Inspiration: Schemes and schisms, do you see what I see? and indecision.

Shout Out: Therius thanks for reading. LinkLink, thanks for reading.

Author's Note: There will be a 'SKIP' and 'DONE' demarcation as usual

Re-edit 4/18/2014

Word Count: 16,648

Chapter 7

Later that Afternoon, The Queen's Chamber: Link's POV

I was fortunate to receive a private correspondence from her majesty's courtier asking for me to meet with her privately. I was pleased she wanted to see me, and I was sure she was going to have some words of wisdom for me regarding the Dragon Gala. I arrived to take audience with her in the late afternoon, after dragon practice. I made sure to shower and wash in the stables beforehand to be presentable for her. I didn't want to smell like sawdust for such a lovely lady. The guard taking post outside her majesty's door raised a brow when he saw me approach. I was sure he was wondering why I was coming to the queen's private chambers alone. All it was going to do was feed more into the rumors that we were carrying on an illicit affair. I didn't like the people thinking of Zelda negatively, but if she wasn't concerned with it, I wasn't going to concern myself with it either.

It's best not to obsess over such things, I thought.

I cleared my throat and nodded slightly.

"Master Link to see her majesty Queen Zelda," I said, making sure my tone had an air of respect.

The guard grunted and muttered something underneath his breath. I was certain he didn't approve, but what could he do? It was his sovereign's wishes.

"Wait here," he said, "I'll let her majesty know you've arrived."

I nodded again, and watched as he knocked on the door to announce me.

"Yes?" Zelda's servant Lydia called from the other side.

The guard moved closer to the wooden pane.

"Master Link is here to see Queen Zelda, madam," he replied, "will you alert her majesty that he's here?"

There was a brief pause, then answer.

"Yes, of course I will," she replied back.

I found it a little odd that they were speaking through a closed door. However, I made the assumption that Zelda must have been changing, or finishing up changing. A moment later, the door to the chamber opened and Lydia's pretty face greeted the guard and I.

"Good evening Master Link, her majesty has been expecting you," she said with a slight bow, "please come in."

I seriously wanted to grin, but kept my face expressionless. I thought Lydia was the epitome of a humorous servant. I had seen her outside of working in Zelda's presence, and she could be something else. She and her suitor Ivan can throw back an ale with the best of them. She drank poor Bastion under a table one night. I had to carry the poor idiot home. I still had the vomit stain on my other tunic.

He seriously owes me one after that, I thought.

I turned my attention back to the guard, wanting to thank him for his time.

"Thank you," I said to him, then went to follow Lydia at the door.

"The pleasure is all mine," he said, with a hint of sarcasm.

I bowed, then went on inside. Lydia stopped short of the table where Zelda was waiting. The queen had a semi smile on her, which in turn made me smile back. She was dressed in one of her evening gowns that flattered her tiny waist and perfect figure. It was white with floral accents, in some ways it reminded me of a wedding dress. A simple wedding dress, but a wedding dress nonetheless. She looked lovely.

Zelda cleared her throat briefly. "Lydia my dear, that will be all for the evening, thank you," she said in her soft serene voice.

Lydia had a brief look of disappointment on her face, but then masked it and decided to do as she was told. "Yes ma'am," she said with a slight curtsy.

Lydia then turned and winked at me before she left the room. I smirked at her and nodded. Zelda waited for the door to close before she spoke. When we were alone she turned her attention back to me.

She smiled.

"How are you feeling?" she asked quietly.

I took in a deep breath and shrugged. I didn't know why, but I wasn't sure honestly. In many ways, it felt like a loaded question.

"I'm okay," I said with a nod anyway.

Zelda gestured for me to sit down, seeing that I was hesitant with my reply. I did as she suggested.

"Thank you," I said of her hospitality.

She fanned me off.

"It's nothing," she replied, then looked at me with a twinge of concern, "are you nervous about the gala?" she asked, sitting down across from me.

I wasn't sure if the correct feeling was nervous, or just excited, but there was definitely something there.

"Not really," I replied, thinking I was being honest.

Zelda smiled at me again.

"Well, then what do you really feel?" she asked in a somewhat teasing manner.

I chuckled a little at her tone.

"I feel content right now," I said.

Zelda nodded waywardly, but she could see what I was trying to get at.

"What about our other problem then?" she shifted, changing the subject. "How do you feel about the situation with Vincent?"

I pursed my lips together at his name. I wish I had an update that was suitable for her. As it stands now, I still had to decipher the other riddle, and find out what was going on with him and his sister. Bastion was insistent it was one thing, but I definitely wasn't so sure. Even still, I had to give her something.

"Don't worry," I reassured, "he won't be very comfortable soon."

I didn't think she wanted to appear worried, but Zelda looked away from me just then with a bit of concern in her eyes. I raised a brow at that, hoping she wasn't losing confidence in me. If I wanted to bring Vincent down, I had to do so methodically.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

Zelda sighed and shook her head.

"Nothing I suppose," she said, trying to be optimistic.

That wasn't too reassuring.

"You suppose?" I repeated.

She decided to clarify her point.

"I can't help but think we should try and bring him down now," she divulged. "The longer he stays free, the more of a risk we take on him fleeing."

I saw her point, and in many ways she was correct. However, I was trying to look at the bigger picture. If we attempted to take him down prematurely, we ran the risk of not getting him at all. There were many laws that protected the nobles and the upper elite of Hyrule. Besides, the Rue Morgues weren't going to leave Hyrule until their objective was met. They wanted what was at the end of both those riddles, and that was still unknown.

"I understand your point," I stated, "but I promise you, Vincent or his sister Morgana won't be leaving anytime soon. They need something badly, and it's only in Hyrule."

Zelda looked at me intrigued and surprised that I disclosed such information.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"I can't say for certain," I replied, "but I think I'm hot on the heels of something big regarding the both of them."

Her intrigue never went away. In fact, it only heightened.

"Well, tell me what it is," she said with a hint of excitement, "don't keep me in suspense forever."

I understood her wanting to know, but I didn't want to reveal anything just yet. I still wasn't sure what I was looking for, but I knew that both Vincent and Morgana wanted it.

"I can't just yet," I said, "but I do have some leads. Master Bastion and I have been hard at work to bring this scoundrel down."

I saw a little of the intrigue leave her eyes. Zelda looked a little disappointed that I wasn't willing to share more with her, but I knew deep down she understood. It wasn't a matter of just cloak and dagger any longer, it was a matter of keeping Hyrule at bay from a couple of madmen, and women to be frank.

"I see your point," she said with a brief sigh, but then cautioned, "however, I wouldn't take too long if I were you. You wouldn't want either one of them to make a move first."

I nodded, knowing she did have a point, but then gave her an odd look.

"Is Vincent still being used as an advisor?" I detracted, changing the subject.

Zelda shook her head no.

"Not at all," she replied quickly, "however he still has his power as a noble. As queen, I could procure his lands, but such actions would bring about the displeasure from the lords of the court. They would make a case in saying that I was wielding my power for selfish reasons. I could simply say he was an enemy of the state, which I believe he is, but without evidence, I would be between a rock and a hard place. Even the laws in Hyrule govern that a king or queen should act with mild temperance and apt duplicity."

I was just thinking about that a moment ago. However, I loved listening to her talk. She had such a beautiful voice with a perfect cadence.

Apt duplicity indeed my dear, I thought.

"I see," was all I said in reply.

Zelda went on.

"But even still, Vincent is no longer acting as an advisor to the throne," she said,"instead, I've given that job to a much more trustworthy man, Master Shad."

My ears perked when I heard that.

Will the wonders ever cease?

"Shad?" I repeated.

Zelda interlaced her fingers in her lap.

"Well, it will be Sir Shad once he's knighted, but yes him," she reiterated. "I know that you use him in a scholarly capacity for the resurgence team. However, I don't trust anyone else except those that have an allegiance to you. That's why I commissioned him."

I looked at her surprised regarding her blunt forthrightness, and it must have showed on my face.

Zelda looked down and blushed just then at my expression.

"Come, come now, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to you Link," she said, "you know I hold you in high regard."

I was glad to hear her say that. I wanted her to know I didn't take her, or her kindness for granted either. Well... at least not intentionally. She was a very important lady in my life.

"Thank you for that Zelda," I said softly.

There was a brief silence between us afterwards, it was thoughtful and mildly tense. Zelda then cleared her throat and looked down at the table. It was obvious that she was going to change the subject.

"You know..." she began, trailing softly, "you never told me who that one woman was that you loved."

I cut my eyes right to hers after she uttered that and gave her an offhanded look. However, she avoided looking at me.

"Why is that?" she asked quietly.

I was genuinely surprised that she brought this subject up. This was the last thing I expected for her to talk about given her shyness and general unwillingness to speak on love, or anything related to the subject in general. I stared at her down cast eyes for a moment.

"You want to know why I haven't told you?" I asked again.

Zelda didn't answer. She took in a nervous breath and nodded.

I stared at her again.

There was a brief silence between us again, and I grinned at Zelda's ruddy cheeks.

This woman and her blushing, I thought.

"It's because the young lady should already know," I replied.

Zelda still wouldn't look at me, but a small smile came across her face.

I think she got the message.

"I guess that is true, isn't it?" she replied. "She'd be a fool not to know."

I nodded.

"Yes," I said, "but I would never think of this woman as a fool. She's far smarter than me."

Zelda's smile widened.

"That's very kind of you," she said softly, "but you aren't brawn alone. You're very intelligent, and you pick up things quick. Who masters Hylian law in six months? That is quite a feat. I remember thinking in the past how lucky that girl that you love would be to have you."

I smiled at her regarding her frankness.

"I'm the one who's lucky Zelda," I said.

She blushed some more and chuckled a little bit.

There was another brief silence between us.

"Yes... well..." she trailed, then cleared her throat. Afterwards, she got up and I immediately followed suit. "I, uh, better not keep you too much longer," she said softly, "you need your rest and you have a long trip tomorrow."

I hesitated for a second, not wanting the evening to end with her, but understood why I had to leave, and she was right. I was leaving around midday tomorrow from Hyrule Castle for Dragon Roost. I needed the rest. I finally nodded and took in a deep sigh.

"You're right," I said, "thank you for calling on me though. It was wonderful talking to you."

Zelda smiled again.

"There's no need for thanks," she replied, "I was glad to see you. I'm always glad to see you."

I looked at her warmly again and wanted to give her hug, but used my better judgement and decided not to. From now on, I was going to do things right. No more impulsiveness. No more bar fights, no more nights in the Red Lantern District, no more deceit, and just overall no more nonsense. I was done with it. I needed to think before I acted. I was no longer just concerned about myself, I had to think of Zelda's well being as well. She deserved that.

I bowed.

"Until the next time your majesty," I said.

She did a small curtsy of her own.

"Until the next time Master Link," she replied.

I looked into her eyes for just a moment, but then broke my gaze. Afterwards, I turned and headed for her chamber door. However, before I left she stopped me with what she uttered next.

"Um... Master Link?" she called.

I turned to look at her.

"Yes?" I replied.

Zelda looked down and fidgeted with her fingers.

"Be... be sure to tell your girl soon," she stated, "you wouldn't want that poor woman to die from suspense."

I smiled at her and got her message loud and clear.

"I'll be sure to do that," I said, "I've just been looking for the right opportunity, but I think I know when that will be."

Zelda looked at me hopefully just then.

"Well... you better keep it a surprise," she said, "you wouldn't want to ruin it for her."

I chuckled at her saying that.

"Of course, of course, and I won't," I said, then bowed again, "goodnight your majesty."

Zelda nodded.

"Goodnight Master Link," she replied, then quickly remembered something, "but wait, you forgot this."

I didn't know what she was talking about for a moment, but then was surprised when she came up and handed me an embroidered handkerchief. It had a hint of her essence on it. I looked into her eyes regarding the gift. She smiled back.

"For luck," she whispered, then reached up to kiss my cheek.

I gripped the handkerchief tight.

"It's all I'll need," I whispered back, "thank you."

With that, I left Zelda's chambers and headed back to Ordon for the night. While traveling home, I had no idea my life was about to undergo a radical change forever.

I had no idea at all.

~SSS~

Zelda's POV

I watched as Link left and I felt a surge of happiness I didn't know I could feel. Was he finally going to say what I was hoping he would say? And if so, when? It had to be after the Dragon Gala or the like. It had to be! I didn't see any other opportunity other than that.

"I can't wait!" I whispered to myself excited, and hurried into my anteroom to change into my nightgown.

It was pretty clear to me that he was talking about the both of us. I was no longer going to pretend that we weren't in love with each other. This very situation had been something I had longed for my entire life. I wasn't going to have a marriage of convenience. I wasn't going to have the marriage my grandparents had. I was going to have one based on love, not politics. What Link and I had was real, and had grown over time. It wasn't some run-of-the-mill thing. I looked over at the portrait of my grandparents and was both happy and sad for the both of them. I was happy to have their blood in my veins, but sad they never had the joy they both so longed for in their lives. I realized from a very young age that I couldn't allow my life to be like that. It was hard enough already, especially being the only Nohanseen left.

After changing into a long white night gown, I went back to my dresser to brush my hair. I couldn't have been anymore ecstatic and I was even humming a tune my father taught me years ago. I was in the middle of a brushstroke, when I paused and took note of something that I didn't take note of before. The door to my terrace was wide open, and a cool breeze was coming through. I knew for a certainty it was locked only a moment ago.

What in the world-? I thought, turning around quickly on my seat.

I felt my heart pound even though I tried to remain calm. I stood up immediately and looked around, I needed to slow down to collect myself. Panicking was not going to help.

"Who's there?" I called out in a quiet voice, not to alert my guards.

A moment later, as if from the beckoning of my voice, I heard the sound of footsteps come from behind the curtain. I felt my eyes widen when I saw that it was a man, and more surprised that it was Elbourne. He was dressed in his hunting gear, which composed of leather boots, a brown and green tunic, a brown cloak, and cargo pants. In many ways he looked like Link just then, and he held a serious expression on his handsome face. I was shocked that he was here. I thought he was adamant about not seeing me any longer. However, I knew deep down he couldn't stay away from me. I knew deep down he was going to change his mind, break down, and come see me. How did I know? Because he and I needed each other. I wasn't going to pretend that I didn't miss him dearly these past few weeks. No one could make me laugh like Elbourne, and I knew it was selfish, but I missed all the attention he gave me. I was even tempted a couple times to forego his wishes and write to him to see how he was doing. However, knowing how stubborn he was, I was sure he would have torn my letters up into tiny little pieces.

"Elbourne," I said and took a few steps forward, "I can't believe it's you."

He didn't smile or return my greeting. Instead, he went to close the terrace doors, looked around the room to make sure we were alone, then came towards the center of the room near the marbled table. He looked bothered by something.

What's going on? I wondered.

"This isn't a social call," he replied in a brief undertone, "I came here because trouble is brewing."

I looked at him surprised.

"Trouble?" I repeated.

He nodded, then turned to look at me, and right then and there he looked exactly like Link. Exactly like him. It was so uncanny, it was scary.

Dear Hylia, I thought.

"I was being entertained by a Lady Morgana one night and she said something rather disturbing to me," he divulged, without beating around the bush.

I felt my eyes widen.

I knew more readily than not that that woman was bad news.

"Lady Morgana... what about her?" I inquired.

He took in a deep breath.

"She was talking delusions of grandeur and threatened the throne of Hyrule," he replied.

I looked at him perplexed, but not too shocked.

"What?" I said, not really surprised, but still unawares at how much larger this matter regarding the Rue Morgues was becoming.

Elbourne shook his head.

"I since then stopped all contact with her," he said, "however, she and her brother are keeping a low profile and ignoring my correspondence. Fearing for your safety, I came to see if you were okay."

I couldn't believe my ears and shook my head.

"I'm alright," I reassured, "Master Link was just here."

Elbourne looked away when I said Link's name. There was a brief silence between us after that.

"I know," he said with an irritated sigh, "I heard everything you two were talking about just now."

I looked to the ground when I heard the slight anger in his voice. There was another brief silence between us, that was, until Elbourne broke it.

"Tell me something," he started, "if farm boy knows more than he's letting on, why aren't you demanding that information out of him?"

I sighed, knowing that he did have a point, but I trusted Link's judgement. If he thought it was too soon, it was too soon.

"He said he needs more to take Vincent and Morgana down," I replied, "there's only so much a person can do with little evidence."

He narrowed his eyes at me.

"You're the queen Zelda," he said to me as if it were the first time I were hearing it, "you can do anything you wish."

Contrary to that belief, that simply wasn't true.

"That's where you're wrong my dear Elbourne," I said, "the law rules in Hyrule. My family made it that way so a monarch wouldn't get out of line. There's nothing more terrifying than a monarch with too much power."

Elbourne didn't need an example from me, he knew of the history of the kings of old. He stared at me for just a moment, then turned from looking at me in slight disgust. There was yet another silence between us, this time I decided to break it.

"Elbourne I-" I tried.

"Are you going to marry him?" he interrupted me suddenly.

I wasn't sure how to answer that.

I twiddled with my thumbs.

"I... I don't know," I said honestly, "he hasn't asked me."

He looked at me with open contempt.

"Would you if he asked you?" he went on, it was more of a demand than a question.

Yes, I thought.

"I can't say what I would do because it hasn't happened," I verbalized.

His hazel eyes seemed to pierce through my soul with that hard gaze.

"I see," was all he said in reply.

Again, there was another silence that engulfed us. It was long, cumbersome, and uncomfortable. I hated it, I absolutely hated it, because it only meant we were keeping everything bottled up inside.

I took a step forward, wanting to address the real problem between us.

"I... I've missed you," I said finally, breaking the silence and changing the subject, "it feels like it's been so long since we talked."

He took in a deep sigh and shook his head.

"I'm sure you do," he said, not believing a word I was saying.

I gave him a quick once over.

"It's true," I whispered.

Elbourne scoffed.

"Right," he said sarcastically.

I didn't want him thinking that was a lie.

It wasn't.

"I know you're upset with me, but you have to believe that," I said, coming over to the table and standing across from him. "I've been so worried about you."

Elbourne avoided looking at me.

"You don't have to worry about me Zelda," he said, "women are a rupee a dozen for me."

I knew that was a defense mechanism.

"That may be true," I said, not denying his charisma, "but you're still my best friend."

He scoffed again and rolled his eyes in disbelief.

"Maybe farm boy can fit that bill for you too," he replied bitterly, "you two seem to be very close."

I didn't want this conversation to be about that. He needed to know I cared about him as well.

"What about your mother?" I went on anyway, ignoring his comment. "How is she?"

Elbourne chuckled for some odd reason at the mentioning of Constance.

"She's great," he said with open sarcasm, "she's still carrying on her affair as if nothing happened. However, unfortunately, father now knows about it, but hey, what can a person do?"

I looked at him shocked, knowing this was much more grave than he was letting on.

"Elbourne..." I trailed, "your father knows? Isn't this terrible news for Constance?"

He didn't reply right away.

"I suppose it is," he said finally, "I really don't know."

I shook my head.

"Well, what's going to happen?" I asked. "Does she know the king knows?"

He shrugged and tapped his hand over the surface of the burnished wood.

"Maybe," he said, "I'm not sure. I haven't spoken to my mother in weeks."

I bit my lower lip in worry.

Weeks? I thought in disbelief.

"This is terrible," I whispered more to myself than him.

There was another silence between us. This one was tense with the air almost being palpable. I decided to break it.

"What are you-" I tried.

"Don't worry about it, it's not your problem," he interrupted. "In fact, it doesn't matter. You won't see me again after tonight. The only reason I came was because I thought you might be in trouble. Since you're fine, there's no need for me to be here."

I knew that wasn't the only case, and he knew that last part wasn't true.

"Why are you acting like this?" I demanded all of a sudden. "Why are you pretending that you don't miss me? Will you stop being so pigheaded and just admit that you missed me as much as I missed you?" I then added without thinking. "I-I love you very much."

After realizing what I had done, I quickly clamped my mouth shut.

Sweet goddesses why did I say that? I thought, wishing I could take that back. He's going to take what I said the wrong way, but it is true. I love him very dearly as my friend.

Elbourne closed his eyes and pursed his lips together at my utterance. I was sure that was confusing to him. I was probably making things worse instead of better.

"Don't you do that," he warned, "don't you try and use my feelings for you against me!"

I wasn't playing games with him, and that's what I wanted to avoid. I took several more steps towards him.

"I'm not!" I swore. "I promise you."

He opened his eyes and stared at me hard just then. He didn't reply for a few moments.

"Fine, then answer me this, do you love me like you love Linux?" he asked quietly.

I bit my lower lip.

I swallowed hard.

"Elbourne-" I tried.

"Answer the question Zelda," he interrupted.

I looked at him helplessly, and didn't have any words for him. At least, not the words he wanted.

Instead, I didn't reply.

My hesitancy precipitated an erroneous reaction from him. He looked at me like he almost hated me.

"I rest my case," he said finally, "I'm sorry madam for taking up so much of your time."

He then bowed and headed for the secret passage behind the headboard of my bed, but I moved in front of him to stop him.

"When will I see you again?" I asked, knowing it was probably a futile question.

He returned back to not looking at me.

"You won't," he replied.

I shook my head.

"That isn't fair," I said, "you know how much I need you."

He cut his gaze back to me and stared me straight in the eyes just then, however, he didn't say anything right away.

"The same way I needed you the night you deserted me?" he growled in a low voice. "The same damn way Zelda?"

I looked up at him surprised, but felt helpless regarding his anger.

What did he want me to do? I asked myself.

"I had to help Link," I insisted, "why can't you understand that?"

He didn't want to hear this and walked past me, but I grabbed at his hand and gripped it tight.

"Stop being so stubborn!" I said to him with a slight break in my voice. "You know this is hard for me without you!"

Elbourne was quiet for a moment, but then snatched his hand from my grip.

"Unfortunately, that is no longer my concern," he said cruelly. "The only thing you can do for me right now is root for me at the Dragon Gala. I know your little boyfriend wants you to do the same thing for him, but why break a long standing tradition? Oh, and know this, he won't beat me. No one has ever beaten me, and your little hero won't start now. I don't need anything else from you Zelda, but that."

I felt my eyes sting at his blunt words, but I didn't reply. Afterwards, he grunted in frustration and walked away. He headed into the secret passageway and didn't look back to say goodbye. He was gone, with his departure as fleeting as his arrival. I looked down at the marble floor and felt my eyes fill with tears that I quickly wiped away. I wasn't going to do that. I wasn't going to cry. If Elbourne wanted nothing to do with me, I was just going to have to live with that.

"That isn't going to help," I whispered to myself, but then looked back over to the passageway, "but at this point, I don't know what would."

I sighed and tried to think of the good that came from this. Elbourne did come to warn me of Morgana and Vincent. I was able to at least see that he was alright, and for all intensive purposes, he did still have a measure of feelings for me. It wasn't what I wanted, but it was at least something.

Also too, there was one other thing I needed to see in all this, I was glad at this point I still had Link. It took a long time coming, but I was glad the hero was in my life, and here to stay. The thought of that made me smile. It was the only thing that could really.

Yes, I thought, trying to grin despite everything that just happened, I still have my precious Link.

~SSS~

Ordon, Later that Evening: Link's POV

When I arrived home, I spent the majority of the evening packing. I skipped supper because I didn't have time to make it, and I didn't want to bother anyone by imposing myself with an impromptu invitation. I was preparing my things to travel to Dragon Roost in the morning, wanting to make sure I left nothing behind. I wanted to make sure I had all my necessary provisions ready, and to be honest, I was excited to be going. I couldn't wait to see if all the rumors were true regarding the grandeur of the Roostian palace. I had been through Goron Mines myself, so I was aware that there were untold riches just waiting to be unearthed down there. However, the other side of Death Mountain was completely foreign to me. If the Roostians had already made good on using such precious resources, I was sure the castle was nothing short of extraordinary. However, knowing Elbourne's disdain for me, I would probably end up sleeping in the dragon stables as my primary residence.

I grinned at the notion of that.

That would be something Elbourne would do, I thought, he'll probably reason that I could use the practice.

I logged my pile of goods and wanted to be sure I had everything. I had my regular clothes, my dragon mail, toiletries, hunting and travel gear, and I made sure to pack the fire tunic Zelda loaned to me. I also made sure that the handkerchief the queen gave me was packed too. I stared at the precious gift for a moment, then picked it up and took a quick whiff. It smelled of her natural essence, and it was heavenly. The embroidered cloth had her name spelled on it: Zelda, and it made me smile. It was very thoughtful of the queen to give this to me as a sign of good fortunes. I needed all I could get. She often did thoughtful things like that for me. I took in a deep sigh of admiration and my smile faded a little bit.

She's so... perfect, I thought.

It was then I made the decision, that do or die, I was going to tell Zelda I was in love with her after the gala. I wasn't going to play around any longer. I was done going back and forth on the matter. Zelda deserved a direct answer from me, and I was going to give it to her. I knew Bastion wanted me to think of the 'would be's', 'maybe's', and 'if's' in finding the mirror, but I was done with that. I would always love Midna. A part of me would always yearn for that woman, but I couldn't live in the past anymore. She was gone, and so was access to her world. I needed to move on, and Zelda was part of that move. I couldn't ask for a more loyal loving woman to cherish, and that was exactly what I was going to do. She deserved to be protected. She deserved to have my one hundred percent. There was no more fickleness in my heart regarding that. I was done with that nonsense. As soon as a moment presented itself, perhaps on top of the famed Emiry Tower in Dragon Roost, I would confess my love for her. I was sure she felt the same way, and what better way to end a celebration than with someone I held so dear?

I'm going to do right by you queenie, I thought. No more lies, no more deceit, just honesty for you Zelda... just pure honesty.

After making my resolution, I continued packing my things. I was pretty much finished, but I was stuck on reinforcing the leather strap to my satchel to make sure it was secure. With the problem almost rectified, it was then I heard a subtle knock on my door. Puzzled, I paused what I was doing and raised a brow, finding it a little odd that someone was calling on me at this hour of the night. However, I then reasoned it was probably Rusl or Bo wanting to give me some advice before my trip. They often did things like that in private so as not to alert the other villagers. I appreciated their efforts, and was working hard to reestablish my relationships with the two men. I didn't want to leave Ordon on a sour note.

Maybe they have a little last minute advice for me, I thought, I'll take any advice I can get.

It was then I stopped what I was doing to go answer the door. However, when I opened the abridging, much to my surprise I didn't find Bo or Rusl, but surprisingly Ilia. She smiled and looked up at me shyly with her lovely green eyes, all the while waiting for me to invite her in on the other side. I didn't let it show, but I was mildly taken aback at her presence. I wouldn't have considered anything strange about her normally visiting me, but it was late. In fact, it wasn't just the time that was a little off putting with her being there. Strangely too, she was carrying a large satchel over her shoulder. She was dressed unassumingly in her normal wears, but I didn't understand why she had such a large bag with her. My eyes then cut to her right hand, and saw that she was she carrying a flask of wine. The bottle itself looked to be at full capacity. Overall, she looked like she was ready to travel somewhere for a few days instead of paying a nominal visit. I wasn't going to lie, she had me puzzled.

What's this all about? I wondered, then another thought suddenly popped into my head. Is she trying to come with me to... Dragon Roost?

I raised a brow, hoping she wasn't going to try any of her usual shenanigans tonight. I really didn't have time for such nonsense.

"Good evening Ilia," I greeted finally.

She nodded.

"Good evening Link," she replied, then looked past me to my house, "is this a bad time?"

I paused for a moment, contemplating the relevance of that question. She knew this wasn't the norm for either of us, so why she felt the need to ask that question when she already knew the answer was generating some red flags for me. Ilia never came to see me this hour of the night, even when I freaked her out all those months ago by yelling at her and telling her to leave. Now, after weeks of ignoring me and not wanting to speak to me, she shows up at my door, looking prettier than she normally does, and she's asking me 'if this is a bad time'? Was she serious? However, I didn't want to be rude and turn her away. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel that I didn't appreciate her. That wasn't the case at all, I appreciated her very much, and if she wanted some 'alone' time to speak with me without interference from the others, I could give her that. I decided to forego my initial guarded thoughts and invite her in. After all, Ilia didn't ask for much these days. A little chit chat would do the both of us some good.

I finally gestured for her to come inside.

I'll try to make this brief, I thought, I don't want her father getting the wrong idea.

"Of course not," I said with a grin, "come on in."

Ilia grinned back, then walked past me.

"Thanks," she replied.

After she came in, I closed the door and watched her remove her shawl with a bit of caution. I was careful in how I was studying her because I didn't want her to get the wrong idea, however, I had to be honest, I really wanted to know what she was up to. What was this all about? Was she leaving the village? If so, where was she planning to go? Did she have plans? Was this a spontaneous decision? Why the hell was she doing it now? Why on the eve of my leaving for Dragon Roost? For what purpose? Was she doing this for attention? She knew the roads were dangerous at night. Hell, the roads were dangerous during the day. She would definitely need an escort, and with everything going on with Vincent and Morgana, it wasn't safe to take any chances. So, why was she doing this?

What's going on here Ilia? I wondered.

However, I didn't make my inquiries known, I probably should have, but I didn't. I walked back over to the table where my things were laid out and continued packing. Ilia settled in and sat down near the hearth before stoking the fire with the iron poker lying nearby. There was a long silence between us that seemed to last forever. I was placing some books in my adventure satchel, when I unconsciously caught myself staring over at Ilia. Her back was facing me and she looked nervous for some reason. The reason I knew she was nervous was because she was inducing the same motion over and over again with the iron prod. With the rate she was working, the fire was going to be smothered soon from all the embers she was reestablishing. There was only so much overlaying of soot and ash a fire would take before the oxygen completed dissipated from it. It was puzzling to me because Ilia knew how to stoke a fire, she made one every day. It was obvious her actions were motivated by her being bothered by something. Something she didn't want to discuss right away.

However, I wasn't going to lie, I wasn't sure why she wasn't talking. Maybe she thought I was still upset with her about something. Maybe she thought she couldn't talk to me as openly as she once could in the past. Maybe she was overthinking this like she did everything else. Maybe I was overthinking this like I did everything else... well, at least recently. However, my simple logic was it didn't make sense to come over and not speak. If she came to talk, then let's talk. Let's stop acting like we're strangers afraid to induce a conversation or something. It was then I had the unsurprising realization I would never understand women. Maybe all this conjecture was simply limited to one of the many secrets of the universe: it was a feminine thing. Maybe she was acting this way because she wanted me to probe it out of her. Women did strange things like that. They say one thing and meant something else entirely. Why were they so complicated? Why couldn't they be simple like men and just say what they wanted? It was a study I didn't even think Shad could find answers to. Simply put, my thought process was this: I could assume she just wanted to be left alone, but I knew that wasn't the case. I had been in these situations long enough to know that Ilia actually wanted me to ask her what was going on with her, even though she didn't ask me officially. Again, women were just strange, and to be honest I wasn't in the mood for such probing. However, I knew how Ilia was when she wanted a little attention from me. I was going to have to work at this, but hopefully I wouldn't have to work too hard.

I took in a deep sigh.

I might as well get this over with, I thought.

"So, are you going to keep me in suspense?" I asked, breaking the silence.

Ilia then turned around and grinned at me.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

I shrugged and returned her smile.

"This is a little strange don't you think?" I replied. "You have to admit you've never visited me at two o'clock in the morning before," I divulged, "that's odd, even for you."

She chuckled lightly at hearing that.

"I guess so," she replied simply.

I raised a brow.

"That's more than an 'I guess so' Ilia," I replied.

I was expecting her to go on, but she didn't. So after I finished what I was doing at the table, I tossed the bag I packed onto my bed. It was then she had my undivided attention, and I decided to be straightforward with her.

"Alright Ilia, what's the matter?" I asked. "What's going on? Come on, out with it."

Ilia took in a deep sigh and shook her head for some reason. It was then she stood up and turned around to look at me.

"Honestly, nothing," she reassured, "I... just wanted to wish you the best," she stated.

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

At this hour? I couldn't help but wonder.

"You could have done that after dawn," I replied.

She looked down at her hands.

"I know," she said, "but I didn't want to wait."

I paused at hearing that and looked at her satchel and flask once more. Something wasn't adding up, two plus two didn't equal five, and I could tell she wasn't being altogether truthful.

"Then why the bag and the flask Ilia?" I asked. "You don't need a bag to wish me well."

With my saying that, she picked up both items next to her on the floor and placed them on the table.

"I brought a couple things because I wanted to surprise you," she said. "I got some more of the wine you liked from when I made you supper that one evening a while ago, and I made you some Hylian butter cookies."

I was surprised at hearing that.

Wine and butter cookies? I thought. Not the best combination, but it works.

"Oh," I replied, trying not to sound too suspicious, "well, that was very nice of you. You know how much I love your butter cookies Ilia."

She grinned.

"Yeah..." was all she replied, then went to open her bag and took out a jar and two metal goblets. It was then I noticed some clothes underneath as well.

What's that for? I wondered.

I went and sat down at the table while Ilia prepared everything. I took note of the expression on her face and she still seemed nervous, which told me she was still hiding something, or she was still worrying about me.

"Do you want me to assist you?" I asked, even though there was very little to do.

Ilia sat down and shook her head. She poured me a large cup of wine, then one for herself, afterwards she opened the jar of cookies and handed me one. I looked from her to it in subtle confusion, but took the shortbread anyway.

"Thank you," I said and bit into it with no hesitations.

The taste was perfect as always.

Ilia then bit into her cookie, but was staring at me with the strangest expression on her face. She was watching me every time I took a sip of wine. I wasn't going to lie I found this whole thing to be out of the ordinary so far. No conversation, no clues, no normalcy, no nothing. It didn't make sense in why she was acting this way.

I'm not sure what to make of it, I thought.

I decided to address the obvious giant lizalfos in the room.

"Ilia..." I started carefully, "are you sure there isn't anything you want to discuss? You don't seem like yourself."

For some odd reason, she grinned at my question and looked down at the table.

"I guess maybe I am acting a little weird," she divulged.

That was an understatement.

"A little?" I said and took another sip of wine. "Don't get upset at my question, I'm just being honest."

She shrugged and sighed.

"You know why I'm here Link," she said finally, then decided to come clean, "I'm worried about you participating in the Dragon Gala."

For a brief moment I took in a relieved breath, thinking it was something else. She had me worried for a second. I returned her smile and sat back.

"So, we're back to that again," I half joked.

Ilia nodded.

"Yes," she replied, "we're back to that again." She looked me in the eyes just then. "What am I going to have to do to convince you that you're making a big mistake?"

I raised a brow and shrugged myself.

"There's no convincing needed Ilia," I replied, "I have to do this. It's so much bigger than just me."

She looked away from me when I said this.

"You make it seem like you're doing it for someone you love," she said all of a sudden.

I was mildly caught off guard with her saying that, but I didn't let it show. I didn't let it show, because she was more right than she knew. That female perception, intuition, or whatever the heck it was was something else.

"Now... I think you're reading into too much," I stated.

For some reason she blushed.

"So then... you're not in love with anyone?" she asked coyly.

I wasn't going to answer that question, especially in the here and now. It wasn't the time for such talk. I didn't want to lead this conversation down a direction it shouldn't.

"If I was in love with someone, believe me you would be the first to know about it," I said softly.

That wasn't exactly the truth, but it was comforting for her to hear that.

Ilia blushed more, and that got a smile out of her.

"Thanks," she said, then picked up the flask, "more wine?" she asked.

I looked from it to my cup and thought nothing of it.

"Sure," I said, "why not?"

Ilia was very pleased in hearing that. She quickly refilled my glass.

"I'm glad you didn't turn me away," she said finally, taking a sip from her own cup, "I know this is a crazy time, but I wanted some 'you and me' time before you left."

I grinned at her.

"I understand," I replied.

Ilia cupped her goblet between her hands and leaned forward on the table.

"You know," she started, "you never told me about the ball. I've been dying to know all the details."

I chuckled a little when she said that. I only hadn't been able to talk about the ball with her because she was avoiding me. However, I was glad that she was making an effort in trying to bridge the gap.

"There's really nothing to tell," I replied.

Ilia scoffed.

"Don't give me that," she said. "I heard you almost fought the dragon prince, speaking of which, what was he like?"

I rolled my eyes.

A pompous dragon's ass, I thought.

I wasn't really interested in talking about Prince Elbourne.

"He was a jerk," I said honestly, "but that's to be expected, he's a spoiled prince."

Ilia laughed at that.

"Come on," she said, "stop being so vague. He's got to be more than that."

I took in a deep sigh and took another sip of wine, I was going to need it.

"He was ordinary," I stated simply, knowing that wasn't the truth, "the good looking, brilliant kind of womanizing ordinary that knows no boundaries. I swear to you Ilia, that man couldn't pass by a dress without checking it out first. He's shameless. He even went after Ashei."

Ilia's eyes widened stunned.

"He spoke to Ashei?" she said in disbelief. "Tomboy Ashei?

I nodded.

Trust me, she didn't look like a tomboy that night, I thought, and Bastion could probably attest to a whole lot more.

"Tomboy Ashei," I said anyway.

Ilia couldn't believe it.

"Is he really as handsome as everyone says he is?" she went on eagerly. "I hear maidens talk about his extraordinary beauty all the time. Is it true?"

I really wasn't interested in this.

Oh brother, I thought.

I shrugged again.

"He's alright I guess," I replied, "I've never seen him unmasked, however I hear he looks like-"

However, I stopped myself before I let my tongue slip.

You're starting to talk too much you idiot, I told myself.

Ilia looked at me in anticipation, waiting for me to go on.

"You hear he looks like what?" she asked.

I paused.

Don't say it, I thought.

"I hear he looks a lot like his mother," I shifted, "and she is gorgeous."

Ilia bit her lower lip, she didn't look like she believed me for a second.

"His mother?" she repeated. "You sounded like you were going to say something else."

I fanned her suspicions off.

"I was just thinking for a moment," I explained.

Ilia gave me a funny look, but decided to let me pass on that.

"I can't believe you got to meet the royal family of Dragon Roost!" she said excited. "And Elbourne is the prince of all princes! Ugh! I hate you so much Link! I can't believe you got to see him!" She twiddled with her fingers like a crazed adolescent. "I wonder if he likes peasant girls?"

I groaned and gave her an obvious look.

He likes anything with a female labia majora, I thought.

"Don't even think about it Illy," I warned, "that man has too many notches in his belt for you. You need someone more settled. Elbourne is a sex fiend."

Now Ilia fanned off my concern.

"Speak for yourself," she replied, "from what I hear he doesn't just ride the biggest dragon in Hyrule, he owns the biggest dragon in Hyrule."

I took in a deep sigh and crossed my arms over my chest, not at all impressed.

"His 'dragon' can't compare to mine Ilia," I said, only half joking. "You forget, some men are doers rather than speakers."

Ilia looked at me shocked, but then let the shock meld into laughter.

"Do you hear yourself?" she chuckled. "Someone needs some humble pie!"

I shrugged again, not thinking anything of it.

"It is what it is Ilia," I replied.

Ilia raised her brows still surprised.

"Right... right, right, right Link," she said with a slight blush and shook her head. "Anyway, enough about princes and your ego, tell me about Queen Constance. Is she every bit the lady everyone says she is?"

I laughed myself at her dismissal and then nodded.

"She's all that and more," I said, "She's stunningly beautiful, and very gracious."

Ilia grinned in admiration.

"Is she really?" she inquired. "I hear some of the maidens in town talk about how sweet she is."

I nodded.

"She is, she's really a lovely lady," I said, then added jokingly, "if I were twenty years older or she were twenty years younger, I'd probably give her a run for her rupee."

Ilia laughed at me again.

"You idiot!" she chuckled. "How can you even say such a thing? King Xavier will have your head for such talk, and I don't mean the one on your shoulders either Mr. Dragon!"

I was surprised at her rather daft speech, but probably shouldn't have been since I instigated it.

Did she really just say that to me? I wondered.

I crossed my legs humorously at the thought.

"Damn Ilia, seriously?" I demanded.

She laughed more and shook her head.

"Tell me about the king," she went on, ignoring me, "what was he like?"

I cleared my throat and nodded waywardly.

"He's actually a pretty reasonable man," I replied, "I was even able to tell him about the plans laid out by our team at the castle."

Ilia was intrigued.

"That's wonderful," she said, "so he didn't care that you were a peasant?"

I shook my head no.

"That didn't seem to bother him in the slightest," I replied, "I was grateful to him for that. A good idea is a good idea regardless of status."

She nodded.

"That's true," Ilia said, but then leaned forward a little more and her smile widened. "Now, tell me how the fight broke out," she went on.

I frowned, not knowing what she was talking about.

"There was no fight Ilia," I said.

She gave me an obvious stare.

"Don't lie," she said, "I want to know why you almost had it out with the prince of dragons."

I did laugh in how she said that.

"I didn't," I replied.

She was growing tired of me stalling.

"Link..." she trailed.

I chuckled and raised my hands in surrender.

"Okay, okay, fine you win," I said, then added, "we had a little disagreement with how he was treating her majesty. He was being a little too presumptuous with Queen Zelda for my liking."

I was one to talk. Zelda's and my last few recent interactions have been nothing but presumptuousness.

Ilia bit her lower lip like a love sick puppy.

"Is that when he asked her to marry him?" she said dreamily. "Ah! I would have killed to have been able to see that!"

I held in another laugh.

"It wasn't that romantic, I promise you," I reassured, "Elbourne took the queen in his arms and manhandled her. He kissed her like she was a brothel whore or something."

Ilia pretended to nearly faint.

"She is so lucky," she said, shaking her head, "do you know how many women want to be manhandled by Prince Elbourne?"

I could taste the bile coming into my throat from the thought.

"I really don't care Ilia," I replied.

She snickered and cued for me to go on.

"What happened after that?" she asked.

I took in another sigh and continued.

"Well, I stepped up and told him to stop it," I said. "He was disrespecting her in her own space. I couldn't just stand there and watch."

Ilia took another sip of her wine.

"Is that when you slugged him in the face?" she asked.

I gave her an offhanded look.

Slugged him in the face? I thought. Where in the world was she hearing this from?

"No," I said dryly, "there was no slug fest Ilia."

She looked at me like she didn't believe me.

"Then how did you get shot?" she asked.

I shook my head.

"That was much later when an assassin tried to take out the queen," I replied.

Ilia nearly dropped her goblet.

"An assassin tried to kill the queen?" she repeated. "Are you serious?"

It wasn't exactly the truth, but I was going to roll with it.

"Yeah," I replied.

"And he shot you instead?" she inquired.

I nodded.

"Mmm hmm," was all I replied.

Ilia then sat back in her seat.

"Wow," she said.

When she did that, I couldn't help but laugh. It was humorous seeing her reaction. She took another sip of her wine and leaned forward again.

"Tell me about Queen Zelda," she said, "I heard she looked to die for that night."

That's an understatement, I thought, she was a vision.

I nodded in agreement.

"She looked amazing," I replied, "by far hands down, she was the most beautiful woman there."

Ilia's eyes widened.

"I'm not surprised," she said, "I haven't seen her myself, but I've heard of the Nohanseen beauty. Besides, she's a descendant of the Sage of Time and that woman was extraordinary."

I nodded again.

"Very true," I replied.

There was a brief silence between us after that, with Ilia looking down at the table cloth. A moment later, she then decided to break it.

"Did you get to dance with her?" she asked suddenly.

I was about to answer, but then paused and thought about it. When I looked back at the night, I didn't get to dance with Zelda at all. It was a shame too, because she looked so magnificent, and I really wanted to. The opportunity just never presented itself.

"Unfortunately, no," I said.

Ilia then looked up from the cloth with an abrupt indignation.

"Are you telling me I taught you how to dance for nothing?" she demanded.

I raised my hands in surrender in a joking manner.

"Not true, not true," I said, "I did get to dance, just not with the queen. However, I did get to dance with a queen. I got to dance with the queen of dragons."

Ilia looked at me like she didn't believe me.

"Are you pulling my leg?" she asked.

I chuckled at that.

"No," I replied, "I'm being honest. She even said I was pretty good too."

Ilia scoffed, then stood up from the table.

"That's a tall order hero," she said, "and one I think you're going to have to prove to me." She clapped her hands. "Come on get up, it's time for an impromptu lesson."

I looked at her like she was crazy. It was the predawn hours of the morning. I was tired. I had to travel to the castle in a few hours. I had things I needed to do regarding the counter insurgency team, and I still had the other riddle to think about. I really didn't have time for a dancing lesson.

She can't be serious, I thought.

I groaned.

"Can't you just take my word for it?" I asked in a dry undertone.

Ilia raised both her brows.

"No," she said defiantly, "now come on, you only live once."

I looked up at her and grinned from my sitting position. Feeling a slight sense of deja vu for goading a certain queen into doing something similar.

It looks like it's my turn, I thought.

"Alright, alright," I said, then stood up, "you win."

Ilia put her hands on her hips, preparing to give me instructions.

"Of course I win," she insisted, "now, do you remember what I told you?" she asked me.

I nodded.

"I remember it like you taught me yesterday," I said.

Ilia grinned and held up her hands.

"Perfect," she said, "then there shouldn't be any problem with you showing me today."

I took in a deep sigh then smiled. A moment later, I was gliding Ilia across the room like I did the night she taught me. Her movement was natural and perfect as always, and she even started humming as we continued. I had to admit, it was fun, and I was glad that Ilia was in such a better mood. I wanted us to go back to what we used to be, and tonight was making me hopeful. I was glad to hear her laugh and talk to me the way she used to. She was very dear to me, and I knew one day she would make some fortunate guy very happy.

I'll make sure I'm there to see it, I thought. There's nothing like your best friend's wedding.

We continued dancing, when Ilia suddenly laid her head on my chest and sighed. She didn't look sad or anything, she just looked thoughtful and like she wanted to rest. However, I did see a hint of nervousness come across her face.

"You're right," she said, breaking the silence, "you haven't forgotten a step."

I grinned at her saying that.

"Not a one," I replied.

Ilia chuckled softly then gave me a brief hug.

"You're so silly and wonderful Link," she whispered against the fabric, "you always know how to make me laugh."

I was glad to hear that.

"So, is that your way of saying I'm a great dancer?" I joked. "Because you know I won't get an answer from you otherwise."

Ilia giggled and shook her head.

"Whatever you say hero," she replied dryly.

Her inflection made me laugh.

She then pulled her head away from my chest and looked up at me. There was a mischievous look in her eyes.

"You know..." she trailed all of a sudden, "I do know other dances Link."

I raised a brow.

"Other dances?" I repeated.

She nodded, but then narrowed her eyes at me.

"Don't tell me you forgot," she accused.

I laughed and raised my hands in surrender again.

"Relax, I didn't forget," I said, "and yes, I remember when you told me all about that."

Ilia was quiet for a moment, and stared into my eyes.

"I actually brought an outfit to show you one that I think you would really like," she said.

I didn't think anything of it, but then realized that was what I saw in her bag earlier.

"Oh really?" I inquired.

She bit her lower lip and looked at me hopefully just then.

"Wait right here, I'll change and be right back," she said with a huge smile.

My own grin faded as I wasn't expecting her to say or do that. I thought she was just going to show me the clothes and in the end explain the dance. I didn't know she was going to show me the clothes and actually perform a dance.

"Ilia wait, I don't want to cause you any trouble-" I tried.

"It's no trouble," she interrupted, "trust me, you'll love it."

I took in a deep sigh and watched as she grabbed her bag and hurried down my ladder to the lower level of my house. It was obvious that I wasn't going to get through to her. I didn't want to come off as rude, and she did seem like she was enthusiastic about this, but something in my gut was telling me this wasn't a good idea. Also too, I think that wine was starting to get to me as I was starting to feel a little out of the loop. She was probably feeling the same way as well. It was unusual for me because I normally had such a high tolerance, but maybe this wine mixture was stronger in alcoholic content.

Something was going on with it.

I went and sat down at my table, waiting for Ilia's inevitable return. And even though it was probably a bad idea, I poured myself another glass of wine, and for some reason downed it quickly. I didn't have an explanation for why I was taking such silly measures, other than the fact that I sometimes did silly things. However, if Bastion were here he would consider such an action a stupid thing, especially considering my current standings with the queen, and his constant goading about the second mirror. Anyway, a few moments later, Ilia came back up from the lower level, and when I caught sight of her, I was more than surprised with how... different she looked. What she was hiding underneath those frumpy clothes was pretty stunning. Her usual wears were unflattering, and she wore them all the time.

Dear Farore, I thought.

I felt my eyes widen at her appearance.

She seemed pleased with my reaction and turned around and modeled for me. It was a gold sequin, two piece with a sheer overlay sewed around the bottoms down to the ankles. It wasn't so much the outfit, as it was how she was making the outfit look. I was quite surprised at how tiny and chiseled her flat belly was, that panned down to these rounded hips that were covered way too much by those ugly clothes she constantly wore. I probably would have had more of an inkling that she had such a great body if she wore something more flattering... kind of like she was now. However, peasant life didn't always afford such things. She complemented, not complimented, the outfit with a sheer veil with her shoulder length hair down. In short, she looked amazing.

"Do you like it?" she asked.

That was a loaded question.

I raised a brow and sat back.

"Uh..." I started, not sure what to say, "it's really nice. Did you make it yourself?"

She clapped her hands together, happy with my compliment.

"Perfect," she said, "see, I knew you would, and yes, I made it myself." She turned for me again, then asked, "would you like for me to dance for you?"

In all honesty, I wasn't sure I had a choice.

"O...kay," I said, and felt a little uncomfortable, but didn't relay that with words, "sure."

Ilia then took position and raised her hands in the air.

"Great, I'll show you three basic moves, then segue into the dance," she explained. "The first move is called a shimmy, it's a series of small quick motions starting from the abdominal muscles down to the hips. It's less complicated than it sounds, here, I'll show you."

With that, Ilia lifted her hands above her head and did the dance she just like she explained. It was a vibration like movement and I wasn't going to lie, it was very sexy. I raised my brow at how good at that she really was.

Someone's been practicing, I thought.

"Now," she continued on, "the next move set is what is called a percussive movement, or a staccato movement. It is generally based in the hips, but it allows for reverberation up and down the back. I'll turn around so you can see what I mean."

I was going to say something, but found myself speechless because I wasn't sure what I was protesting. This whole thing seemed a little contrived to me, and completely out of the ordinary, especially for Ilia. Even still, she performed her next move, and her hips looked like an elastic rubber band for a moment. It was fascinating that she could gyrate her pelvis so fast and so... perfectly. I gave her a minor applause when she finished, she then turned back around and bowed.

"Thank you, thank you," she said with a smile, "now the last move I'm going to show you is more like putting everything together. It's the fluidity of the movement. I read that being fluid in dance is the most important aspect of dance."

I gave her a quick once over and smirked.

"I see," I said quietly.

Ilia then took position again and basically did her other two moves together. However, it was a lot more natural looking and she didn't look like she was giving a lesson. It was actually pretty good. A moment later, she stopped.

"Okay," she said, "now that the lesson is over I'm going to perform my dance, but you have to promise you won't laugh."

I didn't understand why she even said that. Laughter was the farthest thing I was feeling right now.

"I wouldn't laugh at you Ilia," I said anyway.

Ilia smiled then took in a deep breath.

"Okay," she said, "here I go."

She gave herself a moment to breathe, but then a few seconds later she started her dance. She pranced and shimmied around the room looking and probably feeling like a sexy vixen. I had to admit she looked stunning, she didn't resemble the girl I was used to seeing on a day to day basis, and I was sure she worked hard to do that. She came back over to where I was and danced in front of me for a moment. She was looking at me with a confident smile, still shimmying away, when out of nowhere she plopped herself on my lap.

"Uh-" I tried, surprised.

"Shhh," she cooed in a flirtatious manner, "I just want to see if all that boasting was true."

I looked at her surprised and she winked at me.

"Ilia-" I tried again.

"It was a joke," she interrupted playfully, "stop being so serious, that isn't like you at all. What's the matter? You afraid you might not be able to control yourself?"

That's precisely what I was fearing. I didn't exactly want to have a hard on produced by my best friend. That would just be weird. I needed to put a stop to this nonsense before it got out of hand.

"Ilia come on," I replied, not answering her question, "you know if your father were here-"

"Daddy's sleep," she whispered, and put her finger to my lips, "you worry too much."

I raised my brows and swallowed hard at her tone.

This isn't like me? I wondered. What the hell has gotten into you?

She smiled at me and decided she had done enough teasing and got up.

"Alright you win, the dance is over," she said quietly.

I watched as she walked over to the other side of the table and poured herself another glass of wine. I wasn't going to pretend that this whole set of circumstances wasn't producing any red flags of concern for me, because it was. I got up and followed suit, deciding it was time to address it. I was standing behind her at the table, when suddenly she turned and gave me another one of those strange fake smiles.

What in the world is this all about? I wondered.

"I... think you've had enough of this for one evening," I said taking the flask from her, "You don't want to wake up later with a headache."

Ilia seemed to be ignoring me, but then surprised me with what she said next.

"You're absolutely right, I wouldn't want to wake with a headache," she started, then added, "or screaming in fear or terror, or moaning and whimpering like I'm in pain or something. Or my personal favorite, saying another person's name, and not just any person's, a woman's."

I was taken aback at her abrupt talk. I narrowed my eyes and looked at her in minor shock. So now the real reason why she came here was starting to surface. It wasn't for cookies, wine, or small talk, she had something serious she wanted to discuss and she had been avoiding the real issue. She was using all these other things as a diversion. Neither one of us said anything for the next few moments. I didn't want to lose the good vibes going between us, but what she said spoke droves to what she was really thinking. The silence lasted for another few seconds, until I decided to break it.

"Ilia what's the matter?" I asked finally. "What's going on?"

She avoided looking at me, and looked down at my shirt. She rolled her eyes in slight annoyance.

"You mean besides the usual worrying about whether or not you're going to die in that race?" she said sarcastically. "Nothing."

I didn't appreciate her tone, but I understood it.

"Ilia... I've been training for weeks now," I tried to reassure. "I-"

"Forget it," she interrupted, shaking her head, "I've given up on trying to convince you otherwise. You're too pigheaded."

There was another brief silence between us after that, but one that was thoughtful and tense. Again, I decided to break it. I wanted clarification on what she spoke on a moment ago.

"What did you mean by insinuating that I said another woman's name?" I asked all of a sudden.

Ilia was quiet for a second and looked down at the table.

"I meant what I said," she replied.

I pursed my lips together, having a feeling I knew where this was going to lead.

Dear Hylia please tell me I didn't say Zelda's name aloud when I was sleep, I thought, that would only open up a whole new host of problems for me.

"Who's name did I say?" I asked.

Ilia suddenly looked upset, like she didn't want to reveal it.

I felt a small dread in relation to that.

Oh no, I thought.

"Ilia please..." I said quietly.

Ilia looked up at me just then. She shook her head and sighed.

"I really don't know," she replied, which I found odd,

I raised a brow and stared back.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked.

Ilia hesitated for a moment and looked away again.

"It's just the name didn't ring familiar to me," she tried to circumvent.

I was suddenly alerted to that, knowing that if it were Zelda's name that was said Ilia wouldn't have been confused at all. Given what she just stated, what she was possibly thinking was probably true, but I needed her to be more forthcoming.

"Ilia come on," I urged, "don't give me the run around. What did I say?"

She paused again and started twiddling with her fingers. She then turned to face me full on and rested her head on my chest suddenly. She wrapped her arms around my waist and held me tight. She didn't look up at me.

"Who's... who's Midna?" she asked softly.

I felt my stomach drop at her words, having a feeling that that was the name she was going to say. I froze after hearing that, thinking that if I didn't acknowledge Midna's presence, that my feelings for her would go away. I already told myself that I was going to tell Zelda I loved her, so there was no room for discord regarding that right now. Midna was gone, and nothing was going to bring her back. Nothing. Even still, at the mentioning of her name my eyes widened and I suddenly felt my heart accelerate. Midna still had that kind of effect on me.

"What?" I asked, pretending I didn't hear her correctly.

Ilia didn't move, I was sure she knew I was stalling. She sighed and repeated her question.

"Who's Midna?" she asked again.

I felt my throat tighten.

"She's nobody," I said quietly.

Ilia shook her head and sighed.

"You're a liar," she whispered, "I hear you say her name all the time in your sleep."

That was news to me, but I still found it odd that she knew that when she was supposed to be at home sleeping herself.

Does she come to check up on me in the middle of the night or something? I wondered. How does she know this?

I let the inquiry go to the wayside for now.

"Why do you want to know who she is?" I asked, which was a stupid thing to do, because it only made me look suspicious.

Ilia pursed her lips together.

"Because apparently whoever she was, or is, she's important to you," she divulged. "Every time I go to make soap in the stream, and I hear you talking in your sleep. Sometimes it'll be a nightmare, other times it'll be something else. However, there's only one name you ever say... you always say Midna. 'Midna are you alright?' Midna I'm coming for you!' 'Midna I'm here,' things like that. You always sound like you're worried about her. I just wanted to know if she was real."

I stood looking down at my friend, feeling a little numb with what she was telling me. I was still dreaming about her... still wishing I had access to her. I thought I had let that all go.

What in the world do I say now? I wondered.

Just try to be honest.

I took in a deep sigh.

"Um... yeah," I said finally, "she was real."

Ilia was silent for a moment. She hugged me tighter and sighed.

"You want to share anything else?" she asked quietly. "The least I can do is listen. Who was she? Why did you sound so worried about her?"

I pursed my lips together, not really ready or sure I should have this discussion, but the cat was out of the proverbial bag now. There was very little I could back stride on. Ilia heard me say her name. I couldn't un-say it.

You might as well come clean about that, I thought, it isn't like you'll ever see her again.

I took in a deep sigh, as a serious expression came across my face.

"She... she assisted me on my quest," I divulged, "she was a great help to me when times were dire. She even risked her life to save me once."

Ilia pulled away from my chest and looked up at me. I didn't meet her gaze. There was another brief silence between us.

"She was special to you, wasn't she?" she asked.

I swallowed hard, not wanting to answer that question, because I had already made it up in my mind to let her go.

Midna was gone and there was no getting her back, I tried to convince myself again.

"She was," I said anyway.

I was being honest.

Ilia bit her lower lip.

"Did she comfort you when you alone and scared?" she asked.

I felt my eyes narrow involuntarily.

Was that a question that really needed answering? I wondered.

I didn't know why I asked myself that.

"Yeah, she did," I said, trying to make light of it.

I looked away from her.

I didn't like showing this side of myself.

I didn't like being vulnerable.

Ilia could see I wasn't comfortable with this conversation.

"Well," she said finally, "I'm glad she was there for you, and you were there for her."

I couldn't argue with her on that.

Me too, I thought.

I forced a grin.

"So am I," I said honest.

Ilia's eyes searched my face. I was still looking away from her, and there was another brief silence between us.

"You were in love with her, weren't you?" she asked suddenly.

I closed my eyes at hearing that.

I did not want to discuss that.

I was not going to discuss that, but I think she already knew the answer given my actions.

"Ilia..." I trailed.

However, my best friend was persistent.

"It's okay Link," she reassured quietly, "sometimes it's best just to let it out." She paused for a moment then said, "You should be able to do that. You could do anything for one who you love."

I was going to reply to that, but for some odd reason, my head began to throb uncontrollably. It was a fixated pain, coursing, and pulsating through my veins. I had to let Ilia go and step back when my body suddenly felt both hot and cold. I grabbed the abridging of my nose and squeezed my eyelids shut when a rush of energy seemed to go through me. It was one of the craziest feelings I had ever experienced, and I assumed the discomfort was going to last longer. However, as soon as the occurrence happened it ceased.

Seriously.

It just stopped as if it never even took place.

This was beyond bizarre.

What in Hylia's dear name-? I wondered perplexed, but then opened my eyes and was in for an unusual surprise.

I felt them widen in astonishment.

"Sweet goddesses!" I whispered as I stared at my best friend.

There, standing in front of me, was no longer Ilia's countenance, but... Midna's instead. I stepped back again from the disbelief now surging inside me. Ilia's green eyes were now amber and her normally light blonde hair was ginger red and flowing down her back. Her creamy pale skin was now tented with a blue hue. I couldn't believe it, but she looked just like Midna. Just like her and I didn't know why!

She took a step towards me.

"What's wrong?" she whispered.

I shook my head, knowing my mind was playing tricks on me.

What was in that wine? I discerned. Was it spiked with something?

"Ilia..." I trailed, not knowing what else to say.

She walked towards me, and that sweet voice and those beautiful eyes were captivating.

Why do you look like that? I wanted to ask her, but didn't.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "What do you see?"

Those questions should have red flagged me, but unfortunately I was too caught up in what was going on, that I didn't catch it.

"I... I see you," I said, not knowing what I was saying at all, "I see you..."

Midna, I wanted to add so badly, but why?

She came up to me and touched me on my shoulder after that.

"You seem startled," she said softly, which was an understatement, "was it my mentioning Midna's name?"

I swallowed hard.

"No," I said honestly.

It was the fact that she now had her goddamn face. I took a step back.

"What's the matter?" she asked concerned.

I shook my head, and her voice was giving way to Midna's voice. Ilia's everything was giving way to Midna's everything. This was insane.

Sweet Hylia help me, I thought.

"Link please say something," Midna asked but then suddenly got indignant, "or do you feel you can no longer talk to me because I'm not your precious Midna?"

I wasn't thinking that at all. I was just too shocked at what was happening here. This was just like the Red Lantern District, just like it.

Midna's visage gave way to an expression of contempt. Those amber eyes stared back into mine and I felt my heart stop for a second.

"I can't believe this," I whispered finally, and I was sure Ilia didn't understand what I meant.

Midna sighed and shook her red hair.

"What can't you believe?" she asked. "What aren't you saying?"

I shook my head.

"Nothing," I said taking another step back, looking at that blue skin, relishing in that red hair, getting lost in those amber eyes, "nothing at all."

Midna narrowed her eyes at me.

"What's the matter with you?" she demanded. "You're not supposed to be acting this way! Why haven't you told me you loved me yet?"

All I could see was Midna's face saying these words to me.

"I do love you," I confessed, "you have no idea how much."

Midna shook her head in disbelief.

"You're a liar!" she went on accusing.

I shook my head and swallowed hard.

"That isn't true," I insisted, "don't say something like that to me. You have no right."

Midna narrowed her eyes even more.

"Then prove it," she taunted with that beautiful mouth.

I didn't react right away, but I was tempted. Good goddesses, I was tempted.

"You don't want me to do that," I warned.

She didn't back down.

"Why wouldn't I?" she demanded.

I shook my head again, wanting some mental clarity.

"I'm telling you, I-" I tried.

"Show me!" she interrupted. "Why are you acting like a coward who's lost his tongue? If you love me show me Link! Show me, goddamn you"

I was breathing hard at her taunts and her words, and I didn't say anything else. I stared into those amber eyes and wanted her like I never wanted another woman before in my life entire

Zelda... I'm sorry, I thought.

Then without further interruption from the apparition in front of me, I took her in my arms and kissed her like I was never going to see her again. Yes, my passion for her was that intense.

~SSS~

Ilia's POV

~SKIP~

I was hardly expecting a reaction like this, but I quickly regained my footing as I toppled backwards onto Link's mattress. His arms were gripped around me tight and he wouldn't stop kissing me with a hunger and ardency I didn't know he could possess. He was also a lot stronger than I gave him credit for. I knew he was strong, but I didn't know he could lift me like a feather weight without the beckoning of a word. I tried to pull back from the kiss, but that was proving difficult, and I was more surprised when I felt him starting to undress me.

This is really happening, I thought, feeling a happiness mixed with a confusion and guilt I didn't completely understand.

This was what I wanted.

This was what I planned for.

Link pulled back to stare me in the eyes.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered in this deep husky voice, "I can't seem to get enough of you."

His words were like music to my ears.

I reached up and caressed his cheek.

"This is all I ever wanted Link," I whispered back, "I love you so much."

He stroked his hand over my cheek and kissed me again. His mouth was even more intense than before. I thought he was going to continue with that, but he paused for a moment and took off the night shirt he was wearing. I wasn't going to pretend I wasn't nervous with him being as aggressive as he was, but I wasn't going to pretend I didn't like it either. I stared at his prefect upper body for a moment and felt my heart flutter: those chiseled pectorals, that hard muscular stomach, those huge shoulders and arms- he was built like a statue. However, it fluttered even more when he pulled my sheer pants down and unbuckled my shimmery bustier, leaving me only in my gypsy bottom wear now. He stared at me for a second with an unbridled lust, and I never saw him look at me that way before. It actually made me a little more nervous.

This is beyond anything I could have dreamed of, I thought.

His gaze was unshakable.

"What is it?" I asked finally.

He didn't reply right away and shook his head. He ran his hands over my unclothed breasts.

"I was just admiring how perfect you are," he said with a husky undertone.

That made me blush.

When he ran his hands over my breasts again, it made me blush more.

"Thank you," I said, and involuntarily crossed my arms over my chest after feeling him do that.

Link shook his head again.

"No, no, no none of that," he whispered, "there's no need to act shy now. The cat's out of the bag missy. You've completely disavowed that notion."

I looked at him surprised and undid my arms once more.

"I guess that is true," I whispered back.

He smirked at me.

"It's more than an 'I guess'," he whispered, "that's a certainty."

He then came down on top of me and kissed me again, but this time he made a trail from my forehead to my lips. His hands meanwhile were slowly working there way down my legs. Goddesses, his touch was like fire, and when his mouth slid down my neck in this slow sucking motion I thought I was going to have a minor heart attack. He stroked my hair off my forehead and stared into my eyes again.

"I want you to finish undressing for me," he whispered, and I wasn't expecting him to say that, "I want to watch you shimmy out of those things like you did in your little dance."

I felt my heart pound faster.

"What?" I asked.

Link smiled at me and a smirk crossed his handsome face again. His hand stroked over my thigh confidently just then.

"You really think I don't see past this little act of innocence?" he whispered inches above my lips. "Why did you do that Gerudo belly dance the way you did if you didn't want to see a reaction? Why did you come here so late knowing it was just going to be you and I and no one else?"

I felt my eyes widen.

He had everything pegged perfectly.

"I-"

"Shhh," he interrupted with his forefinger, "you're not supposed to reply, you're supposed to just agree. Do you agree?"

I had never seen him like this before. I didn't think he was capable of such sensuousness. He was always that reckless guy who put too much on himself, but I had no idea he could be anything like this.

"I-I agree," I whispered.

He stared into my eyes like he was staring into my soul. His smile faded for a little bit.

"Good," he replied, then he came down and kissed me again.

I was getting caught up with how soft and wet his mouth was to really understand what he was saying. He had the most incredible mouth in the world, but I wasn't prepared for what he did to me next. I was running my hands through his perfectly un-perfect hair, when I felt him remove my underwear himself. I guess he couldn't wait for the shimmy, because I was prepared to do it for him. Honestly, I was prepared to do anything for him that night. I cared for him that much. However, even still, I immediately pulled back from the kiss and looked at him surprised at my abrupt nakedness.

"Link wait-"

"There is no waiting," he interrupted and kissed me again.

I was going to protest again, but stopped myself when I felt this strong tuft of muscle work it's way slowly into my feminine orifice. I felt my eyes widen at the sudden invasion and stiffened, but then a moment later I felt like I melted like chu jelly, and I relaxed a little. It took me a moment to realize it was his fingers, but that didn't prevent my body from reacting on its own. I immediately felt this wet sticky sensation between my legs. Even still, that didn't stop his teasing probe, and I thought I was going to pass out from the pleasure it was giving me.

Link looked at me seriously just then.

"How does it feel?" he asked me.

I didn't answer right away as he went a little deeper.

"Link..." I gasped.

This time he grinned.

"How does it feel?" he asked me again.

I was breathing hard, finding it hard to catch my breath.

"Oh my goddess!" I whispered, shocked and felt my head arch slightly in the pillows. "Ah! That feels incredible!" I gasped again.

I kept my eyes closed as he went on, but I was soon called to beckon them open again. It seemed as though Link wasn't going to let me get away with acting shy again. His reasoning was probably this: if we were going to do this we were going to do this all the way, without the pretentiousness... well, without a certain measure of pretentiousness. The spiked wine was still in play here. Anyway, he probably figured with the way I came here, gave him a drink, did a sexy dance, and demanded him to react this way that I didn't have a right to act coy. He was going to make me face this head on for what it really was.

"Look at me," Link whispered.

I turned red and didn't obey.

"Look at me," he whispered again.

Something in his tone was compelling, and I finally did as he said. I was scared because his gaze was so intense, but it soon softened to one of tenderness. He stroked my hair again against the pillows. He came a little closer and kissed the tip of my nose.

"I love you," he whispered, and I felt my heart stop.

I wasn't sure what to say to that. I had been longing for those words from him for years. I blinked several times to make sure this was real, or as real as it could be.

It was.

"I... I love you too," I whispered back.

Link looked at me seriously just then and came down and kissed me once more. I couldn't have felt more happy or relieved. Love for some people was such a fickle thing.

I can't believe he just said that to me, I thought ecstatic, I can't!

Link continued with his sensuous lovemaking, and I felt as giddy as a school girl. This was the happiest moment of my life. In fact, I was so happy I wanted him to say it again. I pulled back from the kiss and stared into his eyes.

"Tell me how you feel again," I said softly, "now, I can't get enough from you."

He grinned at me and stroked my cheek with his free hand.

"Don't you think you're being a little greedy?" he asked.

I grinned at his teasing.

"Don't you think I have a right to be a little greedy?" I asked.

Link chuckled and stroked my cheek again. He stared into my eyes once more.

"Alright then," he said, "I love you... Midna."

I froze immediately at his words, but Link had no qualms about coming down and kissing me again. However, I suddenly felt numb due to his utterance.

What in the world? Midna? I thought confused. As in the woman he was just telling me about? That's who he was imagining all this time? Why isn't he seeing me? Was I kidding myself? Am I completely out of the loop?

I didn't let myself ponder on that too much because suddenly I felt this surge of pleasure course up and down my back, making me forget everything I was concerned with temporarily. I looked down and saw that his hand had been replaced with his... manhood, and even though it hurt a little, it still felt incredibly good. Soon I completely forgot what I was worried about and got lost in what was happening between us. This was all part of the plan, and hopefully in a few weeks I'd have the results I was seeking.

I kissed Link harder and held him close.

It won't matter one way or another if you're thinking about Midna, the girl you slept with, or any other woman, I thought, reeling from the intense pleasure. Soon you're going to belong to me... only to me.

~DONE~