Inspiration: Putting the pieces together, November 11 (Troy Baker) from Darker Than Black (THIS is how I imagine Elbourne sounding like), and Twilight Princess.

Shout Outs: From Hmmm, thanks for reading.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading ~ZR~.

Reedit 2/24/2014

Word Count: 12,121

Chapter 2

The Situation Room: Link's POV

I was a man on a mission as I stalked down the corridor back to the Situation Room. There was no way I was going to be able to conduct business today after what just happened. The look in Zelda's eyes said it all, and I felt if I didn't do something to win her trust back soon, then the damage Morgana set out to do will have been done for good. I tried not to appear flustered before going in to re-greet my comrades, but that was proving difficult. My whole morning had been ruined by that contemptuous noblewoman, and I had a feeling she was just getting started. Something told me that if I wasn't careful she was going to spread this incident in the gossip circles, and try to insight my actions as sedition. That way, even though she didn't get what she hoped for from the proceedings, she would still have established a coup against me. In this case, however, it will have been warranted by the citizens and not mandated by her.

I wouldn't put it past Morgana to try something like that, I thought.

This was all only my conjecture at this point, but there was no telling how far Morgana would go, and I couldn't allow her to retain the upper hand. That was what she wanted, and even though she didn't 'win' her case against me, she accomplished what she set out to do. She elicited doubt within the queen. I was going to need to act quickly and determine what Vincent and Morgana were up to if I wanted a swift retaliation, but I couldn't do so recklessly. This was going to take due pondering.

I might have to investigate this in a rogue fashion, I thought.

I paused at the door outside and took in a deep breath. I needed to make these next few decisions with a cool head, and a clear mind so as not to arouse any suspicion. The last thing I needed was to arouse the members of my team to anything terrible. I needed to convince them that everything was normal. When I had a good reign on my emotions, I opened the door and went inside.

I tried to plaster a smile on my face.

As soon as I walked in everyone turned, stopped talking, and gave me their undivided attention. It was almost eerie how quiet they became. Everyone was looking at me in great anticipation. Ashei even stood up and put her hands on her hips when she thought I was taking too long to speak.

She gave me an obvious look.

"Well?" she demanded impatiently. "What did she say?"

I stared at the pretty soldier for a moment and knew I had to deflect. There was no way anyone in this room was going to find out what really went down this morning, at least not from me. Morgana I couldn't control, but nothing was going to be uttered from me. I knew I needed to keep this as close to my chest as possible. Suddenly, the wonderful day wasn't turning out to be so wonderful anymore.

Be convincing, I told myself.

"Her majesty..." I started, trying to find the right words, "her majesty wanted me to congratulate us on our work at the party," I fibbed, realizing that lying was starting to become a problem with me. "She said that she was very pleased in how we conducted ourselves, and that we were an excellent example as to why the nobility have a negated argument and prejudice when it comes to their thoughts of peasantry."

When I was finished, everyone looked underwhelmed and even disappointed at my news. There was even a brief silence because of it.

Bastion raised a brow. "That was what was so urgent?" he asked in minor disbelief. "She took you away from your work here to tell you that?"

I knew he had a point, and when I thought about it, my explanation was rather trite, but given the circumstances, it was the best I could do. Even still, I went with it and nodded anyway.

"I think she wanted to just tell me in person," I replied, "she's very pleased with our faction."

Telma raised a brow and shrugged. "I guess that could warrant such a delayed response," she said, "but it seems a little out of the ordinary, and with the way it sounded, I thought you were in trouble."

She had no idea how spot on she was.

I forced a smile.

"You have to have a little more optimism than that," I tried to joke.

I got a haphazard response from that, but not everyone was just going to take what I said at face value.

Ashei crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head, still not convinced with my explanation. "Wait a minute," she said, "I don't mean to come off as a cynic, but something about this isn't exactly... legitimate. She could have congratulated us a day after the party. Why would she wait so long for so slight a message?"

I wasn't letting it show, but I was really starting to get tired of her constant needling at a subject. I understood that that was her nature, but right now, I just needed her to close her mouth, trust what I had to say, and be done with it.

Let it go Ashei, I wanted to utter, but didn't.

"It's probably because she's been so busy," I replied. "Her court has been completely backed up for the past few days. I've been trying to schedule time with her since the day after the ball. I just now got in, and that was simply due to a coincidence."

Ashei stared at me with a slight air of distrust for a moment, but then slowly nodded. Her father sitting across from her was eyeing her in a nondescript fashion, and unexpectedly came to my defense.

"Ashei in matters of business, it's best not to question what doesn't need to be questioned," he said. "If her majesty wanted to thank us for a job well done, let's just take that for what it is, a job well done."

Ashei's eyes widened and she looked at her father surprised at the subtle chastisement. "I wasn't saying anything to the contrary father," she reassured, "I just find it... a little odd." She raised a brow and got a little defensive. "You can't tell me I don't have a right to be slightly suspicious. It's a trait I inherited from you. With the way the courtier made the announcement, he made it seem as though Link were going to go to jail."

I didn't let it show, but her discernment was spot on.

However, Auru seemed annoyed by his daughter's incessant tongue. "I understand what the messenger may have made it sound like," he stated, "but you have to understand that he hates Master Link, so it should be no wonder why his tone was such."

Ashei pursed her lips together and gave her father an annoyed stare. I was sure she didn't understand why her father was being so insistent about her just taking what I said at face value, and I wasn't going to lie, so was I. However, even still, Auru's no nonsense approach was helping me. Now, Ashei decided to drop the subject. "As you say father," she digressed, "I'll just take it for what it is."

Ashei cut her eyes to me and gave me a disingenuous stare before sitting back down next to her beau. Bastion on the other hand was staring at me with a slightly narrowed eye and didn't say anything. I had a feeling he knew I wasn't being altogether forthcoming, but unlike Ashei, he knew when to leave well enough alone. Unfortunately, after that, there was a little tension in the room, and given everything that's already happened that morning, this was the last thing I needed. I had to rectify this, so I made a minute decision.

This isn't going to help with my story, but right now I can't worry about that, I thought.

"In light of the good news, we're going to adjourn early for the day," I stated. "We'll reconvene tomorrow with more updates on what we need to have done. Enjoy the rest of your day off."

Just as I suspected, Ashei's gaze honed in on me, but unlike before, she decided to keep her mouth closed. Telma didn't look too convinced either, but she was a peacemaker at heart and decided to go with the ebbs and flow of what was reasonable. Auru too, was surprised at the sudden dismissal, but as with everyone else, had nothing to say on it. The only person who I knew understood why I did what I did was Bastion, and that was because he caught my message earlier before I left.

Afterwards, Auru stood first and gave me a subtle nod. "Well, since we're leaving early, I'm going to continue with what I was doing," he said matter-of-fact, "there's no sense wasting good daylight."

I grinned at him and nodded back.

"That's true," I replied.

Ashei soon followed suit, but she made sure to give me a long once over before she spoke. "I'll get back to finding that problem I was telling you about earlier," she said, but then added, "however, I think there are a few unresolved problems here that need to be corrected."

I knew she was addressing that to me, but instead of being baited by that, I deflected it with a subtle nod.

"You're right," I replied.

Ashei seemed even more frustrated with me because of that, and rolled her eyes before taking her leave. "I'll see you all later," she said and then hurried for the exit without waiting for Bastion.

In a way, I was grateful she had done that.

Telma immediately got up after that and went to follow after Ashei. "I'll see if she's okay," she reassured, "you know how passionate she gets about these kinds of things." She then hurried after her. "Ashei! Honey wait!"

Telma then exited, and now I was waiting for Auru to make his imminent departure. I didn't want to seem insensitive, but I was glad everyone was leaving one by one like this. It made it easier to get to my objective: speak to Bastion alone.

Auru turned to me and surprisingly grinned. "You know how hotheaded Ashei can be," he started, "don't let that bother you, once she cools down, she'll be fine."

I nodded, already aware of that.

"I just wish I knew what she was upset about," I tried to deflect.

However, Auru looked me straight in the eyes and gave me an obvious stare. "Come, come now Master Link," he said with an air of caution, "you know exactly what she's upset about. Let's not pretend. However, as a keeper of secrets myself, I understand where you're coming from."

I was aware I wasn't pulling anything over anyone's eyes, but I still wasn't going to add anything to what he was telling me now.

"Right," was all I replied.

Auru grunted at me thoughtfully, then bowed. "I'll see you gentlemen later," he said, "call for me if you need me."

I merely nodded, and watched as the respected soldier left the room. Afterwards, when Bastion and I were alone, I sat down at the head of the table, ran my hands over my face, and sighed. My long time friend grinned at me and patted my shoulder.

"Relax," he said with a grin, "it can't be that bad."

I spread my fingers and looked at him from between my phalanges. He had no idea.

I took in another deep sigh.

"It's actually much worse than you think," I said, closing my eyes.

Bastion raised a brow at hearing.

"Really?" he asked.

I nodded.

"Really," I replied.

Bastion looked at me concerned.

"How so?" he asked. "What happened?"

I didn't even know where to begin, but I knew one thing, I didn't want to talk where we were.

"Let's get out of here and head to Eldin Fields," I suggested, "we'll talk there."

Bastion gave me a puzzled expression.

"Why there?" he asked.

I didn't have an exact explanation myself, but I knew I wanted to leave the confines of the castle. Maybe because so much of what happened started there. Besides, there was still the fact some of the citizens said they saw some sporadic light activity taking place within the reeds of the fields. If anything, that would be the perfect excuse should anyone ask why we were leaving.

"Because I need some fresh air," I said simply.

Bastion's expression continued to be puzzled, but then it broke with a slight grin.

"Of course," he replied, but then added as a joke, "are you sure you don't want to go to Hylia's Tavern? It's right in the square."

Even if he was trying to be funny, I failed to see the humor. Bastion really was an instigator and a troll when he wanted to be. He had a way of being ridiculously sarcastic without even having to try. He knew there was no way in hell I wanted to go to, or even think about, Hylia's Tavern.

He really is a a pain in the ass when he wants to be, I thought.

"No," I said with an obvious look, "no, I don't want to go to Hylia's Tavern, Bastion."

I was tempted to call him 'Bastard' since it sounded so similar.

Bastion chuckled then stood up.

"Very well, let's be off then," he said, "like Master Auru said, there's no sense wasting good daylight."

I sighed, then nodded, hoping he was ready for what I was going to have to disclose to him today. But also too, there were still some unanswered questions I had for him regarding the events the night of the Red Lantern District fiasco. Some of the things that he had done didn't make sense: why did he have the ten thousand rupees? Why did he insist on me meeting Lady Mystere? Why was he insistent besides what he told me on staying there? If I wasn't certain, it was almost as if he knew what was going to go down, and for whatever reason didn't let me in on it. I wanted to know what his true involvement was. No double talk or nonsense, I wanted the truth. That was all. Whatever the case may have been, I was going to make sure I got that today. I couldn't afford for him to keep secrets from me any longer, there was simply too much at stake.

You better be ready Mr. Belmonte, I thought.

With these thoughts in mind, we left the Situation Room for Eldin Fields.

It promised to be a very interesting conversation, and Master Auru was right, there was no sense wasting perfectly good sunlight.

~SSS~

The Queen's Chamber, An Hour later: Zelda's POV

I paced my chamber during my court recess, distressed with what took place this morning. I dismissed the rest of my audiences until the early afternoon, there was no way I was going to be able to concentrate with so much on my mind. I couldn't believe what I just heard. Was Link even capable of such things? My gut was telling me no, but then I had to ask myself, why would Morgana make up such a tall tale? The obvious answer, was that she wanted to protect her brother, and that was reasonably understood. The not so obvious answer, was that what she said may have been true, and that wasn't so reasonably understood. I didn't like thinking about it, but there were those whispers throughout the court about some of the noblewomen desiring a night in bed with the young hero. It could have been a possibility that actually came to fruition.

But...

Link stared me straight in the eyes and denied the whole thing. He didn't just deny it, he vehemently denied it. I've never seen him look so angry. How could he lie with so much conviction in his eyes? It very well could have been that Morgana was trying to set him up so he could be relieved of his duties. There was no denying that Vincent was up to something, and now Link said he was close to exposing him. If he had such evidence, why was he sitting on it? Why wait when he could get rid of this fool now? It was interesting that a woman in my position was entertaining such a thought. I was the queen after all, but the law ruled in Hyrule. I had already relieved Vincent of several important duties, but I couldn't just defrock him from his office without a legitimate reason why. It would be considered an abuse of my power, and the prefect counsel would have words with me about such a measure.

No.

I was going to have to wait.

However, the more Vincent was allowed to roam free, the greater the chance of him disappearing. Also too, what did Link mean during the ball about him being involved in something 'possibly sinister'? The thought of that never did sit well with me. What signet ring did he take note of? Why wasn't I as astute to such things as Link was? That was something I should have known months ago.

I was frustrated with that.

I was frustrated with everything really.

I sat down at my dresser and ran my gloved hand over my face. There was so much to consider and everything was getting convoluted. The day of the ball was perfect. Why couldn't I have that moment back? There were no accusations. Link wasn't under question. Vincent was at bay, and everything was the way it should be. Fast forward to now, and I'm still in love with Link, but there was no hiding from what he was being accused of. I hated this because I wanted him. I wanted him by my side more than anyone could have imagined. I could have just turned a blind eye, but if news of this had spread, it would only serve to make matters worse. I had to deal with it in the here and now so he could be above reproach. However, I didn't care what anyone thought, he didn't seem capable of such things. He wasn't the type of man to just sleep with a woman and leave her to fend for herself. That was so contrary to his character.

And honestly... I needed him.

He was one of the few people I truly trusted, and he was the only one willing to stand up to Vincent. Everyone else only cared about themselves. He cared about the people.

I sighed and looked at my troubled reflection in the mirror.

What am I going to do? I wondered.

Then of course there was still the situation with Elbourne to consider. Those guards distinctly remembered seeing the dragon prince, and when I saw the uncanny, and almost scary resemblance between Link and Elbourne, it did make sense why they could be mistaken for each other. Perhaps Morgana did sleep with Elbourne on the night in question, and tried to pretend it was Link because they looked so much alike. Considering the life she lived, and the reputation her brother garnered, I wouldn't be surprised at all if she would be willing to lie to my face to protect her brother.

Yes.

That seemed to be the most reasonable explanation.

I paused and bit my lower lip.

However...

What was this doubt still creeping inside me? Why couldn't I just take Link at his word? Why did it matter anyway? I didn't care if he had been with another woman, I just wanted him to be honest. Link had always struck me as an honest man. I hated it when people felt the need to lie. There was no need for it. It was better just to tell the truth, deal with the consequences of the actions, and move on. However, then of course, there was the type of lie to consider. Some people felt the need to withhold the truth because of the type of consequence it would afford. What Link had been accused of wasn't something that could be brushed under a rug. Under Hylian law if a noble or a lady was disrespected by a peasant, it was the right of the noble to take the peasant's livelihood away. In Link's case, it would be his job here at the castle.

I ran my hand over my cheek when I considered that.

I shook my head.

"It doesn't matter," I whispered, trying to convince myself, "she lost her case anyway, and she can't bring it before me again."

I was semi-comforted by that, but not entirely. There was still the matter of Elbourne's possible involvement. I didn't know why it bothered me so, or why I got so upset when Lady Morgana mentioned his name. Maybe it was because I knew how much he was going through right now, and with he and I at odds, he had no one to confide in. That scared me for him, because I knew how much he needed me in that regard, and I wasn't going to lie, I needed him too. What those brothel girls didn't understand, was that he was so much more than a handsome face and a great lover. He was a complicated, angry soul who rarely showed his true feelings to anyone. Right now, he was choosing not to see me because he thought that would hurt me the most, and in a way he was right, it was hurting me. I hated the thought of us not being friends any longer, and I hoped that would change in the near future. I didn't like the thought of never seeing him again. I cared for him and he was one of my dearest friends. I also didn't like Elbourne associating with users like that terrible Morgana. All she wanted was his crown, she didn't care about his heart.

I grabbed at the jewel around my neck and bit my lower lip.

Elbourne... I thought.

"I need to speak with him," I said finally, "I need to ask him if he knows anything about what she's suggesting."

In a minute decision, I got up from my dresser and headed to my anteroom where I kept a quill pen and some Gerudo ink. I gathered the few things to dictate a letter and have it delivered to Elbourne. I sat back down at my dresser and got my thoughts together before I wrote. I had to make sure I was clear without being misleading. I wanted him to understand my true intentions of contacting him again.

I have to get him to understand that what he's doing is detrimental to his well being in the long run, I thought. If he sees that, then perhaps he'll be willing to speak with me.

Afterwards, I picked up the pen and started my summation:

Greetings Elbourne-

I immediately stopped right there and lined that out. That sounded so formal and impersonal. I didn't want to send a letter that sounded like it was coming from a diplomat. I wanted it to sound like it was coming from a friend. Friends didn't simply write "Greetings". When I realized I ruined the whole paper, I crumpled it up, threw it away, and started anew.

I wrote:

My Dearest Elbourne,

It's been a week since the party, and I have yet to hear from you.

I know last time we spoke, we said some pretty untoward things to

each other, and for that I wish to apologize. I miss you dearly, and

hope that you will come and visit me at your earliest convenience. I

actually have something very important to discuss with you. Please

correspond with me when you can, and as always you are a special

person in my life. Please know and believe that.

Your Friend Forever,

Zelda, Queen of Hyrule.

After that, I looked over the letter several times to see if there was anything else I could add, but could think of nothing. It was short, it was simple, and it was to the point. There was no sense saying in twenty words what could be said in five. I put the pen down and held the letter up to dry in the sunlight. Afterwards, I folded it up and stamped it closed with my seal. I then clanged my gong at my back table and waited for the messenger to arrive to deliver it. A moment later, there was a knock at my door, and surprisingly when I went to open it, before I could hand off my letter to be mailed, I was perplexed to see I had received one of my own. It was a black and red stationery, so I recognized it immediately.

My eyes widened slightly.

Elbourne... I thought incredulously.

"Good morning your majesty," the courtier said pleasantly, "a correspondence has arrived for you from Dragon Roost."

I hid my surprise well and merely nodded.

"How strange," I half joked, taking the letter, "thank you."

I was going to give the courtier mine, but decided in a minute decision against it for now. It was best to see what Elbourne had to say before playing the game of telegram with him. However, the messenger looked puzzled.

"Did you want me to deliver that for you ma'am?" he asked.

I shook my head no and pulled my hand back.

"That's alright," I said, "I've had a change of heart."

The courtier looked perplexed for a moment, then nodded and bowed.

"As you wish my lady," he said.

With that, I closed the door, and hurried back to my anteroom. When I was alone, I read the seal in haste, it was Elbourne's signet ring as I thought. Afterwards, I tore open the letter head and read its contents.

It stated:

My Beloved Zelda,

How are you fairing my darling? I'm sure you look beautiful this morning as you sip tea

and give orders to your servants. How's the torture going? In case you missed it, that was a joke my dearest.

Anyway, the reason for this correspondence is because I've been thinking a lot about the state of our

relationship lately. I feel there is a difference between you and I, and we are no longer on the same wavelength.

I want to be fair and honest with you the way you are always fair and honest with me, and, this is just

my observation, it seems that there's no longer a need for me in your life the way there once was.

I'm not upset about this, on the contrary, I'm glad, because I know you're a stronger person because of it.

But as such, I've decided to keep my promise of staying away from you a permanent closure.

I stopped reading for a moment and felt a minor shock enter my veins.

I wasn't expecting this.

I wasn't expecting this at all.

The feeling was a poignant and raw, and I was surprised at how sharp an emotion it was. My eyes stung after that, and my breath accelerated a little bit. I couldn't believe what I was reading.

"What?" I whispered to myself.

I continued on:

I only seem to bring you trouble and pain. I miss the days of our mischievous laughter in your father's garden,

or hiding behind the stone battlement statue of your grandfather, The Hero of Time. I miss you being the girl that once

needed me. That girl I gave her first kiss to and looked at me surprised and told me to "Kiss me again."

The girl who once wanted me around, and said, "Oh Elbourne you're so incorrigible!" and then would laugh at me for

doing something silly. I miss those days Zelda. I miss that time of innocence. I miss that... you.

My throat tightened and I wiped my eyes from the tears that were starting to well. It seemed he was dead serious in not wanting to see me anymore. I wasn't going to lie, I couldn't believe this was happening. I thought it was going to be the way it always was when we had a disagreement: we wouldn't speak to each other for a week or two, then afterwards we would make up, and everything would be back to normal. In this case, Elbourne was taking a much more serious stance.

I read on:

You seem to have someone else there to protect you. I may not like him, but if he's truly what you want and makes

you happy, then I'm not going to stand in your way. I wish you all the happiness in the world... Did I really just write that?

Wait a minute, I'm going to back stride for a second, no I don't wish you happiness. That's just a cliche saying that fits in

with this type of dialogue for formalities. I don't wish you rainbows and joy for a second. Secretly, and not so secretly I would imagine,

I want him to hurt you. I want him to hurt you badly. That way you'll have known I was the right man for the job all along.

You can think me bitter if you wish, I don't care. However, I digress, as I'm writing this to you with a broken heart,

please know I can no longer be at your beck and call the way I used to be. Don't write to me. Don't ask about me. Don't come and

visit me informally. Don't expect anything from me. I no longer want any contact with you Zelda. It's over between us.

I will find comfort elsewhere, you know I'm capable of such. I can't watch you be in another man's arms if they aren't mine.

I'm sorry... I just can't.

I covered my mouth after reading that, and my tears spilled over. I sniffled and wiped my eyes.

I read on:

I have to move on. I have to try and forget you. I have to try and love someone else. Even though that will be hard for me

because I love you more than you could possibly imagine Zelda, but for whatever reason you don't want to believe that.

However, it doesn't matter now. I've said it, it's out there, and my conscience is clear. I have no regrets, and I don't think for

a moment Linux is worthy of you.

I paused for a moment to relieve myself of an uncontrollable sob now caught in my throat and wiped my eyes again.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this," I said aloud in a very broken voice, "why is he being so selfish? Why can't he see that he's still important to me?"

I wiped my eyes again and continued reading:

However, if that sniveling bastard is what you want, then I all I can do is support you. If he hurts you, I'll kill him, I know I

said I didn't care before, but I lied. I'm just putting that out there. Anyway, be happy you stubborn, formidable, sexy, provocative,

insatiably decadent, beautiful goddess incarnate meant to bless us mortal beings.

I stopped for a second and involuntarily chuckled after reading that. He always knew how to make me laugh, even when he was supposed to be serious.

I shook my head.

"That is such an Elbourne thing to say," I said with a grin.

I then finished the letter:

Take care, and I will miss you terribly. I have only one request, and that's for you to root for me

the way you always do at this year's Dragon Gala. I'll be looking for your one face in the crowd.

That's the only reason I win. I win because of you. I will always love you Zelda. Please know that.

Sincerely,

Elbourne of Dragon Roost.

At the letter's end, I was shaken, and all the handwriting looked like a bunch of blurred lines now. My hands were trembling, my tears were streaming, and I found it hard to breathe for a moment.

He doesn't want to see me anymore? I thought incredulously.

I dropped the stationery just then, covered my face, and sobbed into my hands uncontrollably after that. It was such a raw emotion for me, and one I hadn't felt in a long time. I sat there and cried for a few good minutes before I got up and left my anteroom for my main chambers. There, I fell on my bed and wept bitterly into my pillow. The fabrics instantly got soaked from my tears, and I thought I was alone, but was surprised to find that Lydia was out on the terrace cleaning the marble flooring this entire time. She must have not realized I was here to tend to me before. However, when she caught sight of me from the outside, and heard me crying, she stopped what she was doing, hurried into the room, and came over to where I was lying on the bed.

She looked at me stunned. I must have looked like a pathetic mess to her.

"Your majesty!" she said in alarm, and immediately came and put her arms around me.

I wasn't sure I wanted to be comforted or not, but I took hold of her and cried into her chest anyway. I shook my head for no particular reason.

"Oh Lyddie!" was all I could say, but didn't say anything else.

She held me close and looked at me worried. She rocked me back and forth after that in a soothing motion.

"What's the matter?" she asked. "Why are you crying? What's happened?"

I never did answer, and in all honesty, I wasn't sure where my tears were coming from. It was a mixture of everything: worrying about Link, Morgana's possible treachery, losing Elbourne, the stress of the throne, trying to figure out where the rhyme and reason was within the world. It was everything, and it all overwhelmed me at once. For whatever reason, in this moment, I couldn't make sense of it all.

"I don't know!" I sobbed and held onto my friend tighter. "I-I just don't know!"

Lydia looked extremely concerned and continued to hold me.

"It's alright," she cooed, "whatever it is that's bothering you will all be fixed soon. It's alright your majesty."

I in turn closed my eyes and wished to make all this sudden madness go away. Why was I so emotional? I needed to get a hold of myself. If my people saw me they would think I was a hysterical unfit woman. I was looking like a complete and abject fool.

I just want things to be right, I thought with my eyes closed tight, I just want things to be the way they were before.

I was hoping for that, but given how the course of the days events were going, that just simply didn't seem to be the case. It was turning out to be a terrible day. I just hoped, after everything that had already happened, it wouldn't get any worse. In any such case, I didn't see how that could be possible.

But... then again, the day wasn't over yet.

~SSS~

Two Hours Later, Eldin Fields: Link's POV

Bastion and I rode by horseback to Eldin Fields. The open plains were commodious and it was the perfect place to talk, there was no one around for miles. Also, besides the obvious privacy, this place had significance because it was where the first and third purge took place. It was an important marker for me and as I stated before, it was a place where sporadic light phenomena was reported to have been seen by some of the citizens recently. There was nothing going on currently, but who knew, maybe something would manifest itself while Bastion and I were there. We reigned our horses in, and slowed our ride down to a trot. Bastion rode a little ahead, but then stopped to turn his horse around. When he was face to face with me, he gave me a note worthy expression.

"Alone at last," he joked, "but don't tell Ashei. Now, you want to tell me what's going on?" he inquired. "We're as far away as we can get from those ears at the castle."

I saw his point, but I looked around as a precaution anyway. When I saw that the coast was clear I rode a little closer and started talking.

"I don't even know where to begin," I said.

Bastion smirked.

"Begin at the beginning," he said, "that's generally how it goes."

I grinned at his obvious logic.

Leave it to him to state the undeniable.

"Right," was all I could say in reply.

I dismounted Epona after that, and held onto her reigns to guide her as I walked ahead. Bastion followed suit, and we continued our aimless traveling on foot. There was no intended destination.

"I guess I should just come out with it," I said with a sigh, seeing no need to beat around the bush. "You know that woman I slept with in the district? Well, it turns out she was the sister of Lord Vincent. I found that out at the ball, and what's worse, is that she came forward and told Queen Zelda everything that happened between us."

Bastion raised his brows when he heard that. He didn't have the shocked reaction I was expecting, which I found odd, but there was something in what I said that was a revelation to him. He shook his head in mild disbelief.

"She went forward and told the queen?" he repeated.

I nodded, foregoing my inquiry regarding his behavior for now.

"Yeah," I replied, "that's where I went off to this morning. There was nothing congratulatory about what took place in her majesty's throne room. I was called to defend myself. It was basically a tribunal with only her majesty acting as the legal designate."

Bastion looked surprised.

"That's the only legal designate that really matters when you think about it," he commented, then asked, "and what did you say as your defense?"

I shrugged and shook my head, knowing I was going to regret this.

"I denied everything," I disclosed.

He stopped momentarily and looked at me like I was crazy.

"What?" he asked.

I looked away and didn't reply.

"Are you serious?" he went on.

I nodded again.

"Unfortunately yes," I replied.

He stared at me dumbfounded for a moment.

"Are you insane?" he demanded. "Why would you think to lie in open court, especially to the queen? That's considered a seditious act under Hylian law."

I pursed my lips together, already contemplating the consequences if I were to get caught.

"I was afraid of losing her trust," I confessed. "You should have heard the nonsense spewing out of Morgana's mouth. She pretended like she was in love with me, and all she was trying to do was drive a wedge between the queen and I." I sighed again. "I think she may have been successful in that, because the queen is now a little standoffish towards me. I don't think she believed me."

Bastion looked at me perplexed.

"Could you blame her?" he countered. "I'm sure you sounded erroneous to her." He shook his head just then. "Then how did you get off?" he asked. "If she thought you were lying, why would she let you go?"

I stared out at the vast landscape and patted the snout of my horse.

"I won on a technicality only," I divulged. "Morgana was the one who needed to have the burden of proof. However, the witnesses she brought in were terrible at best. They both claimed they saw the dragon prince."

Bastion's confusion never went away.

"What witnesses?" he asked. "She had people testify against you?"

I grunted a little bit.

"Morgana brought in the two men who were arrested for harassing that Gerudo girl," I stated.

Bastion widened his eyes.

"She used them?" he inquired.

I nodded and took in a deep breath.

"She must have promised them a reprieve of some kind," I said, "otherwise it was simply her word against mine, and given all the hatred I get from the nobility, I was sure her majesty would have believed me."

Bastion scoffed and for some odd reason smirked.

"Well I'll be damned," he said more to himself than to me, "speak of luck."

I couldn't have agreed with him more, but I would hardly call anything of what happened this morning luck.

"Tell me about it," was all I replied.

Bastion glanced over at me and saw the look on my face, then patted my shoulder.

"Cheer up," he said, "you just dodged an arrow. You should be glad."

I tried to see the good in what he was saying, but was failing miserably at it. However, now that the conversation had stagnated a bit, it was time for me to redirect and find out some answers to some of the inquiries I had.

"Let me ask you something," I started, changing the subject.

Bastion raised a brow and gave me his undivided attention.

"Sure," he replied.

I faced forward and tugged on my reigns to get Epona moving a little bit.

"Why was it when I mentioned that Madeline was really Morgana you didn't even flinch?" I asked. "I thought that would have surprised you."

Bastion was silent for a moment after my inquiry. We walked for several more yards before he decided to answer.

"That's... because I already knew who she was my good man," he confessed, seeing no other alternative.

I looked at him surprised, but deep down, in some way, I had a feeling he knew more than he was letting on. Even the initial conversation he carried on with Morgana at the tavern sounded contrived.

"Why didn't you just come clean about that before?" I asked. "Why keep that a secret?"

Bastion looked away for a moment and took in a deep breath.

"I... didn't want Ashei to find out about her," he divulged.

Suddenly, what he said just took on a whole new dimension.

I raised a brow, and was taken aback.

Sweet Hylia, I thought, Bastion too? That woman gets around!

"Was she a girl from your past?" I asked.

He shrugged.

"You could say that," he replied.

I wasn't interested in the run around.

"I could say that?" I repeated. "Is that a confession?"

Bastion then shook his head.

"Morgana and I never had that kind of relationship," he explained, "but I did know her when she and her brother first moved near Hyrule Castle Town several years back. I was about eighteen when I came in contact with them."

I was expecting him to go on, but he stopped himself. That was when I decided to continue for him.

"Speaking of that kind of relationship," I shifted, "why were so insistent of me sleeping with her if you knew she was bad news?"

Bastion looked at me confused.

"I didn't know she was going to be the girl you were going to be spending the night with," he stated.

I shook my head and redirected him.

"I'm talking about at Hylia's Tavern," I clarified, "you wanted me to sleep with her then."

Bastion looked away for a moment.

"Oh," he replied.

I raised a brow.

"Yeah," I said, "oh."

He was quiet for a moment.

"I really don't have an answer for you on that my friend," he said with a grin.

I was getting tired of his evasiveness.

"Then answer this," I said, "you're lying when you stated you didn't know she was going to be the girl I was spending the night, because you knew beforehand who Morgana really was. You knew that if I ordered the The Treatment, she would be the one to give it to me, especially if she thought I was Prince Elbourne. You knew the amount of money and paid ten thousand rupees and everything. Sorry Bastion you just slipped with that one, now start talking. Why did you want me me to sleep with her?"

A semi annoyed expression came across his face after he heard my question. Well, I had news for him, I was annoyed too. I was tired of the run around and being left in the dark.

I raised a brow and waited.

"Bastion?" I inquired.

He looked away and groaned mildly in frustration. He never answered and that aggravated me. I didn't see the point in him hiding, he was already caught. However, who was I to judge? I was the pot calling the kettle black. I lied to the queen without blinking. I decided to go on since he wanted to be stubborn.

"The following morning after I spent the night with her, she did mention you in passing," I revealed, "I didn't think anything of it then, but when I was explaining that I was looking for her, she asked if it was precipitated by you. Now why would she do that?"

Bastion narrowed his eyes slightly at hearing that, and that only made me more suspicious.

This is getting bothersome, I thought.

"Anything you want to share?" I asked impatiently. "That look on your face is none too promising."

The young soldier pursed his lips together and didn't say anything immediately.

"Did she say why?" he inquired.

I looked at him with mild confusion.

"What?" I asked.

Bastion shook his head.

"Never mind," he muttered.

That wasn't going to fly with me, not now, especially when there was so much at stake.

"Bastion what the hell aren't you telling me?" I demanded all of sudden. "How do you know Morgana? Why did you want me to sleep with her? Stop beating around the damn bush and be out with it."

Bastion sighed and realized now he was going to have to come clean with some of his secrets. There was no way I was going to let him off the hook. He stopped walking for a moment and turned to face me. There was a look in his eyes that was both serious and telling all at the same time.

"If I say anything to you, you have to swear you won't utter another word to another living soul," he cautioned.

What in Farore's name-? I wondered.

I looked at him surprised and nodded immediately.

"Of course," I said with no hesitations, "you have my word."

He looked around the wide open space to make sure we were still alone, then came a little closer to speak lower.

"When she and Vincent came to Hyrule, it was made knowledge to me that she had taken part of some strange arcane ritual induced by her brother," he started. "The ritual was a blood letting mixed with a strange light material that opened a door way to another world."

I looked at him stunned when he said that.

"What?" I whispered.

Bastion nodded and took in a deep breath.

It sounded similar to what I was experiencing with the assassins stabbing themselves, then stabbing me to create those strange constellations in the heavens.

"It turned out Morgana's blood wasn't enough," he went on. "The ritual called for 'purified' blood. Whatever the case may have been, the door way to whatever it was they were seeking could only be opened with that blood sacrifice."

I felt a pit of sour apprehension swell within my gut. This was insane.

"I found Morgana left in a crypt near dead from what her brother tried to do to her," he went on. "Afterwards, I took her to Dr. Borville's in Castle Town to nurse her back to health. When she recovered, she thanked me for my time and disappeared. I didn't see her after that until two years later... in the recent past. That was when she came back to Castle Town seeking to purchase the tavern after the fall of Ganondorf. I thought that was odd, but I found it even more so when she didn't recognize me when she bumped into you initially in Castle Town Square soon thereafter. I was expecting a hello or something. I didn't even receive a glance. My suspicions were further clarified when you and I both went to have a drink in the tavern and she didn't recognize me then either. I referred to her as Maddy, hoping that would cue her, but nothing came of it. That was when I knew part of her memories had been erased."

I looked at him shocked when he revealed that.

"How would that even be possible?" I asked.

Bastion chuckled for some odd reason.

"I find that funny coming from you my dear friend," he said, "after all you have seen in your travels, nothing should surprise you. However, I can understand where your confusion might lie. The mechanism to use such power, can only come from the Triforce, but since no one but the persons chosen by the goddesses can wield the Triforce, the mechanism of power was simulated by means of alchemy in the Brotherhood of Hyrule."

I stopped for a second and shook my head dumbfounded.

"Wait a minute," I said, "are you trying to tell me that the brotherhood found a way to simulate the power of the Triforce?"

Bastion gave me a thoughtful look.

"Yes, and no," he replied, "no one, I repeat, no one can fully simulate the true power of the Triforce. The brotherhood simply found a way to utilize one mechanism of the Triforce, and that was to erase people's memories. It was knowledge that was only given to the upper tiers of the hierarchy. I'm in one of those tiers, so I knew how to do it and recognized it immediately. Because it was done to Morgana, that showed me that that person was also involved in the brotherhood. However, whoever he was, he wasn't of low rank, he was also part of the same tier as I."

I looked at him puzzled for a moment, but then my eyes widened in mild disbelief.

Sweet Hylia... I thought with a trail.

"You mean Vincent is part of the Brotherhood of Hyrule?" I inquired, keeping my voice low.

Bastion paused for a moment and nodded.

"He has to be," he said, "that's the only way he knew how to erase his sister's memory. However, when he realized he couldn't complete his ritual with his sister's blood, he looked for the purified source." Bastion then looked over at me. "Something tells me he found it in you, and the only way to get it was to induce a purge. After finding out the information he needed from his sister, I assumed they constructed a trap to have you purged again. It was no coincidence that we saw Morgana in the alley that night in Castle Town. She wanted us to follow her and know where she was going. After witnessing what happened to you myself, I needed to see if my hypothesis was right, that's why I wanted Morgana to sleep with you. I figured she was trying to lead you into a trap to induce a purge, only thing was, I needed her to do it." He looked away from me. "I'm sorry for being deceitful and using you like that, but I really had no choice. I took a gamble, and it paid off. The only good thing about all this is, that Vincent doesn't know that I know he's a member."

This was mind blowing to me.

I couldn't believe all this was taking place right under my nose.

Unreal... I thought.

"What is this ritual you're talking about?" I asked, detracting a little bit. "You keep bringing it up as if I know what you mean."

Bastion nodded and decided to divulge that as well.

"As I've stated before when Vincent and Morgana first came to Hyrule, I was told to keep an eye on them," he explained, "but not just by the queen, I was told to keep an eye on them from my headmaster as well."

I gave him a puzzled stare.

"Your headmaster?" I repeated.

He nodded.

"The man I report to in the organization," Bastion clarified, "he wanted me to investigate the two Rue Morgues because of their father's treachery to the throne, and the initial coup they set up to have the King Zora and Queen Rutela killed."

I was listening intently, hanging on every word.

This was fascinating stuff.

"It turns out," Bastion went on, "Morgana and Vincent are both members of this old ancient cult, known as the Interlopers. I don't know if you've heard of them."

I paused for a moment, and remembered back to when after I freed Lanayru from his twilight sleep. The guardian warned me of the Interlopers and how they desired the Fused Shadow to take over the land of light. They used dark arts to try and make this a reality, unfortunately for them, they were sealed away by the sages of light.

"I've heard of it," I replied, "but I've never seen any of the members."

Bastion nodded.

"It seems this cult has been around since the days of Hylia," he went on. "It may have been devised after the initial fall of Demise, but also at the same time as the Brotherhood of Hyrule. It's believed that at several different points in history, the brotherhood has been infiltrated by members of this cult. It's been said that even the Great Gerudo Thief was at one time a member."

I was taken aback at hearing that.

"Ganondorf?" I inquired.

Bastion nodded again.

"The brotherhood has worked hard to keep itself separate from the Interlopers," he explained, "but it's impossible to keep the organization completely cleaned. They are obsessed with a 'true history' they think the people are unaware of. A history only found in the royal library, or the one possessed by the brotherhood, that's why many of them are attracted to the arcane knowledge of the society. They make all these fantastic claims that Hylia massacred their people and she should be denounced as the goddess of Hyrule. The funny thing is, there are Hylians alike in that psychotic cult that demand the bloodshed of their own people as retribution, thus the likes of Vincent and Morgana."

I couldn't believe my ears, but I was still flummoxed about something.

"I still don't understand why Vincent would use his own sister for such a sadistic purpose," I said, "it seems unbelievable to me."

Bastion raised his eyebrows and shook his head.

"You'd be surprised," he replied, "Vincent didn't make her do anything, Morgana wanted to. She's just as depraved and sick as he is."

I couldn't disagree with him on that.

"I guess you're right, I shouldn't be surprised," I said, "especially given how callous she is regarding what she does for a living."

Bastion raised his eyebrows on hearing that as well.

"Speaking of which, have you spoken to Auru regarding that?" he asked me all of a sudden.

I shook my head no.

I didn't see the significance.

"I haven't had the opportunity," I stated, "but he did tell me he had some more info on her."

Bastion nodded.

"Indeed he does, but I'll just spill the beans since I was the one who gave it to him," he stated.

I looked at him in expectation regarding that.

Now I saw the significance.

"It was told to me by Shad that even the 'legitimacy' of her promiscuous ways are under question," he revealed. "It turns out that she is head of the slave trade that kidnaps girls and forces them into prostitution. Shad even claims he has proof."

I almost felt my mouth drop.

"What?" I demanded.

Bastion sighed, knowing the news was shocking.

"She's a truly vile woman," he said, "I thought there was some goodness or redeeming quality in her, but she's rotten to the core. It was even rumored that she helped murder her father."

I was in every shape of the word astonished. I had no idea how dirty and underhanded Vincent and Morgana really were, and now with talk about her being the head of a prostitution ring... it was really unbelievable.

"Amazing," I said, shaking my head, "absolutely amazing. As soon as Shad gets back we'll build a case around her as well. I'm sure her majesty won't take too kindly to her extracurricular activities."

Bastion nodded, but then paused and went to open his satchel. From it, he pulled out a folded set of papers and handed them to me.

"That won't be necessary to wait," he said, "I've already collected everything you needed from him. These are the names of missing girls, sketches of what they look like, and the names of a hundred and twenty females who work in the Red Lantern District who match their descriptions, including a certain masked woman that's playing decoy."

I looked at him offhandedly when he said that.

"Lady Mystere?" I asked.

Bastion nodded, but then grinned for some odd reason.

"Don't get mad at me, but I told her who you were long before you met her," he confessed. "That's why she knew you were a virgin when you came there that afternoon. I told her to goad you about it, because no man likes to be called out about such things. I knew if you felt the pressure, you'd do what needed to be done."

I almost felt my mouth drop again, but I couldn't get upset. What was done was done.

"Thanks," I muttered sarcastically.

Bastion's grin never left, then he added cryptically, "Mystere looks a lot like a certain fallen king, doesn't she?" He shook his head. "Her Gerudo mother has been looking for her for years. It's sad really, maybe one day she'll tell you her real name."

I didn't say anything to that, but my suspicions were just confirmed.

So, she is Daphnes II's illegitimate daughter, I thought, and I'll bet Zelda has no idea.

There was a brief silence between us, until Bastion decided to break it.

"Anyway, there's enough evidence there to have Morgana jailed for life, banished, or executed if necessary," he stated.

I looked at the papers surprised, but then took them while at the same time giving my friend an offhanded expression.

"It looks like you've taken care of everything, thank you," I said, then added, "you seem to have a penchant for having the right things at the right time."

Bastion didn't reply to that, he only nodded.

"That's true," he said, then smirked, "how do you think you got that info back on Vincent?"

I raised an eyebrow at his divulgence, and shouldn't have been surprised.

"And where did you find it again?" I asked, not bothering at all to get upset.

His smirk never went away.

"My headmaster gave it to me," he said simply.

I looked at him surprised.

"The brotherhood had it?" I asked.

Bastion nodded and stared out at the horizon.

"The man I report to doesn't trust Vincent by a long shot," he revealed, "he's never told me why and I never ask, but he wants him out of Hyrule just as badly as you do."

I found that revelation odd.

"But he's still allowed in the organization?" I inquired.

Bastion shook his head.

"My guess is his appointment was by the other headmaster," he replied.

The surprises never ceased.

"There are two?" I asked.

Bastion nodded.

"Yes," he said, "and something tells me they aren't getting along too well."

I raised a brow.

"What tells you that?" I asked.

Bastion was quiet for a moment.

"I only ever get certain instructions from one of them..." he said, talking more to himself than to me, "just one."

There was a brief silence between us, and I stared at him when he became lost in his thoughts. Something about all this was sensational and crazy all at the same time.

"Anything you want to unload?" I asked finally.

Bastion slowly shook his head and took in a deep sigh.

"I think I've said enough for one day," he said with a grin, "if anyone knew what I was telling you this, I'd probably be six feet underground right now."

I wasn't surprised at hearing that. I was sure that the secrets of the brotherhood were what the members held dear to, and if he who Bastion reported to found out, I could only imagine the kind of death they would exhibit on him for his purported disloyalty. I hated the thought of my friend in a grave, but if he wasn't careful that could be a very real reality for him.

"Well, we'll just make sure no one finds out, won't we," I replied, "I know I'm not Ashei or Auru, but I know how to keep a secret."

Bastion grinned at hearing that.

"That's good to know, and I'm aware of that," he replied.

We were quiet for a few moments after that, when I decided to break the silence and change the subject.

"Anyway," I started, "I wanted to talk to you about something you initially brought up, the purges, or the ritual as you called it."

Bastion nodded.

"What about them?" he asked.

I needed clarification on something.

"What did you mean by 'purified' blood?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"I'm not sure myself," he said, "that's all I found out." He then redirected the question back to me. "Why do you ask?"

I bit my lower lip thoughtfully.

"I think it may have to do with the Triforce," I divulged, "what better purification process is there than that?"

Bastion nodded.

"True," he replied.

I went on.

"Was the ritual supposed to created a symbiosis of some kind?" I asked.

He shrugged.

"I would imagine so," he replied, "I really don't know."

I stared out in front of me, and stopped for a moment.

Another thought came to me just then.

"I've got to tell you something," I said abruptly.

Bastion looked at me surprised by my tone.

"With you talking like that, you have my attention," he said.

I looked away from him for a second and looked heavenward. Bastion then narrowed his eyes and followed my gaze to capture sight of what I was looking at.

"What is it?" he asked.

I shook my head for no particular reason and still looked up at the sky.

"You can't see it now because of the sunlight," I said, "but after each of those purges a constellation of some kind was made. I know this because Dr. Borville showed it to me when my blood came in contact with that creature's blood who gave chase to me. It stayed suspended in the space above the beaker. In like manner, after every purge a constellation of light was made, and after this fourth one the creature said to me that this was 'the last one'. It happened the night of the party."

Bastion turned back around and stared at me in sudden alarm.

"That's what he said to you?" he asked. "He said 'this is the last one'?"

I averted my attention back to him, and was taken aback at his sudden alerted disposition.

I nodded anyway.

"Yes," I replied, "but nothing's happen since then, however there were the reports from the people about sporadic light activity out here."

Bastion pursed his lips together and suddenly put his hand on my shoulder. Something in what I said must have resonated with him.

What's the matter with him? I thought.

"I never told you what they were trying to open, did I?" he asked suddenly.

I still looked at him perplexed.

"No," I said, "I thought you said you didn't know."

Bastion shrugged.

"I have my guesses," he said, and there was a glint of excitement in his voice now.

I wished he would share it, so I could know what he was talking about.

"What?" I asked.

Bastion looked me straight in the eyes.

"You may have just opened a new way to the Twilight Realm my friend," he said. "I have reason to believe you revealed the map to the second mirror!"

I looked at him in stunned disbelief.

Dear goddesses, I thought.

"What?" I replied.

He grinned.

"You heard what I said," he replied.

I felt my pulse suddenly dance.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I demanded. "What's all this nonsense about a second mirror?"

Bastion shook his head.

"It isn't nonsense," he said, "there is a second mirror, we just haven't found it yet."

The implications for this were huge.

"You're crazy!" I said, getting upset for some unknown reason. "That isn't possible!"

I tugged on Epona's reigns and started walking again. Bastion quickly followed after me.

"I know this may seem startling, but you have to hear me out," he said, getting in front of me and holding his hands up for me to stop. "Just wait for a second."

I groaned and rolled my eyes away from him. I didn't understand why I was so irritated with hearing this to begin with. For all the obvious reasons, I should have been ecstatic. If it was true it meant I could see Midna again.

Midna... I thought, but then closed my eyes, but then what about Zelda?

"Fine," I mumbled, "say what you have to say."

Bastion was satisfied with that, not taking my body language into consideration.

"It's been a long standing belief in the brotherhood that there was a second mirror made in secret due to some unclear erroneous circumstances," he explained, keeping his voice low. "I was assigned to find it and make its whereabouts known to my headmaster. You may have just helped me do that! You should be jumping with excitement!"

This was insane and there was no way I was going to jump up and down in elation on something that may or may not be true.

"You'll have to forgive me if that eludes me at the moment," I replied.

Bastion couldn't understand why I wasn't as enthused as he was.

"What's the matter with you?" he asked. "Don't you know what this means? You can see your beloved Midna once more! Didn't you say you missed her?"

I looked away after he said that. I didn't want to consider these contemplations just when I was starting to forget my feelings for her. Now those dormant thoughts of love were starting to resurface again. Those old embers were starting to get fired up once more.

Could it be possible? I wondered.

"We don't know if any of this is true," I tried to reason, "it could just be a hoax."

Bastion narrowed his eyes at me.

"And what if it isn't?" he countered. "What then? What if this is the opportunity you've been praying for?"

I swallowed hard.

"I don't-"

"What is wrong with you?" he demanded. "You said a long time ago that this was what you wanted, an opportunity. Now that it's here, you want to run away from it. Are you mad?"

I wasn't mad.

I was suddenly confused, and this was conjuring all at once.

"I need to think," I replied, "and this is not something that's going to help me right now. You have no way of knowing for a certain that that's what Morgana and Vincent were trying to find. It's simply what you hope. They could be after something else. There's no way of knowing what those constellations are pointing to."

Bastion took a step back and looked at me upset, but then digressed to my reasoning for a second.

"Alright, fine," he said, "you do have a point, and this is a lot to take in at once. However, all I ask is that you think about it, and don't let Morgana and Vincent strike first."

I had no intention of doing that.

"With what you told me and given me about Morgana and Vincent, they won't get away with a thing," I reassured. "Besides, I wouldn't have time to look for the mirror anyway. The Dragon Gala is coming up, and I still need to make good on her majesty's proposal to Dragon Roost."

Bastion knew I was detracting, but instead of arguing me down on it, he decided to let it go.

"Whatever you say," he replied, then sighed.

Bastion took hold of the reigns of his steed and mounted his horse again. I followed suit and did the same with Epona. Afterwards, Bastion looked back at me and grinned.

"Last one back to the castle buys the other biscuits and a pint of ale for lunch!" he challenged.

I smiled and nodded.

"You're on!" I replied.

With that, we giddied and off we went to Hyrule Castle. However, as I lagged behind, food was the last thing on my mind.

Could it be true that I could see Midna again? Was there really a second mirror? Was Bastion just pulling my leg and making my hopes go up? I had no idea, but if it was true, then this could potentially change everything.

Everything.

I giddied faster when I contemplated what that meant.

What about Zelda? Was what I felt for her real? Was I kidding myself? What about all those things I said to her?

I closed my eyes when I thought about the potential fallout with her, but then opened them quickly when I realized I was still on horseback. That would be suicide.

My initial thought was the one I should have stuck with, and that was to forget about what Bastion said and move on with my life.

Yes.

That was what I needed to do.

I rode faster and spearheaded past my friend.

After all, I thought, the second mirror didn't exist.