The Hero of Louise

by wyldecolt

Louise summons a heroic wolf

2. Secret Mission

Insert standard disclaimer here.

Author's note: This arc turned out to be longer than I anticipated so I'm breaking it in two. Enjoy!

The Hero of Louise

Part 2

Later that night, after the Ball of Frigg, Louise slipped into her bedroom to find Link sitting on the floor, hood lowered, cleaning the rust off Derflinger. He spared her a glance and then turned back to his work. Louise sighed and moved off to her closet to change.

Exiting the closet in her nightwear, Louise approached the Hylian, "Tomorrow, after class, would you like to travel to Baudouin's Bed and Breakfast and see about that safe-box Fouquet wanted to give us?"

Link paused his scrubbing and tipped his head thoughtfully. "Hmmm… and how far is that from here?"

"Just within the city gates." Louise tapped her chin thoughtfully. "We should be able to get there and back in time for dinner."

He nodded, "Alright. But after that we're starting you on combat training – you need to be able to move while you cast instead of standing in one place, our opponents will not always be as stationary as that golem." His blue eyes met hers; "I'm also going to start you on sword-training."

Louise blinked, she couldn't argue with the first part but… "Sword training? I am not in the military, and I am not likely to be joining it. So, no."

Link shrugged off her refusal, "That doesn't matter. What matters is that you can potentially exhaust your magic in battle, loose your wand, or simply be engaged in close combat and not have the time to cast. You need to have a battle skill outside of magic and I can only teach what I know best – swordsmanship." He nodded at Derflinger, "Derf has agreed to be your training sword for the time being. Once you're trained enough, you can change him out for your own weapon."

Louise pursed her lips; "There's no reason for it. I'm not likely to end up in battle." She held up a hand to ward off any interruptions, "and don't use Fouquet as an excuse – combating a single thief once doesn't mean that we'll be combating more people."

"Do you recall about what I've told you about myself?" Link inquired mildly.

Louise hesitated and bit her lip before slowly answering, "Yes…"

"And why I think you managed to summon me as your familiar?" he pressed.

"…" Louise hung her head. "You should learn," Link told her, voice soft, "if only for your own sake. I cannot always be at your side."

"I… understand." Louise studied the carpet. If her familiar was correct in his assumptions then she would have a chance to prove herself, to prove that she was more than useless marriage fodder. After all, hadn't the headmaster just confirmed that Link was a legendary familiar? She'd managed that much, so maybe she was stronger and had a greater destiny than anyone could have predicted…

There was a shuffling noise and then her familiar appeared in her line of vision. He patted her hair and gave her a gentle smile, "Good. Now I think it is time for bed, little one."

Louise nodded and made her way over to her bed. Picking up Siesta's gift from where she had left it earlier that day, Louise moved the book to her nightstand and climbed into bed. She settled down in the sheets and then noticed that Link had resumed his position on the floor, cleaning Derflinger. Louise shifted in disappointment, she liked when her wolf let her cuddle up to him. She tucked her fist beneath her chin, eyes drifting shut and soon was fast asleep.

She dreamt that she was back at her family's estate, which was a good three days ride away from Tristain Academy. She was a young child in her dream, running around near the main house, eventually hiding in the bushes of the labyrinth-like foliage to hide from her pursuers.

"Louise, where are you? Come out now!" shouted her mother, the Duchess Karin. Louise was escaping from being reprimanded yet again due to her poor results in her magical studies. The pinkette was constantly being compared to her older sisters, who both performed much better than she did.

Louise pensively eyed two pairs of shoes that appeared below the bushes.

"Miss Louise really is hopeless at magic."

"I completely agree. Why can't she be more like her two older sisters who excel at their magical studies?"

Louise, upon hearing those words, lowered her head, feeling miserable and dejected as she bit her lips. The servants began looking for her among the pristine garden foliage. Louise quickly retreated away from them to the place she liked to call the "Secret Garden" – the central lake behind her home.

Her Secret Garden was the only place at home where Louise had ever felt fully at ease. With no one else around to intrude on it, the garden was absolutely tranquil. Beautiful flowers bloomed everywhere, their fragrance perfuming the air. Birds gathered with bold carelessness on the benched nearby. And there, in the middle of the lake, artfully built upon a small island, was a tiny, white marble house.

Anchored next to the tiny island was a small rowboat, once used for leisurely rounds across the lake, but now long forgotten and neglected into a state of disrepair. Louise's older sisters had grown up and were now far too busy with their magical studies to bother with the boat. Her father, since retired from his long years of military duties, now passed his days mingling with the neighboring nobles. His only pastime of any note was hunting wild game. Her mother, likewise retired from the military, was only interested in raising and teaching her daughters. She couldn't care less about a small forgotten boat.

Therefore, aside from Louise, no one ever came to the forgotten lake anymore; much less remembered that small boat. That was why whenever Louise found herself being reprimanded; she would retreat to this place.

In Louise's dream, the younger version of herself jumped onto the rowboat and snuggled into a fluffy old blanket that she had always kept in the little boat.

As Louise hid beneath her blanket, sniffling with her teary eyes closed and listening to the sweet sound of birdsong, a cloaked noble stepped out of the mists of the small island an knelt next to her boat. The cloaked noble, a sixteen-year-old boy, was a good ten years older than Louise's tiny, six-year old self.

"Have you been crying, Little Louise?" The noble asked, kindly, and though she peered up at him, his face could not be seen as a large hat shielded it from Louise's view.

Nevertheless, Louise knew exactly who this noble was: he was Viscount Jean-Jacques Francis de Wardes, a young and promising noble who had just inherited the lands neighboring her homeland. Louise felt a flush of warmth on her cheeks and smiled shyly, the Viscount was the man of her young childhood dreams. They had often attended banquets and other functions together, and their fathers had already drawn up an engagement contract for the pair.

"Viscount Wardes? Is that you?" Louise tugged her blanket further to cover her face; she did not want the man of her dreams to see her crying – the humiliation would be too much to bear.

"Yes, dainty Louise. I was invited by your father to come by today to discuss our engagement."

At that, Louise hunkered down further into her blanket in embarrassment, "Really? I didn't think that Father would…"

"Oh, Louise, my small, dainty Louise," the Viscount said mirthfully, "Do you not like me? Even a little bit?"

Louise shook her head slowly, biting down embarrassed giggles, "No, Viscount Wardes… I… it's just that I'm still young, and I'm not ready …"

The comely face hidden beneath the hat's brim came into view, revealing a smile as the young teen extended a hand to the six-year-old Louise.

"Viscount Wardes." She whispered.

"My Lady," the Viscount requested gently, "please take hold of my hand. Quickly now, the banquet is about to start."

"But…" Louise hesitated.

"Have you been scolded again?" the Viscount shook his head dismissively, and reassured her, "Don't worry. I'll talk to your father."

Louise nodded, carefully standing up in her little rowboat and reached for the Viscount's hand. Those hands, she noticed, were much larger than her own tiny hands. She'd always dreamed of holding those hands.

Louise had almost grasped Viscount Wardes' hand when an unexpected gust of wind blew the boy's hat from his head.

"Eh?" Louise looked at his face, perplexed. Louise's dream-self shifted into her sixteen-year-old self. "What... What are you doing?"

The person underneath the hat was not the Viscount as she had thought, but – bizarrely enough – her familiar, Link.

"Louise, come quickly." He urged.

"What? No. It doesn't matter whether I come or not, why are you here?" She blinked at him. Really, intruding on her childhood dreams!

"We have to train. You aren't ready and there isn't much time." Link explained, looking ridiculous dressed in the Viscount's clothes.

"Train? For what – there is no threat!" Her confusion gave way to anger.

Link seemed not to hear her at all, and instead, came closer to Louise.

"Aren't you listening to me?" She demanded.

Ignoring her complaints, Link grasped her hand and pulled her from the small rowboat. His blue eyes met her red ones, "What do you want Louise? This? The childhood dream you've come to resent?"

Louise jerked her hand away and shifted her gazed to glare back at the boat, "What do you mean? I don't resent anything! This is just how things are!"

She turned back around … to see herself swimming in Viscount Wardes' clothing. Her other self looked even more ridiculous than Link had.

"Yes, but there are other things we have always wanted more." Her twin replied. "And now … that childhood dream might ruin our other dreams."

Louise swallowed.

---

The next morning Louise quietly went through her morning routine. She washed up, dressed, and went down to the dining hall carrying the maid's gift with her. Link had been conspicuously missing when she awakened and her dream troubled her too much to seek him out.

Louise sat at her usual spot and piled her favorites onto her plate. As she ate, she kept searching the dining hall, hoping to see her familiar or the maid. As breakfast drew to a close, Louise hadn't managed to find her familiar, but she did spot the maid leaving with a nearly empty tray of pastries. Louise grabbed the book and rose swiftly, tailing after… Siesta (that was her name right? Louise was certain that was what she'd been calling the maid yesterday…).

"Wait a moment!" Louise called after the maid, and then, hoping she had it right, cried, "Siesta!"

The dark-haired maid started, and whirled around. "Yes, mistress?" She looked at Louise questioningly.

Louise tucked a lock of strawberry-blonde hair behind one ear. "I have a gift for you… Siesta, right?" Louise added uncertainly, half wondering if she'd gotten the name wrong.

The dark-haired girl nodded; "Yes…" she furrowed her brow in confusion, "A gift?"

Louise tipped her head slightly in agreement, and satisfaction at having remembered the correct name, and presented the book to the other girl, "Yes, I bought this for you as a gift. The bookshop owner said that you liked this series, this one's the latest." Louise cleared her throat uncomfortably, "It is a thank you for … your kindness to my familiar," she bit her lip, "… and for the treats he brings back."

Siesta's dark eyes brightened at the sight of the book's title. She balanced her tray on one hand and accepted Louise's gift with the other, "Thank you, Mistress Vallière." Siesta gave the noble a grateful, if uncertain smile. "I do enjoy spending time with your wolf. He can be quite helpful sometimes."

Louise's lips quirked into a smile, "Yes… and speaking of Link, have you seen him today?"

Siesta blinked, "Oh, well yes. He's in the garden outside of the kitchens."

"…" Louise had never been to the kitchens and couldn't quite recall where on the school grounds it was located. She bit her lip and felt a flush creep its way across her cheeks. "Could you," she began, offering politeness to the busty brunette, "Show me where that is?"

Siesta smiled and nodded, "This way."

It wasn't a long trip, for which Louise was thankful. Entering the kitchen's back garden, she found her wolf sprawled next to a blue dragon – Tabitha's familiar, as Louise recalled. Link's pierced ear twitched but otherwise he didn't move.

Louise strolled up to him, Siesta at her side. She bent down and flicked his pierced ear. Link jerked his head up and turned his blue eyes on her. "Come on, it's almost time for class to start." She smiled, "and just so that you know, Siesta liked her gift."

"I did." Siesta smiled in agreement. "Come by later and I'll have special treats for you, Link."

Link grinned at them both as he stood and then twisted in a full body shake.

Louise scoffed playfully at the dog-like behavior and turned on her heel to head to her first class. The clinking of a manacle, she still needed to get that removed, followed her.

Louise made her way through the academy halls, ducking into the classroom and quickly taking her seat towards the back of the room with Link sprawling under the table as usual.

Across the room, the teacher's door opened and a young professor stepped out. Long, black hair neatly tied back and piercing black eyes, Professor Kaita's unfriendly demeanor caused the students to shift uncomfortably as his gaze swept across the room. He was, easily, the most unpopular professor at Tristian Academy and Louise was always careful to not draw his attention.

"It seems that everyone is present – class will now commence. As you all know, my runic name is 'Gust'. Kaita the Gust." The professor glanced over his students, and satisfied with the attention, he pointed at Kirche, "Do you know what the most powerful element is, Miss Zerbst?"

"Isn't it the 'Void' element?" Kirche offered uncertainly.

Professor Kaita frowned at her response, "Miss Zerbst, I'm not asking you for legends. I expect a more realistic answer. Again!"

Kirche then straightened, squaring her shoulders and thrusting her ample bosom forward, and confidently answered, with her irresistible smile gracing her lips, "The answer is the fire element, Professor Kaita."

"Oh? Why do you think that?" He raised an eyebrow to punctuate his question.

"Heat and passion can burn anything and everything, isn't that so?" Kirche nodded smugly with a flip of her red hair.

"I'm afraid, Miss Zerbst, that is not, in fact, so." Professor Kaita said mildly as he pulled his wand from its hoister at his waist. "But let's give your answer a try, shall we? Attack me with your best fire elemental attack, Miss Zerbst."

Kirche stilled as she blinked at her professor in surprise. Louise leaned forward, intrigued. What was their professor doing?

"What is it? I recall that you work best with fire elemental spells, am I right?" Kaita challenged.

"Well, it isn't going to be a little singe." Kirche winked.

"Not a problem, Miss Zerbst, just give me your best shot." Professor Kaita said in a mocking tone, "Don't tell me that the flaming red hair of the Zerbst family is just for looks!"

Kirche's usual flirty smile was wiped off her face. She retrieved her wand from the depths of her cleavage, and pointedly flipped her fiery, red hair over her shoulder. She waved her wand, and from her extended right hand appeared a small fireball. As Kirche chanted her spell, the fireball expanded, resulting in a huge sphere of flames. Louise and her classmates ducked under their desks quickly, some out of prudence and some out of varying levels of panic. Her wrist turned and spiraled towards her chest, and she released the fireball.

Professor Kaita, obviously unimpressed with the giant sphere of fire barreling towards him, simply raised his wand and made grand, sweeping gestures – as if he were swinging about a sword. A raging gale swiftly rose up and immediately scattered the huge fireball upon contact. The gale even knocked down Kirche, who was standing on the far side of the room from Professor Kaita.

"Class, listen carefully. The strongest element is wind. Why, I'm sure you wonder. The answer is simple. Wind can sweep away anything and everything – fire, water, earth – they all fail to stand strong against winds that are powerful enough." Professor Kaita paused and then briskly continued, "Unfortunately, reality does not allow me the good fortune to experiment with this, but I believe that even the Void would likely not withstand Wind."

Kirche stood from where she'd fallen, a rather displeased look on her face as she crossed her arms.

But Professor Kaita paid her no mind, "The unseen wind is the shield that protects everyone, and if necessary, the lance that scatters one's enemies. And, finally, one more reason why the wind element is the most powerful." Professor Kaita raised his wand, "YOBIKISUTA DERU WIND..."

However, at that moment, the door to the classroom opened, and a nervous Professor Colbert entered. He was dressed strangely, and sporting a huge, golden wig on top of his head. Louise leaned forward and squinted, and at a closer examination, she noticed that his suit had the most intricate borders and decorations. She frowned thoughtfully, why was he dressed so formally?

"Professor Colbert?" Professor Kaita raised an eyebrow at the intrusion.

"Ahhh! I'm sorry, please excuse the interruption, Professor Kaita." Professor Colbert smiled with strained nervousness.

"Class is in session." Kaita tersely replied, staring at Colbert.

"Today's classes are henceforth canceled." Professor Colbert straightened and sternly announced. As cheers erupted from all around Louise, she smiled and propped her chin in her hand, thinking that perhaps she could get to the city and back sooner than she had thought. To stop the noise, Professor Colbert waved with both arms, and continued. "I have something to tell everyone." The professor exaggeratedly tilted his head back, causing his wig to slide off to the ground. The tense mood Professor Kaita had built immediately vanished, as laughter enveloped the classroom.

Tabitha looked up from her book, pointed at his baldhead and clearly stated over the noise, "Shiny."

The laughter grew louder at that. Kirche laughed while rapping Tabitha's shoulder, "You can really talk when you decide to speak up every now and again!"

Professor Colbert flushed a bright red, and shouted, "SILENCE! Only commoners laugh out loud! Nobles only covertly snicker with their heads down even if they find something funny! Otherwise, the royal court will question our school's educational results!" The classroom finally quieted down at those words.

"All right class, today could be the most important day for Tristain Magical Academy. This is our great Founder Brimir's birthday, a highly commemorative day as you all know." Professor Colbert's face straightened, and he placed his arms behind his back. "It is highly probable that His Majesty's daughter, the beautiful maiden that we Tristainians can proudly boast of to the rest of Halkeginia, Princess Henrietta, will, to our great fortune, pass by the Academy on her way back from visiting Germania."

Whispers and chatter filled the room. Louise, all thoughts of a trip to the city vanishing, straightened in her seat, dimly noting that Link had crawled out from his sprawl beneath the desk and was listening attentively.

"Therefore, we will not allow anyone any slack. In spite of this sudden and unexpected, but welcome, news, the academy has already begun preparations to receive the princess to the best of our abilities. Due to this, today's classes have hereby been canceled. Students, please don your formal wear quickly and assemble at the main entrance."

Louise and her classmates nodded in unison, some more anxiously than others.

Professor Colbert gave a stern nod in return and continued his announcement, "This is an excellent opportunity to let Her Majesty, Princess Henrietta, know that everyone at Tristian Academy has grown into model nobles. Everyone must prepare to his or her best to allow Her Majesty to witness this fact! Dismissed!"

---

Later that afternoon, Louise, dressed in her best formal clothes, with Link sitting next to her, stood alongside Kirche as the Academy prepared to welcome Her Majesty, Princess Henrietta. She twined her fingers through the wolf's fur and then compulsively petted down the ruffled fur so he would keep a neat appearance.

As the Princess entered through the Academy gates, rows of students raised their staffs in unison, all silent and serious. After the main gates were the doors to the central tower. Headmaster Osmond stood at attention there to receive the Princess. As the carriages stopped, servants rushed to lay down red carpet from the doors of Tristian Academy to Her Majesty's carriage door.

The guards tensely announced, "Her Royal Highness of the Kingdom of Tristain, Princess Henrietta has arrived."

The first out the door, however, was a cardinal that Louise recognized as Mazarin.

The students grunted, but Cardinal Mazarin paid no attention, standing at the side of the carriage, holding the Princess's hand as she stepped out of the carriage. The tension broke as the students finally applauded. A small, beautiful smile graced Princess Henrietta's face as she elegantly waved back.

"That's the Princess of Tristain? Heh, how disappointing... I'm better looking than her." Kirche mumbled. "Oh my dear, Vallière, who do you think is prettier?" She leaned to Louise teasingly.

Louise, who was attentively looking at the Princess, ignored the red-haired girl. Kirche frowned at the pinkette. Suddenly, Louise blushed and then looked uncomfortable, and Kirche immediately followed her gaze to see a hat-wearing, handsome noble, riding on a griffon.

Louise looked away from the Viscount to see that Kirche was blushing as she watched Wardes from across the yard. Louise scowled and looked to her other side where Tabitha was simply reading her book as if the Princess's arrival meant nothing to her. She sighed and then looked down at Link, to find his blue eyes studying her intensely. She twined her fingers in his fur.

---

Later that afternoon, Louise walked through Tristain Academy grounds, fingers once more entwined in Link's fur. She absently followed the wolf as he made his way across the grounds, lost in thought.

As Link led her to the gates of the academy, Louise wretched herself from her circular musings of Wardes and her dream the night before, she blinked at him, "Where are we going?"

Link gave her the most baffled look his furry wolf face could manage. He woofed.

Louise frowned, "I can't understand that… and Derflinger isn't here to translate."

Link looked pointedly in one direction, back at her, then again pointedly in the previous direction.

Louise followed his gaze but saw nothing but the landscape and the cobblestone roadway. "… I don't understand," she admitted, brow furrowed in confusion.

Her wolf sighed, pawed at the dirt until he had a small mound of crumpled earth, looked pointedly at it, then at Louise, then off in the same direction again.

Louise stared at him, wide-eyed and shaking her head, "What is that even supposed to mean?"

She felt it remarkably unfair that he was able to look at her as if she were some sort of dullard. Were normal wolves capable of pulling off those kinds of expressions? She felt a flush of embarrassment cross her face when he sighed and bowed slightly before her, a silent demand to get on his back. Louise crossed her arms sullenly and briefly entertained the idea of refusing – then she hung her head and climbed on. Obviously whatever it was, was something important and apparently she'd forgotten it.

Once she was securely on his back, Link stood up and began a steady loping pace to wherever he was taking her. Louise took in the passing landscape as she racked her brain for a clue as to where they were going. They weren't heading off to the training area; in fact, the only thing in the direction he was taking her was the city of – oh. Louise stifled a groan and resisted the urge to bury her reddening face in Link's fur. Fouquet's treasure, no wonder he'd given her that look.

Once they reached the city, Louise directed Link to Baudouin's Bed and Breakfast. Louise dismounted at the door and tugged Link's fur to encourage him to follow in after her. They stepped in to the inn and approached the check-in desk.

The aqua-haired woman behind the desk smiled politely, "Welcome to Baudouin's Bed and Breakfast. How many I help you today, Mistress?"

Louise offered a small smile back, "I need to speak with the inn-keeper, please."

The clerk looked surprised but nodded, "Very well, one moment please, Mistress." She turned and exited through a door to the right of the desk.

The pair waited patiently and a few minutes later the woman returned with a portly, well-dressed old man whose balding head was crowned with brown and gray hairs. The old man approached them as the woman returned to her position behind the desk.

"Hello, young Mistress," he began politely, "I understand that you wish to see me?"

"Yes," Louise nodded, "My name is Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière, and I am here to retrieve a key and directions."

The old man raised a bushy eyebrow, "I am Baudouin, Miss Vallière, and I have many keys. As for directions, travelers often seek those so I am well versed."

Louise pursed her lips, "I see… well then, what I seek is 'Matilda's treasure folly'."

Baudouin looked between Louise and Link thoughtfully, "Ah, that key. Come right this way, please." He turned and walked through the door that he'd entered from.

Link snorted and followed the old man with Louise quickly tagging behind, trusting her familiar. Entering the room, she watched as he approached a large cabinet with multiple small drawers. Baudouin pulled out one of the left side drawers and took a key from it. He turned back to Louise and presented it to her. "This is the key to the safe-box. As for the safe-box's location, you will find it hidden in the forest on the way towards Tristain Academy. Three-quarter miles outside of town, turn left and enter the forest. Go straight in and you'll come to a tree that is split into two. You'll find the chest buried beneath its roots."

Louise glanced at Link, who nodded, and she accepted the key, "Thank you, sir."

"You are very welcome, Mistress Vallière." Baudouin replied.

She nodded, turned, and with Link in tow, Louise departed from the inn.

Outside, she again mounted her wolf-steed and they took off. Following the innkeeper's directions, Link and Louise quickly made their way to the split tree. Louise dismounted and stood by as she watched Link sniff around the tree's roots. Finally, he seemed to find something and began digging. Link continued to dig until he was up to his belly in dirt and then he back out of his hole. He then shifted back into his cloaked form and bent over into the hole again and this time pulled back with a small wooden box.

Link dropped it on the ground in front of Louise. "Hand me the key, little one," he held up his hand.

Louise pressed the key into his palm.

Link used the key to dig as much dirt out of the lock as possible and then spent a few minutes working the key in the lock until the box clicked open.

Louise leaned forward as he eased the top open and her face fell as she saw what was inside, "A cloak?"

"Hmm… no, a cape," Link corrected her absently as he picked up the dirty cape. It was in fairly good condition, though it desperately needed to be washed. Under the dirt and dust the cape was white with a dual blue pattern running a quarter the way up from the cape's jagged bottom edges. Link smiled, "I love it when I get nice things."

"'Nice things'? The cloak I bought you is far better than this rag of a cape!" Louise protested hotly, tugging on said cloak pointedly. How could he like Fouquet's 'treasure' so much?

Link grinned and tapped her nose playfully, "But it's not a magical cloak!"

Louise puffed out her cheeks, "Stop teasing me!"

"Seriously," Link held up the cape, "it's a magical cape, useful, I like it."

"Then keep it," Louise snapped, sullenly turning away. She'd never buy him another cloak! She pouted when she heard him chuckling behind her. No doubt he was about to accuse her of being adorable again. The jerk.

He patted her hair and teasingly admonished, "Good little sisters don't get jealous over capes."

"A magical cape," Louise corrected haughtily.

"Even so." He turned her around and tapped her nose again.

She ducked her head and bit down a smile. "Don't call me little!"

"Of course," he agreed easily.

Louise couldn't keep her lips from twitching up into a smile at that. He'd do it again, she knew.

"Hmmm…," Link glanced up at the sky through the tree branches, "We should head back. We'll miss dinner so I'll take you down to the kitchens and we can get some food off Siesta."

Louise nodded, "Very well."

A moment later and he was a wolf again. She quickly settled on his back and they were off, back to Tristain Academy.

---

The sun had set by the time that Link trotted through the gates of Tristain Academy. Without pause, he swerved off the main path and carried Louise around the left side of the academy and back towards the kitchens. Arriving at the kitchen's back garden; Link allowed Louise to dismount before trotting up to the kitchen door and uttering a soft howl, pitch varying musically as if he were singing. Louise raised her eyebrows in amused disbelief as the kitchen door quickly flung open and Siesta rushed out, beaming as she wrapped the wolf in a hug.

"Link! I haven't seen you since this morning, you hungry? I have some treats saved up for you." Siesta cooed and pulled away from the wolf to rub his ears.

Louise's mouth twitched and she struggled to choke down her laughter at the black-haired maid's babying of her familiar – really, funniest moment of her entire day. Absently, Louise wondered what Siesta's reaction would be if the maid were to find out that the wolf was actually a person. Louise mastered her amusement and cleared her throat.

The maid jerked in surprise and turned to face her. Siesta's eye's widened at Louise – or rather, Louise decided, the silhouette she was making against the darkness of the garden. "H-hello?"

Louise stepped forward, into the light spilling from the open kitchen door. She gave the maid a curt nod, "Hello." Louise gestured at Link, "We missed dinner." The wolf blinked his blues up at Siesta from underneath her ear massaging hands.

Siesta nodded, smiling in understanding, "Where do you want to take your dinner, mistress?"

"Bring it to my room please… actually, bring two dinners." Louise decided. Link didn't get to eat proper food often enough.

The maid blinked, "Yes, mistress." She released Link and scuttled back into the kitchens.

Louise and Link waited patiently, and shortly the maid had returned with a large basket clutched in both hands. Louise glanced at her familiar, "Let's go."

Link turned and trotted back to Louise. She buried her fingers in his fur and allowed him to lead her back to her dorm. Siesta tailed after them.

As Louise entered into her bedroom, she left the door open for the maid. Siesta stepped to the side of the room with an abundance of floor space and set the basket down. Louise settled on her bed and watched the ebony-haired girl unpack at picnic blanket and settle it over the floor. Then the maid pulled out a teapot, dishes, and silverware. She arranged everything carefully and then pulled the food out of the basket. Siesta, apparently, knew Louise's favorites as she stacked one plate full of them and then another with a slightly different variety. Siesta then fixed up Link's plate of meats and poured the tea into the two cups.

Louise nodded approvingly, "Thank you; that is all."

Siesta stood up and turning to go, glanced over at Louise, "I really enjoyed the book mistress." She then boldly added, "What was your favorite part?"

Louise blinked at her, "Eh? Oh, I didn't read it. It was a gift; the bookshop owner said that you liked that series so I bought it."

The maid was looking at her wide-eyed. "Oh! Then I'll lend you the first book and you can see how you like it." She smiled and waved at Link as she walked out the door. "I'll bring it by tomorrow!" She was out the door before Louise could reply.

Louise snorted and then crossed the room to double check that the closed door was locked. She doubted she would find the book interesting, but she'd give it a try. She turned back around to find her familiar, hood tossed back revealing his green capped dark blond hair and pointed ears, sipping from one of the teacups. Louise daintily sat across from him and picked up her own teacup.

"So… you serenade Siesta often?" She sipped her tea to cover her devious grin.

Link lowered his cup with an embarrassed smile, "Hmm… well, I did need a way to get her attention and that seemed like the nicest way to go about it. After the second time, I made up a specific song for calling her." He tipped his head, cheeks flushing slightly, "I've been calling it Siesta's Song."

Louise thought about it and then needled, "The Serenade of Siesta sounds better. More suitable for a song crafted by a noble's familiar," she added sagely.

Link coughed and set his teacup on its saucer. "I'm not courting her," he mumbled and fixed his attention on the plate of food that Siesta had left for him. He picked up a grape and popped it into his mouth.

Louise, feeling smug, graciously let it go and picked over her own plate.

In doing so, she utterly failed to notice the sharp-eyed look of mischief her familiar gave her, "You know, little one… I have another song that I'd like to share with you."

Louise blinked her red eyes up at him, "Oh?"

He grinned, almost seeming to have fangs, "Yes, I call it 'Lullaby of Louise'. Thought I'd sing you to sleep tonight."

Louise reddened, "You will not!"

He pouted at her, "I thought you liked my singing…"

Derflinger burst out laughing from his forgotten corner of the room. "This almost makes being left up here worth it."

Louise flushed harder and turned to glare at the sword.

Link tisked, "You're the one that didn't want to be carried around."

"The only option you gave me was going in that pouch of yours! And I tried it, no thank you, Partner!" Derf protested. "What about you, girly? I'm going to be helping to train you, right?"

Louise turned her nose up at the sword, as if she was going to tot him around school, looking like some sort of commoner.

Derf huffed.

"Anyway," Link cleared his throat, "now seems like a good time to bring up the other issue we didn't discuss last night."

Louise's brow furrowed at that, "what other issue?"

"Your void magic," Link stated, "if I recall correctly, you said that this academy is unable to teach you the spells for it."

"V-v-void m-magic?" Louise sputtered at the assumption.

Her familiar tipped his head, "Well, yes. Didn't you say that the familiar reflects the mage? And the headmaster said that I'm a Windalfr – the kind of legendary familiar that your Founder Brimir had. It follows then that you would have to possess the same sort of magic as him to summon me. Therefore, void magic."

"I have to say," Derflinger piped up, inserting itself back into the conversation, "I've never been wielded by a Windalfr, but Partner does have the right of it – he's a void mage familiar and you, little missy, fit the bill for a void mage."

Louise worked her jaw, unable to come up with anything to dispute that. She slowly took that idea in, chewed on it, and brightened. A void mage! She grinned, imagining how she could show up all her defamers, how they would cower before 'the Zero' and beg for her forgiveness.

"How do you know this?" Link's voice abruptly cut off her beautiful vision.

Louise blinked at him.

Derflinger seemed to puff itself up. Personally, Louise thought that was a rather impressive feat for a sword. "Well, six thousand years ago, I was the sword of the Gandalfr – Brimir's other familiar."

"Other familiar?" Louise echoed. The Founder had had more than one familiar?

"Yup," Derf managed to bend itself into a slight nod, "the Gandalfr was a master of all weaponry, capable of taking out an army of one thousand single handedly. It was the familiar that defended Brimir so that he could cast his magic – void magic takes a long time, if I'm remembering correctly." Derflinger paused a moment, then continued, "Partner here, should be capable of giving you the same protection – especially if there's any beasts in the area for him to call on for support."

"Hmm…" Link eyed the sword speculatively, "After six thousand years, do you remember anything about how Brimir cast his magic? The kind of spells he used?"

"Ah… afraid not, Partner," the sword admitted.

Her familiar nodded, looking like he hadn't expected anything less. Louise, on the other hand, "How could you forget? To see actual void magic! To be in the presence of the Founder!"

"It was six thousand years ago," Derf pointed out a bit sheepishly.

Louise shook her head, unwilling to accept that reasoning, "But it's the Founder Brimir! How could you forget anything about someone so important?"

Link clicked his tongue thoughtfully, "Quite easily, as it happens." He sipped his tea and studied the ceiling. "My parents were very important to me, but now, after about fifteen years since their passing… I can recall almost nothing about them."

Louise fell silent and shifted uneasily; she couldn't imagine forgetting her parents.

"But," her familiar dismissed the topic, "what all this comes down to is that either we have to find some old tome of Brimir's and see if there is a hint about how to use void magic, or you'll have to work out the basics of it on your own – craft your own spells."

Louise looked down at her teacup, "Do you think that's possible?"

"Of course," he snorted, "there's always someone who is self-taught, likely even your Founder was. It'll be difficult, but you can do it if you're dedicated enough."

Louise bit her lip and nodded.

The pair finished their meal in silence and as Link was packing away the leftovers and dishes into the basket Siesta had left, someone knocked on the door twice, then again three times in rapid succession.

Louise blinked at the unexpected interruption, stood and went to open her door as Link shifted back to his wolf form. Standing on the other side of her bedchamber doors was a girl, who was covered entirely in a black veil.

The veiled girl, without so much as a by your leave, looked around, and then walked in, closing the door behind her.

"... And you are?" Louise, feeling quite shocked, barely managed to speak.

The veiled girl made a shushing gesture with a finger to her mouth, and took out a staff from her dark cape, lightly waving it while chanting a short spell. She tipped her head a moment, peering over her shoulder in apparent puzzlement, and then shook her head dismissively.

"A silencing spell?" Louise asked, brow furrowing.

The veiled girl nodded, softly replying, "There might be extra ears and eyes around." Louise watched as the girl quickly made sure that the room had no magical ears and no peeping holes, and then the veiled girl slowly removed her veil.

Louise sucked in a breath at the sight of Princess Henrietta and frantically went down on her knees.

Princess Henrietta, to Louise's eyes, looked like she had been overcome with emotion, as she swept down and hugged the smaller strawberry-blonde girl.

"Oh, Louise, Louise, my dear Louise Françoise!" The princess crooned happily.

Uncomfortable, Louise rallied all the formality that her mother had instilled in her, "This won't do, Your Highness. Coming to a humble place such as this…," Louise said ceremoniously.

"Oh! Louise! Louise Françoise! Please stop acting so formally! You and I are friends! We are friends, are we not?" Princess Henrietta looked at Louise expectantly.

"I am not worthy of such kind words, Your Highness." Louise replied with a steely, strained voice. Henrietta was pushing Louise's resolve and the pinkette was painfully aware of her familiar's gaze. He may have enjoyed an unreasonably close relationship with the queen of his country and the princess of another, but Louise wanted him to understand that her princess was to be treated with the proper respect.

"Stop that, please! Neither Cardinal, Mother, nor those greedy nobles of the court who hide behind friendly faces are here! Oh, don't I have any friends who will open up to me?" the princess lamented, "If even Louise Françoise, my old friend whom I've missed dearly, acts so distant, I would just die!" Princess Henrietta declared dramatically.

"Your Highness...," Louise softened, forgetting her determination from a few moments ago.

"When we were little children, didn't we get together and chase butterflies at the palace courtyard? And get all muddy?" The princess smiled as she reminisced.

Feeling pleased and shy as she recalled those childhood memories, Louise answered, "...Yes, and Chamberlain La Porte told us off for getting our clothes so dirty."

"Yes! That's right, Louise Françoise! We were arguing over those puffy cream cakes, and ended up having a real scuffle! Oh, whenever we fought, it was me who always lost. You would grab my hair, and I'd just start crying." She looked wistful.

"Not at all, my princess achieved victory on at least one occasion." Louise recalled, feeling as sentimental as her princess looked.

"You remembered!" Princess Henrietta cried happily, "Looking back on the two of us that day, one could call that battle the Siege of Amiens!"

Louise thought back, "That was when we were fighting over a dress in princess' bedroom, wasn't it?"

The princess nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, in the middle of our 'Make-Believe Royal Court', we ended up fighting over who would play the princess! And it was my blow to your stomach, Louise Françoise, which successfully decided it."

"I'd fainted in the presence of my princess." Louise smiled and raised her eyes to meet Princess Henrietta's.

The pair broke out into laughter, and the princess wiped tears from her eyes, "That's more like it, Louise Françoise. Ah, I'm getting so nostalgic, tears are coming out."

Louise sniffled, herself. Then she turned to her wolf, "Change back, it's alright with her Majesty." Louise smiled and continued as the wolf shifted into his more human shape, "I had the pleasure of serving as Princess Henrietta's playmate back when we were children."

Louise turned back to Henrietta, eyes lowered and pleased, completely missing the princess' shocked look, "But, I am deeply moved that Your Highness would remember such things... I thought you'd already forgotten about me."

"Louise Françoise… your familiar has turned into an elf…" the princess answered faintly, pointing at Link.

Louise blinked, then flushed and cleared her throat, deciding to give her princess the story that Link had been trying to convince her of, "He's not… an elf exactly," at the princess' incredulous look, which indicated that she believe that as much as Louise did (which was not at all), Louise rushed, "I summoned him from another world – Link's more like a human with an elven appearance. His only real magic is to change into a wolf and back, well, and to use magical items…"

"Your Majesty, if you would prefer, you may refer to me as a Hylian to avoid confusion," Link offered gently, eyeing Louise in bemusement.

Louise refrained from rolling her eyes – Hyrule was obviously an elfin country within the Holy Lands. …Of course, if it was as different as Link claimed then he might as well come from another world.

"I… see…" Princess Henrietta blinked in confusion, her words breaking through Louise's musings. Louise suspected that the princess was having as much difficulty understanding Link's story as Louise herself. Possibly the Princess wouldn't believe that ridiculous story either, instead coming to a similar conclusion as Louise had.

Link smiled and approached the princess. Under Louise's approving gaze, he bowed properly and held out his hand to Princess Henrietta.

The princess blinked again, then offered a faint smile and held out her hand. Link brought it to his lips and brushed a soft kiss over her knuckles. He raised his head slightly to look her in the eyes, "Your Majesty, it's an honor to meet you. My name is Link of Ordon, familiar of Louise Vallière."

The princess blushed and smiled back, "Pleased to meet you, Link." Then she pulled her hand back and glanced at Louise, "How is it that you summoned Link as your familiar, Louise Françoise?"

Louise smiled shyly, "I just did the Springtime Familiar Summoning ritual like everyone else." She glanced at Link, "the headmaster has confirmed that the contract runes are that of the legendary familiar, Windalfr." Louise ducked her head for a moment then squared her shoulders and looked her princess in the eye, "I'm a void mage."

Princess Henrietta's eyes widened at that, "Truly? Oh, Louise Françoise!"

"There isn't much that I can do with the void right now," Louise admitted, "Aside from blowing things up. I'll be working on making my own spells soon."

The princess nodded, "Right, there is no one to train you… Oh, Louise Françoise, you may have changed since our younger days, but you are still quite the same." She sighed then moved to sit daintily on Louise's bed. "Things used to be so much simpler for us, didn't they? Back when we were children, every day was fun and there was nothing at all to worry about." She spoke softly, with profound sadness in her voice.

"Princess?" Louise looked worried as she peered at Princess Henrietta's face.

"A princess born in her kingdom is like a bird being raised in a cage. You go here and there on your master's every whim..." Princess Henrietta said, looking lonely as she gazed at the moon outside the window. She then held Louise's hands and gave a sweet smile and explained, "I... I'm getting married."

"...You have my congratulations." Louise felt the sadness in her princess' tone, and spoke in a subdued voice.

Princess Henrietta gave off another sigh in response.

"Princess, what happened?" Louise asked, concerned.

"No, it's nothing. Forgive me, oh; I'm so ashamed of myself. It's not something I should tell you... but I am just so..." the princess hung her head.

"Please tell me. What is the matter that causes my princess, as cheerful as she is, to sigh like this?" Louise pressed.

"...No, I cannot tell you. Please forget I said anything. Louise." Princess Henrietta turned her head away.

"I will not!" Louise denied firmly. "Didn't we use to talk about everything? You are the one who called me a friend. Won't you share your worries with your friend?"

At this, Henrietta gave Louise a cheerful-looking smile. "You've called me a friend, Louise Françoise. That makes me so happy." Henrietta nodded her head in determination; "You must not speak to anyone about what I am about to tell you now."

Princess Henrietta paused and gave a quick glance at Link.

Her familiar tipped his head and inquired, "Should I step outside, Your Majesty?"

Henrietta shook her head, explaining, "A mage and her familiar are as one. I see no reason for you to leave."

Henrietta began explaining sadly, "I am to marry the Emperor of Germania..."

"Germania, you say?" Louise blurted in astonishment. "That country of barbaric upstarts?" Like Kirche, she fumed quietly.

"Yes. But it can't be helped. It must be done to solidify our alliance." The princess lowered her head thoughtfully then straightened, "You see, Louise Françoise, Halkeginia's political climate has been unstable as of late. There was an insurrection among the nobles of Albion, and for a time, it looked like the Royal Family would soon be overthrown. If the rebels won, then the next thing would be the invasion of Tristain. To defend against this, we sought to form an alliance with Germania. For the alliance's sake, it was decided that I would be married into the Germanian Imperial Family..."

"So that's why..." Louise murmured with a depressed voice. It was clear to her from Princess Henrietta's tone that she did not desire this wedding.

"It is alright." The princess reassured her, "Louise Françoise, I have long since abandoned the notion of marrying the one whom I love. But understand, those two-faced Albion nobles do not want Tristain and Germania to become allies. Two arrows are easier to break when they are not tied together." Princess Henrietta murmured, adding, "Therefore, they have been searching frantically for anything that would interfere with the marriage." She seemed to wilt for a moment, "And they've found something…"

"Then this is about that something that could get in the way of your wedding?" Louise asked, her face pale, as Henrietta gave a regretful nod.

"Oh, Founder Brimir... please save my poor princess..." Louise murmured a prayer fretfully.

Princess Henrietta covered her face with her hands, and crumbled on the floor.

Louise, her stomach doing twists in distress at the princess' dramatics, demanded in agitation, "Tell me, please! Princess! Just what is it that could interfere with your wedding?"

With both hands still on her face, Princess Henrietta looked like she was in pain as she began muttering. "...It is a letter that I had written some time ago."

"A letter?" Louise echoed.

"Yes. If those Albion nobles get their hands on it... they would probably send it directly to the Germanian Imperial Family as soon as they possibly could."

"What kind of letter could that be?" Louise asked, brows furrowed.

"...That I cannot tell you." The princess denied, "But if the Germanian Imperial Family were to read it... they would never forgive me. The marriage would fall through, and with it, the alliance with Tristain. And then Tristain would stand alone against the rebels of Albion."

Louise gasped and seized Henrietta's hands. "Where is this letter?"

Henrietta shook her head slowly, "It is not with us. The truth of the matter is, it is already in Albion."

"Albion! But then...!" Louise reeled, "Is it already in the enemy's hands?"

"No… the one who holds the letter is not with the rebels of Albion. As the conflict between the rebels and his kinsmen unfolded, Prince Wales of the Royal Family –"

"The Prince Wales? The Valiant Prince?" Louise interrupted.

Henrietta flopped gracefully back and lying down on the bed. "Oh, this is a disaster! Sooner or later, Prince Wales will fall captive to the rebels! And when that happens, the letter will come to light! And everything will be ruined! Ruined! Without an alliance, Tristain would have to take on Albion by itself!"

Louise stilled, and then glanced sideways at her familiar before turning back to the princess. "Then, Princess, the favor that you're asking of me..."

The princess shook her head, "Impossible! It's impossible, Louise Françoise! How could I be so terrible? It's all so confusing! When I think about it, I can't ask you to do something as dangerous as going to Albion while this conflict between the rebels and the royalists is reaching it's peak!"

"What are you saying? Whether it's the bowels of hell, or into the jaws of a dragon, if it's for my princess' sake, I'll go anywhere!" Louise swore, "There is no way the third daughter of the House of la Vallière, Louise Françoise, could overlook such a crisis for her princess and Tristain!"

Louise kneeled down and lowered her head reverently. "Please leave this matter to me and my familiar, the one who has captured Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt."

She heard Link make a quiet noise of agreement behind her.

"So you will help me?" Princess Henrietta brightened, sitting up, "Louise Françoise! You are a dear friend!"

"Of course, Princess!" Louise grasped Henrietta's hands, and as the she spoke, the princess gave in and started crying. "I, Louise Françoise, forever friend of the Princess Henrietta, will be your confidante! Have you forgotten my vow of eternal loyalty?" Louise cried.

"Ah, the vow of eternal loyalty. This is loyalty and sincere friendship! My heart is deeply moved. For as long as I live, I will never forget your loyalty and friendship! Oh, Louise Françoise!" The princess sobbed.

"Then shall we go to Albion, find the Crown Prince of Wales, and get the letter back, princess?" Louise sniffled, wiping her tears.

"Yes, that's right. I feel confident that you, the ones who caught Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt, should be able to accomplish this difficult mission." The princess, too, wiped her tears.

"As you wish, princess. How urgent is this task?" Louise asked and again glanced at her familiar. He was watching them, a soft look on his face. Doubtless he was going to start hugging her as soon as the princess left.

The princess interrupted Louise's musings; "I've heard that the rebels of Albion have managed to drive the royalists into a corner of the country. It is simply a matter of time before they are defeated."

Louise bowed to Henrietta and stated with the upmost seriousness, "Then tomorrow, we shall depart."

Princess Henrietta turned to Link and in a cheerful voice "Dependable Link."

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Link asked.

"Please keep taking good care of my most precious friend." And again she gently held out her hand, this time more confidently.

Link took it, and as before, brushed a soft kiss over her knuckles, "Always, Princess." He released her.

Henrietta rose from the bed smiling and approved, "Such loyalty."

Louise's bedroom door slammed open, causing the two girls to jump and Link to grab his sword, and a blond blur came flying in.

Louise blinked as she recognized the boy as Guiche de Gramont, and as always he was clutching his ever-present faux-rose in his hand. "Guiche! Were you eavesdropping? Did you hear our conversation just now?" she snapped, darting across the room to slam the door shut and, this time, to lock it.

Guiche flourished his imitation rose dramatically, "It was my hunt of the rose-like, lovely princess which brought me to this place –"

Link cut him off, "It seems that he was, little one." Link turned to the princess, "Shall I take him alive or execute him now, Your Majesty?"

Louise started at the blatant offer to kill the other noble.

"It might be best..." the princess trailed off, apparently uncertain which of Link's offers to agree to, "it's really too bad he had to hear our conversation just now..." she mused.

Guiche seemed to realize his position, paling as he eyed the elf, and quickly requested, "Your Highness! By all means, please appoint me, Guiche de Gramont, to this difficult mission."

"Oh? You?" Louise curled her lip disdainfully. Link gave his sword a practice swing.

"Let me join your group!" Guiche requested directly to Louise, pale cheeks becoming flushed, "I wish to be of use to Her Highness..."

Louise narrowed her eyes, considered Guiche's appearance and nature, and then, "Are you in love with the princess?"

"Don't say such rude things." The blond rebuked, reddening further, "I am, quite truthfully, just wanting to be of use to Her Highness."

However, Louise decided drolly, judging by the passionate look he was giving Princess Henrietta, he was certainly under her charm.

"Unless I'm much mistaken," Link noted dryly, "You already have a girlfriend – two in fact."

Louise smirked at Guiche's silence, "Oh, I bet you got caught didn't you? And now you've no girlfriend at all!"

"Gramont?" Princess Henrietta spoke up, "Ah, of General Gramont?" she studied the flustered blond boy.

"I am his son, Your Highness." Guiche straightened and gave a reverent bow.

"Are you also saying that you wish to help me?" the princess inquired thoughtfully.

Guiche perked up and enthusiastically replied, "It would be an unexpected blessing for me if I were to become a part of that mission."

Henrietta smiled at his enthusiasm. "Thank you. Your father is a great, brave noble, and it seems you have inherited his character. Alright then, please, would you help me, Sir Guiche?"

"Her Highness has called my name! Her Highness! Tristain's lovely flower has smiled her rosy smile at me!" Guiche, apparently overcome with excitement, fell on his back in a faint – all over the unclean remains of the picnic on the floor. Louise scowled.

Link sheathed his sword and knelt by the boy, checking him over. "Hmmm…. He'll be fine."

Louise ignored that, she couldn't care less as long as the other noble didn't die in her room, and spoke in a serious voice. "Well then, tomorrow morning, we shall depart for Albion."

Princess Henrietta nodded thankfully, "We have heard that Prince Wales has set up camp somewhere around Newcastle in Albion."

"Understood." Louise confirmed, "I've traveled through Albion with my sisters before, so I'm familiar with the country."

"It will be a perilous journey. If the rebels of Albion discover your mission, they will do everything in their power to prevent you from succeeding or, if you already possess the letter, they will take it from you." Princess Henrietta warned and sat at the pinkette's desk and, with Louise's feather quill and some parchment, wrote a letter out. The princess quietly studied the contents of the letter she had written herself, before she began shaking her head sadly.

"Princess? What's the matter?" Louise, wondering if something was up, called out.

"I-it's nothing." Henrietta blushed, gave a nod as if she had settled on something, and then added another line at the end. After that, she murmured a prayer in a soft voice. "Founder Brimir... Please forgive my selfishness. Even though my country is in danger, I can't help but write this one sentence... I won't lie about my own feelings..."

From Princess Henrietta's behavior, it almost seemed like she had written a love-letter rather than a secret message. Louise raised her eyebrows but said nothing more, and just looked at Henrietta quietly.

Henrietta rolled up the letter she had written. She waved her staff. Out of nowhere, sealing wax appeared on the rolled-up letter, and a seal pressed down on it. Then she handed the letter over to Louise, "When you meet the Crown Prince Wales, please pass this letter to him. He should then return the letter in question immediately."

Louise accepted the letter and watched as Henrietta removed a ring from the ring finger on her right hand, and gave it to her.

The princess explained, "This is a Water Ruby that was given to me by my mother. It should work as a good-luck charm, at least. If you have any monetary problems, please don't hesitate to sell this to get some travel funds."

Louise bowed her head in silence as Princess Henrietta continued, "This mission is for the future of Tristain. For that, my mother's ring will protect you from the harsh winds blowing in Albion."

The princess smiled gratefully, "Again, you have my thanks for undertaking this mission, Louise Françoise." The princess, not waiting for a reply, veiled herself and quickly left the room.

Louise turned to her familiar, "Did you ever do anything like this for your queen?"

"Fairly often, among other things," Link quipped wryly. "Politics isn't my forte but being sent out on dangerous missions has become my life's work – I do them quite well. A good thing for my queen since Zant's takeover wiped out nearly all her Sheikah."

"Good," Louise sighed in relief, "I'll need you as more than a wolf, I'm sure."

He nodded and the jerked a thumb at the sprawled out blond, "And what would you like me to do with this one?"

Louise gazed at Guiche with half-lidded red eyes, "Take him out with the dishes."

Her familiar chucked and quickly toed the boy aside and went back to cleaning up their dinner, packing it away in the large basket. He lifted Guiche onto his back, transformed and grasped the large between his jaws, and, with Louise holding the door, slipped out of the room and down the hall.

---

After he returned, Link grabbed a hairbrush off Louise's vanity and pulled the young noble into a sitting position in front of him on her bed. Louise, dressed in her nightclothes, closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the brush gently running through her pink hair.

"Guiche woke up before I made it to the kitchens," Link told her offhandedly. "He was quite surprised, but seemed to handle himself well enough. He wanted me to let you know that he'll be meeting us in the stables before dawn tomorrow."

"Hmm…" Louise hummed, barely paying his words any attention.

Link clicked his tongue at her lack of response and continued brushing, "Tell me about your plans for tomorrow."

Louise lazily blinked her eyes and murmured, "Okay, first we pack the horses for a steady, two day journey to the port city La Rochelle in the mountains. From there, we take a wind ship to one of the docks of Albion…." She trailed off and started again when Link paused in his brushing to nudge her, "I don't know how difficult it will be to locate the Prince, but once we do, we deliver the missive and retrieve the letter that the Princess sent us for. After that," she sighed, "we come back."

"Hmmm… and what is a 'wind ship'? I'm assuming it's different from a regular sea ship."

"Yeah…" Louise muttered, "It's a flying ship that sails to Albion. Albion is a floating island," she added for clarification.

"I see…" Link mused thoughtfully. "And if we are attacked?"

Louise blinked, "Umm… I…"

"I'll change back," Link told her, "and fight. You, from a safe distance, cast explosion spells as quickly and accurately as possible." He paused, "Also, take command of Guiche. I don't know what kind of help he can offer."

Louise nodded, and pouted slightly when he stopped brushing her hair. However, she brightened when he pulled her onto his lap and Louise took full advantage of it to cuddle.

"Whatever happens," he murmured, "stay near me. Your safety is more important than anything else, understand?"

Louise nodded sleepily.

"Good."

It was quiet for a few minutes after that and Louise had nearly fallen asleep when Link picked her up, tucked her beneath her covers, and in a swirl of darkness and light, shifted into his wolf form. She blinked her red eyes open through her sleepiness as he lay down next to her and began a low, soft howl. Louise quickly drifted off to his wolf song.

She slept well that night, face buried in her wolf's fur, and when she awakened the next morning, a good hour before dawn, Louise was in high spirits.

She went through her morning routine quickly, dressed for their journey, and was going for the door when Link's voice interrupted her, "One moment, little one."

Blinking, Louise turned back to her cloaked familiar. "Huh?"

He approached her holding Derflinger, "Here, just let me put this on you first."

"No!" Louise protested, "I'm not some commoner to carry around a sword! I can't even use it."

"Hey now missy!" Derf began before being cut off by being shoved completely into his scabbard.

Link fixed her with a stern look, "It doesn't matter that you can't use it. Derf is at least good for communication between us while I'm a wolf. And," he added, "I have noticed that some nobles carry swords."

"But, those are sword-wands! They can channel magic spells, it's not the same," Louise pouted, aware that her familiar had already won the argument.

Link shook his head, "Derf is also magical. And for us, more useful at the moment." He pulled her away from the door and began strapping the sword to her back. Louise sighed as he adjusted the strap for her comfort, and then pulled her hair out from where it had gotten trapped beneath Derflinger's sheath. Then he spoke up, "How does it feel?"

Louise shifted and then reluctantly answered, "Fine."

He smiled in satisfaction, "Good. Let's go, little one." He shifted into his wolf shape.

Louise huffed and dashed out of her room. With Link's manacle clinking behind her all the way, she scurried through the halls and down to the stables. Entering, Louise found that Guiche had already beaten her there.

The blond looked up from the horse he was packing, "Good morning, Louise." He took in Derflinger, slung over her back, without comment.

"Good morning, Guiche," Louise answered and moved off to collect her own horse.

The pair quietly worked to prep for the journey and as they were exiting the stable, Guiche spoke up, giving Louise an awkward look, "I have a request…" and at Louise's sideways glance, he hurriedly continued, "I wish to bring my familiar along."

Louise glanced at her familiar, and then back at Guiche again. "Where's your familiar now?" she asked.

"Here." Guiche replied while pointing to the ground.

"But there's nothing here," Louise pointed out as she frowned, studying the dirt. Link, however was sniffing the dirt and grumbling.

Guiche responded by tapping his feet on the ground, and a giant brown creature popped out of the ground. Guiche cooed at it happily, "Verdandi! Oh, my cute Verdandi!"

Louise, blinking, asked, "What is that creature?"

"What do you mean creature?" Guiche sniffed, "This is my cute little familiar Verdandi."

Louse stepped forward to look at it more closely. Upon closer inspection, she realized, the giant brown creature was actually a mole with a size equivalent to a small bear.

"Ahh... My Verdandi, you look so cute; no matter what angle I look at you from. Did you eat your meal of earthworms before you came here?" Guiche chirped.

The gigantic mole hemmed happily in response.

"Really? That's wonderful!" Guiche rubbed his cheek to Verdandi's.

"Actually... I don't think that you could bring her along with us..." Louise frowned thoughtfully, "That creature moves underground right?"

"That's right. Even though she's slightly bigger than usual, Verdandi is still a mole after all." Guiche nodded in confirmation.

"How are we going to bring her along? We're all riding on horses." Louise pointed out in perturbed fashion.

"That's perfectly fine." Guiche reassured her, "Verdandi moves along quickly underground. Am I right, Verdandi?" He looked at the mole.

The gigantic mole nodded in agreement.

"But we're going to Albion! We can't bring creatures that move underground up there!" Louise explained with an exasperated tone.

Guiche, upon hearing that, knelt onto the ground, "I cannot bear to be separated with my dear Verdandi... Oh! The pain..." he cried dramatically.

At the same time, the giant mole seemed to pick up some scent from its nose and drew nearer and nearer to Louise.

"What is this stupid mole trying to do!" Louise demanded as it came at her. Link placed himself directly between her and the mole, hackles raised and teeth bared.

The giant mole attempted to bypass the snarling wolf with no success. After several aborted attempts, it backed off and dug underground. Link grumbled and sniffed at the dirt. He snapped his head around.

Louise shrieked as the earth erupted beneath her, the mole springing out and pinning her, sniffing all over. "Ahh! Watch where you're sniffing! Stop it!" she protested.

The giant mole saw the ring at Louise's right hand and started nudging it with its nose.

"You insolent mole!" Louise snarled as Link grabbed the mole by its scruff with his jaws and began pulling it off her, "Don't use your nose to sniff at the ring Her Highness has bestowed upon me!"

"I see now." Guiche noted, satisfied, "It's the ring. Verdandi loves jewels."

"She's such an irritating pest!" Louise spat as the mole was finally pulled completely off of her.

"Louise, please, don't call Verdandi an irritating pest." Guiche requested, "It's because of me that she searches for precious stones and jewels. For an Earth magician, there's really nothing more helpful."

Just as Louise about to lose her temper, a sudden gust of wind came out of nowhere and blew Verdandi and Link, who still had a firm grip on her, away.

"Who did that?" Guiche shouted agitatedly, looking around.

A rather posh looking noble wearing a feathered cap appeared out of the faint dawn behind him. Louise gave him a surprised and angry look. Guiche joined her.

"What did you do to my Verdandi?" Guiche hastily drew his rose shaped wand but the noble wearing the feathered cap was faster. Before Guiche could cast any spells, his wand had already been blasted out of his hand.

"I'm not your enemy, boy. By the orders of Her Majesty, I'm to accompany you on this mission. The princess is, rightfully, worried about just having a few children going to Albion. However, sending a whole troop of soldiers to protect you is pointless as we are to be as inconspicuous as possible. Therefore, she has appointed me to accompany you on this mission." The noble answered sternly before taking off his feather cap and bowing in introduction, "I'm Viscount Wardes, the captain of the Griffin Knights."

Guiche quickly shut his mouth. For most of the nobles, including Guiche, being able to join the Griffin Knights meant great prestige.

Louise, however, was unimpressed, "Explain yourself, Wardes! That wolf you blasted was my familiar! You can't treat him that way!"

Wardes blinked at Louise's hostility, and rather than answer her, looked at Guiche and spoke apologetically. "My apologies for what I did to your familiar. I couldn't stand watching my fiancée being harassed."

"Fiancée?" Guiche echoed in surprise.

The Viscount turned to Louise, who was still fuming, "I apologize, my Louise. It was not your familiar that I was attempting to punish. Forgive me."

"Wardes..." Louise choked out, starting at the soft fur suddenly brushing by her. Louise grasped onto her wolf, who seemed quite disheveled and irate.

Wardes offered her a small smile, "It's been such a long time. My Louise, my dear Louise."

Link's deep-throated growl at that prompted Louise to bop him on the head. He quieted and gave her a reproachful look. Louise looked away, cheeks flushed at the silent reprimand.

Wardes approached Louise and with a beaming smile on his face, and moved to pick her up. She stepped back and skirted around Link, putting the wolf between herself and Wardes. "Wardes... please don't be like this... There are people here..."

Wardes, who was giving Louise a hurt look, replaced his hat, "Care to introduce your companions to me?"

"Erm... That is Guiche de Gramont and my familiar, Link." Louise pointed at them while she was introducing them to Wardes. Guiche lowered his head. Link's feral blues met Wardes' gaze with an even coolness.

Wardes gave a broad smile, "Good to meet you both. And you Link; I understand that you have been keeping my Louise safe while she captures thieves such as the likes of Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt. You have my thanks, noble wolf."

Louise, not able to calm down due to Wardes' presence, was feeling restless with anxiety. She treaded her fingers through Link's fur.

Wardes gave a whistle, and a griffin appeared out from the morning clouds. It landed before them and Wardes climbed to the back of the griffin with a warrior's grace, and then extended a hand to Louise. "Come join me, my Louise."

Louise lowered her head in hesitation and bashfulness at the offer, and, sneaking a peek at her familiar, remembered that she'd agreed to stay close to Link. Louise shook her head and mounted the horse she'd prepared in silence. She determinedly ignored the injured and depressed look that Wardes gave her.

Wardes lowered his head, then straightened and with one hand on the reins and his wand in the other, Wardes shouted, "Well everybody, onwards!"

The griffin moved forward. Following behind it was Guiche, who was brimming with admiration for Wardes; and Louise, who was feeling uneasy and restlessly checked to make sure that Link was trotting beside her.

Since departing from the magical academy, Link and Wardes' griffin had been tirelessly running towards their destination. Even when Louise and Guiche stopped twice to rest and change their horses, the wolf and the griffin continued on without any apparent ill effects. Louise was quietly impressed with her familiar's stamina.

"Isn't the pace too fast for us?" A weary Louise finally asked the viscount, "Guiche and I are already on the brink of exhaustion."

Wardes turned back and looked at them. Both she and Guiche were holding their reins tightly for fear of falling off. Louise was certain they would collapse from exhaustion before the horses would.

"But I had originally planned to journey to La Rochelle without stopping..." Wardes began.

"That would be difficult," Louise pointed out, tiredly, "as it takes two days to reach by horse."

"If that's the case, why don't you just ride with me and leave them behind?" Wardes, dropping back to ride next to her, as he nodded back towards Guiche and then down to her familiar, who was between their mounts.

"We can't do that!" Louise retorted sharply.

"Why?"

"Aren't we all in this together?" Louise reasoned, "Furthermore, a mage should not abandon her familiar..." After all, she'd agreed to keep Link close.

"You seem to be quite protective of them both. Is the Gramont boy your sweetheart?" Wardes asked resignedly.

Louise turned red and nearly strangled her reigns, "What... What sweetheart!"

Guiche, having heard the remark, shot Wardes an alarmed look and Link spared the breath to snort derisively.

"Your honest indignation puts my heart at ease. After all, if my lovely fiancée should tell me that she already has a sweetheart, I would surely die of a broken heart," replied Wardes with a small, teasing smile.

"But," Louise felt the need to point out, "that was only something that our parents had agreed on."

"Then, are you saying that you dislike me, my small and dainty Louise?" Wardes asked in all seriousness as he leaned towards her, ignoring the momentary white flash of Link's fangs.

"Please, I'm not a child anymore," Louise pouted, looking away.

"But in my eyes, you'll forever be that small and dainty Louise."

Louise remembered the dream that she'd had a few days back, where she was back in the courtyard of her home, la Vallière. Her secret boat on the forgotten lake...

Whenever she was throwing a tantrum there, Wardes would always be there to pacify her. She thought of the marriage decided by her parents, the betrothal decided since youth, and one she'd be married to – her fiancée. Back then, Louise reflected; she did not fully understand what was going on. She only knew that, so long as she was with the man she had admired, she would be happy. But now, she understood everything – she would be married to Wardes at the risk of losing her other dreams.

"I don't dislike you," Louise answered after a moment, with a tinge of unease.

"That's wonderful! So, in other words, you like me?" Wardes gently smiled. "I have never forgotten about you even after all this time. Do you still remember what happened after my father's death during the lancer campaign?"

Louise nodded her head.

Wardes reminisced, "My mother had passed away earlier, and so I inherited my father's estate and title. I wished to make a name for myself so I went to the capital. Fortunately, his highness held a high opinion of my father who had perished on the battlefield; I was incorporated into the Griffin Knights. I'd entered the Griffin Knights as a trainee, training was tough back then."

"From then on, you seldom went back to your estate again," Louise closed her eyes, immersed in her memories.

"My house and estate were cared for by my butler, Galgann, while I put all my effort into serving the nation. After a long time, I finally made a name for myself, accomplishing what I had decided upon leaving my homeland."

"What was it that you decided on?"

"To ask your hand for marriage once I'd made a name for myself."

Louise had forgotten about the betrothal until she had that dream a few days back – the bridal pact to Wardes was all but a fleeting dream. In her opinion, it was only an agreement made on a whim – and if it came down to it, Louise was becoming more certain that she would break it. After all, when Wardes had left his estate ten years ago, Louise hadn't seen him again and he had already became part of her distant past.

"This journey is a good chance for us to regain those feelings we had when you were young," Wardes said with a gentle and calm tone, almost echoing her thoughts. He moved off as Link crowded the griffin, agitating the steed.

Louise watched him go, and wondered if she loved him at all. Even though she did not dislike him and she had admired him when she was young, that was in the past. Louise knew that she was no longer as enamored with him as she had been as a child.

Now she was suddenly faced with a fiancé and possible marriage, and at a time when she was finally on the verge of realizing her ability as a mage and noble – Louise didn't know what to do. Louise slouched tiredly on her horse and turned her head and looked behind herself at Guiche.

"We have already been on these horses for nearly a whole day, doesn't he get tired? Are those griffin knights monsters?" Guiche, who was also slouching on his horse, asked.

Louise shook her head. The same could be said about her wolf.

---

As they had been traveling at full speed and exchanged their tired horses for fresh ones again, they reached the outskirts of La Rochelle by nightfall. Louise and Guiche were beyond exhausted and, Louise noted, her wolf was even a bit unsteady. Finally, Louise saw the narrow mountain pathway to La Rochelle. Buildings, which were carved from boulders, could be seen on both sides of the pathway.

As the port city of La Rochelle, dazzling with it's bright and festive lights, came into view, Wardes announced, "We'll spend the night at La Rochelle; tomorrow we will take the first ship to Albion at the break of dawn."

Louise quickly turned her head and rolled her eyes, and stifled a giggle at Link's snort.

Wardes led them through the streets and to the fanciest of hotels in La Rochelle, the Goddess's Temple. They left their horses to be stabled; Louise, Guiche and Link entering into the hotel's restaurant, as Wardes retrieved the keys to their rooms.

Louise and Guiche were finishing their meals when Wardes returned. Skirting around Link, who was eating from a plate of meats, the Viscount sat down and hesitantly, told them, "The ship for Albion leaves the day after tomorrow."

"This mission is very urgent...," Louise argued looking up from her plate.

Wardes placed Guiche's room keys on the table, "Let's just rest for now. Guiche and the wolf will take one room with double beds, and Louise and I will be sharing another. It is the best arrangement as Louise and I are engaged."

Link raised his head to stare at the Viscount. Guiche grabbed his room keys and sipped his tea.

Louise stared at her betrothed in shock, "B-but we can't! We're not even married yet!"

Wardes shook his head, "There is something important I have to tell you, my dainty Louise."

Louise swallowed down the rest of her food nervously. As Guiche finished his own meal and moved off, Louise waited for Wardes. She avoided looking at the Viscount, focusing her attention on Link, who, in turn, was carefully observing Wardes.

Wardes finished up his dinner and stood, offering Louise his arm. Louise accepted and pointedly tangled her fingers in Link's fur, tugging the wolf along. She glanced up at Wardes, noting and then dismissing his frown.

Wardes escorted them up several flights of stairs and straight into the best room in the Goddess's Temple. The suite was well furnished with one overly large bed, two dressers, and a dinette set near a wine cabinet and a writing desk.

Wardes sat down at the room's table, opened a bottle of wine, and poured himself a cup. He chugged it down and relaxed, "Why don't you sit down and have a cup as well, my Louise?"

Louise daintily sat across from him, Link sprawling on the floor next to her. Her exhausted wolf's breathing quickly evened out as he fell into a doze.

He poured a cup for Louise and then refilled his own. Wardes raised his cup to her, "Cheers!"

Louise, however, held hers in her hands and bowed down her head. Again, she was beginning to feel uneasy.

Wardes either failed to notice or ignored Louise's lack of participation, "Did you keep the princess's letter safe?" he inquired before taking another gulp of wine.

Louise nodded, "Yes, it's still safe. Are you worried that we might not be able to get the letter from Prince Wales?"

"Yes, I am very worried – about many things." Wardes answered, frowning at her full cup.

Louise raised her eyebrows, "Don't worry," she reassured Wardes, "everything will be fine because I'll always be with Link."

"That's… right …" Wardes muttered with slow bitterness.

Louise fell silent for a moment and then, executing her redirection skills, changed the topic, "Do you still remember the promise from the day when we were at the lake?"

He nodded, "In the little rowboat that was floating at that isle in the middle of the lake? You would always go there after being scolded by your parents. You were adorable, like an abandoned kitten."

Louise gave him an incredulous look, "Really? You remember the weirdest things."

Wardes smiled happily, "Of course I have to remember those things – we spent so little time together. And you were always being compared to your sisters in terms of magical power."

Louise lowered her head in embarrassment. She could clearly recall all those times.

Wardes continued, gracelessly, "But I think that's wrong, comparing you to them. You are worthless and a failure, but..."

Louise's head snapped up and she glared at Wardes, "You are so mean!"

"You have an incredible power that nobody else has. I know this because I am a different kind of mage." Wardes finished ignoring what Louise said.

"That's impossible!" Louise protested, brows knitting together as she worried about what he might know and how he could have come by that knowledge.

Wardes replied, "But it is possible. For example your wolf, from what I understand, is the legendary familiar Windalfr, able to command an army of one thousand beasts. The familiar that once belonged to Founder Brimir." Wardes' eyes shone with admiration.

Louise blinked at him, "How … do you know…?"

Wardes ignored her, continuing, "Not just anyone can control the Windalfr. You, however, have the magic to control him. You could become a great mage." He smiled, "Yes, I believe that this is so – you will be great, just like the Founder Brimir, and you'll leave your name in history as a legendary mage." Wardes gazed at Louise warmly, "After this mission, marry me, Louise."

Louise choked, unable to speak at the sudden marriage proposal. She looked to her familiar who was fully asleep.

"I am not satisfied to be just a mage captain of the Griffon Knights... I want to become a noble that will move the whole of Halkeginia someday." Wardes revealed.

"B-but..." Louise stuttered. "I... I am s-still –"

Wardes cut her off, impatience coloring his tone, "You are not a child anymore, my Louise, as you have said yourself, you are sixteen years of age. You are old enough to make a decision on these things. Your father has already agreed. So..." Wardes abruptly stopped there; he looked up and brought his face close to Louise. "It is true, I never came to court you properly, and for that I must apologize. Marriage is not something to be spoken of lightly, this I also know. But Louise, to me you are the most important person of all."

Louise drew back, lowering her head, "But still… I am not a mage of your caliber yet, I still need to study…" she trailed off, perhaps she could explain, "Wardes, when I was young, I always thought, someday, I must make everyone recognize me as a great mage, and make my mother and father proud." She bit her lip and raised her head, "I haven't reached that yet, but now, I am closer than ever before."

Wardes didn't seem to understand what she was telling him however, "Is it because someone has already stolen your heart?"

"It is nothing like that, there's been no chance for that to happen!" Louise denied, face flushing with anger.

"It's not important, I understand, I understand." Wardes claimed, drawing back, "For now, I won't ask for an answer. But, after this journey is over, I will certainly pursue you properly."

Louise bit down her frustration, strangling the full cup of wine still in her hands. Taking a deep breath she turned her head aside, "I'm tired, Wardes. I think I'll go to bed now."

"In that case, let's go to bed," Wardes moved close to Louise, leaning in to kiss her.

Louise stiffened and jerked to the side, falling off her chair and onto Link, spilling her wine on him and the carpet. Link jerked awake with a grunt.

"Louise?" Wardes stared down at her.

"I'm sorry..." Louise used her black cloak to soak up the wine out of Link's fur, ignoring Wardes. Her familiar growled irritably at her betrothed.

He seemed to get the hint, and bitterly stated, "I am not in a hurry."

Louise listened to him move off to the large bed.

Louise sighed and tugged at Link's fur. She stood and, wolf following her, left the bedroom. Louise strode down the stairs, back to the first floor, and into the hot springs area. She grabbed a bucket and filled it with water. Gesturing Link over, Louise used the water and a scrub brush to get the rest of the wine out of her familiar's fur. Link stood patiently until she was finished and, rather than shaking off the water, allowed her to towel dry his fur.

Louise wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his fur, "I don't want to go back upstairs to Wardes," she whispered.

Her wolf moved, and Louise heard a clink as Derflinger was pulled slightly out of his sheath. He rumbled at the sword.

"Partner says that you can room with him and Guiche. Or, if you prefer, he can kick Wardes out of your bedroom and make him share with Guiche."

Louise bit her lip and suppressed a giggle, "No, I'll room with you and Guiche for tonight."

"Suit yourself girly, I would've had Partner take the better room for you." Derf told her.

Louise released her wolf; shaking her head, "Let's find Guiche."

Her wolf moved off, nose twitching, and led her back up the stairs and to a door not far from the room she was supposed to be sharing with Wardes. Louise knocked sharply on the door.

She listened as Guiche shuffled behind the door and when he finally opened it, Louise brushed by him, followed by Link. She glanced around the room – two beds, large enough for her and her wolf, the one by the door obviously claimed by Guiche. Louise strode to the farther bed by the window and sat down on it to take off her shoes.

"Excuse me, Louise?" Guiche eyed her uncertainly. "I know that your … wolf… is to be sleeping with me – why are you undressing?" he yelped, staring unashamedly as Louise tossed her cape and skirt aside.

Louise glared at him, "I'm getting ready for bed, Guiche. Stop staring!" she struggled briefly with removing Derflinger, but managed to undo the strap and set the sword aside.

"Wait – what about your fiancée?" Guiche asked quickly glancing over his shoulder at the door.

Louise shrugged, sliding between the covers, "In bed I suppose." Link hopped onto the bed, lying next to her. Louise, as was her custom, buried her face in his fur and cuddled up to her wolf.

She heard Guiche sigh as she drifted off to sleep.

---

The next morning, Louise awakened to Link slipping off the bed and changing back to his cloaked form. She sat up and rubbed at her eye sleepily, "Ngh?" She yawned.

Link turned back to her, pressing a finger against his lips, and whispered, "Guiche is still sleeping."

Louise rubbed at her face and then pointed at him.

He chuckled quietly, "I'm going out on the roof for a while. Did you want to join me?"

"I do, Partner," Derf broke in.

Link nodded and picked up the sword.

Louise slipped out of the bed and slowly collected her discarded clothing and re-dressed. She felt a pang of irritation at having left her spare clothes in Wardes' room. She followed Link out of the room as he guided her up to the roof of the Goddess's Temple.

Link settled her near the door and moved off to the center of the roof. He pulled out the dirty cape that Fouquet had given them and tied it over his cloak. Louise watched as he jumped straight up in the air, easily surpassing his own height several times over. Link seemed to hang in the air for a moment, and then maneuvered to glide a short distance across the roof before gravity pulled him back down.

Louise shot to her feet and dashed over to him, "I want to try!"

"Hmmm… alright," Link decided, slipping the Roc's Cape off his shoulders and securing it around hers.

Louise flushed with excitement and leapt into the air … a few inches before collapsing into the arms of her startled familiar. She reddened with embarrassment and quickly pulled away, "Was there some incantation or something that I should have done first?"

Link tipped his head, "No… it should activate automatically when you jump."

Louise cleared her throat, an unpleasant feeling of inadequacy creeping up on her, "S-should I try again?"

"… Once more," her familiar agreed slowly, "then I want you to try another item."

Louise nodded and leapt again, with the same results as before. She flushed angrily and pushed her familiar away.

Link patted her hair and removed the cape from her shoulders, tucking it back into his pouch. He withdrew the Cane of Pacci and held it out for Louise. She reluctantly took it.

"Try flipping something upside down," he suggested.

Louise pointed the cane at him. Nothing happened.

"Alright," Link sounded amused, "Now, let me try it." He held out his hand and Louise crossly shoved the cane at him.

Link pointed the cane at a few rocks and they obediently flipped.

"… I see." He murmured.

"See what? That I can't even use magical items now?" Louse demanded, angry tears pricking her eyes.

Link shook his head, shoving the cane back into his pouch and drawing her into a hug. "Shh, there's no need to cry over this, little one." He petted her hair.

"And why not?" she muttered.

"Hmmm, remember how Fouquet said that she wasn't able to activate the Cane of Pacci's power no matter how many methods she tried?" Link asked, and at Louise's nod, continued, "and she referred to the Roc's Cape as her 'treasure folly'?" Again Louise nodded and again Link petted her hair, "When I tried the cane again, I noticed that my piece of the Triforce activated for a moment. Its just speculation, but I think that items from my world can't be used by people of this world."

Louise blinked up at him, "Why?" So, she just couldn't use elfin artifacts, still, Louise wanted to hear his justification for it.

Link shrugged, "The goddesses are the source of magic in my world – every type of it, even the kind needed to craft magic items." He tapped his fingers against the top of her head thoughtfully, "the magic of this world doesn't come from the goddesses. So I'm guessing that the magic of this world can't activate the magic of the items from my world."

"Oh…" Louise thought about that, if the goddesses were responsible for magic then shouldn't she be able to use the artifacts? Her brow furrowed, or had the Founder Brimir done something to allow mages to use a different kind of magic? … or possibly, her familiar truly did come from a different world rather than a distant country in the Holy Land… "But it's just a guess?"

Link shrugged, "Confirming it would take more people than just you and me to experiment with my items… and so far, I'm the only one I know of from my world."

Louise nodded.

"Good morning, familiar." A voice called loudly.

Both blinked, Louise pulling out of Link's embrace to see Wardes by the roof door, watching them with a frown.

"Are you the Windalfr of legend?" Wardes asked mildly approaching the pair.

Link tipped his head, "It is so."

Wardes bent his head, "Since that case with Fouquet, I've held a great interest in you. I asked around, through my contacts, I heard that you are a shape-shifter, and I also heard that you are the legendary Windalfr."

"Hmmm..." Link shifted to face Wardes fully, and Louise raised her eyebrows in surprise. She'd thought that most still believed Link to be a wolf capable of casting illusions – not a shape shifter. She hadn't even told Guiche about that yet.

"I find history and warfare extremely interesting." Wardes stated, looking Link over, "When Fouquet was captured, I became very interested in you. Then I did some research in the Imperial Library – the result of that research is my discovery that you are the legendary familiar Windalfr." He was quite repetitive, Louise noticed.

"Hmmm… is that so?" Her familiar was studying Wardes in return.

"I want to know how strong the person who captured Fouquet is; can you show me?"

"… A duel, then?" Link asked baring his teeth in a mockery of a grin.

"Exactly." Wardes smiled back.

As Louise watched the two move to the center of the roof, she bit her lip. Just whom was she supposed to worry about here? She was leaning towards Wardes.

Link unsheathed Derflinger and readied his shield.

Wardes pulled out his wand from his belt, entered a combat stance, with his wand pointing at his cloaked opponent.

Each gave the other a curt nod.

Link lunged forward, bringing Derflinger down in an overhead attack. The magic knight blocked with his wand, then twisted aside as Link rapidly broke off with a side slash. Wardes charged forward, only to have his thrust broken as Link brought his shield up and thrust it forth nearly pulverizing his opponent.

"You are swift, familiar." Wardes noted. "Faster than any swordsman I've met unaided by magic. And the strength of your blows…"

Link smirked, "You didn't challenge me because you thought I was a worthy opponent."

"Oh?" Wardes inquired mildly, bringing up his wand for his next attack.

"Hmmm… if you know about Windalfr, as you claim, then this match can only be intended as a way to punish me. Think I'm overstepping bounds with Louise?" Link asked dryly, shifting into a defensive stance.

Wardes frowned, "Dell yill soll la windy."

Suddenly the winds rushed together, creating an invisible force that rushed at Link. The cloaked swordsman brought up his shield and lunged forward; halting the winds and then reflecting them back at the magic knight. Wardes brought his wand up, casting quickly and successfully blocking most of the blow. He failed, however, to recover quickly enough to block Link's strike as the flat side of Derflinger struck Wardes across the ribs hard enough to knock the breath out of the magic knight.

Wardes staggered, bringing his wand up to block Link's next strike, only to have the cloaked figure feint and quickly roll beyond Wardes. Wardes was knocked forward as the flat of Derflinger struck him across the back. The magic knight whirled away, and faced his opponent … to find that Link had put away his shield and sword.

"This match isn't over," Wardes informed the approaching figure coolly. "Arm yourself!"

Link dashed forward, and Wardes brought up his wand, chanting a spell. As he prepared to unleash it point blank, his opponent, in a blindly fast move, unsheathed his sword and swung at Wardes. The magic knight felt the pain of the blow connecting and blacked out.

Derflinger quipped, "Total defeat, eh, Partner?"

"Link!" Louise dashed up to them, "What did you do?"

Link glanced from his fallen opponent and then to Louise, "Knocked him out. He'll need a poultice, but should be fine in a few hours."

Wardes groaned and twitched.

Link nodded solemnly as if the magic knight had said something profound and sheathed Derflinger. He picked up Wardes under the shoulders and dragged the man back to his room.

---

Louise had fetched a healer for her fiancée and dutifully sat by his bed as he recovered. When Wardes awakened, none the worse for wear, he refused to say anything at all to Louise. It wasn't until early afternoon, when Link returned with Kirche and Tabitha of all people in tow that Wardes looked even remotely interested in his surroundings.

Louise shot to her feet, glaring at Kirche who seemed to have made herself comfortable, wrapping her arms around Link's left arm and pressing it to her ample bosom as she nuzzled him. Tabitha stood off to the side, reading her book.

Kirche looked up at Louise, "Sorry to keep you waiting, Louise."

"What do you mean 'sorry to keep you waiting'? Why are you here in the first place?" Louise fumed.

"When I saw you leaving the academy on horse yesterday morning, I quickly woke up Tabitha and followed you all the way here. Of course, we lost track of you once you entered the city. It's the Founder's own blessing that we saw beloved in his wolf shape around the market." Kirche beamed up at Link saucily.

"Zerbst!" Louise snapped, "Listen to me; we're on a secret mission given to us by her highness!"

"Secret mission? You should have said so earlier! How would I know if you did not tell me about it?" Kirche reasoned, releasing her hold on Link.

Louise crossed her arms, leveling a vicious stare at Kirche.

"Don't misunderstand me, darling and I haven't been properly introduced since Fouquet's capture. I just had to follow and let him know the passion of my heart! Am I right?" Kirche posed suggestively, and then noticed Wardes, who was still abed and watching them. She blew him a kiss; "Your beard makes you look very manly. Do you know what passion looks like?"

Wardes glanced at Kirche, shortly answered "Do not concern yourself with me."

Kirche blinked at the brush off, "Huh?" she floundered, "But why? I just told you that I liked you!"

Louise smirked in amusement.

"I'm sorry. But I cannot let my fiancée misunderstand." Wardes said while looking at Louise, whose smirk vanished as she flushed with embarrassment.

"What? She's your fiancée?" Kirche pointed at Louise in shock.

Wardes nodded curtly in response. He looked at Link, "My apologies for underestimating you, familiar. You fought well, and your victory was well earned."

The cloaked warrior tipped his head, "Hmmm… apology accepted."

---

Omake by Master of Squirrel – Fu

Omake 1

Louise: Oh god the giant golems destroying the country Familiar we have to help!

Link: ...!

Louise: What! What could be more important than saving the country!

Link:...

Louise: supplies?

Omake 2

Louise: Tristan is falling into ruins and the capital is burning down and you're helping some stupid old man horde his chickens to get some uselsess trinket!

Link: ... *chases chickens*

Omake 3

Loiuse: It's been a week, there is no way that we're gonna get there in time. Damn it! The entire country laid to ruins because my useless familiar thought it was a good time to run errands.

Link: ...

*arrive at site*

Myoz: Well Elf I you've apeared right on time!

Louise: Wait, you've been waiting here with an army ready to raize a country and you've done nothing. Actully where's the army, you'd think they'd be here by now.

Myoz: What? You only escaped with the princess an hour ago, where is the little brat anyway?

Louise: ... ...Fuck it. I need a drink.

Omake 4

*Battle with Forquete*

Louise: *shakes staff of doink* Why. Won't. THIS. WORK!

Link: *grabs staff* !

*DO DO DO Link obtained Staff of Doink!*

Louise: Oh god my eyes!

*doink*

Omake 5

*Ragdorian Lake*

Monmon: Oh spirit we ask you for help!

Link: ...

Louise: *grope grope*

Link: ...! *struggle*

Louise: Oh don't complain you know you like it!

Link: ...!

Ruto: Hello mortal I have decided to grace you wi- What the hell! Get off my man you hussy! *tackles louise*

Link: ...

Guiche: Well said.

Omake 6

Link: ...

Louise: So this armor is invinceable?

Link: ...

Louise: So what if it cost a bit what's the worst that can happen?

*Valliere Mansion*

Karin: ...Husband fetch my armor.

Duke: Why dear?

Karin: I need to terminate a little money sink.

Omake 7

Louise: How can you carry those heavy things?

Link: ...

Louise: What do you mean they're only heavy when you wear them!

Omake 8

Link:...

Louise: remind me never to ask you to unlock any doors for me again.

Omake 9

Link: ... *Smirk*

Louise: That's it! I am not a little! Grah!

*BOOM*

Link: !

Louise: Don't think you can distract me with crazy talk about 'L Buttons'! Now get back here so I can destroy you!

Omake 10

Kaita: Blah blah blah, winds teh bests!

Link: *looks around class room*

Louise: What's the mater Link?

Link:...

Louise: Now that you mention it, yes something does seem odd... Everything looks alot more detailed for some reason. And longer.

Kirche: Hey guys!

Link: ...

Louise: You're right, Kirche's hair does look more colorful today, less red more chrimson, wonder why that is.

yukiTabitha: ...Copy pasta.

Kirche: Now, now Tabitha, lunch is still an hour away.

Omake 11

Keita: Now what is the best element?

Kirche: Fire! Show you smoldering power by blasting away your enemies!

Monmon: No water! You will show your wisdom by sheilding away attacks with a wall of Water!

Keita: Wrong, the answer is Wind! Show your courage by running away form you enemies.

Tabitha: *thumbs up* Awkward Zombie.

Keita: Those too.

Omake 12

Mook: Run! It an elf!

Louise: He looks like an elf, but due to interdimetional copyright laws it's not.

Mook: Still we should run like it is an elf!

Louise: But he isn't!

Link: ...

Tabitha: ...Fail.

Omake 13

Guiche: Earth!

Tabitha: Wind.

Kirch: Fire!

Monmon: Water!

Link: ...!

Tabitha: ...'Heart'.

All: Go Magic!

Louise: By you powers combined I am Captain Magic!

Captain Magic, she's our hero gonna blast armies down to zero

With Void power, Magnified! Just be glad that' she's on our side

Captain Magic, she's our hero gonna blast armies down to zero

Now she's gonna rend asunder, every on who called her blunders

Myoz: I'll get you Captain Magic!

All: We're the magic users, Though Link is not one too. Better run 'fore Louise castes 'Explosion' on you!

All: Looting all the tresure that's in our way, hear what captain Magic has to say!

Louise: Why did I let you talk me into this!