Zelda hummed as her hands delicately cradled the fabric in her lap. One hand danced in the air in loops, weaving a thread through the cloth like a master seamstress. She sat in a plush chair in her private workspace just a few doors down from her bedroom. It was equipped with all she would need if the inspiration for a new dress, scarf, or outfit hit her on an early summers morning.

The past two weeks had been quite interesting, for lack of a better word. Keese have been sprouting up more inside the castle. Guards went missing only to be found dangling from the rafters trembling in their boots. Maids are shrieking at the sight of snakes in laundry, and the gardeners are forced to deal with ChuChus on castle grounds. All minor events, in all honesty, but all sourced from their most recent houseguest.

Zelda had seen this coming, however, and was doing her best to appease the victims of Ghirahim's games without making too big of a show out of it. Zelda was locked in a vicious battle of wills, and the only way to win was not to play. Ghirahim was looking for any reaction, any clue that he was getting under anyone's skin just as much as being here was undoubtedly getting under his. However, his eyes were primarily on Zelda. Zelda noticed he still tried to get a reaction from Fi, but it was more covering his bases. Impa had succumbed to the goading a couple of times, so now only the princess was left.

Zelda weathered the onslaught with her usual kindness and gentleness. This is not saying that she was a perfect soul who could do no wrong. She had fantasized about really giving it to him, especially at the sight of her dear people so distressed due to his actions. Zelda had swallowed it every time she soothed a poor servant or unlucky soldier.

But, now things were starting to turn. It was growing harder and harder to calm the castle staff, so much so that even her father was beginning to take notice. He had called her yesterday for a chat, and she barely managed to convince him that this was the right move and to stick it out just a little longer.

Zelda sighed as she turned to grab scissors from the end table beside her. Cutting the old thread to start anew, the blue cloth in her lap shaped into a large shawl. Fi was her only hope, she had done this for her, but she needed Fi to do something...anything. Zelda tapped her finger against the arm of her chair, pressing the thimble down more as she resumed sewing. She would have lost herself in her work again had not the sound of footsteps coming down the hall pulled her attention. Zelda inhaled, preparing herself.

The door clicked and opened, revealing the sheikahan warrior. Her face looked hot, and a snarl twisted her usually calm countenance.

"What's wrong, Impa?"

Zelda asked, looking up from her work as the warrior closed the door behind her. Though she suspected what the answer might be.

"That demon is what's wrong! Fi had decided to observe today's training lesson, and he thought to join in only to nearly assault one of my students for a misplaced step in their form!"

Zelda went back to her sewing, and she frowned before replying.

"Wouldn't you have done the same? I've seen you pole someone for a mistake."

Impa gasped and fluffed up, sputtering.

"Th-that's not the point! The point is he dared show authority over my students."

Zelda held back a roll of her eyes and an annoyed sigh.

"Did he hurt them?"

"No, I stepped in just in time. What I'm trying to understand, Princess, is why do you keep him here? All he does is cause chaos wherever he goes."

Impa asked, seeming to rein herself as the flush began to recede from her cheeks.

"Because of that night in the cell, and because of Fi."

Impa blinked and shook her head.

"What?"

Zelda set her work aside and turned her eyes to her protector.

"You didn't see him. He's obviously confused even if he hides behind the bravado. And when was the last time you saw Fi express anything? She can feel, but she represses it so much that I worry about her well-being. It's not healthy. Maybe Ghirahim can teach her a thing or two."

"Ghirahim will only reinforce Fi's desire to avoid emoting anything more than necessary."

Impa retorted, crossing her arms.

"Yes, that is a possibility, but I think they both can learn something from each other. She can learn that's it's ok to express one's feelings, and he can maybe learn to control his better."

Impa's eyes narrowed as she drummed her fingers against her forearm.

"That can't be the only reason. I know you far better than to accept just that."

Zelda smiled. Impa was still perceptive as ever. She was not wrong; there was more to keeping Ghirahim here.

"You're right. There is more," Zelda said, picking up the shawl again to continue her work. "Ghirahim is a demon without a leader, a servant without a master. He is without a goal, and Ghirahim is the kind of person I want to keep a close enough eye on to see if he suddenly finds himself with a task or mission. Then, I can know how to prepare and possibly stop it before it grows out of control. Ghirahim will draw out those who still support Ganon and his rule. Pull them to the brave the light in seek of the lost demon tribe relic. Do you see now, Impa? He is a piece of their history. The key to uncovering who knows what. Would you rather he be here where we can keep a close eye on him or out in the countryside, unfettered, unchecked, where he can do goddess know what for the dark forces at play?"

Zelda looked back to Impa, waiting for her next retort. The Sheikahan instead closed her eyes and nodded.

"I forget sometimes you bear the piece of Wisdom."

Zelda chuckled. "It's alright. So, do you trust me now?"

Impa smiled.

"Of course, Princess. Though, I am curious how you came to know all this?"

"After Fi settled Ghirahim into his room, I went into the library to read up on anything I could find. Fi later came to me after my search came up dry and filled me in on what she knew. He is apparently from the Sky era, like her, and he is another sword spirit like her. One the demons crafted in response to her creation. She also knows it's no fluke for many reasons, the most important ones being his 'aura,' as she puts it, matches the one in her database, and when he talks to her, he speaks in ancient Hylian. A language that is so old that unless you were alive then, you would be incapable of learning it. He also picked up our modern tongue incredibly fast, which is an ability sword spirits possess. Can you imagine what sort of lost history he is privy to? Though I doubt he'd ever share it. I can only dream of what it could be."

"Perhaps he'll tell us one day." Impa mused.

"Mhm, perhaps, but that's looking too far at the horizon."

"So, what are you waiting for now?"

Zelda paused at the question. It was hard to say what she was waiting for. Just something, some change in Fi, perhaps. She really did not know, but she would when she saw it.

"I'll tell you when I see it."

She said. Impa pursed her lips for a moment but seemed to accept the answer. Zelda sniped another thread on the shawl and set everything aside before standing and brushing off her skirt.

"I'll do my best to support your plans."

Impa added, offering a hand to Zelda as the princess stood.

"I'm in the mood to stretch my legs. Care to accompany me on a walk?"

Zelda asked, brushing her hands through her hair. Impa nodded and smiled before stepping aside. Zelda put away her sewing supplies and neatly folded the shawl over her chair. She then started towards the door, opening it and stepping out into the hall. Impa followed behind.

"You know...I wonder...are you looking for some bond to develop between them?"

Zelda chuckled, "as I said, we shall see. Won't we?"

Impa shrugged.

"I don't think that'll happen. Any relationship that demon is in is bound to be laced with venom. I hope for Fi's sake she is smart enough to avoid that."

Zelda made her way down the hall. A trip to the gardens might be nice. She heard they recently put in new flower beds around the pond and stocked the water with koi. If they were lucky, they might catch a particular sword spirit dancing.

"Come on, Impa. No need to dwell on it any longer. We can discuss it when we see the change. Though I do...I do worry about that. If he tries to use her in some way."

Zelda admitted as they walked. She frowned again, and Impa was about to reply, but she saw how Zelda deflated. Impa brushed her finger across Zelda's cheek.

"Leave being suspicious to me. Despite her lack of experience in the subject, Fi is intelligence personified. But, if I pick up on anything, I'll be sure to keep her safe."

Zelda nodded.

"Now, tell me about your project."

Impa added, turning her eyes forward. Zelda brightened up as she regaled Impa with the ins and outs of her newest idea. The pair heading down the stairs to enjoy the day.