Previously…
Yunan is making plans of her own and with her interest in Link lost, Sado has made a bold move, aiming to take Link for himself.

Zelda makes bold moves of her own. Seeing results in Link and Sidon's interactions, she steals the Sheikah slate before the arrival of an intense storm.

While Sidon finally confesses, there are still secrets between them. Though Link has given Sidon the chance to court him, there is still a task that Link must finish before he can remain at Sidon's side.

Shadows within shadows begin to make their move as Sado and Hine seem to have their own plans being set in motion. Sado makes his first move and Mipha suffers dearly for it.

-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.-


Link shot up, gasping as though he almost drowned. Gold light flickered across his blurred vision as his eyes tried to adjust. Panting, he quickly ran his hands over his body in search of a wound, but turned up with nothing. His muscles were tense and humming with adrenaline, his chest burning as if he had just thrown up a lump of lava. Link could have sworn that he had been wounded or attacked or something.

Had it been a dream? But he couldn't recall if he had dreamt at all, yet he had a dreadful feeling weighing on his shoulders. This feeling that Mipha had cried out to him.

However, the burning didn't fade and it seemed to be spreading. At first it just furthered his confusion, till his insides began to twist painfully. Panicking, Link realized that his fever had most certainly begun. He tossed the fine linen cover off, kicked one of the feather pillows away and in the dark, began to scurry out of bed. But the sleeping giant moved, rolling over and wrapped a large arm around Link, pulling him back in. Worried he had woken Sidon, Link became still. However, when Sidon finally stopped and relaxed, he didn't seem to have fallen back to sleep. "Who..?" His voice was heavy and concerned.

Though Link could only give their arm a gentle pat, as there was no chance Sidon could read his hands in this darkness.

Starting to come around, Sidon's half-asleep mind put the pieces of last night together. "Link? Are you alright?"

The blond nodded his head quickly; whether Sidon noticed it or not, and took the opportunity to detangle from the hold. Link stumbled around in the dark for a bit before finding the flint. After he had candlelight, he then dug in his bag for one of the orange suppressants and quickly drank it. Though it would take a while to kick in, he believed he had caught it in time.

But when he noticed that Sidon was propped up on his side in the pillows and looking at him, Link began to fear any sort of questioning. Taking a deep breath, Link tried to control his laboured intake, to appear as calm as possible. That he wasn't being affected by something. He then smiled as he said. [It's likely a few hours after midnight. Go back to sleep, I didn't mean to wake you.]

"Bad dreams?" He guessed and Link shrugged as he sat on the floor next to the bed. Though with his focus on controlling his aching body, he was taken by surprise when Sidon placed the blue plush in front of him. "I bestow thee, the slayer of nightmares, Sir Thunder-hoofsten of Breakback Mountain the First, the Lynel Champion." With a big playful grin, he continued. "I find that you two have matching manes when you get out of bed."

Looking at the tangle of a mane the plush had and then reaching up to feel the mess his hair was in. Link definitely had a bad case of bedhead and half-heartedly he glared at Sidon. [Very funny, whose fault is that I wonder?]

"It could have been no other than Sir Thunder-hoofsten of Breakback Mountain the First, the Lynel Champion. He has a terrible case of mane envy." Carefully brushing the fur with his claws back into a neat design to further put emphasis on this fact.

[Don't you have a shorter name for that thing? I feel like you are doing that on purpose to be more annoying.]

"A warrior that has earned their title should be address with no less."

Link gave his best 'oh really?' expression and gestured to himself. [What about me?]

"If that's what you desire; Sir Captain Link of Central Hyrule, Great Hero of the people, the Hylian Champion."

Link laughed, then shook his head and gave a small smirk. [Are you always this childish when you wake up?]

"Childish, me? Never." He stated proudly and then sat up, changing his tone back to normal. "So... How bad was it, was it the same as before?" Link having nightmares was nothing new or surprising with the battles and struggles he's been through. But there have been dreams that have felt so real, Link swears that it was like he had been there before. Adventures in the sky, on the sea, and in strange worlds.

For a moment Link was still, trying to gather whatever pieces he had. [I don't remember anything other than I felt like something attacked me... And I think your sister called for me.]

"Mipha had reached out to you?" To which the other answered with a nod, followed by a shrug. "Normally, I would leave it as just a dream, but your connection to her is a deep one. I would not be surprised if she would speak to you out of anyone."

For some odd reason, the word connection made Link's heart rate spike. A fragment of Mipha's soul resided within him, a tie to her healing powers.

"You look very worried all of a sudden, did you remember something from the dream. Is the message bad?"

Hopelessly, Link patted himself down as if it would help him. Then in a mad rush he got up to get dressed, ignoring the prince's question.

Sidon was out of bed now, fearful of just what message Mipha would have given Link to make him suddenly scramble about. "Talk to me, what did she tell you?"

In record time Link was fully armed with the Zora armour and with his hands free, he explained the situation. [Her power, I don't feel it anymore. It's gone and I'm going to the divine beast to find out why.]

Alarmed, Sidon left no room for argument. "I'm coming as well." And hurried for the door.

Grabbing his gift, Link quickly read over the instructions that Robbie had left him. Then began to equip the diving mask as he followed the other man out into the dark hall.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

"See? You didn't even notice he was gone." Sado grinned as he played with an amber in his hands, not caring about the hateful look that Hine shot his way.

"His garments are slashed." Irritated, but noting that not a single scratch was found on the Hylian's skin. And while grateful, she was shocked that the other primal did not hurt Kuu in any form. Brushing the soaked green hair away from his face, she could see that he was exhausted. Even if his expression always seemed dead to anyone else. "Whatever you did, you put a great deal of stress on him. If he loses my pup because of this. I'll pull two bones from your spine."

He hummed, barely paying attention, until pain exploded from his core. She dare try this again!?

"But you did return him as he was. So, in return, I set your broken ribs."

"Don't think that we're done here yet, I'll have more tasks for both of you in due time." He huffed, glaring at her before sauntering off to the exit pool.

While Hine picked up her claim, feeling the small shivers that ran through him and carried him back to the souse den. Curling his arms around her neck, Kuu lightly nibbled at the bite scar above her collarbone. Hine let out a low rumble, tightening her hold as he rested his head on her shoulder.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

In the depths of the reservoir and with the light coming off his mask preventing his eyes from adjusting properly, it was almost impossible for Link to see anything. He estimated that his field of vision was about five feet. As he held onto Sidon's wrist, Link could just barely see the point of his crest, the light faintly dancing across his scales as Sidon looked about.

"That's very strange." Sidon said with great concern as he continued to pull Link along with haste, leaving trails of bubbles in their wake. "Ruta has gone dark. In all my years, I have never seen this happen."

Before they reached the Divine Beast, Sidon looked back at Link. "We're descending towards the right side, but starting at the gear room is probably as good a place as any. However, I'll go in first and before you argue, let's not forget which of us has the superior senses in the water and can see fairly well at night."

Even if he was right, Link still didn't like it.

"If I don't sense anyone or anything, we'll split up to investigate. I'll do a check of the perimeter while you handle the interior and we'll meetup at the main control unit. Sound good?" He thought it was a fair offer, but he knew Link was stubborn when it came to things like this. Thankfully, he agreed with a firm nod.

Once at the point of entry, Link let go and used the frame to stop his momentum. While Sidon slowed himself down inside, floating just shy of Link's vision.

Being inside Vah Ruta while active was very different than when it slumbered. But not for the reasons most might think; for sound traveled better in the water and vibrations from movement carried farther. So, without the revving of gears, the hissing of joints, the humming of energy, the thundering of engines and the overall rumble of the colossal machine. Sidon could hear the weary clicks of crabs skittering along metal surfaces and he could feel the faint flutter of fish anxiously darting all about. The eco and ricochet that came from being inside the multi-chambered vessel made it hard to pin-point the locations, but all that mattered was there wasn't any unexpected guests. Be it monsters or people.

He then took a deep intake of water, picking up a mix of tiny traces of something other than lake life. But not enough to clearly make any of it out. He hoped to find stronger remnants in the search. And just as he was about to take off, he passed on an all clear. "No one else is here, but don't let your guard down."

As Sidon returned to the outside and diving further to the feet. He found the muddy bottom was unsettled and from the imprints, he was certain that it had attempted to rise. Which was odd. The beast had moved here when the battle was over and though it remained active, it was in a state similar to slumber for many years. But, to start moving; only to stop moments after, it was worrisome.

He took his time inspecting everything he could as he went around the beast. Any damages or changes, anything that could be a clue. Yet, a cracking hiss startled him just as a sudden drop in temperature flowed down over his scales. Following the chilly water and sound, brought him up to where the control room was located. Sidon was shocked at the sight, to find ice protruding out and completely filling in the openings. This was certainly the work of Ruta's powers, but why was it here?

Hurrying around and as he passed through the archway of the main entrance of Vah Ruta, Sidon found that the room had been sealed. Or rather, almost sealed. A passage along the floor looked as though something had dug its way out. Taking a closer look, Sidon could also see clean, sharp cuts in the foot thick ice. Too clean, the area was polished smooth, this was not the work of an ordinary tool. Even the best axe would have left cracks and splintering surfaces from the force alone that it would take to cut through.

What had Mipha tried to contain? Sidon thought as he looked through into the control room, as dim flecks of luminous stone gave the room ghostly shadows.

And the scents he picked up, this time it wasn't traces, it was seeping out and did not help his concerns. There was blood and a fair amount of it, enough that had him believe the wound hadn't been an accident. Following that was a soft, yet fresh and crisp smell. This was both confusing and surprising, a familiar scent, but no one in the Domain carried it currently. A wanderer had been here? While there weren't many outsiders, it wasn't unheard of for these Zoras to seek refuge during hard times.

The worst of it, he almost missed. It was faint, but there was no mistake in the rough odor, that bordered on mild salt. A primal. A challenger. Sidon's fins bristled before he could control himself. Instincts spiking from the potential threat and readying for a fight.

Where's Link? Sidon hurried into the chilly room and the scents only got stronger, along with picking up the remains that could not be described vaguely with taste. No, this kind was like cues and it was quite haunting without any people present. Fear, Sidon could smell an overwhelming scent of fear.

"Link! Are you in here!?" But he felt no movement in response and began to search the area. As the blood got stronger, he found that it was coming from one of the raised platforms, where the luminous stone fragments were scattered. But resting there on the floor as well, was a dead guardian scout, posed as if it had fallen.

Beginning to worry if the blood might be fresher than he thought, Sidon rushed for the platform. Though he was not expecting an air pocket as he suddenly breeched the surface. He proceeded to lift himself up and out of the water to check for the Hylian, even if it muted most of his senses. Yet, he found nothing aside from the shattered glowing stone and dark puddles of blood. Sidon stood searching the dark room and called out again. "Link!?"

He didn't like this one bit. He had to find him quickly and get him out of here, back to their room, somewhere safe.

A blast of ruby light filled the room and blinded Sidon's unprepared eyes. Just as his vision began to recover, he heard splashes of water and turned to the source. Finding a now orange and blue light, before recognizing it was the man he was looking for.

"Please tell me that was you who made that flash of light." Link nodded and Sidon gave a quick sigh of relief before sitting down, it was only Daruk's shield. Thank Hylia, he is safe. "You scared the scales right off me, Link."

Link lifted himself onto the edge of the platform before replying. [Sorry, the guardian caught me off guard.]

"I hope that you found some form of good news?"

[From the sounds of it, you found something of the opposite.]

"Yes. I've found a concerning amount of blood and evidence of two Zora." He informed. "I'm going to guess there was a fight. But, I do not know if they fought amongst themselves or against the guardian scout below."

[What do you make of the ice? You think your sister tried to interfere?]

"It's possible, but why seal them inside with it?"

[Maybe they were thieves.]

"Doubtful." Sidon grumbled and casts a glare at the water. "If my sister would not grace me with her presence, why would she show up for something so petty?"

At this, Link frowned, not as though Sidon would see with the mask on. But Link noticed the edge of jealousy and resentment in his voice. Reaching out, he touched Sidon's arm for his attention. [Despite what you may believe, I have not seen her since the day I set her spirit free. She may only choose to appear when she believes it to be necessary. I'm certain she misses her family just as much as you all miss her.]

Sidon merely huffed.

[But as painful as it is for you or I, even her; the fact is she's dead. And there's nothing in this world that could ever bring anyone back.] I know this better than anyone, Hylia knows how long I've searched and prayed. The dead can't come back.

"But her soul- she is still here! Why stay away when we could all be reunited once more? All these years, I have never understood that."

[I don't have the answers you're looking for. But I have wondered why any of the champions are still here, once that battle was finally over. Why did they stay or did they even get a choice and were just placed in another cage? What if their tie to the beasts is the only thing keeping them here? And what guarantee does anyone have that they will stay before Hylia calls upon them?]

"Even if she has finally left us for good." The sight of Vah Ruta with no life, Link's own loss of connection, what evidence did he have to believe otherwise? "I just wish I could have seen her one last time. I know that there is a monument in her image, but I can't remember if that is truly her face. I can't even remember the sound of her voice."

[She's a lot shorter.]

"I beg your pardon...?"

[Shorter than me at least, so perhaps she would be a dwarf to your people? Otherwise they got all the other details spot on.]

"A dwarf!?" Sidon gaped. "I'll have you know that she was a young woman with more years of growth still ahead of her." Then in an act of defending his sister's honour he shoved Link back into the water. However, he could not keep his face serious and broke down in a fit of chuckles. "Mipha would scold us both for this."

Link's laughter was muffled by the mask as he pulled himself back onto the platform. Glad to have given Sidon a bit of relief. [Without a doubt. Though, imagine that on top of how big she would have been by now, she would be bigger than you.]

"Not at all. She would only have grown to the size of the average woman. After all she wasn't an heir to the throne."

Link froze at this information, had Mipha been an illegitimate child or adopted? [She was of your blood, wasn't she? You two look like siblings even.]

"We are, do not be mistaken, we share the same mother and father. Apologies, I forgot that the term 'heir' often refers to the first born in other cultures."

[So it's because you're the first born son?]

"No." The Zora said solemnly, his smile vanishing as he ran his hand across his crest. "For Zora, an heir to the throne is not as straightforward as that. Father wasn't even related to the last ruler, he had been born into a common family. Muzu is actually the last of the previous royal bloodline."

[Then why did your father become-] Then something became clear. [Your father became king, because he was bigger?]

"Looking at it simply, yes. But, the first sign of an heir comes after children have already gained their entire colour or any time before the age of eighty. It presents in the change of one's head fin." He explained as he absentmindedly ran a hand over and down his own head fin. "Though for my Father... As Muzu was the older of the two and a direct descendent of the current royalty, it was expected for Muzu to inherit the throne in the end. As it is in most cases. For the possibility of an heir outside the direct descendent to inherit the second sign is very unlikely. So, as you can imagine, it was quite a shock to the kingdom that it was Muzu whom was unworthy, even if my father didn't want the throne."

[So, all heirs are required to outgrow any other Zora? What would have happened if they both got big?]

"Both would have likely continued their studies and duties until one outgrew the other. There is only one tale of twin heirs and in that case it had been a duel that settled it."

[He must have been outraged to have lost the throne to your father.] Knowing the elder's temper, it was not hard to imagine him losing it over something like this. In fact, his outburst from the other night made much more sense now, the palace had been his family's home for a very long time.

"Not exactly, Muzu has always been firm in the ways of tradition. He admits that it had affected him greatly at the time, but was more disappointed in himself than anything. Twice, I have heard Muzu say Hylia chose my father to lead because she knew that he would be the only one strong enough. I like to believe that he is very proud of my father and honoured to have remained by his side." He then chuckled. "Though, perhaps Mipha was the only one he was ever truly proud of. He loved her like his own daughter."

[Interesting to know you'll be as massive as your father one day, you could arm wrestle a Hinox.] He chuckled at the thought; it would be a sight to see. Those giants aren't afraid of anything and can be a pain to deal with. Link also wouldn't doubt if Dorephan was younger he might even enjoy a tussle with one. [I'm certain that this had been explained to me before I lost my memories. Sorry, if I seemed rude for not knowing.]

With the mask, it was hard to know the emotion behind Link's words. But Sidon doubted that it mattered at all if he got bigger to the Hylian. Sidon couldn't decide if he should take comfort in that or not. Not that it would change anything, he was destined to a long life of solitude in less than a hundred years. A giant among all. Dorephan had reassured Sidon many times that he would eventually realize that the body of a king was worth the sacrifices.

Yet it did not stop his self-hatred, the curses he felt that he was given. Sometimes even the most heavenly gods could be cruel, born an heir, a primal and branded as a symbol of death. Surely Hylia would not have chosen him and then torture him with a fate tied to such a small man? He'd laugh if this was a test of faith.

[So, since we've uncovered next to nothing. Any chance the guard might have seen someone?]

Sidon hummed softly in thought. "Unlikely, there are two dams of the reservoir and only the one inside the Domain has patrols. That's also not taking into account of the underwater passages that lead deeper in to the mountain range."

Link sighed softly in defeat, with the witnesses gone, there really was nothing. [Best head back then.]

The Zora nodded in agreeance and hopped back into the water, however the rush of returning senses set him off something fierce. While he had forgotten about the rival, there was an even bigger problem now added into the mix. As water rushed over his gills, something far more potent coiled around his ribs and ran along his tongue. Such a sweet and wonderful taste, he just wanted to drink it all in. To gorge himself in the rich scent, to partake in the softness of a ready mate. Memories of what it had been like to take such a mate only tempted his hunger more. It had his whole body racing and his instincts sang in delight. Now.

With the vibrations that came from Link's plunge, it shook Sidon enough to bring him back into reality. "Oh, gods." He wheezed in panic, it had only been a second, he had completely lost control within a second of this smell. Not giving up the chance of clarity, Sidon refused to take another breath; and as fast as he could, escaped with Link in tow.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Sidon's gills were aching and his lungs were burning by the time he leaned against the door. But he didn't care, they had made it back, he had remained in control. How, he didn't know, yet he was thanking Hylia above that he had been given the strength to get out before it truly had been too late.

Now; glancing down at the bewildered man he had drug behind him the whole way, now he just had to wait it out. Till Link left and he was alone to deal with the problem.

[Are you going to tell me what the hell spooked you so bad, that you had to nearly tear my arm off?] Link scowled, only exaggerating a bit as his shoulder was sore from being yanked on so roughly, but he was genuinely concerned.

Wanting to avoid talking about the current storming state of his body, Sidon staggered from the door to the nest of pillows. Dropping himself face down on the plush surface, ignoring the discomfort the weight of his head brought his crest. It was nothing compared to what the jostling water trapped under his gills did to his whole body. Stirring up that heavenly aroma only made his muscles tense as his temperature continued to rise.

Sidon groaned in discomfort and carefully rolled onto his side. Honestly, Sidon had never experienced it like this. No flashing fantasies of random people or past partners, no building pleasure, just burning need and suffocating pain.

But Link was persistent as always, having followed him to the bedside and looking him over with a calculating expression. Sidon sighed and weakly spoke. "There wasn't any danger and I'm not injured. I'm sorry for worrying you."

[That's not what it sounds like to me.] Link said unconvinced and reached out to Sidon, only for them to shy away. But it only made Link more suspicious. [Or what it looks like to me. You're holding your ribs, you know, and your breathing is not slowing down. Did you hit something?]

"No, I'm fine really." Sidon began, before giving in, knowing Link wasn't likely going to accept such an answer. "It's a Zora thing, though very rare. It's not harmful, it's just... unpleasant until it passes." He smiled, trying to cover up how bad it was affecting him.

[Is there anything that could help? Anything I can offer to ease your pain?]

"Thank you, but this problem is not so easily fixed. Whether I struggle through it or tend to the problem myself, it won't disappear for many hours. Not unless I find the Zora who scent started this frenzy." But then he groaned as he quickly shook his head and slapped his face. Sidon's mind was foggy with wanting to protect, to tend to his mate's needs. My mate, safe, mine. "No, no, I won't. I won't even believe that is an option. This isn't their fault, it's not anyone's fault. It's just... an odd nature in us."

What? Link stepped closer, surprising Sidon from the sudden approach and drawing in his attention. [What do you mean frenzy? I thought you couldn't smell anything?]

The questions came flying out so fast he nearly missed them. Sidon sat up quickly, but to also put the distance back between them. He had control, but he didn't want to test his luck. "Oh, not the bloodlust kind that some creatures get from the scent of blood! It's not- it's." His face grew almost as red as his scales, but no matter how embarrassing, how humiliating, he wanted to be honest with Link. "Just an overpowering need for a... mate. But it doesn't have to be permanent, I've had someone help before and we've never wanted anything more than to quell the urge."

It was so explicitly clear, the type of suffering that Sidon was going through. For a mate and to be mated. The prince was just like M and the other Zora was just like the hero.

Damn it, Sidon had been triggered by Link's fever, by his scent. He hadn't covered it with mint, not that it would have remained strong enough after going for a swim during the witching hour. But why? What reason could Sidon have to lie about his sense of smell? In a mix of betrayal and shame, he asked. [Can't you smell them now?]

"Only what is left clinging to my gills." And he managed to hold his tongue before he let it slip that he could still taste it.

So, there it was. Not a lie, but not the truth either. He could not pick up on Link's scent; or any other, out of the water. Sidon did not realize who was the cause of his current state. The reason why his body burned and ached. Sidon looked like he was in utter agony; and while Link couldn't offer a suppressant, he wanted to do what he could to help him. [Do you want your partner from before? I can go get them.]

"That's... complicated, I can't just-" His mind turned black as he tried to recall why, the memories of them no longer had words and quickly faded away in static. Only for Sidon to return suddenly to the current situation and remembered the desires he had for the Hylian man before him.

"But I wish, I could lose myself in you instead." Sidon was mortified that he had said it out loud. "Sorry, I didn't mean that. N-not that I wouldn't want too, just. Oh, Hylia." He shut himself up with a hand slapped over his rambling lips. He was only digging himself a deeper grave and further riling himself up at the same time.

If all it took was for Sidon to hold someone to release himself from the fever, that was easy enough. [You can.] He had been willing to lay with Sidon before with less thought, and without the instinct. And now that he knew that Sidon was like M and had also been with someone like Link, it brought him more comfort knowing that he would be more likely accepted by Sidon.

"Wait, hold on! I-I never intended to- nor will attempt to enter you!" Sidon flailed as he tried to clear up his intentions. "Our differences in size make, um, that option far too dangerous for you. I don't want to put your body at risk over something like that." Though the train of thought did not help his predicament. Groaning as the ache only became more painful and his claws tore into the pillows. "There are other ways. I meant 'lose myself in you' as an expression..."

[You still can, I'm saying it's fine.] For Link, the potion took the physical edge off, but it didn't stop the thought that he could also satisfy his own need. Part of him was curious if spending time with a partner would bring his own fever to an end sooner.

"Link, you are tough, b-but that, this is different."

[I don't think it will be a problem with how I am now.] But as Sidon only looked at him in confusion, Link decided to try one last thing before being blunt. Stepping onto the bed, it brought him to be just a little taller than Sidon as he sat. Then as he leaned in, Sidon must have gotten the impression that Link was going to kiss him and he quickly turned his head away.

The Hylian had been right, if he was closer, it was there. While Link had to be just a breath away from Sidon's neck from how faint it was, he could still pick up a scent. Delicate, yet gave him unbelievable hunger and yearning for a small bite. But even with the burst of heat throughout his body, he staggered back to face Sidon's bewilderment from being sniffed. [If my body doesn't bother you, you can lose yourself in me as you wish.]

It only took a moment before Sidon figured it all out, then the prince's body stiffened and his eyes wandered over the other. "The reason you were so worried about my sense of smell. It-it was you? Oh, Hylia. It is you." Mine, my mate! Sidon reached out to cup Link's face, though in his sudden haste, his claws scratched their cheek. No! Sidon then retracted from the action just as fast, though Link didn't even flinch. "Sorry, it's hard to resist these..." He fumbled on the words as he tried to stop the shaking of his body.

[I know.] Even though the elixir was still in effect, Link was aware that his body was reacting differently, changing with the new situation of having someone unbonded present. Just another thing he would have to take into account in making a true suppressant. As it was getting harder not to throw himself at him. To get more of that wonderful scent, to feel the warmth of his scales, to feel Sidon's embrace. Here, safe.

[I'm the same, but you still haven't given a clear answer.] Because if Sidon didn't want this now, it wasn't a huge problem for Link. It was as simple as getting another potion and sitting out in the cold rain till dawn. But Sidon was well aware of his own situation without a partner. [It's your choice, big guy.]

Agreeing would fulfill both their instincts, stopping the torment and the pain. But Sidon was worried, scared that he would hurt Link. He had cut his cheek just from wanting to kiss him. It would not take much for a Zora to tear into a Hylian's thin hide if he wasn't careful. Without dulled claws, without a muzzle; it was dangerous. "I want too, I want to hold you. But."

This time, Sidon reached out for his armour and grabbed the silver tassets before looking Link in the eye. "Only if you keep your armour on. I want this, but I will not risk hurting you from losing myself to the frenzy."

Link smiled softly and gave a nod, whatever Sidon wanted. Yet, Link had elixirs if an accident happened so he wasn't worried about injury.

However, he may have underestimated the power of his fever. Because as Sidon dove in for a kiss, pushing him down into the bed and the Zora's deep rumble began; Link was trembling. Shaking, as it only took a few heated moments for his fever to overrule the last of the suppressant's hold, as his body sings and his mind crumbles away.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Sidon's jaw was starting to ache from clenching his teeth, because he still felt... Anxious? Severed? Incomplete? He couldn't find the right word for it. Though as he cracked an eye open, he was greeted by a surprisingly beautiful treasure. A slowly swaying light that he had seen all his life dancing along the bottom of his home; was glowing before him. But in a brilliant blue that a Zora could only dream of having. As yellow and gold were; after all, Zora colours.

"Could you be any more perfect, Link?" Sidon sighed in awe and softly ran his fingers over the glowing marks of Link's soul. Though with the density of the armour, the glow underneath it was barely noticeable. Leaving the clear display to just Link's head and the torn spaces.

His heart stopped in horror; torn spaces. These cuts in the blue layer, they curved around Link's upper thighs and hips. Without a doubt Sidon knew that he had been the cause of the damage and while there was no wounds or blood, he had a feeling that Link had taken a tonic after cleaning the mess. "Damn, why am-"

Though the man in his arms shifted and began to blink the sleep from his eyes. With guilt now heavy on his conscience, Sidon pulled away from Link and sat up. "Sorry."

[You didn't wake me.]

"No, I am sorry I hurt you." His gaze fixed on the evidence.

Link paused to look down and then sat up, pulling a pillow into his lap in a bad attempt to cover it up. Though he smiled awkwardly, having an odd moment of shyness. Normally he would be unbothered by his skin showing; but from knowing that they had shared a fever and this was done during such an intimate act, it felt different. [You owe me a new pair of Zora greaves.] Link teased as his smile became more of a smirk.

Sidon understood Link was trying to brush it to the side. "How bad was I- I don't remember wounding you." A common side effect of a frenzy, recalling lewd bits and pieces. But overall, barely anything and just left with the feeling of his instincts satisfied.

His expression lost luster, but it was still reassuring and kind. [Nothing that I couldn't handle. But when my head cleared, you were already tending to my injuries. You don't remember that?] Sidon shook his head, though he was glad that he had enough sense to do something for Link.

Link could tell Sidon was beating himself up over it and that was the last thing he wanted. [It wasn't that bad, honest and I only took the potion because you kept fussing over it. I...] He rubbed his neck as his soul brightened, like it was the one blushing. And then, despite the embarrassment, Link gave a shy smile and said. [I was mostly sore. But it felt good... Really good, from what I remember.]

"Oh." Was all the surprised Zora managed to say at first, before his grief suddenly turned into bashful delight. "Um, I'm glad. It was the same for me, from what little I recall, it felt good."

There was a brief pause before they shared in a round of awkward, yet happy chuckles. In the end, that was really all that mattered. That they were okay and that they enjoyed some part of it.

[I'm sorry I didn't tell you about it.] Link's nervousness showed in the slight tremble of his hands.

"About you being a high primal? It's alright, I didn't tell you about myself either." Sidon said as he opened his arms and Link moved to settle in the embrace, grateful to the welcoming contact. "We'll just have to be more honest from here on out."

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Thankfully, obtaining replacement trousers had been simple and did not require any confrontation with anyone. They were not part of the Zora armour, but the colour was almost identical and that was all Link wanted. Not that Sidon hadn't offered to get him the official garb, but the warrior had insisted that he could repair the one he had later. With the plated armour over top, one would hardly notice unless they were paying attention to it.

Not that anyone was given the time too.

With all of his things packed into his saddle bag, Link waited at the end of the guest hall as twilight became dawn. Waiting for Zelda to make her way to have breakfast with the royal Zora family. When she did step out, she was surprised, but frowned and said nothing.

As Zelda walked past, she placed the Sheikha slate in his open hand and then continued on her way.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

As for Sidon, in the process of getting rid of ruined bedding, cleaning up and putting stuff away. He was gifted with a sign that things were going back to normal. For tucked into the mane of his plush was a folded note and upon reading it, Sidon smiled.

You should stick to Octoroks. Fighting a Lynel this early is more of my style of a morning workout.

I'll write again soon, till then take care, big guy.

-Link