The Ambivalent Hero: Book II

by ZeldaRubix

The story of Link and Zelda continues in book II. Will Link be redeemed? Will Zelda succumb to her vices? Find out in the concluding story of book I. This was originally uploaded in 2013. It will be re-edited later.

32. Chapter 32

Inspiration: "Shake it Off," by Florence and the Machine. Mirror mirror on the wall. "This is it," by Michael Jackson.

Shout Outs: Guest Who, nintendoer27, dudebrodidly42, ShadowsageImpa, thank you.

Author Note: This is it!

Word count: 25,280

---

Chapter 32

A Solemn Home Coming, Three Days Later: Ilia's POV

When my eyes opened suddenly from my deep slumber, I knew instantly everything had changed. I knew my life was no longer going to be what it once was, or even what I hoped it would be. I silently prayed that everything that transpired only a short time ago was somehow nothing more than a dream. An encapsulated piece of thought burrowed from the recesses of my mind only meant to torment me now that I was awake. However, I knew from the way my hands were trembling, and the shocked, sometimes agonal breathing I was engaging in, that that was nothing more than wishful thinking. I knew what I was hoping for simply wasn't reality.

I laid in the hard medical bed staring at the wooden ceiling for a long time.

My eyes filled with tears.

Please don't let it be true, I thought, please.

I was slow about doing so, but as soon as I sat up on that cot, looked around the room, and saw that I was in the doctor's office, all the memories of what happened to me that horrific night suddenly came reeling back to me. There was no longer any wishful thinking to be had. I had fallen from that horse. I watched my father collapse. I remember all the blood. I remember the searing pain as I worked my hardest not to miscarry my baby. I squeezed... I pushed back... I lifted my legs... I did whatever I could, but it still wasn't enough. I closed my eyes for a brief moment when I understood again that I was no longer going to be a mother... that I was no longer pregnant with Link's baby. Our child was gone, and there was nothing I could do to bring him or her back. I ran my hand over my now empty womb and tried hard to make sense of everything that happened. However, there was little sense to be had, except this: I reaped what I sowed. A chill ran down my back from the unorthodox retribution I just contemplated.

I ran my hands over my face and sobbed lightly.

"If only I had stayed back at the house," I whispered, "if only father would have listened to me."

However, the unspoken reality was, if only I hadn't deceived Link in the first place. If only I had accepted the fact of his being in love with someone else, none of this would have happened. I ran my hand over my forehead when I suddenly felt a headache overtake my thoughts. It was probably due to me still being so weak, but I also think it was a product of the overwhelming guilt I felt. My only sense of consolation would have been if father had somehow been okay through it all. The flurry of the past week ran through my mind like a moving picture. It almost seemed like none of it were real, but I do remember being brought here by Rusl, then soon after passing out from exhaustion. After that, everything wasn't so clear. I remember voices vaguely talking about medical procedures and plans of care. I remember hearing a group of men speaking in my room. I remember anger and sadness being the primary emotions spoken by everyone. However, that was all I could remember, I couldn't recall any other audible conversations. I had no idea what had become of my father. Had he been arrested? Was he in this medical facility? Was he in another medical facility? Was he even alive? These were the questions I needed some answers to, and there was no way I was going to get them simply sitting here.

I've got to get out of here, I thought.

I pulled the lone sheet residing on my body off me, and realized I was still hooked intravenously to a small leafy like catheter in one of my main vessels connected to a pig skin bag of water providing fluid for my body. How long had I been out? I didn't get an answer to my question, because right then that I felt a sudden burning sensation in my gut related to hunger pains. I bent over and let out a weak groan. I hadn't eaten physical food in days and my body was quick to let me know that. I was so weak I couldn't stand when I attempted to. I looked to the pig skin bag of fluid again and realized I needed to be disconnected before I travel anywhere. However, before I could get a chance to remove the catheter, the door to the room opened. I would have had more apt surprise, but my eyes were taking forever to focus. On the other side was the good Dr. Borville, and much to my surprise, along with him was Link. I felt my tired eyes widen immediately at the sight of the two men, but especially Link. Tears refilled my eyes. I felt like I hadn't seen him in so long, and I missed him terribly. My mind instantly reverted back to him being alone in a jail cell. I could only imagine what he had gone through. The whole ordeal must have been a nightmare, but for him to be standing here looking as much like as his normal self as he could only confirmed to me that he was the most extraordinary man I would ever know. Both men looked solemn as they stared at me, but along with the seriousness there was a sense of relief that I was finally awake. However, the comfort in their eyes soon turned to open remorse. I didn't understand it right away, but it definitely led to a feeling of foreboding for me. They then walked in the room, with Link standing at the heel of the bed and the doctor coming to the side of the bed to give me some aide.

"Ilia my dear," he greeted finally, "you're finally awake." He then reached over to the catheter. "Let me unhook you from your intravenous fluids."

I remained still as he pulled the leaflet out of my vein and applied pressure to stop the bleeding. I didn't react right away to his words, as my eyes shifted to Link who attempted to grin at me while waiting for a better opportunity to speak to me. I gave him a quick once over, and for some reason he looked like he aged a few years. He was still the handsome man I once knew, but he looked so tired from the last time I saw him, like he was battle hardened or something. His face was clean shaven, and his skin was clear, but the ever present glow that made his beautiful blue eyes shine was gone. The hue of gold that usually radiated throughout his blonde hair was subdued, and there was a new, almost permanently set, anger line that wrinkled his once clear forehead. It wasn't that he looked old, or a man without his youth. He just looked like a youth who had seen and been through too much. I would never had put his age at twenty-one if I didn't know him. He looked closer to thirty at this point.

He placed his hands on his hips and nodded finally.

"It's good to see you with your eyes finally opened," he said to me in his familiar voice, "I was getting worried."

I swallowed hard at the sound of his voice, so glad he was out of that horrible prison. So it seemed Rusl was right, the queen did eventually grant him clemency.

I should have waited, I thought, then felt tears fill my eyes, we both should have waited daddy.

All my thoughts did was make me more jittery. The doctor was in the middle of disconnecting the tubing, but stopped when he thought I was going to need some more medicine. He immediately touched my forehead to check for a fever.

"Are you alright child?" he asked me. "Are you in pain? Do you need some golden chu jelly?"

I looked at him without answering right away, then my face crumpled and I shook my head no. Link saw that and came over to stand next to the doctor. His expression was filled with concern.

"Ilia what's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?" the hero asked me softly. "Please let us know if you need something Illy. We'll be better able to help you if you tell us what's wrong."

Almost as if on cue, my eyes refilled with tears and spilled over onto my cheeks. I felt my throat tighten at his words. I couldn't keep it together and covered my face with my hands.

"Papa," I whispered finally, "what has happened to papa? Where is he?"

My voice was dry and raspy.

At my asking that, Link's whole facial expression changed. He didn't he bother to hide the sadness that came into his eyes as he looked away. I knew it was a terrible outcome. Dr. Borville too had an unhidden expression of pain in his eyes. It was all to clear what the answer was going to be, but I still needed to hear it for myself. Even so, Dr. Borville attempted to change the subject by redirecting the conversation.

"Why don't we discuss that when you're feeling a little stronger?" he suggested. "You still need fluid and food to gain your strength. We'll check to see if you can keep anything down."

He then finished removing the tubing and threw the bloody bobble away into the waste basket nearby. I, however, felt my bottom lip tremble knowing what his words truly meant. I knew that was his attempt to shield me from what I was already dreading. I then reached out and grabbed his hand desperately all of a sudden. I held it tight, not daring to let it go.

I was shaking now.

"You don't understand," I whispered, with my voice breaking, "you asked me if I needed anything. Well, that's what I need. I need news on my father. I need to know he's okay."

The doctor again looked at me with that unhidden expression of pain, but this time he didn't have much of a rebuttal. He took in a deep sigh and shook his head.

"Ilia..." he started, but then attempted again to circumvent, "really my dear, now isn't the time."

At hearing that, I knew I wasn't going to get the answers I needed from him. I then turned my attention to Link, hoping I could get the truth out of him. I let the doctor's hand go, and reached for Link. I didn't get to grasp him, but he knew I wanted him near me. He came closer and allowed me to touch his hand. I squeezed it tight.

"Link," I begged, "where's my father? Where's papa?"

Link stared at me for a long time before taking in a deep sigh, afterwards he looked away again, but then turned his attention back to me a few moments later. He sat down next to me on the bed, and then looked me straight in the eyes. He took both of my hands in his.

"Bo's... Bo's dead Ilia," he divulged finally, "he died shortly after you were brought here."

I was aware that was going to be the news, but somehow hearing those words come out of his mouth made the reality all too real for me. I immediately covered my mouth to prevent the sob from tearing through my throat. I found it hard to breathe suddenly and started hyperventilating. Link immediately took me in a tight hug at my reaction and held me close. He rocked me back and forth like a loving friend.

"It's going to be okay," he whispered in my ear, "he would want you to be strong."

I held onto him and closed my eyes.

I finally caught my breath.

"I can't believe he's gone!" I sobbed. "It's all my fault! Papa's death is all my fault! I can't believe I'm going to be all alone!"

I buried my head in his shoulder and cried until it was shaken out of me.

"Shhhh," Link soothed in my ear, "that's not going to help you right now, blaming yourself is not going to do any good."

I shook my head and pulled back to look at him. I was suddenly terrified that I was going to be all alone.

"You-you-you can't leave me!" I said out of nowhere. "You have to be there for me Link! Papa would want the only man to protect me being you! You're the only man I've ever loved! I can't be alone or go on without you! Papa-"

Link looked at me surprised at my outburst, but took me in another hug anyway.

"Stop talking like this," he said in a calm voice, "you know I'll always be there for you Ilia."

My sobbing didn't desist.

I grabbed onto the front of his tunic.

I began to feel frantic.

"We're still going to get married right?" I asked in a voice I didn't recognize. "We're still going to be together, aren't we? I still want to have your children Link! I never stopped loving you! Papa would want us to be together! You understand that right? Don't you?"

Link looked at me with open concern, but never answered my questions, he just held me tighter.

"Ilia... I'm your best friend," he whispered in my ear, "do you honestly think I'd abandon you? I would never abandon you."

I buried my head into his shoulder again and cried until my eyes were dry. I had no idea how I was going to go on without my father. I couldn't believe he was gone. I couldn't believe he was dead.

I'm so sorry daddy, I thought, I'm so so sorry daddy.

How was I going to get on with the rest of my life?

How?

~SSS~

Later that day in Ordon Village

After I finally got my bearings together, Link and I gathered my few belongings from the doctor's office and headed back to Ordon. The walk back to Ordon for the most part was quiet. We spoke sparingly, but there was very little for us to say to each other. We tried to joke around, but there was very little laughter in our poor attempts at humor. Link was caring with his words, but distant at best. He seemed to have a lot more on his mind than what was in the present, and Epona was her usual docile self, she huffed and neighed at anything she agreed or disagreed with.

It was home coming, but nothing felt real or natural about coming home. My father wasn't going to be there, my life was going to be completely unhinged, and what normalcy I was previously afforded was now gone. I was going to miss the times of my father's laughter, or when he and I scolded Link for riding Epona too hard and for being so reckless. Mayor Bo wasn't just the mayor, he was a constant that was now gone. How was I going to replace him? How was I supposed to move forward without him? I snuggled closer to Link hoping the warmth of his body would give me an answer.

I sighed and looked up at the perfectly messed up blonde hair from behind on this gorgeous man's head. We were riding silently with him in front and me in the rears. It seemed our friendship was going to have to start at square one again. I was aware there was distance between us, but I wanted to bridge the gap. There was so much fractured tension, that it was hard to believe we were the same people who grew up together. We had truly come full circle. We started off as childhood friends, had a brief affair, and we ended up still being childhood friends. I loved Link dearly, but I knew much of what I felt was one sided. I had to work hard if I was going to win his heart, and I knew that the castle was no longer going to be a viable option for him. I was secretly pleased in that, but I didn't want that to show. He needed some empathy right now, and I was definitely the person to give it to him. The more he stayed in Ordon, the more he would know we were perfect for each other. However, for now it was time I faced the music, I wasn't going to pursue him until the time was right. Eventually we would be husband and wife, and then we would have another shot at having a baby... a little boy, a little boy who looked just like him. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms tighter around Link's waist as I thought about this. We could be so happy if he just let us.

I love this man so much, I thought.

When we got into the clearing leading from Faron Brigde to Ordon, I realized I was nervous. This moment for me was bittersweet. In a way, I couldn't wait to be with my friends again, but I didn't know how much they knew about my and Link's previous situation. Without my father, I felt like an open target. I just hoped Rusl had kept his promise and didn't tell anyone that I was once pregnant. I couldn't bear the thought of the children shunning me, or thinking ill of me or Link because we made a mistake. My once warm home was already going to feel like an empty shell, I didn't need it to feel like an outcast from my friends. My eyes welled with tears at the sudden thought, but I quickly wiped them away. We continued on our way down the road, until we got to Ordona's spring where Epona usually rested. Link dismounted first, and then I followed afterwards.

I was trembling slightly when Link came up to see about me.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I took in a deep breath, sighed, and nodded.

"I'm alright," I said with a forced smile, "I'm just a little scared."

Link looked at me sympathetically and grinned.

"It's normal to be a little scared," he said, "you've been through a great deal."

I closed my eyes at his words, thinking about the last few weeks.

"Yeah," was all I said in reply, "that's true."

Link then took my hand and led me into the village. I was apprehensive with each step, but the fear was slowly leaving me as we walked over the impasse and entered the main clearing. To my surprise, everyone in the village was already out and about to greet me. I stopped for a second taken aback in mild shock. I wasn't expecting such a welcome, and wasn't sure what to make of it so I froze. Had Rusl told everyone what happened? Why were they all staring at me like that? Did they all know about my baby? I felt like I was becoming increasingly paranoid with time. I looked over at Rusl, hoping to get some kind of secret confirmation. He just stared right back, reassuring me with his glance that he had kept my secret. He could probably sense my unease with my hesitation and wanted to dispel it. Afterwards, Link let my hand go and turned to grin at me, I just stared at him in return, and he too reassured me that Rusl hadn't spoken to anyone else about the private matter.

"It's alright," he whispered, "no one knows, but us."

I took in a deep sigh of relief, and was grateful to have such considerate people in my life. I looked back over at everybody and they all seemed so subdued. I couldn't blame them, it had been a rough few weeks. Everyone was standing idly by, almost waiting to see if it was okay to approach me. However, as I continued looking on, Beth was one of the few villagers who finally broke ranks, and ran towards me to give me a tight hug. I was surprised at first initially, especially when she looked back up at me with tears in her eyes. I then realized I was worrying for nothing. All of my friends cared about me. I was in the safest place I could possibly be.

I hugged her back tightly.

"I'm so glad you're better Ilia," she said in her soft little voice, "I was so worried about you. Rusl told us you were sick."

I didn't have much to say in reply.

"I was under the weather for a little while," I admitted.

Beth pulled back and looked at me again, her bottom lip quivered a little bit.

"I'm so sorry about Bo, Ilia," she whispered, "he was one of my favorite people."

I looked to the ground for a second and felt my heart race a little. My own eyes filled with tears now. I took Beth back in my arms and hugged her tight. I sighed against her hair.

"He was one of my favorite people too," I whispered back in a broken voice.

Beth held onto me tighter briefly for a moment before letting me go. She tried to smile at me when she pulled away. I appreciated her efforts in wanting to make me feel better. I then looked beyond her to everyone else, and it was as if the flood gates were opened. Everyone else finally came forward to give me their condolences. I was greeted with hugs and tears.

"I wish I could have told Bo I didn't mean to break his fishing line," Talo said to me when he stepped back from his initial hug, "I know he was wondering about that a few weeks ago."

His fishing line, like a lot of things probably skipped his mind.

I smiled at Talo.

"Trust me," I promised, "the last thing on my father's mind was a fishing line."

That got a little bit of a smile out of the young Ordonian.

"I guess," he replied with a shrug, "but even still, now you know it was me."

I appreciated his honesty and chuckled.

"Thank you for letting me know Talo," I replied.

He nodded and stepped back.

Next who came forward was Malo, Haggle, Sera, and Fado. All of them looked solemn, but optimistic. Malo in particular was interesting in what he said and how he greeted me.

"I know Mayor Bo wanted to chastise me for my business ventures," he started, "but I've always wanted to tell him that some of my business acumen was learned from him. He will be greatly missed."

I just stared at the seven year old, not sure of what to make of what he was telling me.

"Uh... thank you(?)," I replied.

Malo grinned at me and nodded.

"You're welcome," he replied.

Before stepping forward, Haggle stared at the little Ordonian with open confusion. He and I were sharing the same sentiment. Haggle shook his head when Malo stepped back.

"That kid is really an enigma isn't he?" he whispered to me as walked up.

I giggled at his words and Malo who heard him raised a brow.

"I'm not deaf you know," the youth accused.

Haggle shook his head again and redirected the conversation back to me.

"Anyway," he said, "I just wanted you to know if you needed anything, anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I owed your father a great deal in the area of mentor-ship. He was one of the few people who looked beyond my nervousness and saw me for who I truly was. He was a great man."

I got a little choked up at hearing that.

That was a very kind thing for him to say.

"Thank you Haggle," I said, "I promise to keep what you said in mind."

He stared at me for a moment, then simply nodded.

"I hope you do," he replied.

I attempted another grin.

"I will," I promised.

Afterwards, he stepped back and Fado came forward.

He actually didn't have much to say in sentimental words, but his face carried all the pain he felt from the great loss.

"I will main the goat wrangling," he stated, "I will also make sure to chop enough wood for you and my household. Your father would want it that way."

I nodded and appreciated his efforts.

"Thank you for that and yes he would," I replied.

After speaking with me he quickly stepped back and looked away, I knew he didn';t want anyone to see him cry. Sera, Beth's mother, then came forward, she was visibly upset, with tears in her eyes and crying incessantly. Her reaction was making it hard for me to keep up a brave front. She came and hugged me immediately. I almost found it hard to breathe.

"I'm just glad you're okay," she sobbed openly, "when I first heard the news I thought it was the both of you! Your father was such a reckless fool for doing what he did! What are you going to do now? Who's going to-"

I couldn't believe my ears.

"Sera stop it!" Rusl snapped from behind her. "You're speaking foolishly right now! This is not what Ilia needs!"

Sera didn't seem to hear or care and got indignant.

"Someone has to tell this poor girl the truth!" she snapped back. "We can't tiptoe around-"

This time her thoughtless words made Uli step forward.

"There's a time and a place for such talk," she interrupted, "now isn't appropriate for either. Think Sera! Ilia just got home!"

Sera clamped her mouth shut suddenly and her eyes widened. It was as if that was the revelation Sera needed before she realized how insensitive she sounded. She turned back to looking at me and looked a little sheepish. Her face was crimson.

"I'm... I'm sorry Ilia," she whispered, "that was cruel of me, welcome home honey."

She then gave me a brief hug and stepped back. I wasn't if what she just said would be the greeting I would use either. I didn't have very much to say in reply. I knew father's untimely death threw everyone for a loop.

"It's okay," I said, "I know what you meant."

Sera didn't have much to say after that, and afterwards I was looking around for Link hoping he didn't slip off anywhere. I caught sight of him in the distance by my house in the distance. He was already preparing some wood for the hearth inside. I was glad to see he was being so thoughtful.

I think I want to join him, I thought.

I looked to everyone in the crowd and thanked them for their greetings, but ultimately I wanted to get away so I could speak with Link. There was so much I wanted to tell him.

"Thank you all for being so kind," I said, "but I think I better retire for now and get some rest."

Uli came up to me and hugged me before I went.

"That's a good idea," she said, "you can have supper with us later. I'll call for you at six."

I nodded.

"Thank you," I replied.

Not to be left out Colin came in at the last moment and gave me a tight hug. He was such a loving boy with a big heart. I hugged him back, realizing he was now taller than me.

My goddess, I thought, when did that happen?

"I'm glad you're okay Ilia," he said with a slight depth to his voice, "we were all so worried about you."

When he pulled back I smiled at him. He was growing up right in front of me.

"Thank you for being so chivalrous Colin," I said, "you're going to make an excellent knight some day."

He just nodded.

"Thanks," he replied.

With that, I left the main impasse and headed for my home. Link was still organizing wood when I went inside and saw him fire up the hearth. He turned when he heard me come inside. He blew out the fire starter he used and pitched it to the fire.

"I'm sorry for intruding," he apologized, "I was just trying to make things comfortable for you so you wouldn't have to worry."

I nodded.

"You don't have to apologize," I reassured, "you've been wonderful."

He grinned when I said that.

"I was going to start a stew but you're a better cook than I am," he joked.

I smiled.

"That is true," I replied, "don't worry I'm going to have supper with Uli and Rusl tonight."

He nodded and seemed pleased with hearing that.

"Good," he said, "you shouldn't be doing too much anyway, you just got home."

I saw his point, but didn't want to be an invalid.

"I know," I said, "but this house won't get cleaned on its own."

Link fanned off my words.

"I'll clean it for you until your strength returns," he offered.

I looked at him surprised.

"Really?" I asked.

His grin turned to a full smile.

"Really," he replied.

I pursed my lips together and felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist and rested my head on his chest. I took in a deep breath and closed my eyes.

"What would I do without you?" I whispered.

He knew my question was much deeper than what I was intending. His smile faded and he hugged me back.

"Everything's going to be alright," he said softly, "I'm here."

I felt my heart skip a beat and I looked up at him. My eyes searched his face.

"Yes... you are here, aren't you?" I whispered again.

He nodded then hugged me tight again.

"I'll always be here Ilia," he whispered back.

He had no idea how happy he just made me. I took another deep breath against his tunic.

That's just what I wanted to hear, I thought, what I wanted to hear indeed.

Maybe I wouldn't have to wait so long to make a move after all. Maybe Link and I would be married sooner than I thought.

~SSS~

Several Weeks Later, An Unexpected Visitor in Dragon Roost: Xavier's POV

A wind blew from the east, carrying a voice along with it.

"Xavier..."

The king stirred slightly, but didn't completely awaken.

"Xavier..."

There was a brief pause, and a moment later the dragon monarch opened his eyes. He sat up slowly and looked around the room in caution. He knew he heard something, he just wasn't sure what.

What was that...? he thought.

The voice conjured again.

"Mirror, mirror on the wall..." a voice again whispered out of nowhere.

The king of Dragon Roost sat up more erect suddenly, and broke out into a cold sweat. His sleep was disturbed.

"...Who's the biggest deceiver of them all?" the voice taunted.

At first, Xavier thought the voice he was hearing was part of a dream, or more accurately, a nightmare. However, as he listened more closely to the ambient sounds around him, he soon realized how wishful his thinking really was. There was a whiz in the air like a whistle, then a brief moment of light ethereal laughter.

It was very frightening.

The monarch shuddered.

"Who's there?" the dragon king called out.

There was another moment of pausing before the voice spoke again.

"There has been a conjuring... have you felt it?" the strange visceral voice went on without answering his question.

Xavier didn't answer right away. He felt it alright, he had been feeling it for months. In his present state, he was alone in his inner chambers. It was the middle of the night, and for the longest time, Xavier knew this day would eventually manifest, he was just dreading its comeuppance. However, it was obviously time to pay the proverbial piper. Even still, he didn't know how it was possible when the methodology used was supposed to have been destroyed... at least that was what he was told.

I knew it was too good to be true, he thought.

One of the main reasons why Xavier decided to become a grand master in the Brotherhood of Hyrule was to watch out for events specifically related to this eventuality. It seemed like only yesterday when everything in his life was perfect. However, that perfection was long gone, and he was now dealing with the repercussions of it. The king looked around his commodious chamber in hopes of finding, or more frankly, not finding, the body that matched with the voice. At this point, there was none.

"Who are you?" he whispered again, already knowing the answer.

The voice then boomed with laughter once more, and it sounded like the cadence was swirling all around him. It sent a chill down the king's spine. He stiffened immediately.

"You know exactly who this is Xavier..." the voice taunted, "or do you need another reeducation in front of your precious wife?"

Xavier narrowed his eyes just then in disgust. That was an obvious low blow mentioning Constance the way it did, but that was the consequence of making a deal with the devil. Xavier knew he couldn't argue. The king's breathing quickened, and he wanted to hasten whatever this vile creature needed for him to be out of his life. It couldn't happen soon enough.

"What do you need me to do?" the king asked quietly.

The voice paused for a moment, but then seemed more centered over Xavier when it spoke again.

"That's more like it..." the voice male voice whispered, "there's much for you to prepare for my eminent arrival."

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew open the doors to an adjacent window nearby. It was a strange constant rate of force that stayed stationary in that small area. However, in the preceding space above it, an eclectic looking cloud abruptly manifested itself. Within the cloud was a set of visions that were rapidly shifting and changing, as if colliding into each other. Xavier was perplexed by what he was seeing, but uttered nothing.

"Soon, I will be returning," the voice went on, "but several things must take place first and I need you to take care of them for me. Number one: there is a portal to a very specific place, you must find it and use it. My plans will convene from there."

Xavier looked at the cloud in confusion, when the vision shifted of a door way in his very own palace that led to a strange visceral light. The king had never seen that place before. Where was he supposed to find it?

"Where is-" the king tried.

"Number two: the monarch there must be neutralized," the voice interrupted forcefully, "she is very powerful and if you don't deal with her, she can become a formidable opponent. You will use this to detain her."

The cloud changed from its former configuration to a new one. It showed a strange looking amulet connected to a chain. The carving depicted a woman on her knees, begging for her life, while a man stood over her with a spear in his hand, readying to kill her. It was quite disturbing. Xavier had no idea what the true purpose for it was, and honestly, nor did he want to get involved.

"How am I supposed to get it to her?" he demanded. "Access to her world has been siphoned off."

There was a brief pause on the voice's part before it decided to go on. It seemed its patience was wearing thin.

"Are you an idiot? Who do you think you're kidding?" the voice demanded. "I've already shown you a gateway in your own palace. Do you think you're dealing with a fool? Utilize what it was that I have shown you. You'd do well not to toy with me your majesty" the voice warned. "My instructions are clear, you will do everything I ask of you with no hesitations, do you understand?"

Xavier's confusion turned to a sincere sense of foreboding. He wasn't bargaining on any of this at all. Why was the creature wanting to get her involved? What purpose would it serve? As if solidifying the king's thought process, the vision shifted again and showed a very beautiful face, one too beautiful to talk about. He closed his eyes when he recognized the visage immediately.

My poor girl...he thought, feeling a rare twinge of remorse.

He shook his head and looked down at his trembling hands.

"I... I can't," he whispered, "the young woman is like a daughter to me. It would be like betraying her."

The voice laughed again, but this time seemed to billow all around him instead of in front of him like before.

"My good king betrayal in your strong suit... think of your wife," the voice said cruelly, "you got over your betrayal to her quite easily. You can, and you will do it again. If you don't, you know what will happen to you and your kingdom," the voice threatened. "Also too, think of this, if you find the task so repulsive, ask..." the voice stopped for a moment and laughed again, "ask your... son to help you in this regard. He has plenty of experience with women."

Xavier swallowed hard and felt his eyes widen.

"You leave him out of this!" the king replied. "Elbourne has nothing to do with this affair!"

The voice paused again, and seemed a bit surprised at Xavier's reaction. He wasn't the only one, Xavier was even surprised at his reaction.

What in the world am I saying? he wondered.

He would have to question that later.

"Well, well, well," the voice taunted, "your reply was a bit unexpected. I thought you hated the little freak of nature. Are you telling me you've grown fond of the bastard?"

Xavier didn't reply, and the king's silence told the voice everything.

"Wait a minute... so you have," the voice said, "one would never know with how you treat him. You act as though you hate him."

"I put up with him for Constance's sake," he reassured, "she loves that boy beyond all rhyme or reason."

The voice laughed again.

"A convincing story good sir, I almost believed you," the voice teased, "and to perhaps help in your royal aspirations, I am now making it one of my mandates for you. He is to be the one to take charge of the other monarch."

Xavier felt all the blood drain from his face, this was not what he was expecting.

"You can't be serious," he said.

The voice had no hesitations.

"Quite the contrary, I'm dead serious," the voice replied, losing some of the devious cadence it had before. "Remember, if you don't do everything as I ask, when the time comes I'm coming for your kingdom first."

The dragon king was growing tired of the threats.

"How am I to believe you won't do it anyway?" he demanded all of a sudden. "You're a charlatan and a deviant! The only person you're interested in is yourself! What you've done to my wife is proof of that!"

The voice grew quiet again. The silence lasted longer than Xavier expected, and suddenly the king wished he had been a little more prudent with his words. He wasn't dealing with someone who made idle threats. He was dealing with a certifiable psychopath.

"Your proof is my word Xavier of Dragon Roost," the voice said, "I've been more than patient with you considering your history, but then again... you never know with me, now do you?"

Xavier trembled slightly, but decided not to let that slide. He wasn't going to be baited into anything that was going to compromise Dragon Roost even more.

"If you cannot give me your word, then I cannot help you," he said, mustering up some boldness. "I will not allow my people to suffer anymore at your hands."

The voice got quiet again, but then suddenly out of nowhere a very grating, undeniable hyper resonance reverberated throughout the room, creating a frequency so potent that Xavier had to cover his ears before his ear drums burst.

"Ahhh!" the king groaned in pain. "What are you doing? Stop this! Please!"

Instead of abating the frequency, the force got stronger, and after it seemed like it was at its max amplitude the voice conjured itself once more.

"Let me make one thing clear to you Xavier of Dragon Roost," the voice's threatening tone returned, "you don't make any of the rules here, you decided that long ago when your thirst for power was greater than your reasoning ability. You will do as you are told and you will do it with apt complicity. Your kingdom will be mine one way or another anyway. You Hylians have no real power, you never did. You're all pawns in the divine comedy of the disgusting goddesses anyway. However, if you want proof of anything it will be of this, I promise you once I am freed that you, and your beloved Dragon Roost, will be the first to go. Your lands will be scoured, your people will be dispersed, and you will be killed in front of the royal family. How do you think your precious Constance will see you then? Do I make myself clear?"

The resonance never let up, and Xavier tightened his grip around his ears. He opened his eyes and finally forced a nod of agreement, realizing just how insignificant and helpless he really was in all this. There was nothing he could do to quell any of the voice's threats, and what was worse was that he knew the creature could and would make good on his promises once the opportunity presented itself. Xavier couldn't and wouldn't let Dragon Roost be made an example of because of his pride... no matter how much he dreaded doing the bidding of a monster.

"You're... you're quite clear," he replied back finally, "now stop this bounding force! It's unbearable!"

The hyper resonance continued for a moment longer before it finally abated, and the king was able to release his hands from his ears. Xavier closed his eyes and placed his hand over his racing heart to try and relieve it. He was a man that rarely felt afraid of anything, but in this moment, he had a fear that coursed all the way down to his bones. His cool sweating actually increased, and his pajamas were perspired through at the neck and arm pits. Xavier felt more like a helpless child than a mighty monarch in that moment. However, seeing the king's weakened state didn't stop the voice from eliciting more fear within him.

"That is but a taste of what I will do to you if you decided to betray me," the voice warned, "remember, you work for me! It is not the other way around!"

Xavier sat up in his bed feeling numb. What could he say in reply? Everything the voice was saying was true. He never should have made a deal with the devil.

"I... I understand," he replied finally.

The voice hesitated in answering for several seconds, but it soon spoke out once more.

"Now that that has been reestablished," it went on, "I will continue on what I need for you to prepare for me. This is the last thing, number three: I want you to kill this man."

The cloud hovering over the window suddenly changed and shifted again, this time showing the visage of a familiar, but confusing young man. When Xavier looked into the cloud, perplexity overtook him once more.

This doesn't make any sense, he thought.

Xavier shook his head again.

"There must be some mistake," he said, "the late king of Hyrule is already deceased. Daphnes II has been dead for years now my lord."

The voice suddenly laughed again, about to divulge something Xavier apparently didn't know.

"That is true, and the vision I'm showing you is of Daphnes II, however the man I want you to take care of isn't Daphnes II," the voice divulged to the king.

Xavier looked at the cloud still puzzled.

"That doesn't make any sense," he verbalized this time, "why don't you make your intended target more clear? Why all this secrecy and confusion?"

The voice lowered its octave a little bit when it spoke again.

"Because there are some secrets that even you don't know grand master," the voice said sarcastically, "I'm not going to tell you who I am speaking of because you are well aware of who this man is... why do you think you've always had him watched at a distance?"

The king's puzzlement only deepened.

"I don't understand," he said.

The voice laughed again.

"Think about it and you will," the voice replied, "that's all I will say on this matter. You still have several more years until my expectations are met, just make sure you figure it out before then. However, if you don't, and he's still alive, when the time comes I'll kill you instead."

The king was even more confused than when the voice initially spoke. His perplexity was so tantamount that the threat didn't even bother him.

"Why don't you just tell me who it is?" he demanded. "Why are you makin-?" he started, but then suddenly cut himself short when his eyes widened in complete and utter disbelief. He just had a major realization. "Wait a minute," he started again, "are you telling me that the young man Auru recruited a few years ago is the illegitimate son of the late Hylian king? I thought he was just a spy from Hyrule."

The voice got quiet again, and if it had a face Xavier knew that the expression would be of a devious smile in that moment.

"Think again," the voice taunted knowingly, "there's no way your now late comrade Auru would go through such great lengths to recruit and protect a young man if he wasn't important. I will say between the two of you, Auru was definitely the more clever. You may have been the more resourceful one, but Auru knew from the moment he saw the youth in question that he was the son of the king."

Xavier's heart skipped a beat. He had heard rumors and stories, but he didn't think any of it was true. Daphnes II seemed to adore his wife Quistis, never had it crossed Xavier's mind that his old comrade and former friend had been an unfaithful husband to her. This was truly shocking news to the dragon king. Quistis was the most beautiful woman in Hyrule, stretching even into all the territories of her homeland Balaam in her youth. From the outside looking in, it seemed Daphnes II was obsessed with her. He courted her vigorously, showered her with attention and gifts, then asked for her hand in marriage shortly after. It was what anyone would consider a typical whirlwind romance... or was it?

If they were unhappy, both Quistis and Daphnes II were great at masking it. They seemed to have a successful, strong marriage, and the birth of Zelda only seemed to solidify it. Hell, Daphnes II even courted and married Quistis at the cost of his close friendship with Xavier. It was no secret that Xavier had been madly in love with Quistis before his contracted marriage to Lady Constance of Balaam. Xavier shared his thoughts and intentions openly with Daphnes II years ago, even stating his intentions of marrying her. Curiously and strangely at the time, Daphnes II seemed very happy for him, even encouraging Xavier to pursue Quistis. Xavier was ecstatic over his love for Quistis, even promising Daphnes II that he would be his best man in the wedding. The former king of Hyrule seemed all for it, until one day all of that changed. Something... something happened to Daphnes that changes his course of life forever.

Almost as if out of the blue, Daphnes II became a completely different man. The smile usually radiating his handsome face was all but gone, and his disposition was questionable at best. Some tragedy had scarred him deeply. Once under confidence, Daphnes II confessed while intoxicated that a peasant girl named Elincia he was seeing secretly was tragically killed by an archer's bow. The former king insisted it was because his mother didn't approve of the girl in question, so she had her assassinated. Xavier was never certain if that story was true, or if it was the wine talking, but given Daphnes's sudden change in attitude and behavior, there must have been some merit to it.

Like a one hundred eighty degree turn, Daphnes II reneged on his one time best friend and betrayed him by then pursuing, and eventually marrying the woman Xavier loved. The dragon king never understood why Daphnes II took such actions against him and ruined their life long friendship in such a way. However, he knew he would never trust him the way he once did again. It actually created a bitter hatred for the Hylian king inside of him. Xavier thought they would be brothers in arms forever, and even though they were allies verbally, they never got back to what they once were. They put up appearances and smiles, even visiting each other's kingdom's for the people's sake, but it was never the same between the two of them. Their friendship was forever scarred, and to this day, with much ambivalence and indifference, Xavier struggled with being both secretly pleased and saddened that Daphnes II was killed in one of his military campaigns. The news brought him both joy and pain. Unfortunately, that was how far their friendship had fallen.

However now, after all these years, to find out there was another man who bore the blood of the former Hylian king was a striking revelation to Xavier. Did the young man known as Bastion Belmonte know the truth? Was that why he joined the brotherhood in the first place? Was he trying to find out more about his father? Did he know about the rocky history between Daphnes II and Xavier? Was he planning vengeance himself? Was he planning to usurp the throne from his sister Zelda? There was no way for the dragon king to know for a certain without revealing what he knew to the young man in question, and then he really would have to kill him. However, that last fact didn't seem to matter, he was going to have to kill him anyway.

Xavier was truly at a loss, but if it had to be done then it had to be done.

"Bastion Belmonte..." he whispered, unable to think of anything else.

"...Is really Daphnes III," the voice continued for him, "that young man is fiercely loyal to his sister the queen of Hyrule. You have no choice but to be rid of him. It shouldn't be a surprise to you, you were going to have him killed anyway."

That last line of reasoning was true, but all this new information just compounded the fact. Xavier swallowed hard and nodded.

"I... I will do all that you ask," he whispered, feeling even more numb.

The voice then laughed again.

"I knew you would see it my way," the voice replied, "now that all of my requests have been made, I will leave you in peace, but know that I will call on you again... don't disappoint me Xavier. Make sure you clear all of your obstacles out of the way."

The dragon king was more than aware of that fact. He nodded obediently and said nothing. It was then the cloud in the window seal disappeared completely, and the voice no longer made itself known to the dragon king. Xavier ran his hands over his face and then promptly jumped out of his bed. He walked over to the basin near a gold infused mirror and splashed his face with water. When he had the courage to look at his reflection, he realized just how far he had fallen. He was a shell of his former self, and he wasn't sure if it was just the mirror playing tricks on him, but he seemed to have aged a few years after that conversation. The lines in his face were more deepened, the prominence of nose was more apparent, his skin looked a little more weathered, but he still held the draconian beauty of the dragon masters blood line, his eyes were still that enchanting hazel, and his hair was still that platinum blonde. The funny or ironic thing about Xavier's aging was that Constance seemed to have the opposite effect. She only seemed to look more younger and beautiful as the years rolled on, Elbourne too seemed to resemble the hero more and more with each passing day. It was very strange, but the king wasn't ignorant to the reasons... reasons he would not divulge at this time.

Xavier picked up a towel to wipe his face and sighed. He looked away from his reflection when he couldn't face himself any longer.

I'm a damn fool, he thought.

He closed his eyes and took in another deep breath.

"But what... what can I do?" he whispered, he then looked himself in the mirror once more. "What can I do?"

~SSS~

An Unexpected Thanks, and An Unexpected Proposition: The Following Day, Elbourne's POV

One thing I learned about being the crown prince was that nothing was ever asked for for free. There was always a reason behind something that seemed too good to be true. So when my father called for me out of the blue simply to talk, I knew something else was at play here. I was walking down the hall en route to his chambers when I was suddenly confronted by a young lady I wasn't expecting to see that morning. In short the young woman was Adlez, and she seemed more composed than from when I last saw her. She looked beautiful the way she always did, but there was something different about her face. She looked like she had been crying and the puffiness from her red eyes never went away. I wasn't sure what to make of all this, but I did make good on my promise not to call on her anymore. That wasn't to say I wasn't happy to see her, I was. I just wasn't expecting to see her like this. I also found it strange that she was coming from the royal chambers of my mother. There was nothing normal about any of this circumstance. I stopped when Adlez stepped aside to allow me to walk by, but I didn't advance another step until she looked at me. I was tired of pretending I didn't miss her, and with her coming from my mother's chambers I wanted to know what was going on. Adlez avoided my eyes, but then curtsied out of respect in an attempt to be on her way. However, I blocked her path, I wasn't going to be put off like this, I wanted her to speak with me.

"Good morning my lady," I greeted quietly.

She nodded.

"Good morning your highness," she said in a slightly broken voice.

I didn't understand her dismay in the moment. I looked past her to my mother's chambers, and decided not to beat around the bush.

"What did you speak about with her majesty?" I asked.

Adlez's face crumpled just then and she turned from looking at me. That was hardly the reaction I was anticipating. I looked at her taken aback, and took another step forward. She instinctively stepped back as two tears flowed down her cheeks.

"Please my lord, let me be," she whispered.

There was no way that going to happen.

"I'm not going anywhere until you tell me why you're crying," I insisted.

I was genuinely concerned with all this. There was no way I was going to let this slide when she still meant a great deal to me. She was one of the few people I trusted. She knew who I really was. I wasn't going to just walk away. Adlez wiped her eyes and bit her lower lip.

"I don't want to talk about it," she whispered.

All her comment did was make me more upset and curious. I took hold of her shoulders in a gentle manner and brought her closer to me. When I hugged her she seemed very resistant.

"Please..." she begged softly, pushing away from me, "I have to go, what if someone sees us?"

She had to know I didn't care about that.

"I want to know why you're crying," I asked, "what's going on? Did my mother say something to hurt you?"

Adlez was quiet for a long time, before she finally had the courage to look me in the eyes. She took in a deep sigh and looked troubled, she was trembling slightly in my grip.

"No, the queen is a very cordial woman," she replied, "it was quite the opposite actually."

I looked at her puzzled.

"If that's the case then why the tears?" I asked. "If everything went well, why do you look so distressed?"

She rolled her eyes out of frustration and looked away. I knew she didn't want to tell me, but this was me she was talking to. She had to know I knew her better than that. Adlez was quiet again before she reluctantly revealed the truth. She freed herself from my hold and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"If you must know, I... I just signed my marriage contract," she divulged finally, "I'm leaving for Balaam in two days."

When I heard that I looked at her stunned, and felt as though I were hit with a ton of red bricks. She couldn't have been serious. I had to have been hearing wrong.

"What?" I replied. "Tell me you're joking!"

She swallowed hard and looked away.

"I'm afraid it's true," she said quietly.

I looked at her incredulously.

"Your marriage contract?" I repeated. "Marriage to whom?"

She shook her head, unsure of that herself.

"I don't know," she said honestly, "a wealthy aristocrat in Balaam. I haven't met him yet."

I couldn't believe this was happening.

"Who decided this?" I demanded, feeling a sudden onset of anger. "You can't just be carted off like a-"

"Please your highness you're only making me feel worse!" she interrupted quietly in a broken voice. "There's nothing I can I do. Everything was arranged by your mother."

I felt my eyes widen and my breathing accelerate. My mother wouldn't take actions such as these without a reason, and I was going to find out what those reasons were. I took hold of Adlez's hand and yanked it slightly to go in the opposite direction.

"Come with me," I said and headed straight for my mother's chamber.

Adlez was hesitant and pulled back.

"Please Elbourne," she begged, "I don't want to cause-"

"This isn't trouble," I interrupted, "I want to get down to the bottom of this. I want to know why decisions like this are being made behind my back."

Adlez was quiet after that, and a few moments later with her in tow, I approached my mother's chamber door. The guard outside looked frustrated when we both approached because I was sure he was going to tell me that my mother didn't want to be disturbed. However, making his job any easier wasn't a concern of mine, even still, he attempted.

"Your highness, her majesty is-" he tried.

"Tell her majesty this is an urgent matter," I interrupted, "it cannot wait."

The guard sighed and without much of a fight in return, he turned and knocked on the door. A moment later, my mother's voice rang through.

"Who's calling?" she demanded. "I said I was not to be disturbed," she called back.

The soldier hesitated for a second.

"I understand that my lady," the guard replied, "but his highness is here with the Lady Adlez you just saw."

There was a brief moment of silence before she spoke again.

"His highness is with who?" she asked again calmly.

I raised a brow at her tone.

It wasn't like her at all.

What is this all about? I wondered.

"The Lady Adlez," the guard repeated.

There was another brief silence before a reply.

"Send them both in," she said finally.

I was growing more puzzled as this continued to transpire. The guard opened the door and stepped aside, he then gestured for the both of us to go in.

"You may enter," he said.

I groaned in subtle irritation, wanting to know why my mother was acting so strangely. This wasn't like her. When we both entered, we bowed respectfully, and walked up to my mother seated in her suede arm chair, looking like the beautiful queen she was. She eyed the both of us with open suspicion, then interlaced her fingers together and sat back.

"What can I do for you my son?" she asked in a cool rich voice.

I looked at her puzzled for a moment. She wasn't acting like herself, and Adlez was now looking to the floor.

"Mother did you affiance this woman?" I demanded, getting straight to the point.

My mother raised a brow and didn't appreciate my tone.

"Why does it matter to you Elbourne?" she said quietly. "That is a matter of business."

I looked at her surprised.

"Mother you know why," I replied, "why are you acting so cavalier about this?"

The dragon queen narrowed her eyes at me just then.

"Then why didn't you marry her if she means so much to you?" she asked me simply. "Why are you worried about her now?"

Again, I looked at her surprised.

"Mother-" I tried.

She raised her hand to silence me and turned her attention to Adlez.

"Have you told him?" she asked her cryptically.

My puzzlement was only deepening.

I turned to look at Adlez.

"Told me what?" I asked, giving the young maiden a long once over.

Adlez looked away and pursed her lips together. Tears filled her eyes immediately.

"Your majesty please!" she begged my mother. "You promised me you wouldn't say anything!"

I was now thrown for a loop by that statement. I looked at her even more confused.

"Adlez what are you talking about?" I demanded, losing a little of my patience. "Tell me what?"

My mother looked between the both of us and remained calm.

"Tell him my lady," the queen said.

Adlez's eyes widened and she looked at the both of us in open fear, but she trembled more when her gaze rested back on me. She immediately reached for my hand.

"Elbourne I-I didn't mean for any of this to happen!" she said desperately for some reason. "I'm so sorry! I never did this to hurt you! I-"

My mother grew impatient behind me.

"Tell him Adlez," my mother interrupted once more.

She looked from me to the queen once again, then back to me.

She hesitated for an instant.

"I'm-I'm pregnant!" she whispered terrified finally. "The baby's yours because you're the only man I've ever been with!"

I felt my eyes widen again and I looked at her stunned.

"W-what?!" I said shocked. "You're pregnant?"

My mother intervened immediately.

"You see why she has to be married now," she said, then stood from her seat, "too often you act irrationally like this Elbourne, and I have to be the one to cover up your mistakes."

I looked at my mother without having any words.

I was thrown for a loop.

"But-but-but you can't just send her off to Balaam without so much as-" I tried.

"She's going Elbourne," the dragon queen interrupted, "her contract has been signed, the arrangements have been made, and her suitor is a very wealthy man. I should know, her fiance is my nephew. I've informed your uncle Cadence all about it. She will be well cared for."

I looked at her dumbfounded. I couldn't believe this was happening. Did she honestly think I would be okay with this? Did my mother think she was doing me any favors by sending her away? She was shipping one of the few people I trusted out of my life. She sounded almost as callous as father.

"You-you can't do this, you just can't!" I demanded. "What about-"

My mother looked at me unscathed.

"Are you going to marry her then Elbourne?" the dragon queen interrupted calmly. "You come in here grandstanding and putting up fronts like a man of honor, but are you going to make right the wrong you've done to her? Are you going to legitimize her and your baby? You used her and then cast her aside like she was nothing. She came to me secretly in good faith, begging me not to tell you, knowing that you're obsessed with your love for Queen Zelda. So, your father and I decided another avenue for her. We decided to help give her the chance she might not have with anywhere else."

I gave my mother an offhanded look when she mentioned the dragon king. What did he have to do with any of this? Why in the hell would he be interested in my personal life anyway? I knew something fishy was going on when he summoned me out of nowhere for a conference, and I suspected that Adlez's untimely departure had something to do with it.

I took a step forward. I knew I was in the dark about something, I just didn't know what.

"Mother..." I trailed, trying to keep calm, "what's going on here? Why are both you and father making decisions for me behind my back?"

The dragon queen didn't reply right away. She looked from me to Adlez, then back again.

"That's something you need to discuss with your father," she said simply, "I was just told to help clean up this mess before it became public knowledge."

I hated that she was referring Adlez to such.

"This woman isn't a mess," I corrected, "she's someone I care very deeply for, and-"

My mother groaned loudly in my mid-sentence.

"Then ultimately it's your choice isn't it Elbourne?" she interrupted. "You either marry her, or let her have some life in Balaam. You either marry her and lose all chances you have with Zelda forever. But you have to ask yourself if you're willing to do that."

A silence overcame the three of us after she uttered that. A silence that stunned me and that I knew would hurt Adlez. If there was anything that could get under my former lover's skin, it was the mentioning of Zelda. And my mother knew if there was one cardinal weakness I had it was the queen of Hyrule. I looked away trying to find the right thing to say, knowing I should have objected right away to my mother's abrasive speech, knowing I should have immediately said what needed to be said, and did the right thing. Adlez was pregnant with my child, I rightfully should take her as my future queen, but... but then, what about Zelda? I really could lose her forever if she knew I was going to be a father and be married soon. I wouldn't be able to call on her, or see her, or touch her, or love her, or desire her as openly as I do now. She would simply become another memory. Could I live with that? Could I really function without Zelda in my life? I needed her more than I needed air at times, and the thought of losing her, especially like this, terrified me more than a thousand slow deaths. Besides, when I really thought about it, I sincerely had no idea Adlez was pregnant. I just found out this news today, in this very moment. I couldn't let my entire life be governed by one mistake, no matter sweet or beautiful the girl was. I had to think about my future, and Zelda was a big part of it.

I can't... I thought, I won't...

I finally looked back over at Adlez who was now avoiding my eyes. She probably knew how this was all going to turn out even before I stopped her. That's probably why she never told me. That's probably why she wanted to avoid all of this humiliation. She was already aware of what the outcome would be. It was then I turned my back on her so I wouldn't have to face her any longer. I knew what I had to do, and I knew why I had to do it.

Adlez... I thought, I'm sorry.

I took in a deep sigh.

"Now that I think about it my lady," I said, addressing my former lover, "mother does have a point. You would be happier in Balaam with such a luxurious suitor for a marriage mate. You'll want for nothing as mother said. It's beautiful there and... and some of the places at night are as magnificent as your green eyes. When I really think about it, it's the best option for you."

The young maiden was quiet for a long time before speaking. The sniffling she tried to control only intensified my feelings of guilt.

"I... I understand your highness," she whispered from behind me, "I too have thought about such things. The queen of Hyrule... is an incomparable woman. I knew from our first meeting you could never stop loving her. I probably wouldn't give her up either if I were in your shoes."

I closed my eyes after her utterance. She was such a good person, I didn't deserve her anyway.

Adlez then turned her sole attention to my mother.

"Your majesty may I be excused?" she asked finally. "I have much packing to do and I want to spend the rest of my time here with my family before I go."

My mother gave Adlez a long once over before giving her an approving nod.

"You may go," she said.

Once cleared, Adlez curtsied then hurried to leave out the door. I continued to stand there, staring at the floor both hating and understanding my decision. I was basically abandoning her for my own selfish desires. A desire I honestly didn't know even had a future. When the door closed behind Adlez, my mother turned her crystal green eyes on me. She looked indifferent, but deep down I knew she was disappointed that I let things with Adlez get to this point. It was just another scandal for her to cover in the many trials of her foolhardy, promiscuous son. We were both silent for a long time before she addressed me.

"Do you have anything you want to say?" she inquired finally.

I took in a deep sigh and shook my head.

"What can I say?" I muttered, and ran a hand through my hair.

My mother grunted thoughtfully.

"I thought you loved her," she said, "I thought that that girl would be the one. I actually really liked her, she has a good head on her shoulders."

Her words were only making me feel worse.

"I understand all that mother," I said, "I thought I loved her too, but I was wrong, it was just a fleeting feeling I had."

The dragon queen raised a brow.

"It didn't seem that way when you brought her to visit me for the first time," she replied, "there was a time when you two were inseparable."

Her saying that only made me feel more guilty.

"Times change," I muttered again, "it would never work out between Adlez and me, our expectations are too different."

The dragon queen took in a deep sigh and shook her head slowly. She gave me a once over as if she was thinking of something important. Her eyes said it all.

"I certainly hope you get what you desire my son," she said, "I just hate the thought of you chasing after someone who doesn't love you the way you love her."

It was obvious she was speaking of Zelda.

"She loves me mother, she just... she just doesn't realize it yet," I stated, really convincing myself more than her.

She was quiet for a moment.

"Elbourne..." she started, "I love Zelda as much as you do, but you have to realize there is a difference between making love to a woman for pleasure, and real love between two people."

I looked at her surprised.

"It isn't like that between the two of us, we've only ever-" I tried.

"I don't know how far your relationship has gone with Zelda intimately, nor do I care for you to tell me," she interrupted quickly, "I just know I've seen you ride to her whenever she beckons you, even in the middle of the night. What you two have done is your own affair, but you need to understand that there is a difference between her calling you as a friend in need, than her calling you as the man she desires to be her king. If she wanted you as her king Elbourne, then why did she reject your proposal at the ball? Why did she allow you to be humiliated in front of all those people? Why did she choose a... a peasant over you to be her suitor? Think Elbourne."

These were all things I didn't want to hear because they all had more merit than I wanted them too. I was aware of Zelda's so called feelings for Link, but what mother didn't understand was that there was a rift now between them, a rift that I could now possibly mend.

"I am thinking, and until she has a ring on her finger from another man, I'm not giving up on her mother," I said determined, "I love her way too much to let her go. She's the only rhyme or reason I cansee sometimes in this crazy world. I know you think I'm a fool, but I just can't let her go."

We were both quiet again, but my mother was looking at me with open concern. A concern that was deeper than what we were talking about. It prompted her to say something I wasn't expecting.

"You really were conditioned to be after Zelda and Zelda only weren't you?" she whispered more to herself than to me.

I didn't understand what she meant. It was a puzzling thing for her to say. Why would she utter such a thing?

"What?" I inquired.

She looked at me as if she were in a trance for a moment, but then suddenly a look of sadness and fear came into her eyes before they filled with tears and she looked away.

"It's nothing," she whispered, "you may leave me."

I looked at her taken aback and took a step forward. Did she really think that was going to happen? Did she really think I was gong to leave with her making comments of the like?

"No, I want to know what you meant," I replied, "you can't make statements like that and think I won't react to them. Why are you crying?"

Her tears became more apparent with my question.

"I said leave me!" she repeated with more force. "Your father needs to speak with you anyway, don't keep him waiting."

My perplexity only deepened. Was she really this upset over what I was doing to Adlez? Did she really think there was no chance for Zelda and me? And what was with that statement about me being conditioned? Conditioned for what? Conditioned by who? And more importanly, what did that have to do with Zelda?

"Mother-" I tried.

"Go Elbourne!" she said again. "I want to be alone."

I was stunned at her tone, but knew I had nothing else to bargain with. I just stared at her for a brief moment before I begrudgingly bowed and took my leave at her bidding. I was going to get nothing from her when she was like this. Even still, there was something very strange about all this. When I got to the door I did turn to look at her for a second, her eyes were cast to the floor. That same distressed look was still on her face and I didn't completely understand it. One day she was going to have to come clean and tell me what this was truly all about.

"I'll call on you later mother," I said, hoping to get more of a positive response from her, "perhaps later in the day after I speak with father."

She didn't reply, and simply kept her eyes off me.

I sighed, realizing I was getting nowhere with this and finally opened the door. When I was in the hall, I didn't advance right away because I didn't know what to think. When I woke up this morning I wasn't expecting any of this. I decidedly turned my back on Adlez, my mother was keeping more than the usual secrets from me, and my father's visit didn't carry the normalcy of routine on it the way it usually did. I stared down the hall at my father's quarters in the distance, wanting to know what he truly wanted from me. Something was telling me that Adlez's sudden departure to Balaam wasn't my mother's initiative alone, the scathing contempt of this had father written all over it. There was only one way to know for sure.

I stopped my inquiries for a moment and walked down the hall to my father's chambers. The guard standing post there, no doubt saw what had happened outside my mother's room and anticipated my arrival. There was going to be plenty of gossip for the people after those two soldiers changed shifts at the end of the day. I tried not to be bothered by it, I was used to being the subject of such talk. I stood erect and addressed the young soldier.

"Would you let his majesty know Prince Elbourne is here to see him?" I inquired.

The soldier nodded, and followed my request promptly.

"He's been waiting for you your highness," he replied.

I grunted thoughtfully.

"I'm sure he was," I muttered.

The guard looked at me surprised, but uttered nothing in return. Instead he knocked on the door to get the king's attention.

"Who is it?" Xavier called from the other side.

The soldier cleared his throat.

"Prince Elbourne is here to see you sire," he called back.

There was a brief pause.

"Send him in," the king order.

I stepped back to allot the guard more room, and he opened the door for me. Once inside, he closed the door behind me. Xavier was seated in his ornate wooden chair covered in royal elk fur at the large marbled table in the center of the room. He had several scrolls opened and he looked to be engaged in some form of study. I walked up and took a passing glance at what he was going over. Some of the documents being utilized were on mechanisms of the Twilight Realm. It was an interesting choice considering Twili and Hylian relations had come to a virtual stand still after the chaos that had ensued only a couple years ago, but I had no idea why he had a sudden interest in them now. Even still, I said nothing and waited for him to address me.

Xavier placed his quill pen down and looked over the document he was writing on to take notes. Several names were written on there, but I couldn't make out who they were. The silence between us continued, until I grew tired of it. If he wanted to speak to me, here I was to be spoken to. If not, then I wanted to take my leave so I could attempt to explain my position to Adlez before she left. She had to know I wasn't abandoning her just to do so. I needed to explain to her why such actions were necessary.

I took in a deep sigh and raised a brow,

"You sent for me your majesty," I said with a slight impatience.

Xavier was still looking at his parchment before he cut his eyes to me. There was something more amiable about his glance than usual, which was rare. He almost looked like he didn't hate me.

"Yes Elbourne I did," he said finally and stood up, "I've heard a few things in passing about a certain dragon maid you dealt with a few weeks ago."

I looked at him puzzled for a second.

"What dragon maid?" I asked.

Xavier raised a brow and gave me a potent look.

"Don't play dumb, you know who I'm talking about," he replied.

I looked away from him for a second, only to realize he wasn't talking about a real dragon maid at all, but Morgana.

"Oh you mean the lady of the house of Rue Morgue," I stated finally, "what about her?"

Xavier smirked at me.

"She's dead," he said rather bluntly, "it seemed she walked into a coup set up for her by the hero in the Red Lantern District. Now how did she get there I wonder?"

I shrugged, not caring one way or another.

"She should have known that that life was going to catch up with her sooner or later," I replied.

The king just stared at me and narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Why did you do it?" he asked suddenly.

I didn't flinch.

"You just said she was killed by the hand of Linux," I replied, "I had nothing to do with that."

He didn't believe me.

"Then how did Morgana get out of Dragon Roost?" he asked. "She had to have some assistance."

I was growing tired of this, but wouldn't deny it.

"I helped her," I said honestly, "I told her to meet me at the Red Lantern District for a night of pleasure. Her death was an unfortunate coincidence."

Xavier stared me down for a moment and snickered briefly.

"Do you honestly expect me to believe that?" he asked. "Do you honestly think that's going to fly over with me?"

I shrugged again.

"Whether you believe me or not is not my affair, nor do I really care," I said boldly, "however, even still, if you want me to be quite honest, I'm glad she's dead. All she ever did was bring mother pain by being another whore you slept with over her."

Xavier didn't react to my words right away, but I could tell I had gotten under his skin. He looked at me thoughtfully.

"Yes," was all he said in he reply, "well, I was going to commend you for your efforts. You have no idea how much that woman was a thorn in my side."

I grunted thoughtfully.

"As I stated before, I didn't do it for you," I replied, "I did it for mother."

He raised a brow.

"I thought you just said you didn't do it all," he stated.

I took in another deep breath. I wasn't going to go in circles about this matter.

"Whatever," I replied, "what is done is done, she's gone and I'm glad, now why did you call me here?"

The king sat back in his chair and studied me for a moment, probably not taking too kindly to my tone.

"You're certainly testy today," he said, "what's got you all riled up?"

I looked at him in mild disbelief.

Is he serious? I thought.

"You must be joking right?" I asked.

The king looked at me casually and shook his head.

"No I'm not," he said, "you seem upset and I want to know why."

I wasn't going to play this game with him.

"You damn well why I'm upset," I said, "stop baiting me."

Xavier shook his head innocently.

"I haven't the faintest idea son," he replied, "please enlighten me."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

"You selfish bastard!" I growled, slamming my fist into his table. "I know you're the reason Adlez is leaving Dragon Roost!"

He didn't flinch at my words.

"Who's Adlez?" he asked.

I couldn't believe how callous he was being.

"Stop this nonsense!" I said raising my voice a little. "You know who she is!"

Father grunted again.

"You mean that girl you got pregnant and tossed aside like an insignificant whore?" he replied. "Don't tell me you're feeling guilt for your actions pertaining to her."

He was getting me heated with his nonchalance.

"I had no idea she was with child!" I replied. "You deliberately kept that news from me and planned her departure!"

The king then sat back and shrugged.

"So what," he replied, "were you going to marry her Elbourne? You can come in here acting like you truly care about that girl, but your actions in letting her go say everything."

I narrowed my eyes at him again.

"You son of a bitch," I whispered, "what if I come out and announce that she and I will be married? What if I spread through all the kingdom that she's going to be the future queen?"

Xavier didn't even feel threatened.

"You won't do that for one reason and one reason only, Zelda," he replied, "your obsession over that woman is almost embedded in your bones. You willingly and knowingly let a pregnant woman leave your side because of your desire to have the queen of Hyrule."

I looked at him taken aback for a second. How in the world did he know all this so quickly? It was only just a moment ago when I found out about Adlez myself... unless... I was about to call him out.

"News has certainly been traveling fast around here this morning," I said, "I just found out about Adlez myself and now you already know. The only reason you would be so informed is that you're having mother or me watched. Is that the case?"

He just smirked at me.

"I'm having both of you watched actually," he said with a relentless frankness, "I don't trust either one of you."

I scoffed.

"The feeling is more than mutual," I replied, and was about to call him on his bluff, "and I've changed my mind, I want Adlez's marriage contract relinquished. I want to marry her myself."

Xavier was quiet for a moment and just stared at me with his cold hazel eyes.

"You know that isn't going to happen," he replied.

"Why?" I inquired.

"Because she's been affianced already," he said, "the arrangements have been made."

"I just told you to break them," I replied.

"I said no," he replied.

"Xavier-" I tried.

"I... said... no..." he interrupted calmly.

I was getting more upset.

"Why the hell are you so interested in my personal life suddenly?" I demanded. "What the hell does my dealings with Adlez have anything to do with you?"

He finally stood up from the table.

"It has everything to do with me," he replied, "and as such, you will not marry that girl. If you do try to defy me in this you'll leave me no choice but to take drastic action and have her beheaded."

I felt my eyes widen involuntarily.

"What?" I demanded. "Are you mad?"

He ignored my question.

"You and I both know you're grandstanding when it comes to this girl," he said, "but if you aren't, you're going to force my hand."

I couldn't believe he was saying this. I didn't want to believe he was saying this.

"You're not serious," I replied, "you can't-"

"I can and I will if I need to," he interrupted, "the choice is yours Elbourne."

I shook my head.

"Why are you doing this?" I demanded. "What has she ever done to you?"

He didn't reply to that.

"What has anyone ever done to anyone?" he replied in turn. "This isn't personal, I just have new plans for you."

I looked at him surprised just then.

Now we were getting somewhere.

Where is this coming from? I wondered.

"What are you talking about?" I demanded.

"It's very simple," he replied, "it's just as I've said, I have plans for you. Now come."

I looked at him taken aback. He then walked around from the table and went to one of the tapestries at the back of the room. After stopping in front of it, he prompted me to follow him with a gesture. I hesitated at first, not sure as to why he was making the moves he was, but then followed him because I curious with what he was trying to show me. He pulled the tapestry back and pushed against the wall to reveal a 'not so secret' secret passageway. Without waiting for me, he walked on in. I again paused, but realized I wasn't going to get anywhere without following this through to the end. I soon followed after father.

What the hell is going on here? I wondered.

The king was hurrying down a long staircase to a door that led to a crypt. From the edges of the abridging I noticed a strange green visceral light shining through. I had no idea what was making it, but the ignorance of that didn't prevent Xavier from opening the door and advancing inside. I was a feet steps behind him as he went in, but when I opened the door and came into the strange light, I was in for a rather mystifying surprise. The room was small, measuring about nine hundred square feet with no furnishings. In the center of the room was a small beacon of light purveying from a hole in the ground. I looked from it to my father in open confusion. What in the world was it? Why did he bring me here?

I took a step forward, studying the strange luminescence.

"What is this place?" I asked finally.

Xavier was staring at the light almost as if he was hypnotized. I almost thought he didn't hear me until he uttered, "This is an access point,"

That still didn't clear anything up for me.

I was aware of that.

"An access point to what? To where?" I demanded, losing a bit of my patience. "Stop talking in circles."

Xavier was quiet again for a second before he finally turned to look at me.

"To your new endeavor for the future son," he said cryptically.

I stared at him taken aback for a moment and looked to the portal again. Now he truly wasn't making any sense.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I demanded. "What endeavor?"

Xavier turned full on around and faced me. He gave me a long uncomfortable once over before he spoke again. He even came a little closer to me.

"I hear you have a thing for redheads," he whispered suddenly.

I felt my eyes narrow involuntarily at his words. All he was doing was adding to the confusion. What the hell was he talking about?

"You heard wrong," I corrected, "I'm more of a brunette man personally, but any beautiful woman is indiscriminate," I stated.

He just smirked at my reply.

"Good, because I'm going to need for you to remember this place for that very reason in the future," he said, not clearing anything up, "one day soon I'm going to call on you to access this portal."

I took a step back and looked from him to the access point again with a renewed sense of unease. Nothing in what he was saying remotely made any sense.

"What in Hylia's name are you talking about?" I demanded. "Why aren't you being more clear?"

Xavier grunted and still made no attempt at an explanation.

"Now isn't the time for that," he replied, "but one day you will understand. I'll explain it to you then."

My perplexity never went away.

"I'm not doing anything that-" I tried.

"You will do it," he interrupted, "this is nonnegotiable."

Afterwards instead of staying behind to explain what he meant, he headed back for the entrance and opened the door. He stood there for a moment to study me before effectively closing the door behind him and leaving. I continued to stare at the strange light, still having no idea what any of this truly meant. What was this light and why was it significant? What secrets was Xavier keeping from me now? What was he conjuring in that devious brain of his? Why was this so pivotal all of a sudden? These were questions I had no answers to in the here and now. However, it seemed Xavier had plans for me whether I was ready for them or not. I took in a deep sigh and then headed for the door myself. I turned to look at the mystifying light once more.

"It looks like the mystery is going to have to wait," I muttered to myself.

Afterwards, I left the room and headed back up the stairs to Xavier's chambers. However, I did pause for a moment to look at the door I just exited from. A feeling of foreboding came over me that ran as a chill down my back. I wasn't the type of man who got scared easily, but something in all this was not sitting right with me. I had no idea what Xavier was truly planning, but something told me it was going to eventually lead to his and maybe even Dragon Roost's undoing.

I glanced back up the staircase.

"What in Hylia's dear name is going on here?" I whispered to myself. "What in the world have you gotten us into Xavier?"

~SSS~

The Final Reunion, Four Months Later: Zelda's POV

It was quite surprising to me that life went on without so much as a hitch when the aftermath of all these events were taken into consideration. After Morgana's death, Link left the way he said he would and has since not shown up in Hyrule. I was keeping track by means of the guards and scouters, he was determined to stay out of the city. On another note, the citizens were happy their hero was freed, but many now had a new found hatred for me and the royal family. I couldn't say I blamed any of them. I didn't do myself any favors by having Link imprisoned, and I now I had to face the consequences of such actions. When I walked about the castle many of my servants who at one time felt free, stiffened in my presence and whispered in amongst themselves as I walked by. I was still the gossip mavens favorite topic, but there was a renewed venom to some of the words allocated about me. I tried not to let it get to me, but being known as the 'ice bitch' was pretty brazen even for a mean spirited person.

Oh well.

I was kept abreast on Link's injuries and overall health, even if he didn't know I was keeping tabs on him. Rusl had been a godsend by keeping me aware of his condition and whereabouts. The welts on his back were fully healed, and he had no more remnants of his blindness. I was also told he was doing well emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, and that he was moving on with his life. I did have a flicker of hope when I last saw Link in my chambers, but considering his absence over these past few months, I think it was safe to say, hope was all I had. He wasn't coming back. I wasn't bitter about it, just disappointed in how everything turned out between us. Link would have made a wonderful king in Hyrule. He just needed the proper motivation for such work. I think he would have embraced it too... if his love for Midna was not such a compelling factor. I looked up at the bright blue sky when I contemplated the twilight monarch.

Midna...

The twilight queen that had so much bearing on the present. Her absence couldn't really even be constituted as such, because her influence was everywhere. I sincerely hoped that one day Link would be able to find her and love her again. I hoped he would find her. and never let her go. He deserved to be happy, and he deserved to be with the woman he loved. I couldn't force him to feel what he didn't feel for me, and honestly at this point in my life, that was no longer my concern. I just hoped one day he and I could speak once more as civil individuals and put all this nonsense behind us. I still loved him very much, I wouldn't and couldn't deny that, but more than anything else, I was interested in being his friend once again. Perhaps that would be possible one day. Maybe after all the healing was done.

I looked out on horizon on my terrace and sighed.

One can only hope, I thought.

Southern Hyrule Field was in my field of vision in front of me, and all I could think about was that remote little village in Ordon and what Link was doing. Was he thinking about me? Was he still angry with me? Would he ever come to Hyrule again? Would he keep on his search for Midna going? Would he...? Would he...? Would he...? I would never truly know, only time would tell.

Switching from the men in my life, Elbourne had become more of a Hylian fixture than even I had intended him to be. He visited me every week like clockwork, which was surprising to me considering our own ups and downs. I cared for him very much, but there was no doubt in my mind that I let him visit me so much because he resembled Link so incredibly. There would be some nights when we'd talk and laugh and he looked and sounded just like him. When the light of the fire hit Elbourne's platinum blonde hair, it looked golden, just like Link's. When the moonlight shined right on the table in the middle of the room and he was facing me, his eyes looked blue for some reason instead of hazel, and he looked just like Link. There were some nights where I slipped up and even called him Link. I thought Elbourne would be angry, but instead he just grinned and joked that I slowing falling in love with him if he reminded me of Link. Maybe he was right, maybe I was. I felt terrible for doing that to him, but physically he did remind me of Link, and having a shell of the man I loved around was better than not having him at all.

The rumors soon flourished again about Elbourne and me, but I didn't care, nothing was happening between us that shouldn't have been happening between us. He was my friend and a great comfort to me. If anyone had a problem with him staying the night and visiting me as often as he did, that wasn't my concern. Sometimes we had to grab onto whatever happiness we could get out of this life, and right now Elbourne's company made me happy. I became callous to all the talk and gossip. I no longer cared if some of the people thought I was living contrary to the law. I knew I wasn't, and that was all that mattered.

Moving on in my introspection, Daphnes had been a new fixture in my life too. He came to visit me on a regular basis, and just recently informed me that Ashei just gave birth to a little boy. I knew he was a proud father, because what man didn't want to have a son as their firstborn. I made arrangements to have gifts sent to them and made sure the new family wanted for nothing. I wanted my brother to know that his service and loyalty to me wasn't in vain. I appreciated how he looked out for me all these years in the shadows. I wanted to do the same for my sister as well if I ever found her. However, Daphnes was still hesitant in receiving anything from me. He stated that it was because he didn't want to arouse any undue suspicion regarding our relationship. He reasoned that if the people saw that he was being shown favor, then they were going to deduce their own ulterior motives for that fact. I understood his logic, but I hated the thought of not having a relationship with him because the people were apt to be negative. The burdens of the crown even stretched beyond the borders of my own life.

I shook my head.

"Oh well," I whispered to no one in particular.

Even still, today Daphnes was going to visit me at my request. I had tea prepared like I promised, and I was looking forward to another interesting conversation with him. He divulged to me over the last few months his journeys and his reasoning's behind joining the Brotherhood of Hyrule. He also told me about his mother and how much she had to struggle to keep her senses. I asked him at one time was father ever truly in love with her, Daphnes told me he wasn't sure, but that she often told him that father told her that she reminded him of a peasant girl that he once knew and loved. I never knew my father kept such secrets, and I also never knew he didn't love my mother with a complete heart. I initially thought it was unfair to my mother, but I couldn't judge what went on in my father's heart. For all I knew, there could have been some misunderstanding that I had no knowledge of. The past was often muddled with things those of us in the present didn't understand.

A moment later there was a knock at the door, I smiled, knowing it was my brother. Lydia who had been cleaning diligently and quietly, stopped what she was doing and went to answer the door. Not so surprisingly on other was Daphnes. Lydia came to me on the terrace to let me know of his presence.

She bowed out of respect.

"Master Bastion is here to see you my lady," she greeted.

I nodded.

"Thank you," I replied, "please ask him to come out here."

Lydia curtsied again.

"As you wish," she replied, and then went to fetch my sibling.

When Daphnes came out of the balcony he greeted me with a small smile. I returned it and went up to him to give him a big hug. If I wasn't careful, rumors would starting about us as well, so I kept my affections brief, but pulled back to look at him. He looked well and his handsome face was now covered in a beard. It seemed that was the new fashion with the men in Hyrule these days.

"How are you?" I asked quietly.

Daphnes nodded.

"I'm well," he replied, then lowered his voice, "your nephew has been keeping me up all night."

I chuckled.

"Well, that is parenthood," I said, "you've been welcomed to it in the most realistic way possible."

He shrugged and snickered.

"I guess, but I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world," he said.

I grinned.

"Of course not," I said, "he's your little prince."

Daphnes chuckled again at that then looked out at the horizon.

"I hear you're keeping company with Prince Elbourne these days," he said, gingerly changing the subject.

I was surprised in how up front he was about the matter. I was sure he had known for months, but didn't bring it up until now for his own reasons. I was also aware he didn't approve of my association with him, but Elbourne had always been a good friend.

"Yes, he comes to visit me every week," I replied.

There was a brief pause on his behalf.

He turned his attention back to me and gave me a serious look.

"The talk in the streets is marriage," he said, "is that true?"

I gave him an obvious look.

"Is a rumor ever really true?" I replied. "You should know by now that that's maven talk."

He saw my point.

"I guess I should take all the talk with a grain of salt," he said, but didn't let the subject slide, "but I want you to be careful regarding him. He's still a womanizing charlatan."

I didn't think that was very fair to say, but I wasn't going to argue.

"Elbourne's personal life is his own affair," I replied, "he's just my friend."

Daphnes studied me for a moment.

"He's a friend that spends the night in your chambers from time to time," he corrected, "are you sure that's the kind of reputation you want to garner?"

I took in a deep sigh and looked away from him.

"He's a comfort to me," I defended, "I may not be in love with him, but I do love him dearly. He's always been there for me."

I could tell Daphnes didn't approve of my behavior or the mood of this conversation. He came closer and lowered his voice.

"You could get pregnant," he whispered upset, "why are you being so reckless?"

I shook my head and still avoided his eyes.

"It isn't like that," I reassured, "we've never had sex."

He gave me a look like he didn't believe me.

"It's true!" I insisted.

He grunted.

"It doesn't mean it won't eventually happen," he warned, "how much petting and teasing do you think a man like that can take before he takes what he wants from you? Have you thought of that?"

I looked at him with open defiance just then.

"He would never hurt me!" I defended. "Never." I looked away when I felt a twinge of guilt for what I was going to say next. "He loves me too much."

There was a short silence on his end before he continued.

"That's my point," he replied, "you may see him as good old reliable," he said with a hint of sarcasm, "but I'm sure he doesn't see things that way. He's probably told everyone that would listen that time and again that he's in love with you."

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"And if he has?" I challenged.

Daphnes shrugged again.

"Then he has," he replied simply, "it's up to you to do something about it."

I swallowed hard, knowing he was right, but I didn't want to hear this.

There was a brief silence between us.

"Why do you keep him around if you don't love him?" he asked finally.

I was growing tired of this subject.

I turned to look at my brother.

"If you really must know, it's because he reminds me a great deal of Link," I confessed. "I'm still in love with Link and there's nothing I can do about it. He hates me. Elbourne is the only person who keeps those embers of him alive."

My brother didn't reply right away and he looked at me with open remorse.

"But is that fair?" he asked quietly finally.

I knew I was wrong.

"Is anything in life fair?" I countered.

Daphnes took in a deep breath and gave me a long once over.

"You have to know what you're doing to Elbourne is wrong," he said. "I never thought I would say that about you and the dragon prince, but if you miss Link so much, why don't you request him to come and see you."

I felt my eyes narrow like he was insane.

"Are you crazy?" I demanded. "He would never come to see me."

Daphnes raised a brow.

"Link would never ignore a royal command either," he reasoned.

He was missing the whole point of this.

"I don't want him to see me because of a command," I replied, "I want him to see me because he wants to."

He shook his head.

"That may never happen Zelda," he said quietly, "you have to know that. Life isn't a love story."

I looked to the ground again and felt a stirring of emotions.

"Then it will never happen then," I replied.

There was another brief silence between us. This time Daphnes came up to me and took me in a tight hug.

"One of you two have got to give in and not be so stubborn," he whispered against my hair, "what good is it going to do the both of you?"

I saw his point, but it was much more complicated than that.

"I had Link falsely imprisoned," I whispered, "that anger isn't just going to go away."

Daphnes squeezed me a little in his arms.

"I'm telling you he won't hold it against you forever," he reassured, "he just asked about you the other day when I went to go visit him. When he heard about your continual relationship with Elbourne he seemed very interested in that. I think he was even a little jealous."

His words made me blush, but I wasn't unrealistic.

"He probably asked because he hates Elbourne," I replied.

Daphnes nodded.

"True," he said, "but I think deep down he regrets squandering his relationship with you. He never mentions you throwing him into prison as the negative against you. He often blames himself."

I looked at my brother surprised.

"What?" I replied.

He nodded again.

"Again, he was just telling me the other day none of this would have happened if he had just treated you with the respect you deserved," he said.

I looked away and felt a little shaken by that revelation. I pulled myself away from Daphnes's grasp to look up at him.

"Did he... did he really say those things to you?" I asked.

Daphnes nodded yet again and took in a deep sigh.

"Yes, he did," he stated.

I pursed my lips together, not daring to be hopeful.

"But did he tell you about Midna?" I asked. "Did he tell you about how much he loved her?"

He hesitated, but then nodded slowly.

"Yes, he has in the past," he said.

I looked away again and closed my eyes.

"So then you should know that he doesn't care for me the way he cares for her," I replied, "he's made that fact quite clear. It would be the same situation with me and the dragon prince."

Daphnes was quiet for a moment.

"So, do you think you're justified in using Elbourne then?" he countered. "You think Link not loving you the way you want makes what you're doing okay?"

I wasn't in a mood to be lectured.

"Unfortunately, as I've stated before the world isn't fair," I replied, "Elbourne knows the state of our relationship and is completely comfortable with it. He also knows what it's like to use another individual, he's had plenty of practice."

I was met with another set silence after that. I could tell he didn't appreciate my tone, but what else could I say? I was damned if I stayed lonely and damned if I didn't. Life often only gave us little bits of happiness. It was up to us to reach up and take it.

"Alright," he said finally, "I just wanted to get your take on things, if you're okay with the way your life is now, then fine. However, if you do decide to raise your standards, just know that southern Hyrule Field doesn't have to be a view from your terrace, you can go and visit. Link won't turn you away."

I looked back at him and had nothing to say. I knew he was right, but I wasn't going to admit it openly. I still had my pride.

"Right," I said with a hint of finality, and decided to change the subject, "anyway, besides your beautiful child how are you?"

Daphnes paused and gave me a look only a family member could give before going on. I knew he was disappointed in how I was acting.

"I'm in the process of moving," he replied matter-of-fact, "actually I'm glad you called on me, because I'm retiring from duty effective immediately after this week."

I turned and looked at him shocked.

I wasn't expecting to hear this.

I wasn't expecting to hear this at all.

"What?" I replied.

He looked to the ground and nodded.

"I'm afraid it's true," he replied, "things are getting more dangerous for me in the city."

My surprise never went away.

"With what?" I asked. "With whom? Vincent and Morgana are both dead."

His face turned serious.

"I've always had more than the Rue Morgues to worry about," he confessed, "I never wanted to tell you for fear you would worry. However, there are factions inside the brotherhood that I believe are even more sinister in nature. If they were able to kill Master Auru, then there's no doubt in my mind that they would and will be able to come after me and my family."

I looked at him with open concern.

"Who is trying to kill you?" I asked. "You sound as if you already know."

He didn't reply right away and thought about my question.

"You don't think you're the only person who figured out that I was Daphnes II's illegitimate son do you?" he inquired. "There are others who know, powerful men I believe, but I've been able to circumvent them for now. However, it's become increasingly aware to me that someone high up in the brotherhood wants me dead. Someone like the second headmaster."

I looked at him stunned for a moment.

"There were two headmasters?" I asked. "I was only aware of Auru's role, I didn't know there was another."

He was quiet for a moment.

"It was necessary to keep it that way for the secrecy of the brotherhood," he said. "The only reason I knew Auru was a headmaster was because he revealed himself in Dragon Roost before Vaati's appearance. This other man is still shrouded in mystery to me. I don't know where he comes from or what station in life he leads. I just know before Auru's untimely death the two of them had a falling out of some kind. What it was is still unclear." He looked troubled for a moment. "I know I'm his next target," he whispered more to himself than to me.

I felt my eyes widen and my bottom lip tremble a little at his utterance.

"Please don't talk like that," I whispered, "I couldn't bear the thought of you..." I closed my eyes for a moment and shook my head. "What can I do to help?" I asked suddenly. "Let me be of some assistance to you. Do you need aide in any way?"

Daphnes attempted a smile to console my worried expression. He took my hand in his and squeezed it lovingly.

"I didn't mean to make you worry, you have enough on your plate already," he said, "however, the only thing you can really do to help me is not to contact me after today," he said. "I know that will be hard, but you have to understand why that would be dangerous. I've already informed Ashei that we're moving to Snowpeak at the end of the week. She doesn't know everything, but she definitely understands the known reasons I've given her. We cannot stay in town, it's simply too dangerous."

I didn't know what to say.

This news was so out of the blue.

"Do you at least have some idea as to who this man could be?" I asked. "Even if it is a guess that would be better than nothing."

He shook his head.

"That I couldn't tell you for a certain," he replied, "I have my suspicions, but nothing that would warrant any real intelligence, and even if I did, it would require a long winded explanation. Just know that I will be careful."

That answer wasn't good enough for me. It was like he was purposely evading to protect the person who might be after him.

"Daphnes if you know who it is, why are you so hesitant to say anything?" I demanded, losing a bit of my patience. "Don't be foolish with your life!"

He took in a deep sigh.

"That's why I must leave town so I won't be foolish," he replied, "and really my dear, now isn't the time for us to quarrel. Like I said before, what I think and who it might be doesn't insist that that would be the man in question. It seriously would complicate things more, and besides, as I've stated, I have no way of proving it. The most dangerous part of the brotherhood's existing faction is its secrecy. I could walk down the street and be strolling by the very man who wants to execute me. That isn't the kind of life I want for my son or Ashei. They deserve to be protected. I need to lay low, and the only way I see that happening is if I retire from service."

I hated to hear him speak like this, but I knew it was a greater part of his reality than I wanted to give it credit for.

"I understand," I said with a nod, "just please be careful."

He tried to smile again.

"I will," he replied.

There was another silence between us, but that didn't prevent Daphnes from taking me in his arms in another tight hug.

"I'm going to miss you Zelda," he whispered against my hair.

I felt my eyes sting and tear up.

"I'm going to miss you too," I whispered back.

He held me tighter.

"Please don't do anything foolish," he went on, "please don't marry Elbourne to spite Link."

I was surprised at hearing him say this and pulled away. I looked into his eyes and saw the concern there. He really was upset that I was seeing Elbourne in the capacity that I was seeing him.

"Daphnes-" I tried.

"He still loves you Zelda," he interrupted quietly, "I know he does."

I was quiet and felt a little shaken. I looked to the ground.

I didn't say anything.

"Just give him some time," he continued, "just a little more time, and then he'll be the king that you want and deserve."

I felt my eyes tear up more, but I shook my head. I still didn't reply, and Daphnes hugged me again.

"I have to go," he whispered, "please take care of yourself."

I held onto him tight and let my tears spill over. I didn't want him to leave.

"You do the same," I whispered, "take care of Ashei and my nephew."

He kissed the side of my forehead.

"I will," he promised.

With that, he pulled away and stared into my eyes for a long time. He smiled again and caressed my wet cheek. Afterwards, he took a step back and bowed out of respect.

"Have a good day my lady," he said.

I closed my eyes and sighed.

"You too young master," I whispered.

Daphnes gave me one more once over before he turned and headed out off my balcony and out my chambers. I felt a strange feeling of unease go through me at his walking away. I had a feeling this would be the last time I would ever see him again. I placed my hand over my heart to keep it from racing out of my chest.

"Please be careful," I begged to myself for him, "please."

When Daphnes left my chambers, he was out of my life forever.

~SSS~

A Friend's Promise, Two Years Later: Bastion's POV

I remember Auru telling me once long ago that it was unwise to get too comfortable in any given situation because an individual never knew what was around the corner. He always gave me little nuggets of wisdom like that, and for the most part they served me well, but perhaps I should have yielded more to that advice over these past two years. I had to admit I was comfortable with the life I was living now. I was twenty-four years old, I had a comfortable home, a beautiful wife, and three wonderful children. Ashei pumped out our second child last year, and our third child a couple weeks ago. The preceding youngster was another boy, and my newborn was my beautiful little princess named Aurura. The boys looked just like Ashei, with their freckles and brown eyes, but my daughter looked just like me. She had my blue eyes and even my mischievous grin when she smiled. Ashei told me it was just gas, but I was inclined to believe that this young lady was going to have the machinations of her father well before she was three years old. I had the most incredible family in the world.

Living in Snowpeak was peaceful, but it had its trials. It took six hours to get to castle town by wagon, so we had to plan our shopping for goods accordingly. I would often go alone and load up the wagon with everything we needed. However, the trek back was much more exhaustive that way. It was then I commissioned the aide of Link, who had no issue whatsoever helping with my shopping trips once a month. In fact, the boys looked forward to seeing Link when he came to go shopping with me. The trip would take over a day to get there and back again. We caught up on what was going on in our lives which wasn't much these days. I told Link I was trying to get Ashei pregnant again, and he told me about the state of affairs in Ordon. The village was doing well, but I was more interested in his relationship with a certain young lady there.

Link stated that he and Ilia were just friends, and he had no plans to pursue marriage with her at this time. He brought her up to the snow cottage from time to time to visit Ashei and the children. I asked him if he loved her, and he confessed that he didn't. He told me he felt guilty for feeling the way that he did, but it was what it was. I could understand that, and secretly I was pleased in hearing his guilt because I still wanted him to marry Zelda. I knew he still cared for her because he talked about her every chance he could get without trying to sound suspicious, at least according to him.

Link asked about her health and wondered if she was going to marry Elbourne one of these days having heard the rumors that they were keeping close company. I told him I really didn't know and that only time would tell. Link jiust nodded, but I knew he didn't want to hear that. He spoke of Zelda fondly, saying things like he missed her pretty face, and that life at the castle was a life he missed. He even told me about what happened between the two of them in the tower after the Aristocrat's Ball. I was surprised he wanted to divulge so much to me, and it made me wonder from time to time if he knew who I really was. They way he spoke to me in the past was much more different than the way he spoke to me now. He talked to me with more respect, often pausing to think about what he was going to say before he spoke about Zelda. I appreciated that, but I also knew it was a significant shift from his old behavior.

I asked him about Midna. He said he still thought about her, but decided to put her out of his mind for now. He said he would always love her for what she was to him, but he knew that part of his life was over. I asked him if he wanted to see the queen again. He said not at this time, but he had thought about it. I asked him what his plans were for the future, he said for right now he was happy as a goat wrangler. I openly chuckled at his answer and all he did was grin.

Currently, we were heading back to Snowpeak after having finished shopping in Castle Town. The wagon was packed to the max and I knew this was going to be a two man job. Link was at the rear while I was at the front, and my poor horse was huffing and wheezing against the cold and the elements. The frost and snow were particularly heavy that afternoon and it was making it impossible to see clearly. I was grateful we were only a few miles from home, but those miles were going to be cumbersome as we headed uphill. We were dressed in heavy snow gear with grates at the bottom of our boots so we wouldn't tumble backwards.

I paused for a moment to catch my breath.

"You okay back there?" I called to Link.

It was a few moments before he answered.

"I'm fine!" he called back. "Let's just keep going!"

I nodded, but wanted to rest a little longer.

"Give me a second, okay!" I called down the hill.

Link nodded, probably wanting a little more rest for himself as well.

I blinked several times and tried to catch my breath against the crisp cold air. It was definitely rough out here today. In the distance, about forty meters or so to the right, there was a dense wooded area that was hard to see in amongst all the snow fall. The only reason why it suddenly captured my interests was because I saw some movement there that shouldn't have been. The snow wolves were all but gone since they were agents of evil, and there were no other animals indigenous to this area. I wondered if Link saw what I was seeing.

What in the world is going on over there? I wondered.

I looked down the mountain at my friend, who indeed was looking in the same direction as I.

"You don't think the wolves have returned, do you?" I called down to him.

He was still staring at the snowy woodlands and shook his head.

"No," he replied, "that movement wasn't from a wolf! There's something else over there!"

I agreed, but I couldn't be sure what.

"What do you think it is?" I asked.

Link shook his head again.

"I don't know," he said honestly, "but I don't want to stay around to find out! Let's get moving!"

I nodded.

"I couldn't agree with you more!" I called back, then got up and took hold of my trusty horse's reigns.

However, before either of us could move, a strange but familiar sound of a whiz sounded through the air followed by a plunk into the aperture of a rock. I looked to the rock formation where the sound ended and couldn't make out what it was. I then looked around to see where it may have come from.

"Did you hear that?" I called to Link.

He nodded again.

"I did!" he replied. "It came from over there!"

He pointed to the snow capped trees in the distance.

The whiz and plucking sound happened again, only this time it sounded closer to my ears. I looked and saw what it was this time, it was a projectile from a crossbow. I felt the blood drain from my face.

"Link get down!" I called to him. "We're being fired at!"

Link heard me loud and clear but didn't duck for cover, instead he headed towards me in an attempt to shield me from another attack. When he looked back up at me his eyes widen in fear.

"Bastion, watch out!" he screamed.

I looked at him alarmed, but couldn't move in time due to the magnitude of the snow... it was too late. The next projectile pierced my chest, followed by two more that pierced my gut. I collapsed into the snow, knowing that the end was nigh.

I should have taken your advice Auru, I thought, I shouldn't have gotten so comfortable.

~SSS~

In the snowy forest forty meters away...

Xavier looked beyond the trees with his binoculars to make sure he got his target. He fired three shots and he saw that all three shots had pierced the man he was intending to kill. The son of Daphnes II would soon be dead and the remnants of the brotherhood would soon be a memory. He disbanded the brotherhood for now until a more appropriate time to reconvene could be considered. There was still much for him to do for his future... guest so the dealings of arcane knowledge was going to have to wait. One of the most important aspects of his plans had now been taken care of. It was important for Xavier to let his prey think he was safe. The king waited patiently for two years to study the young man's routine and to know when he was the most vulnerable. The trek to and from Castle Town was when he was the most vulnerable, now he was dead.

"Well," he groaned to himself, "that takes care of that."

Xavier then turned from his vantage point and hurried back to the road where his horse was waiting for him. He mounted his steed and galloped out of there. No one would ever know he was the assassin.

~SSS~

Link's POV

This wasn't happening.

This couldn't be happening.

"No!" I gasped and hurried up the mountain to my friend. "No! No! No!"

Bastion slumped backwards and into the snow, he didn't move after that. I hurried to him and shook him to his senses.

"Wake up!" I screamed. "Wake up!"

Bastion's eyes opened, but barely.

"Link..." he groaned.

I swallowed hard.

"Hold on, I'll get you to a doctor!" I said.

I attempted to get up but Bastion stopped me.

"You know damn well there won't be anytime for a doctor," he said breathing hard, "stop kidding yourself."

I looked to the arrows in his chest and gut.

"If I don't do something you're going to die!" I said angrily.

He stared at me for just a second and took my hand in his.

"Link I'm going to die anyway," he whispered, "whether you leave or stay here."

I felt my eyes widen and my throat tighten.

"I can't accept-" I tried.

"Listen to me please," he interrupted, "there... isn't... much... time..."

I felt the tears sear at my eyes, but I didn't let them fall. I didn't say anything.

"You have to promise me you'll look after my wife and children," he grunted because he could hardly get the words out. "They're going to need you now Link."

I didn't want to hear this.

"I won't need to do that because you're going to be okay!" I said.

Bastion was breathing hard and just stared at me again.

"I wasn't just shot," he whispered, "those projectiles were poisoned too. So you have to stop the wishful thinking."

I looked to the projectiles again and saw that he was right. They were coated with some kind of liquid.

"Bastion-" I tried again.

He squeezed my hand tight.

"Just listen to me," he interrupted, "I need to tell you some things okay?"

My tears were starting to fall.

"Okay," I replied.

Bastion got his bearings and mustered all the strength he could.

"Besides Ashei and my kids, I need you to be loyal to the queen," he whispered, "she still loves you very much... she needs you. Please don't abandon her."

I looked away and felt angry that he was making me promise this to him.

"Bastion-" I tried.

"Stop being stubborn Link," he interrupted, "you know you still love her, otherwise you wouldn't speak about her as much." He paused for a moment and went on. "Deep down you want to be with her, because I know you. You're a lot like me, you like to keep secrets... you know, don't you?"

I turned back to look him in the eyes.

"That you're Zelda's brother?" I said, then nodded. "Yes I do."

He grinned at me.

"Who told you?" he asked. "Was it my other sister?"

I nodded again and watched as the color was draining from his face. He was very near death.

"Yeah..." I whispered, "Daphnie told me."

His grin widened.

"So she told you her real name huh?" he said. "She must have really liked you, she never tells anyone her name."

Bastion's lips were turning blue.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked. "Why did you keep that from me?"

His eyes were starting to look glassy.

"I wanted you to see me for who I was," he said, his voice was hoarse, "not for who I was supposed to be."

I had to purse my lips together so they wouldn't tremble.

"I see," I replied, "why did you tell me your Gerudo mother was still alive looking for your sister when she was dead?"

He just stared at me again.

"I had to give myself some reason to keep going," he said, "and even though she died, I wanted to keep dream of finding her daughter alive. When I found my sister, my mother's wish came true."

This was becoming too much to bear.

"Bastion..." I trailed, not knowing what to say.

He squeezed my hand again with what little strength he had left.

"My real name is Daphnes, Daphnes III," he divulged.

I nodded again absently.

"I know," I whispered, "your sister told me that too."

His grin turned to a full on smile.

"Daphnie must really like you," he attempted a chuckle but instead started coughing. It was then he looked a little distressed. "Please don't tell Ashei," he begged suddenly, "please... she can never know."

I didn't reply, but nodded anyway, not really even sure what I was agreeing to.

Bastion's breath was becoming more and more agonal, and soon it was as infrequent as four breaths per minute. He was still smiling when he knew the time had come, he finally closed his eyes. His last breath left him a few seconds later, and Hyrule's forgotten lost son was now gone. I stared down at my dead friend for a long time before taking his lifeless body in my arms and holding him tight. I couldn't stop the tears from coming, it was like a river.

"You will always be Hyrule's rightful prince," I whispered, "always..."

~SSS~

A Hero's Introspection, Three Years Later, Ordon Village: Link's POV

In the blink of an eye the years came and went. It was still hard for me to believe I was now twenty-seven years old with all these new responsibilities in my life. Where did the time go? What happened to the days of being young and carefree? When did all this responsibility rear its ugly head? I didn't have an answer, that was just life I suppose.

Ordon was back to normal, well... as much as the word 'normal' could be applied to it. It would never be quite the same, but the villagers were back to life as usual, and Bo's passing had become easier to deal with as the years trekked on. It had been five years to the day since he passed away. It was still hard to believe he was gone. He was the constant fixture of this village, the backbone that made everything right and whole. I still expected to hear his voice when I came out of my house hollering about something. Now... that constant was gone, and there would never be anything or anyone to replace him. I felt a personal stake and guilt for his death, because when Rusl told me the whole sordid story, I was the biggest contributing factor. Bo jiust wanted to make sure his little girl and grandchild were taken care of, now unfortunately they were both gone.

It was hard for me to think about my unborn child, so I pretty much didn't. I cried all I could for a person I did not know. I was aware that seemed callous, but that was how I felt. Ilia was mourning enough for the both of us. There were some days she could hardly keep it together. She hardly left her home and she turned to pretty much a recluse these days. I checked on her to make sure she was eating and she was alright. She still told me she was in love with me, but I didn't have an answer for her for that. I wanted to love her like she loved me, I really did, but I just didn't. I felt an obligation to her because she stuck by me through my trials, and she did care for me unconditionally. However, there was still a part of me that didn't trust her. I knew that was wrong considering all she had been through, but there were still so many things I was unclear on from the night we had our little incident. That night changed my life forever, and I couldn't help but think a little forethought was conceived on her part to make it all happen. I never brought my suspicions up to her again, nor would I ever, but it was something that was ever present in my thoughts when I dealt with her. For the most part, I was just happy she was healthy and stable for the time being. I knew she wanted marriage, but marriage was a far off thought for me right now... at least where Ilia was concerned.

I kept my promise to Bastion and checked on Ashei and his three children twice a month since his death. The children were growing up and turning out to be more and more wonderful by the year, especially Aurura. The little girl tugged at my heart strings because she was so lovable. She was probably the prettiest child I had ever laid eyes on, and now she was three and saucier than ever. Ashei definitely had her hands full. I took Ilia up to visit Ashei from time to time as it was good for her to get out of the house. She appreciated the visits and enjoyed the company of the kids. I saw the sadness in her eyes when she played with Ashei's children, but she never revealed to Ashei or anyone for that matter what happened to her. The two women were a comfort to each other as they both lost dear loved ones in death and their fathers. Ashei's resilience was particularly remarkable considering her husband and her father were gone. She took care of her children to the best of her ability and they became the center of her world. She was an incredible mother and I told her to call on me for anything if she needed assistance. Ashei promised she would.

Rusl had taken the lead in the village as the new mayor and I served as his proxy when he was gone. To be honest, the role fell right in place for me. After all the experience I had at the castle, overseeing a tiny remote village was fairly simple. Day to day duties were pretty much subjugated evenly in amongst everyone, and everyone knew what they needed to do. Rusl went up to the castle every year to offer a gift from our village to the queen, and every year we received the blessing of the goddess. However, even though things were good, it still felt mundane. Life had become pretty routine in the present, and there was nothing exciting to talk about. I didn't mind this simple life, honestly, but there were some days I did miss having a little adventure. It was just embedded in my bones I guess.

I wrangled goats the way I always had, and I was damned good at it. Fado was impressed with how quickly I mastered the trade after having been gone so long. I didn't know what he meant by 'so long' since I had been doing this everyday for the last five years. I think he was just pushing me to work harder, and hard work it was. I came home every night assured that I had given my all to my day's work. It was a different kind of exhaustion from the life I once lived at the castle, but it was still nonetheless very hard work.

Sometimes... no let me rephrase that... often times when I wrangled I thought about the women who affected my life the most. Midna was in the Twilight Realm probably being the most magnificent ruler she could be. I won't lie, I still thought about her a great deal. She was still the object of most of my fantasies and I wondered if she thought about me as much as I thought about her. I still loved her, and my heart still yearned to see her again, but I had accepted that she was in her world and that I was in mine. She may have already moved on with her life, gotten married, had some children, I don't know, but I was sure it was a strong possibility. I hoped she was happy, and all I could do was wish her well. If I did ever have the opportunity to see her again, I would thank her for everything she did for me.

I took in a deep sigh and stared out at the horizon.

"Midna," I whispered.

Turning attention to the other woman who greatly affected my life, Zelda, was a little more difficult. It was complicated, but at the same time there were some things I couldn't deny. I still had feelings for her, I knew it was strange after everything that happened between us, but I couldn't deny that I did have deep feelings for her. I thought about her everyday, sometimes good thoughts, sometimes bad, but she was always on my mind. I didn't hate her, but I couldn't bring myself to say I loved her either, even though there was a very strong possibility that I still did. There were a lot of unanswered questions I still wanted the answers to. I wanted to know why I was flogged. I wanted to know why she had me thrown into prison besides the obvious reasons. I wanted to know why she visited me if she was the one who ordered my punishment. I wanted to know why, if she still loved me the way Bastion purported, that she was hesitant to tell all those years ago. I wanted to know if she knew Bastion was her brother. I wanted to know if she knew she had a sister. There was just so much I wanted and needed to know. She and I used to talk so intimately and so often, but we existed in two very different realities now. I haven't the slightest clue as to what's going with her, except that she's still keeping company with that odious bastard Elbourne of Dragon Roost. I still didn't understand that relationship. What did she see in him? Why was he still in her company when she knows he's a nefarious tyrant? I would never know.

I always wanted Zelda to be safe, I never wanted harm to come upon her, but I would be lying if didn't divulge that I was still very angry with her. There was still a great deal of suffering I elicited at her hands. I honestly don't know how I would react if she just came out of nowhere and I saw her again. I'd probably be brimming with contempt, but therein laid my other problem: I wanted to see her again.

I closed my eyes and groaned.

Hylia help me for being so fickle, I thought.

Like I stated before, a man of ambivalence is a man often wrought with contradictory impulses. I still feel those impulses everyday.

Every single day.

I took in a deep sigh and looked heavenward.

Currently, I was in the ranch wrangling some goats into the barn, it was nearing dusk and the animals had gleaned enough. It was time for them to come inside. There was one in the distance that was being particularly stubborn.

"Giddy up!" I commanded on top of my trusted Epona as one of the goats strangled along.

I hurried beside it and the animal soon learned who was boss, it ran into the barn to join the rest of its brethren. That actually made me laugh for a moment, it was rare for me to do so these days. I shook my head and grinned, thinking that would be then end of the mischievous ruckus for the day when something, or someone rather, caught my eye. I was taken aback when I realized I was being watched by a hooded woman hiding behind the rock formation adjacent to the entrance of the ranch. She was wearing a long brown cloak, but I couldn't make out much of anything else. She would have blended in rather well if she didn't know that I knew those grasslands as good as I did. I pretended to ignore her for now, but she definitely captured my attention. Who was she? Why was she here?

What in Hylia's dear name? I wondered.

I nonchalantly glanced back in her direction so she wouldn't take note of me watching her. She obviously had no idea I knew she was there or she would have attempted to leave. Even still, she plopped herself down even lower when she saw me ride by on Epona once more. From that angle, I caught a glimpse of her face from my periphery and involuntarily I felt my eyes widen. I pretended not to be surprised, but I couldn't help myself, I was. I suddenly felt thrown for a loop.

That can't be who I think it is, I thought, can it?

I looked over my shoulder again and made sure the woman couldn't see me looking at her. I took note of her dark hair, and the more I looked at her the more I was certain I was right, but I shook my head no anyway.

That can't be... I thought again, it just can't be...

My heart began to beat a little faster.

"...Zelda?" I whispered to myself. "Zelda... is that really you?"

---

THE END

If you liked this story, check out the reedited sequel How Zelda Got Her Back. Thank you all for reading!