A couple of hours later, they were ready to move out. Five guards had been chosen to accompany them, the horses were saddled and everything was packed. Ganondorf had even taken the time to procure a wagon for Link and the children. They would travel much more comfortably in that than on horseback, even if the trip would take longer this way.

His little lover was upset with him, Ganondorf knew. Or rather, Link was upset about the whole situation, causing him to snap at Ganondorf. And, the king had to admit, he sort of liked that their relationship had reached the point of where his smaller lover dared to question him and be angry with him. But even though Ganondorf liked that their relationship had reached that point, he didn't like that his lover was upset in general. Perhaps he shouldn't have brushed Link off like that, and instead spent at least a little while listening to him went his worries. Perhaps. However, done was done, and they had leave no so there was no time. Later, he decided.

His lover would forgive him, eventually. Or perhaps, sooner than that. Because just as Ganondorf was about to make sure one last time that everything was done before calling out for them to begin moving, Link suddenly approached him. Ganondorf just opened his arms and kindly hugged Link back as the small blonde pressed close. Ganondorf heard his lover take a shuddering breath.

"I'm sorry." Link whispered, somewhat muffled by Ganondorf's chest. "I was being stupid. I trust you completely with our safety. You know that."

Ganondorf pressed a kiss to that lovely, blonde hair. "I know, love." he replied. "I know. You're just upset about the situation, as you have every right to be."

"Yes, I know, but I have no right to be angry with-" Here Ganondorf just had to interrupt his silly lover. He gently pushed Link back some, and claimed his lips in a searing kiss.

"Make it up to me later." he purred and had the pleasure to see Link blush. "But for now..." His voice softened and he smiled kindly down at his lover. "Go to the wagon. Rest, take it easy. Talk to the children some, and take care of this one." Ganondorf's large hand settled on Link's stomach, and this time, the blonde boy didn't protest this time. He only smiled, pecking Ganondorf quickly before making his way back to the wagon and the children.

Looking around one last time to assert everyone was ready; Ganondorf noticed the looks the Zoras gave him. They seemed... fascinated somehow. Perhaps, they were surprised that there was a tender side to him, a loving side who was gentle and kind to his lover. Letting his features turn cold once more, more king-like in manner, he mounted his black steed. Tomada let his horse move to his side.

"Let's go." Ganondorf said, and then they were on their way.

Link was tired, and currently very thankful for the wagon. He needed it. And it was very comfortable, with blankets and pillows making it soft and easy to rest in. Ganondorf had thought of everything, and Link felt another twinge of guilt touch him. He had talked to his lover, who seemed to forgive him, but... He shook his head lightly, willing himself to forget it. Ganondorf forgave him, and that was all that mattered.

"Mommy?" Uttara asked, leaning on Link's arm. To Link's left, he had Uttara. Adair was half-dozing against his right side, and Kyna played with Razo on the wagon's other side.

"What is it, sweetie?" Link replied and played some with his daughter's red hair. So much like Ganondorf's, he thought with a faint smile.

"I saw daddy touching your tummy before. Are you having another baby?" Eager golden eyes peered up into his, and Link found himself grinning at his daughter's sharp mind. "Are you?" she demanded again.

"Your daddy thinks so." Link replied, immediately gaining the attention of Adair and Kyna as well. Now that Link thought about it, Ganondorf hadn't checked him with his magic yet, so really, they couldn't be sure. "But nothing is for sure yet."

"Do you think you're having another baby?" Uttara asked, eager and happy. "I want a baby sister this time!"

Link laughed, and hugged her close. "I don't know, sweetheart. Maybe it's a girl, maybe it's a boy, maybe I'm not expecting at all."

"Aw." Kyna interrupted and pouted. "Can't daddy look with his magic?"

"Well ask him later, okay?" Link smiled at her as he released a squiggling Uttara from his hug.

"Okay." Kyna agreed, pout melting away quickly. "Mommy! Can we ride now?"

Link smirked, knowing how his girls loved riding. "Ask Nabooru." he countered. The girls asked her, for she was riding just by the side of their wagon, and the caravan stopped for a brief moment as the girls got out and mounted the horses of two guards. "You want to ride too, sweetie?" he asked Adair.

"No." he replied, snuggling close. "I'll stay here with you."

Link smiled fondly at his oldest. Adair wasn't as thirsty for adventure as the girls, and Link had to admit he secretly liked that. So he kissed Adair on the forehead, collected a sleepy Razo in his arms, and then fell asleep with them both cradled close.

It felt like only minutes later when Link awoke, but some time must have passed since it was night now. Night, and so, so dark. Link felt a clench of fear in him. The darkness... It still reminded him of when he awoke, alone, in that dungeon before his lover came for him. The fear... The pain. He swallowed heavily, and rearranged the still sleeping Razo so that he could feel the baby's calming heartbeat. The other three children were calmly sleeping on the other side of the wagon; safe and here, so that calmed some of Link's nerves as well. They were snuggled together and covered with a warming and thick pelt, and so were he and Razo. Good. All good.

And he could hear the clomping feet of the horses all around them, and the sound of low chatter between the guards. That was also good, and reminded Link that he was not alone, even though he could only see the closest guards due to the darkness. He forced himself to relax. Razo made a small noise and shuffled so he could suck on his fingers, and Link found himself smiling softly. Yes, everything was just alright. Perhaps he should wake Razo up and nurse him before-

The wagon lunged slightly as it stopped dead. Suddenly, the darkness didn't seem as okay to Link anymore.

Ganondorf felt himself frown with discontent, and slight worry. They were here. He could see their soulless bodies twist and moan in the distance, lit slightly by the lanterns they carried. A weak, shrill laughter reached their ears and he saw the Zoras tense in dread.

Poes.

Creatures of darkness and pain. Creatures not made by Ganondorf's own power. Many of the monsters of Hyrule had disappeared once Ganondorf had chosen to abandon his plans and thus the darkness, since they fed on his hateful power, and they couldn't exist without it. However, Poes were not like that. They weren't creatures of his darkness, but rather of the darkness of all people living in Hyrule. They were what manifested after a hateful, resentful person died and didn't find peace in the afterworld, and thus came back to make sure no one else did.

Ganondorf knew he was safe from their dark influence, and so were the rest of the Gerudos. They too were born of darkness, and therefore immune. But his family... They were of light, of hope and love. Pure.

Even if he at first had been surprised at seeing Poes, who tended not to follow Gerudos around, he now knew. They were drawn to the light his family excluded. And they wanted it. They wanted it, so that they could ruin it and consume it until nothing remained. And then, they would move on, unsatisfied.

He growled lowly. Tomada appeared at his side, his face drawn with worry. "Are they a threat, Your Highness?" he asked, his voice hushed. "They scare my men."

Ganondorf thought about it for a few seconds. "They shouldn't be a threat to your men, at least not in so low numbers." He could see three or maybe four in the horizon, keeping their distance for now. "Unless more come. If those decide to attack, use bows. Swords are hard to reach them with before they attack, and magic risk drawing others."

"Yes, sir." Tomada nodded. "I will inform the men."

Ganondorf made a small sign, and the Gerudos changed position without a word. Instead of travelling in front of and behind the wagon, they formed a sort of circle around it. They would have to move slower, this way, but it would be safer for Link and the children. He could see Link's worried eyes searching for his, but he couldn't abandon his position. Ganondorf could only send a hopefully encouraging smile at his lover, and hope it comforted him. He didn't want Link to be scared. And he would make sure he had no reason to be. The Poes would not have his family.

Another haunting laugh sounded, echoing all around them, and it sounded much closer now. Ganondorf braced himself, and sent one last glance at his beloved family.