Inspiration: Majora's Mask, and "Time," by Hans Zimmer.

Author Note: This is short and sweet.

Word Count: 7,354

Chapter 13

Later that night: Link's POV

Once we concluded our conversation, Prince Leonhart was escorted to the extended royal apartment chamber in the spire across the main hall. That was where he would be staying. The party in the square was still ongoing, but the festivities had died down considerably, with many of the town's people departing, especially those with young children. To be frank, the goings on of the day made me tired too. My youth generally garnered long nights as a normalcy. However, in this instance I too retired when the prince left my company. I wasn't much for mingling with the nobles anyway. Not too surprised by my decision, Zelda stated she was also going to accompany me, but I perceived not because she was fatigued. I was certain she was going to inquire of what had taken place outside of her presence. That woman's mind was so inquisitive, even if at times it was also annoyingly predictive. It was only a matter of when she was going to ask me.

Presently, Zelda and I were back in our private chambers settling in for the night. Even with all things considered, I would assume the visit with Leonhart was going well thus far. Everything seemed to be proceeding as it should, at least from my perspective. Currently, I was standing out on the balcony looking up at the night sky, dressed in my dark green silk night clothes. The moon was full and pale. It almost looked like it was smiling at me when I stared at it. It was the first full moon of the harvest season, but it made me wonder as I gazed at it.

Something about the luminary is different, but I can't deduce what, I thought.

It was a mildly nocuous thought considering all this recent discussion of the moon, but I didn't let it bother me right away. I was still concerned about my conversation with Leonhart. I wasn't sure what to make of his reaction. Had I offended him? How were the next few months going to go? How were the next few years going to go? Was my intercession with Leonhart premature? Should I have followed the advice of Zelda? Was there going to be a reckoning because of my fortitude? I had no idea, but at least I was true to my convictions. I couldn't live with my conscience knowing what I knew about Bathory and not disclosing that information to Leonhart. However, now that he knew the truth it seemed as though he was going to keep his engagement with Bathory anyway. I still found that disconcerting.

Foolish man, I thought.

I took in a deep sigh and realized not all battles fought were effortlessly won. When the heart was involved, it was not easy to tell a man that he had to let his feelings go. I understood that dilemma quite well. Leonhart may have sincerely fallen in love with Bathory. My telling him what I did could be likened to ripping his heart out and replacing it with nothing, and who wanted nothing in return? I couldn't expect him to just give her up. Even so, for everything that transpired tonight, I still had a great deal to ponder over. What was going to be Bathory, Filgore, and Rue Morgue's next move? What were they going to do now? What was this tetraforce and how was it going to affect the seal already in place from Zelda and me? I had to anticipate that Bathory, Filgore, and Rue Morgue were already in the know of this ancient power and were scheduling a conference to plan their retribution. I just needed to be ready, and I would be.

What are you up to? I wondered. What are you planning now?

With that in mind, I stared one last time at the moon before turning in and going back inside my bedroom chambers. It would have been nice to keep the venting window panes open because it was slightly bane in the commodious room, but that was against royal protocol. The safety of the royal family was always considered over matters of comfort. I would have to just bear with it for the night.

When I reentered the bedroom chamber, Zelda was already in bed, dressed in a sheer pink negligee that was very becoming on her perfect body. It was immodest by any standard, and was actually one of the provocative garments she wore on our honeymoon before we made love. Something told me such a clothing choice was not by chance. Her large breasts were as clear as day through her sheer top and she didn't appear to be wearing any bottoms either. The small bump at her belly was protruding attractively under her night clothes, but she still appeared very sexy. She must have been feeling a little adventurous tonight, or she was simply using her whiles to get information out of me. Either way, she was probably going to be successful. I took note of the activity she was currently preoccupied in and her attire seemed so inappropriate for such studiousness. She looked to be studying an old manuscript that dealt with the historical aspects of Hylian economics. Our conversation at supper must have inspired her to do more due diligence with her studies. I admired her for being so academic. It was no wonder why she always appeared so calm, she was always exercising her mind.

I walked over to the bed and took off my robe, placing it on the chaise near the base of the mattress, then got under the covers. I sighed when I put my arms above my head and stared at the ceiling.

Zelda heard my audible discontent and glanced over at me.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

I didn't reply right away. It was a question I wasn't sure how to answer.

"I'm fine," I said finally.

She could hear the weariness in my voice.

"Tired?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Yes," I replied, and didn't say much of anything else.

She then gave me a quick once over and went on.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" she asked suddenly.

I shook my head.

"Not really," I said honestly.

At my utterance, she closed her book and put it aside anyway.

"Are you sure?" she pressed.

I nodded again.

"Yes," I repeated.

She pursed her lips together and looked away just then. I in turn glanced over at her.

"Is there something you want to talk about?" I countered.

She paused for a second, then looked down at me again from her seated position.

"Actually yes," she said finally.

I waited for her to go on.

"Okay," I said.

Zelda stroked her strawberry blonde hair behind her ears and gathered her thoughts together.

"What did you and the prince talk about?" she asked.

I raised my brows at the direct questioning.

"We talked about court life," I said simply.

Zelda gave me a knowing stare as if she didn't believe me.

"I'm being serious," she said.

I turned on my side facing her.

"So am I," I replied.

She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Link…" she trailed.

I let my head fall back and sighed just then.

"You worry too much," I said.

That didn't deter her.

"I really want to know," she insisted.

I stared into her beautiful blue eyes for just a moment before finally giving her the answer she was seeking.

"Fine…." I said, "we talked about Lady Bathory too."

Zelda didn't hide her disappointment with my statement.

"Really?" she asked.

I nodded.

"Really," I replied.

She looked concerned.

"Did… did Squallous take it well?" she asked.

I shrugged.

"As well as he could have," I said honestly, "I don't think what I said made a difference though."

She bit her lower lip.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

I decided to clarify.

"I mean he may not have cared that Bathory has a sketchy character," I stated.

Zelda looked relieved at that.

"That's good," she said more to herself than to me.

I grunted.

"Thanks," I said with a hint of sarcasm.

She ignored me and made a defense for her case.

"You have to understand what could have happened if it went the wrong way," she reiterated, "we would be at war with Balaam. What if he got offended? What if he wasn't as amiable?"

I saw her logic.

"I hear you," I said simply, "but fortunately he didn't get offended. He took the news in stride."

Zelda closed her eyes and actually smiled in relief.

"Well, it's good to know that a crisis may have been averted," she said.

I raised a brow and stared at her.

"But at what cost?" I asked anyway. "Bathory is a lying snake and she is going to get away with murder because of a loophole in a law. If there were real justice to be had she would be arrested and in a dungeon right now."

My wife just stared at me.

"I understand your disappointment," she said, "but there are bigger problems than the whiles of one elusive noble."

I rolled my eyes and looked away from her.

"Is that the logic of every powerful woman?" I asked with a hint of disdain. "To be deceitful and cunning because it suits their whims?"

I didn't mean for it to come out the way it did, but Zelda caught the undercurrent of ire all too well. She was quiet for a moment.

"Not all women in power act in such a way," she said softly.

I raised my brows and looked away.

"It seems that way to me," I said honestly, "but I guess that's part of the game."

Zelda carefully milled over my statement and was quiet for a long time.

"Link..." she said finally, "are… are you speaking about me in this instance?"

I looked at her surprised, but paused before answering.

"No," I replied, "I was just talking in passing."

She stroked a hand through her hair again.

"There just seemed to be a little more girth in your saying," she said, "the directive seemed to be clear."

I then closed my eyes, not wanting to go into this.

"Zelda… I was not talking about you," I reassured, "I'm serious."

She could hear the glint in my voice.

"I just hate the thought of you being so unhappy with me," she replied.

This was already going in a direction it shouldn't. There was really nothing she could do to sway my feelings of discontent, but it wasn't something I wanted to discuss with everything already going on regarding the prince's visit. The timing couldn't have been more redactive. I then sat up without answering and was preparing to get out of bed, but she stopped me by grabbing a hold of my arm.

"Link wait," she whispered with a hint of desperation, "I'm sorry."

I groaned and still didn't answer. Zelda then got close to me and hugged my arm between her breasts.

"Please... please don't be angry," she whispered, "I hate it when you're upset."

I closed my eyes and shook my head.

"I'm not," I said, more frustrated than anything.

It was then I let her guide me back down onto the mattress and hover over me. It was apparent she was trying to get on my good side. Her beautiful blue eyes were searching my face.

"I can sense it," she whispered.

I shook my head again.

"Well... you're sensing wrong," I replied.

She bit her lower lip and stared into my eyes.

"Am I wrong?" she whispered anyway.

I took in another deep sigh.

"Zelda..." I trailed.

She drew in closer, her strawberry tresses were falling in her face. She looked so beautiful as she reached down and caressed my cheek.

"Okay... okay..." she digressed in a whisper, "you win."

She then came close and kissed me, wanting to distract me from getting cross with her. I was initially going to pull away, but I kissed her back because she looked like she needed some attention from me, especially from the way she suddenly guided my hands to her breasts. She wasn't a fool. She knew how to get what she wanted when she needed to. There were plenty of nights when I succumbed to her desires simply because that was what we both physically needed. Tonight would be no exception. She opened her mouth to mine and kissed me deeper when she untied the negligee she was wearing and removed it from her shoulders. She was completely naked as I suspected, and when she pulled back to look me in the eyes I saw that familiar vulnerability no one else knew she had.

"I want you to love me tonight Link," she whispered, "you're the only man that ever could."

There was special significance in her words, but I chose to ignore it. I knew how complicated our relationship had become, and a part of me felt for her for loving me so much when I hardly reciprocated what she wanted. However, it wasn't and shouldn't have been a surprise to her. Even so, I was certain this was not how she anticipated for us to end up. Even when I asked her to marry me initially there was more optimism then than there was now. We just seemed to be going through the motions now.

I just nodded.

"Of course," I agreed, then got up and got myself undressed.

Zelda watched me eagerly and didn't get under the covers to conceal herself the way she normally did, which signaled to me this wasn't simply a ploy. She really was aroused tonight. As soon as my last garment was off and I got back on the bed, she came over without hesitation, got on top of me, pushed me down onto the mattress, then leaned down and kissed me once again. She seemed particularly fervent this second time around. So much so, that she was already guiding my penis with her free hand to her labia. I was trying to understand why she felt so rushed. She knew we didn't have to rush. I pulled back from her kiss to look at her.

"Darling I'm not going anywhere," I reassured her, "relax."

She just stared in return with a nondescript expression, but then disclosed her thoughts.

"Your body might be here, but your mind is often someplace else," she whispered, "the only time I feel like you belong to me is when you're inside of me."

I looked at her surprised by the contrarian tactic.

Why is she doing this now? I wondered.

"Zelda-" I tried.

She shook her head and shushed me by putting a finger to my lips.

"You don't have to deny it," she interrupted, "I know it's true, but I still need you Link. I still want to be one with you."

I looked up at her concerned, but she leaned forward and kissed me again to avoid my gaze. She stroked her other hand over my penis several times to get it hard in her palm. She was successful in her endeavors, but she didn't insert yet.

"I just want you to know how much I love you," she whispered, almost barely able to get the words out.

There was something sad and almost haunting by that slight crack I noted in her voice. What did her words even mean in the stream of things? Was what we had love? No, and she knew that, but she seemed desperate to think otherwise; to want otherwise.

She then finally let her weight relax against my groin as she finally inserted me inside of her. Her innards were soft and wet the way they always were when we made love. Zelda usually liked to be on the bottom, but I guess she was feeling a bit more audacious tonight. She moaned softly as she closed her eyes and let her hips ride back and forth slowly. Admittedly, she really was stunning from my vantage point, as she should be considering she was arguably the most beautiful woman in the land. Her strawberry tresses came all the way down to her waist. Her large supple breasts looked like well watered melons, especially with her plump pink nipples puckering the way they were from her excited state. She let her head fall back when she started grinding harder, which felt incredible, but I had to wonder if she was hurting herself to appease me. She was trying to take me all the way in, which I rarely ever did because she stated my size hurt her.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

She didn't stop her motion.

"Yes," she whimpered, "I'm fine."

Her eyes were still closed and after my inquiry she seemed to go faster. She leaned back to get a better angle, but I felt the true benefactor of this position was me. Women had no idea how beautiful their bodies were, especially in places they could not see. I was getting the best prize by being able to see her work so masterfully done. My goddess, she was a vision. However, the vision started getting tainted when that old taunt came back to haunt me... that latent desire that never went away.

Suddenly, those strawberry blonde tresses started appearing green, and those rounded hips no longer appeared to be the hips of my wife, and that sodden wet orifice no longer belonged to the Queen of Hyrule, but to someone else… someone more dear to me. Those bouncing breasts weren't just perfect on the perfect woman, but perfect and on the peasant girl I should have been married to. The one I just watched give showy displays of affection to a man that should have been me. Zelda leaned forward once more and kissed me again, but this kiss belonged to my best friend whom I grew up with in the forest.

Saria... goddesses I love you, I thought betraying my wife.

The hair hitting my face was green now, and suddenly I was really getting into this lovemaking when I abruptly gripped her tight. I let my mouth trail down her neck to that voluminous chest of her and started sucking on one of those nipples when I got there. Zelda moaned at my action, but I heard Saria's voice. Zelda begged for more and I heard Saria's voice. I suddenly rotated her so she could be underneath me and I heard Saria's voice begging me to make her 'cum'. So I did. I fucked the shit out of her in those next several minutes until I felt her have this explosive orgasm all over me. It was so raw and intense, and I knew in was because in my mind I had been disloyal to my wife yet again.

"Saria," I whispered against her ear.

My vision got back into focus and I was staring down at Zelda shocked when everything came to. Her hair was once again blonde and her countenance was that again of the queen… my queen. It wasn't a dream. She wasn't Saria. That intensity didn't mark reality, at least, not the reality I wanted. The guilt must have enveloped my features because Zelda was staring at me taken aback by my expression. However, a moment later tears filled her eyes when she realized why I looked so confused and then guilty.

I immediately tried to dispel it.

"Why are you crying?" I whispered.

She sobbed, knowing I knew the answer to my question. She shook her head, and looked away.

"Get up," she said with a hint of anger.

I didn't budge.

"I want you to answer my question," I deflected.

She then paused and cut her eyes back to me. She sucked a deep breath when her bottom lip started trembling.

"You know why!" she accused.

I stared into her eyes for a long moment before looking away myself when my guilt consumed me momentarily, but it was when Zelda pushed me away and got up that I truly understood what was happening. She hurried to put on her negligee again, but it hardly acted as the kind of shield she was desiring. She wanted something to console her much deeper.

"You were thinking about her again!" she cried.

I hesitated, having no rebuttal, so I didn't attempt one. Instead, I got up to get dressed and tried to recoup what I could of this situation. Zelda turned to look at me when she saw I still hadn't answered her.

"Do you plan to deny it?" she demanded.

I paused for a moment and shook my head.

"No," I whispered honestly.

She looked at me incredulously.

"Why can't you forget her?!" she asked angrily.

I started buttoning up my shirt.

"I don't want to talk about this," I said quietly.

Zelda was too frustrated to let the matter go.

"You never do!" she said, then looked at a loss. "You never do! When are you going to forgive me?"

I paused for a long time. I didn't want to entertain this subject. It was only going to lead us to quarrel.

"I have forgiven you," I lied.

She shook her head.

"No you haven't," she said, then pressed the matter by adding, "I… I saw the way you looked at her when you gazed at her. Nothing has changed for you."

I then stood up from the bed and turned to look at her.

Why should it? I thought, but didn't verbalized.

"Stop it," I warned, "I told you I don't want to talk about this."

Her tears spilled over.

"Of course," she uttered sarcastically, "you only ever want to pretend that everything is alright when you act as though you can't stand the sight of me."

I was trying to keep my composure, but she was baiting me.

"We're doing our best," I said, "that's all we can do."

It was then she let her more of her frustration show.

"You always say that!" she countered, raising her voice a little. "You always say that Link!"

I pursed my lips together and shook my head.

"I don't know what else you want from me," I said honestly, "I've given you what you asked for. You wanted a baby, you're having a baby. You wanted the seal to protect the people, you have the seal to protect the people. You wanted me to be in line for Prince Squallous, I behaved for Prince Squallous. I don't know what else you want from me."

More tears streamed down her cheeks and that was when she hurried over to me from the other side of the room and wrapped her arms around me.

"I want you to love me like I love you," she whispered desperately, "I want you to love me like you love… Saria."

My throat tightened.

"I… do love you Zelda," I stated, which wasn't a lie, "just in a different way."

Zelda then buried her head in my shoulder and sobbed.

"It isn't the same!" she practically screamed against my body and held me tighter. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?!" she demanded.

I was growing tired of this. I pulled her back to look her in the eyes. Admittedly, I felt guilty for making her feel unworthy of me when that wasn't the case at all. Our problems were a lot deeper and she knew that.

"Well, what do you want me to do?" I countered. "Do you want me to lie to you and tell you what you want to hear?"

More tears filled her eyes.

"I just want the man I fell in love with all those years ago back," she whimpered, "I just want it to be like it was before Saria came back into your life. You respected me and loved me so back then."

I sighed.

"I don't know how many times I have to tell you," I said, "I do love you."

She shook her head again.

"But not like you love her," she whispered, "I could see it when you were looking at her… the way you were defending her honor. It was no wonder her husband got a little jealous. Everyone could see it Link."

I shook my defiantly.

"That wasn't what that was at all," I said, "she was degrading herself to make her husband seem more worthy when she didn't have to do that. She shouldn't have had to do that to herself."

Zelda looked into my eyes.

"You're making my point for me," she whispered. "Shouldn't she determine that? Can't she make that distinction herself?"

I groaned and let her go, but Zelda attempted to take hold of me again where I prevented her from doing so.

"I can't do this right now," I detracted, then changed the subject, "I need some fresh air."

Zelda looked at me surprised.

"Link…" she trailed, immediately regretting this course of conversation, "please, I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you upset. Please don't leave. If you leave everyone will know we have quarreled."

I was frustrated with that last stance.

"Is that all you care about?" I asked rhetorically. "Appearances?"

Zelda looked at me stunned.

"Link..." she trailed, unable to give me a rebuttal.

I then headed for the chamber door against her wishes anyway.

"I'll be back," I stated, "I can't deal with this right now."

My wife's mouth was agape when I opened the door to the room and left shortly after. She didn't try to stop me, and when I appeared in the hall, the guards stationed there looked at me taken aback. I wasn't sure if they heard us quarreling or was surprised I was leaving so quickly after having sex. In any such case, I wasn't concerned with their inquiring eyes. It was just more gossip and speculation they could feed the vulturous mavens. I walked past them and headed towards my destination. I wasn't the most kingly sight, but that wasn't an issue for me. I didn't care what anybody thought of me. I made my way back to my private study in the spire down the hall. The guard stationed outside of it was surprised to see me, but he was even more surprised when I dismissed him from his post. Inside my private chamber, I locked the door, sat down, and ran my fingers through my hair. This situation with Zelda was becoming more and more convoluted. I needed a little solitude.

The truth of the matter was I hated that my attitude was hurting Zelda, but as I've stated before, she shouldn't have been surprised. This marriage was one of convenience from the beginning. She knew that and I knew that, but now she was having my baby... she was having my child, and I still was clinging onto the past. We were going to be a family. I needed to get past my anger and resentment so my child would have a peaceful environment to grow up in. I did not want my son or daughter to have parents who always quarreled. I wanted them to grow up in a stable environment. I hoped get over Saria one day. I knew I would if I tried… even if I had to will myself to do so, but it was going to be difficult. I loved her so much that it hurt not being with her… it hurt. I didn't know how else to describe it. However, my loyalty was supposed to be to my wife now... to Zelda now. I was king and the dream of being with the girl with the green hair was over. It was over. All I could hold onto now was her friendship and pray that my feelings for her would lessen with time.

"Come on Link," I whispered to myself, "there's so much more you need to be considering than your own selfishness… so much more."

Even so, it wasn't going to be easy. I got up and walked over to the window and looked out at Hyrule Castle Town. The square was still bustling with people, but not nearly as sizable as it once was. It was almost midnight and the fireworks were about to go off. I could watch them from here. I remember when I was a child and I visited Termina for the first time. The astral laboratory had the most beautiful view of the moon. Though, the moon looked very sinister because of its comeuppance at the time, and there were fireworks planned for the festivities then too. I remember drinking Lon Lon milk, having a roasted cuckoo, and feeling very invigorated. Those were troublesome times, but those were also times where happiness could be captured in moments. That was my moment. I hoped Termina was doing alright.

I wonder if I could ever go back, I thought.

The recollection was in mere passing as I watched the people still dancing and skipping about. However, my attention was diverted for a moment when suddenly everyone halted and all looked to the heavens. I found the simultaneous gesture odd, but then I too peered to what had everyone's attention. Like a diamond shooting across the sky, a shooting star crossed the heavens, then another, and another. Soon, an astral shower was taking place. I marveled at the celestial wonder, thinking this was much better than any fireworks show. However, something even more awe inspiring happened.

The moon abruptly shined a brilliant white, a white so white it was blinding for a moment. From that ethereal light, a beam suddenly focused into Castle Town. My eyes widened stunned and I followed the pathway of light where it surprisingly shined upon one particular individual... a hooded maiden sitting with her family. My surprise never went away when I realized the maiden was Saria. I quickly glanced up at the night sky again where the beam of light suddenly abated. As quickly as it appeared, it disappeared. Rightfully, everyone in the square turned Saria's way and started talking about what just occurred. However, instead of feeling a moment of astonishment, it gave me a moment to pause.

What in the world just happened? I wondered.

With everything I just recently found out regarding the moon goddess and the tetraforce, this wasn't simply some chance happening. This occurred for a reason. I had been around the world and knew that things like what just took place simply didn't just happen. What was that light? Why did the moon shine so brightly? Why did it beam on Saria and Saria only? Is it an omen? Does this have something to do with her past? Did this have something to do with the tetraforce? Did Saria's converted body have energy in line with the tetraforce? Was there another resurgence about to take place in Hyrule from the seal?

I needed to know.

I needed answers.

It was then I quickly went to the bookshelf where I kept my ocarina. This was where I came to speak with Saria, then without a second thought, I started playing Saria's song. I played for a good minute before I noticed her head perk a little and she automatically turned and looked up at the tower. She kept her glance brief, but the surprise was all over her face. Even though she heard the melody telekinetically, she looked like she was choosing to ignore me. However, that didn't stop me, I kept playing anyway. Finally, she looked my way again and gave me an obvious look of disapproval. Ralph who was sitting next to her looked at her puzzled and inquired if she was alright. Saria then forced a smile on her face and reassured him she was fine. Afterwards, Saria excused herself and got up. However, Ralph wasn't letting her out of his sight that easily, as he took hold of her hand to pull her back to him. Even so, it looked like Saria was able to give him a convincing enough reason to let her go alone for a moment, as he let her go when she reassured him of something else. It was then I saw Saria was making her way to a latrine. That seemed to do the trick.

Perfect, I thought.

I kept playing as Saria quickly made her way through the crowd. When she got to the latrine she closed the door and locked it. That was when she finally answered me.

"Link?" she inquired.

I took in a sigh of relief.

"Yes, it's me," I replied.

She didn't hide her displeasure.

"Link- are you insane?" she demanded. "What- are you- doing?"

I ignored her tone and got straight to the point.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

There was a slight confusion on her part.

"Yes," she replied, "why wouldn't I be?"

I went on.

"I saw that beam of light permeate through you," I said, "it was very strange."

Saria paused again.

"Yes it was," she said, "but it is nothing for you to be worried about. Everyone was making a joke that it was a blessing from the goddess."

I could see how that could be the case, but it didn't allay my suspicions.

"That may be all well and true," I said, "but I think it may be something else."

There was a brief pause on her end.

"Like what?" she asked.

It would be difficult to explain in these circumstances.

"It's kind of a complicated explanation," I said, "I need to see you to tell you about it."

Saria's guard went up immediately after hearing that.

"What?" she asked.

I should have anticipated this.

"I need to see you," I repeated, "this is very important."

She answered immediately.

"No, absolutely not," she replied, "I will not see you again after what you pulled today Link. Ralph nearly popped a vessel!"

I had no rebuttal for that.

"Look," I started, "I apologize for how that meet and greet went, but that isn't the issue Sar. This is something very serious and I need to tell you if what happened tonight has any bearing on you in the future."

She kept her ground.

"Then you can tell me now," she said with a hint of defiance, "I will not meet with you anymore. I cannot and it's wrong. I told you I have to think about my husband."

I was growing impatient.

"Saria-" I tried.

"If you're not going to tell me then I'm ending this communication with you," she threatened, "I'm done with the sneaking around and the secrets Link. I cannot do it anymore."

I was getting frustrated, but before I could reply the communication between us ended. I didn't know how she was able to disconnect when I was the one with the ocarina, but she did. When she reemerged from the latrine she stared up at me from afar and I stared right back. Afterwards, she cut her line of sight and made her way back to her husband and his family. I squeezed the ocarina in my hand in frustration and continued to watch until I finally broke my gaze and left the tower window. I went and sat back down in my chair and ran my hands over my face. How was I going to reconcile this?

"Great," I muttered to myself sarcastically.

I then stared at the cobblestone floor.

Now what? I thought. What am I going to do now?

~SSS~

That same night: Bathory's POV

It was thirty minutes to midnight and Squallous was now fast asleep. The prince had a long day so I wasn't surprised that he retired early. Before that though, he and I enjoyed a lovely evening in bed together where he kept reassuring me of his love. However, even while we were together, my mind was too wrapped up in the day's events for me to be satisfied with his sweet words.

I was restless.

I was quite restless actually.

I was wondering what the king and Squallous had spoken on. Had the king made good on his promise? If he did, it wasn't evident in Squallous tonight. In fact, the prince seemed more enamored with me than ever. So perhaps the king's intentions back fired. Perhaps he became too overconfident. I could only hope for such.

I was staring out the window up at the clear night sky when suddenly something strange happened. The moon, already full and bright, suddenly shined brighter. I looked on astonished at the happening, having never seen anything like it before, but that wasn't the most surprising thing. The most surprising thing happened in the way of a beam focusing solely on one person in the square. I followed the line of sight and saw that it was a hooded girl that the light shined on. However, as quickly as it happened it disappeared. I tried to focus on who the young woman was, but unfortunately I couldn't see her face. Even so, the handsome blonde next to her was recognizable.

I met him earlier.

"Ralph was your name, wasn't it?" I whispered to myself, remembering the young man from the meet and greet.

If that was him, then the woman next to him had to be his wife… that beautiful girl the king was so quick to defend. I already had my suspicions about such behavior, but now with this premonition, I had no doubt that this young woman was someone special. What relationship did she have with the king, but even more importantly what relationship did she have with the tetraforce? That omen from the moon must have been a sign that she was someone of significance.

Intrigued by all this, I then walked away from the window for a moment and grabbed a historical text called The Ancient Mysteries of Hyrule from a book shelf across the room. I read this book from cover to cover several times and took it with me everywhere. I was a bit paranoid about losing it. It was said to be a book of conspiracy theories, but with every conspiracy there was a bit of truth. The author was unknown, but the book was signed at the end with the appellate "From a Friend". The encrypted nature of the text made enjoy it all the more. I turned a few pages in and stopped when I got to one of my favorite readings, a story titled "The Legend of Majora". It was a tale associated with the tetraforce and the moon goddess.

It read:

"Majora was said to be a servant of the moon goddess. However, the proper designation was that she was in a covenant with the moon goddess. The covenant being that Majora would use her will to supply energy to the tetraforce. Majora had become so enthralled with the idea of the tetratforce, that she herself thought she had become the moon goddess. However, the powers given to Majora warped and twisted her mind, making her a less reliable servant. She then used her influence to create a culture of death in a city known as Ikana. Architecture in Ikana was said to have inversions of the sun and moon all over the place, representing the symbiosis of light and darkness. Ikana was rumored to be in the land of Termina, and the access point to that world was still a mystery."

I stopped reading for a moment and pondered that last sentence.

If only I could find that place… I thought, if I could find Ikana perhaps I could summon the moon goddess and not need Balaam at all.

I had a confession. My reasons for marrying Prince Squallous weren't altogether noble. My true intentions lied in Balaam having a potential access point, or a specific energy signature, that would herald the power of the tetraforce. This too was also believed to be significant in Zora's Domain. Unfortunately, my plans for Zora's Domain came to a screeching halt when a certain golden haired king caught me.

King Link… I thought.

That man fascinated me. He caught me red handed and decimated years of planning with the Zora people. I had no idea how long a set back like that would keep me or my people, the interlopers, down. However, maybe that wouldn't be an issue. If I could go to Ikana, I wouldn't need Balaam or Zora's Domain. I was certain the heart of the tetraforce could be found there. Even so, though my fascination was great, I didn't even know where to start looking for such a place. My situation was very frustrating. My contemplation led me to continue with my story.

Even so, I kept reading:

"Eventually, Majora was defeated by the sun prince, the Fierce Deity. The Fierce Deity was a servant of the goddess Hylia and the wielder of the powerful helix sword. The sun prince shared a special covenant of his own with Hylia and was believed to be the hero reborn when the ages needed him. Majora considered him a formidable opponent, but enigmatically found herself falling in love with him because of his virtue. It was believed that Majora was smitten with how his light shined so differently than hers. Unfortunately for Majora, her love was never reciprocated and ultimately it embittered her. To show her discontent for Hylia and her Fierce Deity, every year Majora offered a sacrifice to the tetraforce… a sacrifice of blood. Majora often chose young maidens with an innocent heart, or a former wielder of tetraforce powers like herself, a maiden of the dark."

I stopped right there.

I always found that interesting.

Who was this maiden of the dark?

"A great deal of this is allegorical," I whispered to myself.

I was starting to believe the more I read about this Majora, the more I seemed to fit her role, and the more I read about this sun prince the more his majesty… King Link fit his role. Hylia was represented by Zelda, but I had no physical representation of the moon goddess right now, as the moon goddess too is the dark side of Hylia. But… but… who is this maiden of the dark?

I closed the book and placed it back on the shelf. I then walked back over to the window and peered out at the square. I focused on that same maiden I was staring at before. The king had his obvious affiliations with her, and I needed to know more. Who was she? Why had the moon shined on her so brightly? Was she the fabled maiden of the dark?

"My dear Saria…" I whispered, "it seems you and I are going to be more acquainted than you thought."

I had a new focus. I needed to find out everything on this woman and what her true relationship was to the king.

It looks like I may have extracted the hero's true weakness, I thought.

However, I didn't know that for sure. Only time would tell.

The next chapter will be up soon.