A week had passed since that peculiar night. Over the course of that time, the two nations had begun creating their treaty. While it ought to be a simple waiver of acknowledging the nations as peaceful with each other, it was not. Documents were necessary, the proper revisions needed to be made, and the leaders of the two lands had their duties to oversee the orchestration of the pact. Though, they were not alone in this endeavor. Advisers and select councilmen on either side exchanged names and their courtesies as they worked on forging the bond between the Hylians and the Gerudo people. From the Hylians, Zelda offered up her trusted friend and Commanding Officer of the Hylian Guard, Impa. The elder woman brought much to the table, her experience and strength aside. There were no others the Queen believed more suited with assisting her with the task. Ganondorf on the other hand had a Gerudo woman named Nabooru—who mirrored position and rank as Impa—stand in for similar purposes.

The process of creating the treaty was a tedious one, leaving the leaders tied up for time. Both were quite satisfied with that. Whereas Ganondorf desperately attempted to erase the memory of that night, Zelda was constantly preoccupied in her thoughts about it. Both were content with dwelling in their minds silently as the process for peace drove on. The Gerudo wasn't certain how to explain that experience without triggering Wisdom more than has already been done. Not only would Zelda disrupt the plans for a treaty, but she would become a headhunter of his if she discovered just who had kissed her the night before. That, and they were to stand by each others side, per the request of the goddess. Ganondorf cringed noticeably in the middle of the library that he and a few advisers sat in, all of them discussing the future pact while he was carelessly lost in thought within the hall of tomes. Perhaps one of these books had an answer to the riddle he was living; Why had he kissed the Queen? A strange compulsion, to be certain. It was one he hadn't anticipated, in any life or time in history. Curious events were getting curiouser. A dark force—not of his design—was running rampant specifically over Hyrule and her lands, the spectral appearance of Hylia and Demise, the warning he was given by the goddess, and now this perplexing moment of intimacy between he and Zelda. No matter how short it had been, the fact that it had occurred at all was the most disturbing to the man.

From across the grand expanse was Zelda and a few of her men, doting over the books and scripture of the past rulers of Hyrule for guidance. There were also traditions with this sort of thing for the Hylians, so her scribes had also been put to work with fetching old writings from the archives so they could perform everything correctly. All the peace treaties had been in place for hundreds of years and this would be the first one since her fourth grandfather's reign. Her sapphire eyes flickered over the scroll in her hands. It was a moderate annoyance that she would be the first woman in Hylian history to rule without a man. She was well suited to the job, beyond a doubt, but those around her could question it all they wanted. She would either be a blessing for history to look fondly back on or a smear for the Hylian royal family. Zelda had already felt guilt over Hyrule's constant attacks from this unknown darkness, but this only added to it. The pressure was on, especially because of this pact forming. Simply executing it properly would be an achievement enough for the Queen.

"My Queen?"

"Hm?" Zelda perked up from her hunched reading stance, glancing towards one of her advisers passively. "Yes,what is it?"

"The majority of the scriptures have been brought forward and the most tasking work requiring your attention is concluded. We here can finish up the final detail work if you would like to depart."

"Ah, I see. You've my thanks for the work done so far."

"Of course, Queen Zelda," the man bowed low, a smile on his face as he spoke again. "I shall also send the event coordinator and chef to work on your order."

"Whatever for?"

"There is to be a grand banquet to be held the night of the officiating. It is Hylian tradition, as dictated in the previous treaty formed. If we begin now, we shall have everything set for the following day."

Zelda couldn't help but be thrown off at the request. It was manageable, but her mind was so preoccupied with the darkness beyond her walls, stacking up to her ancestors, and with what had happened with Ganondorf. With a gentle nod, Zelda sent the man off to attend the preparations. Bracing her hands on either armrest of the cushioned seat she was on, the Queen lifted herself off and stretched. It was already nearing evening. They had been here since light's break too. Getting up to stretch definitely felt heavenly. The Hylian woman—too tempted to not take the opportunity—stole a glance over her shoulder as she stretched, looking over Ganondorf's daunting form. He sat in a chair similar to hers, hunching over in a familiar position as he discussed with the few advisers civilly. She had no doubt that he could handle politics calmly, but a part of her felt like it was a different look for him. Not that she had ever met him prior to this or know his ways of life, but her mind figured him to be more of a war leader than a civil man.

Her breath hitched though as she realized that the pair of golden eyes were now tracing her form, gazing over to her curiously. Zelda wasn't certain how long he had been staring, but she was caught in the act of gawking. She quickly turned sideways so her posture kept her back to the Gerudo King. With a forced sigh, Zelda began to walk away from the library. Her mind was foggy, with did the Queen no good. Her mind was her greatest tool and she needed it at its best for the coming days. Would a warrior carry a dull blade? Of course not. As she approached the exit, she noticed a shadow drawing over her body. At first, she thought it was too early for nightfall. Then, she felt the hand firmly grip her right shoulder, causing her to realize that the setting sun was not at fault for the shadows.

"Zelda," Ganondorf called out quietly, "May I escort you for a walk around the terrace?"

"Yes...of course." She replied, barely able to muster up the courage to glance up to the man by her side. He did not look at her, he simply stared ahead at the corridor which emptied the library into the outside world. It had been over a week since Ganondorf's arrival, but she would still lead the way. It was her home after all. They continued to walk side by side, though Ganondorf had long since released her shoulder from his grasp. Zelda decided to lively up their trek with passing conversation. "Have things been settling well on your end for the pact?"

"Yes. I've not many advisers. You may only see a couple here, but that is mainly due to the fact that my mothers—my true advisers—are back in my Kingdom, ruling in my stead."

"Ah, I see," Zelda replied, her attention perking up some. He had two mothers, but that shouldn't be that surprising. The Gerudo were predominantly women, save for the rare occurrence that a male be born. "Do you have any traditions with your treaties at all? I know there will be a grand feast for the evening planned."

"Mmn," Ganondorf began, as if musing in thought. "There is one, though it is minuscule."

"Will it be a surprise then?"

"We shall see," Ganondorf looked over to her, noticing her beaming expression. She was interested in their conversation, of learning more about him. That brought a thoughtful grin to his face. It almost felt like the air of awkwardness was cleared from that night. Knowing that, Ganondorf felt like his usual self and began opening up to the Hylian. "I'm still debating if I should include it."

"I believe you should."

"You don't even know what it is, Zelda."

"It doesn't matter. Traditions are set it place for a reason by those from the past. It also gives us the opportunity to pay homage to our ancestors."

"Our ancestors were never always right, you know." Ganondorf quietly remarked as they neared the end of the winding hallway. It spat them out into the main entryway of the castle. Hylians and Gerudo alike dotted the area, milling in and out of the several rooms and hallways similar to how blood flows in their bodies. All busy, all set with a task to be accomplished by the evening tomorrow. They only took a moment to note the dutiful work of their people before walking off again towards the emptier side of the area, to where they could access the terrace from a side entrance versus sifting through the sea of attendants which rotated through the main entrance.

Once they were outside, Zelda inhaled deeply into her lungs, the fresh air therapeutic for her heavy mind as of late. The sun had settled on the horizon, hugging the vanishing point of their sight like a lover would to another lover. The splashes of color stained the sky in pleasant hues—of pinks, purples, greens, reds, and golds—until the light of the sun was beyond reach. It was the bright side of dusk, one that Zelda admittedly adored. She gazed upon the skyline, but not without noticing the glance given to her.

"This time of day is one of the best, I must say." She commented, her eyes shifting from Ganondorf to the colorful sky. "It's the only time that impossible things are, well, possible."

"What do you mean?" The Gerudo asked, his tone a bit rushed.

"Dusk is the only time that the light and the dark can coexist together. This is where they meet, to live for as long as possible with each other. The spectrum of color in the sky is proof of it."

"It?"

"Their love." Zelda spoke plainly, turning around to face Ganondorf with a knowing grin which left the man uneasy. "My father always told me that divine light has always fought with the cursed darkness, through all of time. Never has there been peace between the warring forces. One fought for good, the other fought for evil. One for life, the other for death. Mirrored opposites that were destined to live, fight, and die the same way."

"It sounds like a cruel arrangement. You didn't believe him though, did you?"

"Of course not. He always told me that if my imagination could operate in the living world, that it would be a far better place." She remarked with a laugh before continuing. "I knew that both light and dark were powerful, omnipotent things, but I could never believe that they were destined to fight for eternity. It was impossible. How could two forces who were forced to fight each other be deemed as enemies when they create something so beautiful like this!" Zelda exclaimed, her arms gesturing upward to the bright sky that was tainted by the darkness. Ganondorf could not help but give her a quizzical expression.

"Your father was right," He spoke quietly, a small bit of laughter seeping into his words "You mind is a mighty thing, even as a child."

"Do not poke fun at this, I'm serious." Zelda huffed, albeit she took no offense to his words. "This short frame of time is their time together, without prejudice or restriction. They can simply be together, in their lover's embrace, shedding such passionate hues over the world."

A silence settled over them after she spoke, but it was a peaceful one. Zelda folded her arms over her chest, standing just ahead of the man while staring into the artistic sky, the inky shadows curling into the light as the transition of day to night began. Ganondorf simply stared at Zelda, showing no interest in what hung overhead. Instead, he was far more concerned with what stood before him. This woman was nothing like her previous lives. She was open minded, full of emotion, thought, control. Perhaps, more than any other reincarnation, this Zelda was truly worthy of her title as Queen.

"Tell me, Ganondorf," Zelda spoke quietly, her eyes falling to the grassy fields ahead of them. "What happened that night."

"That night," Ganondorf tensed instantly of the mention, as he still wasn't entirely sure how to handle explaining it to her. "I'm...not certain."

"But you know what I speak of entirely, don't you?" She remarked quickly, spinning around to face him with a stern expression. "You knew just what to do to salvage my broken mind from that darkness. Do not try to tell me you simply had a stroke of dumb luck, because I cannot believe that."

"Zelda..."

"Ganondorf."

Silence. Ganondorf was lost in thought, his mind running wild as he did his best to ward off the situation. It seemed impossible now that the woman was making her observations known. His expression was strained, troubled by the war between fabricating a quick lie or speaking the truth. Had he considered Hylia's words in full? Admittedly, yes. There was a greater darkness beyond his control that was coming, the signs were evident without divine intervention. While he was certain he could survive whatever was coming, this confrontation—if it went the wrong way—could stop preparations for the treaty between the Hylian and the Gerudo. He could care less about the literal treaty, but a goddess would not pay a visit for any paltry reason. Without his notice, Zelda had stepped forward to come directly in front of Ganondorf's towering frame. Getting to her tip toes, she craned an arm upward so that he bare, delicate hand to feel the fiery, bristling touch of his cheek. The touch set his body aflame, which she could certainly feel in her palm.

"Are you the darkness?" She asked quietly, though her voice made it sound more like a statement than a question. "Am I the light?"

"I do not control this force which plagues your lands." Ganondorf replied defensively, almost loathing himself for the decision he chose. "Do not peg that onto me."

"You haven't answered my question."

"I don't need to." His larger hand came up and wrapped firmly around Zelda's fine fingers, holding her hand there for a moment. "They have known each other for centuries, there is no need for one to reveal their identity to the other." He paused, his eyes narrowing to sharp golden points over Zelda's wide open oceans. "They simply know, without words or actions."

Understanding now filling her mind, Zelda fell back on her heels and withdrew her hand. She stood there, mind filtering her thoughts like a well oiled machine. She kept her eyes low as she drowned in her mind. Ganondorf stared down watching as the cogs began cranking through the information given. He had told her that, yes, he was the darkness to her light. It was also true that he was not at work with what attacks Hyrule. That was an entirely different darkness, one that troubled him. He was the King of Darkness from history, yet, there was darkness beyond his knowledge. It almost insulted his title. Aside from his initial hunger for Wisdom, that insult was almost enough of a reason to pair off with Hyrule in this endeavor. If it meant he had the first swing at this mocking force, he'd gladly take it.

"Tell me one more thing."

"What is it?" Ganondorf asked hesitantly, uncertain of Zelda's frame of mind. She finally tilted her chin up, an unreadable expression on her face. He likely wore a similar one.

"Are we destined to fight for eternity? Are we cursed to a cruel arrangement?" Her voice rose an octave as she spoke, emotions sprung in her voice as she rose an arm to motion towards the sky. "Is that not our love but truly our bloodshed from the horrors of war?" Her breath was catching in her words, Ganondorf could her it plain as day. She was handling the information well, but she was struggling. He was merely surprised she did not bolt at scream. Yet, this was Wisdom before him, no, this was Zelda. Crafty, observant, and curious Zelda. The man shifted forward and placed his hands on her shoulder tops, gingerly holding onto her there as he gazed upon her.

"Yes." Ganondorf spoke, his voice so hushed that only she could hear him. "We have been destined to fight for eternity, the battle of light and dark a never-ending conquest." The Gerudo bent his frame down, inching closer to the Hylian woman as he continued spilling his guts of the truth. It felt as though the floodgates had opened, and his conscious was a torrent of water that was eager to drown the land. "We have lived, fought, and killed each other time and time again, only to repeat the cycle indefinitely. You, the Lady of Destiny, and I, the King of Darkness. You, Nayru's child of Love, and I, Din's child of Fire. You," He grabbed her right hand with his right hand, hoisting up between their faces so that she could witness the faint glow there as the Triforce responded to the storm of emotions between the two bearers. "You, the holder of Wisdom, and I, the owner of Power."

Zelda's eyes focused on the symbol radiating from her skin, observing as the flicker of light coincided with the symbol on Ganondorf's hand. She knew of the Triforce, that the royal family held the dominant trait of carrying the burden of the relic. She simply hadn't realized she was a bearer herself. It left her feeling irresponsible. It was an ancient artifact that had to be protected at all costs, yet, she bore it without notice. Of course, she also knew the one who oftentimes sought out the Triforce for their own desires—the one that history begged her to defend it against—was a man of Gerudo descent. One that was claimed to have died.

"Now you know." Ganondorf remarked dryly, any sort of friendly compassion void in his voice. He dropped her hand and turned away from her, refusing to acknowledge her existence. He was guarding his mind now. This was a betrayal of her trust—which he didn't care about, he was in this for his own gain to begin with—and what's more is that she is the light while he is the dark. They could never get along, as the goddess proclaimed. The divine being was simply toying with him. That frustration boiled into anger. He refused to let it out now though. Instead, he would leave these lands before the Hylian's had a chance to attack and return to the desert, beyond the jurisdiction of Hyrule. He would hold his ground there, in the treacherous heat, without aid of others. He needed no allies. As he began to walk away, a dainty hand shot out to grasp his wrist. While the strength in it was insufficient alone to hold him, the action in and of itself was enough to half the Gerudo. His head tilted just enough for him to give the Queen a sharp stare, demanding of an answer to her sudden action.

"Answer my question—"

"I already have, Queen of Hyrule."

"Not all of them."

At this, Ganondorf turned around to face Zelda once more. Her face was still so stern, unwavering even with the recent revelations and the formidable form of the man before her. She certainly was a curious thing. The man remained silent, idly wondering what it was that he hadn't answered for the woman. Taking this as a sign to repeat herself, Zelda shifted her hand from his wrist to his hand, her fingers brushing up against his calloused palm.

"Is the sky our love or our hate?"

"After everything I've told you, and all you care about it a little whimsy tale of philosophy?"

"It's more than that." She replied, her fingers weaving in between his, feeling how his hand twitched to life around her touch. "And you know it."

"I don't need to answer you."

"You are the dark, and I am the light. There are no others here. So, please, answer me, for no others will know the answer." Suddenly, her expression darkened, a shade of misery covering her face. Ganondorf's eyes widened at the strange display, shocked at her emotional slip. "When light and dark are able to touch like this in the short amount of time they have, what is it that they give to each other? What is it that hangs above our heads? I must know."

The man was left staring down at the woman, his expression confused and conflicted. This wasn't right. This was not how things were meant to go. Something was causing destiny to skew off course, just like something was causing a peculiar bond between them to form. Is this how they would operate while destiny is broken? Is this how thing could work if they lived in the luxury of freedom?

"It...is something new." Ganondorf spoke eventually, deciding upon the somewhat enigmatic answer.

"Something new." Zelda repeated, her tone sounding as though she felt the answer was sufficient. Instead of rising to her tiptoes again, her body began to flutter above the ground. Ganondorf would have been surprised at her flying skills, had it not been for the Wind Waker she had pulled out from her pocket. Like an angelic portrait, Zelda hovered in the space before him, the ambient lighting coating her in a fine glow. This was a different kind of feeling, one he could not find the meaning for. In all their lives, they had never crossed the line that they walked now. Destiny prevented them from doing so. Yet, his heart—the poor organ he had left forgotten for centuries—felt so satisfied in her presence. No more wasting time. The man wrapped his arms around Zelda's legs, his forearms acting like a seat for her rear to brace upon. He pulled her to his chest, their heads immediately drawing close to each other. Long tresses of holy gold and fiery red mingled in the closeness, their eyes glowing like a passionate ember about to erupt into an inferno.

"You're right, it's just you and me." Ganondorf mumbled quietly, their eyes glued to each other as they shared the same breath. "This is our time, as you said. Why don't we find out what we create together?" Those were the last words spoken when the presence of another interrupted their exclusive moment. Ganondorf had sensed it first and pulled away from the woman, shoulders tensing up when he glanced backwards. There, of fair height, was the white haired guardian of Zelda, the woman he knew of from the past. The Sheikah woman glared at Ganondorf, her hand resting comfortably on the large broad katana she had sheathed against her hip. She remained expressionless for the most part, though Ganondorf's knew better than to trust that. Zelda glanced over as soon as she felt the presence, her body practically trembling in surprise at her closest adviser and friend finding her so out of character with this man.

"A-Ah, Impa, hello there." Zelda began, stammering at first as she struggled with her poised behavior while still held up by Ganondorf. "What can I help you with?"

"My Queen," Impa began firmly, her voice already chiding the younger woman. "I was searching for you. I wanted to discuss some matters, but it seems you are predisposed. Is there any trouble here?"

"Ah, no, no trouble. In fact, I was just departing. It seems as though dusk is finally ending and night it here." Ganondorf practically growled at the words, knowing what she referenced about the dusk was alluding to their personal time alone. The Gerudo had finally allowed Zelda a glimpse at the truth, and they were about to toss caution to the wind and explore what little freedom from destiny they had together. That was, until this woman came to them. Of course, she was being protective, as she had in previous times. It was only natural for her to disrupt them. It didn't make things any easier for him.

Impa merely nodded and gave Ganondorf a curt stare before departing from the two, her retreating form melding into the shadows of building. All the while, the man held the woman tighter to him, his furious eyes watching as the Sheikah disappeared. He turned back to face Zelda, his mouth opened and ready to speak dryly of the interruption. Zelda instead stole his voice, her lips encompassing his with a force similar to his from a week ago. Her thin hands framed his face as she pressed further into the kiss, not minding the fact that she had taken him by surprise. Ganondorf being ever the impatient one, returned the sentiment by pressing his lips just as firmly to hers. There was not only one kiss. Two, three, and a fourth. They were long lasting, but each one left them yearning for more. Yet, Zelda broke the kiss and was set down by the taller man after a few moments. They both had no desire to end the moment—Ganondorf especially, with the weight off his chest and his morbid curiosity controlling his desires—but as she said, their time had passed, but another moment would come that would be all theirs again. Zelda bowed politely, all composed and as if she was not just wrapped up in the others embrace.

"We have a long day tomorrow, Gerudo King."

"Aye, the coronation of our treaty as well as this banquet you mentioned."

"I also wish for us to have a private talk."

"A private talk?" Ganondorf grinned at this, though Zelda's response left him with a grave frown.

"I want to know everything. What you know of what's out there, of what's to come, and I also want to know what's already passed." She gave him a more serious look. "I want to know of our past together. As ugly as it was, it is a part of me. Even if I do not remember it all, I have every right to know."

"Your greed of knowledge must be a burden, but what am I to expect of Wisdom?"

"So is that a yes?"

"Zelda, you will not enjoy what you will hear...it is not for the faint of heart."

"I know, but it must be said and done. I want to live with all my memories, as you have. It is my deepest wish."

With a remorseful sigh, Ganondorf nodded in agreement. This would be a mistake, having Zelda be aware of these things. He knew it. Hell, she likely knew it too. It didn't change matters though. And so, the two returned to the castle to retire for the night, both with heavy minds and heavy hearts. There was plenty to think about. Zelda was left wondering of the unknown knowledge so close to her reach and of the fate of her kingdom, as well as her pride. Ganondorf meanwhile focused on his decisions and of his initial mission to fetch the Triforce from the Hylian woman. That seemed so moot to him now. She was less of a target to him. Unfortunately, they both were still target of another, a creature dipped in dark death. Sooner than they wish, destiny will catch up to them and remind the pair of the shackles they bear, as is their eternal birthright. Not even the wisest, nor the strongest, can shake free from these chains.