Insert standard disclaimer here.

The Hero of Louise

Part 4

Louise awakened again as the leader dragon swooped down towards the gates of the Royal Palace. She sighed – the air space around the palace was strictly forbidden to everyone. The Royal Palace security could not risk airborne infiltration or attacks – rather the only entrance was through the gates where said security could ensure that illusioned mages or magically controlled persons could not trespass. She'd have to do some quick talking once they landed to avoid yet another battle.

The leader dragon landed gracefully in the palace courtyard, followed by the smaller packdragon and Sylphid. Louise was acutely aware of the many Mage Guards – all highly alarmed and ready to attack at the slightest provocation. They swiftly surrounded the three, their manticores poised to strike. The Mage Guardsmen leveled their wand-rapiers at Louise's group and their leader, a strongly built and heavily mustached man bellowed, "Drop your wands!"

Louise jabbed her elbow backwards and into Link's side as he tensed and shifted to draw Derflinger. Off to the side, she heard Tabitha's quiet voice state, "Royal Palace." Glancing over, Louise noted the resigned looks on the other's faces as they followed the guardsmen's order and threw their wands to the ground. Louise withdrew her own wand and followed suit.

The commander raked a suspicious eye over the group, "Flying above the Royal Palace is strictly prohibited! Were you not aware of that?"

Louise dismounted, leaping gracefully down from the back of the dragon – her startled familiar's fingers barely grazing her as he attempted to catch her. She straightened and looked up to the commander, "I am Duke de la Vallière's third daughter, Louise Françoise. I am not someone that you should be detaining like a criminal. I request an audience with her Highness, Princess Henrietta."

The commander stared at her, twisting his mustache. Louise waited – her family was renowned nobility, she'd no doubt that he would grant her lenience. Finally, the commander lowered his wand.

"You are Duke de la Vallière's third daughter?" he asked, repeating her claim.

Louise nodded sharply, looking the commander directly in the eye, "Indeed."

"I … see." The commander muttered, studying her face, "You have your mother's eyes." He shook his head and relaxed into a more neutral stance, "Well then, Miss Vallière, what is your purpose for coming here? And in such an unseemly manner, no less?"

Louise pursed her lips; this would be the difficult part. "I'm afraid that I cannot tell you that, commander. It's a secret between myself and the princess."

The commander gave her a regretful look as he replied in a tone conveying his worry, "Then I'll have to deny your request, Miss Vallière. I cannot grant you an audience with her Highness without knowing the purpose for it. I could lose my head for such a thing."

"Then…," Louise paused to think, "then send someone to ask her Highness. If she orders to have me turned away, I will leave. If not, since she is expecting me and knows the reason for my visit, then she can grant my audience and you will encounter no trouble for it."

The commander sighed, "Really, I don't believe that my garrison has the time to play at messenger, but I'll send someone. In the meantime, we will all wait here, as we are."

Louise nodded; at least he was willing to cooperate, "Very well."

The commander signaled to one of his men, who broke formation and retreated towards the Royal Palace.

The commander's gaze shifted from Louise up to the hooded figure on dragonback, "Your friend, Miss Vallière – "

"Is a perfectly loyal servant." Louise answered hastily. "His looks however, can cause discomfort to others. So I have him cloaked. The princess and he met when she visited the Academy, so it's alright."

Whatever the commander had to say about that was interrupted as a purple mantle clad princess brushed by, "Louise Françoise!"

Louise's red eyes lit up in joy and rushed to meet Henrietta, "Princess!" Upon reaching her friend and princess, Louise enveloped the other girl into an embrace, which her princess gladly returned.

"Oh! You've come back to me safely, Louise Françoise. I'm so happy!" Princess Henrietta held her tighter.

Louise couldn't help the happy tears that welled in her eyes, "Princess…" She sniffled, and then withdrew from their hug to pull the letters from her pocket. The one that Wales had given her she handed to Henrietta, "The letter… here, it's safe."

Princess Henrietta grasped the hand holding the letter in both of hers and looked at Louise gratefully, "You truly are my best friend."

Louise smiled, a bit shyly, "Your words are too kind…"

Henrietta's gaze swept past Louise and over the assembled dragons and their riders. Her face took on a grave look. "So, it is as I had thought… Prince Wales sacrificed himself for his kingdom."

Louise's happiness vanished and her stomach twisted as she recalled the events surrounding Wales' death. She lowered her head, closed her eyes and nodded in agreement.

"… But what of Viscount Wardes? I don't see him here either… did he take another route? …Or did he fall to the Reconquista? But if that were so shouldn't…?" Princess Henrietta trailed off at the dark look that overtook Louise's face.

"I… should not explain such things here, Princess. Perhaps we could talk more privately?" Louise asked, a dark edge in her soft tone.

"Ah… yes." Princess Henrietta glanced over to the commander and waved him off, "These are my guests commander. Please, leave us."

The commander frowned, eyeing Link, but nodded and signaled his men to withdraw. As the troops left the area, the commander followed them out with one last look over his shoulder.

Henrietta turned back to Louise, "Come, we can continue this conversation in my rooms." She looked up to the others, still mounted on dragonback, "The rest of you may retire to the guest wing – I'll have several servants over to attend you."

Louise glanced back to see Link leap down from the leader dragon and gesture at it before turning to her. With easy grace, Link strode up to the pair and stopped next to Louise, patting her on the head and offering the princess a polite smile.

As the others joined them, Princess Henrietta led them into the Palace and directed several servants to escort Kirche, Tabitha, and Guiche to the guest wing. From there, she led Louise and Link into her own chambers. Entering the main room, Henrietta sat at her writing desk, propping her elbows up and waited for Louise to continue.

Haltingly, Louise began from the time that Wardes had greeted them the morning that they'd set out. She explained how they'd stayed in the port city, how Kirche and Tabitha had joined them there, how they'd been attacked by Fouquet. Being separated from Link, the flight to the cargo ship and being attacked by sky pirates. How she'd learned that the Boss pirate was none other than Crown Prince Wales. How Prince Wales refused to escape, the bewitchment and subsequent wedding and its disastrous conclusion.

And what they'd learned of the Reconquista – their ambition to unite all of Halkeginia to liberate the Holy Lands from the Elves. That they'd desired Louise, as a void mage, to aid them in achieving those very goals. That they'd no trouble in enlisting Link's aid to achieve their goals, and the price they'd paid for it.

At the end of it, Henrietta leaned back in her chair, face miserable, "You did well to secure the alliance between Tristian and Germania…" she paused and then continued softly, "But… it's hard to believe… that Viscount Wardes was a traitor all along… how can this be? He was among the greatest of the Mage Captains, and so dear to my father."

Henrietta lifted her head, eyes teary, "And you, Louise Françoise … to have such an unhappy wedding…" the princess shook her head, "still, even if the Reconquista delivers the marriage contract to the Church… the union would still be invalid and annulled on the basis that he didn't survive to consummate …" Henrietta trailed off, uncertain how to continue.

Louise pursed her lips and looked away, swallowing down bile. Her childhood fantasies ruined, and she, she was the murderess of her traitorous betrothed. In her pocket, the letter he'd given her felt heavy…

Louise sighed quietly and looked back to Henrietta, who had turned her attention to the letter that she'd written Wales. Tears were streaming down the princess' face. Worried, Louise reached across the desk and clasped her hands together with Henrietta's.

The princess looked up, "No matter how I look at it, I am the one responsible for Wale's death. I sent the Viscount to be my messenger…"

"No, Princess." Louise shook her head, "I spoke with Wales; he intended to stay to the end well before you sent us there. It was never your fault."

"Louise Françoise… did he, at the very least, read my letter?"

Louise nodded, "Yes, Prince Wales read Your Highness's letter."

"Then… Prince Wales didn't love me." Henrietta concluded sadly with a small shake of her head.

Louise blinked, "Then… you did urge the Prince to escape?"

Henrietta nodded, gazing at her letter in sorrow.

Louise frowned, recalling that Wales had stubbornly insisted that 'Henrietta didn't tell me to escape'. He'd lied to her – just as she'd suspected.

"Ahh, with your death there is no longer any hope for us. What about me, my lost love?" Princess Henrietta muttered softly in her heartbroken daze, "Was honor more important to you than I?"

"No," Link spoke up for the first time since their landing in the palace courtyard, "It is more likely that Prince Wales realized how dangerous it would be to follow your request. He wished to keep you safe."

"Keep me safe?" Princess Henrietta echoed.

Louise nodded, recalling something else that Wales had said, "Yes, he said that his escape would give the Reconquista the perfect excuse to invade Tristain." Louise paused before adding, "And doing so would put the alliance at risk…"

"… I see." Henrietta, with a deep sigh, looked out the window.

It pained Louise to see her friend so forlorn, "Princess…," she muttered, "I'm so sorry… if only I'd tried harder to convince Prince Wales to flee…"

Henrietta stood, turning away from the window and clasped Louise's hands, "It's alright, Louise Françoise. You accomplished your mission and more in retrieving this letter. You should not feel burdened with guilt for anything – after all, I didn't ask you to tell him to escape."

Henrietta wiped at her face and laughed with a small, sad smile, "With the obstacle that could have ended the marriage now removed, our country will be able to enter into the alliance with Germania safely. With this, Albi -… Reconquista will not be able to invade us so easily. The crisis has passed, Louise Françoise."

Louise gave her a steady look, and then removed the Water Ruby from her finger, "Here, Princess, your ring."

Henrietta shook her head, "No, please, hold on to it. It's the least I can do to express my gratitude."

Louise's eyes widened, "I would not presume to accept such a treasure."

"For the loyalty you have shown me, an appropriate reward should be bestowed. It's alright, wear it for me."

Louise nodded slowly and replaced the ring on her finger. She carefully twisted a second ring before tugging it off and presenting it to Henrietta, "Princess… here. It's a keepsake from Prince Wales."

Henrietta took the ring, and gasped softly as she looked at it. "Isn't this the Wind Ruby? Wales gave this to you?"

Louise clasped her hands together and nodded, "Yes… in his dying moments, Prince Wales gave the ring to me. I am certain he wanted you to have it."

Henrietta put the Wind Ruby on her ring finger – and as it was too large for her, she muttered a decreasing spell to shrink the ring from Wale's size to her own size. With a wane smile, Henrietta gently ran a finger over the Wind Ruby. Turning back to Louise she cast the pinkette a grateful look, "Thank you, my Louise Françoise."

Louise smiled back.

"You said…" Henrietta continued, "that Prince Wales died bravely, right?"

Louise nodded, "Yes, he did Your Highness."

Turning her gaze back to the Wind Ruby, Princess Henrietta declared softly, "Then I… I will live bravely."

Louise bowed gracefully, "Princess, is there anything more that I can do for you?"

Henrietta looked up from the Wind Ruby and smiled fondly at the pinkette, "Yes, one more thing, Louise Françoise. Stay with me for tonight."

Louise blinked up at the princess, "… like when we were little?"

"Yes," Henrietta agreed, "I need my friend and a sleepover would be wonderful." Henrietta paused and lowered her head, "I do understand though, that you have been away from the Academy for too long already –"

"No, Princess," Louise hastily reassured the royal girl, "the Academy can wait. I will not leave Princess while she needs me!"

"…" Henrietta clasped her hands together and smiled fondly at Louise, "Thank you, Louise Françoise."

Later that evening, Louise wandered down the guest wing with Link trailing behind her, his claws clinking rhythmically against the floor. Glancing right and left, Louise frowned thoughtfully as she searched for the rooms that the others had been retired to. She wished she had remembered to ask exactly which rooms of the guest wing the others were staying in – the large wing was comprised of two floors and more doors than Louise cared to look at. Stopping in the middle of the hallway, Louise sighed. A cold wet nose promptly nudged her hand and Louise absently ran her hand over her familiar's fuzzy snout and almost managed to scratch behind his ears before the wolf ducked away, huffing. Louise bit her lip, restraining a grin at Link's display of vexation.

Link grumbled, and with a snort, looked up at her abruptly, ears half-cocked, and whined in a soft and questioning tone.

Louise glanced away, and then frowned and turned back to her familiar, "I… don't know exactly where the others are," she admitted, "I just know they are here, somewhere in the guest wing."

The blue-eyed wolf lowered his head, fangs gleaming from his wide grin, and with a flick of his tail, Link trotted off.

"Eh? Wait!" Louise scrambled after her beastly, rude familiar. "You cannot simply run off! Link!"

He paused, peering over his shoulder at her.

Louise dashed around him, planted her feet firmly in from of him and set her fists on her hips, "The Royal Palace is not the Academy! Familiars do not have the same privileges – such as wandering around without their masters. A familiar such as yourself," Louise paused, and then clarified, "a wolf, would be rounded up and sent down to the Keep." She pursed her lips and gave him her sternest look, "do you want to spend the night with Sylphid and Verdandi?"

Link tipped his head and scoffed.

Immediately, Louise pressed her index finger to his cold nose and stood as straight as possible – mimicking the favored pose of all authority figures attempting to get their point across, "No! If you are caught, you will behave and not cause any commotion! I don't want to hear anything about a wolf terrorizing the palace guards." Her red eyes narrowed as she leaned in, "Understand?"

Link, ears flattened and tail low, meekly nodded.

Louise frowned, and then pulled back, suppressing the pleased smile threatening to overtake her lips and cleared her throat, "I believe that you were heading towards the others' rooms?"

Link shook out his fur and stepped up next to her. Louise draped an arm over his neck and twined her fingers in his thick coat. Link, careful to keep Louise next to him, led her down the hallway and up a flight of stairs before coming to a halt at a set of large doors.

Louise knocked sharply on the door, once, twice, thr – the door abruptly swung open and Louise barely had time to register a delicate, tanned hand before she was yanked unceremoniously into the room. Link crowded in behind her before the door slammed shut, and so Louise found herself cushioned between a firm body of warm fur and a pair of equally warm, yet soft, spheres.

"Oh, Louise! How wonderful! Have you come to play?" Kirche cooed suggestively as she slipped her arms around the smaller pinkette.

Link grunted in irritation and attempted to wriggle out from between the door and the girls as Louise rapidly turned an alarming shade of red.

Kirche blinked down at the wolf and grinned, "Now Darling, no need to be jealous. I, Kirche, have never been stingy with my passions – we can share!"

"You will not, Zerbst!" Louise shrieked, jerking out of the redhead's hold and pushing her away. Huffing and flustered, the little pinkette stormed past the amused girl and took a seat on the sitting chair next to an equally amused Guiche who raised his rose in greeting. From her place across the way at the desk, Tabitha nodded in greeting from behind her book. Aside from the small sitting area and desk, the room was dominated by the beautiful ceiling to floor windows draped in silver curtains and the exquisitely crafted doors on each wall – to the right and left, a pair of doors on each wall leading to a total of four bed chambers in the guest suite. A lovely set of rooms for a group of guests, but small. Louise absently wondered why the servants had not given each of the nobles their own rooms instead of these shared commons.

Link snorted, shook himself, and in a swirl of light and darkness, shifted form. He stretched and crossed the room to stand by the large windows. "The grounds here are more… artistic… than Hyrule Castle's…"

Kirche flipped her hair and sauntered back to her seat, "Well then, Vallière, how about answering a few questions instead?"

Louise's scowl shifted to a confused frown, "What questions?"

"Oh… how about telling us, what, exactly, that mission was all about? Or! You could tell us what was in that letter Prince Wales sent back." Kirche paused and then leaned forward, "Also, what about Wardes? Where is he, Louise?"

Louise blinked and glanced uneasily over at Link, who met her gaze steadily from over his shoulder. Louise straightened and cleared her throat before giving Kirche her best stern look, "That mission is confidential – the princess asked me to do it because she trusts me with her secrets. I'm not going to tell you about that or the contents of Wardes' letter." Louise paused and lowered her gaze, "But… yes, about the Viscount ..."

Louise raised her red eyes, taking in the solemn looks of the others as they waited for her to explain… and so she did – Wardes and Reconquista, the wedding, the battle, her rage driven murder of the Viscount… and when she finished, Louise swallowed hard and leaned back into her chair. Somehow, each retelling became more difficult … and she felt worse and worse about Wardes' death. Her mother wouldn't have had such weakness, Wardes had been a traitor – he'd deserved his death, it was the only punishment for high treason. Louise hunched her shoulders and swallowed again, none of that made her feel better.

"Little one…" her familiar's mummer was suddenly quite close, Louise looked up to see Link leaning over her chair, concern etched into his features.

"Louise…" Kirche looked unreasonably worried in Louise's opinion. "Perhaps recent events have been a bit much for everyone…" the redhead trailed off and pressed a forefinger to her chin thoughtfully, "Umm…," Kirche lit up, a saucy grin gracing her lips, "I know! Darling and I will launch an expedition through those lovely silken bed sheets and –"

Louise leveled a disbelieving look as Kirche continued on, her mounting anger quelling all other feelings as she focused on the fact that Zerbst was, once again, behaving in a scandalously inappropriate manner unbefitting a noble. The whole family, Louise fumed, was low and classless.

Louise shot to her feet, planting her fists on her hips and used the fact that Kirche was still seated to tower over the redhead, "Z-z-zerbst! I –"

"Are going to tell us about that letter?!" Kirche clasped her hands together happily. "Oh Louise! I'm so happy!"

"W-what?" Louise drew back, blinking sharply in surprise, "I said no such thing!"

"Enough," Guiche sighed, "please ladies, I know emotions run high when women are in the presence of men such as myself but try to have some control. Now then, I believe that Louise made it clear that the mission and the letter were strictly confidential – the important thing here is this," Guiche looked up at Louise sharply, his gaze intense, "did the princess mention anything about me? Perhaps sent me a letter?"

Louise stared, opened her mouth, closed it, and shifted in her uncertainty of how to respond.

Guiche smiled brightly, "Truly Louise, did the princess mention anything about rewarding me with a date?"

Louise scoffed, Kirche raised her hand to daintily smother a laugh, and Tabitha shot him an amused look from over her book.

Link shook his head solemnly, "No, the princess mentioned no such thing. In fact, she will be married soon."

Guiche blinked, "Ah… truly? To whom?"

"The King of Germania," Louise answered shortly. "An alliance is needed to protect Tristian from the Reconquista."

"Then you must come and meet my family, Louise!" Kirche said brightly. "I'll introduce you to Mother and Father, oh, they'll adore you! Mother has always been fond the small and feisty."

Louise stared; she felt that she had been doing a lot of that recently… "What."

"For the sake of the alliance, of course," Kirche soothed. "Our families should get to know each other better; we'll no longer be enemies but allies." Kirche nodded to herself and continued, "Why Grandfather would be happy to show the Duchess –"

"Stop!" Louise yelped, certain that she did not want to hear Kirche finish that sentence.

Kirche tipped her head and smiled, "Then should I tell darling about it? Someone should know … just in case the Duchess becomes too attached to Grandfather…"

Louise pointed accusingly at the redhead and snarled, "You've gone too far, Zerbst! To say such things about Mother and Father!"

Kirche hesitated, frowned and then bowed her head, "Yes… I took my teasing too far. I apologize, Louise Vallière. Please accept my apologies and forgive me for my transgression."

Louise paused, teetering on scolding the red-haired girl, and gave an uncertain glace towards Link. Her familiar, looking vaguely amused, gave her a warm smile and waved her back towards Kirche. Louise frowned and turned back to the other girl, "I… accept. But this is the last time!" She hastily added and gave Kirche a stern look.

Kirche smiled, "Of course, Louise."

Behind her, Louise could hear Link chuckling softly. She straightened, "Anyway, I just wanted to check on you and let you know that we will be returning to the Academy tomorrow morning after breakfast. The princess has invited us to stay the night."

"Of course, Louise." Kirche repeated.

"Thank you," Guiche said with a flourish of his rose.

Tabitha lowered her book and nodded.

"Alright then." Louise glance over her shoulder at Link, and then back to the others, "Have a good evening, everyone. Link, come."

Louise crossed the room, and as she placed her hand on the door, she heard the familiar sound of a clinking manacle. She smiled and opened the door, stepping out into the hallway with her wolf close behind.

That evening, Louise stood behind Princess Henrietta as the princess sat at her vanity. Louise carefully ran the beautifully crafted hairbrush through her princess' soft, purple locks. Henrietta's reflection smiled at her from the mirror and Louise smiled back.

A short distance away, a wolf sprawled across a rug, dozing in the light of the fireplace.

"Princess?" Louise asked quietly.

"Yes, Louise Françoise?" Henrietta's reflection blinked at her placidly.

"Did you want to talk…" Louise trailed off and then continued, "Or does the princess wish quiet companionship?"

"For now… quiet is best. I've done little else but talk and listen all day." Princess Henrietta murmured. "This comfortable silence is lovely." She sighed.

Louise nodded and continued brushing.

Their evening passed in much the same manner, Louise reflected. They brushed one another's hair, they bathed and readied for bed, and through it all, little if anything was said. Until the princess called for tea, the whole affair had been serene yet friendly. A definite contrast to their younger days when things had been far livelier, though just as friendly. Louise smiled as the maid served their tea and cakes. A glance at the fireplace proved that her familiar was still there and deep asleep. Louise sipped her tea as she studied him, one would think him a lousy guard to sleep like that, but the pinkette was certain that if anything were to happen, her wolf would be awake and ready in an instant.

"Louise Françoise…"

Louise snapped her attention to her princess, "Yes, your highness?"

"Did I ask too much of you?" Henrietta's eyes were bright with worry.

"Eh? No, princess. Why would you think so?" Louise bit her lip. "I am happy to be so trusted, and as her loyal servant, princess could not ask too much for anything."

"Even with the … execution of the traitor Wardes?" Henrietta asked gently.

Louise found herself staring again… it was becoming a bad habit. She shook her head, "No, princess. I will always carry out my duties as a noble and citizen. For Wardes… it could not have been any other way." She swallowed and shifted slightly at the memory – her rage, so much blood.

"Are you truly certain, Louise Françoise?" Henrietta studied Louise as they both took a moment to sip their tea.

Louise swallowed her tea and carefully lowered the cup – why was it shaking? –, "Yes, your highness."

"As you wish," Princess Henrietta agreed. "What will you do now?"

Louise took another sip of her tea, "Hmm… well, continue the Academy. And Link wants to teach me swordsmanship, he worries about leaving me defenseless … I hadn't taken it very seriously until we actually got separated and… all that happened…" Louise looked down for a moment and then back up at Henrietta with a firm gaze, "I don't want to be defenseless. It's a horrible feeling. I will become an expert swordswoman – Steel!" Like Mother!

"Louise Françoise…" Henrietta breathed, blue eyes wide.

Louise flushed, "Princess… I apologize for… being over excitable, I –"

"No, Louise Françoise." Henrietta shook her head and brushed a stray wisp of hair back, "It's understandable. Very much so. You…" the purple haired girl paused and chuckled, "you haven't really changed at all! You're still so very…" Henrietta paused again and smiled at Louise.

After a moment, Louise smiled back, shyly, "Princess?"

Henrietta lowered her eyes and her smile dimmed, "It's alright, Louise Françoise. Even though I miss those days… I still have my best friend."

"Yes," Louise agreed in a quiet tone.

"I also miss…" Henrietta bowed her head and pressed the tips of her fingers to her lips.

Louise set down her tea and went to kneel by the princess' chair, "Princess…" She found herself suddenly nose deep in purple hair as the princess buried her face into Louise's shoulder and quietly sniffled and cried. Louise carefully pulled Henrietta into an embrace and petted her hair and murmured soothingly as her princess continued to cry. Finally, Henrietta pulled away, wiping at her tears.

"Oh, Louise Françoise," she sniffled, "I…"

"Princess…" Louise hesitated. What to say? It wasn't going to be alright… "Princess, it's… good to mourn. You've lost much today… so cry, and tomorrow maybe you can look toward the future…" Louise trailed off and then bowed her head. Offering comfort wasn't something that she was good at.

"Thank you," Henrietta whispered, blue eyes still sparkling with tears. "I will."

Louise nodded and glanced over to the silver tray. Spotting a handkerchief, Louise snatched it up and offered it to her princess. Henrietta quietly accepted it and wiped her face and blew her nose.

"Again, thank you, Louise Françoise," Henrietta said, her voice stronger. "I needed a friend tonight and now, I am feeling a bit better." Henrietta offered a shaky smile. "Tomorrow, I will be stronger for this. Now, however, I grow tired. Let us sleep."

Murmuring an agreement, Louise helped her princess to her feet and both girls nestled under the warm covers of Henrietta's bed.

"Louise Françoise?" Henrietta blinked sleepily at the dozing pinkette.

Red eyes peeked open, "Princess?"

"Goodnight."

"… Goodnight, Princess."

Louise's rest was troubled that night.

The next morning, Louise stood in the courtyard grinding one fist against her eye as her other eye watched her cloaked familiar readying his dragons. Tabitha was already astride Sylphid, reading a book as always. Kirche, on the ground and petting Sylphid, animatedly chattered away at the bluette. Guiche and Verdandi stood a distance away, waiting for the smaller of Link's dragons to be saddled. Louise sighed and stretched before glancing around the courtyard again. The princess had wanted to come by to say her farewells before the group left.

The packdragon made its way over to Guiche and stood passively as Guiche gave reassurances to Verdandi as he climbed into the saddle.

Link, with the leader dragon trailing behind him, walked up to Louise and, peeking up at him, she grinned at the fond smile visible from beneath his hooded cloak. "Ready, Little one? Or are we waiting?"

Louise tipped her chin back and leveled a stern look at him, "We're waiting for her highness."

Link nodded and abruptly pulled his hood lower down over his face. Louise blinked and glanced over to see Princess Henrietta approaching with a pair of guards.

"Princess…" Louise curtsied and then stood and smiled at her princess.

"Louise Françoise," Henrietta greeted and reached out to clasp hands with the pinkette. "Oh, Louise Françoise… thank you for everything."

Louise squeezed her princess's hands, "Princess, it was my honor and privilege…"

Henrietta smiled, "Study hard, train well, and stay safe until our next meeting."

"I will, princess." Louise promised and continued, "And you… tend your hurts, heal, and stay safe until our next meeting."

"I… shall." Princess Henrietta promised in turn. "Farewell, my Louise Françoise."

"Farewell, Princess Henrietta." Louise said, red eyes suspiciously bright.

Princess Henrietta's blues, also over bright, looked back. She released Louise's hands and stepped away. Turning to the guards, the princess nodded and the three headed back to the palace.

Louise glanced back and up at Link.

"Ready, Little one?"

"Yes."

The flight back to the Academy was uneventful and Louise was quietly grateful that classes were in session when the trio of dragons landed in the courtyard. Link swiftly dismounted and shifted back into his wolf form. Louise carefully followed him down. As she moved out of the way, Louise noted that Kirche, Tabitha, and Guiche were all heading back into the Academy. Sylphid quickly made her way back to the gardens where the servants tended to familiars. Louise bit her lip and waited as Link herded his dragons towards the stables. When he was apparently certain that they would stay put, the blue eyed wolf left them and trotted over to her.

At his expectant gaze, Louise sighed, "We cannot go anywhere just yet. Dragons are… well, the nonfamiliar kind anyway, are uncommon here. The Headmaster will want to speak to us about their accommodations and upkeep."

Link nodded and sat down.

Louise gave him a weary smile and poked his nose. The wolf's blue eyes crossed and he grumbled. "You," Louise muttered, "are not allowed to bring anymore dragons home."

Link glanced up at her, fangs gleaming from his wide grin, and his shoulders shook with laughter.

The week following their return could have been better, in Louise's opinion. The dragons were stabled with the familiars, her parents notified about the increase in her expenses for it, and Link apparently enjoyed having them around as he kept slipping off to see them while she attended classes. Louise had settled back in her regular routine – shaming herself and her family with her ineptitude with the most basic of spells. Her nights… were plagued by her memories of Albion. After the third of such nights, Louise had attempted to forgo sleep altogether. Her wolf, on the other hand, had refused to permit it – as if a familiar had the privilege of dictating anything to their master.

Louise slumped and pinched the bridge of her nose before shifting her fingers to massage her eyes. Link had been sympathetic and however little she liked it (and she could admit, if only to herself, that she had been incredibly irritable as of late) he was right.

Flashback

Louise pursued her study of the Founder's Holy Book with painstaking focus. Her carefully written notes were spotted with drops of her tea as her hands trembled from both her lack of sleep and over consumption of said tea. Her clock chimed the hour and she caught a rustle of noise as her wolf stirred and stretched.

A hand brushed through her hair, catching her jittery nerves so far off guard that she jolted in her seat, her hand knocking her inkwell over. She stared blankly at the growing puddle of ink, unwilling to acknowledge the Hylian peering over her notes.

"Trouble sleeping?" his mild tone jarring in the silence.

Louise breathed shakily and swallowed. She shook her head, "No… just studying the Holy Book. I – I still haven't managed any of the spells after all," she tittered and trembled, "… maybe I'm not a void mage after all?" Just a failure, like always. One who lost her temper, who used her paltry skills to explode a man to death. One who stupidly felt sickened by her own rightful actions against a traitor.

Louise swallowed again. She still hadn't read Wardes' letter. Part of her simply wanted to burn it; another was reluctantly curious.

Link hummed softly and continued to slide his fingers through her hair. Petting her. As if she was the dog.

That stupid clock was ticking down the minutes too loudly. Louise's bottom lip quivered.

The stupid spilled ink was ruining her notes, her desk. Louise's eyes brightened with tears.

She couldn't take it. "I-i-it s-s-sh-should-d-d-n't b-be th-this w-w-way!" she sobbed.

Warm arms circled her, lifting her from the chair. Humiliated, Louise buried her face into his shirt and tried to stifle her sobbing as Link maneuvered into a sitting position and settled her on his lap. He continued to hum softly and resumed petting her hair.

Louise wasn't sure how long it had taken, but eventually her sobs tapered off. She felt exhausted, unable to so much as lift a hand to wipe her face. She simply sat there, her breathing shuddered and shaking – hindered by her running nose.

After a long moment, Link moved again. His free hand pulled her kerchief from her pocket and gently wiped her face – drying the tear trails on her cheeks, dabbing at her eyes to dry the tears clinging to her lashes, and finally wiping her snotty nose.

"Do you want to talk to me, little one? Or get the rest you need?"

Louise sniffled, blinked harshly to keep herself awake, "…no…" she mumbled.

Link huffed, a warm gust over the crown of her head. "No? That's not acceptable, little one. So, I'm going to tell you what we're going to do. Tonight, and every night after, you will sleep. You will not stay up nor work yourself into exhaustion. You will stop studying the Holy Book – I will personally be keeping it and your notes until you take better care of yourself. Finally, little one, you and I will have a discussion about this when you are coherent enough to listen to me… whatever it is that plagues you must be addressed."

Louise could barely force out an indignant noise.

Link ignored her and set about settling her into bed. Louise was asleep before he managed to finish tucking her in.

End Flashback

Louise had been doggedly avoiding the subject since then, and her familiar didn't seem inclined to force her to talk. He was waiting patiently for her to come to him… at least, Louise conceded to herself, for now. She was certain that his patience wouldn't last much longer, eventually he'd collect her and they'd have that talk.

"Miss Vallière?" a quiet voice broke her thoughts.

Louise looked up to see a maid cautiously poking her head in. She was, Louise noted with a pang of envy, well blessed.

The maid smiled politely, "The headmaster wishes to see you promptly." Message delivered, the maid ducked out of sight.

Checking her appearance in a nearby mirror, Louise straightened her uniform and patted her hair before heading up to the headmaster's office. She worried that Link or the dragons (or herself!) had caused some manner of mischief – Louise walked as swiftly as she could without compromising her dignity.

"It's not locked," Sir Osmond's muffled voice called, "Please, come in."

Louise opened the door and stepped inside. She spotted the headmaster at his desk, thumbing through an old tome, bemusement settled across his features. "I was told you called for me…?" Louise left her question hanging between them.

Osmond stood up, hands spread in welcome, "Thank you for joining me so promptly. Oh, and thank you for your efforts in ensuring the alliance's safety and preventing a crisis from befalling Tristain." He gestured at the chair in front of his desk, "Come, have a seat."

Louise nodded, relaxing as her earlier worries seemed baseless, and crossed the room to settle herself daintily upon the chair.

Osmond nodded and settled back into his own chair, "Next month," he continued softly, "in Germania, the Princess will be wed to the Emperor."

Louise dropped her gaze to the floor; she remembered too well the sorrow in Henrietta's eyes. Her childhood friend, who had so recently lost her love, would be entering into a political union for the sake of Tristain.

"Miss Vallière."

Louise looked up to see the headmaster gazing at her thoughtfully. Her brow furrowed.

"This is for you." So saying, Osmond closed the tome he had been looking through and carefully passed it to her.

"What is this?" Louise blinked at the heavy tome in confusion. Why was he giving her some old book?

"The Founder's Holy Book," Osmond answered promptly. "Or the Prayer Book if you are more familiar with that name."

Louise's eyes snapped up to meet Osmond's, "But!" She faltered, no wanting to admit to having one already. She licked her lips and tried again, "I thought that the Church had it…?"

The headmaster leaned back into his chair and chuckled, "Oh, many have the Founder's Holy Book, Miss Vallière. In truth, no one knows who has the genuine book – if it even still exists – but all those who claim to have it… their copies are accepted as genuine as any other for simple reason that we cannot prove they are lying." He waved his hand at the Holy Book she held, "This particular one belongs to the royal family. Her Highness sent it here for you."

Louise opened her mouth, and then closed it. Oh, oh of course… she'd known the royal family had the Founder's Holy Book; it had been given to them long ago. But, if there were multiple 'genuine' Holy Books… who had the real one? The Church, whose copy was even now in Link's possession? The royal family, whose copy she now held? Or was it elsewhere. Louise's jaw clenched… all that effort she'd put into the Church's copy and it was possibly a fake.

"Why…" Louise faltered, torn between feeling foolish, confused, and angry. She cleared her throat, "Why is the princess giving me such a legendary scripture?"

"According to the traditions of Tristain's royal family, when a member of said royal family is wed, one noble," Osmond nodded to her, "is chosen as the royal bridesmaid. As the princess's chosen bridesmaid, you are bestowed with the Founder's Holy Book and are now obligated to carry out the duties that come with this honored position." Osmond paused as his mouse poked out of his beard and scurried down to the desk. "Your main task for the moment is to write an edict for Her Highness's wedding ceremony."

"An edict?" Louise furrowed her brow in worry. What could she possibly say that would be good enough?

"Think of it as less a decree and more a formal pronouncement," Osmond suggested. He chuckled, "After all, whatever you say isn't legally binding nor enforceable… the marriage contract takes care of that for everyone. Just be sure that whatever your edict says, it is supportive of the alliance and marriage. Honor both countries and be respectful of the emperor."

Louise nodded slowly, "I understand. Very well, I shall have the perfect edict ready for the princess's wedding."

"Good," the headmaster smiled, "I'm sure the princess will be very happy to learn of your acceptance."

Osmond stood and gestured to the door, "That will be all, Miss Vallière. You will have a short while to prepare."

Louise bowed her head, murmured a short 'thank you', and took her leave.

Louise spent the next week flat out avoiding Link as best she could and trying to figure out why the royal family's Holy Book was completely blank – not so much as a stray mark was to be found on any of the pages. It had been her hope that she could covertly try the spells therein to determine if the book was really the Founder's; however, frustratingly, she had not been able to do that.

Louise huffed, cheeks puffing out. She'd tried to distract herself with writing the edict, but she could never figure out what to say or how to phrase her words. In the end, Louise resorted to her favorite hobby: knitting. Even there, she found a source of frustration. As much as she liked knitting (Mother had taken it upon herself to teach her zero daughter a useful skill) she was no better at it than she was at magic. Her attempt at knitting a new tunic for Link resulted in a mess that was little better than a tangle of yarn. She was quietly grateful that her wolf had not born witness to that particular disaster.

Something heavy dropped upon her shoulders, jolting Louise from her ruminations. She reflexively shrieked and tried to jerk away.

A familiar chortle drifted to her ears as the hands gripping her shoulders gave a brief squeeze.

Oh… Louise wasn't ready for this. She cast a frantic gaze around the room, trying (and failing) to come up with a successful escape.

"Nothing's gotten better, little one." Link told her. "You still don't sleep well, still avoid whatever plagues you. I'll not wait anymore."

He carefully nudged her around to face him.

Louise glared, eyes bright (and stupid, stupid tears were clouding her vision), "I don't want to talk about it! It's stupid! I can – I am doing better!"

That stupid wolf, not-elf, stupid familiar! He just stood there studying her, face softening as he slowly shook his head, "That's not true." He gave her an encouraging smile, "that's why we're going on a trip."

A… trip?!

Louise blinked, feeling suddenly off balance.

"W-w-what?" she sputtered.

Link's grin widened, wolfishly baring his teeth. "Ah, just you and me. Treasure hunting."

Louise blinked again.

Link continued, "It'll take about a week or so, I promised you sword lessons after all. Treasure hunting lends itself well to practice – for you, it'll be more with your magic – and perhaps we'll even find something interesting to bring back." His grin faded to a more stern look, "And we will be sorting out whatever has been troubling you, Louise. You cannot keep going like this; left alone it will only get worse."

Louise latched onto that last bit, "How do you know?!" she challenged, "I have been getting better, if you bothered to check in on your master!"

Link's mouth thinned, "I do know; I know quite a bit about it, actually." He pressed his forefinger against her nose and tapped, "I check on you every day, Louise. You've not noticed because you're too focused on what's bothering you." He smirked and added, "Also, I've been having the other familiars report back to me on you." He leaned forward and lowered his voice, "I won't tell you everything they witnessed, but the cats really liked the yarn thing."

Louise flushed. Her jaw dropped. "Y-y-you w-were s-s-spying on m-me?"

Link tipped his head, "Yes. I did notice that you were trying to avoid me after all. So, I thought I'd give you some space and made sure that you were alright in the meanwhile."

Louise clenched her jaw shut and resisted the urge to – to – well, either hit him for being creepy or bury her face in her hands. He wasn't supposed to know about the tunic.

"Well, in any case, I've already packed and the dragons are waiting for us." Link held out his hand, seeming very gentlemanly at that moment, "Come?"

Louise huffed, eyed him, glanced away, sighed, and finally accepted. "Very well, familiar, you may escort me."

Link gave her a wry look and tugged his hood up.

Together, hand in hand, the two walked down to the stables.

Once there, Louise cast an appreciative eye of the dragons. The larger, leader dragon was saddled for the both of them and Louise spotted Derflinger secured to the lower saddle. She glanced at the smaller, pack dragon. It was similarly harnessed, though it was carrying a fair amount of supplies. Eyeing it pensively, Louise murmured to her familiar, "What did you pack?"

She watched Link glance up with a frown that quickly smoothed to a small smile. "Ah, extra provisions for the dragons. Just in case the hunting grounds aren't good." He shrugged, "I'm not familiar with these areas so I couldn't leave it to chance."

Louise nodded thoughtfully, "I doubt it will be a problem, the hunting is pretty good this time of year, no matter where in Tristain you go."

Link hummed and guided her over to the leader dragon. "You really do need to consider names for these two."

Louise's eyes snapped over to him, "You didn't name them?" she demanded, incredulously, "Link!"

His wolfish grin was back, "Well," he demurred, "I rather thought that would be up to you since they are your dragons."

Louise shook her head, "That's… no, never mind. I'll think of something." She pointed to her saddle, "Help me up!"

The flight had taken less than an hour. According to the information Link had gotten off of travelers, there was an abandoned village nearby – it's people driven out by orc attacks. Louise had scrunched her nose in distaste at that; orcs were foul creatures in smell, behavior, and appearance. Fortunately, they weren't going to the village directly. Instead, Link had directed the dragons to a clearing a few miles east of the village and had begun setting up camp while Louise studied the maps and documents he had acquired for their week of treasure hunting.

"Really Louise, you should have planned your little expedition before setting out." Kirche tsked from over the pinkette's shoulder.

Louise spun around so quickly she nearly fell over, "Zerbst!" she hissed, "And I suppose you know all about scheming!" Louise's glare faltered momentarily… something wasn't right here…

The buxom fire mage brushed a lock of her hair over her shoulder, "Oh, Louise, "she smiled, "treasure hunting is a marvelous past-time! Of course, I am well acquainted."

Louise stared at her, "Wait…" she mumbled, "You… you're not… how…?"

"Oh! It was easy," Kirche beamed, "We helped Darling gather all that lovely information. As soon as Sylphid noticed the dragons being readied, Tabitha and I were able to pack and tail after you." Kirche paused and then waved over towards the blue dragon familiar, "Also, Guiche insisted on coming along."

Sure enough, Louise noted sourly, the blond earth mage was using his golems – Valkyries, if she remembered correctly – to help Tabitha unpack.

Louise sighed and turned back to Kirche, "And why are you here?"

"Hmmm?" Kirche's sly smile beaconed to Louise's right fist, "And leave you alone with Darling?"

Louise grit her teeth, "Zerbst…!"

"Oh poo." Kirche frowned, "We're here to go treasure hunting with you both. I, of course, will be pursuing Darling's … heart," Kirche grinned briefly and then softened to a more concerned look, "but we have also been worried about you, Louise. Everyone can see that you've been behaving rather strangely since returning to school."

Louise pursed her lips and looked away. She wasn't going to accept pity from a Zerbst. And… she would certainly never acknowledge the warmth that concern caused. Because it wasn't there.

Kirche studied her for a few moments and sighed, "Never you mind, Louise. I'm sure Darling needs help with the cooking." Kirche brightened, "Good cooking is an excellent way to get to a man's –"

"ENOUGH!" Louise shrieked, "You will not lay a single finger on my familiar!"

Kirche pouted, haughtily flipped her hair and strolled back to Sylphid.

Louise stormed towards her own dragons and fumed quietly as she watched Link finish unpacking.

"Another argument with Kirche, little one?" he eyed her from over his shoulder.

"She's so… so… uncouth!" Louise puffed her cheeks out and clutched her papers to her chest, "She has no pride as a noble!"

"Hmmm…" Link tipped his head, "Well, I still need to tend the dragons and set up the tents. Perhaps you would like to check on the others? It looks like Kirche will be making dinner tonight."

"Eh?" Louise whirled back around and sure enough, the fire mage had managed to set up a campfire and had cooking supplies laid out. "But…!" It'd only been a few minutes! No… Louise frowned; Tabitha had to have helped… possibly Guiche as well. She huffed, "Fine. Just… give me a moment to put these away."

Louise carefully stored the maps and documents in her satchel and, with a last glance at the Hylian, she made her way to the campfire. She had a feeling that this week was going to be far more eventful than her last two.

Omake by Master of Squirrel-Fu

Omake 31

Louise: We're almost at the castle!
Kirche: Finally! This trip took forever!
Louise: Oh quite complaining Zerbust it wasn't that long!
Tabitha: 2 months...
Link: ...
Louise: I still say we should have turned left at Albuquerque...

Omake 32

Louise: I am the third daughter of the Duke de la Vallière! You cannot detain me like some criminal!
Guard: ...Duke de la Vallière's 3rd daughter you say?
Louise: Yes!
Guard: In that case men let them go!
Louise: Yes!
Guard: ... And inform her family of the situation. I'm sure her mother is very worried.
Louise: ... Actually I'm not their daughter. I'm an assassin here to kill the princess!
Kirche: Louise! What in god's name-!
Link: !?
Guard: Yep that's her daughter alright. you can see it in her eye, her terror filled desperate eyes.

Omake 33

Guard1: This is bad you sure we should be doing this?
Guard2: Of course! I've been watching over the princess her entire life, it's my duty to protect her! I don't trust that hooded man!
Guard1: But we were dismissed! We could be hanged for treason!
Guard2: Honor before reason! Look there they are! What room is that?
Guard1: ...The princess bedroom. ...This might not be the best time to mention it but I saw glance under the man's hood. He was very pretty, almost like a girl...
Guard2: ... That Scoundral! He's obviouly going to try to seduce the princess! I won't let some little pretty boy steal her away! *smashs open door* I'll protect you prin-
*Sees Louise hand ring to Henrietta*
Guard2: Wha?
Link:! *knocks out guard*
/Later/
Guard1: ...On the bright side you don't have to worry about some pretty boy stealling her away anymore!

Author's Note: I'm aiming to have the next chapter up by Memorial Weekend (the last Monday of May, for those not familiar with the holiday). I'll do my best to ensure that it'll be a longer one as well. Thank you for reading!