On the day they set out, an honest and true army marched through the Akkala Parade Grounds. Thousands of footsoldiers and cavalry arranged in formation made their way south from the citadel in order to take the road east towards enemy territory. Prince Percival himself led from the front atop his majestic white horse. His Darknut-like retainer rode beside him on a solid black Gerudo stallion, bearing a standard displaying the Triforce and Wingcrest sigil of the Kingdom of Hyrule.

From any distance, the most notable feature of this parade was the gigantic Hydrophant that ambled through the center of the crowd, with everyone and everything else giving it a wide berth. Hydrophants were magnificent creatures used as beasts of burden by the Zora. Large, blue-skinned, semi-aquatic mammals, they towered above every other animal Mila had ever seen. Between the tusks, the fan-like ears, and the elongated nose that made a noise like a trumpet, they were certainly odd creatures. This one had a carriage strapped to its back, carrying Prince Silorn and several of his Zora companions. Springing from the roof of that carriage was the Zora's own banner, bearing the Zora's Sapphire sigil.

Aside from the princes, columns of horse-mounted knights rode along with them, many of whom carried their own standards and flags representing various lesser Houses. At the front of all the Akkalan knights sent by Governor Vryciaro, however, was Dame Mila, riding on the back of a mountain buck. Due to their short stature and their forest home, the Kokiri did not ride horses, but Mila was not worried about looking out of place next to the giant blue monster the Zora prince was riding. However, it was a little humiliating to be so much lower to the ground than her squire, who rode next to her holding up a banner with Vryciaro's grape bunch sigil on it.

Governor Vryciaro himself watched the procession from up high, along with General Alchon and the other nobles who were staying behind in the citadel. Their viewing platform was a balcony jutting out from the cliffside, which connected to the main building of Akkala Citadel via the underground passageways that ran throughout the mountain the citadel was built into. The balcony was also equipped with a number of cannons of Hylian design, which were much smaller and sleeker than Goron cannons. Mila hoped to see them rain fire upon their enemies one of these days.

On the day's journey, the road took them through South Lake Akkala, a small body of water formed by the runoff from Upland Zorana. In turn, the water fed into the main part of the lake via Akkala Falls. The Hylian forces followed the road and crossed over the Sokkala Bridges, while the Zora and their Hydrophant simply cut straight through the water. Once they reached Kaepora Pass, they were officially in enemy territory.

The Earthquake Sage's cult had gained a following throughout most of the eastern portion of the province. Much of their militant forces had amassed further north, however, which was where they had been launching their attempted invasions of the Earth Temple. Nevertheless, according to the scouting reports Mila had read, the false sage herself was still located in the south.

Namazu, the God of Earthquakes, bizarrely chose to take the form of a giant catfish. While his time in the material realm was mostly spent swimming through the natural underground waterways beneath Hyrule, he was said to surface in Ulria Grotto. That was where Laverta had made contact with him, and that was where they would find her.

If Prince Percival and his forces could break through the cult's defenses and kill the sage, then this petty conflict would be over. However, the terrain surrounding Ulria Grotto was strategically defensive, especially when taking into account the geomancy practiced by the cult's sorcerers. Nevertheless, the forces of Hyrule had the strength of a professional army on their side, while Laverta's cult had a collection of religious zealots and a mercenary army at best.

"Dame Mila."

The Kokiri knight had been lost in thought as she rode at the head of her company. The voice of a Hylian scout riding beside her pulled her back to the present. "Yes? What is it?" she asked, tilting her head up to see the man on the horse.

"Reports, dame." The scout handed her a small scroll from among a pouch of identical scrolls, then rode off to continue his deliveries.

"What does it say, dame?" Vanova asked as her superior unfurled the scroll.

Mila's eyes quickly scanned over the message. "The cultists in the pass saw us coming. They've retreated into Ulria."

"Oh, dear," Vanova remarked.

"No, it was to be expected." Mila tossed the scroll away, giving it an extra flick with her wind magic to send it soaring. "With the sheer numbers the prince has brought here, they would have no hope to face us out in the open, even if we didn't have the Zora's Hydrophant." As she spoke, the big blue animal lifted its trunk into the air and trumpeted, creating a brief light drizzle from the water it shot into the air.

"What are we to do, dame?" Vanova asked.

"We'll keep marching until the prince insists we stop. Then we'll set up camp, send an envoy to request the sage's surrender, wait until she sends her response, bla, bla, bla." Mila rolled her eyes and made the mocking motion of a mouth with her hand. Regardless of the circumstances, knights and nobles had a certain honor code they had to follow. Unless the enemy attacked first, they would not attack until the proper parley had taken place.

Such a waste of time. They haven't surrendered so far, have they? Why would they change their minds now?

"That seems shortsighted," Vanova replied. "Wouldn't such proceedings only give the enemy more time to shore up their defenses?"

Mila cracked a smile. "I knew I made a good choice with you," she said. Then she let out a sigh. "But alas, as a knight, I must keep up appearances. Especially when so much of my plans' next steps depend on the prince's opinion of me."

"I see," Vanova said with a nod, although Mila knew there was much the round-eared girl was still in the dark about.

Mila heard the telltale jingle of her fairy making an appearance. She turned her head to see Luft floating beside her, swaying imploringly. "Hey-!"

"Don't say-"

"Listen!"

"Ugh. What is it, Luft?" Mila asked, no longer speaking Hylian.

"Why don't we go ask the Great Fairy for help?" Luft suggested.

Mila turned her head north. Having lived in Akkala for the past few years, she had paid several visits to the Great Fairy who made her home just over the nearby ridge, beside the southeast shore of Lake Akkala. She was not Luft's Great Fairy, but Luft was on decent enough terms with her flight. "The fairies would certainly be more useful than any of those Hylian healers we brought with us," she said. "And the Great Fairy could do some real damage to the enemy if we could convince her to fight. I suppose I shall run the idea by Prince Percival. If I am able to secure the aid of the fairy flight, I will prove myself an even more valuable asset than I already have."

"She won't do it for free, though," Luft reminded her.

"Nor would I expect her to."

"Mmm…"

Mila lifted her head to find Vanova staring at her admiringly. "What is it?" she asked in Hylian.

"Your voice is so beautiful when you speak Fairy," the Lynnaean girl replied. "Could you teach me the language?"

The Kokiri thought about it for a moment, then shrugged. "I suppose. It might be a useful skill for you to learn." She planned to keep Vanova around for as long as possible anyway, and it would be helpful to be able to speak with her in a language none of her enemies would be able to eavesdrop on.

"Hey!" Luft complained, shaking angrily. "Do not go sharing fairy secrets with mortals!"

"You hush," Mila ordered. "We can die as easily as they can now that we're trapped in this accursed world, so we're all mortals here."

Luft flickered like an angry firefly, but made no reply.


Not long later, the order went out to begin setting up camp. The prince's forces were numerous, so they were able to spread out across the entirety of Kaepora Pass, effectively cutting off Ulria from any reinforcements they might hope to receive from the north. As Mila's company was setting up their camp, Mila received her summons to join the prince's war council meeting. She left one of Governor Vryciaro's senior knights in charge and headed for his tent, bringing Vanova along with her.

The meeting tent was tall and spacious. It bore colors of purple, gold, and white, and was decorated with flags bearing the kingdom's crest that waved in the breeze from all sides. The entrance was guarded by six knights of the prince's Royal Guard, including his gigantic retainer. When Mila arrived, she meant to show them the scroll she'd been given as summons, but they recognized her and waved her in without it.

I suppose that's one of the benefits of being the only knight with the appearance of a child. There isn't much chance of being mistaken for someone else.

Stepping inside, she saw a round table set up in the center of the tent. It wasn't quite as large as the table in Akkala Citadel's council chamber, but it still impressed Mila that they bothered to bring such a large piece of furniture in one of the supply wagons. Seated at the head of the table was Prince Percival, of course, with Prince Silorn sitting on his right. A dozen other senior knights, generals, and advisors sat with them, while servants and soldiers waited patiently at the edges of the tent.

"Dame Mila," the Hylian prince greeted her with a curt nod. He then gestured to an empty seat at the far end of the table.

The Kokiri girl blinked, confused for a split second, before remembering she was there representing Governor Vryciaro. That meant she would actually be on the prince's council, not just observing like she had back at the citadel. While she outwardly gave off no emotion, only giving the prince a grateful nod in return, she felt butterflies on the inside.

I'm moving up in the world once again.

Mila casually waved off her squire who obediently went to stand with the other soldiers, then took her seat at the table. However, as soon as she sat down, it became obvious there was a problem. Being as short as she was, her head was barely above the table.

A Hylian man seated beside her chuckled. "Shall I have someone bring you a stack of books to sit on?" he offered.

"Certainly. Perhaps they can also bring you an instructional book on wit and denigration. The height jokes get old fast, you see," Mila replied dryly with half-lidded eyes.

A few of the others at the table chuckled lightly at the exchange, but the Zora prince let out a jovial laugh and slammed a hand against the table. "A book on denigration!" he repeated through his laughter. "Very good! Very good, indeed. And, might I say, Dame of the Forest, it is an honor to have one of the Kokiri folk join us on this fine day. Clearly the Gorons have decided their loyalties are to themselves rather than to this glorious alliance our peoples share, but one can always count on the kindness of the fairy children." Prince Silorn flashed a winning smile, showing off a mouth full of sparkling shark teeth.

"That is kind of you to say," Dame Mila responded politely, knowing that she was talking to a prince, even if he was a prince in name only. "I, too, am glad we are here to represent our peoples working together." That statement was a completely empty gesture. Mila knew she did not represent her people in any way, and she had left home for a reason. However, appearances were important, especially for this crowd.

"We will begin now," Prince Percival declared, apparently not one for pleasantries. "You've already received your orders for camp placement. You are all responsible for the security of your sectors. I want a full blockade. No cultists pass our lines without us knowing."

The others at the table merely nodded in agreement. Mila knew it would not be a difficult task to set up a decent perimeter and have sentries posted at all times. They had also been given orders to only unpack the essentials from the supply wagons so as to always be prepared to quickly move to a new location if necessary.

"Secondly, we must send an envoy to parley with the sage as soon as possible," the Hylian prince went on. "We invade at dawn, so we must not give the enemy the chance to delay us."

"Never fear!" Prince Silorn declared, pointing a thumb at himself. "I shall go and meet this Sage of Earthquakes. As a fellow Zora, I am certain I shall be able to convince her of the error of her ways, and thus we might put an end to this horrible bloodshed."

"No," Prince Percival denied flatly. "You are too important, and I do not intend to give the enemy a hostage they can use as a bargaining chip. Sending a Zora has strategic value, however, so we shall send one of your subordinates, Prince Silorn."

"Alas, you speak truly," the other prince replied, putting a hand to his head dramatically. "My sister, mother, and father would simply be too overcome with grief should any tragedy befall me. I shall ask one of my comrades to go in my stead, and I shall be forever indebted to them for their bravery."

There was a pause as Silorn sat down after making his spirited statements. "...Correct," Percival said, apparently bemused. He then cleared his throat. "Moving along. I am quite certain the sage will not surrender, so we shall prepare to attack tomorrow as planned. We have our initial plans already, and we shall recalibrate based on the scouting reports that come in throughout the night. If anyone has any other ideas, now would be the time to share."

"We could obtain assistance from the local Great Fairy," Mila interjected, seizing the opportunity the moment it was given.

Prince Silorn flashed another toothy smile. "What a marvelous idea! Why, the Great Fairy of Lanayru has come to my people's aid on numerous occasions. My dear, are you perchance on friendly terms with the Akkalan Great Fairy?"

"Yes," Mila answered, attempting to sit up as tall as she could in her seat. "She is called Mija. I have met with her several times."

"Great Fairies normally require some form of payment in exchange for their aid," Prince Percival correctly pointed out. "What sort of payment will this Mija ask of us?"

"I suspect she will desire rupees," Mila replied. Hylians were often surprised to hear fairies had a use for money, but just like ordinary mortals, incarnated spirits needed a system of currency for their business exchanges, too. "If not, she will wish to be owed a favor to be repaid at her request."

Prince Percival put his jeweled gauntlet-covered hand to his chin, considering the suggestion for a moment. "Very well. Meet with her and make the request. Try to push for a rupee payment. Return to me with her offer."

Mila smiled to herself, knowing she was yet another step closer to her goals. "Yes, your highness."

The meeting went on for a short while longer, and while Mila paid attention, she took no interest in anything the other advisors seated around the table had to say. Eventually, the meeting was adjourned and they were all dismissed. Mila attempted to gracefully climb out of her seat, then turned and headed for the exit. Vanova fell in behind her, and they left the meeting tent together.

"Well done as always, dame," Vanova complimented her. "I could tell both princes were impressed with your ingenuity."

"The flattery is appreciated, Vanova, but I would hardly call it ingenuity," Mila replied matter-of-factly. However, she smirked with triumph. "Still, it is another victory for us. Would you like to join me and visit the Great Fairy?"

Vanova gasped excitedly. "Yes! That would be wonderful. I've heard the Great Fairies are all so beautiful."

Mila scoffed. "Prepare to be surprised, then. But no matter. Let us return to camp and retrieve our mounts. It's time to bribe a guardian spirit."


"You know, Dame Mila, I've just realized something," Vanova said, riding down the slope beside her knight. "Your name and the Great Fairy's name are quite similar. Mila and Mija, you know?"

"Hm. Don't remind me," Mila said. "My name is rather common among the Kokiri, and some fairies use a similar naming convention. Mija's flight just uses slightly different solmization than the Kokiri Tribe."

"Slightly different what?" Vanova asked.

"Solmization. It's basically a way to learn the musical scale by associating a distinct syllable to each note," the Kokiri knight explained. "My people use Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti." As Mila sang, her voice became higher pitched with each note.

"Oh! You have a beautiful voice, Dame," Vanova complimented her.

"Hm. Well, I suppose the fact that my voice will never change is one of the benefits of not being able to grow up," Mila replied, somewhat bitterly.

"So your name is from the Mi and the La?" Vanova asked, trying and failing to mimic her knight's pitch on the notes.

"Yes. As I said, many Kokiri are named in such a way. Mila, Mido, Fado, Lami, Tifa, Sola, and so on," Mila explained further. "The Fairy language is very musical, you see."

"Fascinating," Vanova said with genuine interest. "Do you think you could teach me to sing, Dame Mila?"

"I suppose so," Mila agreed. "It will help you speak Fairy when I teach you to do that as well."

If I'm going to be keeping her around, she might as well be as talented as I am.

"What does your name mean, Vanova?" Mila asked out of curiosity, knowing very little about the lands to the east.

"Er, well, the ova comes from ovna, which is a word for daughter. So, I guess at some point there was a man named Van in my family, and I somehow ended up with the name?" the Lynnaean girl explained uncertainly. "I'm afraid it's not as interesting or fanciful as your name, Dame Mila."

"No, but I like it," Mila said kindly. "Was your father not called Van?"

"I'm not sure." Vanova shook her head. "I did not know him."

"Hm. My father is a talking tree," Mila said.

"How magical!"

"Not really. All Kokiri are grown in pods from the branches of the Great Deku Tree," Mila explained. "He draws our spirits in and gives us flesh, imitating the form of Hylian infants."

"Fascinating. Does that mean you are all brothers and sisters?"

"We do not see it that way," Mila replied. "We all call the Deku Tree our father, but we only refer to those from the same branch as our siblings. I have many of them back in the forest."

"I see. You must miss them dearly."

"I do not."

"Oh… sorry?"

Mila looked up at her squire, having to tilt her head back to see her up on her horse. "No matter. It is of no importance right now. We have a different sort of fairy to speak with." As they rounded the corner along the foot of the cliff, a small forest came into view. "Mija's fountain is just through those trees," Mila explained.

"Oh, I'm so excited!" Vanova smiled brightly, then tapped her heels against her horse and set it forward.

When they got to the treeline, the Kokiri knight and her squire dismounted and tied their mounts to the trunk of a tree, opting to proceed on foot. They did not need to go very far before they could see the vibrant blue light of the fountain glowing in the distance.

Suddenly, Luft flew upwards, jangling like a bell as she floated above her Kokiri partner. In response, several tiny, glowing figures began poking their heads out from behind trees and branches, lighting up the shady forested area like candles.

"Whoooa!" Vanova said in astonishment, tilting her head back to look up at the beings flying overhead. "These are fairies, too?" the round-eared girl asked. "They look so different from Luft." That much was true. Luft and the other fairies were about the same size, but Luft had the appearance of a winged ball of light, while these fairies looked more like tiny glowing people with wings.

"Different Great Fairies give their flights different appearances," Mila said. Then she switched to the Fairy tongue, looking upwards to address her hosts. "It is only me, friends. This human is my companion. She will do you no harm."

"Positively beautiful!" Vanova said, either in response to Mila's melodic words or to the glittery appearance of the fairies as they flew around.

"Come along," Mila beckoned her squire, continuing forward. "We're nearly there."

The two of them walked through the woods for another few minutes, being followed by several fairies the whole way. Some of them even saw fit to land on Vanova's head, shoulders, and outstretched hands, examining her with curiosity as she gazed upon them with wonder.

Eventually, they came to a clearing. Green grass and pretty flowers bloomed all around, and in the center of the clearing was a pool of water sitting inside of what appeared to be a gigantic flower. Smaller plants and colorful mushrooms sprouted from its petals and from the ground around it. A pair of golden bird statues sat atop curved decorations jutting out from the sides of the fountain, while what appeared to be the backrest of a large, golden throne stuck out of the water in the back. A pleasant purple mist billowed out of the water, forming a hazy cloud above its surface.

"So this is a fairy fountain," Vanova said with a gasp of amazement. "When I was a little girl in Labrynna, I used to hear stories of the four Fairy Queens of Holodrum. This is like something out of a children's storybook."

Mila studied the look of awe on her subordinate's face. She had not even met the Great Fairy yet, and she was already fawning over her. It was times like this that truly made Mila resent the Great Deku Tree for making her into a Kokiri. Had she been allowed a few more centuries in the other world, perhaps she could have been incarnated as a Great Fairy herself, or something even greater. She could have been adored, beloved, worshipped. Instead she was little more than a mortal child, not even allowed to grow up.

Mila shut her eyes and clenched her fist, taking a deep breath to temper her rage for the time being. She had to be polite today. The Great Fairies of Hyrule did not style themselves queens like the ones in Holodrum, but they demanded respect all the same. "Wait here," she ordered her squire, taking a few steps closer to the fountain. "Great Mija. It is I, Mila of the Kokiri. Please, reveal yourself. I wish to have an audience with you." She greatly preferred to introduce herself as 'Dame Mila of House Shadowgale, Knight of Akkala,' but those titles meant little to the fairies.

There was an audible rumbling sound as the ground shook slightly. "Dame? What's going on?" Vanova asked nervously from behind her. The water in the fairy fountain began to bubble, with little splashes breaking through the pleasant purple mist. Then, all of a sudden, a gigantic figure popped up from the fountain, arms reaching up to the sky.

The Great Fairy Mija took on a form that resembled a pointy-eared human woman. However, she was much larger. At her full height, she was probably about six meters tall, although she remained waist deep in her fountain. In addition to her height, she was somewhat heavy, having thick arms and a bit more meat on her than most human women allowed themselves to put on. A poofy swirl of purple hair sat atop her head. Despite having just been underwater, her makeup was done nicely, and her fingernails were painted. Jewelry adorned much of her person, including rings, bangles, earrings, a necklace of light purple amethysts, and an accessory shaped like a set of butterfly wings sticking out from her hair behind each ear. The only clothing she wore on her upper body was a brassiere woven from gigantic purple flower petals and three belts of shiny coins strung across her midsection.

"Ah-Haaa!" the Great Fairy called out as she emerged, splashing water all around her. When she was finished with her theatrical entrance, she leaned forward and looked down at the tiny Kokiri who had summoned her, reaching up with a finger to scratch under her chin curiously. "Mmmmmm. Ah, yes. It's you, young Mila." The Great Fairy's voice was deep, but unmistakably feminine. It carried with it an echoey, melodic quality that came off as godly and powerful, despite Mija's friendly and casual demeanor. "How nice of you to visit again. My darling little fairies have so missed you."

Mila nodded. "It is nice to see you again as well, Great Fairy."

From behind her, Mila heard an awe-filled "Wow!" coming from Vanova.

"Mmmmmm?" Mija raised her head, looking further back in the clearing. "Oh, my! Who is this beautiful creature?" she asked, smiling warmly. "My dear, please come closer," she insisted, beckoning the round-eared girl with a finger. Vanova just stared at the fairy with a dumb smile on her face, then looked to Mila in confusion.

"Come over here," Mila told her in Hylian. "Apologies, Great Fairy, but she does not understand our tongue."

"Oh! Of course. How silly of me," Mija replied, now speaking Hylian as well.

Vanova ambled over and stood next to the shorter girl, then spoke to the giant woman. "Hello, Great Fairy!"

"Hello there, my darling," Mija said. "Oh, my. You are positively radiant! Your ears are so small, yet your bosom is so large! What is your name, sweet girl? And from where do you hail?"

"I am called Vanova, and I come from Labrynna."

"Oh, so far!" Mija said with amazement. "I thought you looked different from a Hylian."

"Ahem," Mila said impatiently. "My apologies, Great Fairy, but I am afraid we are here on business. My lord, the Prince of Hyrule, wishes for me to request your aid in a coming battle."

"A battle, you say? Oh, how dreadful!" Mija put the back of her hand to her forehead and tilted backwards dramatically. "What great evils do you wish to do battle against, little ones?"

"A cult in service to Namazu, the Earthquake God."

"What? That belligerent old catfish?" the Great Fairy asked. "Oh, how I loathe him. He once shook the earth nearby here so hard, he ruined my entire fountain! This was, oh, say, about eighty or ninety years ago. And he is still yet to apologize, mind you!"

"Oh, good!" Vanova said. Her face immediately changed to an expression of embarrassment. "I mean, that's bad. But you'll help us fight Namazu, then, right?"

"Fight him? Oh, no, no, no," Mija replied, waggling a giant finger. "My flight is peaceful. We do not wish to get involved in any fighting."

"Prince Percival is willing to pay you handsomely," Dame Mila pointed out. "He has chests filled to the brim with rupees. We aren't even asking you to do battle with Namazu himself, merely some of his mortal followers."

"Sorry, darling. I'm afraid I just can't do it." The Great Fairy shook her head, causing her many pieces of jewelry to jangle rhythmically.

Mila sighed. "Very well, Great Fairy. In that case, how about lending us the services of your fairies to heal our wounded from the battle?" Mija put her hand to her chin, apparently considering it, but still hesitant. "You will still be compensated, of course," the Kokiri knight reminded her.

The Great Fairy smiled. "Well, I have been looking to get a few more pieces made," she said, holding out her hand and examining the back of it as if she were not wearing enough rings around her fingers. "Very well, little Kokiri. You shall have my darling little fairies to aid you."

Mila smiled triumphantly. "Thank you, Great Fairy. You have done a great deed for the people of this land."

And for my career.

"Oh, I'm always happy to help these precious little mortals," Mija said, leaning down to examine Vanova more closely. "You two take care now!" Laughing to herself, the Great Fairy lowered herself back down into the fountain, splashing Mila and Vanova with a torrent of water once again as she disappeared beneath the surface.

"Wow!" Vanova said, spitting water out of her mouth. "She was so friendly."

Mila was slightly annoyed by the outcome, seeing as though the Great Fairy was probably powerful enough to take out a sizable portion of Laverta's forces all on her own. Had she agreed to involve herself in the battle, it would have easily assured their victory, decreased their side's casualties, and ended the fight in one decisive battle. A quick and efficient victory like that coming about as a direct result of Mila's influence would surely have been enough to impress the prince. Instead, she would have to settle for Mija's flight serving as mere healers. It would still be quite useful, but not exactly the gigantic stepping stone she'd been hoping for.

"Let us head back to camp and deliver the Great Fairy's answer to the prince," Mila said, walking back towards the trees.

"Yes, Dame," Vanova responded, falling in line beside her.

As they walked through the woods, more fairies flew around them once again, even more comfortable with them now that they had spoken with their Great Fairy. Mila knew her own fairy was still fraternizing with the others, but she could not see her. "Luft!" she called out into the swarm of little glowing creatures. "Return to me!"

A few moments later, a glowing ball of light flew down in front of the Kokiri knight. "Ah, come on!" she complained. "Can't I stay a little longer? Ever since we left our forest, we've spent pretty much every day surrounded by mortals. I never get to see my own kind anymore!"

"We have no time for games, Luft," Mila chided her. "The flight will be joining us again very soon. Just endure it." Luft jingled angrily, but she did not object. Then she flew into Mila and disappeared.


When Mila and Vanova exited the forest, they returned to their mounts and untied them from the tree. However, just before she climbed back atop her deer, Mila heard a voice from above them. "Sounds like you could use some help, eh, fairy child?"

Reflexively, Mila drew her thin golden sword from its scabbard, leaping backwards and preparing for a fight. Vanova drew her own sword as well, but she looked confused. After a moment, they both looked up. Floating many meters above them was a very strange creature. It looked like a human-sized, red-skinned frog, hanging upside down from a dark gray cloud. After recovering from her initial shock, Mila recognized the frog creature and gripped her sword tighter, glaring up at him.

"What is that?" Vanova asked.

"Hm? Well now, why don't you introduce me to your friend, fairy child?" the frog asked. Turning himself right side up, the frog floated downward atop his cloud, stopping when he was hovering just above the ground.

Mila took a step back, pointing her sword directly at him. "Cyclos," Mila muttered.

Vanova looked shocked. "The… the god?"

"What are you doing here?" Mila demanded.

Cyclos laughed heartily. "What are you angry at me for? You're the one who tried to kill me, remember?"

"What?!" Vanova said in bewilderment.

Cyclos laughed again. With his arms crossed, he began circling around them, flying through the air. Mila and Vanova moved closer to each other and stood back to back, swords at the ready. "What are you doing here?" Mila asked angrily.

"Oh, well. I was just passing by, and I couldn't help overhearing you begging Mija for some help with Namazu's dogs," Cyclos answered, stopping in place in front of the Kokiri. "So, I was thinking maybe you could use my help again, eh, fairy child?"

"I have no interest in being your dog again," Mila spat out.

"Really? You seemed to enjoy my gifts quite a bit last time," Cyclos said with a smirk. "What is it they started calling you after that? The Devil of Shadow Pass? Ooh, quite the famous one, you are!"

"I have no interest in your gifts if you expect me to be some mindless acolyte like the sages in return," Mila explained. However, even as she said it, a part of her regretted it. The red frog's words reminded her of that brief but glorious period of time when she had wielded the power of a god - her rightful power. Maybe she could agree to his offer once again, then try to work out some other way to betray him.

No. It's not worth it. Not yet. I may come back to defeat him someday, but I am not strong enough yet.

"Think carefully about this, fairy child," Cyclos said, slowly drifting closer to her, causing her and Vanova to walk backwards. "You are about to wage war against a Zora with the power of a god behind her. Shouldn't you have the power of a god behind you as well?"

"I will have no issue dealing with some mindless zealot like Laverta," Mila claimed. "Now leave me be."

Cyclos stared at her for a moment. He did not appear hostile, but he was the more chaotic of the wind gods. One could never be sure what he would do. However, he merely shrugged. "Suit yourself, fairy child. Don't say I never did anything for you." He began to ascend back up into the sky. "I'll be watching you, now. We'll see just how well you do without me." Once he got high enough, the god seemed to disappear into his cloud, which then disappeared itself a moment later.

Mila let out a deep breath, relief washing over her.

"Dame Mila," Vanova said, sheathing her sword. "How is it that you are acquainted with a god?"

"Get on your horse, Vanova," Mila ordered as she climbed atop her mountain buck. At first, she did not plan on answering her squire's question. For years, her plans had required her to keep things close to the chest, with only Luft knowing everything about her. However, despite how airheaded she could be sometimes, Vanova seemed the type to be able to keep a secret, and perhaps divulging something personal to her would help to further secure her trust.

"Do you know how I obtained my title?" Mila asked as the two of them set off to return to camp. "The Devil of Shadow Pass?"

"You burned down the woods in Shadow Pass in order to eliminate a rebel group, correct?" Vanova answered. It came as no surprise that she had heard the story before. It had probably been recounted numerous times in the Akkala Citadel barracks.

"Yes. Back when I was a soldier like you, I convinced my compatriots to set fire to the trees at both entrances of the pass simultaneously," Mila explained. "Then, using my wind magic, I fanned the flames, allowing it to spread rapidly, and I kept the smoke trapped inside along with the rebels. They panicked, they suffocated, they burned. A few made it out and surrendered, only to be hanged for treason."

"You did all that?" Vanova asked in amazement. "Dame, I had no idea your magic was so strong."

"It isn't," Mila stated.

"What? What do you mean?" Being a round-eared human, Vanova had even less of an understanding of magic than the pointy-eared humans, so her confusion was justified. Most Hylians would know that the feat of magic Mila had described was too much for only one mage, even a Kokiri. That is, at least under normal circumstances.

"At the time, my powers were much stronger. Shortly before that incident, I was approached by Cyclos, and he offered to make me his sage, which I eagerly accepted."

"What?!" Vanova was even more shocked than before. "You were a sage? Like Laverta?"

"For a very brief period, yes. From the moment the wind god granted me his blessing, I felt the power coursing through me. I wasted no time in destroying my enemies, knowing the kingdom would reward me for my efforts. The Governor of Akkala granted me knighthood, but I wanted more."

"Then why did you stop being a sage?" her squire asked. "And Cyclos said you tried to kill him. What happened?"

"Do not interrupt me," Mila chided her before continuing. "As I said, I wished to work my way even further up the kingdom's hierarchy, but Cyclos had other plans for me. He wanted me to gather followers for him - spread his influence, like Laverta has done for Namazu. I had no interest in selling my freedom for power, but I knew he would revoke his blessing if I refused. So, I tried to kill him. Of course, I failed. As it turns out, the gods grant only a tiny sliver of their power to their sages, so I was no match for him. He defeated me, revoked my sagehood, and vanished into the winds. Today was the first time I've seen him since then. I thought he was here to kill me, but I guess he's still hoping I'll be his servant for some reason."

"I see." Vanova seemed to be at a loss for words.

That is fine. I have answered enough questions.

"Hm. Well, if nothing else, the experience has taught me to bide my time. I have no more desire to serve Prince Percival than I do Lord Cyclos, but eventually, I won't need to serve either." There was a brief moment of silence, during which Mila was worried that perhaps she'd said too much. However, she had already made her intentions perfectly clear to Vanova. If the round-eared girl had intended to turn on her, she would likely have done so already. "Speak of this to no one," Mila ordered her, merely as an obvious reminder.

"Of course, dame."


After briefly checking in with the House Vryciaro troops, receiving a status report, and handing out new orders, Dame Mila immediately proceeded to the officers' tent in the center of camp. Mila was conflicted about whether or not she should feel pride at the news she was about to deliver. The prince might be upset that she had been unable to persuade Mija to join in the battle, but perhaps he would praise her for securing any fairy assistance at all.

"Is the prince inside?" Mila asked one of the guards. "Prince Percival, that is," she added, remembering Prince Silorn was on-site as well.

"He is," the man replied.

"I wish to speak with him."

The guard looked down at her for a moment, as if deciding whether or not to take this apparent child's request seriously. However, after a moment, he glanced over at another guard and made a gesture with his head. The other guard nodded and disappeared into the tent.

While she waited patiently, Mila maintained a neutral expression on her face. She could tell the guard she stood before was less than impressed with her. He appeared to be a knight himself, and was probably a good few years older than her. Mila had met many others like him. They seemed to think her being a knight devalued their own title - if a little girl could be a knight, who couldn't be?

I must be better than him. I am better than him.

A moment later, the other guard returned. "The prince will see you now," he informed Mila.

The Kokiri nodded. "Thank you, sir," she said respectfully. She even threw in a slight bow to the first guard as thanks for his time.

He can look down on me, but I will not sink to his level.

Inside the tent, the large council table was still there, but there were only three people seated at it. Beside the prince was a Hylian man called Mayro, a bishop of Laemora, the Goddess of Light. The priest was accompanying them as a religious advisor. On the other side was Lady Kaifa, a middle-aged woman who served as one of General Alchon's lieutenants. Also in the room was Prince Percival's gigantic bodyguard, standing menacingly in the back.

"Dame Mila. Welcome back," the prince greeted her.

"Your highness," Mila returned, her eyes flickering over at Sir Onnick.

"What news do you bring of the local fairies?" Prince Percival asked. "Will they be lending us their aid?"

"Yes, they will. In exchange for rupees, they are willing to heal our wounded," Mila replied, getting to the point. She figured if she stated it confidently as a victory, perhaps he would interpret it as such, even if it was only a half-victory.

"Good." Percival looked back down at some papers spread out on the table in front of him and Lady Kaifa, apparently finished with Mila's report. She stood there in confusion for a moment, awaiting further inquiry, praise, or dismissal. However, before she could speak up, someone entered the tent behind her.

"Prince Percival, my good man," said Prince Silorn, ambling right up to the table with a smile on his face. "Good news! It seems our diabolical enemy has appeared on the hilltop."

"What?" Mila asked, thinking the situation had just become urgent. "The false sage is attacking?"

"Hmm?" Silorn turned to face her. Given his tall, Zora frame, he had to look downwards to see her. "No, no. Of course not, good fairy child. She has merely come to have a civilized discussion with my fellow prince and I in response to our parley request."

"Laverta wishes to speak with us now? In person?" The Kokiri knight was surprised, and worried.

This cannot be good.

"We should move immediately, your highness," Lady Kaifa advised.

"Agreed," Prince Percival said as he stood up. "Come with us, Mayro. With any luck, you'll be able to appeal to her faithfulness."

The bishop nodded. "Of course, my prince."

"Dame Mila, you should be there as well, as Governor Vryciaro's representative," the prince added.

Mila was momentarily stunned by the powerful footsteps of Sir Onnick as he fell in line behind his charge. "Ah. Um. Yes, of course. Thank you, my prince."

Outside the tent, the others began doling out orders to the nearby soldiers, telling them who would be coming with them and who would be staying there. Mila hurried over to her squire. "Vanova, we're going with the prince. Laverta has come to parley."

"What? Oh, that's good news, isn't it?" the round-eared girl asked.

"Absolutely not," Mila stated.

"Why is that?" Vanova asked. "If she wants to speak with the prince, that might mean this conflict could be resolved diplomatically, right?"

"She's coming in person instead of sending a proxy, knowing full well we could attempt to kill her," Mila explained. "She wouldn't be doing that unless she was confident we couldn't kill her." The Kokiri knight thought back to how powerful she had felt for the brief period of time she'd served as a god's sage, with all that magic coursing through her. If Laverta was anything like she had been, then she was undoubtedly dangerous.

Following the prince outside the camp, Mila could see the Earthquake Sage's party at the top of the hill leading up to Ulria, with dozens of buildings and tents displaying the size of her forces in the lands behind her. There were a few Zora and a few Hylians waiting beneath a large banner showing the face of a fish with whiskers. Every step made Mila wary, knowing Laverta could cause an earthquake at any moment.

When they got closer, Mila could see the Earthquake Sage more clearly. She was an elegant Zora woman with a pure white complexion, dark blue eyes, and long, flowing fins on her head and arms that were spotted with dark green patches. Her pink dress was decorated with a red tabard that had the symbol of Nayru emblazoned across it. There were gold bracers on her wrists and upper arms, and she wore a golden headdress with that same catfish symbol on it. As she waited for them, she sat upon a throne of rock and strummed a lyre, emitting a slow, peaceful tune. Her retinue of Zora and Hylians stood off to the sides, slightly behind her throne. Some of them held weapons, while others were probably mages like her.

Prince Percival stood across from her, still a couple meters away. His gigantic bodyguard waited by his side, but the rest of the party lined up in a row behind him, including Mila.

"Greetings, my prince," the Zora woman said, rising to her feet and placing her lyre on the throne behind her. "I was honored to receive your invitation. Has the king sent you to discuss my claim to the Earth Temple?"

"Yes, he has," Prince Percival replied. "The crown and the sages have made their stance on the matter perfectly clear. The Earth Temple stands as a testament to Lord Neshai, not Namazu. This will not change," he stated, getting straight to the point. Mila liked that about him, at least.

Laverta simply stared at him for a moment, unfazed. After a brief pause, she turned to the right and took a few steps. "You see those islands over there?" she asked, pointing to a chain of islands visible off the Akkalan coast.

The prince looked. "What of them?" he asked, unimpressed.

"Those islands are inhabited by monsters," Laverta said. "They all used to be connected to the mainland. When they were, the monsters would routinely pillage their way along the coast. For years, our people prayed to Neshai, but he did not answer. I, myself, traveled to the Earth Temple to ask Sage Barsud to speak with his Patron, but still he did not answer."

Mila rolled her eyes.

Trust me, Zora. You are better off without a god's interference.

"But Namazu did answer," Laverta continued. "He shook the earth, tore the land asunder, and put a stretch of sea between us and them. Why shouldn't we honor him instead?"

Mayro, the bishop of Laemora, stepped forward to answer. "The gods tend to matters too great for us to comprehend," the man said. "We cannot choose to dissolve our pact with a Patron simply because they do not tend to our every whim. I do not deny Lord Namazu's contributions, but he is still subordinate to Lord Neshai."

"He no longer wishes to be," Laverta informed him. "As Lord Namazu's sage, in exchange for his gifts, I am to do as he bids. He desires Neshai's title - the God of Earth. By my honor, he shall have it, because he deserves it."

"Enough," Prince Percival declared, waving his hand dismissively. "Spare us the thin justifications of your zealotry. You and your ilk are guilty of high crimes against the Kingdom of Hyrule, including murder, treason, and blasphemy. I give you one chance to surrender. Return with me to the capital to stand trial, or I will see your entire cult dismantled and destroyed."

Laverta stared straight through the prince. Her face did not show much emotion, but she obviously did not take too kindly to Percival's demands. Mila could feel the sage's magical energy pulsating. The Kokiri knight subtly placed her hand around the handle of her sheathed sword, sensing the possibility of a more violent refusal to the prince's request.

She's distracted. If I propel myself forward with a burst of wind, I could slice her neck before she even has a chance to respond. Sage or not, she's still a mortal.

The thought was tempting. If she defeated the prince's enemy and ended their conflict then and there, perhaps he would reward her. However, perhaps she would be punished for committing violence during peace talks. Also, there was always the possibility that she failed to kill the sage, which would result in immediate and brutal retaliation.

Not yet. I must bide my time once more.

"I love this kingdom as much as you do, Prince Percival," Laverta told him. "The people of Hyrule deserve better than gods who abandon them."

"And the gods of Hyrule deserve better than faithless cowards," the prince replied. "I think you've made your position perfectly clear, sage. Don't say I never gave you a chance. I will see you on the battlefield." With that, Percival did an about-face and walked away, his cape fluttering dramatically as he did.

"Don't say I never gave you a chance either, your highness," Laverta called after him.

Mila smirked. Peace had clearly never been an option. Both the prince and the sage were stubborn as could be, and Percival was willing to walk away from 'negotiations' after nothing more than a threat and a token attempt at diplomacy.

The rest of Percival's retinue followed him down the hill, but Mila waited and observed Laverta a moment longer. The Zora woman had already noticed the Kokiri and was looking at her intently. Given that Mila was most well-known in the Akkala Province, Laverta probably realized who she was, rather than mistaking her for a child playing dress up as a knight. However, Mila could not discern what the sage was thinking.

Perhaps she senses my magic, too. If only I were still as strong as she is…

Dame Mila turned away and started down the hill, deciding to leave before she had any more thoughts about trying to fight Laverta on her own. However, she felt a strange sensation, like she was being watched. Instinctively, she looked upwards. At first, she saw nothing. However, far up in the sky, she could make out a little red speck.

Cyclos.

Mila stopped again. The wind god was hovering far above her. If she were to pray for his blessing, offering her loyalty to him, he would return her sagely powers to her. The Kokiri knight glanced over her shoulder and saw the Zora sage was still staring at her. It was strange. It was as if she could sense Mila was a threat.

This is why Cyclos is here. I could wield the power again. I could kill Laverta, earn the prince's confidence, receive endless rewards…

Mila directed her gaze upward once more, considering Cyclos's tacit offer.

No. I said no, and I meant no. I will not serve Cyclos any more than I will the Great Deku Tree. There has to be a way to obtain such power without a price so steep.

Shaking her head, Mila hurried down the hill. While the others had been walking, Vanova had noticed her absence and was waiting for her. "Is something wrong, dame?" the round-eared girl asked.

"Many things, squire," Mila replied. "But none of your concern, for now."

Back at camp, the prince reconvened another meeting with all of his lieutenants. A board showing the area's terrain was placed upon the meeting table, along with various pieces representing their forces and Laverta's. "The sage has refused to surrender, as expected," Lady Kaifa explained. "Thus, we move forward with our offensive. Luckily, Laverta seems to desire a confrontation upon the hillside, which saves us the trouble of breaking through Ulria's defenses. However, she has clearly chosen this as our battlefield for a reason. We must be prepared for whatever sorcery and clever tricks she may have prepared. Any questions?"

When no one spoke up, Prince Percival turned to the Kokiri. "Dame Mila, summon the fairies," he commanded. "We will require their aid sooner than expected."

"At once, my prince," Mila agreed. "Luft?" she called. After a moment, the glowing ball of light flew in front of her. "Deliver a message to Mija's flight. I want them here now."

"Hmph. Fine, fine. Just don't go getting yourself killed while I'm gone," Luft replied in the Fairy tongue before flying out of the tent.

"You all have your orders," Prince Percival went on. "Now return to your positions and ready your troops. Dismissed."