too, but this strange light came in and filled the entire apartment with energy. I never felt so alive in my life."

I grinned.

"That's good to hear. That was the effects of the Virtue Key. When Midna awakened, the device was able to energize the entire realm."

Xavier shook his head in awe.

"Remarkable," he whispered more to himself than to me.

I paused for a moment and looked beyond him to where Zelda was staying. Xavier followed my gaze.

"What's the matter?"

I shook my head.

"I just want Queen Zelda to stay safe, that's all."

Xavier grinned.

"She has you protecting her. I think she has the best protection in the world."

I returned his grin.

"Thank you your majesty."

He then gave me a quick once over.

"What's with the new clothes?"

I looked down at my attire.

"I wanted to embrace the Twili culture," I half-joked.

Xavier stared at my robe in particular.

"The Twili were never known for their practicality in clothes."

I chuckled.

"Just wait until you see Zelda," I warned.

Xavier looked at me surprised.

"She changed too?"

I nodded.

"Twilo practically told us to. I guess we looked like vagrants for too long and didn't realize it."

Xavier grunted.

"Well, as long as you don't wear that in battle you will be fine. I already know where your weak points are."

I chuckled again.

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. This is strictly for being appropriate to see her majesty Queen Midna when she calls for me."

Xavier got quiet when I mentioned Midna's name.

"Her majesty…" he whispered more to himself than to me.

I didn't reply.

"She's going to want to talk to me," he said more to himself.

I nodded.

"I imagine she would. You are going to need to clear the air."

He took in a deep sigh. He stared at the ground for a moment.

"It's just as well. My sins are long overdue for confession."

I didn't say very much to that either.

"We all have a little confessing we need to make."

Xavier then looked back over at the door where Zelda was staying.

"Do you think her majesty will let me accompany her when she goes to see the queen? I have a few things I need to tell her as well."

It sounded more rhetorical, but I didn't want to leave that up in the air.

"The only way to know for a certainty is to go ask her your majesty."

Xavier grunted.

"That is the logical explanation isn't it?" he said more to himself

I nodded anyway.

"Indeed it is."

The king then looked back my way.

"Whatever the future holds for you Link, I think you're going to be a great king someday," he said suddenly.

I stared at him surprised.

"Sire… Zelda and I aren't even married yet."

He fanned off my modesty.

"We both know Zelda is going to choose you. It was the same scenario with me and Daphnes. I should have known Quistis was going to choose him over me."

I stared at him intrigued. I didn't know what to say.

"Your majesty…"

Xavier shook his head.

"Where is Elbourne?" he asked me suddenly.

Not my favorite subject, but I understood his reasoning.

"He is downstairs looking out at the gardens in the main hall," I replied.

Xavier nodded.

"Thank you." He then bowed before he walked off. "I'm going to go see if I can talk some sense into that boy."

I wasn't sure what he was going to say, but I was happy to hear that.

Please do.

I bowed again as he walked by and I watched him go down the stairs. If there was anybody who needed some sense talked into them it was Elbourne. I just hoped he had enough sense to listen.

~SSS~

Matters of the heart, Elbourne

One of the things I appreciated about this Twilight Realm was that it was a perfect place for reflection. I could sit anywhere and think all day. It was why I was so familiar with the territory. After I would have my… meetings with Midna, I would go for a long walk and explore the realm. There was intricate beauty here that didn't exist anywhere in the light world. I was grateful to have those moments of solace. However, sometimes it made me incredibly lonely for something more fulfilling. I remember one time I walked upon what would be considered a peasant village and the Twili people were so shocked at seeing a 'light dweller' up close. They were very kind to me and invited me into their home where they shared their twilight orbs, their culture, and their food with me. There was a Twili girl about the age of an adolescent who taught me the secrets of the Whispering Wood and how to channel the deeper roots of the trees. It was an interesting visit and I never forgot how much that meant to me. Sitting with that family made me want my own. It made me recollect about the woman I loved. It made me think of Zelda.

Even now I thought about Zelda. I couldn't get her out of my mind. I couldn't rightly explain what she meant to me. When I was a young boy I had a penchant for trouble. I was known for it. My poor now deceased nanny could attest to that. So there was no guessing how I was going to react when I found out I was going to have to entertain a princess for a whole week when I had no desire in doing so. I was twelve and my father hadn't seen Zelda's father in years, so my father arranged for them to stay for a week in Dragon Roost. It was all anyone was talking about. I saw it as no big deal and didn't treat it as such. I wanted to dragon ride and practice for the upcoming gala. I was a dreamer back then. However, when I was told by my father directly I was responsible for the princess having a good time, I was livid. I had no intention of spending an entire week with a girl and playing dolls, or whatever nonsense I assumed she wanted to do. I wanted to ride my damn dragon.

Bless you Orthella, I meant no ill will.

When the time came for the royals to arrive I was right there at the gate with my parents. I made sure to have a sullen expression when they disembarked from their carriage. I didn't even look their way when they walked forward. My mother was constantly giving me the 'look' and even that wasn't enough to get through to me. My father and Zelda's father hugged and my mother and Zelda's mother chatted like two long lost hens. I stood with my arms crossed over my chest, looking away from everybody. That was when Zelda approached me. She spoke first. "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance Prince Elbourne," she said in the sweetest voice ever. I didn't make eye contact with her right away. When my father saw me being rude, he smacked me upside the head and demanded that I greet the princess properly. Needless to say, the embarrassment didn't help. Even so, I finally complied. I looked her way and when I did I was shocked. I was actually beyond shocked. I couldn't believe how beautiful this girl was with the yellow ribbons in her hair and her matching dress. I couldn't utter a word. She looked at me concerned when I didn't answer. She even reached over and touched my hand in kindness. I never forgot that gesture…. "Are you alright?" she asked. I finally snapped back to reality and introduced myself. "I'm fine my lady, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," I replied. "I'm Prince Elbourne."

After the spell was broken on her beauty, I wanted to know what she was really made of. I took her everywhere with me. I took her to the dragon pits. I took her to the palatial halls. I took her hunting. I took her frog chasing. Most importantly, I introduced her to my dragon Orthella. Orthella was my soul mate. She and I were born on the same day. If my dracosaurian liked her, chances were I would like her too. Orthella was cautious when Zelda approached her, but she quickly calmed when a strange blue glow came emitting from Zelda's body. I was stunned to see this, but it gave me all the confirmation I needed. I knew I could trust her if my dragon trusted her. When the week was over, and Zelda had to leave, I was devastated. I had grown fond of the pretty princess who liked to go frog chasing. I remember running to the gate as the Hylian royals' carriage road away. She was waving at me through the window. "Thank you so much for a wonderful time Elbourne!" she called. "I look forward to when we can do this again!" I hated to see her go. "When am I going to see you again?!" I shouted to her. Zelda smiled from afar. "I don't know," she said, "but I hope soon, bye!" And she was gone. She was gone...

The next day, I demanded my parents to make arrangements for me to see Zelda again. My mother was surprised, but pleased. My father was surprised, but annoyed. He told me arrangements could not be made out of thin air. I asked him then make it happen. He ignored my roguish manner. I would show him. I was an excellent equestrian rider. I reasoned that if I could ride to Hyrule in less than a day, it would be appropriate for me to visit Zelda when I wanted. My mother was optimistic. My father was not. He told me visiting a princess was not like stumbling upon a peasant. There were protocols I needed to be mindful of. Even so, I went with my mother's enthusiasm. Over the years, I noticed a change in me. I wanted to be better because I wanted to impress Zelda. When I was fourteen, I got top marks for my entrance exams and showed her my report. She was impressed. At fifteen, I won my first Dragon Gala. Zelda again was impressed. However, sixteen was a difficult year, not for me, but for Zelda. In one fell swoop, she lost her father, her mother and her grandmother. The entire dynasty was nearly wiped out. Zelda was devastated.

I couldn't rightly explain her despair, but she cried every night for hours for a whole month. I deferred my entrance to the Dragon Masters Academy so I could make myself available to her. Whenever she needed me I came to her. It wasn't a burden. I wanted to be with her. I let her cry. I let her talk. I let her be silent. I let her do whatever she needed to do to feel whole again. However, I didn't properly ready myself for one night with her. I came to be with her as I always had, but something was different. There was a different look in her eyes. I remember stroking her hair and staring up at the mural the way I always did before she went to sleep. Instead though, she raised herself from my touch and hovered over me so she could stare into my eyes. I remember her dark blue eyes looking like jewels in the moonlight and her hair falling in her face. She looked like an angel.

"I'm so scared Elbourne," she whispered. "What if I'm not a good queen?"

I went to reassure her.

"You'll be an excellent queen," I whispered back. "You're the smartest girl I know."

She wasn't so certain.

"My grandmother used to tell me being smart isn't the only prerequisite to being a just ruler. A queen needs to have good temperance and council."

I didn't see her worries as issues.

"You have a good temperament, and you are wise enough to know if a counselor is worthy to be by your side. I think you are being too hard on yourself."

She sighed.

"But these are things I must think about. I was already told I could not spend my days constantly being forlorn. But Elbourne, that is how I feel."

I nodded.

"You have a right to feel that way Zelda. You're Hylian."

Her eyes refilled with tears.

"But aren't they right?" she sobbed. "I can't stay in this room crying everyday, and that is all I have done for weeks."

I reached up and caressed her damp cheek.

"Zelda any reasonable person can see you have endured great losses. If they cannot understand that, then get new counselors."

She shook her head, but attempted to smile.

"I have a kingdom that still needs to be run."

I wiped away one of her tears.

"And it's running," I whispered, "your people are fine. They are mourning with you. They love you Zelda."

She stared into my eyes surprised.

"Do you really believe that?"

I nodded.

"Of course I do. They, as well as I, think you need to give yourself time to heal. You will be a brilliant queen once your head is clear, once your heart is mended."

Her eyes searched my face.

"Thank you for saying that," she whispered.

I thought nothing of it.

"That's why I'm here," I whispered back.

Her eyes filled with tears again.

"I miss them so much Elly." Her voice broke. "Father was teaching me a new method to shoot the bow."

She was the first person to call me 'Elly'. I liked it, but I didn't know what to tell her in that moment. So, I brought her close to me and hugged her. I let her cry on my chest.

"Then you must perfect it no matter the cost. Your father would want you to be proficient."

Zelda sobbed softly and didn't answer me right away. It took her a moment to get her bearings together before she could look me in the eyes again. She lifted herself up as before and stared into my eyes. Her pink tinged irises roved about my face. Surprisingly, she reached down and touched my cheek.

"You're so kind to me... thank you."

With the way she was staring at me, I was tempted to tell her then I was in love with her, but I didn't.

"You're worth it," I whispered. "You'll always be worth it to me."

We were silent for a moment with her eyes still searching my face. I surprised her a little with my honesty.

"What... what are you saying?" she whispered.

I paused at her inquiry, so tempted to be honest, but forewent it as the opportunity passed.

"Just what's on my mind."

She stared into my eyes for a long time before looking away and changing the subject.

"I... I heard your father was trying to negotiate a marriage contract between Marin Balaam, my cousin, and you. Is that true?"

I had no interest in this subject.

"Does it matter?" I countered.

She bit her lower lip... possibly the sexiest thing in the world to me.

"I'm just curious."

I took in a deep sigh, realizing my father was a manifold of things, fair not being one of them.

"My father would betroth me to a lizard if it made him more powerful."

She giggled, but she didn't allow my deflection to sway her.

"But is it true?" she pressed.

I didn't know what she wanted me to say. I shrugged.

"It is, but I have no desire or interest in Marin. No offense to your cousin."

She didn't seem bothered by it.

"None taken. I always assumed you would marry a fair lady in your court. There are so many." I just grunted and she giggled again. "Why are you so bothered by the subject of marriage Elly?" she asked. "You will be king one day and that will require you to be married."

"I'm not bothered by the subject, I would just rather focus on dragon riding."

Zelda rolled her eyes playfully.

"Aww yes, the true love of your life. You would abdicate the throne if it meant more dragon riding."

That sounded tempting.

"Don't give me any ideas."

Zelda giggled again.

"You're incorrigible."

I had no disagreement there.

"I am."

She chuckled once more and we became silent. She was about to shift the conversation again, and considering the way she was studying me, I should have known it was something risque... well, at least for our adolescent minds. She leaned in on my chest so that her breasts were flattened against my night shirt. That should have been my first clue. She hadn't acted in such a way in the past. Afterwards, she lowered her voice to just above a whisper.

"Can I ask you something personal?"

I didn't see any harm.

"Ask away."

She got closer and lowered her voice more. That was definitely intentional.

"Are you still a virgin?" she whispered.

I stared at her surprised. That came out of nowhere. We usually didn't discuss things like this, even after our first and only kiss a couple years before. Even so, I nodded because at the time I was.

"Yes," I whispered back.

Her follow up question was equally direct.

"Why?"

I had no answer for her.

"I don't know. I haven't thought about it much."

She gave me an offhanded look.

"You haven't thought about it?" Her voice was laced with doubt.

"No."

She didn't believe me for a second.

"Elly... come on you have to be lying. You have thought about it."

I rolled my eyes.

"Zelda..."

"Haven't you?" she pressed.

I cut my gaze back to her. I had no real rebuttal.

"Okay…" I admitted, "so I have."

She grinned and surprisingly stroked her forefinger over my lips. That was intentional too.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," she whispered. "I've thought about it too. I've actually thought about it a lot."

I wasn't expecting that confession from her.

"Oh... really?"

She nodded.

"Mmmm hmmm."

Admittedly, I was having a bit of a reaction with how close she was to me. I was praying I didn't have an erection right then and there.

Stay calm Elbourne, I told myself.

She continued with her inquiries.

"So... tell me, what are you waiting for? I'm sure there are a million girls in Dragon Roost who would let you deflower them."

I shrugged.

"I'm not interested in a million girls."

She then let her head rest on her shoulder.

"But I'm sure they are all interested in you," she whispered. "After all, you are the great, beautiful dragon prince."

I wasn't sure if she was teasing or not.

"Are you being sarcastic?" I asked.

Zelda shook her head.

"Not one bit," she said innocently. "You are great, and you are... beautiful, very beautiful Elly."

I was staring at her taken aback. I wasn't sure what to say.

"I prefer handsome," I half-joked.

She shrugged.

"Same difference."

I was genuinely surprised with her acting this way. She was different than in the past. She was acting with a hint of seduction, flirtatiousness, and sensuality. I had never seen her conduct herself this way before.

"So... who will be the lucky maiden?" she asked. "Have you already decided?"

This was becoming silly.

"Zelda..."

She pretended ignorance.

"Am I prying too much?" she asked. "Or, are you waiting for Marin like a good little prince?"

I didn't appreciate the change in subject, especially back to this.

"I'm not marrying Marin," I said directly. "That nonsense you heard is my father's doing. Stop bringing her up."

She rolled her eyes again.

"I apologize, I didn't realize she was such a sensitive topic."

She was starting to get under my skin with how she was behaving. I sincerely wanted to be here with her, but if she thought I was going to lay here and be her little passive aggressive toy, she had another thing coming. I then sat up, and while she maneuvered with me and sat up too, I made something clear to her.

"Apparently you're feeling better, why else would this ridiculous tripe be coming out of your mouth? Perhaps I should leave since your wits are about you," I threatened. "As it seems I'm nothing but a good laugh for you, you should have no problem resting easy."

With that, I attempted to get out of her bed. However, Zelda immediately took hold of my hands to stop me.

"Elbourne wait!" she begged. "Don't leave. I was only teasing. I'm sorry."

I turned and looked her straight in her eyes. The vamping expression was all but gone. It was replaced more with what I was used to seeing from her: fear, insecurity, and slight desperation.

"Why were you saying the things you were saying earlier?" I demanded.

She held on tighter to my hands.

"I was being silly," she admitted. "I... I was reading one of those erotic coquettish novels and one of the characters was acting in a similar fashion. It supposed to be seductive."

I gave her a wayward look.

"Erotic coquettish novels?" I repeated. "That nonsense is beneath you Zelda."

She looked away for a moment.

"Not... not if you're lonely Elly," she whispered.

My stance softened a little at her honesty.

"Zelda... I understand that you're lonely, that you're grieving," I started, "but I come here because I want to. I come here because I want to be here for you. I don't come here to be a character in your little games. I-"

She suddenly upended the conversation.

"Is that why you haven't been with anyone else?"

My heart literally skipped a beat when she asked me that.

"Excuse me?"

Her voice dropped.

"Is that why you haven't been with anyone else?" she repeated. "Because you want to be with me?"

I remember feeling complete astonishment. I didn't expect her to go in this direction, but if she wanted to know the truth, the real truth... I was willing to tell her.

"I... I might be." I wasn't direct and I looked away.

Zelda saw right through that and turned my face back to hers. She reached up and caressed my cheek.

"Are you waiting for me?" she whispered. "Are you?"

Her eyes were mesmerizing up close.

"Zelda..."

She then leaned in and kissed me softly. I was surprised at her action, but I kissed her back. She kissed me deeper and opened her mouth to mine when she wrapped her hands around my neck. This was so much more intense than our first kiss. It felt surreal to be honest. It was only the second time we kissed. The first time I caught her by surprise when I gave her a bouquet of silent princesses. I told her to close her eyes, and I gave her a simple peck. It wasn't really anything spectacular, but I remember her blushing when it was over. She was acting completely different from that night. She was sensual. She was bold and flirty, especially when she guided me back onto the mattress. She straddled me across my lap and kissed me deeper. I wasn't expecting her to take control, but I was certainly glad she was. She pulled away and surprised me further.

"What if I asked you to make love to me tonight?" she whispered.

My breathing increased.

"I would then ask you to pinch me. I would have to make sure I'm not dreaming."

She never did pinch me. Instead, she unexpectedly pulled her gown over her head. I was numb for a second when I saw her naked body for the first time. It had to have been a dream. I had never seen anything so magnificent in my life. Then, at this point, there was no way for me to stave the erection off. Seeing her made me really, really hard. She was so beautiful. I mean really beautiful. She had to know she had all the power in that moment. I would have done anything she wanted if she asked. I couldn't hide how I felt for her... she was sitting right on top of me. I was dumbstruck while she took my hands and guided them up to her supple young breasts.

"Does it feel like you're dreaming?" she whispered.

I shook my head, still feeling surreal.

"No," I whispered back.

She gave my garments a once over and looked back into my eyes.

"Are you going to take your clothes off, or do I have to do it for you?" she whispered.

I was still astonished, but I did as she requested, I took off my clothes. However, we never actually had sex that night. We just kissed and held each other most of the time. There were moments when I discovered the secrets of her birthmark, and there was a bit more intensity involved when we kissed on each other, but I never actually deflowered her. She asked me back to her room the next two nights and it was the same routine. I couldn't deny I loved feeling her naked body next to mine, but I was confused with her only wanting superficial closeness. I wanted to be one with her. I wanted to take her. I was tempted one time to pretend like I forgot we were only just casually making love, and wanted to go inside her. However, I couldn't bring myself to go past where she didn't want to go yet. I did think we were actually going to eventually, but it never happened. And soon, we even stopped undressing while we slept. I didn't understand where her sudden shyness came from. However, the first instance of her taking her clothes off was highly irregular anyway. But I couldn't deny it was those nights that made me captivated with her. That was when I realized how sexy she could be and that prudish shell she gave into for make a moralistic argument was nothing more than a façade. I knew the real Zelda. I knew that sexy, but scared girl who made me fall in love with her. I told her I was in love with her, but she never said anything back. I think she thought I was lying.

I was never the same after that, but neither was she. She started pushing me away, because she felt guilt for whatever reason. It was only after the wedge that started developing between us that I started sleeping with other women. But, no one compared to Zelda. That was why all I could ever do was see her when I made love to other women. I could never 'un-see' her. I felt like I was cursed. I sighed as I stared out at the garden. I had so many memories. So many things to make me wish I had chosen someone else. I just couldn't break free of Zelda's spell. Even to this day, my heart yearned for her. I loved her so much and she would never understand that. Staring at these gardens brought it all back. The touch of the Virtue Key brought it all back. I wanted to either be free of her, or cast caution to the wind and ask her to marry me again. I needed some kind of respite. It was then I made my decision and decided I needed to speak with Zelda again. I needed to know where I stood with her. I stared out the window one last time before I turned and started heading for the staircase. However, I didn't take more than two steps when I saw my father walking towards me. He looked like he could take on a whole brigade himself now. He looked well rested and healthy.

He stopped in front of me and gave me a quick once over.

"Greetings."

I paused for a moment.

"Good morning father."

He glanced out the window beyond me.

"It's a beautiful day."

I nodded.

"Well, the queen did just awaken."

My father gave me a knowing stare.

"True, you could have been a poet Elbourne." He then looked my way. "Where are you going off to?"

I paused again.

"What makes you think I was going anywhere?"

He gave me an obvious look.

"You stopped when you saw me. Come on now, where were you going?"

I looked up the stairs.

"If you must know, I was going to see the queen."

Now father paused.

"Which one, Midna or Zelda?" he asked.

The answer should have been obvious.

"Zelda," I replied simply.

My father stared into my eyes for a long time.

"Zelda?"

I nodded.

"Yes."

He was quiet for a moment.

"Elbourne... I think you and I need to talk. I need to give you some advice."

This was certainly a surprise. Since when did my father care about giving me advice?

"I beg your pardon?"

My father fanned off my sarcasm.

"I'm serious."

I had no qualms about that.

"So am I."

He went on anyway.

"I feel I need to caution you regarding your relationship with Zelda. In many ways, you remind me of how I acted in my pursuit of Quistis."

My throat tightened. I didn't want to hear this because there was more truth here than I wanted to acknowledge. And also, I didn't like the thought of him disrespecting my mother by expressing his love for another woman. I knew how much my mother loved him and he treated her like dragon shit. I was aware he had his reasons, but she didn't deserve to be treated so badly.

"I think I'm okay," I attempted to leave.

My father stepped in my path.

"You're not okay. Zelda has been an obsession of yours since you were a child."

I was starting to get upset.

"I'm not obsessed with her."

He shook his head.

"What would you call this relentless and hopeless pursuit of a woman who has no desire to be with you? Explain that to me."

That stung, but I wasn't going to give in.

"I love her. You have no idea what she means to me because you've never wanted to know. You were too goddamned busy hating my guts and being an infidel to my mother to care."

The king sighed and looked away.

"I… haven't been much of a father to you Elbourne, and for that I am sorry. However, I have to tell you the only person who is going to end up with a broken heart here is you. Zelda is not going to marry you. She is going to marry the hero."

I didn't want to hear this either.

"She has no ring on her hand yet!" I said stubbornly.

Father shook his head.

"Does she need one? Are you this blind to reality? There are hundreds of women who would love to be your bride! Choose from among them!"

I cut my eyes to his and knew he was right, but I couldn't face it yet. I wasn't willing to give up on her yet.

"Father… I need her."

There was a look of pity in his eyes.

"I know how you feel. I needed Quistis too, but that didn't change her decision in the end. She chose Daphnes over me. Zelda is a great deal like her mother. She has chosen Link. Forget this pursuit Elbourne."

I had a feeling he was going to say these things to me right before I went to go see Zelda. I knew his words had merit. I knew deep down he was right. I just didn't want to see it. I looked him in the eyes.

"I can't," I whispered, then without waiting for another word from him I left his company.

I hurried for the stairs and went up them.

The only person who can push me away is Zelda, I thought as I reached the top stair.

The main loft was empty with only two Twili at Zelda's door. I walked up.

"Could you announce me please?" I asked one of the attendants.

One of the guards nodded then knocked on the door.

"Your majesty, you have a visitor. It is Prince Elbourne."

The next part will be up soon. Thank you for reading.