Inspiration: Marshawn Lynch (beast mode), The Heiress 1949 with Olivia De Havillon. The transition from Olivia's character at the beginning of the movie to the end is something you have to see to understand.
Shout Out: Katsuo2 and Clover thank you.
Author Note: I'm a little bit of a classic movie person. I love the old black and whites. ~ZR~.
Reedited 10/12/2014, and 11/28/2014.
Word Count: 13,023
Chapter 17
One Week Later: Ordon Village
The next week had become a haze of habit, and even though I didn't win the gala, the people were boasting about my aerial feats during the 'fireworks show' as they liked to call it. Amazingly, after everything was said and done, I was still head of the CIT and business went on as usual. However, Queen Zelda hadn't called for me since I saw her last in Dragon Roost. I wasn't surprised about that, and I suspected she was going to be hurt for quite awhile now that the truth was out in the open. I kept wishing I could take some of the things I said back, but there was no denying any of it now. What was done was done, and the queen had legitimate reasons for being discontent with me. I wasn't going to try and make her feel otherwise. She had a right to feel what she felt. I'll never get that image of her standing there under all the star dust of Emiry Tower, crying her eyes out from my head. Even still, I just hoped one day she would forgive me.
Zelda... I thought with a trail.
Moving on, Ordon was Ordon, with the added exception of the ever roving eyes of Ilia and her father Bo. They were both as watchful of me as ever since the news of Ilia's pregnancy. I had to pause for a moment and really contemplate that reality. It was still hard for me to believe... I was going to be a daddy. I never thought that would be the story for me at twenty-one. I always thought I would travel the world once more, have a few new adventures, or continue my training and education before I settled down. But, then again, I thought I was going to be settling down with a certain twilight princess who was now a queen. My confession about being in love with her wasn't mere lip service, but I was wondering if part of my intensity of feeling was due to my being in love with a fantasy I had of wanting to be with Midna. Midna was a beautiful, wonderful woman, but I had to be honest and wonder if she was thinking about me in the same way I was thinking about her. When I first met her I really didn't even like her. When did I fall in love with her? When she saved my life? When I saved hers? Did she miss me? Was she in love with me? Had she moved on? Was there anything ever there on her behalf to begin with? Was I just dreaming with her like I was with Zelda? There were all these questions and no answers.
That's life I suppose, I thought.
Then of course there was the ever present question about whether the second Mirror of Twilight even existed. Bastion initially said it to me to invoke a fire in me to go hunting for whatever the Rue Morgues were after. However, after finding the Gufu Key and the Demanded Flower it was no longer a concern of his, but the inquiry never completely left my mind. What if there was a second mirror? What if there was a way to find Midna out there somewhere? What if I still had an opportunity to come clean to her for the sake of closure? I knew a life with her would be out of the question, especially given my situation now with Ilia, but it would be nice to be dissolved of all these lingering doubts I had.
I'll probably never know for certain, I thought.
Switching course and speaking of Ilia, for whatever reason she seemed happier now more than ever. When she initially told me about her pregnancy, she seemed terrified of the prospect, but given her time to ponder over the idea this past week, her terror turned to ecstasy. She seemed truly over joyed that she was going to be my future wife. She was already making plans to build a bigger home, or perhaps see if we could move to Castle Town for business reasons. There was no real proposal in our regard, but there was no way I was not going to take care of my responsibilities. Ilia knew that about me, and that was why she felt so comfortable and so secure about us getting married. No one in the village knew yet besides Bo, and I wanted to keep it that way as long as possible. I didn't want to appear like an irresponsible jerk, but I felt not announcing it didn't quite make it real yet. I knew that was foolish thinking, but it was how my mind operated. Some how, some way, I wanted to undo what had been done. I knew that was wrong, but it was truly how I felt. Hylia help me for having such thoughts, but it was what it was.
Anyway, I was currently getting ready to head to the castle. The counter insurgency team was still in full swing, and all of the things that were suggested for the kingdom were implemented. I had a feeling most of that reasoning was due to how wrong Xavier had been in nearly letting his people suffer the consequences of his pride. The manufacturing contracts were levied, certain trade embargoes with Dragon Roost were lifted, and a tax relief of two percent for the people was added as an extra incentive. I knew many of the citizens would praise me for that, but that mandate was added by her majesty Queen Zelda herself. It was a very kind gesture. The more disposable income people had, the more they would be willing to invest in Hyrule's economy.
It wasn't a hard concept to grasp.
Even with all the good news to report, there was still the threat of the Rue Morgues. I didn't know what they were up to and where they were hiding, but I was sure they wouldn't stop until they found a way to bring Vaati back. They were so close to their intended goal that I was certain they would strike again, and again soon. The items related to bringing Vaati back, the Gufu Key and the Demanded Flower, were still in their possession, so there was a chance they were looking for a different means to use them. How and what that means was were the questions. This was actually the new endeavor of my team. We weren't going to stop until we brought the Rue Morgues to justice. They weren't going to escape this time. Wherever those bastards were hiding we were going to find them.
I looked in the mirror at my reflection and sighed at the man staring back at me. He had certainly gotten himself into a lot of trouble, didn't he? It didn't matter now. I was just going to have to deal with it and learn to be content with the cards now given to me. I straightened the bottom of my green tunic, and then headed for my door out of the house. However, to my surprise and quite honestly my slight displeasure, I came face to face with an unexpected but expected visitor. It was Ilia, and by the look on her face I couldn't tell whether she was happy to see me or not. I tried not to be bothered by her presence, but she had been popping up every now and then without letting me know in advance for the past few days now. It was becoming an annoyance. I liked my privacy. She needed to understand we weren't married yet.
I avoided rolling my eyes in front of her.
Oh boy, I thought.
I forced a smile.
"Good morning Ilia," I greeted, "what's going on?"
She sighed and crossed her arms over her chest, that's how I knew this wasn't going to go well.
"Where are you going?" she demanded, without greeting me back.
I looked at her mildly perplexed.
Is she serious? I wondered.
She knew exactly where I was going. It was the same place I went to every morning.
"I'm going to the castle," I replied.
She rolled her eyes and looked away when I said that.
"I thought so," she muttered more to herself than to me, "it figures you would be going there."
I didn't understand why she was acting so surprised, she knew I had to go. I was my job.
I raised a brow and looked her over.
"So... what's the problem?" I asked.
She cut her eyes back to me and narrowed them slightly.
"What's the problem?" she repeated incredulously.
I was taken aback at her tone.
Good lord, what did I do now? I thought.
"Yes Ilia," I said, not bothering to hide my irritation, "what's the problem?"
She scoffed and shook her head.
"The problem is you haven't told anyone in the village we're going to get married yet Link," she replied, "when are you going to do that?"
I took in a deep sigh and tried to hide my annoyance with her tone. I really didn't have time for this nonsense right now.
"I'll do it soon," I said, then went past her and headed down the ladder.
Ilia's eyes widened and she seemed offended that I was brushing her off. I didn't care, she could nag me at another time. However, she hurried down the ladder after me anyway.
"Link wait!" she called to me.
I halted in my footsteps and closed my eyes. I was getting tired of this already. We weren't even married and I was getting tired of this already.
"Yes?" I asked, not bothering to turn around.
Ilia came in front of me to face me. Her eyes searched my face angrily.
"I think you need to prioritize what's important to you Link," she said. "Right now, your job is taking precedent over everything else."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing from her. Did she not know what I did? Did she not understand that it was important?
"Ilia-" I tried.
She took a step towards me.
"I'm having your baby Link and you need to accept that fact!" she interrupted vehemently. "Now if you have a problem dealing with that, that's too bad! You should have thought about that before you decided to lay down with me! If you don't tell the village soon, I will!"
I looked at her incredulously for a moment. I couldn't believe she was threatening me like this when I just found out about this a week ago. A week ago! What the hell did she want me to do? Sing it from the damn rooftops that she was going to be my wife? Ilia didn't want to know the reality of what I was thinking. In reality, I hated the idea of being saddled to her for the rest of my life. In reality, I would have rathered the mother of my children to be a much different woman. In reality, I wanted to get away from her and this goddess forsaken village in the middle of nowhere. Yes, I had grown up with Ilia and she was a dear friend to me. Yes, I was aware I was just as much at fault as she was when it came to the mistake we made. Yes, I was aware that she had a natural bossy tendency. However, she wasn't acting like the kind, funny girl I grew up with. That girl seemed to have been long gone. Ilia was now acting like a jealous, insecure woman who was more prone to keeping her eyes on me to control me than anything else. Well, I had news for her, I wasn't the type of man that was going to be controlled. I didn't take kindly to threats, no matter who they were from.
I took a step towards her and narrowed my eyes in contempt.
"Look, I get that you want things to be the way you want them Ilia, but that isn't how this works," I replied. "You know damn well it's the custom of Hylian culture for the man to ask for the woman's hand in marriage. You jumping the rupee on that only makes you look desperate. So, don't ever threaten me to do what needs to be done. I'll announce what needs to be announced when I'm good and ready. Until then, you're going to have to wait."
She looked at me surprised.
"Link-" she tried.
I involuntarily took hold of her elbow and pulled her towards me. She looked at me stunned and a little afraid.
"One more thing," I interrupted in a whisper, "don't you ever threaten me! I mean it! I gave up a lot for you. The least you can be is grateful."
With that, I inadvertently pushed her away from me and walked past her. Ilia looked after me shocked, but didn't try to stop me this time. When I entered the alcove where Epona was, I closed my eyes and rested my head against the side of my mare before I mounted her. My good old horse was snorting thoughtfully as if she were trying to give me advice and comfort me. I appreciated her efforts even if it wasn't what she intended, in a way it made me feel better. I sighed in a minor relief and afterwards, I mounted her, and directed her towards the exit. When I was in the clearing leading to Faron Woods, I was going to take off, but was surprised again when I saw Ilia was there waiting for me. She was just looking at me with a despondent expression on her face, but I could tell she wished she hadn't put her foot in her mouth. I stared at her for just a moment, but then cut my eyes away from her and giddied Epona away in the opposite direction.
"Giddy up!" I ordered.
I took off on my mare and headed for Hyrule Castle without looking back, and secretly wishing in some ways that I didn't have to come back. Like I stated before, Hylia help me for having such thoughts.
~SSS~
Hyrule Castle, outside the Situation Room
I arrived in Hyrule about an hour later. I was trying to focus and put the negative interaction with Ilia out of my mind, when I caught sight of Shad walking towards me in the opposite direction in the hall towards the Situation Room. I hadn't seen the good ole scholar in a good while, and since he was working so closely with Queen Zelda, he wasn't mandated to to work with the counter insurgency team at full capacity any longer. However, I did wonder how his research was going on the twilight sickness. Most soldiers exposed to it were better without any real medical attention, and for me I wasn't sure if I needed any help any longer. After the purges and the absence of those otherwordly creatures trying to subdue me, I wasn't exhibiting signs of the illness any longer. I still had my nightmares, but they were more in line with my post traumatic stress than anything. However, the purges were completely gone, the night sweats were to a minimum, and the nausea they induced was eradicated. I stopped short of making my way down the hall when Shad flagged me down and pulled me to the side to speak with me in private. I looked at him puzzled for a moment.
What's this all about I thought? I thought.
"Good morning to you to," I said with a little humor, hoping to lighten the mood.
Shad didn't return my greeting and raised a brow.
"What is going on between you and the queen?" he asked, getting straight to the point.
I looked at him surprised, knowing he was only asking that question because he had obviously heard something.
"Nothing that I know of," I replied and raised a brow, "why?"
Shad took in a deep sigh and shook his head.
"Are you certain?" he pressed.
I wasn't liking the sound of this.
"Yes," I said, my concern was growing, "Shad, what's going on?"
Shad once again sighed and scratched the back of his neck.
"It's nothing I suppose, but her majesty isn't herself these days," he divulged, "she's confined herself to her room and hasn't taken audiences in her court in over three days. People are starting to worry about her health."
I looked at him shocked.
"What? Three days?" I repeated. "Well, are you certain she's ill? Are you certain it's nothing else?"
Shad shook his head.
"I don't know," he replied, "she won't speak with me or anybody for that matter, and that was when I realized she hadn't called for you since she returned from Dragon Roost. Knowing that she is quite fond of you, I was surprised she hadn't spoken to you in so long. I just wanted to know if you knew anything about her condition."
I looked away, which immediately alerted the scholar that I knew something. When he put it the way he did, I knew plenty about what was going on with her, and considering the fragile state of our relationship, I was probably the last man that could do anything about it.
Shad raised a quizzical brow at my gestures.
"Link?" he inquired.
This was a subject I wanted to avoid for now.
"I... I'm afraid I don't really know what's going on with her majesty," I fibbed, "she's probably just tired from her journey. I'm sure she'll return to taking audiences soon. Possibly in the next few days."
Shad paused for a moment and studied my expression. He could probably tell from the tone in my voice that I wasn't being altogether honest with him, but he was also aware that he was too out of the loop with what was going on to question it.
"I see," was all he said in reply, then added, "well, if you could do me a favor and call on her yourself when you get the opportunity it would be most appreciated. I'm sure she would be glad to see you if you called on her."
I wasn't sure if I heard that right, but I sensed an undercurrent of jealousy in his tone. Maybe I was just hearing things, but his suggestion too was a consideration of futility. The last person, and I mean the last person Zelda wanted to see was me. Even still, I was worried about her staying in her room all this time. It wasn't healthy for her or her image to stay confined in one place. The gossip mavens would have a field day, suggesting that she was starting to succumb to the pressures of the throne. I didn't want that for her, and I knew she was stronger than this. I just hated that I was the reason for her acting like a recluse right now.
Damn your impulsiveness Link, I told myself.
"I... I-um, I'll see what I can do," I said, not sounding very convincing at all.
Shad again studied me for a moment before nodding slowly.
"Thank you," he replied, "that would be greatly appreciated. Queen Zelda needs all of her allies at this time."
I raised a brow and hesitated for a second. There was that undertone again, but before I had time to question it, Shad nodded and went about his way. When he walked past me, I turned and looked after him as he continued down the corridor. For him to stop me and ask me personally about the queen must have meant that something seriously upsetting was going on. I hoped Zelda's constitution was okay. I hated the thought of her getting sick because of me. She was a strong woman, one of the strongest women I knew, but that still didn't exempt the fact of her being Hylian. I would have to think of something soon to rationalize a proper audience with her. What that was going to be was still up in the air.
I took in another sigh and continued to the Situation Room. I had to redirect my thinking and focus on what was important in the here and now. Once I was inside, I was greeted by Auru, Ashei, and Bastion. Telma was no longer a full time member as she was now a happily married woman. She reasoned that the CIT would take too much time away from her, her new family, and her bartending business, so she decided to act as a proxy part time member. Ashei and Bastion too had recently gotten married only a few days ago in a simple ceremony right outside of Castle Town. I told the couple to take a two weeks off for a proper honeymoon, but they wouldn't think of it. They reasoned that with Vincent and Morgana still at large there was no way they could lounge around in luxury for two weeks. With that rationale I completely understood, but as soon as this all was over I wanted them to have some alone time for the sake of their marriage. I didn't want their lives to only be the CIT. They needed to think of their baby and each other. I also reassigned Ashei to light duty considering her pregnancy. I wasn't going to have her running around looking for spies with a little one growing inside of her. She also no longer wore her armor to work, which was a good thing considering all of the heat it induced. In these last few days she was dressed more formally in lady's wear, and since her belly was still flat, she was now showing off her killer figure in the gowns she wore. All I could do was look; Bastion was a fortunate bastard.
Auru was the first to greet me when I came in and sat down.
"Good morning Master Link," he said.
I nodded.
"Good morning," I greeted back.
I sat back and studied the older soldier for a moment and realized he had some explaining to do. Ever since Ashei told me that her father was the spy we were all looking for, I had been leery about Auru's inevitable reappearance. Why in the world was he spying on us, and what could possibly be his motive? I hadn't seen him in weeks, but I was aware that he had been in Dragon Roost on some business. I certainly could have used his help during the whole Vaati incident, but I wasn't sure if he was there on a separate matter concerning her majesty. Even still, he was here now, and the trust wasn't necessarily gone, but I wasn't just going to jump for joy now that he was back, and divulge everything I found out to him either. As far as I was concerned we had been burned by him, and if he wanted our trust back he needed to come clean, and I meant about everything. I wanted to know why he felt it was necessary to take such measures against the people he was supposed to have the most confidence in.
"Good morning," Bastion and Ashei said in unison before sitting down.
I looked over at Auru before commencing, and I guess he could see it in my eyes that I wasn't pleased with being in the dark for so long. The soldier then stood up and cleared his throat in preparation to speak. He was preempting what I was wanting him to do.
"I suppose I owe you all an explanation," he said, not beating around the bush.
I raised a brow and sat back.
That was putting it lightly.
"That would be nice," I replied.
Auru sighed and shrugged.
"I won't mince words," he stated, "I was wrong for keeping you all in the dark for so long, but it was important for me to maintain secrecy."
I and everyone understood that.
"No one is going to fault you for that Auru," I replied.
He grunted.
"I appreciate that, but that really isn't an excuse for my behavior," he replied, "and because of such I think everyone in this room deserves to know the truth... the real truth."
I bucked my head a little and was taken slightly aback at his words. I looked over at Ashei who seemed to be slightly stunned as well. What in the world was Auru talking about? The only person not too shocked at what was being said was Bastion, and that was interesting.
"Father..." Ashei said with a little unease, "what do you mean the real truth? What's going on?"
That was exactly what I wanted to know, but before Auru said anything, he went about the room to check for any bugs. Realizing what he was about to tell us was of the utmost importance, the rest of us got up and scouted the room with him. There was nothing to be found anywhere, but that wasn't too telling. We went through a debugging process before and after our meetings ever since the first spy crystal was found. After being reassured that the area was clear, we all sat back down at the table awaiting Auru's revelation. The older soldier decided to keep standing.
He went on.
"Ashei my dear, Master Link... I realize I haven't been altogether honest with you two considering my dealings with certain... factions in society," he revealed, "but I think you both have a right to know about them now."
I found it interesting that he conveniently left out Bastion regarding this divulgence.
Ashei narrowed her eyes slightly and her unease grew. "Daddy... what are you talking about?"
Auru avoided her eyes for a moment then took in a deep breath. "I'm talking about the truth my love," he said to her.
That didn't dispel any troublesome thoughts on Ashei's behalf.
"What are you speaking of?" she asked. "What truth?"
I was just thinking the same thing.
Auru pursed his lips together thoughtfully. "I'm... I'm a headmaster in the secret society known as The Brotherhood of Hyrule."
Ashei gasped in disbelief and looked at him stunned. I too looked at him in complete and utter astonishment. This was suddenly surreal.
"What?" she whispered.
Auru didn't try to sugarcoat it.
"I know that is a lot to digest, but it's true," he said.
Ashei shook her head trying to snap herself back to reality. There was no helping the poor girl, she was already here.
"Is that how you knew about the Four Sword?" she inquired.
Now I looked over at her in surprise. I wasn't expecting to hear that.
"Is that how you got it?" I asked her, then looked over at Auru. "From your father?"
Ashei nodded, keeping her attention on the older soldier.
"I'll be damned," I said to myself.
I looked over at Bastion who wasn't surprised at any of the news at all, and I wasn't going to lie, that was irritating to me. What the hell was he hiding now? I narrowed my eyes at him.
Wait a minute, I thought, what's going on here?
"Did you already know about this?" I demanded of Bastion.
The younger soldier cut his eyes to me and looked serious. "Huh?" he asked.
Was he serious?
That was his reply?
A damn 'huh'?
"You heard what I said," I replied impatiently, "stop trying to stall."
Bastion didn't appreciate my dig.
"Link-" he tried.
"Cut the nonsense Bastion," I interrupted, "you might as well come clean now."
Bastion looked away from me and sighed. He finally decided to stop being evasive.
"Okay, fine, yes, I knew," he said, "but only during the gala, that was when I found out."
Ashei then turned to her husband surprised. "Are you kidding me?" she demanded upset. "You knew about this and kept it from me?"
Bastion groaned and shook his head, knowing this was a 'lose lose' situation. "You don't understand," he replied, "I couldn't say anything."
Ashei wasn't buying that.
"Why?" she demanded. "That doesn't make any sense."
I was thrown for a loop too, but I understood Bastion's reasoning better than his wife considering I knew his own affiliations with the sect.
"That's because he's a member too Ashei," I disclosed.
Ashei looked beyond astonished when that revelation was unveiled. She widened her eyes and looked at me stunned. "What?" she whispered.
Bastion looked down at the table and didn't say a word after my divulgence.
The room fell silent after that.
"You were a part of the Brotherhood of Hyrule, and you didn't think to tell me?" she inquired breaking it.
I gave Ashei a wayward stare, assured that no one who was associated with the brotherhood divulged that secret readily. The reason the two of them were even remotely conscience of revealing this now must have been due to some erroneous circumstances. Something had to happen to make Auru come clean like this, otherwise he would never put himself at undue risk. It was too much of a gamble.
"Ashei-" I tried in Bastion's defense.
Ashei then turned her anger on me.
"How did you even know about this Link?" she demanded of me. "Why are you more in the know than me?"
I hesitated for a second, realizing the dilemma I just created for myself. I saw no other way out but just to come clean.
"Uh... Bastion told me," I confessed, "a little while ago."
I think I may have made things a little too hot for the newlywed soldier.
Ashei cut her eyes back to her husband. "You told your best friend before me?" she demanded. "What the hell Bastion? I'm your wife!"
Bastion groaned in frustration. "Ashei I wouldn't have even told Link if he didn't find out by his own investigative means," he stated. "You need to understand something, the only reason I knew about your father was because he revealed himself in front of Vincent and me."
When Bastion disclosed that, that changed the entire dynamic of the conversation. Vincent knew Auru's true identity as well? There was no telling what a vile bastard like that would do with that kind of information. I wasn't aware if the brotherhood had any tangible enemies, but if the name of a key member, let alone a headmaster, had gotten into general circulation, it could mean mayhem for the general consensus of the society. The papers and gossip mavens would have field day throwing out conspiracy theories related to Auru's associations.
I felt my mouth drop in disbelief at the news, and Ashei pressed both her palms against her temples in confusion.
"Wait a minute, Vincent's a member too?" she asked dumbfounded. "Are you serious?"
I ignored her question and turned straight to Auru.
"He knows who you really are?" I asked. "Isn't that dangerous for you? What if he reveals your identity to your enemies?"
Auru had been aware of that for quite some time. "There's a possibility he may have already done that."
Ashei was unsurprisingly taken aback by that news. "Wait, are you saying someone has already threatened to kill you?"
Auru didn't reply and that was all the reply Ashei needed.
"Father-" she tried.
"That's the price we all pay for the lives we live Ashei," he interrupted, "look, I don't want you worrying about me. I love you very much, but you have your own life and family to worry about now."
Ashei stood up at her father's words. "Father you're crazy if you think I'm going to sit back and take a threat to your life lightly!" she said. "How dare you cast the worth of your own life aside like this? You're important to me! Think about your grandchild! He or she will need you too!"
The room grew quiet for a moment and suddenly this meeting had taken a turn for the worst. I knew Auru wasn't trying to worry his daughter, and Ashei was generally a lot more even keeled than this. However, news of anyone threatening a loved one would make anyone upset. That was just the way Hylian-nature worked.
"Ashei, please," Auru said finally breaking the silence, "calm down, no one has done anything yet, and we all know a threat to a soldier's life is a rupee a day occurrence. Stop working yourself up."
Ashei took in a deep sigh and sat back down at her father's words. She ran her hands over her face and composed herself. This was a lot for her to digest. I didn't blame her for being a little overwhelmed.
"I'm... I'm sorry for getting so upset," she said finally, "I just worry about you is all."
Bastion looked over at his wife and stroked her back gently. "No one faults you for having feelings my dear."
There was another brief silence throughout the room. Auru sat back down, then reached across the table and took his daughter's hand in his. He caressed his thumb over her hand lovingly.
"I'm grateful to have a wonderful young lady like you as my daughter," he said, "but right now I need you to be focused and revert back to that disciplined soldier I taught you to be. Can you do that for me?"
Ashei stared down at the stone table. She hesitated for a moment, but then nodded slowly.
"Of course I can father," she replied, then tried to smile.
Auru smiled back, which was rare. "That's my girl," he said.
Bastion grinned at the two of them, and I couldn't help but smile as well. It was nice to see the father-daughter side of the two of them. They acted so disciplined and formal in public, that it was nice to see a real core family dynamic.
Auru then let her hands go and got back to business as usual. "Anyway," he started, "now that all the shock has been commenced with, we have to talk about what the new potential threat is from the Rue Morgues."
My ears perked when I heard that.
"New threat?" I inquired.
Auru nodded and took a scroll from a nearby chair and unrolled it on the table. There was a bunch of scribbled writing all over it. I couldn't decipher it at all.
"I did some research over these past few days, and I think I know what the Rue Morgues are going to go after next," he stated. "They still have possession of the Gufu Key and the Demanded Flower. Both those items are only relevant for the Tuuli Stone, however, here's their new dilemma: the next crystalline moon won't be for another five hundred years."
I looked at Auru surprised. That certainly made the urgency of getting those items back, a lot less.
"Well, this is good news for us," I replied.
Auru cupped his chin thoughtfully and moved on. "I thought so too," he said with caution, "but I think I have an idea of what the Rue Morgues are going to do in place of it."
I waited for him to go on.
"Which is what exactly?" I asked.
Auru tapped on the surface of his paper. "They might go after the rumored second Mirror of Twilight," he divulged.
When I heard that, I felt my stomach drop a little. Bastion had made mention of this before and I didn't want to believe him, but now that Auru was saying the same thing, there may have been some merit to this rumor. Was there really a second mirror? I saw from the corner of my eye Bastion glance over at me. I wasn't going to pretend, I had a little bit of an inkling when I heard older soldier's utterance. If there was a second mirror, that meant I could see my beloved Midna once more. I've already stated my reasons as to why I could never have a relationship with her, but if I could tell her I still loved her that would be enough for me. I would be content with that.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "Is there really such a thing?"
Auru pursed his lips together thoughtfully. "I really don't know," he said, "however, there was the thought once upon a time that the Gufu Key and the Demanded Flower were nothing but old wives tales and both those items turned out to be in existence. The problem with finding this fabled second mirror is that it was rumored to have been separated and hidden in different locations in Hyrule. The mechanism to finding those locations is in a book... a book that has been lost from civilization for hundreds of years."
I leaned forward on the table in keen interest in what he was saying.
"What book is that?" I asked.
Surprisingly, Bastion answered that question for me.
"It's the Book of Mudora," he divulged, "that damn book hasn't been seen or peeped at since before the Great War." He shook his head. "Master Auru it doesn't exist."
I looked at him surprised, remembering Zelda telling me something similar about that book a little while ago. This was more than a coincidence for it to come up more than once.
"The Book of Mudora?" I repeated.
Auru was less skeptical than Bastion. "I wouldn't be so certain in what does and doesn't exist my boy," he said addressing his son-in-law, "you might be surprised in what you find out in life. Anyway, I believe the Rue Morgues are now setting their sights on this artifact to try and find the mirror. There was rumored to be an ancient evil of some kind supplanted in it. Whether that is true or not I don't know. However, if this is another means the Rue Morgues are going to try to revive Vaati, then we need to stop them."
An ancient evil? I thought.
"Is that story of the ancient evil also an old wives tale?" I asked.
Auru paused for a moment then grunted. "That... that I couldn't tell you for certain," he said honestly, "but we need to find these two individuals quickly."
I sat back at all this news, trying to digest everything in increments. The information regarding the mirror was the most captivating to me. What if the Book of Mudora did exist? What if there was a way back to the Twilight Realm? What if I could see Midna again? However, then again, there was also the other misgivings and cautions to consider. What was this ancient evil, if any? Why was the second mirror kept secret from everyone? Would the Rue Morgues really be able to revive Vaati again if it was found? I wasn't sure, but finding Vincent and Morgana wasn't my only priority. I wanted to find this book as well. This book meant a whole lot more than I wanted it to. However, I needed to be cautious.
This is something I might have to keep to myself for awhile, I thought.
"I agree," I verbalized, "and with her majesty already giving the order for their arrest, we are already a go on this one."
Auru and Ashei nodded, but Bastion simply stared at me regarding my sudden resolve. I was sure he was aware I had other intentions in mind. However, he gratefully didn't let the cat out of the proverbial bag because of his suspicions. I didn't want any undue cynicism warranted towards me if it wasn't necessary.
"Well then I think we need to get started on this immediately," I said, "we are going to have to make it priority number one to find the Rue Morgues. We'll go scouring the countryside looking for them, while Ashei I want you to stay at the castle for any updates on information."
Ashei seemed indignant with her role.
"Are you serious?" she demanded. "You know I can be of more help to you looking for them with you. I know typography better than anybody."
I gave her an obvious stare and eyed her belly.
"No one's doubting your ability," I said, "but a pregnant woman should not be on a horse. It's too dangerous."
Ashei rolled her eyes and looked away.
"Whatever," she muttered.
Bastion wasn't having any of this nonsense today. "Link is right," he said, "stop being stubborn, you don't have to prove to anyone how tough you are. You're invaluable to the team. Quit being difficult."
I was glad he chastised her because she was taking these assignment roles the wrong way.
"Come on Ashei," I said.
She grunted and nodded about her role begrudgingly. She knew we were all right, but she was never going to admit that out loud. I was fine with that. With the decisions made, I adjourned the meeting for the day. Our time could be and would be better spent looking for the Rue Morgues, not stuck in the confines of the castle. Ashei and Auru took their exits without any qualms, but just as I suspected, Bastion was waiting around to speak with me alone. He didn't say anything right away, but I knew he was aware of what I was thinking by the look on his face.
"What are you planning Link?" he asked point blank.
I paused for a moment and pretended ignorance.
"I don't know hat you are talking about," I tried to deflect.
Bastion just stared at me, then grunted his disbelief.
"Let me just say if you're going to go after that book you're going to need some back up," he disclosed. "I wouldn't want you to up and disappear on me. You're my unborn child's godfather. I kind of need you around."
I looked at him surprised initially, but then grinned. He knew me too well, I couldn't fool him.
"Thanks Bastion," was all I said in reply.
He simply nodded.
"Let me know when you get ready to go on this foolhardy quest," he said, "I'll need to pack some extra potions."
I raised a brow and didn't answer, and at that Bastion took his leave and headed for the stables. I took off after him, but paused for a moment when I was walking down the hall. I looked at the counsel room doors where Zelda normally resided to take audiences, and felt a pang of guilt. I certainly hoped the queen was okay, and that was when I recollected Shad's request. However, I decided to forego the suggestion for today. I technically did have a legitimate reason to see Zelda at this time, but I needed to come with a peace offering as well. She deserved that, and I knew our first encounter after everything that was said and done was going to be contentious on her part. I didn't blame her. I would probably be angry with me too. Even still, I did need to see her soon. I wanted to make sure she was okay. I still cared very much for her.
I sighed after my contemplation and continued towards the stables to get my Epona. For now I needed to focus on the Rue Morgues.
They were still a threat to Hyrule.
~SSS~
Dusk, Ordon Village
The day had come and gone, and it proved to be unfruitful in the search. However, there were teams commanded to go out in droves searching for the Rue Morgues in shifts. They were going to be found and brought to justice for their crimes. In the mean time, since there was nothing else I could yet do, I headed home to Ordon Village. I sighed because I hated the fact I now dreaded these rides home, and part of me knew that was due to my own bitterness. Even still, I was going to have to swallow my pride for the sake of my child. I didn't want him or her growing up in a household where the parents bickered and fussed all the time. Besides, I had time to think about it, and being a father promised to be fun. Children were wonderful in that they were little reflections of their parents. I just hope Ilia and I would be good reflections.
Speaking of the mother to be, I didn't have to worry about her being a good parent. Ilia would be an awesome mother, it was the wife thing that I thought she was going to be a little unsteady at. There was no question Ilia had a jealous streak to her, this morning was definitive proof of that. I just hoped she would be mindful of her misgivings and keep that inclination at bay when it came to peace in the household. I was going to be committed to her when we got married, I wished she trusted that. We weren't even affianced yet and she was already making demands. As I've stated before, I didn't like being controlled, and Ilia needed to understand that. I needed to talk to her about this as soon as possible. If she wanted us to have a shot at happiness, she needed to let go a little. I didn't understand why she felt the need to threaten me earlier. It wasn't as though I hadn't already given her my word.
I was already stressed out and I wasn't sure what I had done to her.
It was too much.
It was too damned much.
I sighed when I dismounted and guided Epona into Ordana's Spring. Afterwards, I headed home to wash up and get ready for bed. I wasn't very hungry and was too tired to prepare myself dinner. However, when I opened the door, I was surprised to find the lanterns on my walls already lit, dinner cooked and already set at the table, and Ilia sitting with her head down on my bed. I would have been shocked more so if it were any other occurrence, but since it was Ilia I wasn't too surprised by it. I closed the door and put my hands on my hips both in frustration and another feeling I couldn't describe. I didn't know why I was annoyed, when the reality was I had to get used to the idea of Ilia always being around anyway. But, even still, I liked and wanted my privacy until the time came for us to get married. I looked Ilia over and saw that she was dressed in her dark blue dress with the white ruffled sleeves at the end. It was the nicest dress she had, so I knew she was trying to make this evening special for us. I wasn't going to needle at her for that. She looked up finally when I entered the room, and when we made eye contact she even seemed a little scared at my presence.
I sighed again at her forlorn expression.
I can't win for losing, I thought.
"Good evening Link," she said quietly.
I took off my hat and ran a hand through my hair.
It had been a long day the least I could do was make the best of it.
"Good evening Ilia," I replied.
Ilia then got up and came towards me, but stopped short of me when she was no more than a few feet away. I just looked at her, waiting for her to say what she had to say so she wouldn't be so ill at ease. She fidgeted nervously with her fingers. I raised a brow, waiting for her to speak.
"I... I-um... I'm sorry Link," she whispered, getting a little choked up right away.
She looked to the ground after her utterance and tears immediately started running down her cheeks. I looked away for a moment, hating the thought of her always crying over me. That seemed to be the story of her life lately, worrying and crying. It was no way to live.
"You don't have to apologize," I said quietly.
Ilia's eye refilled and spilled over.
"Yes I do," she sobbed.
She covered her mouth and held in another, I hated seeing her like this.
"Come on, don't cry," I whispered back.
Ilia wiped her cheeks and tried to compose herself.
"You've never looked at me like that before," she went on, ignoring my request, "you looked at me like you hated me."
I wasn't going to deny that.
I probably did.
"I'm sorry if what I said to you this morning hurt you," I replied, "I wasn't trying to hurt you."
Ilia shook her head.
"I don't want you to apologize for what you said," she replied, "you were right. You have given up a lot for me, and I am grateful to you for that. I shouldn't be so demeaning to you, when all you've ever been was kind to me throughout this whole ordeal."
It was surprising to hear that from her, because it sounded so reasonable, and Ilia had been far from reasonable lately. However, I was grateful that she finally acknowledged my efforts.
"It's fine Ilia," I said.
She shook her head again, then took my hand in hers and guided me back over to my bed. She sat me down first before sitting down next to me. She wiped her cheeks again.
"No, it isn't fine Link," she said, squeezing my hands affectionately, "I love you, and I need to show you more respect than that."
I looked down at our interlocked hands and sighed again at her omissions of love for me. I really wished I could say them back to her, but I just didn't feel the same way.
"I... I haven't been myself these days," I said honestly, "and I've been taking it out on you. That isn't fair to you."
Ilia avoided my eyes again and bit her lower lip.
"I think I understand why, so I don't really blame you," she whispered more to herself than to me, then paused and added, "it's... it's because of that girl Midna, isn't it?"
I looked at her truly shocked when she uttered that.
She hit the nail right on the head. Her perception was uncanny. That, or I was a pathetic open book when it came to what I was feeling.
"Ilia-" I tried.
She silenced me by putting her fingers to my lips.
"Wait, hear me out," she interrupted quietly, "I'm not going to say a thing about being jealous or anything like that, I promise, but I do think you need to go find her and tell her you still love her Link. Otherwise you'll never be free of her."
I stared at her mildly stunned. I couldn't believe my ears.
"I..." I was at a loss for words, I wasn't expecting to hear this.
Ilia reached up and caressed my cheek.
"It isn't fair for me to expect you to cast someone who was so important to you to the side when she was there for you in your darkest hour," she reasoned. "That's why I think you should go out there and find her. I'll wait, I won't put any parameters on it okay, even if I start showing with the baby. It's a consequence I'm going to have to live with, and everyone finds out one way or another, so be it. Some people haunt your thoughts forever, and I don't want her to be one of them."
I was staring at her in complete shock. I almost felt like I couldn't see her.
"I don't know what to say," I replied.
Ilia shrugged and wiped her eyes.
"I figured if you were still seeing her when you were with me that night, then she must have been someone pretty special to you," she replied, then tried to smile and change the subject. "Do you know where to find her?"
I was tongue tied for a moment, feeling completely and totally thrown for a loop by this news. I suddenly felt a surge of hope I hadn't felt in a long time. It was surreal.
"I... I-uh I think I do," I replied, and for the first time in a long time real relief ran through me, "but I'm not sure yet."
Ilia nodded then looked away when she heard me say. It couldn't have been easy for her to come in here and tell me this. She was doing this at great risk to herself emotionally. What woman wanted the man she loved to go after another woman? It was ludicrous to think that was practical for anyone to be okay with. I took Ilia's hand in mine and squeezed it affectionately.
"Ilia, I promise I won't search for her longer than six weeks, that way you won't have to worry about anybody talking because you still won't be showing," I swore. "If I don't find her, then I will forfeit my search for her and forget about her forever. Either way I'm coming back to marry you and raise our child. I owe you that for sticking with me like this."
The news was bittersweet to Ilia again and tears filled her eyes again, but she smiled anyway.
"I'll be here," she said with a slightly broken voice.
After that I took her in a tight hug and cradled her head against my chest, grateful that she was giving me this opportunity that I so needed. This was completely unexpected and I was thankful to Ilia for being so reasonable and kind. I was going to make it up to her for sticking herself out there for me. Now I just needed one more thing, I needed to speak to Zelda and get her okay on this as well. Zelda knew a great deal about the Book of Mudora. Perhaps she was privy to a location only known to the royal family. Besides, Zelda was a reasonable woman. She wasn't the kind of person to hold a grudge. She had the Triforce of Wisdom to temper her tongue and exude her brilliance. If I told her that I needed the location of the book because the Rue Morgues were after it, perhaps she would disclose it to me.
I certainly could hope.
I looked over at the dinner table prepared so quaintly and took note of the red tunic washed and folded up by the hearth just beyond it. When I saw the clothing, my eyes widened, and I suddenly found the perfect reason to call on the queen. I needed to return her grandfather's fire tunic and thank her for letting me use it. In passing, I could mention the book and the updates regarding the Rue Morgues. It would be the most unsuspecting way to call on the queen without arousing any suspicion. I hugged Ilia tighter when I thought about all this. Maybe seeing Midna again wasn't going to be just a dream after all.
Again, I could only hope.
I'll call on her majesty tomorrow, I thought, I'm sure she'll see me. After all, she is a very reasonable woman.
~SSS~
The Next Day, Hyrule Castle: Outside the Queen's Chamber
There was no denying that I was nervous. I had been pacing back and forth all morning, and when I finally did have the courage to ask for an audience with the queen, I was surprised at two things. The first being that she said yes at all, and the second being that I was instructed to wait for her outside of her private chambers. Her private chambers... she wanted to see me alone in her room? Not her counsel room where she took all of her normal audiences? It wasn't like our tutorial sessions in the past. We weren't meeting secretly at night, this was the day time, and everyone was well aware of what was going on. I wasn't going to lie, I thought it was strange that she suddenly changed her routine. Maybe it was her way of grandstanding to all the gossip mavens at last that there was nothing inappropriate going on between us. It was a bold action on her part, some might even consider it a little brazen. However, if it didn't bother her I wasn't going to let it bother me. I was more nervous about just seeing her. I wondered what her stated condition would be after hearing the concerns from Shad. The scholar was worried that something was seriously wrong with the queen, and after confining herself to her room for days on end and sending all of her visitors away, I think he was duly justified. That is all of her visitors until now; everyone.. except me. I was hoping this would go over well, and I hoped she would find it in her heart to forgive me. Zelda didn't seem like the type to hold a grudge, but then again with women, a man just never knew.
Think positive thoughts, I told myself.
I was still pacing back and forth when the guard who was awaiting her announcement outside of her door raised a brow and gave me a wayward stare. He had no idea why I was so restless.
"Are you alright young master?" he asked.
I almost didn't hear him because I was so preoccupied with my thoughts, but I stopped for a second to acknowledge him.
I took in a deep breath.
"I think so," I said.
He gave me a quick once over.
"Then why do you look so nervous?" he asked. "You've met with her majesty many times over. This should be nothing for you."
I just looked at him. I wouldn't expect him to understand. He didn't just brazenly break the queen's heart either.
"The queen is still the queen my good man," I said, putting it lightly, "no matter how many times I meet with her, I get that same feeling of awe from her."
The guard raised a brow and contemplated that for a moment. When I put it that way, he chuckled and nodded.
"I see your point," he said, "I still get nervous when she talks to me. There's something very intimidating about royalty. You never know what they are truly thinking."
He couldn't have said a more truer statement.
I grinned myself.
"Tell me about it," I replied.
The guard seemed a lot more understanding once I gave him a explanation.
"You'll do fine Master Link," he reassured, "the queen is a gracious woman and she respects you a great deal."
I wished I could take comfort in that, but that just wasn't the case this time.
"Thanks," I said anyway.
Afterwards, I continued with my pace until a few moments later when the door opened and Queen Zelda's servant Lydia popped out her pretty head. She came out, curtsied, and cleared her throat before she spoke with me.
"Master Link," she said quietly, "her majesty will see you now."
She smiled at me and I wasn't sure if I should take that as a hopeful sign. I stopped in my tracks and suddenly felt my heart begin to pound rapidly. I gripped the brown package in my hand that housed the fire tunic the queen allowed me to borrow, and conjured all the courage I could to face her. This was ten times harder than having to face Vaati.
"Thank you," I verbalized finally.
Afterwards, Lydia stepped out of the way and gestured for me to go inside. I was a little puzzled and surprised that she wasn't going to go back inside herself, but I figured Zelda wanted to keep this a private conversation. It was probably for the best, the less ears to hear the better. I nodded at Lydia gratefully then went on in. Zelda's commodious chamber was the same as its always been: dignified and inviting. It was perfectly coiffed and comfortable at certain areas of the room with the furnishings, but still spacious enough to feel grand and open. However, perhaps the most surprising feature of the room was the queen herself. She was seated at her white marble table in the middle of her room with a quill pen in her hand and some open parchments along with scrolls she was going over. It was certainly a sight I wasn't expecting to see. She was wearing a long royal purple gown with a red emblem of the Triforce at the bottom of her skirt. Her long dark hair was surprisingly unbraided, free, and flowing down her back. I wasn't going to lie, she looked magnificent. She was engaged in some form of study where she was wearing a bifocal magnification on both eyes and reading from a large text. When I came in, she stopped reading and took off her glasses as if she were about to go toe to toe with a politician. I didn't even know she wore glasses. She sat up and upright when I walked towards her, and that was when I noticed she had painted her perfect pouty lips in red, and lined her beautiful blue eyes in black. I had never seen her in make-up before, but anything that made the most beautiful woman in the world more beautiful was a sight to behold.
My goddess, I couldn't help but think.
This woman was not sick.
This woman was not sick at all.
The worries were completely unnecessary.
I gave her a long unintentional once over at her magnificence and all Zelda did was stare right back with those cool, but knowing azure eyes. She looked straight at my face without blinking. There was no flinching. There was no evidence of shyness. There was no blushing. She just looked me straight in my eyes and almost dared for me to look back, and I had to admit, I found that hint of confidence very sexy. There was something extremely alluring about a woman who knew how provocative she was, and the queen seemed to be owning that in this moment. Also too, that dress... my goddess, that dress was hugging all the right spots on her perfect physique, especially the sheer part at the top where it showed off her supple large cleavage. Zelda was a vision and I guess she wanted me to know what I let slip through my fingers. Seriously, she knew she could have any man she wanted. I didn't any signs of a withdrawn woman. She seemed like the complete opposite of such, and quite honestly, it made her extremely attractive.
She set her pen down and interlaced her fingers together elegantly.
"What can I do for you Master Link?" she asked in a cool calm voice.
I wasn't sure how to answer, or if I even wanted to answer.
I wasn't expecting this.
I wasn't expecting this at all.
Did the discussion on top of Emiry Tower even happen?
Was I missing something?
I swallowed hard.
"Uh..." I trailed nervously, then cleared my throat, "I-uh-I wanted to return the tunic you allowed me to borrow for the gala, and give you my thanks my lady."
At hearing that Zelda just looked at me.
She raised a brow.
"Was that all?" she asked quietly.
That caught me off guard.
There's more, but I'm not sure I want to say it, I thought.
"Um... I just figured it was important," was all I said in reply.
Her expression never changed and she looked like she held in an indignant scoff. She turned her attention back to her book and nodded towards her table.
"Oh okay," she said softly, with the same confidence she greeted me with, "you can set it here on my desk, thank you for returning it."
With that, she put her glasses back on and went to returning to the manuscript she was reading. I was surprised at the blunt, but not necessarily rude action. She went from paying attention to me to her other activity in less than a second. I raised a brow and took a step forward, a little offended that she was casting me to the side like this. I was aware that I couldn't or shouldn't call the shots in this conversation, but I really needed her to understand that I did have pressing business to continually discuss with her, and that I did not like being dismissed.
I decided to make my indignities known.
"Uh... my lady," I started.
Again, Zelda paused what she was doing and looked up from her book. She gave me a keen stare while waiting for me to continue. She took off her glasses once more and leaned forward.
"Yes Master Link?" she asked.
It was then I paused and didn't reply right away, as I lost my train of thought temporarily. I looked her in the eyes again, hoping to get a glimpse of her thought process somehow. However, I was given nothing, all she did was stare back... an icy, cold, hard stare. Her gaze was so prominent that I had to look away for a second to collect myself. Afterwards, I then walked over to the table and placed the package I was holding on the surface. Even with me being closer to her now, her gaze never thwarted, she even seemed more pragmatic. She raised a brow and I think there was a small smirk, curling her lips. It was enough to make me look away again and clear my throat. There was another brief silence between us after that.
Say something, I told myself, anything.
I stretched my fingers several times to give myself a confidence boost.
"I... I-uh wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me use it," I said sincerely.
Zelda rested her face in her right palm and didn't flinch.
"Was that what you wanted to tell me?" she asked suddenly.
I looked at her surprised, and involuntarily nodded like an obedient school boy. I felt beyond foolish for my actions.
She didn't offer much of a reply, just a grunt and another long once over.
"Hmph, I see," was all she said.
Instead of going back to her book like before, she kept her eyes on me... just staring. The silence between us prolonged, going from seconds to minutes. I wasn't going to lie, it was driving me a little crazy. I wasn't used to it being like this between us. I was used to her sweet laughter and her ruddy cheeks when I spoke with her. I also had to note, in all the time we were silent her eyes never deviated from my face. She just sat there, looking stoic and majestic in all her regal attire, smelling of honeysuckle and lavender, appearing like the magnificent creature she was... and stared. Her perfect face didn't wince at my words. Her lack of gestures gave no evidential markers to her caring for, or not caring for my tone. Her even creamy beige skin complexion didn't have a hint of hue to it to give away her innocent or not so innocent disposition. I didn't know what the hell she was thinking, and it was maddening. That was when I realized, I had messed with the wrong side of Zelda. She wasn't a weak woman, and I never purported her to be anyway. However, she had given her trust to me, she had given her confidence to me completely, she wanted and expected a return on that, instead she got disappointed hopes. She was a woman who loved and trusted deeply, and once that trust was gone and betrayed, there was no getting it back. Auru was right, I never should have led her on the way I did. Something told me I was going to regret this more than I could imagine.
She didn't utter a word in acknowledgement, but when she saw that I didn't leave immediately, she knew something else was up. She probably guessed that from the beginning. The queen gave me a long once over... twice before she stopped her eyes at my face once again. It was almost sexual in its unintended provocation, and admittedly, I was a little taken in by it.
I wasn't going to lie, I think I felt my cheeks burn at that.
Goddamn, this woman just made a grown man like me blush.
Again, I had to look away and collect myself for a moment.
Who are you, and what have you done to the real Zelda? I wondered.
The queen sensed my unease and did nothing to dispel it.
"Was there something else you needed?" she asked in an almost whispery voice.
I inadvertently felt my temperature go up and my brow seeded a little with a cool sweat at her tone. Why did this feel like my first night in the Red Lantern
District all over again? Why was I this uneasy around her? I was aware I was a little untruthful in the past, but I came clean with everything now. Well... almost everything, however, I had no idea she was going to be like this. I never knew she could be anything like this. There was going to be no pulling the wool over this woman's eyes now. That shy little Zelda was gone, I was dealing with the queen now.
"I... I did have another request to ask of you your majesty," I replied, deciding it was time to stop beating around the bush.
Once more, she didn't reply and waited for me to respond. I cleared my throat again, and tried to get that lump of apprehension out of my belly. This was turning out to be much harder than I thought it was going to be. She was making me nervous much in the same way that Midna made me nervous, which was saying a hell of a lot. Good lord, I could swear at any moment she was going to tell me to 'Bow down before my throne... you little insignificant forest bastard', and she would be completely justified in saying so. Even still, she never did, but that look on her face certainly warranted like she wanted to.
"It has to do with the Rue Morgues," I said finally, "those foul villains are still at large and we may have an idea of what they are now after."
Zelda then raised a brow.
"Which is what exactly?" she asked. "I thought the threat of Vaati was subverted, you mean to tell me they are after something else?"
I nodded, thinking I finally found a neutral ground.
"Yes," I replied, "Master Auru was entertaining an idea as to what they could possibly be trying to find."
The queen's intrigue heightened.
"Which is?" she repeated.
I braced myself, but I saw no point in beating around the bush.
"They may be after the Mirror of Twilight," I divulged.
For the first time since seeing her, Zelda showed some emotion, I meant real emotion. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"What?" she demanded.
I could understand her reaction, it was hard for me to believe too.
"I know it sounds incredible," I replied, "but there is a good chance this may be the truth."
Zelda unhinged her fingers.
"It sounds more than incredible," she said defiantly, "it sounds down right impossible!"
I looked at her not necessarily surprised, but I understood her cynicism.
"Your majesty-" I said.
"You were there Link," she interrupted suddenly, "you were there when Midna destroyed the mirror. Why are you coming to me with this nonsense now?"
I didn't let it show, but that comment did get a little under my skin.
"It isn't nonsense your majesty when we need to investigate every avenue available to stop the Rue Morgues my lady," I replied.
This time Zelda stood up.
"I'll tell you how you stop the Rue Morgues Master Link," she snapped suddenly, "it's a little thing called investigating. You do know what that is don't you? You pick up your feet, you gather evidence, and you arrest them based on that evidence. But alas my good fellow, I have made things easier for you still. I mandated an immediate arrest warrant for them! So you have no work to do at all. All you have to do is find them and bring them in. Is that so hard?"
I had to bite my tongue, knowing I was in no position to talk back. However, I couldn't believe she was addressing me this way.
"I understand your majesty," I replied, "however, I do feel it's important that you have an idea on what's going on."
She scoffed.
"I'm very well aware of what's going on here Master Link," she said cynically, "and I will warn you right now, you will not use the counter insurgency team for your own personal means, nor will you go on any arcane pursuits for something that does not exist!"
I looked at her heated just then.
"Your majesty-" I tried.
"I know what you are trying to do!" she interrupted. "But you have no idea what opening another wormhole to that world will do to us. Why do you think it was destroyed in the first place? Think! Midna knew what she was doing when she destroyed that mirror Master Link! Our worlds cannot be connected any longer! The disequilibrium is too great! You're going to have to forget your feelings for her! She's gone! And I will not allow your selfishness to disrupt the prosperity of the people of Hyrule any longer!"
I looked at her in complete and total disbelief. Was she serious? My selfishness? Disrupt the people's prosperity any longer? What about all the sacrifices she conveniently forgets to mention that I've made? I nearly gave my damn life again protecting this country at the Dragon Gala. Who in the world was she to tell me about Hyrule's prosperity? I lived and breathed the people's problems. I mingled with the citizens first hand, seeing their plights and burdens from the nobles. I knew what was really going on with the people. Zelda was the one out of touch. I didn't gaze at them from a tower and pretend to understand them from a completely far fetched world view. She wouldn't even know what was going on in her own damn court if it wasn't for me and the counter insurgency team. Seriously, who the hell did she think she was talking to me this way? I wasn't an out of touch noble, and this reaction of hers had nothing to do with people. This was simply about her bitterness of us not being together. She was jealous that I was still in love with Midna, and she thinks that since she couldn't have me Midna couldn't have me either. Well, she had another thing coming. No one, and I meant no one controlled me.
"With all due respect my lady-" I tried.
Zelda narrowed her eyes at me.
"This discussion is over," she interrupted, "I've made my decision."
I looked at her for a long time without really seeing her.
The silence between us was tense and thick.
We'll see about that, I thought in defiance.
With that, I bowed then turned and headed for the exit. When I was in the hall walking away, I was already making preparations in my head. I was fully aware of what I was going to have to do. I was going to have to go rogue.
I guess Zelda wasn't that reasonable after all.
Midna, I thought, I will find you, I swear.